Paragon Sales Solutions

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the owner of Pencil and Coffee, a digital marketing agency. 

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Paragon Sales Solutions?

I wasn’t a fan of calling businesses up to offer them our services, so I hired Paragon to provide that service to our company. Our goal was to reach out to a bigger audience. They provided an alternative way of contacting new clients and potential leads through phone calls, essentially building a relationship with them over the phone. 

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

I initially spoke to Rob (Managing Director) to inquire about their services and pricing. After that, we discussed the services we wanted to focus on and how they’d provide those services. Then, we gave them all the information they needed when they spoke to potential clients. This way, they could answer any technical questions that a client might ask. We also discussed how they’d move forward and what they’d do if a customer was interested in our services. 

Essentially, Paragon’s goal was to build a relationship with our potential clients. They’d offer a free SEO report to the client, and then they’d follow up to know the customer’s feedback and thoughts on the report. If the client wanted to move forward with a deal, then the Paragon team would set up a Calendly meeting with me and the client. In such a case, they’d send me an email informing me who the customer was, what they said, and what feedback was given. 

Every four weeks, I jumped on a call with Paragon to see how our campaigns were doing. In those calls, we also decided what sectors and areas to target next. Once we were happy with what we’d discussed, I’d let them go to do their work. 

What is the team composition?

I mainly worked with one person from their team. 

How did you come to work with Paragon Sales Solutions?

I’d known Rob for a couple of years. We’d built a good relationship because we used to meet and get in touch quite often through networking events. As a result, I already knew of Paragon’s services prior to hiring them; I knew that they were good and professional in what they did. 

On top of that, I’d been in their offices a few times before I took their services up so I could see what their environment was like. In other words, I trusted Rob and knew that his team was good, so we started the partnership. 

How much have you invested with them?

We spent around £890 (approximately $1,200 USD).

What is the status of this engagement?

The partnership lasted from May–June 2021. We’ve put it on hold because we need to catch up with all the leads we have and follow up with the people we’ve contacted. 

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

What evidence can you share that demonstrates the impact of the engagement? 

In terms of clients responding to our SEO reports, the results were good. Around 550 leads went through, and there were only 10–20 people who didn’t want our reports. Besides them, practically everybody else wanted what we offered, so it was great. After that, three meetings were booked with me.

I didn’t generate immediate sales from these, but the point wasn’t to get quick sales — not everybody needed SEO services right away or they may not have the budget yet. It was more about building relationships with those people and giving them a report on their website. Paragon accomplished this. 

How did Paragon Sales Solutions perform from a project management standpoint?

Their project management was perfect. I couldn’t complain about anything on that side of the engagement. To communicate, we used phone calls for urgent matters. For non-urgent situations, we used emails. 

What did you find most impressive about them?

Paragon’s sales knowledge was great. They clearly knew what they were doing in terms of building relationships with potential leads. Moreover, all the members of their team were professional and qualified. 

Apart from that, they were great at building relationships with direct customers like me. I never felt awkward about working with them; everything was easygoing. More importantly, they took the time to listen to me and my needs before offering their services. They were truly nice, and I could get along with everybody on their team. 

Are there any areas they could improve?

They could try to book more meetings with me and potential clients. Other than that, nothing else could’ve been improved because they did everything that I expected them to do.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

Don’t treat the time and money that you spend with Paragon as a cost. Instead, treat them as an investment. They’re not for a short-term gain since you’re building relationships with potential clients — it takes time to nurture such relationships. Moreover, don’t spend all your budget in one go. Rather, invest it wisely and consistently. Your partnership with Paragon should be about investing time and money to ensure the development of your relationships with customers over time.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I am the Sales administrator for a company that specialises in male eco grooming products. We sell majority B2B but also B2C.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire Paragon Sales Solutions?

Our company is growing and so needed help in being efficient when it came to sales so as so maintain growth. Paragon Sales were hired to help staff here to increase sales and revenue through in-person trainings.

SOLUTION

How did you select this firm and what were the deciding factors?

We had considered multiple sales training experts but because of price point and also their ability to sell themselves, we felt impressed to hire Paragon Sales Solutions.

Describe the project in detail and walk through their service package.

Rob came in to provide trainings through real life example and industry knowledge. He provided a wonderful presentation via Laptop. He provided sales training books, scripts for us to work from and a follow up call sometime in the near future to ensure that it all works well and implementation is smooth.

How many resources from the vendor's team worked with you, and what were their positions?

