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The Passionate Pursuit of Results.

5.0
3 reviews

A Chicago public relations firm providing senior-level talent, multiple-industry expertise, and innovative marketing and public relations ideas that work. We take a holistic approach to understand and help solve your challenges. We’re equal parts business consultants, marketing specialists and expert story tellers. But, most importantly, we’re committed to helping grow your business.

Whether you’re launching a new product, service or entire business; rebranding your organization; want to distinguish yourself and communicate more effectively with your audiences; seeking crisis management help; and/or simply need a new PR firm that will help take you where you need to go…you’ve come to the right place. We work great with hands-on business owners, tech entrepreneurs, CEOs, chief marketing officers, directors of communications and other nice people in need of a trusted marketing or PR partner. We’re not all things to all companies, but we are an invaluable partner to our clients. We invite you to find out why and then see if we’re a good fit for your organization.

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$5,000+
 
$150 - $199 / hr
 
2 - 9
 Founded
2001
Show all +
Chicago, IL
headquarters
  • 200 E. Randolph St., Ste. 5100
    Chicago, IL 60601
    United States
    312.577.7650

Reviews

5.0
3 reviews
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Branding & Messaging for Digital Consultancy

“They have a fresh perspective and it’s current.”

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5.0

Quality: 
5.0
Schedule: 
5.0
Cost: 
5.0
Willing to refer: 
5.0
The Project
 
$10,000 to $49,999
 
2013 - Ongoing
Project summary: 

SHERMAN provided extensive web copy to aid a branding effort. They conducted internal and customer interviews to establish a unified brand voice. They continually contribute to messaging initiatives as needed.

The Reviewer
 
11-50 Employees
 
Chicago, Illinois
Naveed Usman
Principal & CEO, Usman Group, Inc.
 
Verified
The Review
Feedback summary: 

SHERMAN produced nearly 100% of the website’s copy. Their work is free of typos and helps the site generate 20 targeted leads per month. Executive-level engagement is a standout factor. Their president functions as a trusted advisor and can personally produce project deliverables.

A Clutch analyst personally interviewed this client over the phone. Below is an edited transcript.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the principal and CEO of Usman Group, Inc. We’re a digital consultancy that guides customers looking to transform their businesses. We advise the integration of digital components such as websites, landing pages, digital marketing programs, and mobile apps.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with SHERMAN?

Our original approach to the market was hollow and uninspired. We needed a PR firm to help us create and implement distinctive messaging on our website.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

SHERMAN conducted a series of interviews with different parts of our team. They also interviewed our customers to better understand their challenges, perspectives, and experiences regarding our website. The interviews were transcribed and documented so they could compare both sets of data. SHERMAN used this information to write case studies and website copy that aligned with our marketing goals and perceived brand image. Ultimately, they wrote 90% of the content on our website.

What is the team composition?

Jason (President, SHERMAN) is our primary point of contact.

How did you come to work with SHERMAN?

SHERMAN came to me as a referral. I started talking with Jason and was impressed by his sense of humor and ability to problem-solve. His personable approach made it easy to look at our company through a critical lens. Additionally, his experience working with other agencies is a valuable resource. Having heard other companies describe their strengths and weaknesses, Jason could creditably suggest ways to differentiate ourselves in the marketplace.

How much have you invested with them?

We’ve spent between $30,000 and $50,000 thus far.

What is the status of this engagement?

We started working together in 2013 and our relationship is ongoing.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

Before working with SHERMAN, we were able to engage customers looking for our services, but they weren’t necessarily the audience we wanted to target. As a result of Jason’s efforts, we now receive 20 viable leads per month.

How did SHERMAN perform from a project management standpoint?

We have project managers on our side that help guide the project, so I can’t speak in much detail to SHERMAN’s performance. They meet our expectations when it comes to communicating schedules and producing deliverables. Their work influenced the site’s design and page architecture, but we were never held up. They complete tasks in a timely manner.

