create problems, not solutions

So you've gone to your design agency and said something along the lines of: 'I need a leaflet, you know one of those A4 folded ones.' So off they pop, do there stuff and produce just what you wanted.

But here both you and the agency have fallen into a simple trap. You have given them what you think is the best solution to you, and the agency have been happy to get some work in, however dull because hey, at the end of the day it's work.

If you want to get the best from a design agency don't give them solutions, give them problems. Tell them you need to promote your company, tell them you want to raise your company profile, tell them you need to sell more products then let them create something wonderful for you. Most agencies would love to be challenged and have the opportunity to exercise their minds to create some wonderful and hopefully surprising solutions for you.

So pass on your problems, sit back and enjoy the solutions.