By using PR and inbound marketing strategies, Idea Grove helps technology clients reach media and buyers. They have worked with a national roster of clients, from Fortune 500 and B2B technology companies to ventured-back startups. Idea Grove is the PR firm where ideas are the most important currency, because great ideas fuel great strategy that ultimately yields the best results for their clients. Behind these ideas are a group of talented creatives, tech experts and seasoned journalists that collaborate to deliver programs you can’t get anywhere else! So, keep reading below to see other reasons why companies love Idea Grove.
Inside Idea Grove
Location: Dallas, TX
In Dallas Since: 2005
Core Services: Integrated communications (public relations + digital marketing), exclusively for B2B technology companies.
# of Employees: 25
# of Four-Legged Employees: 0
Company Mantra: “It all adds up.”
Does your agency have a cool origin story?
I (Scott Baradell) had left my job as vice president of communications for a billion-dollar media company and decided to go out on my own as a PR consultant. I had never worked at an agency, so I kind of made things up as I went along. It ended up being a blessing – not to be limited by the way PR agencies had traditionally done things. I had been a client of PR firms, and I knew the things I didn’t’ like, the things I wanted to do differently or better. I started blogging in 2005, too. The blog became very popular for a couple of years, and that led me to get a hands-on understanding of how all the parts of online marketing – PR, content, social media, lead generation – fit together. I’ve built the whole business on that foundation and continued to learn through doing.
Most interesting physical thing in your office?
A big, colorful vertical banner showcasing some of our results for clients. That and the giant green sofa in our Loft room.
What does #agencylife mean to you?
Proving your value every day to clients. You have to deliver, creatively and strategically, often on tight deadlines, every month to earn your keep. We’ve assembled a really special group of people who thrive on that pressure to perform.
“An integrated approach to thought leadership enables you to ‘feed the beast’ of digital marketing with quality and focus.”
– Scott Baradell, President
Partners in Crime
In 10 Words or Less, What We Do for Our Clients:
“We’re the only PR and marketing firm your B2B technology company will ever need.” Is that 10 words?
3 Characteristics We Look for in Potential Clients:
Big aspirations, a belief in and commitment to marketing, and compelling stories to tell. Our clients always don’t know they have compelling stories – but we can usually help find them ☺
Our Clients Love Us Because:
We take the time to truly understand their businesses, competitors and customers. Then, we leverage this knowledge to generate highly focused creative, content and campaigns that work.
Clients We’ve Helped:
Amazon, CA Technologies, CECO, Oerlikon, Omnitracs, PG&E, Sabre
Bigger’n Dallas
The #1 Thing We Love About Dallas:
Brisket tacos
What makes Dallas the best city in Texas?
It’s a big city but it really doesn’t feel like one. The economy has grown consistently and in interesting ways, so people come from all over to be part of it. And there are lots of great restaurants and bars to duck into to beat the heat in the summer.
Most admired local brands in Dallas?
Southwest Airlines, of course. My friend Linda Rutherford, who used to work across the newsroom from me, is their VP/CCO and has done a wonderful job there for many years.
Most admired marketing/digital/design influencer in Dallas?
I’ll go with my friend Alexander Muse, who’s been a blogging buddy of mind for more than a decade. Alex single-handedly got the tech startup community off the ground here years ago, and today we are seeing the fruits of his efforts. He also founded, among other companies, ShopSavvy, the shopping app that was sold earlier this year to Purch. He has such a creative mind for marketing and promotion and we did some great things together, mostly on a shoestring budget.
What is one thing people don’t know about Dallas that they should know?
We (mostly) don’t wear cowboy hats.
Best Restaurant in Dallas:
Gloria’s
Rank the local colleges with the best creative talent:
That’s a tough one. We’ve brought in good folks from all the area colleges. I’m biased toward SMU because I went to graduate school there. But I have lots of good friends on the faculty at UNT, and they have a wonderful journalism and communications curriculum that produces students who are ready to go to work when they graduate.
The Dallas High Five
To highlight and celebrate the thriving marketing and design community in Dallas, Agency Spotter decided to launch the Dallas Activation Series. With so many great agencies and hidden gems, the Dallas creative scene should never be overlooked! So join us as we take y’all on a trip through the best marketing agencies and design firms representing Big D.
Stay up-to-date on all the coverage during our #DallasSpotted Activation by visiting the Dallas Content Hub.
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