We are an ROI-driven Company

Those are the words my client said to me as I discussed their fee level and PR program.  It was the client's response to my suggestion that their fee is too low.  I filed that thought and tucked it away as we moved onto other subjects.

The same words created a virus that crawled inside my brain.  A virus that has taunted me and kept me up late at night.

The statement didn't gnaw at me because of concerns about work quality.  We generally deliver top results.

Although the words held the promise of more PR funding, they made the dead-on true point and reminded me that we are working together for a purpose: it all begins and ends with results.

It has made me remember that you are sometimes well advised to turn off the stop watches and jettison the time sheets until you get the job done.

It has reminded me how important it is to be in synch with the client in terms of goals and the work effort.  What does the client consider "ROI" for a PR program, for example?  Is it that Wall Street Journal hit that helps clinch the next round of funding?  Is it the stellar product review that sets the sales phones ringing?  Is it the effort over the long haul to build company brand and valuation?

It is a good lens to view things through in these tough economic times.

It is a good question to start and finish the day with.

Your clients, too are ROI driven.  Are your programs delivering ROI for the client?

Comments

[Anne Clelland]

I love and loathe this post.

Watched a Netflix DVD called "The Persuaders" done by Frontline last night.

Major point? The PR has to produce customers who buy products and services.

In his blog, Jim Flowers writes, "Create an outstanding response to a compelling need..."

http://www.startwithmoxie.com/2008/11/tax-incentives-do-not-create-jobs-good-businesses-create-jobs.html

I'm off to a trade show today to pitch the power of business blog posts. Our site can get news about you read and search engines to list you. Does that convert to customers who buy?

I so want to do well by my clients and to contribute to our local economic development.

You ask the right questions. They're hard to answer.

[Bob Geller]

Hi, Anne

Nice to hear from you again! Thanks for stopping by, reading and commenting. Your observations are always insightful. I will check out the Persuaders show, I have heard about it, and will get myself caught up on the Handshake 2.0 and VT Knowledgeworks blogs.