Had a marketer ask me in an email to outline our agency search process.  It’s something I always talk about..but never something I write about, so I thought I’d share.

Might help you think about how to best manage your own process if you’re thinking about looking for a new firm.

Here is how our typical search process works:

Step 1
We talk so I can nail down the scope of search (what you’re looking for, desired location/profile of agency, what problems you’re trying to solve, what your goals/objectives are). I write a scope of search document (including a timeline) that I send you for review/changes/approval. This is what I use to guide the search.

Timing: Approximately 1 week

Step 2
I then tap into our databases of roughly 6,000+ agencies and begin my search. During this period, I draft an RFI (request for information). I send this to you for review/changes/approval. At the end of this 2 week period, I send the RFI to roughly 7 agencies. This timing can be reduced if you are working under a tight timeline.

Timing: Approximately 2 weeks

Step 3
Typically I give the agencies about 2 weeks to complete the RFI. This timing can be reduced if need be. During this period, I make a recommendation relative to what we should have the finalist agencies (usually 3 of the 7) do (e.g. present capabilities, ideas, strategy).

Timing: Approximately 2 weeks

Step 4
Once the RFIs are received, I review and give you my recommendations. You see all the RFIs. I rate each agency on a 1-10 scale and recommend whether or not they move forward into a final presentation phase or not.

Timing: Approximately 2-3 days

Step 5
Q&A/Chemistry call or agency visit. During the call or visit, the agency and the client (you) get to meet each other, discuss the final presentation requirements, and get oriented to each other’s businesses.

Timing: Approximately 1 week

Step 6
We typically give the agencies 2-3 weeks to prepare – all depends on the complexity of the final pitch presentation.
The final presentations typically last 2 hours each (again, depends on complexity of the pitch).

Timing: Approximately 2-3 weeks

Hope this helps.