Episode 535 Five Essential Agency Owner Resolutions for 2026 with Drew McLellan

15 snips

Jan 4, 2026

As the new year begins, agency owners are urged to embrace five key resolutions for 2026. Prioritizing deep work time is essential to enhance focus, while dedicating hours for new business development is crucial. Monthly all-agency meetings with a structured agenda foster transparency and accountability. The rise of AI demands clear policies for effective implementation. Lastly, strengthening personal connections through regular one-on-ones can lead to improved team retention and morale.

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INSIGHT

2026 Will Be A Watershed Year

Drew sees 2026 as a watershed year that will demand agencies show stronger strategic value.
AI and market pressure will force agencies to redefine what clients expect from them.

ADVICE

Block Protected Deep Work Time

Carve out four to eight hours weekly as uninterrupted "deep work" time, ideally two mornings a week.
Turn off email, Slack, and phone to protect focus and accomplish high-value owner work.

ADVICE

Schedule Focused New Business Time

Schedule at least two hours per week dedicated to new business activity with a clear weekly plan.
Use micro-tasks like list-building, outreach, or content to keep your pipeline "fat and full."

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Welcome to a brand new year and a brand new episode of Build a Better Agency! In this special solo cast, host Drew McLellan kicks off 2026 with a focused, actionable discussion on preparing agency owners and leaders for what promises to be a pivotal year. Drawing from his decades of experience and deep involvement with agencies across the globe, Drew McLellan lays out five essential resolutions that serve as a roadmap for agency growth, stability, and profitability—no matter your agency's discipline.

This episode is packed with practical advice for implementing intentional changes, starting with the importance of carving out deep work time and ensuring that new business development remains a weekly priority. Drew McLellan details how to practically block out time on your calendar for strategic thinking and outreach, and why these habits are especially critical as the market shifts. He also provides a step-by-step formula for running monthly all-agency meetings that build transparency, celebrate wins, and foster accountability—complete with a ready-to-use agenda.

The conversation turns to the game-changing impact of AI within agencies, emphasizing why every agency owner must establish clear policies, communicate their approach to both internal teams and clients, and explore how to leverage AI tools to stay competitive. In addition, Drew McLellan highlights the often-neglected importance of deepening personal connections with your team, sharing meaningful rituals and approaches to nurturing these relationships for better retention and morale.

Whether you're hoping to weather tough economic conditions, boost your new business pipeline, or future-proof your agency with smart technology and people strategies, this episode equips you with concrete steps for transforming intention into action in 2026. You'll leave inspired to schedule, strategize, and connect—all cornerstones for not just surviving but thriving in the year ahead.

A big thank you to our podcast's presenting sponsor, White Label IQ. They're an amazing resource for agencies who want to outsource their design, dev, or PPC work at wholesale prices. Check out their special offer (10 free hours!) for podcast listeners here.

What You Will Learn in This Episode:

- Agency owner resolutions for a watershed year
- Carving out time for deep, uninterrupted work
- Implementing a consistent new business development routine
- Building transparency and accountability with all-agency updates
- Establishing clear AI policies and accelerating AI adoption
- Deepening human connections with team members
- Proactively preparing for 2026's unique agency challenges