marketing a design consultancy

Source: How to Market Design Consultancy Services
Written by: Shan Preddy

Editor:

If you are a first time design consultancy entrepreneur or planning to be one, you should really read up this book with the different technique in marketing a consultancy. Like what the author of this book said, you developed a new type of mouse trap then tell people about it, thats why we need marketing.

The chart above is taken from the book; it shows how you can tell people about your services and hopefully clinched a deal. Somewhat a formula, but not exactly a standard one for each and every potential client(s).

I think it is rather clear and straightforward. You start off with a very polite step and gradually being more rigorous when there’s negative response, but keep in mind not to irritate. As the author also explains for the ‘Keep In Touch’ section, you should only be making 3 or 4 marketing approach per year. But if you already knew that a particular client would prefer less, then decrease the frequency, or you might risk annoying that particular client. So it does pay off to find out more about clients.

KIT are your ‘potential clients’ which you can update them about your consultancy. For example, you won an award, your firm is taking part in an event and you would like to invite them, or you are broadening your services, or you are holding a New Year celebration party. But of course, don't email them about your new born baby, no matter how delirious you are. Relevancy. Keep them informed about your consultancy and they might one day turned into Active Clients. =)

honest design - Oxo

Alex Lee at Gel 2008 from Gel Conference on Vimeo.

(You cant play directly from here. Click on the video to link yourself there.)

Alex Lee is the CEO of the New York based, Oxo. The company initially started out to produce kitchen tools more suitable for the elderly folks, and later branched out to deal with other household needs, office stationary and even gardening equipments.

In his speech, he explains Oxo’s design philosophy in designing universal products that ergonomically suits the minority market group, but fits in with ease with the majority as well. Other than the ergonomics, the ease of use and in understanding the product, he also mentioned about their honest language (not misleading). In other words, Oxo products are meant to be the classic ‘Fool-proof’ product.

Another admirable point of the company is their keen observation they conduct and the subtle innovative ideas implemented to improve satisfaction value in usage, even without the users realizing it. Surely, Oxo products are not meant to dazzle, but definitely are making lives easier.

Oxo website