How to get the most out of your inbound marketing agency

You know when you’ve found it. That perfect fit. It could be with your dentist, attorney or plumber. You are just plain tingly over the whole situation and for some reason it just keeps getting better. It’s almost like that company or person can read your mind, anticipate your needs and on some level beyond language you can feel it. Working with the right inbound marketing agency is no different.

Getting the most out of your marketing firm has nothing to do with negotiating on price, or being a stickler on that detailed contract. It has everything to do with intentionally and consciously trusting your instincts and trusting others.

I’d like to let you in on a few behaviors that seem to be common with the most successful business relationships that I have witnessed.

Autonomy.

It is an insult when someone questions your every move, isn’t it? That is a very good way to let someone know that you do not trust them. On the opposite side of micromanagement is autonomy. When you give a person or company space and freedom, you will spark the desire to impress. Autonomy is a gift, and those who are on the receiving end will pay you back with energy and enthusiasm way beyond the reach of your money. Consider challenging your insecurities and take your hands off the steering wheel….ok fine, you can run the radio.

Word choice.

When you tell someone that you believe in their ability to do what they do professionally, they will do everything to live up to your belief. After all, they spend more time doing what you have hired them to do than they do with their family, or sleeping, or their hobbies. So when you say “I trust you” you’re really saying “I think you are very smart, prove me right.”

Flexibility.

The company that you choose to work with will bust their rears to meet your every need if you treat them like humans instead of servants. In order to win your business, the folks you enlisted most likely meet you more than half way, and I’m not saying that should stop. Heck, you’re the customer here. That said, be understanding that we all have surprise priorities and one surefire way to get more than what you paid for is to extend a little flexibility.

Patience.

Be realistic about your expectations in the first few months. Take a moment to stop and think the next time you feel the urge to inject a big dose of anxiety and stress into your team; This Company that you are paying wants you to continue to do so for years and years, so set a reasonable date that results can be expected and allow them to do what they do. Create positive check-ins to stay on track, know exactly how their work will be measured, and realize that you want it to work just as much as they do.

Those four behaviors  all seem so obvious, yet it can be difficult to follow through with. Yes, you could get burned by some unprofessional company or person if you naively and blindly trust, but the long-run approach of letting go of that fear without counting every penny will outperform that unlikely event every time.

This holds true especially when you can look another in the eyes, in person. Overall, you can tell if the person or persons you are hiring are trustworthy.

Try it on a small scale for yourself. The next chance you feel someone is trustworthy, tell them you trust them to figure out what to do, how to do it and at their convenience. Then, be patient.

Related links:

Simon Sinek has opened up millions of minds on the topic of leadership. In this video, Simon reveals the dynamics that inspire leadership and trust: http://vimeo.com/79899786 

Is trust on the decline? Onora O’neil doesn’t think so. http://www.ted.com/talks/onora_o_neill_what_we_don_t_understand_about_trust#t-303792