inferno

Relationships. We all have them in some form or another – our parents, our partners, our co-workers, and our clients. Some relationships are thrust upon us while others we have to plant and cultivate in order to grow and establish a lasting foundation.

 

Finding the right partner — or in this case the right agency — begins with an initial attraction. The spark. Is your preference for a small, medium, or large type? Perhaps your interest is piqued because the agency you’re considering has a well-rounded portfolio or a nice set of clients. But don’t let the exterior fool you. You need to know more. Do a little background check. Find out what kind of reputation the candidate has. 

 

What are people saying — good and bad? Finding the right agency can be the first step towards defining who you are as a company and who you want to be associated with. 

 

You need to look for compatibility. After the initial rush of attraction, what’s next? An agency website or social network profile on the Internet can provide some answers. Evaluate how your potential agency is positioning itself. Is their working philosophy or their mission similar to yours? Review their past and current relationships, and consider what similar attributes your company may have that are related to those clients listed on their site. Read through the team bios; it’s better to understand the “family” you may be getting into on the front end of a relationship.

 

So now you feel you are ready to meet your prospective partners. The courting process begins. Your best approach is to be observant. How did your potential suitor, err, agency present themselves when they met with you? Did they show up on time, prepared to ask questions regarding your likes or dislikes? The right agency should demonstrate their interest in you.  During the initial meeting, they should be listening to you more than talking about themselves, or worse, their other relationships. And, absolutely, have a discussion about expectations for both parties if you wish to move forward.

 

The best part of our job at inferno is when we realize — or a client confirms — that they trust us, and we have established a relationship that is mutually communicative and that is grounded in respect. And, frankly, it is important that the client recognizes that we have their best interests in mind and care about their success.

 

So think it through. Make sure you are ready to go steady with an agency. There are the slick ones, the earnest ones, and the in-betweens. It’s more than just liking each other - make sure you have the same values and are willing to trust each other.

 

Contact our Account team to learn more at .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address).