Wagner Design Associates adapts to client needs by pulling from its network of collaborators. Overall, the firm views its small size as an advantage as it allows them to more closely interact with their clients.
Like this? Let us know with a $5 donation, so we can do more
In the past few years, Wagner Design Associates has significantly progressed from a sole proprietorship to a partnership with seven employees. Founded more than 20 years ago, the firm is clearly not on a rapid growth path. Rather they view their small size as an advantage. It allows them to more closely interact with their clients.
The firm adapts to client needs by pulling from its network of collaborators. They provide additional staffing as required. They also allow the firm to stay current with technology by supplying a pool of people familiar with the latest trends. It's worth noting that Wagner Design Associates became a partnership in part by incorporating one of its longtime collaborators, Kathy Roeser.
The first thing that struck me as interesting was Weber Design’s apparent lack of a formal marketing plan. It seems that this could be a tool to increase their market visibility and allow for faster growth. It could be a case of not fixing something that isn’t broken, though, because the word-of-mouth referrals have apparently been meeting their operational needs. Having limited knowledge of the industry myself, I am merely going on a strategy utilized for any business. The marketing firm industry could have a similar structure as the construction contractor industry; anyone with talent doesn’t need to advertise. Although Weber Design doesn’t appear to have a formal marketing plan, the avenues that they currently use, such as business networking groups and community involvement, would be the top on the list to pursue since I am assuming a large portion of their clientele are smaller businesses that use those same avenues.
I definitely want to applaud them for their proactive position in the implementation of new technologies. I have taken some classes in computer design and web site construction and have noticed the speed in which in has become easier for the average consumer to produce something that is functional albeit not with all the bells and whistles. By utilizing technology early, Weber Design has been able to combat the desires of the do-it-yourself designer to save money by differentiating the quality Weber Design is able to provide as well as focus on all types of marketing media.
Neil Gounaris