Qualities of a Good Agency:
As with any business in the same sector, over a period of time, they all begin to look alike. Agencies can also start to take on similar practices. They begin to look alike, sound alike, think and act alike. When choosing an agency to represent you and your family look for an agency that is authentic in their policy and practices to best meets your needs. Make sure these practices work well with your family in creating a positive experience.
Look at the following information outlining some positive and unique practices to look for:
- The most admired agencies are those who have established values, guiding principles; they publish them and practice them, no matter what the circumstances. “They walk the talk.” These are NOT mission statements but it is their basic values that propel them as an organization such as: fairness, honesty, respect, responsibility, caring and trust.
- People with the Agency have a clear understanding of these values; their roles and responsibilities and are able to discuss them in a positive way.
- Agencies ensure that all affiliated businesses and service providers have similar value systems and guiding principles, support them and put them into practice.
- The agency is knowledgeable about the service you are looking for.
- The agency must have a positive reputation in the community with a proven track record with effectiveness in meeting client needs.
- The agency must be able to determine your needs through listening and understanding your concerns and deliver them effectively.
- Execute agreed upon strategies.
- Agencies must be more than account managers, for you and their service providers. They must provide vision, leadership and guidance.
- The agency has established business practices that create ease of doing business. Policies are in place and practiced consistently.
- There is an established process to ensure there is regular contact from the Agency with affiliated businesses and service providers and the family.
- The agency must anticipate your needs through knowledge, evaluation and regular contact giving suggestions.
- Shows responsibility and accountability to the client by having systems in place to track client needs with effective results.
- There is organization and integrated systems to produce effective and desired outcomes. Systems are continuously updated to support client needs.
- The agency has a record clear record of attracting, selecting and maintaining “good people” for staff and as service providers.
- Established professional development plan for staff members and service providers.
- Above all, as the decision maker do you feel an Agency will support your family needs effectively and provide a service you want?
If you have interviewed and made the decision that the Agency will be supportive to your family needs, the next step is to ensure they are accountable to maintaining a positive relationship through ongoing communication. If at any time your ‘gut’ indicates a less than positive feeling, your search is not finished, it has just begun.
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