A little Q&A with AOE.
General
Full-Service Projects
Freelance Placements
Talent Roster
GENERAL
What size companies do you work with?
We specialize in working with agile marketing teams at companies of all sizes, from big and small brands, startups, production companies and agencies.
Do you have an agency reel?
We're not an agency and we don't have a reel. Every team is bespoke so we prefer not to promote work from talent who may not be on your project. Once your talent is chosen, we provide you with a profile one-sheet introducing you to them, their skills, category experience, and relevant work history.
What do you mean by 'category'?
We define ‘category’ as a broad area of business that includes various sub-categories. This allows us to align expertise from a wide or narrow perspective – whichever fits your needs best. See how we break down categories here.
What do you mean by 'category expertise'?
We consider someone to have expertise in a category if they worked on a brand long enough to understand the competitive landscape, the nuances of its business, and the do’s & don’ts of its advertising. In short, they are already up to speed on the category so they can get to work faster and be a better partner to you.
Can I mix things up and request some of my team have no experience related to my brand?
Definitely! Sometimes expertise from a different category can bring a new perspective to the work.
FULL-SERVICE PROJECTS
What size projects do you work on?
Most of our engagements are 2-3 months in length. Where a traditional agency might staff 15 or more people on it, we typically accomplish the same thing with only 3-6 highly experienced people per team, each playing an active role on your business.
What’s the average fee for most projects?
Around $25K - $150K. We can do this because we don’t have a fancy office or a holding-company demanding excessive profits, plus we keep our teams nimble and everyone is a freelance contractor.
I have a fairly big project, can we break it out into phases of work?
We like to approach large initiatives in phases which can each be contracted as separate engagements. This provides the flexibility to augment the team depending on the needs of each phase, and allows each new phase of activities to be informed by past learnings.
Before we build a full team, can you first help me work out the details of my complex challenge?
We’ve seen it all, and scoped it all. We’ll start with an in-depth conversation with you to understand the nuances of your situation, and collaborate with you on proposed activities that lead to a smart solution – we call it a Project Blueprint™. And we’re happy to break large projects up into smaller engagement phases when needed.
How do I know this will work out great?
First, we painstakingly vetted and built a diverse roster with some of the best, brightest, most accomplished people in the industry. And then we handpick your team, so we can assure you that everyone has the skills and expertise needed to solve your challenge in a way that will make you proud.
Why is working with AOE more efficient and enjoyable?
Everyone on your curated team has an active role on your project and will present work to you directly for feedback. There are no layers between you and the super nice people actually doing the work. This saves you time and headaches, and maximizes value for you.
How do you ensure the project runs efficiently?
We assign a Project Manager to every engagement. This ensures projects are planned and calendars managed according to scope, and communication is clear between all parties. Plus we handle the contracting and billing of all freelancers on your team, so you don’t have to chase down paperwork.
How big is a team?
A team could be two people, or five, or more – it all depends on the needs of your project. As always, everyone chosen has a key role on your project. So there are no layers between you and the people actually doing the work.
Will I get a chance to approve my team?
Of course! Once your team is chosen, we provide you with a profile one-sheet introducing you to them, their skills, work and relevant category experience. If you have concerns about any of the team, we’ll find a solution that ensures you’re excited about the entire team.
Can the team work from my offices?
The team typically works remotely and may also not be based in your city. We’re happy to make special arrangements if you’d like one or all of your team working from your office or onsite for a meeting.
Can I get the same team I had on a previous project for something new?
We'd love to make that happen for you! We'll look into roster availability and do our best to get the band back together.
FREELANCE PLACEMENTS
How is this better than sourcing talent from Working Not Working or Upwork?
Here, industry vets curate your talent. They’re ex-agency insiders who deeply understand the nuances of a project and can quickly source people with the right skills and experience. Plus, we only share one or two of the right people, so you can get to hiring and developing work faster. Unless, of course, you prefer wasting time culling through an overwhelming database or stacks of mismatched resumes & portfolios from the other guys.
What disciplines do you have on your 300+ roster?
Pretty much every role you’d find at a traditional agency: writers, art directors, designers, strategists, account directors, project managers, integrated producers, media planners, marketing directors, social makers, and more. We also have a handful of specialists, such as fractional CMOs, PR consultants, NFT/web3 experts, influencer strategists, packaging designers, and director/editors. Plus we’re always adding more disciplines as the industry evolves.
