From Vendor to Partner: Getting the most out of your agency relationship
Talk
From Vendor to Partner: Getting the most out of your agency relationship
14 May, 1:50 pm - 2:25 pm (America/New_York) - Main Stage
14 May, 17:50 - 18:25 (UTC)
Product Direction
UXDX USA 2025
Agency or consultancy relationships can be tricky to navigate. I'll breakdown how to vet and select the right partner for you - ensuring your needs are not only met but exceeded. We'll dive into simple but effective decision frameworks along with negotiating tactics such as:
- Identify your core need and refine your ask (augmentation, strategy, implementation, etc...)
- How to decipher notional knowledge vs. deep expertise in a potential vendor
- Discuss rates and budgets with confidence and empowerment
- Gaining your executive(s) buy-in
- Navigating "red-lines"

Tanesha Smith-Wattley, Head of Product & Delivery,Very Good Ventures