Jim Tome Webmarketing

Well, I'm big into planning and communication. I can't stress those enough. I like to know all of the project parameters, what might grow out of it, and how it fits into an overall strategy. Maybe that's a little overkill, but I've been around the block in the past 30 years and know that a "larger conversation" will always save time, money, and effort in the long run. That might not be something other providers can offer, but it's just the way I do business. You can expect a lot of constant communication, especially up front. I don't consider a project done until you are completely satisfied.

My "school" education is a degree in finance, which, long ago, I used to manage the financial aspects of regional communication equipment projects. Why is that important? I like thinking of every aspect of a project, not just the part I may be working on. Planning, deadlines, and how one small project fits into an overall strategy are important to me. As far as direct training or experience, over 30 years, I've worked at two trade publications as the layout/design person (and print production manager), I've worked at five advertising agencies from small 2- or 3-person shops to managing a department of a dozen designers and production people. I'm largely self-taught, but that shouldn't scare you. My portfolio is a heck of a lot broader and more creative than most graphic designers, marketers, and advertising specialists.

As I said, I like to talk about the project first. Sure, the simple aspects that you might be directly looking for, but also how it might fit into a larger strategy. My pricing is based on hours I estimate a project will take to complete. I'm pretty good at estimating, having worked on just about every sized project in almost every media in the past decades.

When I was working at Motorola (a much, much bigger company back a couple of decades ago), I kept seeing a need for marketing, advertising, and graphic design that was needed by various departments and divisions. Their own in-house staff was too busy for most smaller projects, so I started filling in. Soon, I was given larger and larger projects because of my creativity and ability to work fast. From there, I started working at one advertising agency after another, took some time to work also in publishing and PR, and from there launched my own agency almost a decade ago. Today, I've scaled back to have some more personal time, but I am aching to work with people I like on projects that are fun and fulfilling.

You name it, I've probably worked with them! Here's the "short list" of industries I am pretty familiar with:

Automobiles & Transportation

Consumer Electronics

Food & Drug Packaging

Fraternal Organizations & Clubs

Local Government & Facilities

Healthcare

Horticulture & Gardening

Hospitality

Industrial Manufacturing

Museums & Destinations

Non-Profits

Real Estate & Development

Recreation & Travel

Service Industries

Sports Team

Trade Associations

I'm guessing you mean a project-type event. Okay, here's one: I had a client was a pretty big automobile repair business, especially in the area. While he did a lot of the typical coupon advertising most service industries as this do, he wanted to have an event at his business (they just moved into a larger facility and renovated it). I worked with the client to create a series of Sunday seminars for women that taught them about automobiles: buying new and used, car care, driving in dangerous conditions, maintenance, dealing with car repairs, etc. Since it happened in the winter (when he was slow), we fashioned the venue and the event (including promotions, study material, giveaways, etc.) with a sort of Great Northern Cabin feel. A lot of plaid, comfort food, and laid back attitudes. It was a huge success -- his service work took a huge leap forward during a time of the year when things are slow.

Do your research and don't shop on price. There's a lot of competition and many levels of creativity, experience, and ability. Make sure you like who you are working with and that they take a "big picture" approach, even if your project is small. If I don't like you or your project, I'm not going to be enthusiastic nor look to do more for you outside of the parameters of the initial project. You want a provider who is going to make your job easier, save you money in the long run, and improve your business. 

A lot of the time, I have a new customer say "I just need this or that." The word "just" is a red flag for me as it shows you aren't thinking about a bigger strategy or that you have minimized the project you are presenting me. Don't be afraid to ask about experience, past projects, and how this job would play into a larger picture. I would want you to challenge me and have the trust that I can help you not only with this project, but others to come, even years down the line. You should see if the person you will be working with could be considered a good friend at some point, so ask questions along those lines. You should be looking for a partner here. Otherwise, don't waste my -- and your -- time.