On this page, we have compiled answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about Mailand, our services and working with us. If you cannot find an answer to your question, get in touch with us.
1. When can Mailand help?
Mailand can help when communications should be driving your business forward, but you lack the right direction, expertise or resources.
This may be related to growth, international expansion, a new strategy, an acquisition, a change in management or another significant transition. We can also help when your company’s expertise needs greater visibility, when you need to reach important stakeholders, or when your communications require more structure, consistency and continuity.
The starting point does not always need to be a major transformation. Sometimes the most important need is simply to have someone take ownership of communications and make sure the agreed actions actually happen.
2. What is Mailand’s core expertise?
Mailand’s core expertise is strategic communications – but don’t get hung up on the word “strategic”. By it, we simply mean everything that matters most to you, your company and your brand. We provide a broad range of communications services that connect your business objectives, key audiences and day-to-day operations. Every action should contribute to your strategic goals.
As mentioned, our expertise covers a wide range of areas, from communications planning and management to media relations, public affairs, branding, content, websites, research, workshops and training.
We see the big picture and turn plans into action. Within the same partnership, we can spar with management on the company’s direction, define communications priorities and make sure that newsletters, media relations and other agreed activities get done.
3. Which industries does Mailand have experience in?
Mailand has particular experience working with B2B companies, expert organisations and industry associations. We have worked with companies and organisations in sectors including industry, construction, technical trade, energy and environmental industries, financial services, healthcare and various professional services. Many of our clients also represent breakthrough technologies.
Industry experience helps us get up to speed quickly, but even more important is the ability to understand the business behind each sector. We are passionate about getting to know our clients’ goals, markets, customers and key stakeholders – and about asking plenty of questions. Good communications begin with a clear understanding of what a company is trying to achieve and why.
4. How does working with Mailand begin?
Our work together starts with your business objectives. We discuss what you want to achieve, where communications can help and what is currently not getting done.
We then agree on the main objectives, the first tasks and the practical ways of working together. The collaboration can be a clearly defined project with a set timeframe or an ongoing partnership. In an ongoing partnership, we establish a shared rhythm so that everyone knows what happens next, who is responsible for doing and approving the work, and what the communications are intended to achieve.
5. How can Mailand support your communications or marketing team?
Mailand can act as a sparring partner and additional resource for your team, or take responsibility for agreed areas of communications. We bring both strategic thinking and practical execution, along with specialist expertise depending on what your own team needs.
If your company has no in-house communications resources, or you need someone to take overall responsibility, a Mailand consultant can act as an outsourced communications manager. They work as part of your organisation, identify communications needs, plan activities and make sure agreed actions are completed.
In this model, you have one dedicated point of contact, while also gaining access, when needed, to the expertise and networks of the entire communications agency.
6. How much does working with Mailand cost?
The cost depends on the objectives, scope of work and form of collaboration. A single workshop, a clearly defined project and an ongoing communications partnership are naturally different types of assignments.
Our work can be billed by the hour or on a fixed-fee basis. With some clients, we plan communications activities for the entire year ahead. With others, we work more flexibly from month to month according to current needs.
We agree in advance on the scope of work, resources, costs and any subcontracting. In an ongoing partnership, we may agree, for example, on the amount of working time available and the areas for which Mailand will take responsibility. New needs often arise along the way, in which case any additional work is agreed before it begins.
This way, you always know what is happening in communications, what the objectives are and what you are paying for.
7. Why use the services of a communications agency?
A communications agency gives your organisation access to additional expertise and resources in communications, marketing, design and, for example, public affairs – in exactly the amount you need.
It is neither practical nor always possible to build every capability in-house. Outsourced services are also flexible. They can be agreed for a fixed period or terminated with relatively short notice. And all costs are clearly visible on the invoice.
An external partner also broadens your perspective. Quite simply, every company finds it difficult to recognise which of its own issues are interesting, unclear or genuinely relevant to an outside audience. That is just how it is.
With Mailand, you have one familiar point of contact who can bring in a wider network of specialists whenever needed, from photographers and brand strategists to podcast producers. Mailand manages the collaboration and takes responsibility for the work of all its partners.
8. What kind of results can you expect from working with Mailand?
The results depend on what you want communications to achieve. Your objectives may include increasing awareness, strengthening trust, improving media visibility, building stronger relationships with key stakeholders, developing a position as a recognised expert, or supporting sales and growth.
Sometimes the first result is very concrete: a newsletter is sent, a website is renewed or a conversation with the media begins. In a longer-term partnership, the aim is to create continuity and working practices that ensure the right things happen at the right time.
The objectives and metrics are defined according to the collaboration. Communications should help the organisation move closer to its goals.
9. How do a company and its management benefit from communications services?
Every business leader knows that communications is part of their toolkit. When you have a clear understanding of where your company is heading, we can help turn that direction into clear and inspiring messages and actions. These are what your employees, customers and stakeholders expect.
A communications partner helps management identify what is worth communicating, to whom and when. They can also bring forward perspectives that may be difficult to see from within the organisation.
Especially in outsourced communications arrangements, a communications professional works closely with management and the business, gaining an early understanding of the background to decisions and future plans. This enables communications to support leadership, sales and business objectives on a day-to-day basis.
10. How does Mailand use AI?
We use AI in suitable tasks as a tool for communications professionals. It can make activities such as information gathering and structuring, drafting, summarising and making use of international sources more efficient, while also creating new opportunities for planning, interaction and expert work.
AI does not replace the judgement and responsibility of a communications professional or an understanding of the client’s business. A human is always responsible for the quality of the work, facts, perspectives and final outcome.
When using AI, we also take confidentiality, data protection, copyright and any guidelines and practices agreed with the client into account.