When a business decision can affect on other parts of the business or the business as a whole, it’s critical that the strategy behind the decision is based on the bigger picture.

A small example: A new, small business wants a brochure to leave behind at sales calls and send to prospects. The owner has no idea what kinds of promotional materials the competition uses, nor any knowledge of their positioning.

A big example: Two companies merge and existing customers are nervous about what the merger means for them. While the financials are solid, the customer base is reeling from shock.

While there are great communications strategies for solving these problems, the strategies cannot emerge unless we take a close look at the companies, their competitive environments, and their customers.

That’s why there’s a consulting component to every one of our assignments. We want to ensure that our clients choose the strategy that’s most beneficial and cost-effective. So, if a new business owner calls and asks “How much for a brochure?” there’s absolutely no pat answer because it’s just not that simple.

At Spiegel Editorial & Graphics, we love it when a first conversation with a client demonstrates that they really done their homework: they understand the communications problem, the competition, and their customers and they’re ready to work out the solution strategy.

However, we also love it when that first conversation reveals that the client needs some help in defining the problem. We’re glad to put together a punch list of information we need for the client to gather. And, when an independent perspective is better, we can do the research, draw conclusions, and recommend next steps.

Whatever process we decide upon, our goal is to ensure successful, cost-effective outcomes that build long-term client relationships. For us, there simply isn’t a better way to do business.