Whats the Best Way for a Creative Services Agency to Find Businesses to Parter With?

Miklos -- it's a great strategy and one we've followed for three decades. You have to define what kind of partners are you looking for. For instance, we partner with graphic artists, video producers, web designers all the time. We are now working with a new partner as a 'joint partner' for a major program. Your first step is here and other networking sites. Connect at Marketing Association meetings, the local PRSA chapter, B2B associations and every once in a while go to a "business networking" meeting, although those are usually non-productive. I hope that's a start.

Yes, this is definitely advantageous. I own a boutique marketing and public relations firm, and I have frequently partnered with firms that have complementary capabilities that I do not possess. For example, I've worked with advertising firms and graphic design agencies that need expertise in media relations, writing, editing, event management, etc.

You can find agencies with which to partner in two ways. One is networking (including LinkedIn), which is invaluable in this case. Secondly, you could try a freelancer website such as Upwork.

If you would like to discuss any details or are interested in seeing if our companies would complement on another, please feel free to message me.

Best of luck!

You would want to find someone who offers services that complement yours. For example, if you do social media but not websites, finding a web designer to partner with. If you do websites, but are not a web copywriter, finding a web copywriter to partner with.

Rarely will two web designers get along, as creatives are territorial and they may have different perspectives as to what is good. Therefore, they would not want to have something provided that they don't agree with, since it's attached to their brand. I know I'm like that.

I tried finding another web designer to work with, but after two months of art direction and apprenticing, they could not get it. They through their arms up and quit because they could not think or design like me. Since I get referrals due to HOW I think and design (being a marketer, web copywriter and businessman who happens to also be a web designer, I use marketing strategies and tactics when I design a website), I refuse to put out something that would be ineffective.

Finally, you need to make sure the person delivers. Are they are customer-centric or your brand will suffer. Not everyone has the same work ethic. So you want to partner with someone who has the same work ethic you have, or there will be fights.

Hope this helps!

It CAN be advantageous or it can be your worst nightmare. It starts with you knowing exactly what you need from a partnership and what benefits you have to give to their business. When I started out it was difficult to vet potential liaisons and a few times I lost clients when the relationship hit the rocks.

Start by defining your strengths and the value that would bring to another agency.

Then identify exactly what you need from a partnership with another agency.

Clarify exactly what the guidelines and boundaries are for you and them.

Identify what you think could possibly be a downside including what would be a deal breaker.

Clarify the specifics as to who is doing what, who owns the client and how do you share.

And have a legally binding contract that you are willing to enforce if necessary.

If you come to the meeting from a place of specifics and strength, your chances of finding the best partnerships are increased. Notice how I have repeated the words identify, clarify and exactly.

As far as finding the potential partners, network and ask others for referrals. The more specific you ask, the easier it is for someone to make a referral.

I have agreements with agencies and solopreneurs who are smaller in revenue than my company. Over the years anytime someone approaches me for a potential partnership, I ask for specifics., Even though I have mine all worked out and a very specific contract, I want to hear how well prepared they are and what specifically they have to offer. I have turned away more than I have accepted. It's about the specifics they have to show me and how will it benefit me and my organization.

Wishing you awesome and continuing success.

I think you need to see what your needs are first. Then find a firm or an individual who can provide a solution for your needs.

Generally firms charge more than individuals so that may be a basis to make your decision.

If you want control, then take on complete projects and then bring in partners for what you don't do. For example - one of our partners is a marketing agency that deals with clients that have land rights that could potentially have rich minerals. They take on clients and agree to do their marketing including print collateral, campaigns etc. through traditional print as well as online. Then they outsource the online part to us. We only deal with our partner, not with the end user / client.

Miklos,

I could be, but if you are not aware of the other companies business practices, or better yet, what is their level of expertise when it comes to getting the marketing done, and done right, say for Google. IF you are not aware of what is currently working in Google, then you are not doing your clients any favors, so I would definitely keep that in mind.

Other than that, I also think it is a good idea to find someone who compliments your work, or has the skills that you lack, so then together you make a great team.

Try to always think of what would help the overall system to help the clients in the best way possible. Do your homework and find someone to team with that can add to your skill-set to ultimately help the clients.

A great way to build a trusting partnership is to identify a partner who can offer you value as much as you can offer them, then demonstrate your abilities and commitment by offering a valuable entry level service at a reduced or discounted rate to demonstrate your willingness to partner and quality of your services...just a thought

Do you belong to any higher level groups with local chapters - mechanical engineer with local section of American Society of Mechanical Engineers - as others may have like interests.

Are you looking for creative partner or business partner? If it is a business partner, I would love to meet and will show you how to make the best possible choice. Never believe the validity of resumes or other accomplishments, without verifying the truth of any powerful information you are relying on, in your decision making process. Remember, your decision will be as good as the information used to arrive at a decision