You may be wondering when it's the best time to engage with an agency, and rightly so. The reality is, there is no one particular "best" time. It all depends on what you are trying to achieve. The business may need help in different areas depending on the stage it is at. 

Here are some examples of when you should consider hiring a marketing and PR agency for help:

1. The business is ready to go live or has just done so: if you do not have your branding in place, which includes look and feel and tone of voice, it is time to find someone who can help you iron out both the big picture and the details. The sooner you have these done, the smoother your brand presentation will feel.
2. You have been in business for a bit of time, but the sales process hasn't changed: if you are going into rooms where still no one knows about you, it may be time to find an agency that can help you build brand recognition and reputation. 
3. You are growing, but your marketing team of one needs help to maximise results: if your marketing team is very small, they probably need some help to make the most of all channels available. This is where an external agency can help, bringing a playbook into how efforts can be organised and a helping hand for most deliverables.

Although not an exhaustive list, the above is a guide on the different stages at which an agency is an asset. Especially in capital markets, where competition is fierce and creativity can be seen as unprofessional, an experienced agency can help guide you. Having worked with many other clients in your space, they will be able to advise you on the dos and don'ts.