Contents
Like all working relationships, misunderstandings and conflicts can arise from the interaction between the client and the PR agency. On many occasions, this does not necessarily stem from incompetence on the part of the agency, but rather from difficulties in communication between the two parties.
You may be thinking that the solution is to break off the working relationship and find a new agency, but this can be more costly than beneficial in terms of money, time and opportunities.
In this article we want to explain what this relationship should be like in order to be fruitful and give you some tips on how to make it work.
The current relationship between PR agency and clients
The current relationship between any PR agency and clients should be a win-win one, where both parties win in one way or another.
It is true that, due to the digital transformation, a lot has changed in the agency world, from business strategy to dealing with the client.
For example, most face-to-face meetings have been replaced by online conversations, and this can be something that not many clients are comfortable with.
One of the key aspects of working with agencies of this type is communication. You can’t carry out a project if you don’t know the characteristics of your client’s business in depth, and this is something that often goes very wrong.
Although there is a greater physical distance due to the evolution of technology, meetings are the cornerstone of any strategy. It is essential that the client communicates what they really want and how, and that agencies give their opinion and feedback.
In fact, not giving this part the time it deserves is something that many companies fall into and one of the main sources of conflict and discontent on both sides.
Do false beliefs about these relationships still persist today?
Such conflicts do occur between client and agency, but they are not common. Most PR agencies are made up of professionals who want to get the job done in the best possible way and make their client happy.
On the other hand, on many occasions, we tend to mistrust the other person, thinking that they are going to botch the job or that they are just trying to get our money.
Again, this can happen, but it is not the norm.
Principles to help maintain a good relationship
Here are some tips to ensure that if you have had a bad relationship with an agency, it does not happen again, at least on your part.
Form a harmonious union between client and agency pr
A good relationship based on closeness, empathy and respect is the basis of all relationships, both personal and professional.
You don’t have to force a close relationship in which you ask about the other person’s personal life if it doesn’t come naturally, but you shouldn’t stop it either.
On the other hand, treating each other’s work and opinions with respect is fundamental to progress in this relationship.
Conflicts may arise, but they must always be resolved with tolerance and a sense of poise.
Defensive posturing solves nothing
When faced with a conflict, it is useless to say “it wasn’t me”, “it’s not my fault” or “you should have…” wherever it comes from. Such phrases do not solve the conflict or the problem in front of us.
When faced with a project, we are all a team and the problem must be dealt with as such. If this type of situation arises, the best thing to do is to call meetings to discuss the error and brainstorm ways to deal with it in the best possible way.
Communication is the key to any good relationship
Following on from the previous point, conflicts or setbacks cannot be solved if there is a deficit in communication between agency-client. In fact, as we said before, this is usually the origin of the great majority of problems between both parties.
As they say, people understand each other by talking. Talking about what you want from minute one is key. This will save future mistakes. On the one hand, as a client you will be able to express all your objectives when contracting the services and, as an agency, you will have to communicate your strategy and work methodology.
Team mentality between both parties
Again, without one party, the other cannot keep up. The agency needs your involvement as much as you need theirs. Without your feedback, the agency will not be able to improve the strategy and without your business vision, you will not know how to reorient your objectives.
Therefore, from the moment you choose a PR agency to work with, you will be an important part of their team.
If you don’t feel part of them for whatever reason, we advise you to look for other agencies that are more in line with you and that you connect with. The main thing is that the working process is comfortable for everyone and that no one is dissatisfied.
Our pr agency knows how to communicate efficiently
Throughout the life of our public relations agency we have encountered a multitude of situations. We would be lying if we said that with all our clients the relationship has been a bed of roses. Not at all. Like any company, we have encountered difficulties and conflicts.
However, since we created the agency, we knew that our main objective was, apart from delivering results, to be close to our clients, to those who trusted us.
That is why, whenever we have appreciated that problems could arise, we have always opted for dialogue, trust and transparency.
We can proudly say that we have always solved conflicts head-on and have always advised our clients on the best way forward. Because the key is not to avoid conflicts, but to know how to deal with them.
We believe that our way of dealing with the client is one of our main success factors. From minute one they become part of the team and, therefore, a partner.
We encourage you, if you need an agency for your business, to contact us and tell us about the objectives you have as a company. We will be delighted to help you.