Tac Anderson, Digital Consulting Director
While I’ve only been at WaggEd for 6 weeks I’ve already been on a few big new business pitches. They’re a lot of work and can be a lot of fun (the ones that aren’t I usually don’t think we should go after).
Brad Van Auken has a great post where he outlines what to look for when shopping around for a branding agency:
The bottom line: If an agency has a hammer, it will treat everything as a nail. If it has a screwdriver, it will treat everything as a screw. Find out what tools, skill sets, and types of projects the agency or consultancy has focused on. In this way, you will know whether they are capable of helping you.
Finally, watch out for companies that “knock your socks off” with highly polished and compelling presentations delivered by their business development team, a group that you are likely not to see again after the business pitch. Ask to meet the people who will actually be assigned to your project. If they are labeled ‘Guru’s’ be sure you know what their actual level of involvement with your brand will be.
The two things I would say from the other side of the table speaking to agencies. Not every client engagement is going to be right for your firm, even if you’re an agency of record. Just take the jobs you’re equipped to handle.
And second don’t pitch with a huge production. Show up with a great strategy, some good creativity that conveys the idea and have a good conversation. Don’t spend tons of budget building out an actual campaign that may or may not get used even if you win the business.