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Find Your Agency's Buried Treasures

Agency ADvisor — Tue, 22 May 2012 19:37:39 GMT

I recently spoke at Workology — The Workamajig users group conference — about maximizing your agency’s investment in its Agency Management System. I discussed several actions that can be easily implemented that will help agencies get the most of their investment in their Agency Management Systems. Here is the first step that you can start doing today to help you maximize your investment in your Agency Manage

5 Lessons Learned from "The Pitch"

Agency ADvisor — Tue, 10 Apr 2012 20:06:16 GMT

This weekend the first episode of "The Pitch" ran on AMC after an episode of "Mad Men". Knowing that Reality Television is rarely reality, here is the advice I would give to the participating agencies based on what I observed.

Keys to Agency Growth #1 — Put the Right People in the Right Seats.

Agency ADvisor — Tue, 13 Mar 2012 03:42:23 GMT

Having the right people filling the right seats and empowering them to succeed is essential for agency success and growth. Many agencies lack the strategic talent they need. While it is difficult to find the right talent that fits into your culture, it is also complicated to know

Freelancer or Employee?

Agency ADvisor — Tue, 10 Jan 2012 19:20:58 GMT

What are the consequences of being caught and having a freelancer reclassified as an employee? Answer: Your agency is responsible for both the employee and employer FICA amounts (currently 15.3% of gross wages); FUTA amounts (currently $56 per year per employee); and Federal Income Taxes (approximately 20% or gross wages.) Your agency is also responsible for penalties and interest on these amounts. AND the IRS may also bring in the State adding the responsibility for State income taxes, State unemployment taxes and worker's compensation. Legally, your agency may also be required to support an employee for the remainder of their life should they become injured in any way while working for you.

But, That's Just Me...

Agency ADvisor — Wed, 04 Jan 2012 18:25:46 GMT

Stick a fork in 2011, folks, it's done. Is that a good thing for you, or... not so much? Did you meet the goals you established for yourself (TELL me

What Other Agencies Do - Tip #20 - Be Organic

Agency ADvisor — Tue, 01 Nov 2011 22:00:37 GMT

There are 2 ways to increase billable hours: 1 – acquire new clients 2 – grow your current client revenue base Having worked with over 600 agencies, I have observed both philosophies. However, there is a noticeable difference in the

I Had a REALLY Bad Cold...Call!

Agency ADvisor — Tue, 04 Oct 2011 20:53:21 GMT

Today we received a call at our offices that my Partner Bart answered. The caller had asked for me, but since I was not available, Bart asked if there was something that he could help the caller with. The caller went on to explain that he was offering our company the opportunity to utilize an assessment tool that we could use to help our clients make the right talent selection decisions. We help Agencies become more productive and profitable.

What Other Agencies Do - #19 - Progress Ahead!

Agency ADvisor — Tue, 04 Oct 2011 20:14:56 GMT

On the heels of Wells Fargo, Bank of America announced yesterday that it will now charge $5/month for a customer to use their debit card. I am

What Other Agencies Do - #18 - Start Stopping

Agency ADvisor — Tue, 13 Sep 2011 06:00:58 GMT

Charles Darwin said, “It is not the strongest of the species that survives, nor the most intelligent. It is the one that is the most adaptable to change.” The hardest type of change is stopping behaviors that have become habits. Here are 5 Stops that will help you grow your agency and become more profitable and less stressful.

Size Really Does......NOT Matter!

Agency ADvisor — Tue, 16 Aug 2011 16:03:00 GMT

One thing I have learned from my many years in business is that everything happens in cycles. The second thing I have learned is that there is always a driving force behind the cycles. AdWeek ran an article last week explaining how high-budget marketers are now leaving their current small agency.

What Other Agencies Do - #17 - Bundle – Adding Value to Your Agency’s Services

Agency ADvisor — Tue, 09 Aug 2011 16:02:00 GMT

These days, any advertising for telecommunications or insurance companies use the word “Bundle” repeatedly. The real message here is the value of using the same company for multiple but related services. Successful agencies offer the same value

What Other Agencies Do - #16 Recognize the Difference between Cash Flow and Profit

Agency ADvisor — Tue, 02 Aug 2011 16:00:00 GMT

Too many agency principals think that just because they are getting checks for their work they must be profitable. The fact is, they are losing money—even though they have cash in the bank. Successful and highly profitable agencies

What Other (In-House) Agencies Do #15 - Act The Part

Agency ADvisor — Fri, 29 Jul 2011 21:09:45 GMT

In times like these, it makes sense for businesses to utilize their in-house design studios for more of their advertising efforts. The cost savings can be a huge incentive. Getting work completed quicker, as well as a more intimate understanding of the brand and its requirements are all key reasons for utilizing your in-house studio.

Yet many in-house studios are not at the top of the list as ...

Our Agency Could be Better If…

Agency ADvisor — Mon, 11 Jul 2011 18:00:06 GMT

This is the fundamental question, the answer to which will help you move your agency forward. Once you have that answer, ask yourself “Over the past 12 months, what has it cost to do nothing about this situation?” Agencies often contact Agency ADvisor to provide an independent, third party opinion, answer to these questions.

What Other Agencies Do - #14 - Hold Clients Accountable for the Creative Brief

Agency ADvisor — Tue, 05 Jul 2011 20:53:38 GMT

Except for small jobs such as re-sized ads, at least one question should be answered before you start work—what is the point. There has to be a reason for the work that is being done. Be sure this is defined up front even if it is only one sentence. Most agencies assume responsibility

What Other Agencies Do - #13 - Challenge the Industry Status Quo

Agency ADvisor — Tue, 28 Jun 2011 16:01:00 GMT

In a world where status quo will wreck an Advertising Agency, agencies should be challenging the accepted beliefs of the industry. Agencies have always thought outside the box—almost to the point of being a flaw. Instead of trying to be “out there” in the operations of your agency,

What Other Agencies Do - #12 - Show the Value of Your In-House Agency

Agency ADvisor — Tue, 21 Jun 2011 16:02:00 GMT

Efficiency – The Equivalent of Having Restrooms

Agency ADvisor — Mon, 20 Jun 2011 23:53:33 GMT

The successful agency of tomorrow will be led by people who cry “better” not “more”. Your clients are paying for having their marketing and communication trepidations resolved effectively, not how fast you solve the problem.

What Other Agencies Do - #11 - Set Goals & Stay on Track

Agency ADvisor — Tue, 14 Jun 2011 16:01:00 GMT

I recently heard an interesting analogy about strategic planning and following the plan. “You can’t successfully chase two bunnies at the same time.” The visual image that this analogy produced made me really reflect on myself. I often joke that I am the

What Other Agencies Do - #10 - Make Certain Your System is Setup for YOUR Agency

Agency ADvisor — Tue, 07 Jun 2011 16:00:00 GMT

There is no one specific way to setup any Agency Management System. Implementing a new system should start with a review of how your agency operates, your processes, workflow and culture, and what information you need to get from your Agency Management System. Most of the companies that provide