Client Newsletters

Client Search News - May 24, 2005

This CLIENT SEARCH NEWS is for individuals registered @ agencyfinder.com. Forward to those in your company or others elsewhere involved in the advertising or public relations agency selection or review process.

CONTENTS:

1. Third Party Search Assistance - Your
    Input Please
2. Those Clever, Clandestine Stealth 
    Reporters
3. Visit Them Regardless
4. Death to the RFP - Please!

THIRD PARTY SEARCH ASSISTANCE - YOUR INPUT PLEASE

It seems the industry press engages in an on-again, off-again, love/hate relationship with the concept of third-party search assistance. They beg to learn the latest news; particularly who's searching, who was invited; who did and who didn't make the cut. A reporter may think they've hit pay-dirt if they can get an agency head to "dis" some- one or the process but subsequently mark themselves with the consultant community. But it's really about the client finding a marketing partner for the duration. As I reflect back, I don't think I've ever seen

It would be interesting to learn who the first client was to hire and compensate a search consultant; do you know? Were looking for your input, experience, and your thoughts on this entire topic. It's time for an encompassing look (as in article) at ALL the third-party agency search alternatives, from the conventional "big name" consultants, to traditional directories (Redbooks, Adweek, 4A's, AdForum, etc.), the "Love Boats", Association Web Sites, Yellow Pages (on-line and printed), media reps, agency agents, to "yours truly" and whatever else gets used to help link clients with agencies.

Please write to share your experiences - what's worked for you and what hasn't; the good, the bad and the ugly. And let me know if we can use your name. We'll offer the final product to an industry source and we'll also publish it here. Should be interesting...

THOSE CLEVER, CLANDESTINE STEALTH REPORTERS

Speaking of the press. May 4, 2005. Byline San Francisco, a most persistent industry reporter breaks the story that WellPoint Inc., the nations largest insurance company, has begun a review,