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Join Decideware at ProcureCon Marketing, June 6th-8th!

Posted by Joseph Herrada on May 24, 2023 3:17:06 PM

 

ICYMI - Decideware Webinar Key Takeaways - MarTech Implementations

Posted by Joseph Herrada on Mar 16, 2023 4:30:00 PM

 

In today's fast-paced digital landscape, the need for effective and efficient marketing technology (MarTech) software has become more crucial than ever before. In this webinar, hosted by Decideware in partnership with the Association of National Advertisers (ANA), dove into the importance of high-quality MarTech software implementation, with a special focus on the foundational principles of cooperation and communication between client and MarTech provider. Understanding the impact of such collaboration on customer organizations can be transformative for marketing & organizational success.

Led by Decideware’s Kimberly Pardo & Richard Benyon, the webinar took a unique look at the implementation process from both the supplier and client point of views, providing a sneak-peek under the hood of tier-1 software implementations. Exploring points ranging from the selection of the right software/supplier for your organization to the continued support of your new system, they provided a comprehensive look into what makes great client/supplier relationships tick before, during, and after and implementation.

Decideware & WFA Co-present at Procurecon Marketing 2022

Posted by Joseph Herrada on Sep 7, 2022 11:16:29 AM

 

In Review - ANA AFM 2022

Posted by Joseph Herrada on May 12, 2022 1:31:28 PM

It seems like only yesterday we began preparing for the 2022 ANA Advertising Financial Management conference; and sadly it’s already here and gone. And what a wonderful conference it was!


Sponsoring the ANA AFM conference for over a decade has allowed us to witness and be a part of the fast growth and maturation of marketing procurement, globally. From humble beginnings in 2009 where we attended with around 150 others, to over 750 in recent years has shown just how powerful, connected, and supportive this community of professionals really is. Juxtaposed to the growth of AFM, here at Decideware we have been blessed with similar growth over the same period – evidence that we are better together as the agency relationship management space continues to grow.

With over 20 insightful presentations from thought leaders around the world of marketing & marketing procurement, not only was the 2022 ANA AFM conference a great networking opportunity, but also a can’t-miss educational opportunity as well. Careful curation of the schedule and presenters came to a point with talks led by Decideware clients Kellogg, PepsiCo, NestléClorox, and our very own Ed McFadden, Chief Client Officer at Decideware. With topics ranging from agency relationship management to hot legal topics in advertising, everyone in attendance walked away just a little bit more knowledgeable of the landscape we all operate within.

If one thing was clear from ANA AFM 2022, its this: The landscape we operate in isn’t as concrete as we may have thought. We have the power to reshape our surroundings through high quality work, high quality relationships, and a high level of respect for our fellow people. Marketing B2B and B2C is old news – the future is B4H; Brands for Humans. To deliver on such an initiative, our house must be in order with purposeful agency rosters, mindful compensation frameworks, and robust data analytics to fuel the successes of tomorrow.

To learn more about how Decideware can help bring clarity to your agency relationships, visit www.decideware.com, or reach out to info@decideware.com today.

To learn more about the ANA organization and their Member Growth Agenda, visit ANA.net.

 

Celebrating 2022 Decideware Scholarship Recipients @ Michigan State University AD+PR

Posted by Joseph Herrada on May 4, 2022 3:00:00 PM

This month Decideware is excited to share our continued support of Michigan State Advertising and Public Relations (MSU AD+PR) students this scholarship year. Here at Decideware we recognize the value of enabling as many bright minds as possible to pursue higher education; we hope that these scholarships are a modest but impactful step in that direction.

Decideware wants to recognize and congratulate MSU AD+PR students Taliah Martinez and Alayna Seaberg. Both of these amazing scholars over the past year have shown a deep desire to learn, excel within the curriculum, and support their fellow students along the way. It is an honor to aid them as they continue along the paths of their young career. They were gracious in providing their perspective on the Decideware Scholarship on their studies:

Words cannot express how thankful I am to have been chosen as one of the two Decideware Advertising Scholarship recipients. My education and pre-professional career have been of utmost importance to me throughout college, and to be rewarded in this way is very surreal. Thank you very much to the donors, as well as those who chose me as a candidate to receive this great honour. The scholarship will go a very long way for me financially, which I am beyond grateful for. Thank you so much! – Taliah Martinez

 “I am so grateful to be a recipient of the Decideware Advertising Scholarship for the Fall 2022 semester. Without the support of family, peers, educators, and companies like Decideware, I would not have been granted the many opportunities I have been able to experience throughout my undergrad at Michigan State. Thank you to everyone who has seen and supported my potential, and I express my deepest gratitude to the donors and those who selected me for this award. Knowing that I have unwavering support at Michigan State keeps me motivated to continue my hard work into my future career and beyond.” – Alayna Seaberg

 

VJ Ratnam, Decideware CEO commented on how this program was part Decideware’s commitment to supporting excellence in the marketing and advertising community

Decideware has a deep commitment to the advertising community and this program provides us with an opportunity to provide at least some assistance to deserving people about to begin their career journeys.

When we listen to the stories of the scholarship recipients, it is both an exciting and humbling experience. We’re excited for them, and all the students in their cohort, and we wish them the very best in their future endeavours.

This sponsorship was formed in conversations with our good friend Greg Taucher, Professor of Practice @ MSU AD+PR and we want to recognise his commitment to educating MSU students.”

VJ Ratnam, Decideware CEO.

 

 

Greg Taucher, Professor of Practice @ MSU AD+PR is a principal agent to recognize in the creation of the Decideware Scholarship Program. His dedication and commitment to his students is something we recognize and honour through this program. As a long-time friend of Decideware, we want to commend Greg on his contributions to the MSU AD+PR community.

