I’ll be honest—I’ve watched too many small business owners get absolutely ripped off by marketing consultants. You know the type: they promise the moon, throw around buzzwords like “synergy” and “holistic brand ecosystems,” then disappear with your money faster than you can say “ROI.”
Three years ago, my friend Sarah hired what seemed like the perfect marketing guru. Slick website, impressive client list, the works. Six months and $15,000 later, her bakery’s Instagram had more stock photos than actual pictures of her amazing cupcakes. That’s when I realized most business owners have no clue how to spot the good consultants from the snake oil salespeople.
Why This Decision Will Make or Break Your Business
Look, marketing isn’t rocket science, but it’s not exactly child’s play either. Get it wrong, and you’re basically lighting money on fire while your competitors eat your lunch. Get it right, and suddenly you’re the business everyone’s talking about.
The difference usually comes down to one thing: finding someone who actually gives a damn about your success, not just their monthly retainer.
