Golden RFP

by mikekarnj on January 11, 2008

Today is the launch of our newest campaign for Trumpet – the Golden RFP. If you are a brand, company or even non-profit that is in need of free ideas, fill out the form at the Golden RFP!

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The Golden RFP: Trumpet’s Request For Problem

Everybody says the way marketing agencies work needs to be reinvented. Yes. So we’ve changed
the things that aren’t working, and re-engineered around ideas that drive business opportunities –
beginning with “hello.” Our solution takes the form of the traditional Request For Proposal (RFP)
with one big difference: It’s from the agency. Why? Because the traditional RFP is often the first
step toward a bad relationship built on superficialities. Too much swimsuit competition, not enough
talent. Trumpet proposes a new way: Request for Problem.

So where do we start?

1. First, fill out the RFP and submit your problem. It can be anything – from low brand
equity among a desirable consumer demographic, to increased competition in your category,
to low visibility on store shelves. The questionnaire shouldn’t take more than 15 minutes.

2. Next, Trumpet will review your response. If your problem is something that we can help
you with, we’ll call you at your convenience to discuss the situation in greater detail. Within
days of that conversation, we will give you an idea to consider. An alternate audience consideration,
a new packaging or distribution opportunity, a communication strategy, or an alternate
platform for communication. Free.

This may be crazy, but so is using the same dumb way to select an agency and complaining that it
doesn’t produce results. Is it crazy to listen to what smart people are saying, to reinvent, to define a
problem and propose a solution? If you don’t think so, fill out the following RFP and submit your problem.

So what are the implications? If your problem is selected and you like our idea but choose not to hire us,
that’s okay. The ideas and insights are yours to do with as you please. The thing is, if you decide to
implement any of the solutions we’ve given you, we will tell our family and friends that the idea came
from us. We may even use it as a case study. Other than that, there are no strings. Enjoy.

  • Chris Goh

    Sounds quite similar to what Rise Communications have been doing in London. They’re providing a service called the ‘Panic Room’ whereby they will help anyone out with a communication business problem however big or small. Whats also quite interesting here is that they will provide a solution within 48 hours. A sort of ‘just in time’ consultancy approach.

    Do you think that this will be a continuing trend among agencies?

    http://www.risecommunications.net

  • http://blog.mikekarnj.com Michael

    Hey Chris -

    I think this will be a continuing trend within agencies. I think it’s a direct response to the dysfunctional RFP process. I mean, that’s just stupid if you think about it. Instead, I think we’ll see agencies striving to build relationships with clients which in turn will lead to new business and new compensation models. I think this is a good first step..

    Just read in Adweek that there’s a small agency called Woodbine in NC that’s doing the same thing. Their creative idea is framed around speed dating. They got 50 responses.

    Looks like clients and brands really like this approach. Any other thoughts out there?