The Decideware Scholarships are not only recognition and investments in a student’s pursuit of academic excellence, but the scholarships are also investments in the future of the advertising industry. These scholarships are awarded to students who have demonstrated their acumen up and down the advertising management curriculum, with particular focus on courses and seminars where Scope of Work planning and management, along with client/agency P&L forecasting, and client relationships are emphasized.” – Greg Taucher, Professor of Practice, MSU

 

Actual Benefits of Performance Evaluation Programs

Posted by Richard Benyon on Apr 27, 2022 6:47:52 PM

Most managers in Strategic Relationship Management (e.g. Marketing Agencies or Strategic Suppliers) can list a fair number of reasons why relationship evaluations should be conducted on a regular basis.   A typical list is shown below.   The problem with these sorts of lists is that the benefits are all a little theoretical and lack direct practical relevance.   Forget the theory, how do relationship evaluations really help?   What practical help can I get from them?

Ed McFadden and Agency Roster Management – ANA AFM 2022

Posted by Joseph Herrada on Apr 19, 2022 4:00:00 PM

 

 

Decideware can't wait to see everyone attending the ANA Advertising Financial Management conference May 1st – 4th in Orlando, FL. We’re confident this year will be one of the best to share thinking, problem solving strategies, and network within our industries. Punctuated by two years away due to COVID-19, the return to togetherness is very welcome indeed.

Decideware CCO Ed McFadden will be speaking at the event on dimensions of agency roster management for large advertisers. With increasingly complex marketing mixes and our own business structures becoming more dynamic, we must consider the strategy behind how we structure our agency rosters to drive marketing success. With 25+ years of agency relationship management experience, Ed has developed a deep understanding of the variables that influence a purposeful agency roster that drive tangible business results.

Decideware to Partner with ANA for 12th Straight Year

Posted by Joseph Herrada on Apr 3, 2022 10:00:00 AM

Decideware Excited to Announce Continued Partnership with ANA in 2022

DW ANA BANNER

Decideware is happy to share that we are continuing our partnership with the Association of National Advertisers (ANA) in 2022. Specifically, we are looking forward to sponsoring the ANA Advertising Financial Management Conference May 1st – May 4th in Orlando, FL where advertisers & advertising agencies from around the globe gather to share ideas, learn from one another, and network across industries.

Ed McFadden on AdWeek's "What Do CMO's Actually Want in an Agency?"

Posted by Joseph Herrada on Mar 18, 2022 3:00:00 PM

At Decideware, we believe that the relationship curated between marketers and their agencies is inherently beneficial. There is no question that the interactions between them can lead to meaningful and sustainable success for both parties involved. We believe this relationship is the foundation on which marketers and agencies bring value to their customers in the marketplace. 

7 WFA Partner Predictions for 2022

Posted by Robin Seasock on Feb 7, 2022 5:25:05 PM

Robin Seasock, Decideware's Chief Operating Officer, discusses marketing predictions that will shape the future of marketing for 2022 in an interview with WFA and other strategic partners.

Women of Influence insight series in partnership with Producers & Procurers iQ - Part 2

Posted by Robin Seasock on Nov 9, 2021 11:19:41 PM

Decideware are proud sponsors of Women of Influence in partnership with Producers and Procurers IQ.

Decideware is a proud sponsor of the Women of Influence insight series in partnership with Producers & Procurers iQ

Posted by Robin Seasock on Oct 19, 2021 12:39:23 AM

We are pleased to announce that Decideware are proud sponsors of Women of Influence in partnership with Producers and Procurers IQ.

Decideware Continues Long Relationship with ProcureCon Marketing

Posted by Steven Wales on Sep 27, 2021 12:48:49 AM

I am pleased to announce that Decideware is once again proud to sponsor ProcureCon Marketing, to be held in La Jolla, CA. 5-8 December 2021.

Decideware is Growing - Adding a New Production Manager Client ...

Posted by Robin Seasock on Jul 8, 2021 12:28:44 AM

 

Last month we landed a new client whose goal is to better govern their advertising production spend.

This well-known CPG advertiser manages many household brands, supported with very significant creative, production and media budgets.

The production governance team approached us with an interest in deploying Decideware’s Production Manager solution to automate and improve their existing processes, which rely primarily on a database which does not provide in-depth analysis needed for today’s dynamic production governance environment, or fast report generation.

Advertising Conferences are Bringing Peers and Agencies Back Together Again ...

Posted by Robin Seasock on Jun 28, 2021 11:54:57 PM

After a relatively quiet 18 months, this week is shaping up to be an active one for practitioners in the Marketing Procurement and Marketing Operations space. 

There are two big industry conferences happening this week, the ANA Advertising Financial Management Conference and ProcureCon Marketing Connect Europe

Decideware is pleased to sponsor and participate in both events this week.

 

Brands Commit to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

Posted by Robin Seasock on Jun 1, 2021 5:08:22 PM
Topics: Diversity

 

How to apply Business Intelligence to Agency Management

Posted by Richard Benyon on Jun 1, 2021 11:48:00 AM

 

 

Learn how to apply Business Intelligence to Marketing Procurement and Agency management in our new E-book. If you are an executive who works at a large advertiser, who has responsibility for managing relationships with marketing & communication agencies, and are looking for new ways to optimize those relationships, then this eBook is for you.

It’s time to EXCEL with Business Intelligence!

Posted by Robin Seasock on May 20, 2021 3:26:02 PM

Has your CPO or CMO asked you how much money the company is spending with creative agencies... globally?

 

It is not an unreasonable question, yet many large advertisers rely on spreadsheets, multiple meetings, and numerous emails to answer what should be a simple question.

Yes, the finance team can provide the high-level budget information, by brand, but they typically can’t drill into the details of the spend. The individual brand teams know their specific spend details, but when it comes to rolling up that information across all brands, regions, and company divisions, that collating process takes weeks and sometimes months. By the time each market provides their details, the data is obsolete and doesn’t provide a real-time perspective of the agency engagement activity.

