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Exclusive: BitTrunks Co-Head Dwain Schenck on World’s First Elephant Art NFTs to Support the Herd

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BitTrunks Co-Head Dwain Schenck on World’s First Elephant Art NFTs to Support the Herd
BitTrunks Co-Head Dwain Schenck on World’s First Elephant Art NFTs to Support the Herd

Suda with her sunset art | Photo credit: Dwain Schenck

It, presumably, won’t be wrong to summon that the world that predominately runs on representative money is currently shifting towards digital currency. In that race, NFTs seem to be one of the most preferred choices.

Also termed non-fungible token, NFT is a means of uniquely representing an object or an idea — whether physical or virtual — which prevents replication or alteration and provides proof of ownership, like it is the ultimate authenticity card.

In recent times, we saw singers buying NFTs from the likes of Eminem, and also producers selling film NFTs.

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Interestingly, Dwain Schenck, the co-head of BitTrunks, tells GLAMOUR BUFF that he and his team at BitTrunks launched the world’s first NFT art made by an elephant earlier in October this year. Surreal, isn’t it?

“The idea that an elephant could paint was utter amazement,” Schenck says, sharing his first impression of the elephant art. “When I saw with my own eyes Tunwa and Suda making this incredible art it was still too incredible to comprehend.”

But the proceed from the sale of Elephant Art NFTs are going nowhere but to support the herd of elephants at the Maetaeng Elephant Park & Clinic.

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In the exclusive interview, Schenck, who is also the founder of strategic communications and consulting firm Schenck Strategies, talks about the world’s first NFT art made by elephant and everything around it.

GB: A NFT art, that, too, made by a seven-year-old elephant is something exclusive. Tell us more about your first impression of Elephant Art NFTs?

DS: Suda, already famous in her own right for her artistic abilities, was not just painting landscapes. She can paint self-portraits. And these aren’t just splashes of color splattered on canvass – but art with trees, animals, and blue skies blended together to make something truly beautiful. This was hands down the coolest thing I had ever seen.

Let’s face it, there are many things to love about elephants. People are naturally drawn to them because they are caring, intelligent, and are able to form bonds and show empathy. But who knew some have the ability to make art with their trunks? It’s natural to be skeptical, especially when it looks as if the painting could have been made by a human artist.

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What seals the deal is we provide each collector of every BitTrunks NFT purchased a video documenting the entire artistic process, start to finish, along with photos and a certificate of authenticity. That’s when it sinks in that not only are you watching something truly magical take place, you have also purchased something incredibly unique, verging on priceless. What’s more, the buyer also receives the actual painting on canvass that can be hung on the wall. This is also historically special because a portion of the proceeds of the sale of every NFT goes to help support the elephant park and lifesaving medical clinic where Tunwa and Suda live along with more than 80 other elephants. You can purchase Elephant Art by visiting the official Elephant Art Online website.

GB: So, when did this thing initially start? Tell us about the process and people involved in this fascinating work.

DS: BitTrunks is the NFT-branch of Elephant Art Online (EAO). EAO announced the debut of its NFT (non-fungible token) initial release featuring the world’s first NFT created by an elephant on October 18, 2021. The first 1 of 1 NFT artwork to be made available to the world was called the Tree of Life and was created by Tunwa, a 7-year-old male elephant who was born and raised at the Maetaeng Elephant Park & Clinic in Chiang Mai, Thailand. The NFT is available on our OpenSea page, the first and largest peer-to-peer marketplace for NFTs. Additional value-added content that comes with this particular NFT includes outtakes of Tunwa painting, a day-in-the-life of him interacting with other elephants in his habitat, and a digitally verifiable certificate of authenticity of the painting (QR Code).

Tunwa with Tree of Life elephant art.

Tunwa with Tree of Life art

Maetaeng Elephant Park was formed in 1996 to aid elephants now free but with nowhere to go after the 1989 ban on logging in Thailand. Seeing increased numbers of elephants forced to roam city streets and take up work in the illegal logging trade, the park decided to create a safe and friendly work environment where visitors to the Kingdom of Thailand would be able to see these majestic animals up close and help support the park’s efforts.

