If you run a marketing agency in 2023, you are not in the business of making clients happy – that’s a prerequisite not a result. Neither are you in the business of making bespoke websites, hugely complex apps, or highly creative marketing communications – not really.

You are in the business of making money.

#StandoutOrDie

STANDSTILL agencies are valued on past performance.

STANDOUT agencies are valued on future potential.

It’s not because they have a fixed budget. It’s not the economy or the market conditions. It’s not because others are cheaper. It’s definitely not because you are “too expensive”.

If a potential client cannot afford you it’s all YOUR fault.

#StandoutOrDie

There are currently around 5.5M business in the UK.

The majority of these are sole traders with no employees.

#StandoutOrDie

STANDSTILL agencies think “who do we want?”

STANDOUT agencies think “who are we for?”

Don’t think about what what a difference they could make to you. Think about what a difference you could make to them.

#StandoutOrDie

Agency pitch decks. I’ve produced and presented hundreds of them. Over the past 6 years I’ve seen even more.

There is no right or wrong way to do a pitch deck. If only it were that simple. However, I do see agencies making the same mistake over and over again: Front loading the deck with loads of stuff about themselves rather than the brief/client.

#StandoutOrDie