The ANA & Ford & Decideware – Webinar; Ford’s Journey in Automating their Agency Management Process

Posted by Robin Seasock on Apr 28, 2021 8:47:19 PM

 

In this webinar, hear from members of Ford's Global Agency Management Team as they share their experience in automating their scope of work and performance evaluation processes globally across all divisions and under tight timelines.

 

Decideware’s Client Summit – "Enabling Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Programs"

Posted by Robin Seasock on Apr 5, 2021 6:35:54 PM
Topics: Diversity

 

Decideware’s Client Summit – Enabling Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Programs
 
Diversity, Equity & Inclusion has always been on the agenda for large advertisers, but this year DE&I shot straight up to the top of the agenda and that’s reflected in conference designs of the industry member organizations – the WFA and ANA, for example. Across the marketing landscape, DE&I has risen as a priority and advertisers are building out their programs.

Decideware and “FORGE: Championing Supplier Diversity”

Posted by Robin Seasock on Feb 21, 2021 9:31:07 PM
Topics: Diversity

 

Pepsi, Merck, IBM, IHG… what do we all have in common?
A deep commitment to Diversity & Inclusion.

Diversity & Inclusion continues to bubble up as the #1 topic that organizations want to elevate and address in 2021 – especially when it comes to Procurement. Procurement Foundry is hosting a world-class conference “FORGE: Championing Supplier Diversity” on Thursday, February 25, 2021 and Decideware is proud to be sponsoring the event.

Decideware Continues To Grow ...

Posted by Robin Seasock on Jan 28, 2021 8:53:04 PM

 

 

Decideware grew during the GFC.

And through the next decade.

And we’re growing during COVID 2020/21.

That’s because we help advertisers manage their agency relationships – thru’ the good times and the bad.

How Pfizer is managing its global agency roster...

Posted by Robin Seasock on Jan 11, 2021 9:35:22 PM

Pfizer and Decideware collaborated recently on an Association of National Advertisers (ANA) article where Pfizer shared their vision for managing its global agency roster. 

Decideware and Pfizer to feature at ProcureCon (US) Marketing Summit

Posted by Robin Seasock on Nov 19, 2020 12:50:34 AM

Decideware & Pfizer @ ProcureCon Marketing Virtual Summit, 19 Nov 2020.

Decideware is pleased to sponsor the 2020 ProcureCon Marketing Virtual Summit.  The peer-led conference features use-cases from over 20 thought leaders in marketing procurement. 

Decideware supports Forge: Marketing

Posted by Robin Seasock on Oct 28, 2020 10:20:38 PM

Decideware is proud to be an inaugural Premier Sponsor of Forge: Marketing - Global Marketing Procurement’s newest marquee annual event;

Thursday, October 29th 10-5pm EDT (Live Virtual Conference)

 

The full day agenda features a range of important topics and expert practitioners representing brands, including AbInBev, AstraZeneca, Nestle, Novo Nordisk, Teva, Truist, Visa and many others in addition to seasoned industry advisors Laura Forcetti at the WFA and Tina Fegent.

ProcureCon Marketing Webinar Series: Bayer's Procurement Automation Journey

Posted by Steven Wales on Oct 27, 2020 2:23:22 AM

 

In this ProcureCon Marketing EU Webinar, Wednesday 28 October, 2020 - 

 

Decideware's Steven Wales will present sessions with Malik Akhtar, VP Marketing Procurement at Bayer to understand Bayer's journey to automate their scope of work program to drive efficiencies and savings.

 

Malik will discuss Bayer's processes to secure gains, and address questions, including;

  •  His role and responsibilities at Bayer, as well as his experience before Bayer
  • What was the state of Marketing Procurement, specifically scope management, when he arrived at Bayer?
  • What was the catalyst for change, that senior leadership identified, as reasons to automate the scope process?
  • How did Bayer gain buy-in from marketing, agencies and leadership alike?
  • How did he communicate change? 
  • What have the benefits been?
  • Are we there yet and if not, what’s next?
  • What are the 3 main tips for advertisers looking to automate their scope process?

The conference link is available, here;

https://www.wbresearch.com/events-procurecon-episode-2-eu-october-2020

 

ProcureCon Marketing Virtual Event

Episode 2: 28th October, 2020   
12:00 - 16:00 London | 13:00 - 17:00 Berlin

 

 

Join us for the ANA hosted webinar on the 5 Steps to Establish a Strategic Production Spend Management Program ...

Posted by Robin Seasock on Sep 16, 2020 6:57:12 PM

Join us for the ANA hosted webinar ...

5 Steps to Establish a Strategic Production Spend Management Program

 

While there has been a cost management focus placed on individual production projects, overarching, company-wide strategic production spend governance is still relatively immature.

In this webinar, learn how to take your production governance to a higher level to better enable your stakeholders and provide insights to your leadership team.

This session will cover how to get started with these 5 steps to establish a strategic production spend management program:

  • Establish a strategic production spend management Team & Charter
  • Define the goals to enable a better process and inform spend decisions
  • Capture and understand costs – and make decisions informed with data
  • Implement a communication plan to enact change
  • Continue to build on the gains

 

WHEN

Start: Thursday, September 17, 2020 at 1:00pm

End: Thursday, September 17, 2020 at 2:00pm

 

Speakers

Richard Benyon, CEO, Co-Founder & Propeller-Head, Decideware

Damian Branch, Professional Services Manager, Decideware

 

Link

https://www.ana.net/webinars/show/id/COMWWDD-200917

 

When Advertisers want Enterprise, they Upgrade with Decideware 

"The COVID-19 Production Playbook: What Brands Need to Know About Post-Lockdown Production" ...

Posted by Robin Seasock on Aug 13, 2020 6:30:31 PM

 

Advertising production management is receiving more attention than it used to from brands.

After production came to an abrupt halt with the pandemic it is now starting to re-open, but with a few more complications. For example, there are more legal and risk management considerations than before.

