How can I obtain a proposal from Neustadt Creative Marketing for a specific project?

Because our marketing solutions are tailored to individual client needs and capacities, we do not have a boilerplate proposal we can send upon first inquiry. We prefer to have one or two conversations with institutional representatives prior to developing a written proposal. Critical questions that we will ask during this preliminary discovery phase involve the size, number, and composition of relevant audiences, as well as the nature of past and current communications practices.

Can I hire Neustadt Creative Marketing to produce our new viewbook (or logo or campaign case statement)?

For us, creative implementation flows from research and strategy. We first develop a plan; then we manage its implementation. There are a number of good reasons why this approach might not be right for you. You might feel that you already have a good handle on your marketing strategy, and you only need a partner to help you with the creative end. Or you might feel that the time is not right at your institution to focus on research and strategy. In any event, in those cases you are better served contacting  any one of a number of excellent creative firms to help with your communications project. Some of our favorites include North Charles Street Design Organization, Michael Beirut at Pentagram, Korn Design, and Plainspoke. You might also choose to work with a local designer in your area.

Can I hire Neustadt Creative Marketing to conduct research and produce a strategy? I want to handle the development and implementation of our publications and Web site myself (or work with another firm).

Yes, absolutely. It is not a prerequisite of working with NCM that you agree to engage us for creative implementation. Some of our most rewarding and valuable projects have been those in which we simply conducted research and developed a plan, and then left its implementation to others. In such cases, you get the benefit of working with a firm that is skilled at creative implementation, so our recommendations are realistic and easy to implement even if we are not the ones doing the implementing.

How long would a comprehensive assessment and marketing plan take to complete?

The answer depends on the size of your institution. For an independent school, we will generally conduct all research and deliver a final report in four to six months. For a liberal arts college or professional school, six to nine months; and for a university with multiple professional schools and programs, nine months or longer.

My institution is averse to “marketing speak.” I believe that we could benefit from your services. How can I overcome internal resistance that I know I’m going to encounter?

We work exclusively with educational institutions and, as a result, we are experienced at speaking in ways that make sense to faculty, students, and administrators. If you look at our list of past and current clients, you’ll see many institutions that you would expect to have reservations about working with marketing consultants. We work hard on building buy-in at an institution over the course of a project. One reason for our success is that we take the time to truly understand and appreciate each institution’s mission.

Are you expensive?

Our prices are reasonable given our experience and the quality and scope of services that we provide.  Our main focus is on providing lasting value for the institutions for which we work. If you are an educational institution with a highly-valued academic mission, it is more beneficial in the long run to conduct a single, high-quality marketing project rather than purchase a larger quantity of less rigorous or tailored services.

How many projects do you handle at one time?

We generally undertake one to three new client engagements of varying sizes per year. Since start dates differ, it’s not difficult to stagger projects and avoid being overwhelmed. If we ever feel that we cannot accomplish your work in the time frame you desire, we will let you know prior to starting.

What makes for the best fit between your firm and a potential client?

The institutions with which we work best know how to derive benefit from an external perspective. They are open and committed to change as a way to achieve institutional objectives. Finally, it is important that organizations have buy-in from major internal constituencies. Our projects require a good deal of support up and down the line. We help build that support through our customized approach, but internal resistance can be a serious impediment if the client has begun without critical parties on board.

Who owns the materials when you are done?

You do. All of our work is conducted as work for hire, so at the conclusion of any project and payment of all fees, you take possession of all concepts, recommendations, work product, and raw materials. You assign us a limited right to present and discuss the work in our own promotional materials. Please note that this work-for-hire provision may not cover some of our subcontractors, such as photographers, illustrators, or videographers. These relationships are handled by separate agreement. We always negotiate the broadest use terms possible on behalf of our clients so that they can reuse materials at their discretion.

How do I get started?

Read through services and a few of the case studies to get an approximate sense of the scope of services that fits your situation. Then give us a call (or, via e-mail, set up an appointment to speak over the phone). Contact us at mark@ncmark.com or 410-825-7660. Speak with BethAnne or Mark.