Comments on: Four Tips to A Better Client-Agency Relationship

By: PR Pros: Freshen Your Thinking to Retain Your Best Clients by @TickHarris | Spin Sucks

Mon, 11 Feb 2013 18:00:38 +0000

[...] the 1980s, the average client-agency relationship lasted seven and a half years; yet by 2007, this was down to just three and a [...]

By: PR Pros: Focus On The Client, Goddammit!

PR Pros: Focus On The Client, Goddammit! — Sun, 29 Jan 2012 19:59:40 +0000

[...] Four Tips to A Better Client-Agency Relationship (spinsucks.com) [...]

By: AnthonyUp

AnthonyUp — Thu, 02 Jun 2011 22:17:01 +0000

This is a very nice approach to not only better the relationship but also to sustain it over a period of time. I would add that as well as in your analogy of a marriage, your partner in a relationship always appreciates the random acts of kindness like flowers or a spa appointment, but rather than gifts, instead exchange with a client “mind treasures” such as an article online that may be of interest, a blog post that relates to the issue you both are trying to resolve or a book suggestion. In moderation it can help ease unhealthy tension and help refocus if the problem is being stuck in the weeds.

By: Worob

Worob — Tue, 31 May 2011 19:05:16 +0000

@3HatsComm Good ideas on Skype

By: Client-Agent relationships « Coordinating Public Relations

Client-Agent relationships « Coordinating Public Relations — Tue, 31 May 2011 02:56:39 +0000

[...] to Andrew Worob on Spin Sucks Pro, there are four tips to create a better client-agent [...]

By: 3HatsComm

3HatsComm — Wed, 25 May 2011 20:15:35 +0000

Manage expectations. It’s not a trick to repeat what’s been said back to someone, not if you restate what you HEARD vs. what they SAID to clarify. Goes a long way. For the play dates, maybe some phone calls or Skype chats may help. If I’d add it’d be to practice good business; you’re their PR and communications advisor, not the summer camp counselor or BFF. You’re gonna say things they don’t want to hear and vice versa (#2) that’s just part of the professional relationship, FWIW.

By: Nikki_Stephan

Nikki_Stephan — Wed, 25 May 2011 14:57:37 +0000

@Worob Oh yes, I’ve been in that situation a few times already. That’s another way to strengthen the relationship – find a way to make an impossible client happy!

By: Worob

Worob — Wed, 25 May 2011 14:37:29 +0000

@barrettrossie This is the age of transparency, and both clients and their counsel need to accept this.

By: Worob

Worob — Wed, 25 May 2011 14:36:57 +0000

@Nikki_Stephan Completely agree. However, there are times where you will have a client that just wants to do things their way. When that happens, try to think of the different ways to make their idea work, even if you think their idea sucks!

By: Nikki_Stephan

Nikki_Stephan — Wed, 25 May 2011 03:20:22 +0000

Good suggestions, Andrew!

We all want to make our clients happy, but I think as counselors, it’s just as important to say no when necessary as it is to say yes. Good clients appreciate it when their PR counselors say “I know you want this, but here’s why we suggest you think/do things differently.”

I’m pretty sure Gini wrote a post at some point about saying no to clients! I think it improves the client/agency relationship when you actually provide honest and solid counsel versus obeying every request…especially if it makes zero sense for the client and they have NO idea why they want what they say they need.