The Startups Forum
Advertising Agency. Would You?
marketingbod started this topic @ 23:42 on 07/11/2007
Hi all.
First post on here. Forum makes great reading good to know about all those out there following their dreams and ideas.
So, onto mine. I am in the third year of a 4 year marketing degree at Aston University in Birmingham. Basically, my future plan is to start a rural marketing agency (I'm from Herefordshire originally) that provides marketing services for small business, diversifying farmers, big business entering the area (such as Asda etc.) You name it I would aim to provide it Marketing consultancy, Marketing Campaigns, PR etc.
So why am I posting? Basically, it seems that to make it succesful I'd have to gain a lot of experience first. Unfortunately, I'm too impatient. So my question you is, as small business (or big business for that matter) owners would you want to pay to have the aid of a 22 year old marketer with bright ideas and skills but little exeprience? Obviously I'd be charging a lot less than someone who say, had, 5/10/20 years experience and I'd aim to get more young marketers onboard.
Set the scene, imagine you are a farmer who is diversifying and needs a PR campaign to support your new, I don't know, Go Kart track or something. Would you use
a. 15 year experienced PR manager from London who's never been on a farm and never will and charges you the earth.
or
b. A 22 year old marketer who is enthusiastic about your proposition, knows the area and the people (target market) and charges a lot less than Mr. London! (and dare I say it has more relevant ideas.
Basically, do I really have to get the experience in your view? I guess it's a good idea to, but I think I've got a potentially very successful idea and need your views on it.
Thanks,
Matt
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RE: Advertising Agency. Would You?
Simon@byrnemedia.co.uk | 30/11/2007 10:29 AM
Matt, may I be honest. This is a VERY Naive post. You are the type that would get shot to bits on Dragons Den. Not ALL PR companies charge the earth, and you say you will have more ideas than 'Mr London' and you will have more relevant ideas. So you are suggesting that in actual fact PR agencies are not very good as well as charging a fortune. These are comments of a VERY inexperienced individual. That approach to clients would make them run a mile. The quick answer is that people use big experienced agencies becuase they know what they are doing. I dont need to live near the farm with the Go Kart track to be able to write PR articles etc. Further, big businesses like Asda pay top dollar for the best PR agencies. The thought you may be able to get thier busienss because you are local demonstrates your lack of knowledge. I trust you want to be self employed because you will earn more!?
A professional, ambitious individual woul look to get some great experience, work with quality clients and build up a client base....then you have some business to take with you when you set up on your own in 5 years time. Gain as many qualifications as you can and get your name known in the industry.
I guess the best point to make to you is this. You are young, enthusiastic and full of good ideas but have no evidence of success. Only your own opinion. A PR agency will present credentials that clearly demonstrate through case studies that they have relevant experience, employ young enthusiastic people and justify the charges they make.
I love your confidence but go get a job, work hard, get close to clients, build a reputation and THEN set up on your own and employ an experienced partner so you also have the creds!!
BUt seriously, good luck
RE: Advertising Agency. Would You?
marketingbod | 30/11/2007 11:33 AM
Guess that answers my question then.
Thanks for your reply.
RE: Advertising Agency. Would You?
marketingbod | 30/11/2007 11:45 AM
Please also note that it wasn't simply PR I was talking about.