Solutions The following consulting solutions are the most frequently asked for in the industry today. Strategic consulting, management team retreats, executive recruitment and on-site interim executive placement are also available. Advertising Audit New Products Strategic Planning Consumer & Trade Research Market Snapshot Audience Research Employee Research Consumer Satisfaction Studies Consumer Behavior Studies Internet/Web site Studies Media Studies Advertising Audit Audits provide a complete review of an advertising department, its structure, production and operations. These audits assess the system as it currently stands and can bring to light areas in which improvements can be made. They can analyze any or all of the below: Overall departmental review Rate card analysis Contract structures Revenue by sub-department and category Competitive review and analysis Salesperson compensation and incentive programs Salesperson productivity and training New business development strategies New/niche product development Existing client retention and development Client communications Sales materials, advertising and promotions Advertising and Rate Card Audits are two of the most frequently requested activities. These audits allow for benchmarking against competitive newspapers of similar size and geography as well as volume recommendations. New Products The firm is involved in developing new products for broadcast, print and the Internet. These products allow the various media platforms to gain greater reach among their various audience segments, which translates into higher revenue and new market share opportunities. We address ethnicity-based opportunities (Hispanic, etc.), generational cohorts (seniors, Boomers, Gen X, Gen Y, etc.) and parenting-related publications/online initiatives, among others through strategic analysis of your marketplace, with audits focused on competing publications and Web sites. Business planning and project management are also available. Strategic Planning The firm has strong roots in strategic planning, brand development, product repackaging and tactical programs, and has extensive experience in convergence-based marketing among mixed media. In today’s media environment, it is nearly impossible to rely on one media type to reach a multitude of audience segments. Converged, or mixed media, allows the media types to work together to expand beyond conventional means to reach the audience members who are most valuable to you. Consumer & Trade Research Both quantitative and qualitative study methods are included in Media Solutions Consulting Group’s expertise. Quantitative research includes telephone (both land-line and mobile), online and direct mail surveys. Some are one-time projects while many are repeated yearly for trending purposes. Qualitative research includes focus group work, as well as executive interviews. This type of research can be helpful in gaining personal insight from employees and consumers that quantitative research cannot always collect. In-depth work in consumer satisfaction and attitudes is a key function of the company. Market Snapshot These snapshots provide a review of market presence to explore opportunities for business growth. Research in this arena employs both primary and secondary methods designed to measure current strengths and weaknesses, as well as the competitive environment. An “umbrella” approach is then implemented to capitalize on future growth and expansion opportunities. Audience Research Knowing who is being reached by your product or message is invaluable information. This type of research can delve into any and every demographic and psychographic aspect of interest to tell you who you are reaching, and how frequently. Employee Research Satisfaction and attitudinal employee data can be gathered using both quantitative and qualitative means. Surveying (a quantitative method) collects hard numbers that yield specific deliverables. Qualitative methods, however, can also deliver meaningful data by aiding in internal product development initiatives—bringing the perspectives of employees to the table in focus group settings, for example. Both methods yield planning and development programs that benefit both the employees and company. Customer Satisfaction Studies This research type measures customer satisfaction as it applies to changes or additions to your products and/or services. It can either take place before, during or after new products/services are implemented, and can be a one-time study, a yearly study or a longitudinal study of a select group of customers to track their acceptance and response to new or changing initiatives. Consumer Behavior Studies Studies delving into consumer behavior patterns frequently measure shopping and purchasing habits. This research can take place over time to show trending or can be cross-sectional, meaning the consumers are questioned at a single point in time. These studies can either be single-market or cross-market, depending on the scope and geographical area of your interest. Internet/Web site Studies Your Web site can be your key to attracting the consumers you desire. We work with you to develop your site, making it not only visually appealing, but functional, for easy consumer navigation and utility. Beyond aesthetics, we measure consumer engagement with your site. Media Studies These studies relate to levels of media consumption. Media types are not limited to traditional means, but mobile media and others as they become available. Each generation tends to have a new and preferred media type. Media Solutions Consulting Group recognizes this and is prepared to adapt accordingly. 112 N. East Street, Tampa, FL 33602 Phone: 813-229-5997 Fax: 813-229-0982 E-mail: info@mediasolutionscg.com © 2008 Media Solutions Consulting Group. All rights reserved. Site designed and maintained by Hill Coniglio Polins & Associates.