I recently read an article in AdAge titled “Small Agencies Win Big Accounts” and it got me thinking about the marketing agency searches we run for our marketing clients.

When I started RSW/AgencySearch I set out to give mid-to-small spend marketers an easier path to finding great mid-to-smaller independent agencies.

I did that by charging them nothing to manage an organized, professional search.

And the agencies I delivered (and still deliver today) were independent smaller-to-mid-size firms.

Smaller agencies are simply more flexible, more agile, and because of that, they tend to be more creative than bigger, slower, heavily layered marketing firms.

So it’s no surprise that bigger marketers are taking notice of the value in smaller-to-mid-size shops.

In today’s marketing universe, things are not moving slowly – they’re changing at lightening speed.  Technology’s changing.  Consumer availability of content is changing.  Media platforms are ever-changing.

You need an agency that is capable of moving right along with these changes – or really, one that can stay at least a half a step ahead of those changes.

Let stop here and say that just because it’s small, doesn’t necessarily mean it’s mighty – and the right fit for your needs.

Not all small-to-mid-size shops are built alike.

So if you’re going to give small-to-mid-size firms a look to fulfill a project need or fulfill an on-going, full-on relationship, do like we do…dive deep.

Outline your needs.  Ask agencies to share similar experiences and show how they got their clients (past or present) to a better place.

Ask them why they’re a good fit for you.

Have them tell you what they would do for you to help your firm stay ahead of the curve.

Get them to detail how they bring value beyond the creative or communications assignments they are tasked with by their clients.

Do you due diligence.

It’s what we do for our marketing clients – at no cost to them – to help them find better small-to-mid-size firms.

Want to learn more about how and why we can help without it costing you a dime?

Drop us a line (msneider@rswagencysearch.com) or give us a call 513-293-6785.