Shopping Advice

At one time or another, most marketers need a vendor to handle some aspect of their creative work.

But how does one find the right partner? What's the best way to keep the project on schedule and not blow the budget? Bobbi Balderman hopes to demystify some of these problems with her new book, “The Ultimate Guide to Purchasing Website, Video, Print & Other Creative Services” (Maram Press).

The book offers sections on the pros and cons of handling services in house vs. working with a vendor, as well as sections on DVD production and how to prepare prepress work.

Balderman also suggests how to decide which marketing tools are right for you.

• Begin with someone in your company who may have done a similar project.

• Contact a marketing professional who's familiar with your target market.

• Ask your creatives for their recommendations.

• Snoop around the competition. Find out what they've done that worked or didn't work.

For more information, visit www.baldermanmarketing.com.