My Rules

Values & Rules

I have a perspective.

Clients choose me because I am a passionate student of marketing principles that work. I show them what’s working now, what they should focus on, and what they can ignore. I’ve been called a truth-teller and that includes telling my clients what’s important in marketing and what isn’t.

If you want your business to avoid being “Amazon-ed,” then it would benefit you greatly to hear an alternative viewpoint that isn’t beholden to Wall Street or a committee.

I am committed to doing what is best for my client’s business. If that means recommending another vendor, then I do it. If it means telling you about a project that is less lucrative for me but will get the job done, I will do it.

I am stubbornly persistent when it comes to unearthing my client’s target market buying triggers. I am also fiercely curious, which is why I adore research. This curiosity opens up new horizons for both myself and my client’s business.

I am a Common Sense Advocate. Common sense isn’t so common and I have no interest in respecting a status quo that just isn’t working. I look for clients who are open-minded and willing to experiment. Otherwise, there is no reason to hire me. Think Different isn’t just Apple’s thing. It’s mine.

I am different from most marketers and writers. I have Rules and Values that are not negotiable:

Rule of Laughter

I love to laugh and keep things lively. I view marketing as a lab and experimenting can be a lot of fun. Creative work is based on the time-honored practice of play. Theories are nice, but it’s when we start twirling out ideas like a big cotton candy machine that we thrive.

Rule of Family

My husband and family mean a great deal to me. More important than you… just as your family is more important than me. This means that if there’s a choice between work and family, the family wins. Don’t worry. I’ll never miss a reasonable deadline.

Rule of RFPs

I used to spend a lot of time on proposals. No more. Instead, let’s have a phone conversation where we discuss your needs and how I can help. I follow up with an agreement that sets the expectations in black and white.

Rule of Legalese

I do not get wrapped up with legal agreements. My agreement is the only one I’ll sign. That includes confidentiality regarding your proprietary information.

Rule of Mutual Respect

I do not work for you. I work with you. Because of this, we treat each other equally and with respect. If you call or email, for example, you expect a timely response. You will get it. I expect the same treatment in return. My response time is usually within 48 hours or less.

Rule of Value

I am not cheap. I am reassuringly expensive. My fees are neither based on time nor travel. They are based on the ultimate value of my participation, as well as my own unique experiences (professional and personal), skill set, and education. If you are looking for cheap, we are happy to suggest less experienced writers and marketers.

Rule of Travel

I don’t fly coach. In order for me to be fully productive, physically rested, and mentally fresh for you, I fly first class. Very rarely do I travel since most of the work I do for my clients is completed through online channels, phone calls, and web conferences. Unless you need me for a live presentation and training session, there’s a very good chance travel will be unnecessary.

Rule of Net-30-60-90

I don’t do net-30-60-90. Once a client signs my agreement, which explains the project deliverables, an invoice will be sent. Prompt payment is expected to reserve the time in my schedule.