As of this writing, Crisp Public Relations has been in business for 14 years. It was only recently that I decided to publish a website. I asked a dozen colleagues how I should go about doing so.
Almost immediately, Drew Dorgan, the president and owner of GlobalHMA, a marketing communications agency in Lancaster, PA, reached out and offered her agency’s support for a new site. I was blown away – and a little humbled – that this powerhouse firm responsible for international web-based activities for some of the world’s largest companies would be helping my little Marion, NC home-based business.
To understand why I felt this way, I need to give a little context and background. When I first started working with GlobalHMA – through a partner that has since retired – I had concerns. I didn’t see them as a potential partner, but rather as a potential competitor – someone that I might have to go head-to-head against for actual revenue-generating projects.
This wasn’t a fear born of rationality, but rather something that had been ingrained into me from my time working for large agencies where management continually painted any other agency as an opponent who needed to be defeated in the client’s mind – where revenue would always be more important than people or even good client service.
It was only after I met Drew and her team in person that my perception began to really change. Anyone that knows her understands that Drew is one of the nicest and most genuine of people – a persona that I see reflected in everyone I work with at GlobalHMA. This wasn’t someone I should be competing with but, rather, someone I should be partnering with in any way I could.
Since I’ve started my own business, I’ve been lucky to partner with and get to know other agencies and independent consultants like Drew and GlobalHMA – companies I plan to recognize as I develop more blogs for this site. They have helped me in a way they probably never realized – teaching me to stop looking for potential competitors and start looking for potential partners. That mindset has not only made my business more successful – it has made my professional life more fun and interesting.
For all of these reasons, I extend a thank you to all of the amazing partners I have had, and currently have, in building Crisp Public Relations – and especially to GlobalHMA for helping me create this site.
About The Author: Michael Crisp
I am an independent consultant and copywriter with more than 20 years’ experience helping companies and agencies in the coatings, chemicals and industrial automation markets build and maintain connections with the people important to their businesses.
More posts by Michael Crisp