I’m speaking at the CIPR on ethics. http://www.cipr.co.uk/Training/index.htm The only way we’re going to be taken seriously as professionals is if we’re trustworthy and accountable for our professional advice and decisions.

So here’s a little conundrum to ponder…

A monitoring and press cutting agency offers you a 10% discount on their services if you roll your whole client base in. This discount could be pocketed by your agency or passed on to your clients. What should you advise?

The right answer is in clause 3.3 of the PRCA code of conduct http://www.prca.org.uk/StandardsinPR

It can be argued that the traditional popular pitch process is no way to find your perfect agency team. Building relationships and gaining trust is not something that happens instantly. I was reading and article on evaluating pitches and Finding an agency and whilst both offer some great advice, I think there’s one distinct element missing.

If I were a client prospect, I’d interview the team individually to check the intelligence, skills, experience, contacts and motivation of each team member – top to bottom. Ideally, following this I’d bring the team together and set a little challenge, observe them and see how they work together. I firmly believe that this tactic would be fundamental to obtaining a clearer picture of the team chemistry, personality and demonstrate what brings them together.

After all, I could be working with these people for a while. It’s more informative and interesting to hear, see and maybe even feel the team dynamics, but what would you do?

It can be argued that the traditional popular pitch process is no way to find your perfect agency team. Building relationships and gaining trust is not something that happens instantly. I was reading free PR advice and PRCA and whilst both offer some great advice, I think there’s one distinct element missing.

If I were a client prospect, I’d interview the team individually to check the intelligence, skills, experience, contacts and motivation of each team member – top to bottom. Ideally, following this I’d bring the team together and set a little challenge, observe them and see how they work together. I firmly believe that this tactic would be fundamental to obtaining a clearer picture of the team chemistry, personality and demonstrate what brings them together. After all, I could be working with these people for a while. It’s more informative and interesting to hear, see and maybe even feel the team dynamics, but what would you do?

Posted By Claire Walker