Agency Leadership Podcast

In this episode, Chip and Gini discuss whether or not employees can be encouraged to be "more strategic".

In this episode, Chip and Gini delve into the topic of scope creep in agencies.

Chip and Gini cover topics such as the importance of being confident in your pricing, avoiding negotiating against oneself, and the benefits of premium pricing.

Chip and Gini explore the different types of burnout, including cyclical and long-term burnout, and offer strategies to identify, cope with, and prevent it.

In this episode, Chip and Gini discuss the latest quarterly SAGA owner survey, which provides a mixed bag of results for agencies.

In this episode, Chip and Gini discuss what agency owners can do to weather the current climate of economic uncertainty and potential recession.

In this episode, Chip and Gini explore strategies for agency owners contemplating an exit plan.

Five years after most agencies leaned in to remote or hybrid work models, many owners and managers continue to struggle with finding the right approach to managing employees that they don't see in person every day.

Chip and Gini criticize the common misuse of AI for impersonal, high-volume outreach, and tell you how you can leverage AI while maintaining a human touch.

In this episode, Chip and Gini discuss the transition from being a freelancer to an agency owner.

Chip and Gini discuss the need for managers to support and mentor their employees, leveraging both internal and external resources, and the value of making time to mentor individuals outside one's own organization.

Chip and Gini discuss the complaint they hear from owners that AI is preventing junior employees from learning how to do their jobs the right way.

Chip and Gini explore how satisfaction can drive motivation, the significance of setting boundaries with clients, and the need for purpose in work.

In this episode, Chip and Gini address the topic of pivoting for small agencies in response to changing economic and political climates.

In this episode, Chip and Gini discuss the pros and cons of agencies doing subcontracted work for other agencies.

Chip and Gini discuss a Reddit user's question about managing a $2 million account.

In this episode, Chip and Gini discuss the findings from the SAGA quarterly survey of small agency owners. They cover insights on optimism in business outlook despite recent challenges, with a focus on talent-related issues such as compensation, retention, and recruiting. They delve into some surprising statistics, such as one in five agency owners not...

Chip and Gini emphasize the need for agency owners to put themselves in the shoes of clients, prospects, and employees to improve communication and relationships.

Chip and Gini explore whether agencies should charge more upfront for initial work and creative approaches to managing client expectations and financials.

In this episode, Chip and Gini discuss PR professionals wanting a seat at the table when it comes to business decision-making.

In this episode, Chip and Gini discuss the common challenges agencies face in obtaining timely feedback and necessary information from clients.

Chip and Gini talk about compliance, ethical practices, and risk management for agency owners.

In this episode, Chip and Gini discuss strategic planning for growing an agency in 2025.

In this episode, Chip and Gini discuss the critical aspects of onboarding new clients in the agency world.

In this episode, Chip and Gini discuss the importance of having clear alcohol policies in agencies.

In this episode, Chip and Gini explore the challenges of ageism within the PR and marketing industries, with a focus on agencies.

In this episode, Chip and Gini discuss results from the SAGA Q3 Agency Owner Survey.

In this episode, Chip and Gini dismantle the myth that agency management can rely on a one-size-fits-all approach. They emphasize the importance of understanding the diversity and unique needs of different types of agencies, such as PR, ad, and digital agencies.

Many agency leaders view reports as a necessary evil, but when done right they can actually become an important contributor to profits.

In this episode, Chip and Gini discuss the pros and cons of using LinkedIn for agency growth and professional engagement.

Chip and Gini explore common scenarios where agency owners struggle with trusting their employees, often due to micromanagement tendencies, ill-defined roles, or unrealistic expectations.

In this episode, Chip and Gini discuss the importance of asking "So What?" and how it can lead to more effective decision-making for agency owners.

In this episode, Chip and Gini discuss the importance of email marketing for agencies. They emphasize that email newsletters should be a top priority for agencies to nurture leads, share content, and maintain direct communication with clients.

If you're a regular listener, you know that Chip and Gini have strong feelings about staying away from RFPs when possible. But sometimes they can't be avoided.

In this episode, Chip and Gini discuss whether PR agencies should report to the head of communications or the head of marketing.

In this episode, Chip and Gini examine whether agencies have hit 'peak strategy' as suggested recently by Blair Enns.

In this episode, Chip and Gini discuss the widespread apprehension about AI in the agency world, urging listeners to embrace the technology rather than fear it.

In this episode, Chip and Gini discuss the increased risk aversion and prolonged decision-making processes among clients and prospects in the agency industry, especially in light of economic uncertainties and the 2024 U.S. election.

In this episode, Chip and Gini discuss the importance of ensuring that no one in an agency, including owners and key employees, is too indispensable to take time off.

Don't sugarcoat it when writing up a job description or interviewing potential new hires - painting a rosy picture that doesn't match reality will only cause you headaches down the road.

Gen Z employees tend to have a different (not worse!) approach to their jobs than the older generations do.

Many agency employees complain that clients pay so much more than they are making, so the owner must be reaping a huge profit.

Hiring seasoned professionals sounds like it will solve a lot of headaches you have as an agency owner. But will it?

Chip and Gini discuss recent updates from the federal government affecting agency owners, including a ban on non-compete agreements and changes to salary thresholds for overtime exempt employees.

Chip and Gini discuss the importance of agency owners letting go of micromanaging, trusting their team, and focusing on building a scalable business.

Chip and Gini discuss the intricacies of fractional leadership roles within clients.

In this episode, Chip and Gini discuss the potential pitfalls of receiving equity as payment for service.

In this episode, Chip and Gini discuss the fear of hiring employees, the implications of using contractors, the financial considerations, and the benefits of having employees.

In this episode, Chip and Gini discuss the challenges and frustrations of owning an agency, emphasizing the importance of seeking accountability and support, and reflecting on one's own role in addressing issues.

In this episode, Chip and Gini discuss the importance of setting clear expectations from the start and being proactive in following up on overdue invoices.

In this episode, Chip and Gini discuss how to get your agency's time under control and offer advice on managing business development and project management to avoid the unnecessary and focus on real value creation.