10 Lessons We’ve Learned in 10 Years
When Sabrina Shattles founded Shattles Communications in 2013, she set out to create a different type of agency—one that delivers on client needs and also provides what our team needs to be able to have a full, balanced life.
And here we are 10 years later continuing to deliver on Sabrina’s idea. Below are the top ten lessons we’ve learned over this past decade:
1. Create a seamless client experience.
No one likes to repeat themselves. We share information so every time a client calls us, there is a continuity of knowledge and confidence in how the process is going to go. We don’t leave a void.
2. It’s okay to make mistakes.
We are all human. We all make mistakes, but what matters most is what you do afterwards. It’s natural to want to get defensive, but we’ve found it’s best to open up, get curious and ask questions to figure out what the best next steps will be.
3. The power of open communication.
We share across projects and across the team. So, when you contact us, we speak on behalf of the whole team. This way, no one is passed off, and we stay with you to address your needs.
4. Every project is different.
Cookie cutter isn’t our style, and there is no one-size-fits-all marketing solution. We listen to our clients and develop a unique solution that will benefit each client we work for.
5. Don’t get caught in the weeds.
It’s really easy in the healthcare industry to get caught up in all of the scientific facts, claims and data. So, we dig deep, sort through all the information and come back to our clients with the most effective solution to meet their needs.
6. No one’s design is “precious.”
It’s amazing what a lack of ego can do for a creative project. Our design team is on the same page to provide the best product for a client—whether that means passing off a file when someone needs help or hopping on a call to brainstorm. We are better as a team.
7. Building client relationships is key.
We can do great work on the first project, but we’ve found something magical happens on project, 5, 10 and 27. Why? Because the more we learn about a client’s business, the more we can anticipate their needs, understand business objectives and help get them where they want to be.
8. Understand the details for a stronger story.
We help market a lot of complex medical devices. And we have found the best way to explain the value of a product is to just dive in—watch procedure videos, read scholarly articles, etc. to really understand how the device works and uncover its story.
9. Help clients respond to changing environments.
It is important to be nimble. And this was never truer than at the onset of COVID. We moved quickly with our healthcare care clients to help develop messaging and materials as new information was coming out in real-time to help them navigate unchartered waters. And it’s still true today.
10. We don’t believe in “either/or.”
We believe there are endless possibilities to accomplish something. We work with clients to meet objectives, budgets and deadlines, so they don’t have to choose between meeting a deadline and having a quality product.
Follow us on LinkedIn to learn more—and see what we have in store for the next 10 years!
Curious how we can apply what we’ve learned to your business? Send us a note at: contact@shattlescommunications.com
