Choosing the right agency to partner with is a monumental decision for startup founders. After all, your startup is not just a business; it's your brainchild, your passion, your baby.
You’ll be spending a lot of time together - so how do you make sure you’ve found the perfect match?
It's not just about expertise, impressive case studies, or even the most compelling ideas.
There's a critical element often overlooked in the evaluation process: chemistry.
I compare the startup-agency partnership to the world of dating (after all, it is a relationship-based business we are in). A few interactions often reveal if you are the right fit or if it's totally wrong.
Selecting the right agency for your startup can often feel like this, and after a few early conversations you will probably have a sense of if things will work out (or not).
There are three different types of chemistry you should consider – personal chemistry, team chemistry, and business chemistry.
The chemistry between you (the founder of the company) and the agency's leadership team. Ask yourself:
The chemistry between the agency team and yours. Ask yourself:
The chemistry between the agency and your business. Ask yourself:
The reality is, people buy into people. The more we understand what the people we work with need, the more successful the outcome. Chemistry creates effective communication, trust, collaboration, and synergy – which are all essential for a successful partnership.