“The Idea Grove only works with retainer clients,” said Scott Baradell, president of the Idea Grove. “Because we have an exclusive clientele and do not market ourselves for project work, we wanted to find a way to engage a broader range of companies in Dallas and nationwide, to basically show our stuff.

“We have unique insights that can help companies tell their stories better — to their customers, investors and the media. The positioning workshops spotlight our talents while providing a deliverable to clients that can form the basis of their long-term communications plan. Our goal is for each of our clients to be able to effectively communicate their brand’s essence, personality and positioning in less than 60 seconds.”

The Idea Grove’s positioning workshop offering includes:

1. Pre-workshop company and industry research

2. A half-day workshop for your leadership or marketing team, led by Scott Baradell

3. A deliverable that includes a recommended brand essence, brand personality and brand positioning for your company or product — as well as targeted messages for customers, investors, media and other key audiences.

The Idea Grove has conducted workshops for technology clients — including hardware makers, software developers, and Web 2.0 ventures — and healthcare providers. Additionally, the Idea Grove has expertise in the media, financial services, food, travel and other industries.

About the Idea Grove

The Idea Grove is a strategic communications and public relations agency that helps clients manage their most important communications to customers, employees and investors. From core brand development to creative marketing and media relations programs, the Idea Grove’s services consistently set clients apart from their competitors. To learn more about the Idea Grove’s philosophy, expertise and services, please visit the Web site at www.ideagrove.com or call the company at 972.235.3439.

“I know what it’s like to be the client of a public relations agency,” Baradell said. “In some years, I managed major product launches for Fortune 1000 companies and spent hundreds of thousands of dollars with national public relations agencies such as Fleishman-Hillard and Burson-Marsteller. In other years, such as when I founded a technology startup, I operated on a shoestring - doing virtually all the ‘dirty work’ myself and using PR firms only for specific small projects.

“Some of my relationships with public relations agencies have been highly successful; in other cases, I had to pull the plug when I realized I wasn’t getting what I’d paid for.”

The two online tools are “Selecting a Public Relations Agency,” a printable worksheet that companies can use to compare candidate firms in 25 different categories during an agency review process; and “Evaluating a Public Relations Agency’s Performance,” an 20-question online quiz that helps public relations clients decide whether they should keep their current firm or seek a new one. Both are available at www.ideagrove.com.

Baradell founded the Idea Grove in January 2005. Before that, he served from 2001 to 2004 as vice president of corporate communications for Belo, a diversified media company with revenues of more than $1.5 billion. Prior to Belo, he served as vice president of corporate communications for PageNet, a wireless communications company with 1999 revenues of $1 billion. Baradell also co-founded Brightpod, a venture-funded technology consulting company acquired by InPhonic (NASD: INPC) in 2001.

About the Idea Grove

The Idea Grove is a strategic communications and public relations agency that helps clients manage their most important communications to customers, employees and investors. From core brand development to creative marketing and media relations programs, the Idea Grove’s services consistently set clients apart from their competitors. To learn more about the Idea Grove’s philosophy, expertise and services, please visit the Web site at www.ideagrove.com or call the company at 972.235.3439.

Media Orchard ranks as one of the 3,500 most influential blogs in the world, as measured by Technorati, and as one of the top five blogs with a focus on public relations issues. Steve Rubel, pronounced the “doyen” of PR blogging by BusinessWeek, recently called Media Orchard his favorite blog. And MarketingProfs.com, the respected resource for marketing commentary, has tapped Baradell as a contributor.

“We invite prospective clients to learn more about us by reading our blog,” Baradell said. “What you see is what you get: honesty, good humor, distinctive writing, and insights gained through years in the marketing trenches.”

About the Idea Grove

The Idea Grove is a strategic communications and public relations agency that helps clients manage their most important communications to customers, employees and investors. From core brand development to creative marketing and media relations programs, the Idea Grove’s services consistently set clients apart from their competitors. To learn more about the Idea Grove’s philosophy, expertise and services, please visit the Web site at www.ideagrove.com or call the company at 972.235.3439.