BEFORE YOU HAVE YOUR FIRST INTERVIEW with a prospective outside resource, get organized. Know exactly what you want and make clear what you’ll be willing to do. In other words, prepare a detailed request for proposal.
I’ll discuss how to write up an RFP for a creative resource (such as a DM agency) but the basic outline will be easily adaptable for situations where, say, a service bureau is needed.
Lead your document with a bold statement of when the RFP is due. Later you will grade the participants by a variety of factors, including their ability to meet the deadlines you have established. Note that information contained in the document is confidential. This should be repeated on the bottom of each page.
When selecting an agency there are usually two deadlines: The first is for information only and includes all participants; the second includes creative concepts and is applicable only for those that have been chosen to move forward in the competition.
After the deadline dates, write an overview that explains the process you are asking the agencies to assist in. Next lay out what the chosen agency will win
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