Today we’d like to introduce you to Melissa Cohen.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
Communication, business and connecting people have always been passions of mine. I started my career in internal marketing to get my feet wet in the industry and then decided to pursue the marketing and PR agency life. Joining Metis 11 years ago was an exciting choice and risk at the same time. I was joining a startup agency as the first employee, but I had always wanted to help build a business.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Building a business is never a smooth road. It’s about focus, loyalty, persistence, patience and a ton of hard work. I worked very closely with the founders to build an effective team, client base and market strategy. However, we had some bumps along the way. Boston is a crowded agency market and we’ve had to figure out a way to differentiate and market the company as an integrated communications agency, and also network with the right audiences. We also made it through a downturn in the late 2000s when budgets were being slashed and people were getting laid off.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Metis Communications – what should we know?
Metis is a strategic communications firm serving market-leading technology startups, enterprises and VCs. We believe in integrating public relations, marketing, content, social media and design in a custom-fit approach to meet the needs of our clients and their business goals.
Since our founding, we knew agency life and agency partnerships should be — and could be — different. We foster open collaboration and build creative programs that deliver the right results to help push our clients’ businesses forward and exceed their expectations. Our team is made up of critical thinkers, and we’re not yes-men. Our clients count on us to know their markets and goals as well as they do, and they look to us for strategic counsel on business strategy and market positioning, not just “how did this latest campaign perform?” All of our account teams are also partner-led. This approach has proven successful – Metis has a 12-year tenure and remains 90 percent referral based.
Our team is our most valuable asset: we care deeply about the company we keep, and we protect our team above all else. Mainly, that means two things:
– We will say no to clients and new hires who look great on paper, but don’t align with our values.
– We do the most meaningful work possible during a 40-hour workweek, and then we log off. Our team also has the option to go remote and work from the places that are best for each person — at our Boston office, on their front porches, in a remote part of the world, or anywhere else — and on a flexible schedule.
Is there a characteristic or quality that you feel is essential to success?
Being a connector and an introducer. A wise woman once told me to never say no to a networking meeting. I haven’t. I meet for coffee or a drink a few times a week with people new to the business world, established entrepreneurs, potential and current clients and partners, recruitment prospects and other agency leaders. It’s the way you learn, grow and help others move forward in their careers.
Contact Info:
- Address: 294 Washington Street Suite 607
Boston, MA 02108 - Website: http://www.metiscomm.com/
- Phone: 617.236.0500
- Email: info@metiscomm.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/metiscomm
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/metiscomm/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/MetisComm
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