This week’s post is all about confronting an uncomfortable truth: that your agency isn’t always to blame for deficiencies in the relationship. It’s easy to point to a declining metric here or a branding hiccup there and immediately hit the...

In a recent survey conducted by the ANA, marketers admit that building and energizing an in-house team of agency folks isn’t as easy as it looks. Ok…so I’m not saying I’m the great prognosticator or anything like that…but I did...

When we conduct searches, we’re always on the lookout for shops that have an eye on the horizon. The best agencies are those that are adaptable enough to adjust to changing trends, but have the discernment to do so in...

In the age of online discourse, it’s easy to get caught up in the buzzwords of the moment. These characterizations are trendy for a reason, and we certainly don’t discount the principles they represent.  Nor do we discount the value...

As an old adage says: “A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.“ That in mind, I have a question that might seem simple on the surface, but stumps many of the marketers we work with: how...

It’s human nature to seek out the most efficient, streamlined way to accomplish a task. This mindset has been the basis for, well, just about every innovation in recorded history. That’s why it’s only natural that, when faced with an...

What do you look for in a pitch? Flashy case studies? Past work? Industry experience? By the time of the pitch, all remaining candidates likely have a strong case to work with you, but how do you find that winning...

Does managing your roster of marketing agencies feel like you’re operating a well-oiled machine, or is it more like herding cats? As demand for specialized agencies continues to grow, the reality is that a well-rounded suite of capabilities is best...

“RSW/AgencySearch really did their homework in evaluating agencies for our search. I have to admit, I was a bit skeptical coming in – particularly given they were free. But they vetted agencies thoroughly to only bring the best set of...

Where has all the creativity gone? Much has been said about the continued trend of agencies being acquired by consultancy giants. Some marketers are concerned that this will result in flat ideas from an agency that now answers to a...