The B Word

Leanne here, back again! We’re considering starting a “Where in the World is…Dave Saunders” segment with all his jetsetting lately but… in the meantime, you get the VP with another Southern-grandma-approved rant, though maybe slightly less comfy than my last one about partnership. It’s about the “B” word, friends… budgets!

Eek, I know, you don’t want to talk about it! I get it! Sharing your marketing budget with a potential partner can feel intimidating. You might think, “Why don’t I just see what they come up with first?” or “I don’t really know my budget yet.”

But here’s the thing: knowing your budget – even just an estimated one – helps us help you. Without it, we’re like a chef cooking without knowing the size of the dinner party or the menu preferences. Are we making a 5-course meal, or are we whipping up an impressive appetizer that has them coming back for more?

Here’s why being upfront about your Marketing budget is actually a game-changer:

• Creative Thinking: Should we dream up something bold and out-of-the-box, or are we acting like a “special ops” team tackling a specific goal?
• Audience Reach: Are we talking to the whole state or just your neighborhood? 
• Channels: Should we think big like TV, digital ads, and unique placements, or focus on a single, high-impact tactic?

Having even a budget estimate helps us customize a plan of attack that fits perfectly without wasting time; just smart, targeted recommendations that work for your business and for your CFO.

So, if you’re reaching out to a potential partner (maybe you’ll call me at Madison+Main, 804-521-4141!), don’t be afraid to share what you’re working with. We promise to be a genuine partner, make every dollar count, and deliver something amazing.