Hiring Guide
Marketing expertise is one of the most widely claimed and least consistently delivered skills in business. Finding one who can actually diagnose your specific situation and execute a fix is a different challenge. Here's how to do it.
Use these in an intro call or first session to quickly assess fit and expertise.
1.What's the first thing you'd do if you took over our marketing today?
Why it matters: This tests whether they diagnose before prescribing. A thoughtful expert will ask clarifying questions first. Someone who immediately recommends a tactic without context is pattern-matching, not problem-solving.
2.Tell me about a campaign or strategy that didn't work and what you learned from it.
Why it matters: Marketing involves constant experimentation and failure. Advisors who can't name something that failed haven't done enough real work or aren't being honest with you.
3.How do you decide which marketing channels to prioritize for an early-stage company?
Why it matters: Channel selection is one of the highest-stakes early decisions. You want a systematic thinker who weighs CAC, time-to-ROI, and your specific customer.
4.What metrics do you look at first when auditing a marketing funnel?
Why it matters: Experienced marketing advisors have a diagnostic framework. If they can walk you through how they'd audit your funnel, they've done this before.
5.What's realistic to expect in 90 days vs. 12 months?
Why it matters: Good advisors set honest expectations. Anyone promising fast results across the board without nuance is overselling.
Marketing sessions on Expert Sapiens are tactical and results-focused. Your expert will audit your current marketing — channels, messaging, funnel — identify the highest-leverage opportunities, and give you a prioritized action plan. Whether it's a one-time strategy session or ongoing advisory, you'll leave with specific steps, not vague recommendations.