Pollywog

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I serve as the Marketing Communications Manager at Fulcrum Health, a nonprofit that manages credentialed physical medicine networks.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Pollywog?

The nonprofit's original name was Chiropractic Care of Minnesota, Inc., and we reached a point where our name was a barrier to new business opportunities. We do business outside of Minnesota and beyond chiropractic and we needed a name that wasn't so limiting in our potential customer's eyes.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

They dove right in to understand what our needs were and walked us through several branding, key messaging, and situation analysis exercises. This helped us think beyond the surface and assess the true value we bring to our customers. They also helped us take a step back and assess where the company was and how we wanted it to be positioned for future growth. Through all of this, we created a core essence document that drove our key messaging, elevator pitch, and marketing materials.

We went through several rounds of naming presentations, refining the list and narrowing it down to our top choice. Then Pollywog participated in the naming presentation to our final decision-makers, the Board of Directors.

What is the team composition?

I work with Pollywog's co-founders, Devon and John, on the naming strategy process. Devon was my point-of-contact for day-to-day and project management.

How did you come to work with Pollywog?

I received repeat referrals for Pollywog from fellow marketing communications colleagues in the healthcare field. Our leadership team interviewed Pollywog, along with a few of their competitors in the naming space. While the other frontrunner pitched us an overly-ambitious proposal, Pollywog nailed it. We could tell they were trustworthy, dependable, and thorough in their design process.

How much have you invested with them?

We spent $28,800 with them.

What is the status of this engagement?

We worked together from February until April 2016.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

People love the name and we definitely saw it open doors for us as we expanded into other states and areas of business.

How did Pollywog perform from a project management standpoint?

Devon was very responsive, and, knowing we had a tight turnaround, there was no time to lag. We were tied at the hip for those couple months and everything was very organized. If we called with questions, she was always there to answer. I thought it was exceptional.

What did you find most impressive about them?

Our whole project, from start to finish, was about three months, which is really truncated. Pollywog did a great job pulling all of the pieces together and providing exceptional naming options during that period. It is clear they are experts in this area.

Their communication and project management service are also outstanding. We were impressed with their commitment to making sure our new name was the perfect fit.

Are there any areas they could improve?

Their pricing was reasonable and everything was up to par. I don’t know if I can say anything that I would recommend they change.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I am the founder and chief strategist for CongaCX, a CX consulting firm.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire Pollywog?

We hired Pollywog to create my company's brand.

What were your goals for this project?

We wanted to find the core values of our work to sell our services to clients.

SOLUTION

How did you select this vendor?

I worked with two employees in a previous career and knew the quality and creativity of their work.

Can you go into detail about the services they provided and the scope of the project?

They followed their prescribed methodology to develop three potential brand names. We discussed the possibilities of all three, and I selected the one that I felt best suited the company.

What was the team composition?

I represented my company and we worked with two representatives from Pollywog.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

Can you share any information that demonstrates the impact that this project has had on your business?

Clients hear about our company and we are able to convey our services in a way that relates to them. Pollywog created a brand with a niche focus on alignment.

How was project management arranged and how effective was it?

It was very easy to work with Pollywog because we were already accustomed to one another’s style. One of the things that separates Pollywog is respect for the client's acumen. It’s a collaborative environment and their marketing acumen and creative thinking are strong.

What did you find most impressive about this company?

Their fresh and expertly-trained eyes took our project to another level that we would not achieve without their expertise.

Are there any areas where they can improve?

Our project went flawlessly, I see no room for improvement.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m a real estate agent, house rehabber, and investor. I own McLean Properties.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Pollywog?

I wanted to introduce myself to a particular Minneapolis neighborhood and needed a vendor to create a branding campaign. My goals included increased name recognition and awareness.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

First, we met to discuss and solidify my objectives before selecting media for messaging tactics. Pollywog helped me hone my positioning to distinguish the business offerings and tone from competitors. I then chose the strategy from three campaign ideas they presented. Subsequently, the team created print ads and direct mail while focusing on overall branding and typeface.

