Dan Kelly, Sales and Marketing Director at Corporate Rewards, argues that smaller agencies should not be overlooked and can offer significant advantages over larger agencies. Some key points made include that smaller agencies are more agile due to fewer approval layers, focus on strong personal relationships with clients, and incorporate diverse ideas due to brainstorming across all staff levels. Senior decision-makers at large companies still choose to work with top-performing smaller agencies.

1. corporaterewards.co.uk
Size doesn’t matter
Dan Kelly, Sales and Marketing Director, Corporate
Rewards

2. • Dan Kelly, Sales and Marketing Director at award-winning incentive
recognition and reward, motivation and events agency Corporate
Rewards, presents the changing perceptions of smaller agencies
Size doesn’t matter

3. • Companies in search of an incentives scheme often turn to the
biggest agencies.
• At first glance it’s perceived as an obvious choice.
• It’s assumed that size reflects success.
• Big must mean they are the best - right?
• Not necessarily.
Thinking Big...

4. • Big doesn’t mean best.
• Small certainly doesn’t mean unsuccessful!
• Check out the client lists – you may well see very big names on
smaller agency portfolios.
• Senior decision-makers in large companies, with sizeable budgets,
choose small agencies.
• Smaller agencies are worth a second look.
Take a Second Look

5. • Small agencies don’t work with small ideas.
– They have to think big to get noticed
– They are not restricted by corporate rules and regulations
• Brainstorms incorporate staff from the most junior to the most senior.
– This ensures that every viewpoint is voiced
– It results in more ideas and more variety to work with
• This is how smaller agencies take the forefront of fresh and exciting
approaches.
Thinking Bigger

6. • Smaller agencies have the luxury of being more agile.
• Fewer layers of management sign-offs mean a fast turnaround.
• Larger companies are often delayed by corporate procedures and
approvals.
• Smaller agencies have a fast route to the top, so senior input and
approval is accessible.
• All this means faster results for the clients of smaller agencies.
Agility Test

7. • Small agencies generally demonstrate a team-focused attitude.
• This enables a solid, far-reaching network of associates and third-
party suppliers.
• This in turn ensures a wealth of resource and expertise for every
client.
• Relationship-building is second nature to a smaller agency.
– If they can’t work with others, they won’t flourish
– A thriving smaller agency is certain to have a strong team-culture
Team Players

8. • Businesses generally want an easy and positive relationship with
suppliers.
• Smaller agencies are very likely to facilitate this:
– Their size lends itself to a more personal service
– You’re as likely to see senior team-members as junior ones
– You’ll always remain visible to those at the top
– Every client matters to a smaller agency
– Smaller agencies are inherently customer-centric
Relationship Building

9. • Any agency you work with should feel like an extension of your own
team.
• This is where the personal approach reaps rewards.
• Agencies need to grasp your company ideals and values:
– Smaller agencies lend themselves to this scenario very naturally
– Very honest relationships will evolve organically
– A smaller incentives supplier will quickly feel like an additional
department of your company
• We genuinely believe you should be able to work together and have a
pint together!
Up Close & Personal

10. • Organisations opting to work with bigger agencies can feel unloved
and undervalued.
• Stories of hearing from their agency only when they wanted
something are common.
• This is not acceptable.
• There must be ongoing, two-way communication.
• If an agency is unapproachable then the relationship isn’t, and won’t
ever be, there.
Don’t get let down

11. • Trust is vital in any client / agency relationship.
• Do you feel that your business is just a number to your current
agency?
• It could be time to investigate the alternatives.
• Did I mention that smaller agencies are worth a look?
Look Again

12. www.corporaterewards.co.uk/blog
@CorpRewards
Connect with corporate-rewards-uk
Call us 0370 405 2020
Let’s start the conversation
Find out more

13. Call us 0370 405 2020
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email us enquiries@corporaterewards.co.uk
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