This is something I don’t do often enough which is toot my own horn. I used to think (and still kind of do) that testimonials were pretty fake, of little value to potential clients and just one big self serving of “inflate my ego” ice cream.
BUT (you knew there was a ‘but’ coming) I also think that clients, past, present and future acknowledge that you’ve done good work for them and I see no reason why I can’t share that love. We work hard, and too often I gauge success by the fact that a client didn’t call me up and complain – the whole no news is good news thing…
What do you think? Especially those of you who might be potential clients – do testimonials make you more or less likely to work with a firm? Have you ever worked with anyone based on a testimonial?
Useful or useless?
While you decide, here are some testimonials that we have gotten – so please allow me to honk my own horn. TOOT TOOT!
“I’ve not met John so my recommendation is limited to three key qualities I can easily see as a ‘remote’ client. First, John is an enthusiast; he has a seemingly endless appetite for what he does. Second, he’s knowledgeable; he knows what he’s doing and what he talks about and isn’t afraid to challenge accepted wisdom. Third, he’s creative; he ‘gets it’ really quick and comes up with neat, practical solutions that work. I’m sure when I finally meet John I’ll spot all sorts of other qualities, but these three seem fairly crucial, from the client side. (Oh, and he’s generous too!)”. Ken Burnett – Managing Trustee at SOFII Foundation and Director at The White Lion Press Limited
“We did some of our best work with John. I recommend him enthusiastically.” Steve Thomas, Chairman and Creative Director, Stephen Thomas
“You get an important bonus when you give John an assignment – strong strategic thinking. You also get to tap into his many years of experience, which can be very valuable.” Bob Knight, writer
“I hired John while while an Account Director at Harvey McKinnon Associates. Our first project together was to create a fantastic proposal package to wow a potential new client. We also wanted to be able to reuse the template for future proposals. John certainly stepped up to the plate! He came up with a great creative concept and worked closely with me to refine it as necessary. And, of course, this project was a “rush” job, to be completled in just a couple of days. John was a pleasure to work with, maintaining good humour and producing a high quality product. We continued to use John to design many of our direct mail appeals. I’d work with him again in a heartbeat!” Rachel Zant – Direct Marketing Copywriter
“John created the logo for our non-profit’s main initiative. What impressed me so much, was John’s thorough and enthusiastic interest in what we’re doing. His research and creativity meshed to produce the ideal logo that’s not only aesthetically beautiful, but also on target with helping Spa4Diabetes reach it’s goals. Thanks so much John and we look forward to working with you in the future!” Candy Silvasy, Principal & Creative Director
“Why is John Lepp so great to work with? Not only is the guy talented as a designer, he is incredibly passionate about fund raising and he is probably the most honest creative person I know. Despite being in the industry for over a decade, the start of each project brings a level of excitement and creative energy that I don’t often see in other creative people. For John, every new project isn’t just another job, its an opportunity to create and to collaborate. There is something refreshing about working with John and I look forward to working with him every time.” Dan Banko, Principal, Banko Media
“John sits in a little studio in a leafy suburb of Toronto and turns out some of the best non profit creative we’ve seen for a very long time. And he’s also a quite incredible cook, so if it all goes horribly wrong you can always ask him to make you dinner.” Jon Duschinsky, Director, BeTheChange
“Mr. Lepp has plenty of good insights on design for nonprofits and I recommend The Naked Idea to all fundraising creatives.” Dan Shaw, blogger at Happydonors.com
“Recently John designed a newsletter for Reach for the Rainbow and the entire organization is overjoyed with the look, feel and effect. With precious little guidance from our overburdened team, John designed a bright, crisp, enticing and effective newsletter that we are proud to send to our constituents. John’s design clearly portrays our organizations’ values with simple, but impactful elegance. I look forward to enlisting John’s expertise on many future projects. The children and youth who rely upon Reach for the Rainbow’s services will enjoy a happier holiday season as a result of his excellent work.” Laurie Pringle, ALS Canada