What is the team composition?

I worked with the co-founders, John and Devon.

How did you come to work with Pollywog?

I had worked with them for 20 years in a different industry, but for projects similar in nature. While I did consider other companies at the time, I chose them based on reputation.

How much have you invested with them?

I spent $10,000 on creative, not including media placement costs.

What is the status of this engagement?

We worked together in 2007.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

The campaign jumpstarted my business by generating leads. Pollywog created a memorable and well-received brand that enjoyed significant recognition.

How did Pollywog perform from a project management standpoint?

They were a highly creative team, but also proficient in logistics and management. Since they were local, we could easily communicate in-person or remotely via phone and email.

What did you find most impressive about them?

They were smart and competent. In particular, Devon quickly grasped our requirements and excelled at wrangling in clients. Devon was able to synthesize conversations between stakeholders in real-time, hone in on the fundamentals, and focus the room on key objectives. She was also a talented writer.

Any advice for potential customers?

Don’t hesitate to initiate a project with Pollywog. I highly recommend them.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I was the vice president of marketing and communications at Animal Humane Society, the fifth largest animals shelter and adoption organization in the United States.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire Pollywog?

We were expanding our organization to include a mobile, low-cost, spay and neuter service for modest income pet owners located near Minneapolis and St. Paul. We asked Pollywog to name the new enterprise and provide branding strategies and services.

What were your goals for this project?

We wanted the service’s name and brand values to build on one of Animal Humane Society’s missions and enforce the importance of spaying and neutering domestic pets.

SOLUTION

How did you select this vendor?

Pollywog had shown interest in animal welfare in past work within our community. They understood the brand we wanted to advertise and we were confident in their execution ability.

Describe the scope of their work in detail.

Pollywog first engaged with both our internal and external stakeholders to form a full understanding of the new enterprise and its relationship to our primary organization. Then their team helped us formulate concrete goals, aspirations, target audiences, messaging and positioning strategies, and an unmistakable name for the mobile service, Kindest Cut.

What was the team composition?

Pollywog sent their two company principals to engage with our president, communications team, a board advisory committee, and myself.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

Kindest Cut generated a significant amount of media coverage and social media traffic from its release. The name and corresponding brand pushed us out of our comfort zone, but still captured the social responsibility aspects we were trying to promote. The brand’s success led to partnerships with other local organizations and non-profits. It has been 11 years since the initial launch, and the enterprise is still helping prevent pet overpopulation in Minneapolis and St. Paul.

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

Pollywog clearly outlined what we needed for a successful brand launch and how they would go about delivering it. They worked with us to ensure they produced favorable resulted at each scheduled deadline.

What did you find most impressive about this company?

The pushed us to think outside of the box. They fundamentally understood our organization, and because of limited resources, they knew that we needed to be bold with the new extension. From market research and meetings with stakeholders, the team concluded that the humorous name would pave the way for a sustainable and profitable service.

Are there any areas for improvement?

No, I am currently working on another project with Pollywog for a different nonprofit. They are very smart, clever, and show dedication to the missions they work to support.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the head of client services at Hanley Wood Marketing. We specialize in B2B marketing for the construction and design industries.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Pollywog?

We had a client that was launching a new line of cabinets, and they had a clear target audience and strategic vision for how they should position themselves in the marketplace. Our challenge was to create a new brand name for the line of cabinets that would accurately reflect their goals.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

Pollywog’s naming process is very unique, in that they guide the client through what can otherwise be an exhausting, confusing, and highly subjective process. Rather than a typical democratic vote on the favorite name, Pollywog has a complex scoring system that weighs potential options on criteria like spelling/pronunciation, masculine vs. feminine, etc. This process helped the client tremendously in taking a more thoughtful approach to choosing a name for the product line. The Pollywog team also provided trademarking and legal services.

What is the team composition?

I primarily worked with Devon, one of their founders.

How did you come to work with Pollywog?

Someone else in our agency had worked with them in the past and had a great experience. They’re also local for us, which allowed for face-to-face meetings when necessary.

