CEOs are workaholics as a rule, but we're also human—and our bodies can give out on us if we're not looking out for the warning signs. In this piece I recently contributed to ChiefExecutive.net, I discuss what burnout looks like and how to avoid it.
By establishing your thought leadership, you’re not only helping to educate your customers on important topics, but you’re also positioning yourself as an expert in your industry. That rapport and top-of-mind position will help you maintain a steady flow of new business over time. And it’s why failing to position yourself as a thought leader can be detrimental. In this piece I recently contributed to Forbes.com, I discuss how thought leadership can boost business, here are a few tips to kick off your thought leadership strategy.
Too many CEOs have normalized the idea of hunkering down and seeking shelter—but they don't realize the gathering ice can become a death trap. In this piece I recently contributed to ChiefExecutive.com, I discuss how even with all the risks associated with putting yourself “out there” after so much uncertainty, you’ll be positioning your company for better things
Agency life. It’s something I’ve been immersed in for more than 25 years. I’ve experienced a variety of ups and downs, including the rise of the internet bubble and the Great Recession of 2008. Little surprises me anymore. That being said, the industry trends I’ve seen throughout 2022 have been truly eclectic. They reveal the magnitude of the post-pandemic shockwaves marketers have ridden since 2020, and they also point to tremendous opportunities and potential. In this piece I recently contributed to SiteProNews.com, I discuss the breakdown of the industry trends in 2022.
Constantly scrambling to put out fires means clients have all the power, creatives don't have the time to do their best work, and no one can enjoy a more balanced life. In this piece I recently contributed to MediaPost.com, I discuss how some agencies are moving past the pedal-to-the-metal mindset and opting for a six-week on, two-week breather work cycle.
Early in my life as an agency owner, I was convinced I could do it all. And I was equally convinced that the fewer people we paid to do things, the better. I was handling clients during the day and doing my owner work at night. Oh yeah, and I was doing all of the accounting and billing. Which meant, as you can imagine, that our invoices went out late (which killed cash flow) and had errors galore. I’m sure we lost clients because I was too stubborn and ignorant to realize that I needed help. I made a lot of changes. I joined the AMI, we hired a bookkeeper (the best decision I’d ever made in my professional career at that point in time) and realized I wasn’t omnipotent. And you know how this story ends. When I got out of my own way and put aside my stubbornness — I could actually do the work that I was supposed to be doing as an owner. If you can’t ever get to your To Do list, check to make sure you’re not making the same mistake I did. No matter how amazing you are — you can’t do it alone. Crack open the wallet and delegate the work that you’re mediocre at so you have room to be brilliant! This was originally published in the weekly AMI newsletter. To subscribe, click here.
In the agency marketing world, the caliber of everything we produce is based on the caliber of the people who work for us. The only way to knock every project out of the ballpark is to hire 5-star employees. In this piece I recently contributed to SpinSucks.com, I discuss how to identify top talent and the four top ways to attract and retain them.
Most people think that once you "niche down," you're stuck. It's not true. When you run a successful niche business, you can speak to an incredibly specific audience on topics they care deeply about. That kind of personalization is increasingly sought these days, as 71% of consumers say they crave individualization from their brand interactions. In this piece I recently contributed to Entrepreneur.com, I share a few recommendations on learning when to change trajectory and leverage your pivot into a world of potential abundance, not scarcity.
Sometimes, being the leader isn’t the only role you want to have in your agency or organization. Maybe you’re interested in being the creative director, the chief copywriter, or the guru of account services. That’s not unusual. Most leaders have other talents that give them enjoyment. The freedom to play any role in your organization is one of five that too many CEOs don’t take advantage of. In this piece I recently contributed to CEOWorldMagazine.com, I discuss how you need to start exercising the freedoms that come with being in charge.
The bottom line is that you can’t achieve success if you don’t foster a high-trust team. When people work in environments where they mistrust or fear leaders, they react based on the possibility of punishment. They’re stifled, not motivated. Over time, their commitment and enthusiasm will wane. If you want to retain high performers amid the current labor market shake-up, you need to assess your trust factor. In this piece I recently contributed to AdvertisingWeek.com, I discuss what steps to take to start thinking and acting like a trusted leader.
