Do you lead the work or the agency?
As an agency owner -- do I lead the work or do I lead the agency? This is a twist on the working in versus on the agency. Where do you want to be spending your time? Where does your agency need you to spend your time? For more information about Drew McLellan or Agency Management Institute – visit http://www.agencymanagementinstitute.com or check out the podcast – Build A Better Agency available at all the usual podcast host locations. Watch »
The litmus test for an agency’s content
I know it sounds ridiculously simple but I'm betting that 95% of agency content does not pass this test. Is your content truly helpful? Are you sharing your best stuff? Watch »
Do you have a plan for the unthinkable?
As agency owners, when we think about succession planning, we think about selling our agency. We rarely give much thought to what would happen to our agency, our team and our family if we were to get seriously injured or die unexpectedly. I've seen this play out horribly because the agency owner did not have a plan in place. Do you? Watch »
Agency owners need to keep their eye on the ball
Running an agency is a full contact sport and you need to keep your eye on the ball. I've watched some agencies struggle because their leader has been distracted. Beware -- there's definitely a price to be paid, even if the distraction is a sweet one. Watch »
Worst day of an agency owner’s professional life
There is no worse day in an agency owner’s life than when we have to lay off staff. Letting someone go because they’re doing a lousy job is tough but letting someone go because you don’t have enough income to keep them is a horrific day. But it’s one of the most important (and often ignored) business decisions we are sometimes forced to make. There are ways to handle it that are better for all concerned. If you have to do it — do it well and with kindness. Watch »
Agency Partnerships
Partnerships are a common agency leadership model and they can be incredibly effective. But, they can also bring challenges to the business. How you structure and care for your partnership is essential to long-term success. If you share your agency with other partners -- how do you keep it healthy and productive? Watch »
The duality of agency life
Agency life is an interesting blend of both leading and serving our clients. To be successful and to build long term relationships with our clients -- we have to be adept at both sides of our dual role. Watch »
Spec Creative — should agencies do it?
Spec creative. Should agencies do it? Why would we give away one of our core offerings? Can you win new clients without doing it? Watch »
Agency leaders love to learn — book list 2019
Agency leaders and owners are voracious learners. In our AMI peer groups, we share many best practices -- including resources (like books) that we find particularly valuable. I've put together a list of the books my AMI agency owners recommended in 2018 for you to download. Watch »
360 some days from now
The biggest factor in where your agency will be a year from now is you. You are the X factor. Do you know what you need to do (and stop doing) to make sure you end up where you want to be? Watch »