How much have you invested with them?

We had an initial budget of about $25,000, and after necessary add-ons and scope adjustments, we were closer to $30,000.

What is the status of this engagement?

We started working together between November 2016­–January 2017.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

It was more of a strategic engagement than a tactical one, so there aren’t firm metrics we can track. However, the client was very satisfied with their work and used the name that the process yielded. We’ve since worked with Pollywog on a variety of other projects.

How did Pollywog perform from a project management standpoint?

Devon served as our single point of contact and was very responsive throughout the project. Their turnaround times ranged from satisfactory to better than average. They were very efficient in delivering revisions and follow-up work, and their availability allowed the project to run smoothly.

What did you find most impressive about them?

They provide a unique combination of creative capability and client management capability. It’s rare to find that combination among vendors. They’re also a very nimble company due to their size, which works to their benefit in terms of responsiveness and flexibility.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I was the director of communications for a medical malpractice insurance and risk management company. We educated medical professionals to mitigate their risk so that the ones that we insured were less of a risk, made fewer mistakes, and therefore, would not have claims against them.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Pollywog?

I contacted them because we needed help with naming a newly created holding company. The project was to build awareness about its existence.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

They initially came up with 15 names and researched to make sure they were available and they reflected what the company is trying to accomplish. They talked about the reason for each name. They analyze the look of the word and how it feels rolling off your tongue. Once they came up with the first group of names, they showed them to our board of directors and other senior leaders. They explained it wasn’t whether you like the name, but whether it’s an effective name. When we couldn’t come to an agreement on the first round with many opinionated people in the room, they went back and came up with more names. We narrowed them down until there was one that clicked with what we were looking for. Then, they applied for trademarks and service marks.

They also helped us name and do the design for an internally focused risk management magazine.

What is the team composition?

I worked with a founding partner and a designer.

How did you come to work with Pollywog?

I looked for a naming company through a Google search. I interviewed them and a couple of other agencies. I chose Pollywog because of their approach.

How much have you invested with them?

We spent $50,000 for the naming and branding project.

What is the status of this engagement?

We worked together from December 2012–February 2013.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

In the first year, 12 different companies approached us wanting to be part of our holding company. Of those, we acquired two companies.

How did Pollywog perform from a project management standpoint?

They’re on top of everything. Since I was part of internal and external communications, I had a full plate. They were great at gently reminding me when a deadline was approaching or talking things through with me and explaining the rationale so that I understood better why they made the choices they did. It was very good service.

What did you find most impressive about them?

They have a personal approach. They were very understated, low-key, and low-pressure in terms of selling and were easy to negotiate with. They do it all from copywriting to naming to design to creating brand identities. They do it all or they subcontract with people who do. They put me in touch with a writer that I had never used before, and it was wonderful. They have good sources.

They were a delight. They were the easiest people to work with. We had a lot of fun. They were very professional as well.

I also liked that I always talked to a principal; I didn’t talk to an account rep or project manager. I love working with small agencies because you go right to the source. That smallness makes them nimble and you develop a relationship.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and position.

I am the Owner of TUX Trailers

Describe what your company does in a single sentence.

Rent production trailers to film and tv industry.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What specific goals or objectives did you hire Pollywog to accomplish?

• Name New company

SOLUTION

How did you find Pollywog?

Online Search

Why did you select Pollywog over others?

• High ratings
• Pricing fit our budget
• Great culture fit

How many teammates from Pollywog were assigned to this project?

2-5 Employees

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

Pollywog guided me through the process of naming a new company. They we excellent at getting the information needed and coming up with great ideas that had stories and a brand behind it. They were able to come up with incredibly creative ideas with lots of research behind it.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

Project was a success. Got me on the path to branding my new company with a great company name.

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

The team was extremely attentive to my needs, and flexible with time. They were a pleasure to work with all around always had something to give when they said they would.

What was your primary form of communication with Pollywog?

• Virtual Meeting
• Email or Messaging App

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

Had an incredible ability to ask the right questions to get the information they needed and do their own research to come up with fantastic options.

