Through this job, I’ve picked up a lot of unexpected knowledge from various client projects. I’ve done everything from learning how to identify aquatic invasive species in our state’s waterways to researching the easiest snacks to make for little kids using in-season produce (and the cutest picture books about gardening to pair with snacktime.)

On a recent visit with my brother and sister-in-law, I was telling them about some projects when my sister-in-law chimed in and said, “Oh, so you’re kind of like professional homework-doers.” While her statement was a (good-natured) oversimplification, she’s not entirely off base.

At Redhead, much of our work can be summed up as providing clients with effective solutions. To that extent, we believe effective solutions are composed of overarching strategy (honing in on your goals and intended outcomes) and effective tactical execution (managing timelines and deliverables — i.e., backend nerd stuff). The crux of why many of our clients hire us is that they lack the internal capacity to tackle one or both of these elements. So while you’re busy doing your thing, bank on our expertise, and we’ll go off to the races to craft and execute your particular effective solution.

Circling back to my conversation with family: When describing the different aspects of my job, my brother asked, “Don’t they have departments for things like that?” Instead of rolling my eyes or considering returning his Christmas presents, I responded with, “Sometimes, yeah.”

This isn’t an uncommon follow-up question for people in our line of work, but the answer is a little more nuanced than my two-word response. Regardless of their internal team’s capabilities, some clients are looking to tap into the expertise and specialized skills we can offer on the previously mentioned backend nerd stuff. Other times, we’re working hand-in-hand with their internal team to offer an outsider’s perspective on new ideas or facilitate the legwork of their team’s grand new venture. Each client is different. Sometimes they want to hand over the keys and let us drive, while others are looking for someone to sit passenger and help with navigation.

So whether your jam is alumni relations, economic development, or tending to the health of someone’s beloved furbaby, let us handle the rest. Partnering with a third-party agency can help bring in new perspectives and shake up your communications. (And free up some time so your team can focus on what you do best, too.)