The Agency Hackers Podcast

Agency growth isn't as simple as it used to be.In this episode, Ian and Becky discuss why so many marketing agencies are struggling to win new business in 2026, why client buying decisions have slowed dramatically, and how agency owners can adapt.From committee-led decision-making and shrinking marketing budgets to the importance of relationships over automation, they explore what's really happening in the agency world and where the biggest opportunities still exist.In this episode:Why marketing budgets are taking longer to get approvedThe biggest bottlenecks holding agencies backWhether agencies should still target CMOsWhy relationships beat automation every timeBuilding communities that create long-term growthBreaking down silos inside agency teamsLessons from events, networking and growing an agency in uncertain timesIf you're an agency owner, founder or marketing leader looking to grow your business, this episode is packed with honest insights and practical advice.👍 If you enjoyed this episode, don't forget to Like, Subscribe and hit the notification bell so you never miss a new episode.💬 We'd love to hear from you in the comments: What's the biggest challenge your agency is facing right now?#AgencyGrowth #MarketingAgency #AgencyOwners #BusinessGrowth #MarketingStrategy #AgencyLife #NewBusiness #ClientAcquisition #entrepreneurship Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What happens when a single unopened letter can shut down your business overnight?In this episode of Agency Hackers, we discuss the surprising admin mistakes that can cause major problems for agency owners, from bank account closures and passport disasters to fines, scams, and overlooked business tasks. We also explore why more agencies are building their own software, how AI is transforming service businesses, and whether the future of agencies lies in becoming product companies.We cover:- The business admin mistakes that can cause serious damage- Why agencies are creating their own AI-powered tools- The rise of "service as software"- Harvest's controversial pricing changes- South by Southwest, Cannes, and the future of industry events- AI scams targeting agencies- Public speaking, conference talks, and how to prepare properly- Creating events with real gravitational pullWhether you're an agency owner, founder, marketer, or consultant, this episode is packed with practical lessons, industry insights, and honest conversations about building a modern agency in 2026.#agencyowner #aiforbusiness #marketingagency #entrepreneurship #businessgrowth #agencylife #artificialintelligence #digitalmarketing #leadership Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This episode goes completely off the rails 😭We cover:- The agency pitch disaster that accidentally opened a porn site in front of a client- Why Miami agency events are VERY different to Ibiza- The bizarre WPP “bomb threat” culture simulation- British vs American agency culture- AI tools taking over agencies… and apparently choosing blackmail when threatened 👀- Why founders are still the ones pushing AI adoptionThe truth about agency culture, hybrid work, and team moralePlus: hookers at the Agency Hackers Miami afterparty, competitor outreach tactics that actually win clients, and why “bring back graft” might be the best sales advice of 2026.Absolute chaos from start to finish.💥 LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and buckle up this is just the beginning. #agencylife #agency #hackers #podcast #peopletalk Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this episode, we get real about the stuff most agencies avoid.We talk ADHD diagnoses and what it’s actually like being on meds (yes… it basically felt like micro dosing at first), burnout, and why looking after yourself is the foundation of doing good work.Then we get into the big one vision.Why it feels cringe, why most companies fake it… and why you eventually hit a wall without it.We break down:- Why agency events (and ideas) lose momentum after a few years- The difference between tactics vs actual strategy- Why most “values” are just words on a wall- And how to actually prove them (not just say them)- Why the best case studies might be the ones where things went wrongPlus: chaos at events, smelling salts on podcasts, and the reality of trying to build something that actually matters.💥 LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and buckle up this is just the beginning. #agencylife #agency #hackers #podcast #peopletalk Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What actually happens behind the scenes in an agency?In this episode of the podcast, we dive into the reality of running an agency the chaos, the lessons, and the funny stories that come with it.We also unpack one of the hardest challenges for growing agencies: hiring the right salesperson. What makes a great sales hire? Why do so many agencies get it wrong? And why chemistry with the business matters more than a perfect CV.Expect honest conversations, practical insights, and a few outrageous agency stories along the way.💥 LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and buckle up—this is just the beginning. #agencylife #agency #hackers #podcast #peopletalk Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.