LUNCH & LEARN: IS THE AGENCY MODEL BROKEN?

A recent LinkedIn post claiming “The Agency Model is dead” sparked a lively internal debate at WE ARE THE BOARD .

Member’s Fe Amarante David Boxser Libby Gray led the conversation and explored whether the traditional agency model is indeed broken, and how it can be adapted to better meet the needs of today's clients. 

Some key themes included the importance of having tight, integrated teams for project management, the benefits of transparency and stability in agency operations, and the need for agency-client relationships to be built on trust and empathy. 

Here are the TOP FIVE Takeaways that highlight the evolving needs and dynamics within the agency-client relationship, emphasizing the necessity for adaptive, empathetic, and transparent working models. 

1. THE IMPORTANCE OF A TIGHT TEAM:

   👉 It’s critical to have both creative and operational components in a project management team. Partnering a creative and an operations person together can achieve effective creative and service delivery. A strong repertoire is not optional, it's actually mandatory for success.

2. TRANSPARENCY AND STABILITY:

   👉 Equally critical is offering a consistent and transparent "assembly line" model, in contrast to the traditional agency model. The stability and commitment of the team is critical to project success.

3. MUTUAL FIT AND COMMUNICATION:

  👉 The need for mutually beneficial relationships and transparent communication with clients is key.  Agencies should not push their models if the clients do not see the inherent value.

4. ADAPTIVE AND SPECIALIZED:

 👉There is a strong need for flexibility and specialization within the agency model. The use of a core team supplemented by freelancers addresses the rapid changes in media consumption and specialized client needs.

5. EMPATHY AND CLIENT UNDERSTANDING:

 👉Building empathy and truly understanding client pressures are crucial elements for success. Agencies need to empathize with both their own teams and with the clients, in order to foster strong relationships that are built on trust. By focusing on customization and flexibility in communications and service delivery - they will further enhance overall client engagement.

So while tensions can indeed exist between Marketing and Creative, or Agency and Client. The conclusion is that we don't think the model is broken. It's that there are more scenarios, and like so much else these days that are “broken”, this model needs to evolve.

At THE BOARD our incredibly experienced talent has been on both the client and agency side of the business. They have taken their many years of experience to now offer brands nimble, bespoke collaborative, and fresh solutions. How can we help you? Learn more at www.wearetheboard.co and follow this page so you never miss an article!

#wearetheboard #workwiththeboard