I’ve never been one to hide my disdain for marketing agencies.
Charlatans and scumbags of the highest order.
I’m yet to meet one I’d trust to get me a coffee – let alone one I’d trust to help me put food on my table money.
Anyway, last week I got to witness one first hand take a swift bullet to the back of the head.
It was extra enjoyable as they had screwed over a friend.
Here’s how it went down…
A while back a buddy who runs a local building company asked me for advice.
He specializes in ‘McMansions’ for footballers.
… Big one-off houses along Millionaire’s Row.
You know the kind…
Massive.
Expensive.
Butt ugly.
Anyway, he wanted the marketing ‘off his hands.’
(That was his first mistake BTW. )
He was knee-deep in a big build and feeling overwhelmed.
Anyway, this millennial-made marketing agency promised the earth, so he signed on the dotted line.
A few months in, they gave him an update.
“Excellent. You’re likes and comments are up 331%.”
My friend, well, he was happy with the ‘excellent’ progress and so he toed the line and topped up the retainer…
Until we meet for dinner.
He asked me to take a look.
“Charlie, I don’t understand all this mate. It means nothing to me. What do you think?”
My thoughts?
“Last time I checked ‘likes’ don’t feed your kids Alan.”
It was only then that the penny dropped.
So he did what needed to be done.
Fired ‘em there and then.
On the spot and while we waited for dinner.
See the truth is, when you play this game for yourself you’ve got to be wise.
Wiser than most.
Especially when it comes to your marketing.
Maybe the corporate fat cats can waste time and money on the social media side-show.
You cannot.
It doesn’t matter how many likes, comments, or arse tickles you got.
The only measure to ever care about is this:
How much food did it put on my table?
How much money did it take to the bank?
Because, remember…
Views don’t pay the bills, put your kids through school or take the other half on holiday.
Money and ROI does.
Until next time.
Make More. Provide More. Be More.
Charlie Hutton
