Make the first date count, and the relationship should be worthwhile.

By Tom Hurley

A word about spec creative. Be mindful that providing spec creative costs an agency time and money. Consider requesting creative in a second phase after you have eliminated those you no longer are considering. In the first phase, request a variety of examples of past work to get a feel for the agency’s concepts and ideas, communication style and relevance to your particular mission. Requesting spec work after this phase indicates to the agency that you are seriously considering it.