Our main point of contact is with Rob, who is the sales director.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

Can you share any outcomes from the engagement that demonstrate progress or success?

Many action points were taken from the meeting that we had. Points that, as we have continuously applied them have helped our business long term growth.

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

Very effective.

What did you find most impressive or unique about this company?

Their effort to provide a positive and memorable experience impressed us. Lots of talking points.

Are there any areas for improvement or something they could have done differently?

Nothing comes to mind.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the co-founder and managing director of Koi Sports CIC. We are a government-regulated social enterprise. We sell a membership package and reinvest all of the profit into grassroots sports, our chosen charity, and the member’s grassroots sports’ clubs. This allows us to deliver positive social change and improved physical and mental health.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Paragon Sales Solutions?

We needed help with membership sales.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

Paragon Sales Solutions did telesales where they spoke with several organizations about the potential for them to become members.

Once we agreed to move forward, we received many forms about setting up the telesales campaign and confirming my desired outcome. If they couldn’t get results, we defined what the next best thing was to maximize the campaign’s value. Then, there was a quick period of sorting out a start date. The actual campaign itself was up and running about 2–3 days after that conversation.

What is the team composition?

Initially, I spoke with Rob (Founder), and then I was introduced to the person who would be making the calls on my behalf. The process kept between the three of us, which worked very well because there was no information contamination. It was really quite impressive.

How did you come to work with Paragon Sales Solutions?

Our organization is registered in Leicester, which is where Paragon Sales Solutions are based. They had been referred to me by a trusted contact. I spoke with Rob a couple of times over the past 18 months and built a long-distance relationship. Then, when we were ready to push the green button for outsourcing telesales, the obvious choice for me was to go to Rob and Paragon Sales Solutions.

Initially, we had a conversation with Paragon Sales Solution about whether they could help us or not, and we talked a bit about what they do and their experience. We also talked about what they achieved, but most importantly, they asked me about what I wanted and what I needed.

Then, we went into details about products and services, and they were very thorough in finding out what I wanted to do. They did this to ensure they could help us; if they couldn’t, they would say so, rather than just taking a fee that wouldn’t deliver any value. 

How much have you invested in them?

We spent about £300 (approximately $420 USD).

What is the status of this engagement?

The campaign lasted from March–May 2021. We aren’t currently working with them because we only wanted a one-hit campaign. 

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

What evidence can you share that demonstrates the impact of the engagement?

Results were mixed, but we expected that; we know that what we do isn’t for everybody. We made some sales and more than enough to cover the fee. However, the most valuable thing from our perspective is that we got new relationships. As we are coming out of COVID-19, companies aren’t spending lots of money. Although our membership isn’t expensive, it is still a commitment that is a value-added rather than a mainstream benefit to that business. 

How did Paragon Sales Solutions perform from a project management standpoint?

Paragon Sales Solutions was 100% spot on. Communication was brilliant. If I asked a question, it was answered. Negotiations went very well and easily. Although we are a nonprofit, we had an understanding that we use our money to cover our costs. The project was very much a case of them wanting to help, and they showed their socially responsible side as well from our viewpoint in understanding that we couldn’t pay their full rate.

We were copied into emails every time the individual doing the calls for us received interest. We were also kept informed as the campaign progressed. Then, we received an overview and had conversations with those who expressed interest. We are currently building on those relationships. That is all we really could have asked for. 

They sent the forms to me via Microsoft Word documents, so I pressed a link to complete those forms and submit them once I finished my written part to set up the project. Other than that, we communicated via phone calls.

What did you find most impressive about them?

The most impressive thing is their customer service. Nothing was too much trouble, and the speed of their responses was good. They always kept me in the loop when there was interest from the people they spoke to. Another impressive thing was that they had everything ready to start the campaign within 48–72 hours.

Are there any areas they could improve?

Other than giving it to me for free, I can’t think of anything that they could have done any better.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

Try to be as thorough upfront because they will tailor-make the campaign pretty much exactly as you want it. Take advantage of that high level of customer service because you will get what you want.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I'm the director of Carma Group, a transportation business that delivers vehicles for auction houses, dealerships, and second-hand car sales. We also recover vehicles from garages. 

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Paragon Sales Solutions?

We’re trying to get our foot in the door with big-name dealerships in the city center and surrounding areas. Paragon Sales Solutions helps us do that since we don’t have time to really focus on selling ourselves. 

