Digital agencies in 2014 are getting progressively similar; with most claiming experience in common apply areas. In fact, digital agencies in 2014 are currently thinking of table stakes for all entrants, although areas of differentiation still exist in inventive innovation and technical specialization. Everybody claiming to try to everything well, however are you able to, as a seller, tell once you are heading down a precarious path with place of work with lofty claims? What is a reliable differentiating factor?
Having seen my justifiable share of distressed digital comes, I've noticed a reverent theme may be a lack of (or lack of adherence to) a method, whether or not that is a buyer/vendor mutual qualification method, a program or project management method, a amendment management method, and so on. In spite of however you check out it, a method is critical for repeatable success. Otherwise, success comes by pure likelihood. A well-conceived, adopted, and practices method delivers on the promise of.
So however will this relate to you as you assess agencies for your next project? i feel you'll be able to tell lots regarding place of work early within the sales method. However well will the sales rep perceive your business or articulate an answer to your problem? In budget conversations, is that the dominant issue up on by a discussion of worth? If you do not discuss process and prioritizing scope supported measurable business value, there is a sensible likelihood you are sure a surprise once the project is delivered however fails to affect your bottom line.
As sales transitions to delivery, be tuned in to communication risks throughout the football play. However, is that the sales organization responsible to delivery? However, does one guarantee they do not sell one thing the project team cannot execute. However clear is that the agency concerning their mixture of on-shore versus offshore resources? If you cannot get a straight answer concerning this, they are most likely concealment one thing and you may determine within the most inconvenient approach potential.
If you interact with the agency in question, what level of transparency are you able to expect in regular interactions?
The tools a marketer uses square measure reflective of its culture. Over-reliance on Microsoft workplace documents shared via email may be a positive sign that associate degree unpleasant surprise can pop at some purpose throughout your project. Modern, cooperative workspaces that square measure accessible across devices are an indicator that the agency believes within the worth of investment within the right tools.
Ask the agency concerning its quality management philosophy. If project plans do not mirror early and consistent involvement from QA, there is a smart likelihood you are uncovering a reactive and low-value testing mind-set. A stress on quality helps make sure that the team is not only building things right, however that they are building the correct issue. Done well, quality management exposes flaws and transparently communicates risks, however passes no judgment on the merchandise, and leaves the discharge call to business stakeholders.