I love what I do, and believe that it has value. Because of this, I can go on and on about all the benefits of good design, marketing and process.
Unfortunately, the whole time I’m giving my spectacular presentation, the voice in the impatient, struggling entrepreneur’s head is asking two really loud questions:
How Much Do You Cost?
How Long Will It Take?
So rather than keep you in suspense, I figured I’d just answer those questions up front…
Cost & Schedule
Our fee = the hourly rate x the projected number of hours the project will take.
Our hourly rate is between $65 – $125 an hour, depending on the complexity of the project. Complexity is determined by the range of services we are expected to provide, the speed of turnaround and the size of your organization.
Generally, turnaround times range from 4-6 weeks for smaller projects and 10-12 weeks for more complex projects. The projected number of person-hours is based on our experience dealing with projects of similar scope. Because we do this a lot, we’ve gotten pretty good at predicting how much work a project will take. We don’t pad our numbers – the projected level of effort is what our actual expectation is.
There’s Always A Price
It can be tempting, but experience will tell you that shortcutting the process to save money seldom ends well.
Doing it yourself;
hiring a less experienced company;
asking a freelancer for the “hookup;”
or taking no action at all…
…all come with a cost, in money, time and aggravation. They burn bridges and leave everyone unsatisfied.
Let’s Talk About Value
Isn’t it better to build a relationship with someone you trust, who provides the services you need at a fair price?
Imagine a world where you can serve happy, loyal customers who stay with you for a lifetime – where you can have a joyful workplace and still achieve work/life balance with an abundance of time and resources.
Is such a world possible? Yes it is – with vision, patience and authentic collaboration.
Masai Interactive is dedicated to helping your business or organization create such an environment for you, your team members and the people you serve. We are more than just a graphic or web design firm – we help you to achieve tangible, measurable results using innovative and creative thought, processes and communication to create fulfilling outcomes for everyone! How’s that for a return on your investment?
He was awkward, oversized, and oddly colored compared to the other baby ducks. Because of this, the duckling was ridiculed, bullied and, ultimately, ran away.
The thing was, the “Ugly Duckling” was neither ugly, nor a duckling…he was a swan in the wrong environment! He was being judged – and judging himself – by a standard that simply didn’t apply. When he was discovered by a community of other swans, he was recognized for who he truly was, and treated with kindness, respect and admiration!
In business terms, there are a few lessons here:
Be Authentic About Who You Are – do you have hidden strengths, or weaknesses you’re trying to suppress? Judging yourself too harshly, or glossing over areas that need to be addressed? Having a trusted advisor to help make you aware of your blind spots is key to the transformation that can lead to a better future.
Context Is Everything – how you position yourself, and how you’re perceived, depends greatly upon the environment in which you’re operating. Do you know who your audience really is? Are you sending the right message to the right people, at the right time?
There’s a Place for You – if your current circumstances aren’t working for you, there’s always an alternative. Every solution doesn’t involve moving on from your present environment, but some do. Don’t be afraid to take your talents, products or services to more welcoming (and profitable) markets.
Do you have a “ugly duckling/ displaced swan” business story of your own to tell? Looking for guidance to discover your target community and propel you to new heights? At Masai Interactive, we help leaders in businesses and organizations to communicate their unique offering with the audiences most likely to buy, join or donate.
Here are some ways we can start helping you find your ideal customers right now:
Tell us about your specific need or challenge, and let’s schedule a free consultation.
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Do you have a friend, colleague or loved one who could benefit from our services? Share this story with them.
How many times have you said this, or something like it?
The question is…what are you busy doing? Are those activities moving you forward productively, or are you in a cycle of perpetual damage control? Too often, “I’m too busy” really means “leave me alone.” It’s an attempt to get the one commodity that is in rare supply when you’re feeling overwhelmed: PEACE.
Whether it’s an impending deadline, a difficult client or financial stress, there are concerns that occupy your thoughts that will keep you feeling stuck. We often avoid the very actions that will relieve those internal and external pressures.
What if I told you, that by addressing things now, you could have lasting peace?
In his book, Seven Habits of Highly Effective People, Stephen Covey classifies tasks into 4 categories. The optimal category is called “Important But Not Urgent.” They are the things you can do that will have the greatest impact, but aren’t due immediately. When we’re in crisis mode, we’re usually dealing with “Important and Urgent.” When there are too many Important/Urgent things accumulate in that category, we can disempowered.
So if you find yourself saying “I’m Too Busy,” that’s the time to stop (at a reasonable stopping point), take a step back and assess what’s going on. Someone (like us) may be trying to offer you some help!
Here are some things you CAN get busy doing…
Tell usabout your specific need or challenge, and let’s schedule a free consultation.
Follow us on social media. () We regularly post links and resources related to business leadership and marketing.
Do you have a friend, colleague or loved one who could benefit from our services? Share this story with them.
Don’t stay trapped in “Groundhog Day” scenario…step boldly out of your routine into something greater!
We must all take the coronavirus very seriously…but as long as you’re healthy, there’s still business to be done.
Here are some tips on how you can use your time wisely while observing the quarantine and limiting your social interaction:
NOW is the time for:
Training and development
strategy
reading
learning
process development – get your systems together
De-clutter your Environment and your Mind
Removing clutter removes anxiety:
clean out your email inbox
organize your files – both paper and digital
Virtual Communication and Collaboration
Use the tools you already have to increase your capacity:
phone calls
email
video conferencing
social media
In fact, maintaining a strong and relevant digital presence is more important than ever. Contact us to find out how you can enhance your web site, email campaigns, social media and video to have maximum impact.
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