http://client-agencyrelationships.com Fri, 26 Feb 2010 05:37:03 +0000 http://backend.userland.com/rss092 en Enough bashing already of Canada's Own the Podium (OTP) strategy.  It was the right thing to do and elevated Canada's performance in Turin and will likely lead to the most Gold medals ever for Canada at an Olympic Winter Games. So which marketers raised their performance during the Vancouver 2010 ... http://client-agencyrelationships.com/?p=113 Some bittersweet news.  AgencyLink co-founder Sheila Corriveau has a new gig.  She starts January 11 at the KPMG Global Resource Centre in a very senior global marketing role.  It’s a sad day because I will no longer work with Sheila on a daily basis.  It’s a sweet moment because she ... http://client-agencyrelationships.com/?p=109 A butcher, a baker and a candlestick maker -- these honourable professions require little explanation. When people ask me what I do for a living, I keep it simple and usually say: we conduct marketing agency searches and consult to improve client-agency performance.       While this business model is new for the ... http://client-agencyrelationships.com/?p=99 For the past few weeks I’ve begun research into buying a new car.  I really like my Volkswagen Passat, but thought I’d look into the year-end model season for an upgrade. Despite the fact many automakers (GM for example) are cutting back their brand lines, I still find the marketplace saturated ... http://client-agencyrelationships.com/?p=95 Prior to launching AgencyLink in January 2008, the first document that Stan and I created was a code of conduct.  We believed that by establishing our moral compass early in the process that we would be better equipped to develop a business plan, set our priorities and shape our goals.   Defining ... http://client-agencyrelationships.com/?p=91 Last week, the International Association of Business Communicators held a shin dig at The Madison in Toronto to recognize and thank its volunteers. The networking event featured a BBQ, cocktails and door prizes to celebrate a successful year of collaborative teamwork.   The celebration got me thinking about the importance and need ... http://client-agencyrelationships.com/?p=82 One of the toughest decisions for client-side marketers and communicators is determining whether their agency can properly deliver specialized services. Here’s a scenario.  A company wants to evangelize its positive environmental record but it needs agency resources to help with the strategy and develop a campaign.  Should the company choose its ... http://client-agencyrelationships.com/?p=79 Pssst.. if you hear gossip, don’t pass it on. Our marketing clients confirm that the number one reason to fire a marketing agency is if its employees disclose confidential information about their company. Thankfully, many marketing agencies include a code of conduct to reinforce confidentiality within employment contracts. In an online poll ... http://client-agencyrelationships.com/?p=72 I attended a breakfast roundtable Thursday morning with senior marketers from RBC, Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corp (OLG), and The Home Depot.  What made it doubly interesting is that two CFOs also participated.  The most stimulating part of the discussion had to do with “agency math” versus “CFO math.” That point ... http://client-agencyrelationships.com/?p=65 Never conduct a fishing expedition or cattle call of agencies to simply improve the performance of an incumbent agency or to gain new creative ideas without compensation. We recommend that your RFP and presentation discussions require agencies to highlight their proven track record with relevant case studies. This will enable you ... http://client-agencyrelationships.com/?p=61