Building a Coterie of Professionals
Back in the day, I tried to hire the talent I needed to get the work done. I thought if they worked for me directly, I could create a team with the right culture and expertise to get the work done well. Many agencies wanted to have their own special sauce working right within their walls. It is a great idea if you can afford it. Because having a team of experts on your payroll is expensive.
Today, in an era of collaboration and open source, it's much more common to work with a loosely held group of professionals. I was thinking about that at a recent photo shoot for a client. Over the years we’ve built a really incredible team of creatives, strategists, and more to help with our work in the brand building space. It’s reassuring to be able to tap the talent you need when you need it. Here are some tips I’ve got for building your very own coterie:
Look for the holes - You most likely don’t need redundancy, look for talent that will enhance what you have rather than just add a layer.
Let them be brilliant - Outside help is going to come with their own knowledge set - lean in and let them be the special sauce you need.
Make sure you pay them well - This goes without saying, but make sure you pay them what they’re worth. Some will give you a deal, but if you have the budget paying them well will keep them coming back for more.
Always give them credit - when you can - Outside help can sometimes feel like outsiders. When it’s appropriate put them in front of the client and give them the credit they deserve. Your lack of fear over losing credit will bode well with your person and your client.
Aim to find like culture - It’s not always possible, but you’ve built a culture that you love, so make sure your outside help embodies some of that sparkle. Nothing like the wrong vibe to mess with your inside team.
Make sure your team members see them as allies and not threats
When bringing in an expert to help your full-time employees with a project, be sure to show how this is enhancing the team, AND providing them with a cool perspective on something new.