subject: Practical Advice For A Design Agency Birmingham Based Firm [print this page] This article will attempt to clarify the confusing aspects of running a design agency Birmingham based firm in the West Midlands. Whether you are a high flying executive in a large firm or a small agency owner, I hope you will find the information below helpful. This article has been written to help a design agency Birmingham based firm owner make informed decisions within their business.
Tip One: Getting the Finances Right Love Numbers
As a design agency owner and creative executive you may not be too concerned about numbers, but you will have to get to grips with financial statements to make a success of your design agency Birmingham based firm. At the very least, you should make yourself familiar with the expenses paid and payments received columns. When this has been mastered, try to project three months ahead, listing all overheads and payments due in. If you find that you are struggling ask your accountant to show you how to forecast correctly. If he refuses, your design agency Birmingham based firm may need to replace him.
Tip Two: New Clients Look After the Clients You Already Have
The West Midlands area has many design agency Birmingham based businesses and the majority of these will always be pitching for new work, tirelessly looking for the next big deal to come their way. It is therefore a good idea to concentrate on what you already have. Review your clients and explore new avenues and projects that they may be interested in. You will find that your clients will respond favourably to a design agency Birmingham based firm that is always willing to push the boundaries. They will be happy that you have their best interests at heart.
Tip Three: Creating a New Campaign Define the Parameters
Before embarking on a new campaign you will need to answer the following questions:
What are your clients objectives?
Who are your clients target audience?
What is their timeline?
What size is their budget?
Where does the campaign stand within the Design Triangle - Good, Fast, or Cheap?
Tip Four: Cooking Up a Good Proposal Define Your Objectives
Overview of Process You will need to define the process you aim to follow for a campaign including; revision, planning and feedback.
Overview of Project You will need to explain the campaign objectives to illustrate that you understand the requirements for the project.
Solution Overview You will need to provide an overview of your campaign concepts, this only requires a brief explanation, do not get bogged down by design details, as a design agency Birmingham based firm you will need to demonstrate that you have a clear idea of how the campaign will look, but that you are flexible enough to adjust to your clients specific requirements.
Clear Scheduling Again, this does not have to be a detailed schedule but you will have to show that you have definite milestones throughout the campaign.
Budget Estimate You will need to show where your clients money is being spent, you should be pragmatic as possible and be prepared to up-sell if required.
Show Off Your References Even if your client hasnt asked to see them, flaunting your references is a very good way for your design agency Birmingham based firm to spread the word throughout the West Midlands. If they speak to clients you have previously worked with and hear favourable references they are more likely to sign on the dotted line.
Case Studies A strong case study of your previous work is a very good way to show-off your agencies competency and expertise in your field of work. It is good practice to highlight 2 or 3 projects that are similar in scope and style to your clients aspirations to demonstrate that you are a perfect match for them.
Tip Five: Closing the Deal Quality Before a Quick Deal
Dont be bullied into lowering your prices when negotiating a potential deal. Instead of compromising on the cost, highlight your design agencies qualities and attention to detail. Emphasise that quality costs and that if your client wants a successful campaign they will not get it on the cheap. If they do not want to pay for quality, then maybe you shouldnt work with them.
Tip Six: Project Management Getting Organised
Before starting a campaign you will need to outline definite milestones. Be clear about the timetable and when each stage of the campaign is to be completed. Implement a project management system so that everybody working on the project knows exactly what is required. There are plenty of time management systems available from filing systems to web enhanced applications, find one that best suits you design agency Birmingham based firm.
Tip Seven: Revisions How to Handle Them
Dont sink into the muddy waters of the revision swamp, establish some of the following to help your agency swim free:
Make it clear to your clients that revisions take up a lot of man hours in your design agency Birmingham based firm and that you will have to bill them.
Make it clear why your design works. If you can explain why and how the campaign is correct they may shy away from demanding an endless list of time consuming revisions.
It is important to stipulate the number of revisions you will be prepared to carry out in the contract, the standard is usually 2 or 3 separate revisions.