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In 2000, elephant handlers started to humanely teach a few select elephants how to paint. The idea was to raise enough money so that the park could build an elephant hospital. This dream came true in 2006 when the park became the first government-licensed facility to operate an elephant hospital in Northern Thailand.

GB: Since you are the co-head of BitTrunks, can you tell us if the main idea behind creating the platform was to promote elephant-made arts?

DS: Elephant Art Online, which is the original seller of authentic elephant paintings, decided to start BitTrunks as a way to continue to surprise the NFT community with regular exclusive releases that are aimed towards investor collectors who are looking for long and short-term gains in the lucrative NFT market. Our goal is to create a unique offering that will act as a profitable investment vehicle while at the same time generating needed funds for our elephant park and elephant medical clinic to survive and thrive.

Prior to the pandemic, Suda and Tunwa were the star attraction at the Maetaeng Elephant Park & Clinic in Chiang Mai, Thailand, painting for scores of visiting tourists as a way to raise money to care for and feed more than 80 elephants living at the park. Times were good. Then COVID-19 hit, grinding tourism to a halt – the very lifeblood and funding source to care for the elephants. Our goal is to be able to use NFTs as a funding source instead of relying on tourism. If we can make this a working model, we plan to expand this concept and help other struggling animal parks in Thailand and elsewhere.

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GB: That is awesome!

DS: Yes! We also have several new mind-blowing NFTs in the works. We will soon launch a lower-priced collection starting at 0.3 ETH that will be based on Suda’s paintings. This will allow the general NFT community the ability to collect and trade our NFTs. We also plan to release a new collection that is an art collaboration between our elephant Tunwa and his mahout (caretaker). This means that the paintings will be made both by Tunwa and his mahout.

GB: You previously mentioned something very touching – about the proceeds from the sales of the Elephant Art NFTs being used to support the Maetaeng Elephant Park & Clinic. Can you elaborate more about this noble cause?

DS: In 2000, we started to teach our elephants how to paint. Suda is known for her unique artistic talents. Suda is a 15-year-old girl who has been painting for 10 years. She is responsible for raising thousands of dollars for our elephant hospital. She has been featured on CNN, The Wall Street Journal, and Joe Rogan’s podcast for her lasting ability to create beautiful mountainscapes, flowering trees, and waterfalls.

The idea was to sell the paintings to raise enough money so that we could build an elephant clinic at the park. In 2006, we became the first elephant park with a government-licensed hospital on its premises in Northern Thailand that now treats an estimated 800 elephants in the area, free of charge.

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Fruit feast for elephants

To keep this kind of service going we depend on the generosity of those who visit the park, general donations, and the purchase of elephant paintings on our website. Due to COVID-19, and the fact that tourism and the funds that come with it have dried up, it seemed natural to turn one of our most beautiful paintings into a 1 of 1 NFT. There’s nothing like it in the world. It’s called the Tree of Life and can be purchased by visiting our OpenSea page.

It’s a one-of-kind investment opportunity that we feel will create inexplicable value for anyone who is lucky enough to purchase it. The owner of this NFT will also know they are giving back in ways few can imagine by supporting 100’s of elephants for years to come.

GB: Do you also believe that such an exemplary campaign will bring awareness about the conservation of elephants, as well as animal conversation as a whole?

DS: We believe BitTrunks NFTs will be a great investment and bring more awareness to the importance of animal welfare and the preservation and protection of elephants. Sadly, elephant populations have experienced significant declines over the last century. While some populations of African elephants are expanding, primarily in southern Africa, numbers are continuing to fall in other areas, particularly in central Africa and parts of East Africa. Asian elephant numbers have dropped by at least 50% over the last three generations, and they are still in decline today. With only 40,000 – 50,000 left in the wild, the species is classified as endangered.

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We opened the Maetaeng Elephant Park & Clinic in 1996 to provide a safe environment for the many elephants and their mahouts, the elephant’s caretaker, who lost their job because of the Thai Government ban on all logging practices in protected forests.

With the modernization and commercialization of Thailand in the 20th century, the elephant habitat was destroyed at an unprecedented rate as domesticated elephants were used by non-Thai owners in the teak logging industry until the ban in 1989. As a result, Thai elephants were forced to survive either in the illegal logging industry, walking the city streets begging, or from tourism. An argument can be made that a well-run elephant camp like ours provides a nurturing environment for the elephants and supports the mahout and their families.

