Why Agencies are good for your small business

By Gary Roberts

“Well actually Gary, I have a friend who can do that for us”.

Geez if I have heard that once, I have heard it a thousand times! Everyone has a “guy”… that incredible person with experience in Web Design, Marketing, Consulting, and Media Buying. Where is this magical person? Heck… I have been in this business for over 25 years, and I have not found him! Why have I not found this paragon of all that is Advertising and Marketing? That is because this “magical guy” does not exist!

Sure we all have friends! And sure, we are all looking for a way to save a buck when it comes to marketing and advertising. But sure as shootin, the “guy”finishes the job he is asked to do, and whether successful or not, he then disappears to parts unknown, leaving you to deal with the follow through and the follow UP. Then of course, when we need updates, mistakes have been made, corrections need to be done in order for the updates to take place, and he or she still cannot be found. Or they can, but they don’t know how to do what now needs to be done, handled, or fixed.

Meanwhile, your business moves forward and continues to grow. The amazing “guy”, who is nowhere around or who is unable to handle the chore, continues to be missing or continues to give you a song and a dance about what he’s done already, and you are now in the old...”yikes what do i do now!!??” zone.

This is why it is important to work with a credible experienced Agency that can strive to understand your business! They certainly understand theirs! Marketing and Advertising is all they do! It’s who they are! This Agency will be there for you in periods of growth and during the inevitable slow periods, as well…. A company that you can call on to strategize with you, and a company that is in the business of providing marketing and advertising solutions, as well as Web updates, a new division or if you need a corporate branding statement, they will offer the solutions that only an Advertising agency can provide for you.

It is very easy to look at the Advertising/Marketing portion of your balance sheet and cut from this area during the tight times, but this will only lead to tighter times! It is during these leaner times that you would be forgetting to remind your customer that you are still in business, and able to provide a product or service to them.

It is important for you to work with an Agency, as they are in the business of providing solutions to you. That is what they do! Plus, as they continue to concentrate on doing what is necessary to promote your business, brand and/or product, they are also freeing up your time to do what you do best... manage your business!