I have a really abstract role, should I ask you for help filling it?
Yes, it never hurts to ask, plus if we don’t have the right person, we’ll reach out to our extended network for additional referrals.
Why is it worth paying AOE a $500 deposit per role when other places do it for free?
We do a lot of the legwork for you. We’ll reach out to just the right talent, check availability and interest, and then only share one or two names that would be perfect for the role. Plus, when you select someone, the deposit is applied to the placement fee.
Can I search your talent directory and pick my own freelancers?
Our talent roster is kept private to our Curators, as we believe in saving you time by curating just the right talent for your challenge.
Can you help us fill a full-time role?
We can and have placed full-time staff positions and have simple, flat-fee options if needed. However the large majority of our roster members are dedicated to freelance, so freelance engagements are our primary focus.
How much is going to cost me to have AOE find me the perfect freelancer?
You’ll negotiate the direct cost of the talent, via hourly, day or project rate – which is separate from our simple, curation and placement fees:
- $500 deposit per curated role, applied to placement fee
- $500 placement fee for freelancer booked up to 1 week, plus direct cost of talent
- $1500 monthly placement fee for freelancer booked for engagements longer than 1 week, capped at $4500 (3 months of use), plus direct cost of talent
- $5000 placement fee for full-time hires, less any amounts paid toward freelance placement fees for the same talent
Does AOE handle payroll processing for the freelance talent we book?
Most of our clients prefer to directly hire and pay the talent under their own payroll. However we do offer payroll services for an additional $250/week during the engagement.
Will you post my job opening on recruitment platforms?
We conduct private searches only through our own roster and extended network, and do not post job openings on other recruitment platforms.
Can your freelancers work on site at my offices?
Most prefer to WFH, but if you want someone on site, we can certainly look for talent in your area, or you’re also more than welcome to arrange travel for non-local talent.
Do I need to contact AOE to work with the same freelancer on a new engagement?
Yes, we ask that you contact us and we will confirm their availability and interest in the project. Once the $4500 max placement fees have been reached you are free to contact them directly.
Can you help me find interns and junior-level talent?
We believe experience is a superpower, so our roster primarily consists of folks with 15+ years in the industry who are efficient doers with little need for oversight. If you’re budget constrained, we recommend negotiating a flat project fee with one of our experienced roster members to get effective work turned around quickly.
Do your freelancers work on hourly rates, day rates, or project rates?
Honestly, it depends on the freelancer. The good news is that we’ll only source talent who is around your hourly rate, and then you can negotiate whatever pay structure works best for you and them.
What if I only need someone for a few hours?
That’s fine. We’ll work just as hard to find you the right person for the job.
I know a few great freelancers. Can I refer them to AOE to join the roster?
Yes, please. We’re always on the lookout for super nice, super talented people with impressive skills and work histories.
TALENT ROSTER
Tell me about the roster, how does it work?
Area of Expertise is free to join with no exclusivity once you're on the roster. We're simply an additional chance for you to get project-based work throughout the year.
What kinds of projects can I get with AOE?
Primarily we’re interested in enabling traditional agency services through highly curated freelance dream teams – so things like brand positioning & identity, creative campaigns, website refresh, content development for social media, etc. But, we also get requests for solo freelancers (since good ones are hard to find), and in those cases, we’ll make a referral if your skills and experience are a match.
How do you find projects that are a fit for me?
We aren’t reps, so we’re not out looking for projects specifically for you. However, because we know you, your skills, and your work experience, we will match you to the right project when it comes along.
What's it like to work on an Area of Expertise project?
We keep it running smoothly with project management and clear deliverables. And we hope you'll make it a fun, collaborative process with lots of rapid ideating. Our goal is for each diverse voice to trust their teammates, meet every challenge with unbridled optimism, and strive for excellence in everything they do.
Will I always be on the same team?
A team is handpicked for each project and since no two projects are the same, neither will be the team. However, if a client comes back with another project and wants the same team, we will always try hard to get the band back together.
What platforms and apps should I be familiar with using?
Most every presentation will be co-created, so familiarity with the entire Google Suite (Drive, Docs, and Slides) and Slack would be a good idea.
