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Letters and comments from clients on
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 Working
together...
Scroll down for processes, but the single
best thing you can do after that is to call me and describe what you're trying to
accomplish. It is the way to start, short of meeting in person. I'm easy
to talk with, and I can answer the questions that you have. Call me.
Don Calderwood, 440-352-0393, usually 8:30 to 5
Eastern Std. Time. If I'm unavailable, please leave a message, a
telephone number, and the best time to get back to you. Easy.
More? How would I work with you, and what is the process? I
gather information from you about what you want done, and what you want
to accomplish. Together we discuss and define the project as it relates
to your objectives. The standard interview questions apply, as in who,
what, why, where, how, and so on. I ask good questions, I listen very
well, and I learn quickly - I've been doing this for years, and it is
second nature.
In this process I get to know and understand your operations and
objectives, and how this project fits in. As we progress, we communicate
via telephone, email, fax, possibly in person if you are local. I gather
references and materials. I observe and I study. I follow closely the
organizational colors, styles, fonts used, etc., if and as appropriate,
so whatever we're working on blends with your image. If it is a
newsletter, for example, it is your newsletter, and has the look and
feel of your organization. As we discuss your project and it
becomes more defined, I'd provide you with an estimate of the time that
it will take. A Standard Letter of Engagement would be forwarded to you,
and a deposit is required that is credited against the work to be done.
I work hourly and bill hourly, providing a detailed report with any
invoice, usually sent at the end of each month, as appropriate.
Review and Approval: We go back and forth as the project
develops, and you review and approve what we are working on as we
progress. Work is not so much done for you, but with you - you're
involved from the first. The clearer we are from the start, the better
the work progresses, easier and more smoothly. We draft and submit
the material to you. You review and comment and correct, as necessary
and appropriate. We discuss, make changes, get feedback, review and
refine the work. We drive then toward completion, and you approve the
final of whatever it is. The end result is not a mystery or a
surprise. That's the usual process, and it works. Again, please call
me.
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Project Sizes
- Scope - Capabilities
I handle small and medium projects personally. I include the
services of a professional graphic designer and illustrator as a
consultant or co-producer on most jobs. When you fuse crisp and
clear copywriting with just the right design you add great power
to the message, to the work itself, to the impact it makes. I expand
capabilities when others are needed, or for large projects involving
much writing and deadlines. I call upon other experienced, professional,
freelance copywriters, printers, specialty printers, etc., ones that I
know and have experience with, when the project calls for it. Regardless, I manage the entire process.
Single Project
or Long Term Client Relationships
Usually I will accept one time jobs or projects. Longer term client
relationships are beneficial, both ways. Often a single job turns into
more work or ongoing work and projects, depending. I have clients
that I have worked with for almost 20 years and a good
number in the five to fifteen year spread. For many clients I produce
and manage most or all of their communications in print or in electronic
forms, such as websites, newsletters, brochures, etc.
Your Objectives &
Clarity
Your objectives rule. Everything has a purpose and an
objective. After understanding yours, I ply my craft to deliver on
what you need accomplished.
 Working with clients,
and developing a plan
Each client is different, unique, even if two businesses
are in
the same business and in the same market, and my experience is that they are
"night and day." They will have different needs, a different
vision, differing objectives.
Recognizing this clearly, a cooperative plan is developed around the specific
objectives of the client. I start with questions.
"What
do you want to have done? What are your
objectives, and what are you trying to accomplish? What is making it difficult? What
is your 'position' within your market? How do you communicate with your markets
now?" And I can help you flesh out the answers, and help to pin down
targets if they seem hazy. I study, analyze, consider, evaluate, and explore.
I refine a plan with you, suggest possible alternatives, and then begin to help implement the
plan and the process from there.
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Examples of services provided to various clients
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Special
Projects - Examples
Short and long term projects
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-
1400 page
operations manual, A-Z, documentation, update process, conventions, controls
-
Unique customer
service program design
-
Computer file
conversions for web access, implementation, html and PDF formats, intranet
distribution
-
Computerize
documents and then convert all information for the web.
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Client A: Brochure, sales letters, newsletter twice per year.
Client B:
Logo, image analysis and plan, new image program and
implementation - multiple items, all company literature, website, mailings to
customers and prospects, etc.
Client C:
Presentation folders, disk holders, presentation
materials in hard copy and in software format, sales support materials,
collaterals
Client D:
All company materials and information relating to
sales, marketing, advertising, public relations: logo, name type, forms,
sales flyers, advertising, press releases, articles, web site, newsletter,
background pieces, email bulletins, letters, customer service program,
etc. Ongoing services.
