How to manage multi-agency relationships

Clearly defined roles and open-minded collaboration makes multi-agency work seem less like a competition and more like a team effort. Your client will thank you for it.

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If that juggling act weren’t enough, now throw more agencies into the mix. This may include PR firms that focus on other regions or verticals, or a group with a completely different function, like an ad or event agency.

Relationships with other teams can be challenging. We rarely have any say in the selection of these agencies, and it’s easy to become competitive if your skills or services overlap. But the following tips will help you achieve and maintain a successful multi-agency relationship.

Get personal.

Have you ever met someone whose email personality was so different from their actual nature that you misjudged them? It’s easy to misinterpret something in writing, or to form inaccurate opinions about someone you’ve only communicated with online.

Avoid this blunder by getting to know the other agency staffers on a more personal level. Instead of having your introductory meeting over the phone, suggest doing it in person or via video. If possible, hold in-person meetings every quarter (rotating who hosts is a good way to minimize travel and inconvenience), and even consider annual team-building events.

The bottom line: If you know the other agencies on a more personal level, your working relationship will be better.

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