What’s the process for signing up to the roster?
Once invited to join, we’ll send you a link to our proprietary platform, Goldeneye. There, you’ll create a profile and share a bunch of details about your skills and career. Completing your profile usually takes about 10 minutes.
Do I have to share my work on the Area of Expertise website?
We won’t share your work on our website; however we do ask all roster members to prepare a few case studies using our prebuilt Google Slides template. Case studies are shared with clients when pitching new business or putting you forward for projects.
I’m on the roster and have new details for my profile, how do I update it?
Updates are easy and you can do them anytime. The more details and experience you can add to your profile, the easier it is for us to match you to a project. Click LOG IN above, or just click here, to access Goldeneye where you can manage your profile and find other useful resources from AOE.
If I bring a project to Area of Expertise, will I get any money?
Not only will we support you with a bespoke team so you can become your own Micro-Agency, we also offer a generous client referral bonus program for anyone who brings in new clients or projects.
How will my project fee be decided?
With the client's budget and scope in mind, AOE’s leadership will develop a preliminary ballpark of the overall workload, activities and timing to complete the project. We then share that assessment with you to refine and finalize into a Project BlueprintTM, and align on an appropriate flat project fee, before anything is locked in with the client.
Can I go out of town if I'm on a project?
Totally up to you! During initial scoping and at the project kickoff, you’ll have an opportunity to work with the Project Manager and the rest of the team to ensure meetings and deliverables best align to your schedule. If that means working in a bungalow by the beach or cabin in the woods, we know you'll get your work done because you're a pro.
I'm on the roster but haven't gotten any work, what's up?
Since we match skills and category expertise to each project, it's possible that the project that fits you perfectly hasn't come in yet. Trust us, we are always on the lookout for you and more projects.
Can I recommend someone to join the roster?
We're always on the lookout for great talent with experience in different categories. If you’d like to recommend a super talented colleague or two that would be a good fit for our collective, please feel free to email us with an intro to your referral.
Who do I go to with questions?
If it's related to a project you're on, your Project Manager can help you. If it's anything else, shoot us a note here.
GENERAL
What size companies do you work with?
We specialize in working with agile marketing teams at companies of all sizes, from big and small brands, startups, production companies and agencies.
Do you have an agency reel?
We’re not an agency and we don’t have a reel. Every team is bespoke so we prefer not to promote work from talent who may not be on your project. Once your talent is chosen, we provide you with a profile one-sheet introducing you to them, their skills, category experience, and relevant work history.
What do you mean by 'category'?
We define ‘category’ as a broad area of business that includes various sub-categories. This allows us to align expertise from a wide or narrow perspective – whichever fits your needs best. See how we break down categories here.
What do you mean by 'category expertise'?
We consider someone to have expertise in a category if they worked on a brand long enough to understand the competitive landscape, the nuances of its business, and the do’s & don’ts of its advertising. In short, they are already up to speed on the category so they can get to work faster and be a better partner to you.
Can I mix things up and request some of my team have no experience related to my brand?
Definitely! Sometimes expertise from a different category can bring a new perspective to the work.
FULL-SERVICE PROJECTS
What size projects do you work on?
Most of our engagements are 2-3 months in length. Where a traditional agency might staff 15 or more people on it, we typically accomplish the same thing with only 3-6 highly experienced people per team, each playing an active role on your business.
What’s the average fee for most projects?
Around $25K – $150K. We can do this because we don’t have a fancy office or a holding-company demanding excessive profits, plus we keep our teams nimble and everyone is a freelance contractor.
I have a fairly big project, can we break it out into phases of work?
We like to approach large initiatives in phases which can each be contracted as separate engagements. This provides the flexibility to augment the team depending on the needs of each phase, and allows each new phase of activities to be informed by past learnings.
Before we build a full team, can you first help me work out the details of my complex challenge?
We’ve seen it all, and scoped it all. We’ll start with an in-depth conversation with you to understand the nuances of your situation, and collaborate with you on proposed activities that lead to a smart solution – we call it a Project Blueprint™. And we’re happy to break large projects up into smaller engagement phases when needed.
How do I know this will work out great?
