Consultant Testimonials - The Bedford Group

The Bedford Group, Atlanta

3343 Peachtree Road NE Suite 333
Atlanta GA 30326
United States

Sponsoring professional and collegiate sports activities can be a fun, exciting venture for a corporation. Choosing the correct sports and constructing (and negotiating) the most advantageous sponsorship packages is a combination of art and science. Sports marketing should be treated like any other strategic marketing initiative. Sports are a means to a marketing end. Unfortunately, in too many cases, the decision to sponsor a sport and subsequent decisions on the structure and components of the sponsorship can be made with little study of the tangible business effect the decision can have. Click here to read more about building an effective sports marketing program.

The Universal Truths for Marketing the Benefits of a Major Merger/Acquisition In the past five years there was an average of 9,800 merger and acquisition announcements in the United States. Recent studies indicate that as many as 70% of mergers fail to deliver on the expected results, and as many as 50% of mergers may actually erode value. "Doing the deal," is the tip of the iceberg. The successful integration of the two businesses is where the promises are kept or misspent. The company's market position is on the line during a major corporate change event. Employees can become internally focused, customers become confused and competitors take advantage. The company's brand reputation and market momentum can suffer badly. Click here to read more about successful marketing planning during M&A activity.

As financial pressures affecting the general business environment continue to intensify, negotiating profitable service agreements has become increasingly challenging. There seems to be unprecedented client pressure on service firm fees and rates. Added to that, corporate procurement departments are taking on greater responsibilities in managing agency relationships. What was (or seemed to be) the last bastion of corporate governance—marketing spend—has now become the “hotbed” of negotiating rituals and guidelines never before seen between marketers and their agencies. In contract discussions with hundreds of clients and an annual survey The Bedford Group conducts, we have encountered a high degree of skepticism about the validity of agency charges and good faith negotiations. It is not surprising that marketers and agencies are frustrated with the compensation process. Click here to read about cost optimization without impeding the value of the agency relationship.

Relationships permeate every aspect of our lives – both personal and business. There are good ones and poor ones. Business partnerships assume a prominent role in the strategy of leading firms. Successful business partnerships are built on trust, confidence, understanding, and mutual success. These relationships require a pro-active effort to sustain and are critical to future growth. Click here to read about ways to build, and sustain, strong client-agency relationships.

SVP, Major CPG Marketer
We relied on The Bedford Group’s database, but more importantly, their up-to-date knowledge of the industry and excellent relationships with key players at agencies around the globe.

VP, Technology Solutions Provider
We were going through an internal reorganization and The Bedford Group showed us ways to leverage our marketing opportunities to create a stronger global position.

EVP, Manufacturer and Retailer
The Bedford Group provided my company with an analysis of our media spend that resulted in our re-thinking how we went to market. We saved over $200M in costs without eliminating market penetration or reach.

SVP Marketing, CPG Manufacturer
Solutions from The Bedford Group gave us just the foundation we needed to become a true national force.

CMO, Top Ten Financial Institution
I learned so much going through The Bedford Group’s process. They taught me things I thought I already knew about marketing and my company.

Integrated Supply Chain Manager, Top Ten Service Provider
I wish all of our groups would request custom research from The Bedford Group. They gave us insights and actionable recommendations which will expand our business.

SVP, Corporate Brand Marketing
The Bedford Group process builds a rapport with the agencies that no other process does (and this was my third experience with a search consultant). They helped us fulfill our functional needs AND match the chemistry needs in a way that will ultimately springboard into a solid working relationship.