Surprising Truths About Ad Agency New Business from a Gen Xer...
Dixie Sisson
Building relationships one person at a time. Strategic Partnerships, Creative Content Strategy & New Business in my DNA | Futurist | Web3 Muse | Find The Others |
Attention ad agency new business leaders. Have you noticed something interesting happening in the world of agency new business lately? It's like a blast from the past—a revival of those old-school tactics that we thought were long gone. And you know what? They never stopped working. We just stopped using them.
Gen X: The Secret Weapon in Reinvigorating New Business Strategies
I'm from Generation X. A planet lost somewhere between Boomers and Millennials. I think we were forgotten intentionally so that our comeback could be even more pronounced. We've been around the block from the pre-digital era to the digital age and we can't help but feel a sense of déjà vu.
As we wait to be called as the next to slaughter in downsizing workforces they are forgetting the power of our knowledge that's needed now more than ever.
It's like the universe is giving us a nudge, reminding us of the power of creativity and imagination in building genuine connections. Back to the time when we made it priority to be face to face in any and every way we could. We know the importance of relationships better than anyone else. Time to dust off those old school skills from the past when the land line and martini lunches were gold and it paid off in spades.
Digital Playbooks Are Losing Their Spark
Alright, friends, let's face it: our digital strategies just ain't cutting it anymore. Click-through rates are plummeting, and ROI feels like a distant dream. But fear not, because the winds of change are blowing our way. It's time to harness the power of creativity and imagination to breathe new life into our outreach efforts.
Bringing Back the Human Touch
Networking events, personalized outreach, and yes, those creative wonders—"the send packet" are timeless tactics waiting to make a triumphant return. In a world overrun by digital noise, people are craving authentic connections more than ever. Time to start forging those genuine relationships that make all the difference.
- Networking Events and Personalized Outreach: Nothing beats a good old-fashioned face-to-face chat. Let's bring back the art of conversation and make meaningful connections.
- Creative Wonders: The Send Packet: Remember those innovative wonders we used to whip up then send to our prospect in the US mail? We used to call them "send packets". A little imagination goes a long way in leaving a lasting impression.
People Buy from People: Put Personalities Where They Shine
At the end of the day, it's not just about selling the agencies we represent—it's about selling ourselves. So let's let our personalities shine through in every interaction. Whether it's a witty phone call or a handwritten note (remember those), let's show the world why they should choose us.
P.S. If you have anyone in this job who is lacking enthusiasm, it's probably not a good fit. Enthusiasm is underrated and 100% a requirement.
The Profound Influence of Referrals
Ah, referrals—the magical elixir of our business. Let's offer solutions, even if it's not a perfect fit. Building a reputation for being helpful and resourceful always pays off. Your reputation is everything. After all, who doesn't love a good word-of-mouth recommendation?
Getting Scrappy: Take Every Opportunity
Sometimes, you gotta get a little scrappy. Take every call, no matter how small the budget. You never know where it might lead. There will never be a relationship without this step. Don't judge the book by its cover. Same goes for wine labels but you catch my drift.
Building a Like-Hearted Community
And last but not least, let's talk about the power of community. Let's leverage our experience and wisdom to build robust, decentralized communities that foster collaboration and innovation. Web3 now offers us powerful technology to create communities of like-hearted thinkers. Together, we're stronger, so let's band together, share our ideas, and watch our mutual interests thrive!
Re-energizing What Success Looks Like
In the ever-evolving world of advertising agency new business, success isn't just about clicks and conversions—it's about embracing our creativity, forging genuine connections, and rediscovering the joy of doing business the old-fashioned way. So let's raise a glass to the power of imagination, and let's make some waves in this sea of digital noise. They say the "cobbler's children have no shoes" and it's true. Your ad agency new business process needs to include all the same ingredients for success. That's the truth. It takes the same kind of effort poured into your agency to move the needle for yourself. After all, in this journey of advertising, sometimes the best way forward is a trip down memory lane!
#1 PR Firm Clutch, G2, & UpCity - INC 5000 #33, 2CCX, Gator100 ?? | Helping Brands Generate Game-Changing Media Opportunities ??Entrepreneur, Huffington Post, Newsweek, USA Today, Forbes
6 个月Great share, Dixie!
GTM Expert! Founder/CEO Full Throttle Falato Leads - 25 years of Enterprise Sales Experience - Lead Generation Automation, US Air Force Veteran, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Black Belt, Muay Thai, Saxophonist, Scuba Diver
9 个月Dixie, thanks for sharing!
Chief Marketing Officer | Brand Strategist | Digital Marketer | Board Director | AI Enthusiast | Author | Midmarket Growth Leader
9 个月I love the insights. And I have been doing a LOT of work in the Gen X arena lately and I agree with your perspective - especially about the range of ways they consume information.
Post-grief optimist turning despairalysis into vibrant acts of JOY: ??brilliant resistance ??grounded gratitude ??regenerative play ??social rewilding ??creative adaptation ??crafted resilience
9 个月Well, Dixie, I don′t have an ad agency and I am not a Gen X-er, but I absolutely love this piece and share your appreciation for the throwback to real connection! It′s hard in this big ol′ digital world to reach those we can help, but remembering the ¨old¨ ways can bring us new insights...and clients! ??
Curiosity and AI Strategist I consult at the intersection of AI, community, and strategy, turning big ideas into curiosity-driven solutions. 2x Founder building SheLeadsAI and Curiobot. Women in AI Lead for AI2030.
9 个月You are the GOAT and I have tremendous respect for your work and thought leadership.