Michael has a ton of experience working with different agencies, and he’s got some great advice on what makes these relationships work.
"Transparency and clarity are everything," Michael says. "When I make a request, I always explain why it's important. On the flip side, agencies should be upfront about what they can do and any challenges they might face. It's all about managing expectations."
Respect is another biggie. "We need to respect each other's time," Michael adds. "Think of yourselves as one team, not just clients and agencies. Treating each other as people really makes a difference."
Michael also talks about a really interesting concept - reverse briefs. "I brief the agency, and then they brief me back to make sure we're on the same page. It saves a lot of time and prevents miscommunication."
To find out more about reverse briefs and how they can benefit both clients and agencies, listen to the full podcast episode below.
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Michael goes on to share what catches his eye when choosing an agency. "It's not always about the budget," he points out. "I care more about the quality of work and whether I can trust the agency, rather than just looking for the cheapest option."
He values agencies that understand their specific challenges. "Agencies that address our pain points and offer tailored solutions stand out to me more than those that claim they can do everything."
Clear processes and easy communication are also important. "Knowing who you'll be working with and understanding their processes builds trust and makes everything run smoother."
For all of Michael’s insights into what brands look for in an agency, listen to the full podcast episode below.
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Michael is all about continuous learning. "I love it when agency teams share their knowledge with me," he says. "It's great for everyone to stay updated on new opportunities and trends."
He doesn’t just love learning himself, Michael also enjoys mentoring and upskilling his colleagues. "Sharing knowledge not only helps others but also refreshes my own understanding. It's so rewarding to see someone leave a session knowing more than they did before."
Ready to listen to the full podcast?
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Michael also emphasises the importance of having hobbies outside of work. "Finding something you enjoy can make a huge difference to your working life," he says. "For me, it's Thai boxing. It keeps me motivated and helps me maintain a work-life balance."
He encourages others to find activities they love. "It's about finding that one thing that drives you. Whether it's sports, creative hobbies, or something else, having a passion outside of work can improve your overall well-being."
To wrap up the episode, Michael leaves us with some key advice:
Transparency and Clarity: Ensure both parties understand the context and expectations of projects.
Respect: Approach each other as people and work as one team.
Find Your Passion: Engage in activities you love outside of work to maintain balance and improve performance.
Michael's insights give a real-world perspective on building successful agency-client relationships and the importance of personal interests. Whether you're an agency owner or a marketing director, his advice highlights the value of clear communication, mutual respect, and finding joy in your personal life.
Ready to listen to What All Agencies Should Know About Working with Clients?
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If you enjoyed Michael’s chat and would like to connect with him, you can find him on LinkedIn here. Make sure to mention you listened to the Marketing vs The World podcast!
And, if you’re looking to boost your website through killer copy and awesome SEO, drop Abbie a message here.
Stay tuned to Marketing vs The World to hear more from Abbie Dando and her insightful guests as they explore the dynamic world of marketing and business. Next up is Caroline Orr, Co-founder of certified B Corp company Program, discussing "Marketing in 2024: Did You Put Your Marketing Budget Into The Right Channels Vs Mum Guilt When Running Your Own Business."
Don’t miss an episode, click here to follow Marketing vs The World now.
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This article has been created using various AI tools, which transcribe raw audio and transform the content into a blog post. This helps us ensure each Marketing vs The World episode is released as quickly as possible.
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