Agency Principals

In this episode, Simon talks to Stanley Henry, CEO of Auckland based organic social agency: The Attention Seeker. Stan shares how his agency leverages AI, through Kevan a Context Brain built around his specific agency knowledge and skills. Through Kevan attn:Seeker automatesand optimizes agency operations, pricing, and client management, transforming the way that an indie of 18 staff can compete with larger players.key topicsKevan as an omnipotent agency AI systemThe evolution of Stanley Henry's agency and its scaleThe role of AI in automating agency admin and creative processesBuilding a client lifecycle workflow powered by AIUsing AI to develop pricing models and client satisfaction metricsThe importance of a focused niche in AI adoption for agenciesThe early days of AI adoption and the importance of experimentationHow small agencies can leverage AI for competitive advantageChapters00:00Introduction to Stanley Henry and Kevan01:03Who is Kevan and how it started02:02About the Attention Seeker agency03:19The impact of ChatGPT and AI on agency work04:29Rebuilding the website with AI in one day05:15Transforming agency operations with Kevan06:06AI in creative development versus administration08:05Agency workflow with Kevan10:00Automating client onboarding and project management12:19Building a pricing engine with AI14:07Using AI to measure client health and satisfaction15:54Lessons learned and blind alleys in AI projects16:55Valuing Kevan as an asset in agency M&A20:29Is it too late for agencies to leverage AI?21:26Final thoughts and where to find Stanley

Buying agencies for scale used to be the whole model. Ruud Wanck of Candid Platform says that model is finished.Doug Baxter sits down with Ruud, whose Amsterdam group has grown by acquisition across the Netherlands, Belgium and the UK, to ask what he is actually buying now, what he will no longer pay for, and what the first few months feel like for a founder who has just gained a boss.CHAPTERS00:00 Cold open00:27 Why this episode is different01:41 Candid has come full circle02:48 What AI is good at, and what it is not05:09 Three years of building it, and open06:22 Levelling the playing field, and the abundance of time07:55 Why buying for scale is done09:22 Does it change the mechanics of the business model11:16 What Candid looks for in an agency12:07 The services and the geographies12:58 The first 90 to 120 days after a deal15:20 When the cultural fit is not there16:22 Scepticism about AI, and overselling17:24 To every independent agency owner18:41 Where this leaves the industryABOUT AGENCY PRINCIPALSConversations with the people building, buying and selling marketing services agencies. Hosted by Doug Baxter and Simon Morgan of Agency Futures.Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.coxgOListen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/agency-principals/id1892206226Every episode: https://agencyfutures.com/pABOUT AGENCY FUTURESWe are a boutique global M&A advisory for marketing services agencies, working buy-side and sell-side from Barcelona, Los Angeles and Sydney. We help owneand exit on the best possible terms.Is your business match fit? Take the exit ://agencyfutures.com/exit-readinessMore on how we work: https://agencyfutures.com#AgencyMA #AgencyOwners #MarketingAgency #AgencyGrowth #AIinMarketing #MergersAndAcquisitions

Unlock the secrets to selling your agency with our Exit Playbook! 🚀 In this episode, we dive deep into the essential questions every agency owner must consider before selling.Key takeaways:* Understand the motivations behind selling your agency.* Explore the importance of being "match fit" for potential buyers.* Learn how to prepare your agency for a successful sale.* Discover the common pitfalls to avoid during the selling process.Timestamps:00:00 Introduction02:16 What is the Exit Playbook?02:54 Should you sell your agency?03:20 Founder burnout and motivations04:13 The role of advisors in the selling process10:12 Timing the market and financial security12:04 Preparing your agency for sale15:45 The importance of culture in mergers and acquisitions20:32 Common mistakes agency owners make25:00 How to engage your leadership team30:15 The emotional journey of selling35:00 Final thoughts and next stepsWhat's your biggest challenge with selling your agency? Drop it in the comments!Subscribe for more insights on agency growth and exit strategies!Want to talk about growing your agency? Drop an email at [email protected]

The conversation with Paul Hughes, co-founder of Rothco, delves into the intersecting trajectories of art, agency, and football, highlighting the commonality of expression and the rise of Rothco. It explores the decision to sell the agency, Paul's transition to art, the impact of AI on agencies, and reflections on Rothco's journey.

The conversation with Damien Eley revolves around the theme of participation and its impact on agencies, branding, and immersive technology. Damien shares insights on the role of agencies, the importance of participation, the future of The Many Australia and recent acquisition of CatalstXR a Sydney-based immersive tech studio. Damien is a big believer in the power of participation in re-shaping his agency's core operating system.TakeawaysParticipation as a driving forceThe transformative potential of immersive technologyBuying to build capability and why it makes senseChapters00:00 Welcome back Damien Eley09:03 The Importance of Participation15:37 Misreading Participation23:33 Immersive Technology33:06 Starting AnewIf you're thinking about what comes next for your agency, visit agencyfutures.com