You don’t have to taste it to find out.
Hiring a marketing professional isn’t as easy as ordering dessert. The marketing menu is overwhelming, and while some options look tempting, not all deliver what you’re craving. When it comes to choosing the right agency, my advice is simple: Look for the proof in the pudding.
Recently, I sat down with an ideal client for our firm, alongside another agency owner. My competitor leaned hard on big promises—how much, how fast, how flashy. Meanwhile, we focused on measurable ROI, real client growth, and outcomes rooted in Burgard’s Communicreation℠ philosophy. The contrast couldn’t have been clearer. Whether it’s marketing or dessert, some recipes deliver substance, while others plate something far less appetizing.
The Secret Ingredient: Discernment
Choosing the right marketing partner doesn’t require a taste test—it’s about asking the right questions to discern what’s really on the table. Think of it as understanding the ingredients in their process and approach. Here’s how you know you’ve found the real deal and what to avoid:
Recipe for pudding.
😋 They focus on understanding your business, goals, and stakeholders before offering solutions.
😋 They’re up front about how your budget aligns (or doesn’t) with your goals.
😋 They’re honest about their strengths and limitations.
😋 They provide case studies showing challenges, solutions, and proven ROI.
😋 They have long-term clients (5+ years) who will vouch for their work.
Recipe for poo.
😖 They talk mostly about their agency and don’t ask questions about your concerns.
😖 They boast about their own growth, awards, and profits.
😖 They promise success without understanding your goals or challenges.
😖 They avoid offering evidence like case studies or measurable outcomes.
😖 They lack long-term clients and rely on short-term relationships.
The Aftertaste
When it comes down to it, you’re the one placing the order. It’s your responsibility to conduct the interview, uncover their core values, and identify the potential ROI they can deliver for your business. The right questions can save you from disappointment—and an unpleasant aftertaste. Every decision we make, no matter how small, leaves a mark. So, pudding or poo? The choice, and the consequences, are entirely yours.
Need proof? Let’s chat.