According to Wimberly Meyer who hosted a recent ANA webinar “The COVID-19 Production Playbook: What Brands Need to Know About Post-Lockdown Production” advertisers are also requiring more approvals by more people in the advertiser’s organization.

Roles that have not traditionally been involved in production are now weighing in on production decisions. What that means for advertisers is a heightened level of communication and budget scrutiny is required at every step of the way.

 

Production governance programs need to change.

 

And we see the leading clients at Decideware changing;

1. They've designed better production governance programs to accommodate what's needed now 

2. They reply on the Decideware platform to enable the program and to deliver data transparency

3. With transparency, they make informed decisions across all their markets under management.

The production world has changed - and production spend governance best-practice has changed with it.

How to Build a Global Marketing Procurement Model during a Pandemic ...

Posted by Robin Seasock on Aug 7, 2020 4:56:29 PM

 

As we settle into our new norm, virtual conferences seem to be the closest thing we are going to get to in-person conferences for some time. The recent ProcureCon Marketing webinar 2-day series offered topics spanning everything from identifying and maximizing opportunities in media, to recommendations for remote pitches, to using technology to your advantage, to innovating, lessons learned, and changing your agency or marketing procurement model.  

The content provided value to new entrants and seasoned professionals.

Homing in on the “How to Build a Global Marketing Procurement Model during a Pandemic” presentation by Carla Heri-Hoepker and Diana Laffert from Bayer, they laid out a roadmap and provided recommendations for how to implement a truly centralized global procurement operation that spanned 60 markets.

A few keys to their success were:

    • being agile, driving global standards, and easing complexity with processes and tools
    • staying focused on transformation areas and topics that provided value and mattered most to the business
    • keeping an open mind to new opportunities and changing the ways of working
    • engaging, engaging, engaging

Sopan Shah, CPO at IHG to open the ANA's 2020 Advertising Financial Management Conference ...

Posted by Robin Seasock on Jul 29, 2020 11:44:55 PM

 

This year Sopan Shah, Chief Procurement Officer at IHG will open the ANA's Advertising Financial Management conference. 

 

FROM MARKETING PROCUREMENT TO CPO

Back in 2012, Sopan Shah chaired the ANA Advertising Financial Conference when he was head of procurement for global advertising, marketing services, and indirect at Nestlé.  Today, Sopan is chief procurement officer at InterContinental Hotels Group.  His marketing procurement background gives Sopan a unique vantage point as CPO – to help marketers build brands and maximize profitability.

This session will feature Sopan’s perspective on the importance of marketing in the overall procurement mix; the intersection of procurement, IT, and marketing; driving value beyond cost savings; and more.

As a 10 year sponsor of the AFM and a frequent contributor to on-stage member education, we encourage you to attend Sopan’s presentation, virtually (online) – he is an excellent speaker and one of the industry’s best practitioners!

6 Steps to Establish a Great Production Spend Management Program

Posted by Robin Seasock on Jul 19, 2020 9:17:32 PM
 
“Improved Advertising Production Management is within Advertisers’ Control” (The ANA)

 

The Pandemic is Forcing Better Production Governance

 

Advertisers were faced with having to quickly pivot their approach to production because of the COVID-19 Pandemic. They were canceling and postponing shoots, adapting production of content, accessing and re-purposing existing assets, and figuring out how to deliver the appropriate messaging to their audiences in an innovative way.

CMOs and Finance teams are now focused on the financial impact of the pandemic to both revenue and expenses.

Marketing Operations and Procurement teams are working quickly to update scopes of work, contracts, and change orders with their agencies. Some industry sectors are pumping the breaks on production (i.e. leisure and hospitality) while others are working fast and furious to address markets that are tentatively re-opening. Regardless of the sector and market, all advertisers are closely monitoring and managing their spending.

So far, how well have advertisers been able to manage their production spend when the crunch hit? Were they able to have a single top-line view of production activity across all of their brand teams, agencies and geographies? Did they have a good handle on their production commitments and spend? Did they know the financial implications associated with canceling productions? Could they assess the impact of budget changes with their agencies? And when production begins to ramp back up again (and everyone is competing for the same resources at the same time), how well positioned will advertisers be to look across their production jobs to optimize the resources available to deliver against new timelines?

360-degree Agency Evaluation, can you handle the truth?

Posted by Robin Seasock on Jun 20, 2020 8:52:52 PM

Using 360-degree feedback as part of your agency evaluation program.

 

A topic that remains hot in the Agency Relationship Management area is what is commonly called 360-degree Evaluation, which is where an agency provides feedback to their client as part of a formal, structured performance management program.

Decideware partners with WBR to bring ProcureCon Marketing, Virtual Event, 25 June, 2020

Posted by Robin Seasock on Jun 11, 2020 2:01:03 AM

Marketing Procurement is evolving….are you evolving with it?

The ProcureCon Marketing Virtual Event is your WFH friendly forum for action-packed takeaways and detailed use-cases from the top minds in wealth and asset management on innovation and emerging tech.

 

Register for the event, here:

https://event.on24.com/eventRegistration/EventLobbyServlet?target=reg20.jsp&partnerref=wbrspkr&eventid=2339660&sessionid=1&key=83E5A76CE814E1BA71C1E3F69870297E&regTag=&sourcepage=register

 

How to Organise Teams for Scoping Season Success. An ANA Forward magazine article.

Posted by Aaron Mateer on Jun 1, 2020 10:02:49 PM

How to Organize Teams for Scoping Season Success.

 

Ensuring the right people are at the table and working toward the same goals.

 

The following is an extract from an article published May 25, 2020 in Forward magazine by the Association of National Advertisers. ANA Members can access the full article, here:

https://www.ana.net/magazines/show/id/forward-2020-05-decideware-organize-teams-for-scoping-success

There's no rest for the weary. With the 2020 scope season in the rearview mirror, it's already time to look ahead to 2021.

A Guide to Managing Agencies in These Uncertain Times

Posted by Robin Seasock on May 11, 2020 11:41:39 PM

 

These continue to be uncertain times, indeed ...

