The Undoing of an Agency
Blue Tide Creative is not a marketing/PR agency. We were at one time, but we dismantled that model to become a solution and not a continuation of a problem.
Let me explain:
Over the past three years, Blue Tide Creative has grown quickly. No longer a one-woman show, I needed help to manage the clients coming my way. I started hiring, and as I did, I caught myself mirroring my business after a traditional agency model, something I detested. I didn't want to micromanage my employees or worry about hours worked and benefits. I wanted to continue to innovate and not be stuck behind a desk. I also love working with my clients, and the thought of me not doing that or being this looming presence in the office sounded horrible to me. I had worked in toxic environments, so why would I want to create one in my own business?!
This year, I have updated our practices, offerings, and processes to create a business model that feels good and benefits and supports my clients, small businesses, and creatives. I've structured my business as a creative collaborative.
Creative collaboration is working with others to accomplish a shared goal in an innovative way. Collaborating allows for new perspectives and for individuals to showcase their talents without as many constraints as an agency.
There are so many amazing creatives and small businesses doing unique things in graphic design, digital marketing, public relations, and content creation that instead of hiring a team, which comes with a lot of overhead and management, I wanted to support existing small businesses and the gig economy.
I want to work with people who inspire and push me to be my best and to evolve. I want anyone who works at or with Blue Tide Creative to be celebrated for their individuality, results, ideas, and contributions and not be bogged down by traditional agency constraints.
So, what does this mean exactly? It means we've got an ever-growing arsenal of incredibly talented creatives and service providers that will be able to not only support each other's businesses, including my own but will give our clients something truly unique. I've seen this first hand this year as I've worked with others on their client projects and had others work with my clients. The results for all have been incredible. Referral fees, bigger contracts, more opportunities, and happy clients.
Instead of furthering toxic work culture and habits, I hope our creative collaborative model inspires others that there isn't just one right way to run a business and to serve clients.
If you want to be added to our list of vendors to partner with on projects, please email me and introduce yourself and your business. If you would like to work with me on an upcoming client project you may have, please reach out and let's chat.
With this structure, we're embracing the mantra of a rising tide lifts all boats. Let's help each other, support our businesses together, and give our clients exceptional service.
Ready to Uncomplicate Your Marketing? Lessons From Our Funnel Fatigue Session.
On August 30, we launched our new series, Uncomplicate Your Marketing, with our session on Funnel Fatigue.
If you didn't sign up or join us live, here are some points we discussed:
B2B and B2C businesses are very different when it comes to funnels and should not be treated the same.
Not everyone follows the linear path of a funnel, and not everyone enters at the same place.
A funnel is different than the customer journey
Customer journey maps are also a good reality check for your marketing funnel.
No two marketing funnels are identical. Every company will have its own twist on it.
The average lead needs as many as eight touchpoints before they feel ready to purchase.
Don’t rely on another freebie or downloadable to get a client or customer
Trust isn't built in a funnel
Be careful not to put all your eggs in one basket.
We'll be announcing our next session in the coming weeks. Email us if there is a current stressor for you in your marketing, and maybe we'll use that as our next session.