The Keys to an Effective Brand/Agency Relationship
In a business world marked by competitiveness and dynamism, one of the pillars that can make or break success is the relationship between a brand and its agency. A strong, transparent, and respectful partnership can be the difference between a campaign that shines and one that falters. As part of the Masters of Brand Masters podcast series, Leslie Miller of Unilever and Smita Reddy of Edelman spoke to Marketing Futures Podcast host Mike Berberich about the keys to their strong, effective partnership.
At the core of a thriving brand-agency partnership lies trust and transparency. These terms might sound cliché to many, but their depth cannot be overlooked. As leaders in the industry often point out, an authentic connection marked by real honest conversations is a prerequisite to success. When brands hire agencies, they bring them on board for their expertise, while brands have the pulse of the dynamics, sales volumes, and customer profile of their business. A symbiotic relationship where both parties share openly with each other results in seamless decision-making and campaign execution.
However, trust and transparency are not cultivated overnight. Like all good things, it takes time. Investing time in building personal relationships, understanding the nuances of your partner, and treating them as humans rather than just business entities can go a long way. The simple moments, like sharing a meal or going for a walk, can break barriers and lay the foundation for a relationship that is rooted in mutual respect and understanding.
Another pivotal component is respect. This respect allows partners to have challenging conversations without harboring any animosity. Both brands and agencies come with their unique points of view. Where the agency might push for innovation, the brand might be cautious due to business constraints. The sweet spot lies in mutual understanding, finding a middle ground, and not shying away from pushing back when necessary. This balance, marked by understanding and mutual respect, is where the real magic of collaboration unfolds.
Lastly, it's essential to note that while brands and agencies might be partners in business, their relationship gets tested in challenging times. How they react, communicate, and come out of those moments is a testament to the strength of their partnership. It's in these moments of adversity that the foundation of trust, transparency, and respect pays off. And as industry leaders put it, it's not just about understanding the brand, but also about understanding the business. When agencies can anchor their ideas in business realities, while brands respect the innovation agencies bring to the table, that's when successful campaigns are born.
To learn more about how Klondike and Edelman's strong partnership helped them whether a PR crisis around the beloved "Choco-Taco," listen to the full episode here.
The views and opinions expressed are solely those of the contributor and do not necessarily reflect the official position of the ANA or imply endorsement from the ANA.
Michael Berberich is a senior director of content and marketing at ANA.