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

Paragon provided a telemarketing sales option for us; they make calls on our behalf and introduce us to the clients. They also manage our LinkedIn account as we try to network with our potential clients, who are usually directors of companies and lead salespeople of the customers that we want to get. This is a job that we can’t commit to while we’re trying to juggle everything else at the moment. 

Rob and I have discussed going further into the engagement. One of their team members can become more involved with us on a daily or weekly basis so that they can take a good hold of that part of the business going forward.

What is the team composition?

We worked with Rob (Managing Director) and Chloe (Digital Marketing). 

How did you come to work with Paragon Sales Solutions? 

We chose them because of Rob, who sold himself well. He was very personal, and he always smiled and spoke in praise of his associates and us. Overall, we’ve felt a natural warmth and strong connection with Paragon from the beginning, so we hired them. 

How much have you invested with them?

We’ve spent under £1,000 (approximately $1,300 USD).

What is the status of this engagement?

We started working with them in February 2020, and our engagement is ongoing. We retracted a little bit since we’re going through a bit of restructuring, but we’re looking to go straight back at it next month or so.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

What evidence can you share that demonstrates the impact of the engagement? 

In terms of success metrics, we receive feedback from Rob and Paragon monthly, and they tell us what we critically need to do next in terms of the project. Meanwhile, we get introduced to clients, and from there, we’re able to take care of the rest. Overall, their work helps us get our foot in the door.

How did Paragon Sales Solutions perform from a project management standpoint?

Rob has referred a CRM to us. We’ve committed to enrolling in it, and we’re six months into using it. Before that, we only used Excel Spreadsheets. At present, the database on the CRM is shared with Rob, so if we want to key in on a certain area, he follows up on it. Then, we use the information we gain to populate our sales. 

What did you find most impressive about them?

Their communication and attention to detail are among the most impressive things about working with them. On top of that, they’ve truly become a part of our team, and it’s seamless. 

Are there any areas they could improve?

No, there aren’t any. I’d refer them to people, and I wouldn’t tell them to look out for anything in particular.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the CEO of a Christian charity that works with young people.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenges were you trying to address with Paragon Sales Solutions?

We were making a strategic change of direction and wanted support with a marketing campaign.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

They ran a 10-week social media campaign for us. They shot videos of me talking about the company’s work and posted them on Facebook. 

In addition to the project, they’ve supported our organization through fundraising and sponsorship. The CEO has done several charity bike rides and such. 

What is the team composition?

We worked with Rob (Founder). 

How did you come to work with Paragon Sales Solutions?

Rob was in the youth group that I ran when he was younger. We kept in touch over the years, so when I needed help with marketing, I went straight to him. 

How much have you invested in them?

They did the work pro bono. 

What is the status of this engagement?

We started working together in the summer of 2019, and it took place over a 10-week period.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

What evidence can you share that demonstrates the impact of the engagement?

Our views went through the roof. We also got positive feedback on the quality of the posts. It’s difficult for me to say if there were any direct results because, as a charity, we don’t track metrics like ROI. The work raised our profile. Our engagement went up about 1500%. 

How did Paragon Sales Solutions perform from a project management standpoint?

Their communication was exceptional. They checked in with us at every step of the way and were accommodating about making changes. They’re flexible and always hit deadlines. We didn’t have to do much work; they took care of everything. 

What did you find most impressive about them?

They have a can-do attitude, and nothing is too much trouble for them. They’re optimistic and trustworthy. They go above and beyond what you ask of them. 

Are there any areas they could improve?

From my point of view, there is nothing they need to improve. 

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the director of a paraplanning company. We deliver technology-driven services to financial advisors.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Paragon Sales Solutions?

We engaged them in telemarketing to see if we could generate some interest in our business.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

Paragon Sales Solutions essentially found some data for us which was based on profiles regarding the sort of businesses we wanted to target. We went through that data to filter out any duplicates or leads we’d already contacted. Then, we brought on some of their staff to call those businesses, explain our software, and then offer them a solution. If there was any interest, then, they followed up with more information. 

What is the team composition?

We worked with Rob (Managing Sales Director) and Emily (Telemarketing Specialist).

How did you come to work with Paragon Sales Solutions?

I met Emily on a group calling initiative which was set up to allow businesses to do some networking, share challenges, and help each other out. So Emily told me what she did and thought it was something that could be useful to us, so she agreed to do some work for us.

How much have you invested with them?

We invested £650–£700 (approximately $900–$1,000 USD).

What is the status of this engagement?

We began working together in October and the partnership ended in November 2020.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

What evidence can you share that demonstrates the impact of the engagement? 

