Tips for Good Client/Vendor Relationships, Part II

For this week’s Advisor, FS asked a number of agencies and other companies that serve the nonprofit fundraising sector for tips on making the most of the client/vendor relationship. Here are some more of their thoughts.

“1. Treat your agency like a partner, not a vendor.

2. Invest in testing.

3. Share and discuss all data as a team to drive strategy.

4. Hire the best you can find and then trust them, based on past performance.

5. Be willing to take calculated risks in order to achieve creative breakthroughs.”

— Steve Maggio, president and chief creative officer, DaVinci Direct (www.davinci-direct.com)

“Consider [your agency] your partner. Share all information and discuss areas that you are not comfortable with.”

— Jim Dickman, executive vice president, Lewis Direct (www.lewisdirect.com)

“1. Give clear instructions.

2. Keep to deadlines.

3. Pay your bills on time.

4. Return calls promptly.”

— Tom Hurley, president, not-for-profit division, DMW Worldwide (www.dmwdirect.com)

For more of Tom’s insights on this subject, read his In The Trenches column, “Nine Successful Habits of Direct-Response Fundraisers,” from the October 2005 issue of FundRaising Success.