Full Spectrum Agency Search Consultants from Negotiations to Relationship Reviews

ASC understands that compatibility is key in identifying agency candidates for review. We also understand how complex and time consuming it can be to evaluate resources for new agency partnerships. We have simplified the agency search process for our clients so that they continue to focus on the business of marketing. We think around traditional agency search processes as we believe that collaboration is a new way of thinking as clients look to maximize the experience they have access to.
Once decisions have been made regarding partnership between our client and their new agency, we offer expertise in completing the negotiations and finalizing the contractual agreements. We continue to support our clients through periodic relationship reviews, as well. This is a positive time for both our client and their agency to utilize a check and balance system. It offers an opportunity to energize the relationship and evaluate what is being done well, what can be improved and future opportunity between our client and their agency.

At ASC we begin with a comprehensive evaluation of our client’s needs, we identify and research firms that have experience that mirror's the clients' current needs. We are also looking for teams that we believe will have both a business and personal connection with our clients. We understand that a strong foundation between our client and their agency/agencies result in successful long term partnerships. This assists in producing a highly collaborative and interactive environment between our client and their new partner(s).
 
Due to the highly specific needs of clients and the varied experience and boutique nature of many agencies, we encourage our clients and competing agencies to consider partnerships when applicable to the successful fulfillment of the clients' specific initiatives. This is proven to be a unique and collaborative way for the client to reach their goals but also an opportunity for agencies, that may not have all experience necessary to fulfill on all core components for partnership, to still have an opportunity to work on client strategy. This helps insure that clients have access to the best agency or firm resources to execute on their strategies. This also promotes and highlights the experience and expertise that the collaboration of several agencies bring to the client for maximizing measurable, creative and elevated results.

We present our client with a set of well researched and capable groups that are both compatible and qualified. By assisting our clients as their search partner we help minimize the duration of the search and enables the partner selected is aligned with our client’s objectives and culture. This alignment, across a wide range of dimensions, is the foundation of a successful alliance.
 

ASC realizes that all relationships are unique and in a continual state of change. This is why we place so much emphasis on both a personal and business synergy when identify partnership strategy for our clients and why our relationship review process is so instrumental in managing expectations for our clients and their agencies. The intention of these reviews is to renew the energy of the relationship and offer both client and agency(s) a chance to review the experience with an objective mediator.

ASC addresses the following with our clients in regard to their agency(s) relationships. We start by addressing what our client expects from their agency(s) partnership. We then analyze what has been achieved on behalf of the client to date and monitor for quality, success, confidence, productivity and return on investment. We use a proprietary and measurable system to analyze current practice and to focus on the continuation of successful communication between the client and agency(s). We also analyze areas where the client feels improvement is needed that we can address with their agency(s) partners.

ASC addresses the following with our clients' agencies in regard to their partnership. We start by addressing the relationship fundamentals of what the agency expects from our client. We start by a clarification of expectation and goals from the client. We review client objectives with the agency partner. We share how results are being measured and areas of needed improvement. This gives the agency a better opportunity to continue to yield positive results. We listen to their needs and concerns of the agency so that we can address with client in the relationship review form. We also ask the agency to candidly identify areas where they feel they are doing well and where there is improvement needed.

After we have completed reviews for both our client and their agency(s), we then organize a relationship review forum to be attended by both client and agency(s) either in a meeting or conference call setting. We prepare detailed written evaluations to be shared with both sides with an end result of identifying success and obstacles, increasing effective communication between the client and agency(s) and solidifying the current relationship for a continued successful long term relationship.

ASC works closing with our clients and their legal departments to develop comprehensive contracts that conform to industry standards and best practices. We assist in the development of specific contract language regarding terms and termination, outlined initiatives and summary of responsibilities, confidentiality standards, billing process and practice and any other relevant detail that needs to be included in the agreement. We also assist our clients in revisions and reviews of existing retainer agreements.
 
ASC works closely with our clients to formulate compensation formulas that align with measurable business and brand objectives. We work continually to review and assist in revision of annual contract renewals through comprehensive review and analysis to insure best practices. Agency incentive models are also reviewed on an annual basis and assessed and modified as necessary to continue the successful partnerships initiated on our clients' behalf.

ASC also realizes that in some cases contract termination may become necessary. We provide assistance in working through the termination process with our clients and their partners. On the occasions where termination is necessary we work closely with our client and their legal team to assist in making the process as seamless as possible.