Aug 4, 2021
Summary:
Today we discuss the positive aspects of running an agency. When you work in an agency, you're essentially paid to play (if you do it right). You’re exploring unknown aspects of online marketing, branding, design, etc and that’s exciting! You have the opportunity to work with multiple clients per day which provides variety. Agencies have the ability to look at hundreds of marketing strategies and figure out which ones worked and which ones didn’t, apply their knowledge to their own business and others, AND get paid to do it! This is more valuable than any college program. Running an agency is hard work, but there are incredible rewards for those that try.
Top 3 Curtain Pulls in this episode:
For more tips, discussion, and behind the scenes:
About The Guys:
Bob Hutchins: Founder of BuzzPlant, a digital agency that he ran from 2000-2017. He is also the author of 3 books. More on Bob:
Brad Ayres: Founder of Anthem Republic, an award-winning ad agency. Brad’s knowledge has led some of the biggest brands in the world. Originally from Detroit, Brad is an OG in the ad agency world and has the wisdom and scars to prove it. Currently, that knowledge is being applied to his boutique agency. More on Brad:
Ken Ott: Co-Founder and Chief Growth Rebel of Metacake, an Ecommerce Growth Team for some of the world’s most influential brands with a mission to Grow Brands That Matter. Ken is also an author, speaker, and was nominated for an Emmy for his acting on the Metacake Youtube Channel (not really). More on Ken:
Show Notes:
[0:32] Bob opens this week’s episode by informing his listeners that unfortunately, Brad will not be featured on this episode.
[1:05] Bob begins a discussion about the positive aspects of running an agency and asks “What's the first thing that gets you up in the morning when you think about your work?”
[2:04] Ken talks about how exciting running an agency is and how “you get to do all these cool, different projects all the time. For someone like me, I enjoy trying to do something that can't be done.”
[3:28] Bob analyzes the technology aspect of running an agency and how agencies are creative, different, and fun. “I can't imagine doing anything else where I would get to get up every day and really create something out of nothing”
[4:35] Ken talks about how stress doesn’t necessarily come from the job itself but rather, “what stresses us out is the constraints of reality”.
[7:32] Ken discusses agencies’ unrealistic expectation for perfection. “confidence is one thing but perfectionism is another thing.”
[10:15] Ken talks about the variety and freedom that comes with running an agency. “being able to work with various different businesses in a single day is variety.”
[13:52] Ken points out an educational benefit to running an agency. “you're getting paid to peek behind the curtain of hundreds of businesses and business models that have marketing problems and then work on that.” “in an agency type environment, you actually get to get paid to learn”
[17:23] Ken talks about using the unique, raw materials in your area to boost your agency and add an exclusive aspect. One of these materials may be talented people. “not only do we get the opportunity to have fun and be creative in our jobs, but we get the opportunity to be creative in the people that we hire, and allow them to enjoy the same life”
[28:07] Bob says that although running an agency is enjoyable and has many benefits, “It's not for everybody. There's always a cost to everything. And to me, it's worth it. But to live in that environment where you do get that freedom, we do get that creativity where you do get that fun atmosphere. It's a gamble,”
[29:03] Bob wraps up this week’s episode with some advice for those trying to decide if they want to start an agency. “Don't be afraid to fail. Don't be afraid to try different things and just go for it.”