Ask us anything…
Who do you work with?
I specialize in approach, rather than a specific industry or tactic. It’s an approach to research and strategy that is applicable to brands – corporate or nonprofit. And it pairs with the tools of marketing and communications – design, technology, creative, and media.
My ideal client partner has a business or organization that serves some form of greater good. They have resources to invest, but not enough to be cavalier about it. They are energized about the potential, open-minded, and value partnerships.
Why work with a consultant?
Far more experience, an expansive network of the best practitioners, flexibility, responsiveness, genuine commitment to clients, no overhead, no debt to service, and no rolling turnover of junior staff.
What do you deliver?
We come from agency land, where strategy and execution go together. We get dirty and deliver your deliverables. Commonal is like a decentralized agency, tapping into the very best practitioners for the opportunity at hand.
How do you see the world?
Here are a few beliefs that drive how I work…
The very best lessons, tools, approaches, and technologies tend to be broadly applicable.
Industry expertise is only one way to define a specialist.
Public Affairs is a building block of Brand.
Partnerships unlock potential, but too many brands still go it alone.
In-person collaboration can’t be replicated online.
Strategy is nothing without execution, and execution without strategy is a waste.
Nonprofits and associations are brands too, and they should think that way.
Small organizations deserve the same tools, techniques and technology as world-class marketing organizations.
Phone is better than email, and dinner is better than lunch.
What are you like to work with?
I can find something special in anything or anyone. While I take the work seriously, I approach it with a light-hearted spirit. A little fun — and a lot of collaboration — will break down the walls and egos that hinder great thinking and productive partnerships. I am open and honest. If I see a better path to your goal, I’ll tell you. And I think it’s critical to talk openly about money and expectations in a business partnership.