Value may indeed be in the mind of the purchaser, but it is also something that we are working harder to prove day in and day out. Surely, it is something that is earned, but when pitching business in this day in age, what does one do?
I believe that just as prosperity is wonderful cover for poorly managed businesses, the recession is a more convenient excuse to blame one’s misfortunes on.
“I've always said that only 5% of the people in advertising or marketing ever make it to the level of Strategist. Mark is one of them. I had the pleasure of working with Mark while he was at Human Factors International. He helped my team gain a thorough understanding of his company's business - which is the only way we can ever truly affect change with an organization. It takes an enlightened marketer to understand the value an agency can bring to a client. Mark gave us the opportunity to bring new and different thinking to HFI. In fact, he insisted upon it. Mark always looks for the best solution. He's a firm believer in the saying, "An idea doesn't care who has it." He wants his team clicking on all cylinders - thinking of ways to differentiate the business and add leverage to the marketing effort. Mark is not afraid to challenge the status quo. While he has great respect for the thinking that has been done in the past, he knows what got a company to where it is today is not what is going to get them to where they want to go. Customer research, sound thinking and a deep understanding of a company's business are what get Mark excited. If you're interested in a "Yes" man, then Mark is not for you. But if you're interested in someone who will challenge your thinking and bring you innovative ideas, then you should consider talking with Mark. He gets it."