“Despite a tough economy and the rainy weather, The 9th Annual Kenaidan-York University Chairs Cup Golf Tournament was a resounding success. A special thank you to John for creating a logo and re-branding our sponsorship materials and collaterals. With York’s 50th anniversary this year it was time to create fun and dynamic marketing materials”. Joanne Giannakopoulos, Associate Director, Integrated Marketing, York University Foundation
“Working with Idea Design was the best decision we made when deciding to rebrand. John took us through a thorough process that helped translate our work, vision and values into a new identity that we love!” – Simon Geoghegan, Epiphany Coaching
“Basically, John is an uber-talent with big ideas, a great sense of humour, and a passion for doing things right. It’s refreshing.” Kim McMullen, Owner at Flipside Creative
“John, I love giving out our cards! because people always have such a positive reaction. As you told us, they really are a mini-brochure that provokes interest and a great conversation. Thank you design guru!” – Cheryl Breukelman, Epiphany Coaching
“John was a great person to work with as I developed the organization Get Active Now, Get Active Now Canada, Access Waterlooregion and Active Halton. John is able to take the idea to the next level, and not losing the values of the organization. His out of the box thinking is most appreciated, and his forward thinking ideas. It has been a great pleasure to work with John and I will continue to use his services in the future.” Frank Prospero, Recreation Supervisor – Community Development at Town of Halton Hills
“Over the years I’ve worked with John on the implementation of numerous creative projects. His very thoughtful approach has helped us achieve the product and the results we were looking for. Kudos.” Paula Attfield, Vice-President, Stephen Thomas
“I have worked with many dm designers over the course of my 30-year career in direct marketing. Most of them do not possess John’s skill as a direct mail designer. Not only is he able to use his skills to design creatively but he is also able to encompass and visualize his designs in the context of the actual production process. This skill is extremely important to ensure that the dm package can actually be produced within the scheduled time frame AND budget. He is a member if an elite group of designers who should be on every organization’s fundraising team.” Rainer Fischer, Owner, DM Graphics Inc.
“John is a passionate designer who cares deeply about finding the best solution for his clients. During the two years I spent as a colleague of John’s at Stephen Thomas, I was consistently impressed by the packages he created that met competing priorities with style and professionalism. John offers his clients a thoughtful interpretation of current trends to meet their fundraising and marketing needs.” Barb Crisp, Fundraising Consultant and writer
“Out of my three son’s, John is easily my favourite. The best son ev-vah!” My Mom.
Ok I made that last one up – but I’m quite sure it’s true. So are you more or less likely to work with Idea Design now?
Guess I just didn’t spot the narcissistic streak in John’s nature. And, if that quote from his Mum (bless her) isn’t true, what does this say about the rest of these testimonials? Maybe he wrote them all himself? (Except the one from me, of course. That, I can testify, is actually genuine.)
But then… if the rest are true, then he must be good, mustn’t he? And if he made them all up, then you gotta admit he’s a great writer. And creative. Visionary even… Imaginative too… And an optimist… And, well, he doesn’t aim small…
Yep, Lepp, I think on balance I’d employ you. As long as you don’t get between the client and the footlights, though.
Ken
Thanks very much Ken for the comment of the month – easy.
Those are some great testimonials. There is quite a range which is great! They cover a lot of the various things that you and Idea Design do (except online wasn’t covered)! I think testimonials are very valuable but they hold more weight when they’re from someone you know and respect or a well-known professional in the industry. And your testimonials come from some of the best in the business!! It shows what I already know from working with you in a professional capacity for many years – you are an awesome designer, very creative, professional and always strive for the best in yourself and in the organizations you work with.
Tara
Thanks Tara. In the interests of full disclosure, I am married to Tara – but we have worked together and she totally kicks my ass as a client! Thanks Tara.