Dealing With a Shadency: Our New E-Book

If you’ve read this blog or attended any of my webinars in recent months, chances are you’ve heard me use the term “Shadency.” Sadly, some of you are all too familiar with the concept. A Shadency is a shady agency. It’s when you’re working with someone who is dishonest or keeps information or knowledge secret that could help you grow your business. 

Unfortunately, many clients end up with Content Journey because they previously worked with a shady agency. They know they still need marketing services for their business, but they’re reluctant to partner because they were burned. And some people don’t even realize they’re working with a Shadency. They’ve never been in a healthy partnership with a marketing agency and don’t know what that looks like. 

Frustration with how some agencies treat people led me to write the e-book I’m releasing today, “Dealing With a Shadency: How to know if you’re working with a shady agency and what to do about it.” The book covers topics including recognizing if you’re working with a Shadency and firing them. It then outlines what to look for when hiring a new agency and provides advice for building a positive partnership with them.

“Dealing With a Shadency” is available for free download. Here’s a little bit more about what you’ll learn.

How to Know You’re Working with a Shadency

Sadly, the stories are all too familiar, and they look a lot alike. I often see a few things that can easily give you a good indication that you’re working with a shady agency.

It’s time to find a new partner if you experience:

• Data Secrets. It’s a problem if your agency doesn’t give you access to your data. Your account data belongs to you and your business, regardless of who manages it for you at any given time.
• Admin Denial. It’s a red flag if you don’t have administrative access to all of your accounts. Just because someone else created a website or social account for you doesn’t mean it belongs to them. You should have administrative access to all of your business’s assets.
• Promises. You wouldn’t believe the things Shadencies promise clients. Or maybe you would… If a promise or guarantee seems too good to be true, it probably is. If your agency guarantees you the top spot in Google search results… run!

What to Do Next

Once you discover that you’re working with a Shadency, you must decide what to do next. The knee-jerk answer is to fire them, but it isn’t always that easy. “Dealing With a Shadency” outlines what to do if you discover you’re working with a Shadency, including how to be fair and protect your business. 

If you’re working with a Shadency:

• Talk It Out. It’s essential to talk it out, regardless of whether you plan to continue the relationship. After all, you don’t want to become the type of business person you’re fleeing. And, if you can save the relationship, it will cost you less money and hassle in the long run.
• Review Your Contract. Your contract is your legal promise. Review it and look for clauses that protect you and can help you get what you want from the agency. If you need to end the relationship, it also will tell you how.
• Make the Decision. Don’t go back and forth about what to do about the Shadency. You either negotiate for them to correct the things that bother you or end your contract. The sooner you make the decision and stick with it, the better.

Chances are your business still needs the services you thought you were getting when you signed the original marketing contract. That means you may find yourself looking for a new agency partner. It’s natural to feel hesitant and concerned after experiencing a negative relationship. That’s why it’s even more vital to find an agency partner who is a great fit and develop a strong relationship with them. “Dealing With a Shadency” provides advice for moving on after a negative agency experience. 

When establishing a new agency relationship:

• Ask Around. Ask trusted allies in the industry who they work with and love. Great agencies get most of their clients from word-of-mouth. As a business owner, you know that people are happy to tell others when you’re good at your job.
• Get It in Writing. You’ll learn from any mistakes you made during your previous partnership and know to get everything you want and need from your new agency in writing. If it’s not in the contract, it’s not guaranteed. If they refuse to put it in the contract, they may not be the right partner for you.
• Spend Time. Spend time at the beginning of your agency relationship setting it up for future success. The more time you spend upfront establishing precisely what you need and providing feedback, the more successful the partnership will be from there.

Learn How to Deal With a Challenging Relationship

Not every bad agency relationship is because of a shady agency. Sometimes the fit isn’t right, or skills just don’t align. Whether you’re working with a Shadency or just trying to determine how to get the most out of your agency relationship, “Dealing With a Shadency” can help. Download your copy today!