In-house services can provide recurring revenue and growth for your business!
First, what are some good guidelines for assessing the existing staff capabilities and overall bandwidth of the organization in order to be able to offer creative services?
AJ: “Talk to the staff and build excitement around the opportunity to do a different type of work than they normally do. The idea of being a part of something new, plus potential career growth opportunities, gets staff excited. However, the new program has to be introduced correctly or staff will look at it as just more work. Does your team have anyone with Agency experience that could be very helpful? How much extra time does the staff have between deadlines? Meet with team members about their current schedule and workload.”
Tell us more about “the process” between publisher and the client.
AJ: “Providing creative services to clients is a very similar process to what both staff and clients are used to. But there is some great client portal software that can be used to track the progress of the work-flow. Pitfalls we always run into are managing client expectations on time frame and results. Always give a cushion to your clients in case the magazine gets in the way. Ask your client their goals so you can manage the results.”
Can you share some tips on maximizing revenue with creative services for clients?
AJ: “Train the sales team about the new services being offered and have them make that a part of their presentation every time. Build from within. There is not always a need to add staff or buy new software etc. And this is very important–do not be afraid to take on projects you have not done before. You made it this far in business, you will figure it out.
What are 3 key steps to starting an in-house creative services agency?
- Just ask. Ask current clients if you can help them in other areas. If you are doing a good job and have the relationship, they will give you a try.
- Be careful that the team does not get too distracted from the day-to-day.
- Get into digital marketing. Everyone wants it and it will help you in your own business.”
More about AJ: Many may wonder what company presidents do. A better question for AJ is, “What doesn’t he do?” A creative hybrid with many years of experience in nearly every aspect of publishing and agency work, AJ manages operations, provides creative direction, strategy and planning. His passion for new ideas and hip business philosophy has helped keep Beson4 ahead of the curve in the 18 years since he founded it. AJ is the epitome of an entrepreneur and even a Jacksonville Jaguar season ticket holder since day one. A dedicated father, AJ loves spending time with his four daughters, big ideas and new discoveries.
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About this blogger: Diana Landau is the Content Wrangler for Niche Media. A former sales director and corporate marketing hack, she has now found nirvana in writing and wrangling quality content. Diana is a food, wine, art and SF Giants enthusiast…who sometimes gets carried away.
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