GB: Any special mentions who you feel are doing their best to promote animal conservation.

DS: We are not affiliated in any way with Joe Rogan, but he visited our park in Chiang Mai, Thailand, a few years ago, and he has raised awareness about our elephant paintings on several occasions. There are also numerous celebrities that are raising awareness about elephant protection and conservation, for which we are grateful.

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GB: Now, the initiative has been taken and we expect the Elephant Art NFTs led by BitTrunks to go miles. But where do you personally see this idea in the coming few years?

DS: The idea to create the world’s first-ever NFT art made by an elephant became a natural extension for us to leverage what has been taking place for more than a decade at our elephant park. Up to now, almost all investors in NFTs are in it for profit. We do see an opportunity here to offer more. Our business model accommodates philanthropic-minded investors the ability to enter the scene and do good for themselves and in our case, the elephants. Money will always be the driver of any new technology. How we all use this tool remains to be seen. We believe it will evolve in the same direction as a traditional art gallery, but with much more potential and opportunity.

Elephant Art NFT by Suda

Painting made by Suda

Some experts claim it is the next new fundraising frontier. NFTs have allowed charities, celebrities, and individuals to auction off their digital creations, with all or most of the proceeds going to a charity of their choice. In the coming months and years, we will roll out varied natural and vectorized collections of elephant art NFTs. We will also vary the themes of the paintings. Suda and Tunwa don’t just paint mountains and fields. They are equally talented at painting space and futuristic vistas and pop art images. More to come on that exciting front.

GB: Let us focus slightly more on NFTs and the digital market. How can a common man benefit from such NFTs?

DS: It is not easy to explain NFTs in a few sentences. One thing is sure, it will go mainstream in the very near future. A common term for NFT, Cryptocurrency, and Metaverse is Internet 3.0. This is the future, and what it means is that trade and possessions will be virtual in the future, and NFTs will undoubtedly play a big role in this. Instead of trading with fiat money or even cryptocurrency, NFTs will be used as a token of trade. Especially in the gaming space where players will be able to purchase game characters, skills, and items. I think it is too early to say exactly how NFTs will be beneficial for the common man, outside of the above-mentioned applications. It is a fairly new technology and is still evolving.

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GB: Also, where should we head to purchase these special Elephant Art NFTs?

DS: You can purchase a BitTrunks NFT by visiting our OpenSea page. Buying an Elephant Art NFT is an investment into what is easily some of the most unique paintings on the planet. There is so much more behind the art as well. The lucky collector will usher in a brighter future for the herd – for the older elephants and the ones yet to be born. It’s a win-win for all.

Tree of Life by Tunwa

GB: Do you have a message for Tunwa? Jokes apart, what would you tell those who want to buy the Elephant Art NFTs?

DS: It’s important for people to know that all of our elephants are treated humanely and ethically. Every morning the elephants at the park are led down to the MaeTaeng river to take a morning bath followed by a short 30-minute walk with their mahouts followed by breakfast that consists of fresh grass, melons, bananas, mangos, coconuts, corn stalks, and other seasonal non-citrus fruits.

Each elephant consumes up to 650 pounds of food per day or around 10 percent of its body weight. This routine takes place throughout the day. A team of veterinarians also attends to every elephant and checks the skin, legs, feet, and eyes, and looks for any signs of stress or fatigue. 

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Another interesting fact is each painting created by Tunwa takes a little over four hours to produce, including snack breaks and time off to walk around the park and eat bananas, one of his favorite treats. Tunwa and the other painting elephants are never forced to make art and when they lose interest they come back later to begin again or just take the day off.

This interview has been lightly edited and condensed for clarity. If you have any inquiries, email us at glamourbuff@gmail.com.

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Currently serving as Managing Editor at Glamour Buff and GB ISSUE, Arun specializes in covering stories happening on and off the camera. He began as an entertainment writer in June 2019, and since then, he has gradually established himself in the entertainment industry. Connect with me: katwalarun54@gmail.com

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Which Type of Patent Service to Hire – Consider InventHelp?

