We have all come across good agencies and bad ones. You might be able to name many agencies that you have used over the past few years, or always thought of using, or some that you have worked for. There is nothing like have a good agency that delivers on time and with great service, but it can really be painful finding that “just right for you” agency.
The one expert agency.
I have come across this kind of agency a lot recently. You invest your time and money with an agency who are contracted to deliver and they do, however, you then find out the secret. They have just the one expert, and when that person gets a better deal from another agency you and your company can often be left having to sort out a contractual situation that has just one ending.
The long and winding road discussion.
The Beatles recorded this fantastic song as a part of their “Let it be” film and album of the same name. It also reminds me of the discussion you sometimes get when an agency finally pulls some strings and gets an introductory meeting and has a chance to make their pitch and secure further business, and… and… just missing the point!
Have you been in those agency pitch meetings when it just goes on and on? I was in sales many years ago, and I recall all the ways to ask that vital question “can I have your order” or something like that depending on the goal of the meeting. The key thing was to make sure you went for it, even if it was close to the end of the meeting, and you are in the process of packing up. You had to ask! Sometimes they wanted to hear that question to stop your sales pitch from going on and on as well. So I have been on both sides of the table on many occasions. It is great when an agency takes the time out to introduce themselves and talk, but you have to get to the point at sometime. You may only get the one chance. Once that Beatles song comes into my head the chance has gone!
Get to the point!
Sometimes it takes so much effort to get in front of that all important contact. I know how much hard work and planning and phone calls that it sometimes takes to be able to get to that meeting. In the area of Social media, it is nice to get some discussion going by “being Social”, but please do not miss the point about why you are there in the first place. I sometimes may drop the odd kind hint to help you but it is your turn to bat and 3 missed strikes means that you are out!
I will end this post with the last words of that song, which illustrates how the potential customer can feel if the agency meeting is just one long discussion…
“To the long winding road
You left me standing here
A long, long time ago (ohhh)
Don’t keep me waiting here (don’t keep me waiting)
Lead me to your door. (yeah yeah yeah yeah)”– Lyrics by Lennon–McCartney
Are Agencies missing the point?
Have you had agency meetings which have left you wondering what else you could have done with the time?
Picture credit;
Image: renjith krishnan / FreeDigitalPhotos.net
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