“Marketing Works gets our business inside and out. They made us believers in the value of marketing – creating a strategy and messaging that helped us increase visibility and accelerate growth. They are true partners who are committed to doing what it takes to help us exceed our goals.”— Tom Harris, CEO

 

Identify-01

Business technology consulting firm HMB’s co-founders set out in 1994 to change the way outsourced application development was done in Central Ohio. With ever increasing competition in the area, the company realized that changes needed to be made to how the company marketed its solutions, as well as how the company marketed itself. As the market became saturated with competitors speaking the same message, HMB looked to Marketing Works to find a new way to position the company as “the most trusted name on the Microsoft platform in Columbus.”

 

Define-02

HMB’s goal was to present itself as “a different kind of IT company” by putting a spotlight on its corporate philanthropy efforts and recognizing leaders in the company who were making waves in the industry and in Central Ohio. Marketing Works developed an awareness strategy which included researching local and national opportunities for HMB to pursue as a way to tout the company’s overall expertise and community involvement. The goal of the awards campaign developed by Marketing Works was to differentiate HMB from competitors and establish the company’s credibility as a truly “different” IT company.

 

Engage-03

Marketing Works identified awards, lists and editorial opportunities to establish HMB and its employees as thought leaders and innovators. A combination of local, regional, national and industry outlets were selected to highlight HMB’s expertise and involvement in the community. Marketing Works created matrices and schedules to track opportunities and keep them top of mind throughout the year.

 

Assess-04

HMB and its employees saw much success from Marketing Works’ awareness initiative, including:

  • Smart 50 Award – Smart Business Magazine
  • CEO of the Year – Columbus CEO Magazine
  • Best Places to Work – Columbus Business First
  • Microsoft Most Valuable Professional
  • #1 Ranked Midsized Employer – Columbus CEO Magazine
  • National recognition from Redmond Channel Partner Magazine for company growth
  • 24% increase in engagement with clients and prospects
  • Increased name and brand recognition from executives of Central Ohio companies and organizations