What did you find most impressive about them?

They have a fresh perspective and it’s current. Jason is insightful and looks at things differently than most people. He’s inquisitive and his questions often lead to more questions. I’ve found those qualities useful and different from other firms that communicate in a more direct or transactional way. Jason is humble and guides us to discovering answers ourselves. He comes off as a genuine guy who’s just trying to help us out.

Are there any areas they could improve?

Jason’s a professional, but he could work on delegating tasks to his team and letting others lead specific projects.

5.0
Overall Score
  • 5.0 Scheduling
    ON TIME / DEADLINES
    We haven’t experienced delays or missed milestones.
  • 5.0 Cost
    Value / within estimates
    We pay a fair price.
  • 5.0 Quality
    Service & deliverables
    Their deliverables are free of typos and grammatical errors.
  • 5.0 NPS
    Willing to refer
    I happily refer business to Jason.

Public Relations for Chicago Fine Arts College

“They guide us through every step of each project and they’re always able to help us accomplish our goals.”

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5.0

Quality: 
5.0
Schedule: 
5.0
Cost: 
5.0
Willing to refer: 
5.0
The Project
 
$200,000 to $999,999
 
Oct. 2008 - Ongoing
Project summary: 

SHERMAN writes copy and places ads as part of a long-term partnership with an art college. They also provide strategic consulting on marketing and branding.

The Reviewer
 
51-200 Employees
 
Chicago, Illinois
Duncan Webb
Academic Dean, American Academy of Art
 
Verified
The Review
Feedback summary: 

Over the past ten years, SHERMAN has raised the school’s public profile and contributed toward an effective communications plan. Their staff is attentive, adaptable, and successfully connects to relevant constituencies.

A Clutch analyst personally interviewed this client over the phone. Below is an edited transcript.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the academic dean at the American Academy of Art, which offers bachelor’s degrees to students intending to go on to professional art careers. I handle all education-related administrative concerns.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with SHERMAN?

Our stakeholders like to tell us that we’re the “best-kept secret in Chicago,” so we wanted to raise our profile in order to connect more effectively with prospective students.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

They handle all of our marketing materials, which includes content like write-ups of student activities. We’ve also done a large project that involved creating alumni profiles to draw more attention to the success of our programs. For a project like this, they’ll help us craft narratives for press releases, print media, and TV ads. They also provide strategic consulting about our brand and long-term marketing strategies.

What is the team composition?

We work primarily with the president of the organization, but he’ll bring in the rest of his team whenever we need them.

How did you come to work with SHERMAN?

We interviewed a number of different companies. We wanted someone who would serve as a collaborative partner, and we also wanted someone who would be able to ensure consistency in the long term. SHERMAN seemed like the best fit in terms of providing attentive customer support and reliable service.

How much have you invested with them?

We’ve probably spent somewhere between $100,000–$250,000 since we started working together.

What is the status of this engagement?

We’ve been working with them since October 2008 and the relationship is ongoing.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

Prior to hiring SHERMAN, we went through a strategic planning process that made us realize we needed to raise the profile of our institution and develop a communications plan. We undertook another round of strategic planning this past year and our results indicate that we’ve accomplished our goals for recognizability.

How did SHERMAN perform from a project management standpoint?

The offer very personalized attention to their clients. We communicate by email and over the phone, but that’s always been enough to establish good working relationships. They guide us through every step of each project and they’re always able to help us accomplish our goals. In addition, they know our organization well now, so they understand what sorts of materials we need and they’re very responsive when it comes to delivering projects for our deadlines.

What did you find most impressive about them?

I think the fact that our relationship has endured for ten years speaks to the success of their team. Their customer service is excellent, and they’ve been able to adapt with us as our needs have changed over time. Whether it’s landing a TV spot or writing a piece of content we can take back to our stakeholders, they convey the messages we want and they adhere well to deadlines throughout the process.

