Searching and Selecting a New Marketing Firm? Site Visit Not Optional!
Dear Chuck,
So glad you gave us process, tools and guidance to conduct our review. What an eye-opener! I came to you looking for someone to help us publicize our new software, a legal guide to living together. The basic premise offers self-help documents, akin to “wills” allowing the equivalency during serious illness or death. In particular, these documents are meant to serve the gay community.
Starting with a broad brush, we worked through more than a few preliminary search engine selections; then studied each agency profile and website. Next we made a heavy cut, working down to a short list of 3 prominent PR firms in Chicago (wanted to visit one of those); and another “integrated marketing communications firm” in Milwaukee. Our physical visit to the Chicago firm was best described as a disaster, even better as an insult. There was no indication they were expecting us, no welcome mat, no greeter board, just a sullen receptionist. We were ushered into a large conference room adjacent to the lobby (easy-in, easy-out) to meet four stone-faced suited gentlemen. There was little informal warm-up, just a quick unemotional debriefing. Maybe we were too small; maybe our target was off-putting. Regardless we were politely shown the door.
Now to the contrary. In Milwaukee there was a greeter board in the parking lot. A guide-rope up the sidewalk, another greeter board in the lobby. And a smiling female greeter. We were offered coffee and donuts, shortly after, a warm handshake was offered by a rather business-casual dressed young man. Welcome to Milwaukee and welcome to our firm! They covered everything; first a thorough de-briefing, then expectations, then an office tour to see and meet the staff, finally a meeting with the principals. An enthusiastic wrap-up, a “we want your business” with a promise of a detailed proposal. No mystery who won our account! Things are going great; so is business. So pleased we found AgencyFinder. https://www.agencyfinder.com/
