Build a Better Agency Podcast

Explore how agency owners are preparing for 2025 amidst changing economic and political landscapes. Discover insights on shifting client expectations, emphasizing transparency and shorter contracts. Learn about the rise in mergers and acquisitions as agencies adapt to fill skill gaps. The discussion also touches on employee mental health and innovative staffing strategies to foster resilience. Additionally, the role of AI in enhancing agency operations and the importance of aligning company values with employee support are examined.

Susan Baier, a research partner from Audience Audit, joins to unveil the findings of the 2025 Agency Edge Research. They explore how agency clients perceive AI, revealing that many are eager for transparency from their agencies. The discussion categorizes clients into three groups: AI Embracers, Skeptics, and Opportunists, each with unique expectations. Surprising insights show most clients don’t want to replace agencies with tech, but rather seek expert guidance. Agency leaders are encouraged to foster trust and grow their strategic value amidst AI integration.

Join Pieter-Paul von Weiler and Matt Davies, co-founders of Better Briefs, as they share their extensive agency experience to tackle the challenges of effective creative briefs. They reveal shocking statistics showing the disconnect between marketers and agencies regarding brief clarity. Discover actionable insights on improving brief quality, including the importance of honest communication and tailored templates. Plus, learn how a well-structured brief can significantly enhance collaboration and drive successful creative outcomes.

Join high-performance coach Christina Langdon, co-founder of The Kite, as she redefines agency growth through inspired leadership. She emphasizes the importance of evolving mindsets and collaborative culture over mere revenue. Christina reveals strategies to break out of complacency and the dangers of 'default mode,' promoting self-reflection as a tool for team growth. Discover how intentional learning and vulnerability can transform leadership dynamics, driving innovation and engagement while achieving extraordinary goals.

In this discussion, Susan Baier, a co-founder of Agency Core and audience research specialist, and Brian Gerstner, also a co-founder and expert in outsourced agency services, reveal sobering insights from their latest research. They highlight the distinct challenges agencies face, including staffing issues and declining optimism. The conversation explores the critical need for strategic differentiation, community support, and effective client retention strategies. They also address how agencies can leverage AI to enhance business relationships while remaining adaptable to market demands.

Celebrating a major milestone, the host reflects on invaluable lessons from a decade of agency insights. They emphasize agency life as a long marathon, highlighting the significance of teamwork and mental well-being. The importance of surrounding yourself with the right people shines through, along with the need for strong core values in navigating challenges. Commitment to community and leading with love are stressed as keys to business success. The heartfelt reflections offer both inspiration and practical takeaways for agency leaders.

In this engaging talk, negotiation expert Mike Lander shares his dual insights from being a former procurement director and current advisor to agencies. He unveils the common missteps agencies make after winning new business, emphasizing the transition to nurturing ongoing client relationships. Mike discusses essential strategies for contract negotiation, focusing on mutual value creation rather than discounts. He also highlights the importance of differentiation and effective pitching, providing actionable tactics for agencies to secure profitable deals.

Ryan Gerding, CEO of Inc. Public Relations and a seasoned expert with over 22 years in PR, joins the discussion. He shares insights on the transformation of public relations from traditional media to storytelling in the digital age. Ryan highlights the importance of building genuine relationships with media, emphasizing a helpful approach over mere coverage chasing. Additionally, he discusses how AI can assist in PR tasks while noting its limitations in creativity, offering practical advice to enhance agency visibility and credibility in today’s media landscape.

Join Cynthia Kane, a mindful communication expert, as she shares her transformative journey from passive-aggressive exchanges to effective dialogue. Discover techniques for fostering inner calm and clarity amidst chaos, essential for leaders in times of change. Learn the power of pausing during tough conversations to regain composure and improve outcomes. Cynthia introduces practical breathing exercises and emphasizes intentional communication over winning arguments, enhancing trust and collaboration within teams. Perfect insights for both professional and personal growth!

Lee McKnight, a key player from RSW, shares insights on new agency-client dynamics set for 2025. He discusses the positive trends in agency spending and emphasizes the enduring power of referrals and the necessity for proactive outreach. With the rise of in-house teams, he advises agencies to leverage specialized expertise. The conversation also highlights the transformative impact of AI and the shift to deliverable-based pricing, urging agencies to stay ahead by continually adapting to market changes.