6 Crucial Steps to choosing the right marketing partner for growth.

In this ‘do more with less’ economy, is there a way that a smaller or medium-sized company can tap into the marketing power that the big guys are paying for? You bet there is. This is the perfect time to discover a Lean and Mean Marketing provider willing to add fuel to your entrepreneurial spirit. Here’s how to choose the most effective marketing partner in this lean and mean economy:

Unearth the track records of the agency principals. Were they performing at a Director’s level – and if so, for how long? Too long, and they may be out of touch with the trends of customized marketing solutions. On the other hand, if the ink had not yet dried on their new business cards, they may not have the marketing insight you need.

Look beyond clever headlines. These are the price of entry in the advertising world, and if their portfolio does not include solid SEO copywriting services, customized marketing solutions and a proven track record in measured results, keep looking.

Avoid victims. If a new agency still has a bitter pill that’s only half swallowed from a bad break, they may not be ready to move on and focus on your business. Who has time to wallow? You need clear and focused marketing insight, surrounded by positive energy.

Seek out leadership skills. Chances are, you may find a big agency-trained marketing director or top level creative director who is poised to establish their own business. Take it from me – you need to take full advantage of this opportunity! If you are fortunate enough to get experienced customized marketing solutions for your start-up from the person formerly in charge of a big national brand, it’s your lucky day.

Beware the SEO Guru, and examine their claims carefully. Instead, seek out effective SEO copywriting services by taking an optimization tour of the websites optimized by this person or company. Like the jackalope, true SEO Guru’s are difficult to identify, because tracking the results of qualified SEO copywriting services is new, and a little imprecise. After all, web lift and traffic increases at your site may not happen for months, you need to choose wisely.

Work with folks who learn about, then get excited about your product or service. The best ad guys and marketing professionals live to match up people with services or products that make their lives better. This makes them very responsive to new products, and usually pretty fun to be around. If you find someone who’s fitting you in between the ‘real clients’, move on. An engaged marketing professional will bring incredible value and marketing insight, beyond your greatest expectations.

This is the day of the new entrepreneur. The best marketing professionals keep their eyes open for intriguing products and services that break away from corporate limits. And companies that discover a lean and mean marketing partner are in a great position for phenomenal growth – even in a challenging economy like the one we’re experiencing now.