In-house analyst relations can be a costly experiment in trial and error. Building an internal team might seem logical, but it can be a slow, expensive and inefficient path, especially for companies new to AR. For a company wanting to dazzle those industry analyst VIPs – very influential persons – it can take time to see results with a new team. Partnering with an analyst relations agency can fast-track your success. They bring the expertise and relationships you need, without the growing pains. Need more convincing?
What are the 5 risks of in-house analyst relations (AR)?
Risk #5: Waste 3-12 months on talent search.
Finding an existing, experienced AR pro to work for you in-house might not be so simple. We’ve seen companies struggle for months to find the right, seasoned AR professionals. And while junior hires or generalists might keep the lights on, but they rarely deliver the credibility needed to shape analyst perceptions or drive internal decisions. If you can’t find the right calibre or if budgets are tight, an agency is a smarter investment. Agencies are flexible and cost-effective, offering the expertise you need without the overhead of full-time staff. They can also get started right away. This ensures high-quality representation that can manage the analyst influence on sales at a fraction of the cost.
Risk #4: Miss the analyst research window.
While an in-house hire might take six months to build relationships, an agency comes with them pre-loaded. Agency experts know the analysts, their quirks and what they value most. Contracting seasoned AR pros means you can tap into this network immediately, sidestepping the ramp-up time required for internal teams and those new to AR to build credibility. You can get featured in every relevant piece of research from the get-go. An agency allows you to focus on delivering killer analyst briefings to build analyst awareness for your business and get placed in analyst reports, rather than waiting to see if your in-house hire has what it takes.
Risk #3: Lose out on a best in class department.
Hiring in-house only works if you have the know-how to guide and manage them effectively. AR teams need clear direction, consistent priorities and someone who understands the nuances of analyst engagement. Without this expertise, even the best in-house talent can flounder, delivering activity instead of impact, especially when there is a stream of RFI’s to complete. An AR agency bridges this gap by not only refining your programme’s goals but also providing tools like RFI project management sheets, regular performance dashboards and progress reviews to ensure accountability. By aligning your strategy with measurable outcomes, agencies keep your AR efforts targeted and effective.
Risk #2: Watch your agility fade.
In-house AR teams can become fossilised, locked into old habits and outdated approaches. Over time, it’s easy for an internal team to prioritise maintaining the status quo rather than challenging it. Relationships with analysts can stagnate as the same tiering lists are re-used year over year, messaging can go unrefreshed and opportunities for differentiation can be missed. Without external pressure or fresh perspectives, in-house AR risks becoming more about process than progress. An AR agency can help overcome this by offering an external perspective, free from the burdens of the past.
Risk #1: Fail to instigate change.
Great AR thrives on being the devil’s advocate—questioning assumptions, advocating for bold strategies, and staying ahead of industry trends. Agencies do this naturally, bringing an outsider’s perspective and the courage to tell you what the analyst really said on that inquiry. To replicate this, an in-house AR team needs backing, autonomy and the freedom to challenge internal narratives. Without these, it risks becoming an echo chamber, aligning too closely with corporate messaging and missing opportunities to push boundaries and drive innovation.
Ready to make a start?
Analyst relations is too important to leave to chance—or to an under-resourced in-house team struggling to find its footing. Agencies bring the relationships, expertise and strategic guidance that companies new to AR simply can’t replicate overnight. Don’t let trial and error hold you back from building credibility with the analysts who shape your industry. Partnering with an AR agency is a shortcut to influence, without the overheads or growing pains of starting from scratch.