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

NONE

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I am the founder of a new non-profit designed to support children with disabilities and their family.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire Pollywog, and what were your goals?

We had a vision and plan to develop a non profit but couldn't decide on the perfect name. We hired Pollywog to help us find a name that we could land on and one that would appeal to our target audience.

SOLUTION

How did you select this vendor?

Pollywog came HIGHLY recommended to us by the branding company we hired to take on our startup. When we met Devon and John they were extremely professional. They had a prepared presentation to walk us through exactly what to expect working with them. They included examples of previous work, the process they use to find a name and research based evidence on why it works.

Describe the scope of their work in detail, including any steps and the final deliverables.

To start, they interviewed us on who we are, what our mission was, who we aimed to serve and the general essence of our brand. We felt like they took time above and beyond what they had described to really understand the project. They asked questions and got us thinking deeper about who we are as an organization than we had ever done before. We felt that they themselves became invested in us and our project finding a great name.

Our contract included three name delivery meetings in which they would deliver 3-5 names at each meeting. At the meetings, not only did they deliver names, but also a pitch of our business to us using said name! It was remarkable how they could sum up our mission in so many different ways and the exercise truly helped to define our identity. At each meeting, they took the time to get ratings from each team member and gave us real time visuals to help us narrow down on names that appealed to the group. They took time to lead meaningful discussions on the name candidates and gave us time to process, ask questions and eventually fall in love with one!

Before our final meeting they reached out to us, knowing we had already picked one of the names they had previously suggested and loved it. They proposed to work on taglines and brand summaries for the chosen name instead of simply suggesting more names. This was a service that was not originally included, so they went above and beyond to deliver as much to us as possible in our contracted time together.

It was EXTREMELY valuable what they came up with and we will use it in several aspects of our brand delivery. We left with a name, tagline and brand summary. So much more than our original agreement.

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

We worked with Devon and John, Founder and creative Directors

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

Since we finalized our name (about 6 weeks ago), we added a completely new element to the mission of our nonprofit. It quadrupled the size of the nonprofit and incorporated completely different facets of the market we are targeting to help. There was a discussion with some new key players about the name still being appropriate. We got an overwhelming YES! They LOVE the name and think it fits perfectly with our larger broader mission. So amazing that the name is getting such positive reviews and can be relevant and loved in new markets!

Describe their project management style, including communication tools and timeliness.

Their communication and timeliness was incredible. Devon and John's style is very professional, organized and comfortable. While they were extremely professional, it was easy to talk to them, give honest and open feedback and feel relaxed enough to collaborate effectively and LAUGH!

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

We were impressed with their honesty, passion, and willingness to go above and beyond for us. When you work with Devon and John, you see that they completely invest themselves in you and your project to deliver extraordinary work.

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

No, 5 stars!

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I am the owner of a law firm dedicated to helping dentists going through a practice transition.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire Pollywog, and what were your goals?

We were looking for a new name.

SOLUTION

How did you select this vendor?

Referral from a personal friend and interview with Devon.

Describe the scope of their work in detail, including any steps and the final deliverables.

They helped us focus on the type of name that we wanted and delivered 20+ name options.

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

2. Creative consultants.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

We found a new name!

Describe their project management style, including communication tools and timeliness.

On-time communication.

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

Helped guide our thinking to find a great new name. They were willing to be flexible on our needs regarding the scope of work.

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

No.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

Launching new product

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire Pollywog, and what were your goals?

Company name and product line naming

SOLUTION

How did you select this vendor?

I spoke with 10 vendors and Pollywog was responsive and helpful

Describe the scope of their work in detail, including any steps and the final deliverables.

Pollywog clearly explained their process and costs, then delivered several ideas, along with some great research that helped us through the process.

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

I worked with the 2 owners

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

We learned a lot about naming, and I ended up buying a domain name based on their research and insights.

Describe their project management style, including communication tools and timeliness.

Clear, no-nonsense, and value-add.

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

They were approachable, and they listened attentively to our needs before doing any work.

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

Not that I can think of.