The Other Projects and Companies
We like to help small businesses get off the ground, thus why we are called Momenta. Entrepreneurs take risks, some larger than others. Sometimes we start something really great with our clients to help support, but the project ends up being much smaller than originally planned for various reasons (and no, we were not fired). We share this page for other consultants to help avoid situations like this in the future.
The Lighting
Company
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A company specializing in industrial lighting for cars and heavy machinery. Momenta was to act as an external consultant for a website relaunch, plus support the rollout of direct sales team with incentive program.
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Lots of spoken advisory and planning, but the deliverables to Momenta for work would never come in. Client claimed internal issues for lack of delivery and work. Momenta had to release them as a client without compensation.
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Retainers are one way to ensure that efforts for work are compensated for, in the event projects go sideways or required work is not delivered.
The Shoe
Company
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As a social-good project, Momenta was engaged to set up a Shopify website and develop a marketing strategy for handmade shoes from Mexico.
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We launched a pilot, but feedback from customers was that they wanted the exact style from the website. Because all the shoes were unique, this could not be guaranteed which lead to customer complaints and refunds. The company also could not scale in order to reach retail. The company ceased to operate.
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Even with the best intentions, the customer opinion matters most. Be willing to take a risk to help a small business reach their vision, but be prepared for the lessons that come with failure.
The Prototype
Company
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A company that was manufacturing small homes planned to become a reseller of the product themselves under their own brand. Momenta was engaged to develop the full marketing strategy.
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The prototype was 100% complete, the company was ready to launch, but then didn’t. Momenta discovered, after some investigation, the owner of the business had not secured the rights properly to launch legally and ethically. Momenta released the client upon learning these details.
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Do your homework. If paperwork is required to ensure a successful launch, get eyes on it or some assurance of success before you proceed.
The Record
Company
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A referral from another client, this company wanted a fresh web presence and a plan to make them famous.
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The company become a hobby, as the company never had the proper resources to get going. A lot of investment was made into the startup costs, but nothing was left to maintain it and market the company. The company ownership changed hands, and Momenta was retained to do some light project work.
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Time, effort, and funding is critical. If your client wants to succeed with their business, they have to have the resources available to sustain it. Ask clients about how they manage their business and how they are funding it.