As you’re going through the process of finding effective marketing support, you should ask yourself a few crucial questions:

1. Where within my business do I need the most guidance and support?  Retention?  New business development?  Cross-sell/upsell?  Referrals?
2. What can the agency/consultant teach me that's going to be most useful/profitable?
3. Does our team here have any strengths and expertise that could be leveraged by the marketing agency/consultant?
4. Where do I see this business in five years,  and what are we prepared to invest to get us there?
5. Who will be the primary point of contact for the agency/consultant?
6. What marketing budget do we have available, and what targets/sales/profits must it deliver in order for this activity to be cost effective?