Lessons learnt: How to be a great client
Great clients make great work with great agencies and suppliers. Be that client.
As Calli said last week, at Working Wonder, we love to share everything we have learnt in our careers in the creative industries. After starting my communications career agency-side I then moved in-house and have been a ‘client’ working with various agency partners a number of times.
I worry being the ‘client’ has become an all encompassing (sometimes negative) stereotype and transactional relationship so I want to dispel those myths and also offer up some tips on how to to ensure you're the kind of client that agencies, customers and suppliers love to work with:
Break down the imaginary barriers between agency and client. Embrace the spirit of collaboration; after all, we're all rowing towards the same shore. Share insights, brainstorm together, and celebrate victories as one unified force.
In the whirlwind of deadlines and deliverables, remember that everyone's juggling multiple tasks. Be mindful of setting realistic timelines and respecting boundaries. A healthy work-life balance fuels creativity and productivity for all involved.
Don't let internal tunnel vision stifle innovation. Invite your agency partners to challenge your perspectives and infuse fresh ideas. Embrace the kaleidoscope of creativity that comes from diverse experiences and viewpoints.
In this industry, connections matter. Invest in building enduring partnerships with agencies, as you never know where their talents might pop up next. I’ve had agencies and PR contacts that I’ve worked with multiple times and some are now also Working Wonder clients too.
Open your doors and welcome your agency partners into your world. Let them soak in the essence of your brand, meet your team, and understand your organisation's culture and business objectives. A shared understanding breeds stronger collaborations.
Every voice in the room holds value. Resist the urge to solely engage with the most senior person in the agency. Appreciate the unique perspectives and expertise each team member brings to the table.
Amidst the deadlines and deliverables, don't forget to inject doses of fun into your collaborations. Building rapport and enjoying each other's company fosters a positive working environment where creativity thrives.
Remember, a thriving agency-client relationship is not just about ticking off tasks; it's about nurturing a symbiotic partnership that elevates both parties towards shared success. Clients need agencies and agencies need clients, especially in today’s environment so let's keep the channels of communication open, the creativity flowing, and the collaborations flourishing!
At Working Wonder we love partnering with agency and in-house teams and run inspiring training workshops, do get in touch as we would love to help you.
Nichola, Working Wonder Consultancy.