Why ad agencies should learn about Springpad

Springpad re-imagines how sharing and discovery should work.

If you are a regular reader of Fuel Lines, you know that I am a big fan of Edward Boches, Chief Innovation Officer (formerly Chief Creative Officer and Chief Social Media Officer) at Mullen. Edward was among the few creatives to understand the importance of social media as an active practitioner. He has led his agency by example.

I’m honored to have Edward share a new social media platform through this guest post that will help your agency and your clients.… Continue reading

The Pitch: Mad Men Pitching For Ad Agency New Business

Real ad agencies take the veil off the new-business-review process and it isn’t pretty.

“The Pitch”, is a new reality show featuring two agencies, McKinney and WDCW, who are competing for a Subway assignment. The new business pitch is the way agencies win most of their business and grow.  The sneak peaks of The Pitch is an edited version of the creative process of both agencies that builds toward the pitch and then declaration of the winner.… Continue reading

A Resource for International New Business for Ad Agencies

An agency network that is focused on helping independent agencies to pitch, win and manage international accounts, themselves.

I asked Julian Boulding, London England,  to share information about an international agency network called thenetworkone, which he co-founded. This non-traditional network, provides a custom-built international network, that is available “on demand” for new business pitches and with existing clients at an affordable price.

Julian, a graduate of Cambridge University,  began his career in media sales and direct marketing before switching to the agency  business side.

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Validation for the World’s First Creative Ad Agency Built on Crowdsourcing Principles

A new business model for ad agencies that combines the best of what a creative agency can do and the best of what crowdsourcing can offer.

Havas, a leading advertising holding group, sees enormous potential in a new model for advertising agencies. They have announced acquisition of Victors & Spoils, the world’s first creative advertising agency built upon crowdsourcing principles.

“When an industry goes through a revolution, you can either sit and watch it happen or embrace the exciting new business models at the forefront of that revolution.

… Continue reading

Blair Enns: 12 Revolutionary Proclamations for Ad Agency New Business

How to win new business without pitching, reclaim control of client engagements and stop giving away your thinking for free. 

My friend, John Sharpe,  has spent nearly forty years in the ad agency business and the last twenty in business development exclusively. He is a personal friend and mentor with an impressive resume. So when John tells me that he has just read one of the most influential business development books in his lifetime, he had my attention.… Continue reading

16 Systems to Simplify Ad Agency New Business

Every agency needs detailed methods, procedures and routines for consistency and success in new business.

Small to mid-size agencies have common problems when it comes to new business:

  • They often excuse their inconsistency by being the cobbler’s children who have no shoes. It’s time to visit the shoe store! Acknowledge the importance of new business and put forth the necessary effort for real success.
  • Reactionary instead of a progressive approach for new business. They tend to bounce from one new business activity to the next with no cohesive structure.

    • … Continue reading

How Well Do You Really Know Your Advertising Agency?

It is essential to know your agency inside and out if you want to be successful at new business.

Any good salesman has to be knowledgeable about the product or service being sold. The more you know about your agency the more confidence you will have. This is a first step for those in business development and is a prerequisite to developing a plan for new business.

Fully acquaint yourself with  your agency’s two most important assets: chemistry and creative.… Continue reading

Ad Agencies Should Be Pricing On Purpose for New Business

The biggest frustration among CMOs is agency compensation and that impacts new business. 

John Winsor, CEO of Victors & Spoils, the world’s first creative (ad) agency built on crowd sourcing principles and former VP/Executive Director of Strategy and Innovation at Crispin, Porter + Bogusky. John addressed the future of advertising agency compensation head on in a recent article, Fees, Lies and Advertising, where he states,

“Businesses act based on the way they are compensated. And, the majority of agencies are compensated by selling their people’s time.

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Study: The Top Five Causes of Friction in Client and Ad Agency Relationships

The evolution of the advertising industry demands that traditional agency services and client relationships evolve as well.

Only 9% of marketers believe traditional ad agencies are doing a good job of evolving and extending their service capabilities.

Marketing has become more complex. Traditional agencies must have new skills and fresh approaches to meet these new challenges. The “More Gain, Less Strain” survey offers a clearer picture on how traditional agencies are being challenged in their retention of client relationships.… Continue reading

Leo Burnett Still Wins Ad Agency New Business 40 Years After His Death

Leo Burnett is one of the most enduring ad industry legends. He broke all the rules. Even after 40 years since his death he is still winning new business for his agency.

“The Burnett agency has accomplished something that has eluded so many other businesses: It has managed to keep the spirit and drive of its founder alive and well almost two decades after the founder himself passed on.“ Rita Koselka of Forbes

To celebrate Leo Burnett Worldwide’s 75th anniversary, Lobo, an animation and design studio, produced this animated spot.… Continue reading