Know-How Exchange : Advertising/PR

Dear Eddie,

One of the best pieces of advice my Dad ever gave me was as follows: "You've got to look out for number one!".

So, is this Colleague B a free agent or an employee of Agency A?

And honestly, even if Colleague B IS an employee, if the client prefers his or her way of doing things OVER the way of doing things of the agency, the client wins, and Colleague B, if they're as bright as they're supposed to be either gets hired, or winds up out in the cold.

But either way, it's probably a blessing in disguise because any agency that CANNOT meet the needs of a client probably deserves to lose the account.

I'm serious.

Too often, the client gets screwed over because of some twisted notion of the agency feeling (often wrongly) that they have to produce something edgy, catchy, creative, or in some way clever—when what the client really needs is something that bloody well WORKS.

Bit of a crap shoot either way really, isn't it?

Either way, this Colleague B (which I'm presuming is you), if they're approached by the client to do something better—something that's in the client's best interests, well, then they have a choice and really, only one they can make.

Gary Bloomer
Wilmington, DE, USA

so, if I'm following this correctly, you are a colleague of Colleague B?

And your question is "What should Colleague B do?"

My input is "win the business". If Agency A is not able to provide completely satisfying service, The Client will go elsewhere anyway, why not to Colleague B?


Steve

If client B pursues X, they need to realize the possibility of not being on a good relationship with A is a very real possibiliity. Accept and move forward.

Be straight forward and upfront about it. B should have gone to A like yesterday and told them about the potential conflict. These are difficult business decisions (which is the exact words I use when these kind of conflicts rise). As Steve points out, they apparently are looking to change. Tell A it's your feeling he's out the door. You landing the account will allow you to bring A in, in a minor role (a reversal of how this whole thing started). Stress you want to continue to work together. The fur may fly at first, but handled correctly, things will eventually calm down. A will balk, but you will be giving them part of the pie vs none of the pie.

Also note, that X may be asking C, D, and E to submit proposals also. So B may not land the account. And A will be out. I'd land this to gain your biz and keep A in the loop. And tell A that. On those kind of sales, failure is not an option.

Also realize, these conflicts are a part of doing business. They are very common and it's happened to A before. If it hasn't happened to you-- it will. I've had to deliver that kind of news many times-- the best advice is be upfront and deal with it before A finds out 3rd hand. They may not like it, but they will appreciate your honesty. And you will bring intergrity to a somewhat sticky situation.