The news that Bridgestone Firestone has hired consultant Pile and Co. to handle a review of its $25 million broadcast creative and media planning and buying duties, makes me wonder exactly what these search consultants do? I mean reading the rules the client has laid down such as the agency must have at least 75 employees and be within two hours flying time of their offices. Then they are sending out a couple of million RFP’s right now, capabilities presentations will take place in late May, followed by a cut to semifinalists and tissue sessions in mid-June. The client will hear final presentations in mid-July, followed by a decision shortly thereafter. This means way too many agencies will spend way too much money to get to the next stage of this circus which will go on for the best part of three months! So, what I want to know is what Pile does while all this exercise in futility is taking place, and how much do they get for doing it? Anyway, if they are “Search Consultants,” meaning they know all about agencies… Why don’t they just point at one shop and tell the client “Go with these guys!” That’ll be $200,000. Thank you very much! 
All I did was make a few phone calls. Do a few favors, and bingo... The numbered account was topped up!
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