FAQ
Getting Started with DemGen
- How do you handle confidentiality with your outsourced staff?
- What is the process for choosing the best fit for an admin assistant and how do we begin working together?
- How do I choose the projects to begin with?
- How do you train your team to best phase in support for clients whose schedules are already maxed out?
- How do you track time used?
- How will I know that my project manager and other business experts on the team are working?
Future Vision Map
- What do each of the packages include?
- How is the FVM different from a business plan or marketing plan?
- Have you worked with clients in the X industry? If you haven’t worked with clients in the X industry, how will you know how to guide me with my business?
- How long does a FVM take to complete?
- How much does it cost?
- I already have a business plan. Do I need a FVM?
- I need more information about the FVM. Who should I contact?
(If you have a question we haven’t answered, email us at ask@demgen.com!)
Getting Started with DemGen
- How do you handle confidentiality with your outsourced staff?
In regard to confidentiality, all of our clients sign a mutual NDA that covers the relationship with any member of the DemGen team. That is sent along with the Services Agreement once you make the commitment to working with us. - What is the process for choosing the best fit for an admin assistant and how do we begin working together?
Choosing the best fit for your support person/ team is based on a few things – KOLBE scores, your specific needs and the project manager with the genius abilities that fit those needs (that point person/ PM then has the support of our whole team of experts for tasks that they can manage), sense of humour, flexibility and availability (we have a number of project managers that support a few clients to allow them full-time working hours) – some of our clients only need support a few hours per week… some need full-time support. NOTE: A client can request a change of project manager or support person(s) at any time – that is why our team approach works so well. If there was a change to a key support role, the new person is not coming in cold. - How do you choose the projects to begin with?
Prioritizing what to delegate – we ask all new clients to create as a full list as possible of what they don’t want to do or would prefer to delegate to a support person, then we prioritize those tasks and get started right away in taking things of your plate! - How do you train your team to best phase in support for clients whose schedules are already maxed out?
Training – the initial intake call is a chance to confirm what tools you use, prioritize your support needs and get you familiar with our project management program, Basecamp (unless you have a program you would prefer that we use). Once we have that initial call, then we begin the trust and relationship building process! Give a few tasks, start working together …. and in no time at all, you will be handing over the “keys to the kingdom” (this is a phrase one of our newest clients used when providing her PM with all her email logins to start managing all the traffic!) - How do you track time used?
Time completed is updated daily or every few days via our project management program. On a weekly basis we updated time available from the hours purchased and generally advise clients when about 10 hours are left so we can ensure the next batch of hours is in place and no momentum is lost.
Hours purchased DO NOT need to be completed per month, we realize that some months are heavier than others for support for many reasons and quite often the front end of the relationship (the Getting to Know You stage) can require more time commitment as all systems, processes and the relationship between client and project manager are growing. Hours can roll into subsequent months as needed. Each of our business experts only tracks the time they actually worked on tasks or projects, you are not billed for someone waiting to be delegated to!
NOTE: A full-time employee is paid for a certain number of hours each day + holiday pay + you need to have room for them in your office and provide the equipment for them to perform their duties. With DemGen, you pay only for hours worked and each member of the team is responsible for their own office equipment, phone services, internet and so on. If you need someone to support you 5 hours per week – we are your team; if you need someone to support you 40 hours per week – we are your team! - How will I know that my project manager and other business experts on the team are working?
You will see consistent results and start feeling more comfortable about delgating!
As tasks or projects are completed, you will see the finished product. Our team of experts work efficiently and can generally provide an estimate of time required for projects that require a longer commitment then general support such as social media or marketing efforts.
Future Vision Map
- What do each of the packages include?
The Future Vision Map (FVM) (complete)is a comprehensive business coaching and planning process where we determine where you are, where you want to go, how and when you’re going to get there, and who’s going to do it. Yes, it’s a map. First, we help you define your business purpose, marketing, financial and organizational goals. We then conduct a comprehensive situational assessment where we learn more about your core competencies and the market, including customers and competitors. We help define a robust marketing strategy and put together an implementation plan, complete with tasks, budgets, timelines and responsibilities. At the end of the process, you have a map in your hand and are ready to take your business places. This package is perfect for those that wish to get an outside perspective about their entire business operations and build a growth strategy.
The Future Vision Map (Marketing) is a comprehensive coaching and planning process for building and rolling out a new marketing strategy. We will work with you to learn more about your business’ customers and competitors, build your business’ target audience, value proposition and positioning, along with strategies and tactics for achieving your goals. This plan is perfect for those business owners that are comfortable with where they stand regarding their overall business operations, but need guidance in rolling out a new product or market expansion. - How is the FVM different from a business plan or marketing plan?
A business plan is a document that is 25 pages long and sits on a shelf after you write it. A Future Vision Map is a living, breathing document with your business strategy broken down into action steps that you can implement right away. You also have the option of reviewing and revising your map periodically throughout the year (highly recommended). - Have you worked with clients in the X industry? If you haven’t worked with clients in the X industry, how will you know how to guide me with my business?
Our strategists have worked with clients in over 25 industries, from pet care to internet marketing to financial planning to ‘End of Life’ care. It is our firm belief that not matter which industry you’re from, the planning and coaching process remains largely the same. Sure, we may take a bit of time to understand how your industry works. However, we apply time-tested business principles in order to build your FVM. - How long does a FVM take to complete?
The Future Vision Map process is conducted over phone or Skype. We will deliver your project 5-7 weeks from commencement, provided we speak with you at least once per week. Typically, we will need to speak with a client around 5-6 times (1 to 1.5 hours for each call).The FVM-Marketing requires approximately 4 calls. (1 to 1.5 hours for each call). - How much does it cost?
Please contact Gary Evans, Chief Growth Officer (gary@demgen.com) with your requirements. We will get back to you with a proposal. - I already have a business plan. Do I need a FVM?
We will never deliberately sell you services you do not need. If you are reasonably certain about the strategic direction in which your company is headed, and have tactical plans laid out and ready for implementation, then you do not need a Future Vision Map. If you’re still not sure, we are open to reviewing your business plan and giving you an honest opinion on whether or not a Future Vision Map will add value to your business. - I need more information about the FVM. Who should I contact?
Please visit our website FutureVisionMap.com or contact Gary Evans, Chief Growth Officer (gary@demgen.com)