First, we painstakingly vetted and built a diverse roster with some of the best, brightest, most accomplished people in the industry. And then we handpick your team, so we can assure you that everyone has the skills and expertise needed to solve your challenge in a way that will make you proud.
Why is working with AOE more efficient and enjoyable?
Everyone on your curated team has an active role on your project and will present work to you directly for feedback. There are no layers between you and the super nice people actually doing the work. This saves you time and headaches, and maximizes value for you.
How do you ensure the project runs efficiently?
We assign a Project Manager to every engagement. This ensures projects are planned and calendars managed according to scope, and communication is clear between all parties. Plus we handle the contracting and billing of all freelancers on your team, so you don’t have to chase down paperwork.
How big is a team?
A team could be two people, or five, or more – it all depends on the needs of your project. As always, everyone chosen has a key role on your project. So there are no layers between you and the people actually doing the work.
Will I get a chance to approve my team?
Of course! Once your team is chosen, we provide you with a profile one-sheet introducing you to them, their skills, work and relevant category experience. If you have concerns about any of the team, we’ll find a solution that ensures you’re excited about the entire team.
Can the team work from my offices?
The team typically works remotely and may also not be based in your city. We’re happy to make special arrangements if you’d like one or all of your team working from your office or onsite for a meeting.
Can I get the same team I had on a previous project for something new?
We’d love to make that happen for you! We’ll look into roster availability and do our best to get the band back together.
FREELANCE PLACEMENTS
How is this better than sourcing talent from Working Not Working or Upwork?
Here, industry vets curate your talent. They’re ex-agency insiders who deeply understand the nuances of a project and can quickly source people with the right skills and experience. Plus, we only share one or two of the right people, so you can get to hiring and developing work faster. Unless, of course, you prefer wasting time culling through an overwhelming database or stacks of mismatched resumes & portfolios from the other guys.
What disciplines do you have on your 350+ roster?
Pretty much every role you’d find at a traditional agency: writers, art directors, designers, strategists, account directors, project managers, integrated producers, media planners, marketing directors, social makers, and more. We also have a handful of specialists, such as fractional CMOs, PR consultants, NFT/web3 experts, influencer strategists, packaging designers, and director/editors. Plus we’re always adding more disciplines as the industry evolves.
I have a really abstract role, should I ask you for help filling it?
Yes, it never hurts to ask, plus if we don’t have the right person, we’ll reach out to our extended network for additional referrals.
Why is it worth paying AOE a $500 deposit per role when other places do it for free?
We do a lot of the legwork for you. We’ll reach out to just the right talent, check availability and interest, and then only share one or two names that would be perfect for the role. Plus, when you select someone, the deposit is applied to the placement fee.
Can I search your talent directory and pick my own freelancers?
Our talent roster is kept private to our Curators, as we believe in saving you time by curating just the right talent for your challenge.
Can you help us fill a full-time role?
We can and have placed full-time staff positions and have simple, flat-fee options if needed. However the large majority of our roster members are dedicated to freelance, so freelance engagements are our primary focus.
How much is going to cost me to have AOE find me the perfect freelancer?
You’ll negotiate the direct cost of the talent, via hourly, day or project rate – which is separate from our simple, curation and placement fees:
- $500 deposit per curated role, applied to placement fee
- $500 placement fee for freelancer booked up to 1 week, plus direct cost of talent
- $1500 monthly placement fee for freelancer booked for engagements longer than 1 week, capped at $4500 (3 months of use), plus direct cost of talent
- $5000 placement fee for full-time hires, less any amounts paid toward freelance placement fees for the same talent
Does AOE handle payroll processing for the freelance talent we book?
Most of our clients prefer to directly hire and pay the talent under their own payroll. However we do offer payroll services for an additional $250/week during the engagement.
Will you post my job opening on recruitment platforms?
We conduct private searches only through our own roster and extended network, and do not post job openings on other recruitment platforms.
Can your freelancers work on site at my offices?
Most prefer to WFH, but if you want someone on site, we can certainly look for talent in your area, or you’re also more than welcome to arrange travel for non-local talent.
Do I need to contact AOE to work with the same freelancer on a new engagement?
Yes, we ask that you contact us and we will confirm their availability and interest in the project. Once the $4500 max placement fees have been reached you are free to contact them directly.