5.0
Overall Score
  • 5.0 Scheduling
    ON TIME / DEADLINES
    Anytime we need to run a story quickly, they’re always ready to meet us with both advice about how to frame the story and with the final deliverable.
  • 5.0 Cost
    Value / within estimates
    We’ve seen a lot of value in the relationship we’ve cultivated.
  • 5.0 Quality
    Service & deliverables
    They’re trustworthy and responsive to our needs.
  • 5.0 NPS
    Willing to refer
    I’d recommend them to anyone looking for a personalized relationship and expert marketing and branding skills.

Public Relations for Marketing & Communications Company

“The quality of their work is flawless and they pay incredible attention to detail.”

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5.0

Quality: 
5.0
Schedule: 
4.0
Cost: 
4.0
Willing to refer: 
5.0
The Project
 
Confidential
 
Feb. 2015 - Nov. 2017
Project summary: 

SHERMAN supported an account for a marketing and communications company. They researched internal communication and public relations, developed procedures and a strategic plan, and assembled press releases.

The Reviewer
 
1-10 Employees
 
Chicago, Illinois
Dorothy Balabanos
President, DJB Communications Group
 
Verified
The Review
Feedback summary: 

They developed solid strategic communications plans and improved press coverage. Their follow-through was good and they worked quickly to beat deadlines and surpass expectations. They have a vested interest and take time to understand each situation.

A Clutch analyst personally interviewed this client over the phone. Below is an edited transcript.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I am the president of DJB Communications Group, a marketing and communications company. We offer strategic planning, web development, research, and facilitation to our clients.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with SHERMAN?

We had a medical device client who needed to improve their communications efforts. I needed a firm that was well-versed in internal communications and public relations.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

We collaborated together on this account for about two years. We covered a variety of different subjects in over a dozen projects. They first did an analysis of the company’s public relations efforts and compared their findings to the rest of their industry. Then we developed processes and procedures for public relations and internal communication to build a long-term strategic plan. We assembled several press releases in those two years as well.

What is the team composition?

We worked with Jason (President & Founder, SHERMAN).

How did you come to work with SHERMAN?

A colleague introduced us when we realized we needed a public relations person. We spoke with Jason and really liked his work and his style. I can’t remember if we interviewed other people, but were pleased that Jason had healthcare experience.

What is the status of this engagement?

We first engaged them around February 2015 and our last project was completed at the end of 2017. They are going through some organizational changes, so we’re not sure if their plans include us in 2018.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

Our client was slow to accept recommendations and were very selective about the information they were willing to share with the press. Jason convinced the client to take some of our recommendations and allow us to execute them. Even though he was a bit hobbled by the client, he did an excellent job. All the work he did helped their coverage.

How did SHERMAN perform from a project management standpoint?

The first three months were a little challenging as we got to know each other. They were great with follow up and quickly ramped up their game to beat their own deadlines and surpass expectations.

What did you find most impressive about them?

They’re not a typical PR firm. They really take the time to understand the situation and learn as much as they can. They genuinely care about the clients and the team and always have the best intentions. The quality of their work is flawless and they pay incredible attention to detail. They’re relentless in finding good placements and constantly push the client to make choices that benefit them.

Are there any areas they could improve?

I can’t think of anything. The beginning of the process was a learning process as we got the team together, but they did a good job overall.

5.0
Overall Score We became a solid team. They made a lot of positive contributions.
  • 4.0 Scheduling
    ON TIME / DEADLINES
    They’re busy with other projects but went the extra mile to meet deadlines. They delivered on time.
  • 4.0 Cost
    Value / within estimates
    Their cost isn’t the lowest in the arena, but it reflects the quality of their work.
  • 5.0 Quality
    Service & deliverables
    Their work is innovative, progressive, and free from errors.
  • 5.0 NPS
    Willing to refer
    I recommend them highly to other clients.