Frequently Asked Questions

How do we get started?

The best way to get started is simply to get in touch with me. You can call on +61459514181 or get in touch via the Contact Page, or email me at nick@prowseconsulting.com I'll ask you a load of questions about your business, where you're at, what you're looking for and how I can help.

I'm not sure what I need?

No problem at all, we can work on finding that out together. Sometimes clients are fairly sure they need one thing, but after a bit of investigating, together we uncover different issues that may need to take priority. If you're looking for some thought starters though, I've created a series of Checklists and an in depth Marketing Self-Assessment document that you can download and work through here. They should help you highlight some problem areas within your business that we can discuss and work on when we get started.

I'm not sure what my focus should be?

Don't worry, most busiensses face multiple marketing challenges at the same time. It's stressfull, so my approach is to sit down with you,(in person or virtually) and formulate a comprehensive list of challenges along with a 12 month, prioitised plan to tackle them.

I just need some advice.

A lot of clients have in-house capability or existing arrangments with suppliers and just need some ongoing support. Some even come to depend on my impartial, external advice to help support their decision making. So, if you need someone on tap whenever you have a question i've created an consulting service just for you. In it, we'll have an annual planning session and monthly check-ins to make sure that you're on track to meet your goals.

How much is it going to cost?

Well that really depends on what you need. I often ask clients to think about what they can afford, and how much value they expect the work to create for the business and what a reasonable investment would be to achieve the growth they're looking for. Then, after an initial assessment I'll create a proposal and estimate that suits your requirements and fits within your budget.

One cost clients often overlook though is the media buying. This usually follows an 80:20 rule whereby 80% of the budget should go towards buying media space and 20% to strategy, creative and production.

How do you calculate an estimate?

Developing a Brand or creating a Growth Campaign is a little like building a house. I can design and build any kind of brand and campaign you like within your budget. My goal is to understand what’s involved in your project so I can estimate time and budget accurately. Rarely things can become more complicated than everyone thought and in that case I'll always flag this with you in advance.

How are payments made?

As a small business I charge a 50% down payment before work starts and the final 50% payment half way through to complete the job. For projects with long time scales as well as consulting advisory services, I invoice incrementally on a montly basis with payment terms being within 14 days.

How do you charge for advice?

Due to the fact that Consulting Service is an ongoing cost, I charge and upfront fee for the Annual Planning session, and then a montly retainer fee for the ongoinng check-in meetings. As with project payments, a 14 day payment term is required.

Is it just you?

Yes and no. Every project is different, and as such, I work in with your existing team or lean on my wider network of experts to make sure you get exactly the right people delivering the best quality work for you. These will likely include;

• Strategy specialists, from Brand to e-Commerce and Social Media
• Account Managers and Project Managers
• Media Planners and Buyers
• A range of creative craftspeople, from Copywriters & Art Directors to Graphic Designers, Illustrators, Videographers and Photographers.
• Digital and IT experts that look at Strategy, Implementation and Ongoing Maintenance.
• Production experts including video editors, print production, event management and digital.

What's it like working with you?

I like to work in pragmatacilly and collaborativly. Think of me as an extention of your team in that we're working together to achieve your buisness goals. But don't just take my word for it, take a look at what people who've worked with me have said here.

Do you manage the whole process?

Yes I can and often do. If you'd prefer that I work with your team who may be managing other suppliers in a wider marketing mix then then I can certainly dovetail with your way of working or manage your agency roster for you. My ultimate goal is to make your life easier, so I aim to be as flexible as I can be.

What's your process?

I begin each project the same way, by assessing your business challenges to find out what areas are working well and what areas need improving. I then work collaboratively with you, your team and our network of experts to turn those challenges into simple, strategic and creative solutions that deliver tangible results.

What happens if our situation changes?

Sometimes new information comes up as we work together and you will want to change your brief. No drama. I'm all about getting you what you need. If this happens, I'll revise the estimated costs and time frames to reflect the new scope and ask your approval of these costs before changing direction.

Will I get to feedback on the work?

Of course, however to keep things moving along I restrict the amount of feedback to three rounds. This usually won't be nessessary but it's helpful to make sure that you give consolidated feedback from all relevant decision makers.

What happens if i'm not happy with the work?

My businness is designed to ensure that you're exceedingly happy with the work I produce for you. To do this I take a step by step approach, with opportinities for to you provide input and feedback. This way there shouldn't be any surprises or opportinties for you to be anything but happy.