 

as most advertisers and agencies continue to move through varying states of flux , depending on their industry.

For some, the change has been dramatic. For others, it has been incremental. 

But for almost all of us, it’s important to effectively manage processes and resources to retain and rebuild advertising ecosystems. We must prepare to fully return to building great brands as markets re-open.

While the impact of the pandemic varies across the business and global landscape, many advertisers face disruptions, including:

Announcing the 2020 Decideware Advertising Management Scholarship at MSU, Inaugural Recipients

Posted by Robin Seasock on Apr 27, 2020 7:58:47 PM

 

The Decideware Advertising Management Scholarship at MSU. 

 

Decideware is pleased to announce a new scholarship fund has been established with the Department of Advertising and Public Relationships in the College of Communication Arts and Sciences, Michigan State University (MSU), ie the Decideware Advertising Management Scholarship

And we are now delighted to recognise Brandon Crawford and Isabel Perhogan as the deserved recipients of the (inaugural) 2020 awards.

Is AI the End of Agencies As You Know Them?

Posted by Robin Seasock on Apr 17, 2020 1:42:15 AM

 

 

On 10 April, the Association of National Advertisers published a new article;

"Is AI the End of Agencies As You Know Them?"

which features comments by Decideware, Inc. CEO Richard Benyon. 

Scope of Work: The Right Team on the Right Business

Posted by Robin Seasock on Apr 10, 2020 11:06:49 PM

Aligning marketing, agencies and procurement through better Scope of Work management

 

1. Why is the Scope of Work process so important?

As with other professional services categories the Scope of Work process is becoming ever more important in managing marketing spend. A well-controlled Scope of Work program is an integral part of a robust framework for planning and communication between client and agency.

Driving Change at IHG

Posted by Steven Wales on Mar 1, 2020 8:58:10 PM

Coleman Raymond discusses her role in transforming IHG's Agency Strategy and Operations Practices

 

Partner Contribution: Coleman Raymond. Courtesy of InterContinental Hotels Group

Changing the future course of something can be a daunting task under the best of circumstances. Attempting to alter a corporate process or way of working that affects hundreds of people, both inside a global organization and externally with strategic partners, can be virtually impossible. But that's the exact task InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) set when founding its Agency Strategy and Operations team in its Atlanta office in 2018.

The 4-Step Process to Developing a Marketing Procurement Data Strategy

Posted by Robin Seasock on Jan 19, 2020 8:03:01 PM

Data is essential when making marketing procurement decisions. It’s the foundation to understand where you’ve been, where you are now, and where you’re headed.

Agencies and their Views of Evaluation Programs

Posted by Richard Benyon on Sep 8, 2019 11:03:41 PM

Agencies are valued partners in advertisers’ evaluation programs. They act as respondents in the relationship surveys our clients conduct, often they’re invited to play a role in shaping the program, and certainly they will engage to act on the findings.

ANA Webinar: Deliver Value Beyond Savings: Helping Marketing Achieve Objectives Using Optimized Agency Management

Posted by Robin Seasock on Jul 17, 2019 11:04:49 PM

Most agency management programs help companies manage their agency relationships, deliver process efficiencies and savings. But did you know there is more untapped value that Marketing isn’t getting that can help brand teams make more informed decisions and deliver insights to the leadership team to help drive Marketing strategy? During this webinar, Decideware and LinkRFx will share with you how to move up the value pyramid to deliver more strategic value. 

In this webinar, you will learn:

  • Stronger marketing investments are possible when Marketing, Operations, Procurement, and Finance collaborate and optimize agency management
  • Marketing Procurement isn’t all about cutting costs, they can be enablers for marketing leadership for brand planning and measuring brand/agency activity against topline marketing strategies  
  • A well-designed agency management program delivers insights for swift decision making

https://www.ana.net/magazines/show/id/forward-2019-07-decideware-beyond-traditional-agency-management


Sourcing to Resourcing: re-labeling Marketing Procurement

Posted by Steven Wales on Jun 23, 2019 10:37:11 PM

This past week I had the privilege of attending the ProcureCon for Digital and Marketing services conference in London.  About 200 marketing procurement professionals from companies like Bayer, Adidas, Kellogg, L’Oreal, Mars, Duracell, Mondelez and more came together to share best practice, learn from peers & industry leaders and network with colleagues.  Having attended dozens of marketing and procurement conferences over the past decade, I was really looking forward to hearing what the latest trends are from around the world.  However, there seemed to be an old theme popping up . . . again. That is,

"We Live in Decideware & We Love It"

Posted by VJ Ratnam on Jun 3, 2019 7:45:59 PM
Topics: Scope of Work

One of the many benefits of our long engagement with the ANA’s Advertising Financial Management conference is the opportunity to meet an array of people who work in the business – representing marketing, procurement, finance and agencies.       

In-House vs External Agency Evaluation - Is there a double standard?

Posted by Decideware Staff on May 28, 2019 6:40:17 PM

 

Is there a Fast Evolution Happening in Agency Management?

Posted by Decideware Staff on Apr 9, 2019 10:04:21 PM

With rapid growth over the past 18 months, we've acquired many new clients coming to Decideware with greater ambitions for scale, productivity and ROI than we might have seen in the past. And established clients are lifting to greater heights faster than ever.

ANA's Advertising Financial Management Conference & Our Deep Partnership

Posted by Decideware Staff on Mar 31, 2019 6:28:50 PM

Decideware is again a proud sponsor of the ANA's Advertising Financial Management Conference, this year April 28 – May 1, in Phoenix, ARIZ.

In fact, as we’ve done for years now, Steven Wales will welcome all the attendees to the event Monday morning right ahead of Bob’s Opening Remarks.

The WFA and Decideware deliver at Sourcing Forum, Singapore

Posted by Richard Benyon on Mar 17, 2019 8:44:13 PM

Late last year the WFA and Decideware partnered to deliver a seminar to WFA Sourcing Forum members in Singapore.

