How to Start a Marketing Firm

Video Transcript

"So you want to start a marketing firm do you? Welcome to the club. It seems like everybody suddenly is an expert on selling stuff. Hi, I'm Peggy Collins and we're going to spend a couple of minutes talking about how to start a marketing firm. First and foremost do not attempt to sell anything unless you and your firm are prepared to do so. And just saying you're a marketing firm doesn't mean that you are one. The key ingredient is experience in advertising, selling, research and life. There isn't a single college graduate with a degree in marketing capable of starting a successful marketing business. So if you're young, wait until you have some practical experience before trying to tell a client what will work for them. Alright, for the rest of you, I'm guessing you've had some experience in selling, advertising, research or a related field. Good. Now surround yourself with people who are better at all these things than you are. If you can't immediately hire the 5 or 6 key people you'll need, establish a network of seasoned professionals who can be brought into the projects on a contract basis. Experts in art and design, copy writing, radio and television production, digital media and website development. They'll all be involved in most of the projects you land. There are several websites out there that can hook you up with people who have years of experience in marketing and are willing to work for you over the Internet. You don't even need an office at first and unless you have a trust fund or an angel investor, the expense could kill you. Once you've assembled your team, build a really, really good website. This will be your primary sales tool and must reflect your expertise in the medium of the 21st century. Then work night and day for your first client, you. Nothing sells marketing firm better than a great marketing strategy. Outstanding creative and aggressive and confident account executives. That's just a couple of tips on how to start a marketing firm. I'm Peggy Collins wishing you good luck and good business."