Why Consultants Don't Share Details...Up Front
Today I was doing some competitive research on Elance. While reading the reviews of one of my competitors I saw a review that complained that he was "vague and hard to pin-down exactly what he was going to do." This is a common dilemma: prospects want a detailed proposal; consultants want to sell their ability without giving away their plan. Other than not wanting

Today I was doing some competitive research on Elance. While reading the reviews of one of my competitors I saw a review that complained that he was "vague and hard to pin-down exactly what he was going to do." This is a common dilemma: prospects want a detailed proposal; consultants want to sell their ability without giving away their plan. Other than not wanting the prospect to "pick them off" for a free action plan, here are some other reasons that make it very difficult for a consultant to share details before getting hired.

This Dog Won't Hunt - Did you do market research or a viability study before you opened your doors? Most businesses start for many reasons other than what's feasible. That's why so many fail! Sometimes, there isn't a viable audience for your product that will meet your financial goals. Consultants usually see this before you hire us, but will not share the options until you hire them. That's what we sell - our knowledge to help your business do better.

You Are Off Target - Many businesses haven't niched themselves tightly enough to generate continuous customers. If we develop a marketing plan based on what you think or want your target to be without reviewing your foundational targeting, we are building on a shaky foundation. There will not be sustainable success.

Budgets Are a Must - When I ask a prospect, "What's your marketing budget?" they think I'm trying to figure out their limits and assume I'll base my bid on their answer. Actually, I'm listening between the lines. Most don't have one or couldn't tell me exactly what it is.  If a business hasn't planned out their expenses for the year and know their marketing budget will be $X/quarter or X% of the previous quarter's sales then they are "playing at" marketing.


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Paula Pollock is CEO of the Pollock Marketing Group, further assisting good companies in becoming great through outsourced marketing services with her team of professionals. PMG supports business marketing at all levels from DIY, short-term projects and campaign corrections. You can sign up to receive recordings from her popular monthly series Operation: Lead Generation and her newsletter at www.paulapollock.com

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