Decideware congratulates Raja Rajamannar from Mastercard for being named WFA Global Marketer of the Year, 2018

Posted by Decideware Staff on Mar 11, 2019 10:06:55 PM

Decideware would like to acknowledge all the nominees and congratulate Raja Rajamannar Chief Marketing and Communications Officer at Mastercard on being named WFA Global Marketer of the Year, 2018.

All aboard? Why it's critical you have a formal on-boarding program!!!

Posted by Richard Benyon on Jan 31, 2019 11:48:32 AM

All aboard? Why it's critical you have a formal on-boarding program for your agency partners and internal stakeholders!!!

HubSpot Video

Do you have all the ingredients to write effective agency evaluation comments? A Decideware Snippet

Posted by Richard Benyon on Jan 23, 2019 10:43:40 AM

Which president is this quote attributed to... "Complaining about a problem without proposing a solution is called whining"?

So what can you do to get the comments you need from your agency evaluations for meaningful action planning?

 

HubSpot Video

Treble & Bass...are you getting your scope of work mix right? A Decideware Snippet

Posted by Richard Benyon on Jan 15, 2019 9:54:27 AM

Are you simply using the "volume control" for your scopes of work? Or are you making sure you have the right mix?

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Will you avoid the agency evalaution 360-feedback "black hole"? A Decideware Snippet

Posted by Richard Benyon on Jan 9, 2019 8:30:16 PM

How will you avoid the evaluation black hole?

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How to keep your agency evaluation program relevant! A Decideware Snippet

Posted by Richard Benyon on Dec 10, 2018 7:44:16 PM

 

Bored, tired, listless? Is your agency evaluation process getting  stagnant?

 

HubSpot Video

 

The WFA Global Marketer of the Year 2018 – Shortlist Announcement

Posted by VJ Ratnam on Dec 5, 2018 7:58:41 AM

The WFA recently announced that the Jury for the WFA Global Marketer of the Year selected the shortlist for this year’s award, featuring heads of marketing from Coty, Diageo, Ikea, Mastercard, Procter & Gamble and Unilever.

Global Marketer of the Year 2018

What will you take on your agency road trip? A Decideware Snippet

Posted by Richard Benyon on Nov 29, 2018 5:12:23 PM
Topics: Scope of Work

You are about to embark on your agency partnership road trip. What's the most important thing you need to take with you?

HubSpot Video

Decideware Agency Management "Big 10" | October 2018

Posted by Decideware Staff on Nov 6, 2018 9:19:17 AM

Below are the October articles of interest from key trade publications, with excerpts highlighting key take-aways. 

The WFA announces the Global Marketer of the Year 2018 Award & Decideware’s Richard Benyon joins the Awards Jury

Posted by VJ Ratnam on Nov 5, 2018 10:28:59 AM

The WFA have announced its prestigious WFA Global Marketer of the Year Awards 2018 is now open to nominations.

Are You Taking Advantage of Mid-Year Agency Evaluations?

Posted by VJ Ratnam on Aug 9, 2018 11:00:38 AM

Take advantage of the summer

 

The middle of the year provides a timely opportunity to touch base with your agencies.

These Northern Hemisphere summer months offer advantages in that the speed of business is relatively a little slower.

Marketers and agency teams might have a little more time to step back, think about their client-agency relationships and complete an evaluation survey.

WFA’s "Growing Pains" article

Posted by VJ Ratnam on Jul 27, 2018 1:19:05 PM

Image result for pain babyLaura Forcetti, Global Marketing Sourcing Manager at the WFA recently posted an interesting article (Growing pains: Marketing procurement is moving beyond the ‘misunderstood teenager’ years, WFA, 28 June 2018) about the maturation of marketing procurement, where she further highlighted opportunities for practitioners to change industry perceptions of the discipline.

Decideware Extends Strategic Partner Relationship with the WFA

Posted by Decideware Staff on Apr 16, 2018 9:30:00 AM

Decideware is pleased to announce an extension to our Strategic Partner relationship with the World Federation of Advertisers. Decideware first partnered with the WFA in 2013, sponsoring events and participating in the WFA's Strategic Partners program and we are pleased to extend the relationship into its 6th year in 2018.

Improving ROI with Business Intelligence in the Scope of Work Process - An Upcoming Webinar

Posted by Decideware Staff on Apr 11, 2018 9:30:00 AM

To register for the webinar, visit:   http://www.ana.net/webinars/show/id/COMWWP-180419

Decideware’s Agency Management  Big 7 - Feb 2018

Posted by Decideware Staff on Mar 12, 2018 9:30:00 AM

Below are the February articles of interest from key trade publications, with excerpts highlighting key take-aways. This month's selection includes articles on ROI in 2018, agency productivity, as well as GDPR.  We hope that you find this month's selections informative and valuable.

5 Practical Steps to Increase Control Over the Production Process and Gain Transparency

Posted by Decideware Staff on Mar 6, 2018 9:30:00 AM
Topics: Production

Decideware recently published an article, "5 Practical Steps to Increase Control over the Production Process and Gain Transparency" in the Industry Insights section of the ANA's Marketing Knowledge Center.  

Decideware to Present at Upcoming ANA Joint Production Management and Advertising Financial Management, West Coast Chapter

Posted by Decideware Staff on Feb 22, 2018 11:33:10 AM
Topics: Production

The ANA West Coast Joint Production Management and Advertising Financial Management meeting will take place on March 1, 2018 at Warner Brothers Studios in Burbank, CA. 

ISBA Refers Members to Decideware to Address Production Transparency Issues

Posted by Decideware Staff on Feb 14, 2018 11:01:15 AM
Topics: Production

Back in November, 2017, ISBA released guidance on the production competitive bidding process that has been under scrutiny lately in both the UK and the US.  As part of that guidance, they recommend Decideware as a potential solution to help solve transparency issues. 