Their work helped us get through 200 or so businesses that could potentially be interested in our services. To be honest, the campaign wasn’t particularly successful, but I don’t necessarily think it was their fault. I think it was just that many of the firms we contacted had their own equivalent solutions in place and didn’t want to change. 

We only had two leads from them really. One resulted in a meeting and one brought in some business but hasn’t yielded very much. It wasn’t a good fit for us in the end with all things considered. We are still in touch with them and it was valuable to make contact with all of these companies and actually get our name out there.

How did Paragon Sales Solutions perform from a project management standpoint?

They performed well in terms of meeting deadlines. After each day’s work, they sent me a list of what they had to say with any notes that were appropriate that they made throughout the calls. There was an automated follow-up every time somebody had requested information so that I could essentially send them the details through email straight away rather than have to wait until the end of the day or end of the week.

What did you find most impressive about them?

I haven’t worked with any other telemarketers before so I’m not really sure.

Are there any areas they could improve?

No, I can’t think of anything that they should change.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

Be clear about what it is you want your message to be that they’re putting out there. Think of any potential comebacks or questions that could be issued. They’re working on behalf of your own brand and own company so it is important to prepare them, despite potentially not having any knowledge in your industry. Equip them to be able to sound as knowledgeable and as useful as possible.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I am a sole trader and run a small company making and selling luxury chocolates. I do everything!

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire Paragon Sales Solutions?

To generate, put into place and run a new marketing strategy - specifically using social media and including videography

What were your goals for this project?

To switch reliance of sales from covid-cancelled, physical markets and events to my website through the use of social media to raise awareness of my company and it's products

SOLUTION

How did you select Paragon Sales Solutions?

I approached a number of local marketing companies and spoke to each about what they could offer me in terms of service and price and considered how that related to what I had in mind for the project.

It was also important to me that I got on well with them and that we spoke the same language. I was also looking for what further ideas they could inject into the partnership. This is a partnership where ideas are made to be shared and developed.

Describe the scope of their work in detail.

To raise awareness of my brand on social media - Facebook, Instagram, Linked In, Twitter, You Tube through regular, scheduled posts each week on each platform. There would also be scheduled email campaigns. This would be achieved using material generated from videography work supplied by Incite who already work closely with paragon Sales.

This material is a mix of long films, short, social clips (Instagram Reels) and photography to be used to promote my product through key chocolate 'events - Christmas, Valentine's Day, Mother's Day, Easter - and to key customer groups, corporates, wholesale as well as individuals purchasing via the website.

Posts would be created and scheduled support the filmed work in a strategy to approach key events and customer groups

What was the team composition?

Rob Spence and Chloe Grantham

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

Can you share any outcomes from the project that demonstrate progress or success?

The work so far has resulted in breaking through the milestone of the first 1,000 Instagram followers. The only real and demonstrable link between this marketing activity and sales is in terms of sales that have followed the email campaigns where it is possible to see repeat customer from people who have bought from the website before.

It is notoriously hard to link social media activity to sales. However going forward by setting up the new Instagram shop, it is hoped that there will be a visible audit trail leading from Instagram to website sales - and then we can identify what works and what doesn't with certainty and change things accordingly.

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

We drive the pace of work through regular (weekly) meetings and the use of a spreadsheet that records each activity - how actions are progressing, and when they are complete as well as introducing new items as new ideas are explored.

Each person therefore knows what they are responsible for and when their items are due to support the delivery of the tasks and these are discussed at each meeting.

What did you find most impressive about this company?

I love their enthusiasm for my products and ideas for generating and building brand awareness on different platforms. Willingness to explore new ideas with me and this is important in a world which is changing so rapidly - both due to covid which requires regular 'pivoting' and with social media generally.

Are there any areas for improvement?

While we were starting out on our relationship, I sensed some frustration - on both sides - as we were discovering how each of us work. I felt that on occasions some of the things that we discussed and ideas tabled weren't actually being carried out. There were some items also where the attention to detail was lacking.

However we now work very well together and understand each other. The spreadsheet table of actions helps us structure our work together and drives the pace. The fact that our weekly meetings are now much shorter than they were also indicates to me that things are working in both directions better now.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the CEO and owner of LM Clinical. We provide medical-grade skincare that combats and treats problematic skin like acne, pigmentation, aging, and general pick-me-ups for people looking after their skin. There is also the aesthetic side of it, including botox and fillers. 

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Paragon Sales Solutions?