InventHelp provides patent services and helps inventors bring their products to market.

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Which Type of Patent Service to Hire – Consider InventHelp?

To find the best patent services, you should look for a company that has a good track record. This will help you decide whether to hire a patent lawyer or use a service. You should also consider the fee structure of a patent service.

Some companies may charge high fees, and you may have questions about the service’s experience and track record. Some companies provide free consultations to their clients. A free consultation will help you decide which type of patent service to hire.

Success Rate:

During the consultation phase, it’s important to check the firm’s success rate. A good patent attorney should obtain two to four secured or published patents per month. A high success rate means that the firm will likely make your product successful. A low success rate may lead to a product that is not protected and sold. But a high success rate will mean you’re more likely to get your money’s worth.

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The success rate is a crucial factor to consider when choosing a patent service. An average patent attorney will obtain two to four published and secured patents each month. While a higher success rate is always better, you should not overlook low-cost services that may be a sign of poor service. However, if you’re not sure, you can always go for a cheaper option. There are many things to consider before hiring a patent service.

Excellent Customer Service:

InventHelp provides patent services and helps inventors bring their products to market. They pair inventors with an attorney and create a database of over 9000 companies so that they can find the most suitable commercialization opportunities.

InventHelp patent services have excellent customer service and offers free consultations for their services. These companies will charge a modest fee for their services, which is more affordable than the fees you’d pay a law firm.

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Consider the Cost:

Before choosing a patent attorney, it’s important to consider the costs involved. The cost of a patent lawyer can range from $8K to $15K. Some attorneys charge by the hour, while others charge by the project.

The cost of a patent can range from eight to fifteen thousand dollars. The cost of patent writing varies depending on the complexity of the invention. A skilled attorney will charge you higher fees but the benefit of higher fees is that you will get a better draft in less time.

Long-Term Needs:

When choosing a patent attorney, it’s essential to consider the long-term needs of your business. You should be able to afford the fees over time. Having your attorney file your patent can protect your ideas for decades.

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With the InventHelp patent, you can sell your invention internationally and make profits. Investing in a patent attorney will ensure that your company’s ideas are protected. A patent is an essential asset for a company, so make sure it’s in good hands.

Maintain Your Patent:

The cost of a patent attorney will depend on the amount of time it takes to file and maintain your patent. It’s crucial to find the right lawyer to represent your company. If you’re unsure about who to hire, you can also work with an InventHelp attorney.

These services can help you protect your invention in the US and avoid costly mistakes. It’s essential to hire a good patent lawyer to protect your ideas.

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The cost of a patent attorney can vary. Some companies charge by the hour, while others bill by the project. You should also inquire about how many patents an attorney has filed in the past. You must choose an attorney who is familiar with the requirements of the USPTO. A lawyer who knows the law will have an edge in your case. This is an investment in your IP assets. A good firm will also have a reputation for excellence.

Consider a Patent Attorney:

In addition to patent attorneys, you should also consider a patent attorney. A patent attorney is an attorney who specializes in this area. He or she will know the legal requirements and rules of the patent process.

They’ll also be knowledgeable about the different types of patents and will be able to give you the right advice. They can also give you information on the success rate of your case. This can help you make the most informed decision for your business.

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When choosing a patent attorney, it’s essential to determine whether they are a good fit. The best patent attorneys are often close to their professional communities and can refer other attorneys to you.

For instance, you can ask colleagues for recommendations or ask for referrals. In addition, you can also ask friends and relatives in the legal field about which attorneys they’ve used in the past. You should consider whether they are satisfied with the results or the skill of their work.

Experience Level:

When choosing the best patent services, you should consider the level of experience they have. Larger firms typically secure five to 10 patents every month, while smaller firms may be better suited to those who have no prior knowledge of the patent process.

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There are also several different factors to consider in choosing a service. The success rate is a key criterion for determining if a service is right for you. The more successful a company is, the more valuable it will be to your case.

When choosing a patenting provider, be wary of those who advertise themselves as “patent searchers” or “prototype specialists.” These companies are divisions of less ethical corporations.

