M3
Motley Media & Marketing Int'l.
Current Projects.
In the beginning, we thoroughly researched our competitors in the Atlanta area. We found a few competitors plastered client's logos all over their website without an explanation of what they did for said company. On the other hand, some competitors displayed a screen shot of their work with bullet points full of technical jargon listing EVERYTHING that they did. It can be overwhelming, not to mention, a headache to read. We get it. They need to look qualified for a large company's marketing department to choose them and their services over the competition.
They overlook the fact that the large company that they are trying to impress, started with a single individual or group of people who worked hard and committed to building that very company from the ground up to what it is today.
We approached several businesses and offered to work on their site, build their social media platform, write their press releases and manage their PR. Some snickered or flat out rejected our offer. They wanted something more tangible than pleasentries and promises. We were a brand new company with no reputation, so they wanted to see results. We put together a team and completed our website in one week. We networked tiredlessly to build relationships with respected professionals in their field, in and around Atlanta, that we would be servicing. Why would they choose to work with us? There is mutual respect, clear communication of expectations and when a problem does arise we work to find a solution together. We are currenly working to gain new clients. We will be uploading our work onto this page very soon.
In the mean time, we decided, what better way to showcase our capabilities than by marketing ourselves?
"We did so much planning and strategy work from Day 1 that we were not fazed by the change. We knew from concept to the company's maturity that we would be able to remain cohesive in our packaging and brand identity. "
"You may have a great idea but if the numbers don't add up - you've got nothing to build on. No investor will touch you and if your Mom knows what is good for her she won't loan you the money either. "
M3 Int'l.
M3 - Stage I Planning & Strategy
September 19, 2013
We practice what we preach. Most people would not sign up for a residual bill unless they knew they would have residual income - we run our business the same way. We eliminated the stress by utilizing all free resources available in the beginning.
The mistake most commonly made by entrepeneurs is the idea that they need to buy business cards, domain name for their website and pay a graphic artist and web designer to create everything all at once.
Not true. In the beginning, the company's logo and name may change a few times.
There will be late nights, beating your head against a wall, trying to think of a clever name that sounds good AND is not already taken by someone else. We should know. Orginally, we called ourselves 'Spotlight Media' and once we realized that even if we added 'the, marketing, group, international, etc.' that there would be someone out there that already had it. It was a nightmare. We went through our list again and found 'Motley' which means diverse thus we kept our colorful circles as the logo and we made it work. Don't get us wrong, there were other names on our back up list but we would have had to redesign a majorty of the site. We did so much planning and strategy work from Day 1 that we were not fazed by the change. We knew from concept to the company's maturity that we would be able to remain cohesive in our packaging and brand identity. Our decision to format our company as an umbrella brand helped. The Cerberus Communications Group, LLC is our parent. Cerberus is the 3 headed dog depicted in mythology. The number 3 is consistant in everything we do under our parent company from the name 3M Int'l, to the vin-diagram style in our logo creating 3 colors, to our sister company specializing in film production. We stay consistant.
In case you are wondering what the Stages mean and how many stages there are keep reading.
Stage I : meaning all the ground work and we mean ALL as in everything. This is the time that to do most of the research of competitors, the market you will be in and creating a 'break even' to calculate, theoretically, how much it will cost you to pay for expenses (rent, equitment, utilities, postage, etc) and if you can profit.
You may have a great idea but if the numbers don't add up - you've got nothing to build on. No investor will touch you and if your Mom knows what is good for her - she won't loan you the money either.
Let's pretend that right off the bat you bought business cards, a domain name and paid a graphic artist and web designer to create an awesome logo and website. Guess what? The business changes its name and logo because you found an investor and they want the changes made now. The new design looks nothing like the old one and you now have 1,000 business cards that you cannot use. Poor planning? We think so. In the case that the business doesn't take off, I suppose you could burn thos business cards for heat in the winter.
It's safe to say spending too much money up front and not investing it into the business does not work out. It is important to understand that as you grow your company vertically, as well as, horizontally that it does not collaspe ontop of you. A solid foundation built with a firm foundation and given proper support can make a cave-in preventable. What foundation are we talking about? Whether you want to be a sole-proprieter, parterneship or limited liability company. That opens its own can of worms : taxes. Its enough to make anyone's eyes glaze over.
Check back next Thursday for this and more information as it relates to Stage II of Planning & Strategy.
Partners
September 19, 2013
Our rapidly growing network ensures that we pick the right individuals to join us when meeting with potential clients and assessing their needs.
Our Partners include:
Graphic designers for logos and branding.
Web designers for page customization and search engine optimization.
Film production companies for commercials and promotional videos.
Business advisors for general guidance and insight on writing a business plan.
Accountants for accurate money management.
Investors for propelling your company forward.
Each member in this carefully knitted community strives to assist individuals launching a business to become successful.
We are a resourceful company. We are an honest company. We choose to work with people who share the same standards that we are built upon.