Frequently asked questions

Common questions about working with Ivan Wong and Maple Commerce.

What is the difference between hiring an AI marketing consultant and an agency?

An agency manages execution across a team and typically bills for hours or retainers. An AI marketing consultant like Ivan works directly with you — diagnosing the strategy, building the system, and transferring the knowledge to your team. There is no account management layer, no handoffs, and no markup on junior work. You get senior thinking on every conversation.

What kinds of businesses do you work with?

Primarily B2B professional services, technology, and education companies in Singapore. Typical clients include founders scaling past S$2M ARR who need marketing leadership, CMOs implementing AI tools across their team, and HR or L&D teams sourcing AI marketing training programmes.

Do you work with companies outside Singapore?

Yes, for consulting and advisory engagements. All consulting sessions can be conducted remotely. Training workshops are primarily in-person in Singapore but can be delivered virtually for regional teams.

How long does a typical consulting engagement last?

Engagements vary. A focused audit and strategy sprint is typically 4–6 weeks. An ongoing advisory retainer runs quarterly with monthly check-ins. Training programmes are scoped per cohort. Ivan will scope the right format during the discovery call.

Do you offer SkillsFuture-funded training?

Yes. Selected training programmes are eligible for SkillsFuture Credits (individual) and SFEC (company-funded). Ivan will confirm eligibility during the initial conversation and can guide you through the claims process.

Can you train our entire marketing team?

Yes. Corporate group training is a core service. Ivan designs bespoke programmes or adapts existing curricula to your team's tools, skill level, and objectives. Minimum group size is typically 8 participants for in-house delivery.

What makes Maple Commerce different from an agency?

An agency manages execution through a team. Maple Commerce is a consultancy — Ivan works directly with you on strategy and systems, and the knowledge stays with your team. There is no account manager layer, no junior handoff, and no ongoing agency dependency built into the model.

Do you guarantee results?

Ivan does not offer outcome guarantees because marketing results depend on factors outside any consultant's control — budget, execution capacity, competitive dynamics. What he can guarantee is that every recommendation is specific, evidence-based, and accompanied by a clear rationale and measurement framework.

What industries do you specialise in?

Primarily B2B professional services, technology, and education. Ivan also works with consumer brands that have a strong content and SEO component. The common thread is businesses that benefit from organic growth and knowledge-transfer — not pure paid media plays.