Question

Topic: Career/Training

Marketing Consultant Help

Posted by Anonymous on 3/1/2006 at 2:33 PM ET 250 Points
Hello,

I have recently started a small marketing company that offers marketing strategy and creative solutions for small to med-sized organizations.

I have had a great response, but am having some difficulty in figuring out how to charge people.

My typical client is an established company without a clear marketing plan, or one that is reevaluating their plan. Because of the nature of my clients, I am steering clear of retainers and charging on a project basis.

My problem? Because I do creative work as well as consult them on the strategy, I am finding I'm giving away the consulting end and really don't know of a good way to charge customers for that. I have put together proposals for people with ideas for marketing solutions, but have had people turn around and take that elsewhere.

Where is the fine line between offering a consult of solutions that I can offer and what to charge for? Also...some ideas of what others out there are charging for solutions such as this, would be VERY helpful.

Thanks in advance!
Cheers,
Bridget
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RESPONSES

  • Posted by Frank Hurtte on 3/1/2006 at 2:44 PM Member
    This is a major issue for all of us in the consulting line of work. First of all, I would be encourage you to rethink your ideas on setting yourself up on a retainer. I suggest a limited time retainer... for instance discount your "normal" charge per hour for a retainer limited to xx hours per month. After using the retained hours you go on the clock for your full rate. Ask that all retainers be for a set duration with an evergreen clause. For example 6 months with a continuation until a 60 day notice is given. My own limited experience is that retainers help with cash flow and work scheduling. In my mind these are the two biggest issues in our business. BTW, I suggest 225/hr as a "rack rate".
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