With an Automated Scope of Work Program, Novo Nordisk Realized 37% Savings to Reinvest in their Brand

Posted by Decideware Staff on Jan 24, 2018 9:30:00 AM

Decideware recently published a Q&A article, "Stacy Jensen on Scopes of Work,  Agency Performance, Breaking Down Silos and More" in the Industry Insights section of the ANA's Marketing Knowledge Center.  

Three Key Benefits of a Formal Onboarding Program

Posted by Decideware Staff on Dec 8, 2017 9:30:00 AM

Decideware recently published an article, "Three Key Benefits of a Formal Onboarding Program" in the Industry Insights section of the ANA's Marketing Knowledge Center.  

Decideware’s Agency Management  Big 9 - Nov 2017

Posted by Decideware Staff on Dec 5, 2017 9:30:00 AM

Below are the November articles of interest from key trade publications, with excerpts highlighting key take-aways. This month's selection includes articles on "chief growth officer" roles, TV dominating ad spend, as well as how much ad agencies ideas are worth.  We hope that you find this month's selections informative and valuable.

Decideware to Present at Upcoming ProcureCon Marketing Conference

Posted by Decideware Staff on Nov 16, 2017 11:00:00 AM

The ProcureCon Marketing conference will take place from November 28-30, 2017 at the New Orleans Marriott.

Decideware’s Agency Management  Big 6 - Oct 2017

Posted by Decideware Staff on Nov 10, 2017 9:13:00 AM

Below are the October articles of interest from key trade publications, with excerpts highlighting key take-aways. This month's selection includes articles on the types of agency-client relationships, turning an in-house agency best-in-class, as well as McDonald's global media agency review.  We hope that you find this month's selections informative and valuable.

Why Have A Scope Management Program

Posted by Decideware Staff on Oct 26, 2017 10:57:24 AM
Topics: Scope of Work

You are about to embark on a road trip. You have relaxation on your mind and the destination in your sights.  Your bags are packed and the keys are hot in your hand.  What is missing?

Decideware’s Agency Management  Big 7 - September 2017

Posted by Decideware Staff on Oct 9, 2017 9:30:00 AM

Below are the September articles of interest from key trade publications, with excerpts highlighting key take-aways. This month's selection includes articles on the secret to great creative, what's behind the trouble on Madison Avenue, as well as tips for improving agency compensation practices and transparency.  We hope that you find this month's selections informative and valuable.

What Is Agency Evaluation and What Are Its Benefits?

Posted by Decideware Staff on Oct 2, 2017 9:30:00 AM

There is no such thing as a perfect agency. While many companies place a considerable amount time selecting which agencies they choose to partner with, sometimes even the "perfect agency" seems to lose its shine after the actual workload begins.

Decideware to Present at Upcoming WFA Agency Evaluation Webinar

Posted by Decideware Staff on Sep 15, 2017 9:29:00 AM

Decideware, in partnership with the World Federation of Advertiser, will present "Agency Evaluation: Results from a 2017 Joint Survey" on September 21st at 10:00 am EST. 

Decideware’s Agency Management Big 8 - August 2017

Posted by Decideware Staff on Sep 11, 2017 11:32:12 AM

Below are the August articles of interest from key trade publications, with excerpts highlighting key take-aways. This month's selection includes articles on improvements in media transparency issues, how marketers would reinvest one month's worth of ad spend, as well as how digital consultancies are making inroads.  We hope that you find this month's selections informative and valuable.

Getting the Most from Agency Partners- ANA June FORWARD Article

Posted by Decideware Staff on Aug 24, 2017 11:30:45 AM
Topics: Scope of Work

Included in the June ANA issue of FORWARD is a thought-leadership article by Richard Benyon, CEO of Decideware, titled "Why the Right Scope of Work is So Important: An Effective Scope of Work Ensures the Right Work Gets Done in the Right Way".

Setting Up Agencies for Success- ANA June FORWARD Article

Posted by Decideware Staff on Aug 16, 2017 9:30:00 AM
Topics: Scope of Work

Included in the June ANA issue of FORWARD is a thought-leadership article by Richard Benyon, CEO of Decideware, titled "Why the Right Scope of Work is So Important: An Effective Scope of Work Ensures the Right Work Gets Done in the Right Way".

Decideware’s Agency Management Big 10 - July 2017

Posted by Decideware Staff on Aug 3, 2017 10:32:26 AM

Below are the July articles of interest from key trade publications, with excerpts highlighting key take-aways. This month's selection includes articles on the failing share prices of WPP, the state of advertising labor rates, as well as where we stand today- one year after the ANA's report on media transparency.  We hope that you find this month's selections informative and valuable.

Introducing Decideware University - Agency Management eLearning

Posted by Decideware Staff on Jul 28, 2017 9:30:00 AM

Introducing Decideware University - Agency Management eLearning. Providing clients with 24/7 access to expert agency management tutorials and Agency Onboarding programs to educate and activate your agency stakeholders.

Incorporating Business Intelligence Dashboards into your Agency Management Program

Posted by Decideware Staff on Jul 20, 2017 9:30:00 AM

Most decisions made in the agency management arena are time-critical and must be accurate. This places an emphasis on having processes and systems in place that collect information efficiently, often across multiple geographies, business units and with different agency types.

Decideware’s Agency Management Big 10 - June 2017

Posted by Decideware Staff on Jul 13, 2017 9:30:00 AM

Below are the June articles of interest from key trade publications, with excerpts highlighting key take-aways. This month's selection includes articles on the consultative nature of agencies, Unilever's 'less is more' approach to Marketing, as well as the lessons Marketers can learn from the departure of Coca-Cola's CMO.  We hope that you find this month's selections informative and valuable.

