Principal - Smart Communications Inc., Chicago/Naperville, IL, Cleveland, Minneapolis (strategic marketing communications w/value-add public relations). We develop, create, and leverage strategic communications for small to mid-sized science and technical organizations. We started working with most of our clients at the point where they were trying to get to the next level, but just didn't know how. Organizations can waste a lot of time flailing around with different marketing tactics--trying one thing after another that proves to be only marginally effective. The key to success is starting with a detailed plan that is based on sound marketing theory, available tools, and the specifics of the organization's business...then continually implementing, adjusting, and measuring as the organization grows. We work on a retainer basis, but don't let that scare you; we deliver scaled-down versions of the same services that larger marketing firms provide, with an appropriately scaled-down fee and a contract with a perpetual 30-day opt-out clause.