Standing out as an agency in 2025
Growth, Clarity, and AI-Driven Creativity
The agency world is evolving at lightning speed. If agencies want to keep pace with these changes, they need to structure both their story and their teams to deliver against this evolution. In our first episode of 300 Seconds On Agency Growth, Omar Oates and I dove deep into three key areas that agencies must focus on to thrive in an ever-changing landscape.
Growth as a Core Capability
Agencies excel at driving client success, yet too often they overlook their own potential. Growth should be an agency-wide mandate, not just the remit of the New Business team. Growth isn’t about constantly pitching (and often losing); it’s about investing in the right opportunities, refining processes, and nurturing long-term relationships that fuel the progress of your agency. When growth becomes part of your DNA, every part of your organisation will be ready to deliver.
A Clear, Compelling Proposition
Your agency’s core promise should be crystal clear: a single-minded proposition that every team member, partner, and client can easily understand and champion. This isn’t just great storytelling; it powers every external message you put out. A focused proposition helps you decide which clients to pursue and which to say no to, ensuring your time isn’t wasted on misaligned opportunities. Omar reminded us that “people buy from people,” underscoring the power of genuine, emotional connections built on a message that truly reflects who you are.
Empowering Creativity with AI
AI is transforming our workflows, acting as a partner that amplifies our ingenuity. AI’s role isn’t to replace human creativity, it’s to enhance it. With platforms like 300’s NEO (our Neural Executive Officer), you offload the foundational work, freeing your team to zero in on strategy and breakthrough ideas. As I often say, “If you think about a pitch, there’s so much foundational work you must do that doesn’t really add much value, but you still have to do it. NEO will do that for you.”
Despite the challenges of differentiation, AI adoption, and sustainable growth, Omar and Patrick remain optimistic. AI will continue to streamline processes, allowing agencies to focus on what matters most: building brand fame, fostering connections, and creating impactful work.
This is just a snapshot of the conversation. Watch the full episode below for deeper insights into what agencies need to succeed in today’s landscape.