The local yellow-page listings often don’t distinguish between patent attorneys and brokers. There is a vast difference between these two types of providers and you should always be careful when hiring one.

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Proven Track Record:

An InventHelp quality patent service has a proven track record of obtaining patents. During the patenting process, InventHelp will use a variety of tools to make the process easier for you. Additionally, quality service providers will offer one-on-one consultation.

This ensures that your patent application will be unique and well-protected. The most important factor in choosing the best patent services is experience. A successful patent application will be customized to fit your needs and be as unique as possible.

Well-Defined Strategy:

Finding the best patent service is vital when you are starting out. You need to make sure that you have a well-defined strategy for your idea. A good patent attorney should be able to help you understand the laws and regulations that govern your business.

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In addition to having the legal help of an expert, a licensed attorney will give you the confidence to proceed. A quality attorney will give you the guidance you need to protect your invention.

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Customer Loyalty: As a Business, Should You Really Bother?

Of course, loyalty schemes actually need to provide something of value to customers in order to make them worth the effort.

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Customer Loyalty: As a Business, Should You Really Bother?

An article in the Harvard Business Review (HBR) magazine from 1995 began with a rather bold comment about customer rewards programs, stating that they’re “reviled” in business circles because of their perceived cheapness.

While conceding that they do work to build a relationship between two parties, HBR concluded that mid-90s loyalty schemes were short-term, badly implemented, and ignored the entire purpose of a rewards program, i.e. to keep customers around for longer.

Nearly two decades on, has anything changed?

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Starbucks Rewards

It’s fair to say that mega-corporations like Amazon don’t really bother with customer loyalty – and don’t need to. Granted, being able to get Prime with Amazon Video and all sorts of other perks might seem like a great deal, but it’s still part of a service that’s paid for by the customer.

By definition, rewards schemes are designed to do exactly that – re-pay the client or customer for sticking around and making more purchases. A good example is Starbucks Rewards, which gives customers one “star” per dollar spent. These stars can then be redeemed for goods.

In the online world, loyalty schemes can be a bit easier to produce rewards for, as they can be entirely digital. The video game companies Nintendo, Sony, Valve, Microsoft, Google, and Ubisoft all offer virtual incentives for playing or buying games.

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In Nintendo’s case, all the player has to do is complete “missions,” such as completing animal requests in Animal Crossing: Pocket Camp or clearing chapters in Fire Emblem Heroes. These missions reward completion with points that can be exchanged for physical items, like pin badges, and encourages sustained, long-term engagement with the product.

A similar type of scheme occupies online casino fans too. The industry is well-known for providing regular bonuses to cut through the noise of a crowded marketplace.

The BonusFinder New Zealand website reveals that operators sometimes offer deposit rewards, such as Wildz Casino’s 100% bonus of up to $500.

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Regular depositors on the Neon Vegas site also have a chance to claim a prize every time they pay money into their account too. This is usually free turns on slot games.

A Positive Review

The question is, do these schemes – any of them – actually work? For businesses, the answer seems to be a resounding yes. According to digital services company KPMG, of customers that met the definition of “loyal,” 86% would recommend a business to somebody else, 66% would write a positive review, and 46% would show contrition to a company if they somehow made a mistake.

In a related survey from HubSpot, loyal customers are 50% more likely to try a new product or service – and also spend 31% more.

Of course, loyalty schemes actually need to provide something of value to customers in order to make them worth the effort. Starbucks Rewards might be considered a bit too expensive for the more casual coffee drinker, with 25 stars (equal to $25) needed for the most basic return – an added shot of milk, sauce, or espresso.

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For the more hardcore fan though, and given how expensive Starbucks drinks can be, 25 stars might seem like nothing at all. So, creating a rewards scheme needs an understanding of customer demographics too.

Overall, while the biggest of companies, with their almost guaranteed customer base, might not bother with loyalty campaigns, they can be a boon for just about everybody else.

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7 Do’s & Don’ts of Picking a Marketing Team for a Student Business

A number one step in marketing team search and hiring is identifying what you are trying to achieve.

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7 Do's & Don'ts of Picking a Marketing Team for a Student Business

Starting your business when at college can be stressful. You have to deal with all technical and creative aspects, but it’s not enough to make your business thrive. That’s when you need to start working toward finding a marketing team. Marketing professionals help your ideas to rise and find the right audience.

