Pop Quiz: Are You Ready to Hire A Creative Professional?

Do you realize you need to increase sales, improve your customer base, or get your message out, but aren’t quite sure where to begin? Whether it’s an individual freelancer or an advertising agency, take this quiz to find if it’s time to begin a relationship with a marketing or creative professional. Give yourself 1 point for each “Yes.”

#1. “Am I Dropping the Ball?”

Are you dropping the ball?

  • Am I too busy doing today’s work to look for new business? (Yes/No)
  • Am I missing out on opportunities because it’s taking me too long to respond to phone or email inquiries? (Yes/No)
  • Am I spending money every month on advertising, marketing and web services that I don’t use? (Yes/No)
  • Am I clueless about how my marketing efforts are effecting my bottom line? (Yes/No)

 

#2. “Do I Play Well with Others?”


  • Can I articulate my organization’s vision to someone who knows nothing about what we do? (Yes/No)
  • Could I benefit from a fresh perspective? (Yes/No)
  • Am I willing to pay someone who is going to save me time? (Yes/No)
  • Do I value my Customers’ experience, and put their needs ahead of my own? (Yes/No)
  • Am I willing to accept advice and constructive criticism? (Yes/No)
  • Do I value Design as a Competitive Advantage? (Yes/No)
  • Am I willing to make this a Budget Priority? (Yes/No)
  • Am I ready to accept change? (Yes/No)

 

#3. “Do I Know My ‘Media IQ’?”

 

Your “Media IQ” is your level of understanding about Marketing, Design, Advertising and Technology.


  • Do I understand the difference between Marketing and Sales? (Yes/No)
  • Can I tell the difference between a well-designed ad/ web site/ brochure and a poorly designed one? (Yes/No)
  • Am I comfortable with Technology (computers, smart phones, tablets, etc.)? (Yes/No)
  • Am I comfortable with Social Media (Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, etc.)? (Yes/No)
  • Am I interested in what Creative Professionals do (illustration, graphic design, web design, writing, photography, etc.)? (Yes/No)
  • Do I understand the importance of Content in the design process? (Yes/No)

 

Score Card:

15 or Above: “Dream” Client – a True Partner! LET’S GET STARTED!
10 – 15: Coachable Client – Promising, with Some Work. Let’s Build A Relationship
9 or Below: Not Ready Yet – has some more Homework to do. Come Learn with Us!

Next time: “Ready? Set? Go! – Picking the Right Professional”