I hired them for general marketing support to get us up off the ground. We wanted to reach a bigger clientele and get more clients in general. I’d only started the business in January 2020, so then COVID-19 happened right after and we haven’t massively progressed. I’d worked with a previous marketing company but they weren’t very good, either. 

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

They’ve helped us in how to target the right audience and make suggestions for how to best achieve a better audience with our marketing. They show us where to pitch and how to draw the right audience in. Everything is done by them, including producing the content and placing it for us. They send me a preview of the content before putting it out there so I can ask for any changes I’d like to see. 

What is the team composition?

I work with two people from their team, including the director and Chloe (Digital Marketer). 

How did you come to work with Paragon Sales Solutions?

We followed a referral from a friend who had previously worked with them and really recommended their services. We looked at some of Paragon Sales Solutions' previous work, too. When we rang them, we found them really approachable, so we thought we’d give them a try and they haven’t let me down so far.

How much have you invested with them?

I pay them £260 (approximately $357 USD) per month. In total, that’s been £520 (approximately $714 USD). 

What is the status of this engagement?

We started working together in December 2020 and our work is ongoing. We have a monthly engagement.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

What evidence can you share that demonstrates the impact of the engagement? 

In the two months that we’ve been working together, they’ve probably had more of an impact than the previous marketing company I was with for six months. In their first month, they increased our reach by 18% on social media, including Facebook and Instagram. They increased our views on Instagram by over 1,000. 

How did Paragon Sales Solutions perform from a project management standpoint?

They ring us generally every 2–3 weeks to touch base, so they’re good about that. We also have a WhatsApp group to constantly keep in touch. We have calls to review our progress, make plans moving forward, and discuss any areas of improvement. Whenever I need to get in contact, I can reach the director or Chloe directly.

What did you find most impressive about them?

They’re very professional, friendly, welcoming, and go above and beyond in meeting our needs. They’re approachable and know their stuff.  The team is very adaptable, efficient, and easy to contact.  

Are there any areas they could improve?

No, at the minute there’s nothing they could improve. Though if there was an issue, I know I’d be able to tell them because of how approachable they are. 

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

They’re hardworking, so be a hard worker and be adaptable to change. 

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the CEO of a home inventory asset company.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Paragon Sales Solutions?

As a small business, we were trying to find a way to increase sales without having to train new people.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

They provide telecommunications sales services. They did a needs assessment with me and did a lot of research into what my target company likes. The team was transparent with what they need from me to provide the best service.

What is the team composition?

I work with two people from their team. Both are very responsive and receptive.  

How did you come to work with Paragon Sales Solutions?

I found them on Fiverr. Their website really interested me and I liked that they were able to provide me with a consistent point of contact.

How much have you invested with them?

We’ve spent around £1,100 (approximately $1,500 USD).

What is the status of this engagement?

We started working together in November 2020, and our work is ongoing.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

What evidence can you share that demonstrates the impact of the engagement? 

I’ve been able to secure one new client per week. Each client has a value of about £5,000.

How did Paragon Sales Solutions perform from a project management standpoint?

At the end of each week, I get a summary of all the calls they’ve made and all of the potentially successful leads. I call their office to keep in touch and they always get back to me.

What did you find most impressive about them?

They’re really great for small businesses and their pricing is transparent. All of the results are scalable and they’ve enabled me to implement a solid sales process at my company.  

Are there any areas they could improve?

No, if I ever have any issues, they tend to address them head-on.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

My advice is to write down as much information about their service and the customer as they can. The more information that they have, the better Paragon can work for them.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and position.

 I am the Group MD of a financial services company 

Describe what your company does in a single sentence.

We are a foreign exchange and business finance broker

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What specific goals or objectives did you hire Paragon Sales Solutions to accomplish?

• Talk to existing clients
• Explain new services
• Book meetings for the sales team

SOLUTION

How did you find Paragon Sales Solutions?

Referral

Why did you select Paragon Sales Solutions over others?

Referred to me

How many teammates from Paragon Sales Solutions were assigned to this project?

1 Employee

Describe the scope of work in detail. Please include a summary of key deliverables.

To call the customers and book in meetings 

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

What were the measurable outcomes from the project that demonstrate progress or success?

Meetings booked 

Describe their project management. Did they deliver items on time? How did they respond to your needs?

They had good communication across WhatsApp, email, and Zoom

What was your primary form of communication with Paragon Sales Solutions?

Virtual Meeting

What did you find most impressive or unique about this company?

Tom

Are there any areas for improvement or something Paragon Sales Solutions could have done differently?

No