For
a full range of services, see
Services Overview:
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Our service niche and orientation
 The services
I provide, at root, begin
with communication, with professional writing as a base, and experience in
design and publishing. Using many different vehicles, many services are related to developing sales, marketing, advertising, and PR
materials in print or electronic format. Some are definitely not; I've done
work in diverse forms and arenas. I am completely computerized, as well
as far above average as a knowledgeable user. Again, most writing and editing and design is promotional
writing, but by no means all. Please inquire and describe your project. If
it is not something I could tackle with reasonable comfort, I'll most
certainly decline. See the
service
overview and specific service pages.
What I
provide in quality. Notes on relationships and projects.
I provide creative
services with materials and representations in excellent quality. Whether it is a standard or special project,
I focus on quality. In terms
of philosophy, ethics and values are high on my list. I work at establishing professional,
mutually respectful relationships with clients. My relationships with clients are set on an equal basis -
I don't work for
a client so much as I work with a client. Many clients have been with me for the long haul,
some for 17 to 19 years, and
my teamwork approach with client objectives is usually very successful.
I don't take on all projects that are offered, nor do I work with organizations that are outside of
my interests or my desire to serve their particular objectives. I'm not
adversarial. Life is too short for certain kinds of hassles. I serve clients,
and provide them with an advantage. That's what I do; that's my purpose.
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Letters from clients -
actual
letters on file
performance references:
"It is our
pleasure to endorse your services to our company. The brochures,
letterhead, and newsletters that you have produced for us exceeded any
expectations that we had. We've had nothing but compliments on the
quality and content of our brochure and newsletters."
- - President, Sales, Installation, & Service Co.
"Just a quick note to
thank you for the great help you have been in getting our website
"Search Engine Friendly". I'm especially pleased at how you were able to
instruct me so I understand the internet world a little better. You were
able to place us on Google's first page with your ideas and help us get
better placement on all the major search engines. That is truly an
accomplishment since I know that their algorithms change all the time.
Your work was precise, concise, and very effective. ...I appreciate that
you are very easy to work with..."
- -
President, Sales and Consulting Co.
"Your work over the years has made our state association one of the
most respected associations in our industry." - - Client association president
"Thank you. Your advice in every area we've discussed, even though you are
not an expert in our segment of the business, has been right on target. In fact,
your creativity is evident in everything you've done, from logos to letters."
- - President, professional service firm
"As I told you, before
you completely overhauled our website I couldn't even find my own website in the
search engines! This was very frustrating to me. Now, ...in all our main
products and pages our web shows up in the main searches - high up in the
rankings too. It's real sharp and we are getting some inquiries and some good
comments too. So in a word, thanks."
- - President, Sales,
Installation, & Service Co.
 "We have gained national
recognition in our field, won awards for some of our end-user literature, and
continue to move up
in the national rankings..."
- - VP/Gen. Manager, wholesale
service firm
"I would welcome any
inquiries from clients or prospective clients in reference to your
services." - - Client association
president
"Your efforts have been
appreciated not only locally, but on the state level as well."
- - Private agency, association
executive director
"...[ They are ] all so busy you can hardly ever get
them on the phone or get them to pay attention to you, but here they are.
Calling me! You said you wanted to hear from me whether I’m happy with your
service. What am I happy with? EVERYTHING!
- -
President, contracting firm
"It is my pleasure to recommend
your services to any prospective client, enthusiastically. Your dedication to
the enormous task of converting our standards (over 1200 pages with hundreds of
graphs and drawings) is much appreciated."
- - Chief, Staff Engineering, Public Utility
"You asked us to let you know how we are satisfied with your services in
regard to marketing, consultation, advertising, writing, etc. After discussing
your request with the other principals I am pleased to inform you that you have
scored highly in all the areas which count."
- - Principal, major professional services firm
"I am extremely proud that our newsletter has been recognized for the fine
publication that it is, and I know that the entire membership shares this
feeling with me." -
- Association president
"It was only through
your efforts that the newsletter is now a communications gem. It is said
that the highest form of compliment is when your product is copied. We
are seeing that, as other chambers and organizations begin using ideas
from our newsletter."
- - Former chamber of
commerce president
References
and contacts...
I'll be happy to provide
specific contacts to qualified prospective clients, references with
details and complete contact information. Please inquire.
Specific services? See
Services Overview:
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