Insights

We're starting to think about our end of year updates to our whole businesses, so let's explore what should be included in that presentation.

When a prospective client is looking to appoint an agency, they must make three investments, not just one. The investments are money, time and change.

Revenue per head is one of the most widely used metrics in agency management. I regularly speak to agency leaders who tell me they are aiming for a revenue per head of £X because a book told them to (you know which one). Let's talk about something better.

Aiming to spend 1 day per week running the business is not a lot of time, so I chaired (or co-chaired) 4 weekly meetings that covered most things within my remit (sales, client service, strategy, operations - including HR and IT - and the general responsibilities of ownership). Here's what they covered.

A few weeks ago, a friend of mine asked: “how do you know when it’s time to go it alone?” I’ve now been self-employed for 6 months (for the second time, after starting, growing and selling Rise at Seven) and I think there are 7 boxes you’ll want to tick (most of).

The current economic situation isn’t helping agencies…but it’s affecting some sectors even more profoundly. What do we do when we’re contracted to deliver for a client who sells something the public doesn't want to spend on right now? Or a client who can’t get the inventory?

Many of the agency owners I speak to wish they were free from the day-to-day so that they can focus on the agency’s strategy. They wish they weren’t required in the business, which would allow them to work on the business. But one thing in particular blurs the line between in the business and on the business: clients.

So you need to make a change - and it feels like a big one. A new PM system. A new hire. A new leader. Here's why you shouldn't tell your team too early.

Most weeks, I’m helping an agency to identify or develop their ICP, or Ideal Customer Profile. Their ICP is essentially a list of attributes shared by the types of client they are best placed to serve. But it takes two to tango.

This week’s post is a personal story with a practical lesson for any agency thinking about its office, so indulge me.