Looking to Hire a Digital Agency?

In the fast-paced world of #digitaltransformation, finding the right digital agency can make or break your business. Many companies default to the traditional Request for Proposal (RFP) process when looking to hire a #digital agency. However, this approach often leads to a project-focused mentality, short-term thinking, and missed opportunities for fruitful #partnerships. In this blog post, we'll explore why the RFP process may not be the best approach and suggest an alternative: "speed dating".

The RFP Default

The RFP process is the go-to method for most companies when seeking a digital agency. While it serves a purpose, it inherently promotes a project-centric mindset. Companies issue RFPs to solicit bids for a specific project, emphasizing cost estimates and deliverables. This approach can create a transactional relationship where both parties focus on immediate outcomes rather than long-term goals.

Shifting from Project to Partnership Mentality

Companies need to ask themselves what their goals are in hiring an agency. If you are looking for a one-time transaction, then the RFP approach is great. But, in my opinion, the true value of hiring a digital agency lies in its ability to be your advocate and partner, not just an executor of tasks. This creates an extension of your team and dramatically improves your productivity.

Those who know me, know I love analogies. To me, issuing a RFP, is like walking into a singles bar trying to find your future spouse by asking everyone you meet to tell you what they would wear on your first date and what would their budget for dinner be. I think we would all agree this is a recipe for failure in starting a search for a life partner. So why is the standard in starting the search for a business partner?

Speed Dating with Digital Agencies

There must be a better way. As I look back on my decades of experience at digital agencies, I have realized that my best #partnerships didn’t start out following a traditional RFP process. Rather, they started out following a process much like speed dating. Instead of jumping straight into cost estimates and deliverables, we started with these key steps:

1. Discuss Methodology: We were asked to explain their our work methodologies and work style, how we approach projects, problem-solving, and innovation.

2. Learn About the Organizations: Both parties shared their goals, challenges, culture, and work style. As an agency, we got the opportunity to understand the Client’s unique needs and objectives and the prospect got to understand the same for us.

3. Hypothetical Scenarios: Rather than being asked to respond to an approach and cost to meet a set of project requirements, We were asked present high-level solutions for a variety of hypothetical scenarios including business problems and conflict resolution.

4. Case Studies: We were asked to provide case studies that demonstrated our ability to create long-term #impact for clients. This allowed us to demonstrate evidence of sustained success, not just quick wins.

5. Meet the Team: Finally, we did all of the above collaboratively and in person over several meetings or dates so to speak. This gave us firsthand experience will reveal what it's like to work together.

What about costs and scoping the first project?

While it’s tempting early in a relationship to jump into planning the wedding naming your first child, it’s important to making sure your compatible first and finding a business partner is no different.  Once the aforementioned steps have been completed, you should have a good feel of which perspective agency would be the best partner for you and then you can start scoping and pricing out your initial engagement. By this point, you will have a much better understanding of the agency's capabilities, and they will have a deeper appreciation of your organization's unique needs. This approach allows both parties to begin with a partnership mindset, focused on building a long-term relationship.

Unlocking the True Value

By taking this more collaborative approach to hiring a digital agency, both parties start on the right foot. The shared understanding and trust developed in the early stages of the relationship can lead to increased productivity, smoother project execution, and ultimately, more significant long-term impact.

So if you're in the market to hire a digital agency partner, don't rush to issue an RFP, go speed dating instead.