Build a Better Agency Podcast EP 335: How to attract and retain agency employees, with Drew McLellan
Today, we’re delving into a topic that’s been on my mind, and on the minds of agency owners in general, for quite some time: employees.
No matter where you are or how big your agency is, staffing is a challenge for everyone right now. Every time the subject comes up during my conversations with agency owners, there are two frustrations in particular that bubble to the surface time and time again:
- It is hard to find and attract qualified agency talent
- It is hard to retain the qualified and talented people who already work for us
To tackle those frustrations, let’s explore several things agencies can do right now to counter the rival opportunities your current team members are being poached and approached with on any given day (and yes, it is happening.) We’re also going to get to the heart of what it takes for agencies to create an environment that is attractive to new employees, and a culture that makes your current team want to stick around — and not just for a year or so.
For 30+ years, Drew McLellan has been in the advertising industry. He started his career at Y&R, worked in boutique-sized agencies, and then started his own (which he still owns and runs) agency in 1995. Additionally, Drew owns and leads the Agency Management Institute, which advises hundreds of small to mid-sized agencies on how to grow their agency and its profitability through agency owner peer groups, consulting, coaching, workshops, and more.
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:- How agencies can attract new, qualified talent
- What it takes to keep your agency employees around for more than a year or two
- What agency employees are looking for in a great employer, and how to be one
- How to create an agency environment that is attractive to both new and current employees
- How to utilize other tools for retention instead of relying solely on wage increases
- Why you should be sharing your agency’s vision with your employees as often as possible
- The massive value career paths offer agency employees — and owners too
- The importance of cultivating your culture not for, but with your employees