Client Newsletters

THOSE CLEVER, CLANDESTINE STEALTH REPORTERS

Back to 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, and speaks of an anticipated $70 Million account. She goes on - WellPoint, headquartered in Indianapolis; search managed by a named search consultant, yet neither client nor consultant "returned calls by deadline." Seems no one wants to talk.

One big issue on every client's mind that speaks with us is "confidentiality." To paraphrase them:

1. Why would any client in their right mind go public on a review of this magnitude?
2. Why would any consultant do the same?
3. Who might have broken this story to the press?
4. Why would a west coast reporter be the one to flesh out the story on a Midwest client (and from whom)?
5. Why would any invited agency leak this so that "more" agencies would know about the review?
6. How might an invited but declining agency collect "brownie points" with the press for tattling?

Your thoughts?

VISIT OUR OFFICES; WE WISH YOU WERE HERE

We're pleased to see an increase in the number of agencies coming to visit us here in Glen Allen, a suburb of Richmond, VA. The get-togethers are educational and enjoyable, and we appreciate advance notice. Caution however - if your agency information (attributes, essays, case histories, client list) is not in our database and not up-to-date, then hand-shaking, show & tell, and lavish gift-giving won't make a critical difference. Seriously, clients must be able to find you when they search on-line. We can only help feather-your-nest after-the-fact.

When you visit, we'll proudly show you "behind-the-scenes." You'll literally see drawers and drawers of in-process client searches. And it happens each time - a light bulb "lights up" when folks see what our staff does and what we have access to on this end. I wish you all could see; we wouldn't have to explain so often. If and when you're planning to be in the neighborhood, do make a point to visit.