The Agency Advisory

I'm hoping this UK Bank Holiday issue of The Agency Advisory will provide some inspiration as we cope with a long weekend of mixed weather fortunes. Topics covered this week include lessons on why multi-tasking when on call is not just impolite but bad for your mental health; a bold statement about the importance of having a robust consulting methodology; guidance on why saying no to invitations to pitch is to be taken seriously; and the difference between perks and culture.

Add to this some great advice on helping you to secure that rate increase (hence this week's poll; a review of PR pitches and M&A activity in the UK; plus tips on hadling sales rejections and it all adds up to a packed newsletter.

Thank you as always for subscribing and following. Please comment or repost if any of the topics resonate with you. And thank you to all of the amazing people who continue to post such great content each week and who make this curated newsletter such as pleasure to publish.

POLL OF THE WEEK:

Have you successfully increased your rate card since the start of the year?

Have I Got Your Attention? Why Multi-tasking in Meetings is Bad On So Many Levels

We all do it. We multi-task during remote meetings. HR guru Helen Bevan highlights a report from Asana stating 50% of people do it. I'd put the number higher! But the underlying message is serious as to why we should not multi-task. Quite simply, it leads to burnout. It's bad for producivity and mental health. SO observe what you are your team are doing. Are they part of the 50% that do or the 50% that don't. If the former, make it your policy to do the latter and see what impact it has on your people.

The Alternatives to Multi-Tasking

In Support of Methodologies

Many of the experts I follow advocate for every consulting firm to have a methodology. Having a strong proposition to explain how you deliver the solutions you offer and not what tools you use, is a key differentiator in a crowded market. Florian M. Heinrichs post, he posits that if you don't have a methodology, then chances are you're not even running a consultancy. Strong stuff but he makes a compelling argument which is well worth considering.

What's your methodology / proposition?

Why You Should Say No More Often

A much repeated mantra of mine is: "pitch less win more" but in these lean times, I'm seeing many agencies taking on pretty much any work that comes their way. In this post, ?? Simon Thurston ?? explains why in his humble opinion it's a big mistake to not turn away work. I strongly support his position and add that I fear the industry is sitting on a ticking time bomb of poorly qualified client relationships that have a high likelihood of short and unprofitable tenure with their agency partner.

Start saying no

The Difference Between Perks and Culture

A short but sweet post by Nick Bradley where he succinctly outlines the difference between perks and culture. His argument is simple. Perks might incentivise performance but they mean nothing without a solid culture. I've found this to be so true - things (perks) are nice to have but are replaceable and most times available at any other agency. Culture is why we come into the office. It's the glue that binds teams together. And you don't buy that just by laying on free beers on a Friday. Check out his post for what culture is and how it represents itself. Food for thought.

Have you got a bullet proof culture?

How to Secure That Rate Card Increase

It's something we've all done - mulled over whether or not our clients will swallow a rate increase, particularly given the competitive climate and nervousness around budgets. In his post, Gareth Healey on the topic, reflects on a recent conversation and came up with some important factors to take into account when taking the decision to increase rates or not.

Those important factors

SHORTS

Results from last week's poll on whether awards drive new business

April Review of PR Pitches and M&A Activity

Always an interesting listen when Andrew Bloch reviews the PR Pitches and mergers & acquisitions in the UK PR scene on the PRmoment Podcast, Ben Smith.

Summary here:

How to Handle Rejection

Check out Arnaud Renoux 's neat carousel giving advice on how to deal with sales rejections.

Rejection- we've all experienced it

Newsletter of the Week

For anyone in communications, Andrew Bruce Smith is a must follow individual. An acknoweldged expert in AI and PR, ABS' newsletter - In Front of Your Nose - is probably the most authoritative references sources out there.

Subscribe here: