When I first became aware of how transparency would impact and change the way the industry – of which I had been a part of for almost three decades – works and will work in the future, I was excited, curious, and a little bit scared.

With the availability of a search engine to the world’s knowledge (Google Search) and a video library to the how-to on anything (YouTube), we must assume that business professionals are perfectly aware what services are available, their average hourly cost of compensation, and the local, national and international resources that provide these services.

In my opinion, the key to good business relies on providing excellent services in a realistic time frame and an agreed-upon cost or fee structure- either by project or by retainer. A respectful client and a trusted-advisor relationship won’t rely on a half-hearted promise of performance and delivery – they demand demonstrable capability and experience in the subject matter, delivered with courtesy and transparency.

I had a conversation with Dr. Thomas Frey of the DaVinci Institute last Fall, and he confirmed the downfall of the brick & mortar establishments of my trade. The focus on skill-based project work, with documented time- and value-based billing, online access to invoices and estimates, and convenient payment options that make compensation a great experience rather than a tedious chore – all this is part of the new, flexible, and transparent way to do business.

The direction is set, the business license renewed, the first anniversary of Made in Germany is approaching – and I invite my past, current, and future clients to experience transparency as the direct measure of accountability in marketing and creative strategy.

Let’s talk!