A Virtual Pitch Checklist
After years of offering advice to agencies on how to command a room during a pitch, here we are—pitching virtually. With agencies in home offices, client teams in separate locations,…
Opportunity in the Chaos
If you asked me four weeks ago if I was a “quote” or “meme” person, I would’ve said no. Now, it appears that I’m maybe one week away from becoming…
Keeping Things Going: Company, Clients, Family
One week down in this curious, challenging time. Our company has been working from home since last Friday. Schools in Massachusetts are now closed for three weeks. And I’ve rewritten…
One Incredibly Simple Way to Set The Right Tone in a New Partnership
A new CEO joins an agency, comes in early the first two days, and leaves voicemails for each of her client counterparts. “Just calling to say hello…I’ve started…I’m looking forward…
What I’m Seeing in Agency Search After a Seven-Year Hiatus
It’s been a year and a half since my return to Pile and Company. Being away from agency search consulting for nearly seven years, it’s been eye-opening to see how…
To Stand or Not to Stand in a Pitch Presentation
I’ve talked about the importance of agencies standing up in final pitch presentations before. The advice isn’t always embraced. Some say that certain clients don’t want to be “pitched to,”…
When You Can’t Believe You’re Celebrating Your 20th Work Anniversary
You know when you’re watching a movie, and someone references a 44-year-old, and you think that sounds old, and then you remember that you’re a 44-year-old? Well, that happens to…
Location, Location…Location?
There was a time when an agency’s location really mattered. Chicago clients worked with Chicago agencies. New York clients worked with New York agencies and so on. But in the…
3 Questions Agencies Should Ask to Win More New Business
We’re halfway through 2019. Far enough into the year to reflect on what clients have been looking for in agency partners. Early enough to incorporate these insights into your agency’s new business approach and enter the latter half of the year strong.
People: The Differentiator in an Agency Pitch
Saying people are important in an agency pitch is…well, what’s the opposite of an “aha” moment? A “so what?” moment? Telling agencies that their team is critical to a client’s business is something they already know.