We all know that there are an abundant number of creative agencies and firms available, and that mutual respect and trust are key components to any working relationship, but what does a successful partnership with a creative team look like?

As you get to know each other:

• Be sure you feel confident in your team’s creativity and reliability, backed by a strong work history and client testimonials.
• Communicate in a way that shows mutual respect and appreciation.
• Work together to identify your teams needs and goals, as well as your target market.
• Establish their ability to offer creative solutions to difficult problems.

Before starting a project together, the creative team should:

• Enact an efficient method of communication and frequently bounce ideas off one another.
• Be brand-meisters that understand and can expand upon your brands strategic positioning when needed.
• Provide sage counsel and solutions that produce the results your business needs.
• Provide the analytic data that influences or supports your decision making.

As you’re cruising along, the team should:

• Continue to strengthen your story throughout the creative process.
• Always be thinking ahead, anticipating what needs to be done next.
• Be willing to face daily challenges head-on.
• Maintain transparency of scope and fee, so there are no surprises when the invoice arrives.

As you’re hitting high gear, the team should:

• Keep the fresh strategic ideas flowing and keep your team engaged.
• Keep in close communication, and always be readily available for impromptu calls or meetings.
• Have a strong sense of loyalty, open communication and respect.

Hopefully this helps paints a picture of what your creative team should look like in the each stage of your creative partnership.

Now, go forth… collaborate, create and succeed!