Run your agency as if you were an employee

Don't let the title of this Blog fool you, if you run your own shop you are as much of an employee as anyone else within your organization. But the idea of you leading your agency in a manner that you (as an employee) would appreciate should be your focus. I've had the opportunity to speak to many agency heads from both big and small agencies and for the most part those leaders lead. They lead in a way that they themselves would like to be lead. But then I hear about agency leaders who by some reasons unknown to me, run their shops as if they don't need employees (or need their respect). It baffles me to hear the stories I hear and to witness leadership failing. While I am the first to admit that I don't have all the answers nor am I the perfect leader - I do feel there is an inherent ability in all agency leaders to understand right and wrong and how to develop a leadership style that both creates the betterment of employees and an atmosphere that keeps productivity and creativity present at all times. Simply think about if you worked at your shop and you were your boss, how would you want 'the boss' to be (as a person, as a leader and as someone you look to for advice and guidance). Look in the mirror if that helps - because that is what they see too.

When to take Risk

As a small business owner, risk seems like the last thing you want to add to your daily list of to-dos. But risk can often lead to remarkable rewards. Taking calculated risk and going with your gut are necessary components to a business leader who wants the business to take the next steps towards success. Always wondering 'what would have happened' if you didn't take the risk will eat you up inside. Sometimes it's better to go for it, experience the opportunity and then learn from it or thrive from it.

Benefits. Not features.

All to often we see companies in the B2B space push their features rather than their benefits. This is understandable as the default mentality is that customers are looking to buy features. They search for who offers the features they need. No one searches for benefits. So companies in the B2B space tend to want to separate their features from their competitors' features. But by emphasizing the benefits behind those features, they can actually begin to separate themselves. This is where true differentiators are born. And this is the 'meat' of a good brand. You want customers to think of you because of the benefits you offer them. Not just the features they want from you.

Radio Interview on 570AM KLIF

Listen to mundayMorning's President/CEO Angelo Antoline, as he spends two minutes with John Criswell on 570AM KLIF's "Texas Business Update". http://bit.ly/2UlB0R

Marketing Health Care Clients

Providing marketing for health care clients can be challenging and rewarding at the same time. The reward comes from being able to create credibility and compassion as quickly as possible so that the public can make a personal connection to the facility or practice. Our health care clients have much to offer those who are in need and we take a personal interest in making sure the extraordinary services our clients offer are conveyed properly to their prospective patients. But we also enjoy the collaboration of working with the marketing directors for these facilities and their knowledge is key for a joint successful marketing plan and execution. The challenge is being up to date on all of the changes this industry is encountering and staying in front of the curve when creating the right message. I found a great blog that supports the health care industry and this could be a valuable resource for both agencies and marketing directors. http://bit.ly/Hg4D

How Important is an Agency’s Culture?

From my point of view, that is all an agency truly has, its culture. And this so-called culture changes ever so slightly over time as the agency grows, shrinks or even plateaus. The change of such culture is not a bad thing, it’s just evolution. So what exactly is your agency culture? How is it defined? Is it the dress code? Or is it the color of the walls? Is it the absence of walls? Or is it the flexible office hours? The answer is, yes. And there are plenty of other characteristics that help define your agency’s culture. But there would be no existence of culture without the actions of the employees. From upper management down to the interns, the culture is lived out everyday. And that culture only survives if the people responsible for it continue to feed it. The culture is the ‘glue’ that keeps your agency unique and your employees and co-workers connected. And that is a powerful intangible force. So, how important is an agency’s culture? Rhetorical? You bet!

Accepting Reality Should be your Strategy

It may be pride, it may be stubbornness, but not facing reality can be detrimental to your business moving forward. Business owners recognizing the challenges the business faced in the recent past and accepting what lies ahead is invaluable to any business. It is easy to assume that ‘reality’ in this economic wonderland means something negative. For some businesses, facing reality during these times might be opportunistic. This is business’ opportunity to re-evaluate the company’s employees. Are the best people in the best positions within the organization? There is a flood of talent sitting out there who would jump at the opportunity to make your business better. This is a chance to come out of these economic times as a more polished organization. If your business has been slowed outside of your control (economy) and you continue to run your business as if nothing different is happening (ignoring reality), you may suffer financial consequences too large to overcome. The quicker business owners accept that what is actually happening is real, planning ahead is easier and positive results are much more likely to occur. The downfall of most companies is when the leaders of the organization plan ahead when they are already behind.