Can you help me find interns and junior-level talent?
We believe experience is a superpower, so our roster primarily consists of folks with 15+ years in the industry who are efficient doers with little need for oversight. If you’re budget constrained, we recommend negotiating a flat project fee with one of our experienced roster members to get effective work turned around quickly.
Do your freelancers work on hourly rates, day rates, or project rates?
Honestly, it depends on the freelancer. The good news is that we’ll only source talent who is around your hourly rate, and then you can negotiate whatever pay structure works best for you and them.
What if I only need someone for a few hours?
That’s fine. We’ll work just as hard to find you the right person for the job.
I know a few great freelancers. Can I refer them to AOE to join the roster?
Yes, please. We’re always on the lookout for super nice, super talented people with impressive skills and work histories.
TALENT ROSTER
Tell me about the roster, how does it work?
Area of Expertise is free to join with no exclusivity once you’re on the roster. We’re simply an additional chance for you to get project-based work throughout the year.
What kinds of projects can I get with AOE?
Primarily we’re interested in enabling traditional agency services through highly curated freelance dream teams – so things like brand positioning & identity, creative campaigns, website refresh, content development for social media, etc. But, we also get requests for solo freelancers (since good ones are hard to find), and in those cases, we’ll make a referral if your skills and experience are a match.
How do you find projects that are a fit for me?
We aren’t reps, so we’re not out looking for projects specifically for you. However, because we know you, your skills, and your work experience, we will match you to the right project when it comes along.
What's it like to work on an Area of Expertise project?
We keep it running smoothly with project management and clear deliverables. And we hope you’ll make it a fun, collaborative process with lots of rapid ideating. Our goal is for each diverse voice to trust their teammates, meet every challenge with unbridled optimism, and strive for excellence in everything they do.
Will I always be on the same team?
A team is handpicked for each project and since no two projects are the same, neither will be the team. However, if a client comes back with another project and wants the same team, we will always try hard to get the band back together.
What platforms and apps should I be familiar with using?
Most every presentation will be co-created, so familiarity with the entire Google Suite (Drive, Docs, and Slides) and Slack would be a good idea.
What’s the process for signing up to the roster?
Once invited to join, we’ll send you a link to our proprietary platform, Goldeneye. There, you’ll create a profile and share a bunch of details about your skills and career. Completing your profile usually takes about 10 minutes.
Do I have to share my work on the Area of Expertise website?
We won’t share your work on our website; however we do ask all roster members to prepare a few case studies using our prebuilt Google Slides template. Case studies are shared with clients when pitching new business or putting you forward for projects.
I’m on the roster and have new details for my profile, how do I update it?
Updates are easy and you can do them anytime. The more details and experience you can add to your profile, the easier it is for us to match you to a project. Click LOG IN above, or just click here, to access Goldeneye where you can manage your profile and find other useful resources from AOE.
If I bring a project to Area of Expertise, will I get any money?
Not only will we support you with a bespoke team so you can become your own Micro-Agency, we also offer a generous client referral bonus program for anyone who brings in new clients or projects.
How will my project fee be decided?
With the client’s budget and scope in mind, AOE’s leadership will develop a preliminary ballpark of the overall workload, activities and timing to complete the project. We then share that assessment with you to refine and finalize into a Project BlueprintTM, and align on an appropriate flat project fee, before anything is locked in with the client.
Can I go out of town if I'm on a project?
Totally up to you! During initial scoping and at the project kickoff, you’ll have an opportunity to work with the Project Manager and the rest of the team to ensure meetings and deliverables best align to your schedule. If that means working in a bungalow by the beach or cabin in the woods, we know you’ll get your work done because you’re a pro.
I'm on the roster but haven't gotten any work, what's up?
Since we match skills and category expertise to each project, it’s possible that the project that fits you perfectly hasn’t come in yet. Trust us, we are always on the lookout for you and more projects.
Can I recommend someone to join the roster?
We’re always on the lookout for great talent with experience in different categories. If you’d like to recommend a super talented colleague or two that would be a good fit for our collective, please feel free to email us with an intro to your referral.
Who do I go to with questions?
If it’s related to a project you’re on, your Project Manager can help you. If it’s anything else, shoot us a note here.
Let our roster’s experience be your secret weapon.