The Grapevine: Rumblings and Rumors About Potential Reviews

I’ve been hearing through the grapevine, that these brands may be considering scheduling some confidential conversations. I think you can put two and two together. But remember, don’t stalk. Don’t hound. Don’t send a myriad of messages about yourself. So what do you do?

Build trust. Share category insights. Do some light consumer research. Offer purchase pattern eye-openers. Toss out some trends. Show your expertise and how it’s relevant. Just… don’t… sell!

Here are a few brands to start relationship building:

1. JC Penny – a few new folks in the C-Suite + Continued revenue struggles + Shift towards home furnishings

2. Etsy – newly created CMO position + digital/performance marketing lean

3. GameStop – new CEO + 10 month old CMO + loyalty platform + focus on improved financial performance

4. Dick’s Sporting Goods – new CMO + new SVP of Analytics + shift towards digital

Good luck and remember to prospect smAARt and pitch with passion!

Lisa Colantuono

Lisa Colantuono is the President of AAR Partners. An agency search consultant for nearly two decades, Lisa is also an avid writer. Lisa has contributed many articles in top industry trades such as Forbes, Huffington Post, Advertising Age, Adweek and HubSpot Blogs’ Agency Post. Recently, Lisa entered the world of publishing with her book, @AARLisa: New Biz in 140 characters (or Less), written for the on-the-go new business exec that needs cut-to-the-chase insights to nail new business wins again and again. Lisa is also part of the industry speaking circuit, presenting at national conferences including 4A’s Transformation Conference, AAF Admerica National Conference, BOLO, HOW Design Live, Mirren, and AdAge Small Agency Conference.