Marketing Support

Are you stressed because you don't have the expertise, time or staff to get things done?

At Stepping-Stone Marketing Consulting, we can help you reduce stress by providing a marketing professional to support you and your team in a number of ways. We can analyze or assess existing marketing strategies, write marketing or communication plans for you, or provide contract (interim or temporary) marketing services on a part-time, full-time or project basis. Here are some examples of work we've done for others.

Case: Marketing Analysis

The Situation
A large national nonprofit organization implemented a variety of marketing programs associated with the opening of new facilities. Marketing programs were effective at generating interest, but the link to results was uncertain. Pre-planning and tracking reports were limited.

The Solution
A Stepping-Stone consultant assessed previous marketing activities and methods used for planning and tracking results. This assessment uncovered a gap in tracking responders through the final commitment. A tracking spreadsheet was developed and used by staff to follow responders through the entire marketing process. From this, Stepping-Stone analyzed the data and prepared reports that allowed management to effectively monitor progress.

"I have found the insightful analysis provided by Stepping-Stone Consulting to be invaluable when making critical marketing decisions." Tim Zaleski, Regional Vice President, National Church Residences.

Case: Marketing Plan

The Situation
A 55,000 member national nonprofit association that serves students desired to have a written marketing plan, but current staff did not have the time to prepare one. The Executive Director recognized the benefit of gaining an outside perspective and expertise to analyze the current environment, assess existing communications and prepare a comprehensive marketing plan.

The Solution
Stepping-Stone prepared a written marketing plan based on an assessment of other organizations that serve a similar population, interviews with staff and Board members, a review of current member communications and further discussions with staff to shape the final plan. This plan is being used to guide strategic direction and implementation of tactics recommended in the plan.

Case: Communications Plan

The Situation
An established, but struggling mid-sized nonprofit organization that provides healthcare services was understaffed and did not have a Marketing or Communications department. The Executive Director recognized the need for coordinated communications, yet did not have staff with experience in developing a communications plan.

The Solution
Stepping-Stone conducted an assessment of current methods of internal and external communications, and identified and profiled the relevant target audience. A written communications plan was developed and presented to the Executive Director, including recommendations for a communication strategy, the type and frequency of communications, and tactics. This plan was used to guide future communication.

Case: Part-Time Marketing Support

The Situation
A large national nonprofit organization implemented a variety of marketing programs associated with the opening of new facilities. Marketing programs were effective at generating interest. However, the level of follow-through to commitment was unknown and pre-planning and tracking of results was limted. Even though the COO recognized a gap in information, it was not known whether hiring permanent marketing staff would be beneficial.

The Solution
As a 2-day per week assignment for three months, Stepping-Stone initially assessed previous marketing activities and methods for planning and tracking results. This assessment uncovered a gap in tracking responders through to commitment. A tracking spreadsheet was developed to follow responders through the entire marketing process. Corresponding reports and analyses were also prepared to allow management to effectively monitor the situation. The outcome of this work provided valuable insight that was not previously available and created justification for a permanent marketing planning and analysis position.

"I knew I needed marketing expertise, but couldn't justify investing in marketing staff, so I hired Stepping-Stone to help part-time to see what I could learn. I have gained tremendous insight into opportunities to improve operations and marketing effectiveness. Now I know that I have been missing key information and am creating a permanent marketing position." Mark Ricketts, Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, National Church Residences.

For more information, call (740) 548-7145 or send an email to Stepping-Stone Marketing Consulting.