What evidence can you share that demonstrates the impact of the engagement?
So we have a very successful and results-driven relationship with them.
Every year, the work we do with them results in better and better media coverage. It takes time to explain, position, and elevate your brand voice, and the media is really starting to understand what we do. The media has had no problem talking about our new brand.
They’ve helped us do a lot of events with the media. For example, we did an art show in downtown Toronto where a brand photographer took beautiful photos of our work.
They’ve also helped build our CEO’s authority in the space. During International Day of the Girl, he was called upon by national media to be a voice for our sector.
The survey campaigns they created were run globally all over the world. We got millions and millions of impressions, media coverage, tons of interviews, as well as coverage with influencers, television, radio, and more.
How did Strategic Objectives perform from a project management standpoint?
It’s a very positive relationship. They’ll submit a statement of work, and we have full confidence they’re going to get it done. They’re always going to exceed our expectations in some way.
Every week, they provide us with a full description of ongoing work, challenges, opportunities, and the next milestones. They’re on top of it. It’s a relationship based on mutual trust and respect.
We have touch-base meetings, in-person meetings, brainstorming sessions, and phone calls. We always feel very, very confident that they're very aggressively pursuing their work. It's always very timely. They’re always pushing us, saying, “Can we get your CEO in front of this media?” They’re pushing us because they love what they do. You can tell they take huge pride in their work, which is always excellent.
We're always very informed of who's on the core team. If we need to reach different members of their team, we always can. They're very, very proactive in ensuring that we know who's doing what on their team. We know exactly how many hours each employee is devoting to each task.
What did you find most impressive about them?
They’re very creative and innovative. They’re always able to find really, really creative ways to raise our brand voice. They're always coming up with new ways of doing things.
They have tangible examples of how they’ve achieved results over the years for many organizations, and those examples show their out-of-the-box thinking. We needed to really shake things up dramatically, and we've been able to do that with them.
Are there any areas they could improve?
We’ve worked together for so long that we have really honest and open discussions. I can’t think of an instance where they’ve let us down or where there’s been a challenge. If they don't understand a particular initiative, they'll just call us up and ask about it.
I don't feel that there's ever barriers in between what we need to do or what they need to do. I don't really have criticism. If I did, I'd probably be looking for another partner. But they're totally loved and appreciated over here.
Do you have any advice for potential customers?
The more open and honest you can be about your business challenge, the more you can engage with them, involve them, and inform them. Then, they’re better equipped to help you.
You have to be really open and invite them into your staff meetings. You have to take the time to educate them so they can do their job well.
They need to understand the strategic vision of the organization. We share all of our documents with them (e.g. our three-year plan, our goal, and areas where we’re having difficulty).
Within a tight timeframe, Strategic Objectives succeeded in increasing attendance and securing media coverage for the festival. Their work allowed the client to expand their brand profile and acquire more talent. The team was realistic, transparent, and overall a pleasure to work with.