The Switch: Client-agency courtship should be a daily thing

by Alistair Mokoena (@AlistairMokoena) The bulk of issues experienced in client-agency relationships is not about the work; it is about relationship management. Yet you will hear many people say, “Just sort out the work and the relationship will be fine.” This is not true.

Interview: A quick guide to successful pitching

by Herman Manson (@marklives) Johanna McDowell, the MD of the Independent Agency Search and Selection Company (IAS), has a storied career in South African advertising. We caught up with her to ask about the secrets to successful pitching, managing client chemistry sessions, how important awards are to winning business and why using pitch consultancies doesn’t mean marketers are abdicating their responsibilities.

The Ad Exec: The diminishing returns of pitch culture

by Tom Fels (@thomasfels) I was astounded to see the launch of a new pitch app in the Netherlands — built by an agency — that assists clients to select a roster of prospective agencies. To my mind, it is an accelerator of a type of pitch culture in which clients are trading multiple agencies’ time, expertise and energy for short-term gain.

Indy Ad Exec: Conquering our economy — an agency guide

by Tom Fels (@thomasfels) In many ways, agencies will have to move their sights beyond innovation — those that will reach the highest highs will have invented new ways of working and will have been constant instigators of change, consistently challenging the status quo.

Indy Ad Exec: Make magic before you meet — some tips

by Tom Fels (@thomasfels) As an agency, attracting new clients is vital to both survival and success. And, for marketers, the prospect of selecting an agency is as exciting as it is daunting. Here are some tips.

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