Decideware's "Advancing the Agency Evaluation Process", ANA Procurement Series Webinar

Posted by Decideware Staff on Jun 21, 2017 9:30:00 AM

Richard Benyon, CEO of Decideware presented  "Advancing the Agency Evaluation Process" at a April ANA Procurement Series webinar, along with client-side input from Jim Zambito of Johnson & Johnson and Joyce Costello of IBM.

Decideware’s “Agency Management Big 7” - May 2017

Posted by Decideware Staff on Jun 14, 2017 9:26:00 AM

Below are the May articles of interest from key trade publications. This month's selection includes articles on agencies, hybrid CMO roles, as well as the changes in agency pay.  We hope that you find this month's selections informative and valuable.

"Why the Right Scope of Work is So Important"- ANA June Forward\

Posted by Decideware Staff on Jun 6, 2017 1:39:38 PM

The ANA has just released the June issue of FORWARD, and included is a cutting-edge thought-leadership article by Richard Benyon, CEO of Decideware, titled"Why the Right Scope of Work is So Important: An Effective Scope of Work Ensures the Right Work Gets Done in the Right Way".

ANA/Decideware Data Survey featured in ANA Slideshow "How to Build a Better Agency Relationship"

Posted by Decideware Staff on May 25, 2017 11:36:49 AM

It is well-known that a strong relationship between a client and an agency can bring about great work, often resulting in more business and better brand success. The ANA has released an interesting slideshow proposing techniques for clients to build a stronger relationship with their agencies.

2017 WFA Global Marketers Week Wrap-up

Posted by Decideware Staff on May 19, 2017 9:45:00 AM

The speaker line up was great, the content was powerful, the networking was effective and the Samsung Virtual Reality Booth was . . . well, . . . it was just cool! 

Decideware to Attend and Sponsor Upcoming ANA Financial Management Conference

Posted by Decideware Staff on May 17, 2017 9:30:00 AM

Decideware is a proud sponsor of the upcoming annual ANA Financial Management Conference, to be held in San Diego from May 23 - 26th at the Manchester Grand Hyatt hotel.

Decideware’s “Agency Management Big 10” - April 2017

Posted by Decideware Staff on May 3, 2017 11:00:00 AM

Below are the April articles of interest from key trade publications. This month's selection includes articles on benchmarking, briefing, as well as digital marketing fundamentals.  We hope that you find this month's selections informative and valuable.

Decideware to participate in upcoming WFA Global Marketers Week

Posted by Decideware Staff on Apr 24, 2017 9:30:00 AM

On Tuesday, April 25th, the World Federation of Advertisers heads to Toronto for Global Marketer Week - days of inspiration, discovery and learning. Steven Wales, CRO of Decideware, will attend the meeting representing WFA's Strategic Partner for Efficiency.

Decideware’s “Agency Management Big 8” - March 2017

Posted by Decideware Staff on Apr 12, 2017 9:30:00 AM

Below are the March articles of interest from key trade publications. This month's selection includes articles on how to build a better agency relationship, the importance of a client/agency contract, as well as the increasing trend in global consultancies buying up agencies and reshaping the brand marketing world.  We hope that you find this month's selections informative and valuable.

Decideware to Present at Upcoming ANA Procurement Series Webinar

Posted by Decideware Staff on Apr 6, 2017 9:40:00 AM

Richard Benyon, CEO of Decideware, will present  "Advancing the Agency Evaluation Process" in an upcoming ANA Procurement Series webinar, along with client-side input from Jim Zambito, Executive Director, Agency Relations and Finance Controller of Johnson & Johnson.

Decideware's Longstanding Relationship with the ANA

Posted by Decideware Staff on Mar 29, 2017 9:45:00 AM

Decideware has enjoyed a long and productive relationship with the ANA.

Production Transparency . . . What's the Real Problem

Posted by Decideware Staff on Mar 23, 2017 9:45:00 AM
Topics: Production

On February 22nd and 23rd, the Association of National Advertisers (ANA) held the annual combined meeting of their Production Management and West Coast Advertising Financial Management committees.

How to get the most from your agency relationships

Posted by Decideware Staff on Mar 15, 2017 9:45:00 AM

McKinsey & Company released an article in February discussing the current client-agency environment and provided guidance on how to get the most from your agency relationships.

Decideware’s “Agency Management Big 10” - Feb 2017

Posted by Decideware Staff on Mar 8, 2017 9:45:00 AM

Below is the February articles of interest from key trade publications. This month's selection includes articles on the challenges that marketers have faced over the past year, how to get the most from your agencies in the upcoming year, as well as the increasing trend in client project-based assignments.  We hope that you find this month's selection informative and valuable.

More Agency Focus Groups Generate Valuable Learnings

Posted by Decideware Staff on Feb 24, 2017 9:45:00 AM
Topics: Production

In early February 2017, with the valuable support of a New Jersey based advertiser client, Decideware facilitated 4 focus groups over 3 days with advertising agency partners who work actively in the Decideware Agency Management Solutions system.

Decideware to participate in ANA Joint Production & Financial Management Committee Meeting

Posted by Decideware Staff on Feb 17, 2017 9:45:00 AM
Topics: Production

The West Coast chapter of the ANA's joint Production and Advertising Financial Management Committees will be taking place on February 22-23rd at Warner Bros, Los Angeles.

Decideware’s “Agency Management Big 5” - Jan 2017

Posted by Decideware Staff on Feb 14, 2017 9:45:00 AM

Each month, Decideware will highlight articles of interest from key trade publications such as AdAge, ANA's Smartbrief, Campaign Live to give Marketing and Procurement professional the latest news and relevant industry information. If you are involved in managing client-agency relationships, we hope that you find this information valuable and informative:

Decideware client hosts successful agency partner focus groups leading to product planning ideas

Posted by Decideware Staff on Jan 12, 2017 10:42:30 AM

In November 2016, one of Decideware’s clients in NYC kindly hosted an opportunity for agency executives to meet with Decideware and provide feedback on their usage of Decideware’s Agency Management Solutions.

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