As you are beginning your search for a marketing team, you need to sort out other priorities. Manage your homework with an essay writing service help, deal with your chores, and get ready for other responsibilities that come with your business management. Once you figure out all the basic steps to kickstart your journey, look out for these essential do’s and don’ts we’ve gathered.

Do’s of finding a perfect marketing team match 

There are golden rules you should adhere to optimize your experience when dealing with marketing and business. Many beginners overlook them or try to achieve everything in one day. Instead, you should focus on factors relevant to your business. Don’t expect to find a perfect team right away, and keep your options open before making the final decision.

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Identify your goals

A number one step in marketing team search and hiring is identifying what you are trying to achieve. You need to be extra specific with the requirements and goals. For instance, if you are just starting your e-commerce shop or catering a specific product, there are various areas to focus on. Maybe people struggle to find you or have issues with placing the order. 

Everything depends on your business type, industry, and end goals. This aspect will determine what you are looking for in a marketing team. Many teams can help you reach the right audience in the beginning. In other cases, they can help you increase conversion rates.

Brainstorm different goals you want to achieve and indicate what can be done in the present moment. Then, develop key performance indicators (KPIs) that would serve as a measurement of a marketing team’s success. Don’t try to hire a team that can cover all your needs immediately because it’s a highly unrealistic scenario.

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Look for all available companies fitting your requirements

The research process can take a lot of time, but it’s worth it. Do not agree to work with the first company you find and bet on the safe choice. Look for the company credentials and references, what projects they completed, and how they approach their responsibilities. Spend enough time to get acquainted with the methods and services they provide. 

Look for an industry-specific marketing team with experience, open to working with new student businesses. Some agencies will be reluctant to work with you, while others will take you on board immediately. Create a shortlist of those agencies and teams you want to collaborate with. Then, start reviewing them and establishing connections. 

Always ask for a portfolio

You shouldn’t prepare contracts or agreements before you see the team’s projects. After you read more about the company’s approach and ideas, ask for samples. 

It is a big red flag if the marketing agency doesn’t have or declines to provide a portfolio or examples of their work. No matter how recently a team has started, they should have a portfolio or examples of their projects. Not all marketing teams work the same, and the more versatile their portfolio is, the most likely they can adapt to your requirements. 

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Review the agency’s marketing strategy

When researching the company, pay close attention to its communication and marketing efforts. Come across their social media and website. Evaluate whether the agency has a consistent style and voice. If a marketing team does a decent job with its brand and image, you can expect the same care for your business. 

Estimate the available budget 

Be realistic about what you can afford and what you would love to afford. Creating a solid budget for your marketing campaign is a must for any business. You should be careful with funds allocation and avoid overspending. Yet, remember that business is business, and the marketing team is not the cheapest solution to find out there.

Don’ts you should avoid at all cost 

Many people learn from their own mistakes. In many cases, your cooperation with a marketing team should go smoothly and without bumps. Yet, it is much better to avoid an unpleasant situation altogether and stay prepared for even the most unlikely scenario. 

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Not prepare paperwork

Many people overlook the power of contracts and agreements before signing up for anything. Request a detailed service agreement from the marketing team you want to hire. It is significant to outline every aspect of services you expect to be executed. Even if you had productive discussions and reached some level of understanding, you still need a detailed contract.

A contract is a final document that solidifies everything performed during your cooperation. You should carefully review it before proceeding and negotiate and clarify all details that are unclear. You will save a ton of time and worry whether or not you should expect problems during your cooperation. 

Ignore marketing agency reviews 

Another essential aspect you should avoid is ignoring customer feedback. Of course, agencies can hide comments and never include negative reviews on their page. Yet, you should do an extensive search on TrustPilot and other websites where people can share their experiences freely.  

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Conclusion

Finding the right marketing team for your student business is a real quest. We have outlined essential aspects you should focus on when doing your research. A good marketing team will guide you through the process and even offer advice on what can be improved: SEO practices or strengthening your social media presence. 

Don’t be afraid to ask questions and negotiate services. Be patient and never rush into signing a contract without clear goals.

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