35 Useful Resources for an Agency Owner: Books, Podcasts, Communities, and More

The best books for agency owners

We’ll kick things off with books — the most value-packed source of knowledge since the dawn of time. The following books all provide a fantastic journey into the world of agency ownership with a mix of expert, real-life insights and captivating content, with the potential to inspire even the most experienced agency owners and help them grow their agency.   

Without further ado, let’s get into it: 

• The Agency: Build – Grow – Repeat by Luca Senatore

Whether you’re running or just starting an agency, this guide by Luca Senatore serves as a comprehensive playbook for agency success. Senatore shares his expertise in establishing a solid agency foundation, scaling operations, and creating a sustainable growth trajectory. With actionable strategies and real-world case studies, this book is essential for everyone looking to thrive in the dynamic landscape of agency ownership.

 

 

• The 7-Figure Agency Roadmap by Josh Nelson

In “The 7-Figure Agency Roadmap,” Josh Nelson outlines a strategic and detailed path for agency owners aiming to reach that major goal of seven-figure success. Having achieved immense success in the agency realm, Nelson combines his first-hand experience and insights to provide a step-by-step guide, emphasizing key principles for scaling an agency and achieving significant financial milestones. This roadmap is a must-read for those seeking to elevate their agency to new heights.

 

 

• The Boutique: How To Start, Scale, And Sell A Professional Services Firm by Greg Alexander

Greg Alexander’s “The Boutique” offers a detailed exploration of starting, scaling, and ultimately selling an agency service firm. With an emphasized focus on boutique agencies, the book provides practical advice on overcoming challenges unique to this niche sector. Alexander’s insights, drawn from real-world experiences, make this a must-read for all agency owners past the start-up stage aspiring to scale their professional service to new heights.

 

 

• The Trusted Advisor by David H. Maister, Charles H. Green, Robert M. Galford

“The Trusted Advisor” is a timeless guide that delves into the art of building trust and professional relationships. The main essence of this book is the belief that the most imperative key to agency success is “earning the trust and confidence of clients”. Focused on the consultancy aspect of agency work, the book provides actionable insights for becoming a trusted advisor, fostering long-lasting client relationships, and achieving sustained success in the competitive agency landscape. 

 

 

• Agency Success Roadmap: Your Personal GPS to Agency Success by Lee Goff

Lee Goff’s “Agency Success Roadmap” serves as a personal GPS for agency owners, guiding them through the challenging terrain of success. This book is dedicated to the complex world of modern marketing agencies, from creatives and ads to social media. Goff combines strategic planning with practical execution, offering expert advice to help marketing agency owners overcome common obstacles and reach their full business potential. This roadmap is an indispensable resource for those seeking a clear and effective path to marketing agency success. 

 

• Agencynomics by Spencer Gallagher and Peter Hoole

The revised and updated “Agencynomics” by Spencer Gallagher and Peter Hoole offers a deep dive into unique challenges agency owners face and provides 40 ways of overcoming them, so rest assured you will find something applicable to your unique business and leadership style. Having supported over 15,000 agencies, Gallagher and Hoole have the proven experience to help you grow your in-class agency across every stage, from start-up to a large-scale team. 

 

 

• The Complete Agency Management Handbook by Darryl Salerno

Darryl Salerno’s “The Complete Agency Management Handbook” is a comprehensive resource covering all facets of agency management, regardless of size and industry. From optimizing operations to fostering strong client relationships, Salerno provides practical guidance and actionable strategies. This handbook equips agency owners with all the tools necessary to run a successful, client-centric operation, covering “long-term planning, top-line growth, employee management and retention, and improving profitability.”

 

 

Top agency podcasts

In today’s fast-paced environment, where free time for self-improvement is limited, podcasts have risen to one of the top forms of information consumption for professionals across all industries. 

Agencies are no exception, and we have seen a steady rise in dedicated, top-class sales and marketing agency podcasts that you can listen to on the go at any place, any time.

• Build a better agency

Embark on a journey of agency improvement with the “Build a Better Agency” podcast, hosted by Drew McLellan. This is truly a treasure trove of actionable insights and strategies within every single episode. McLellan engages industry experts to share their wisdom, offering agency owners an opportunity to enhance operations, foster client relationships, and ultimately build a better agency. 

• Agency blueprint

Hosted by Nick Gulic, “Agency Blueprint” is your guide to navigating the intricate blueprint of agency success, delving into some proven, real-world strategies, challenges, and triumphs of running an agency. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to refine your agency growth and leadership approach, this podcast provides a roadmap for success, with each episode offering practical tips and inspiration for agency owners.

• Smart Agency Masterclass with Jason Swenk

Elevate your agency game with the “Smart Agency Masterclass” hosted by Jason Swenk — a podcast-masterclass featuring conversations with some of the top industry leaders and experts. Swenk shares his insights on scaling agencies, winning clients, and staying ahead of the curve, while his exceptional guests compliment this podcast with their unique knowledge and expertise, making this a must-listen for all ambitious agency owners.

• The World Class Agency Podcast

Hosted by Chris Martinez, “The World Class Agency Podcast” explores the stories and strategies of agencies that have reached the pinnacle of success. This podcast invites you to join the big leagues by delving into the intricate nuances of building a world-class agency, offering valuable lessons and inspiration for those on the journey to excellence, from those who have already reached it. 

• Agency Journey

The “Agency Journey” is a dynamic exploration of the common and uncommon challenges and victories in agency life. From client relationships to operational efficiency, Andrew Dymski and Gray MacKenzie share their first-hand experiences and bring in some of the most renowned industry experts to provide insights that resonate with agency owners at every stage of their journey.

Blogs and online resources for agency

We mentioned the dire importance of staying well-informed on the constantly evolving realms of sales, marketing, and agencies, and what better way to do that than with a regularly updated blog? 

Such blogs and online resources are always producing fresh and relevant pieces of content that agency owners can use as their go-to for staying on top of any rising agency challenges, trends, and tools that affect their day-to-day operations. Here are some of our favorite ones. 

• The Agency Collective Blog 

Dive into the future of agency insights with The Agency Collective’s blog designed to help every agency thrive. This forward-thinking resource contains regular content covering an array of agency-related topics, as well as dedicated guides for agency leaders. “How to Win New Business” and “Managing your agency finances in tricky times” are just a few of our favorite ones. Utilize this blog to stay ahead of the curve by exploring the diverse content curated for all agency professionals seeking to navigate this evolving landscape.

 

• Sakas & Company Blog

Uncover the secrets of agency growth, management, and leadership on the Sakas & Company blog. This dynamic resource, led by Karl Sakas, is a treasure trove of actionable advice for agency leaders. With topic categories ranging from Attracting Great Clients to Building a Stronger Team, rest assured that this blog will have something in store for every agency owner. The Sakas & Company blog combines industry expertise with a conversational tone, offering insights on scaling agencies, client relationships, and operational efficiency. 

 

• Small Agency Growth Blog

The Small Agency Growth blog, curated by agency expert Drew McLellan, is tailored for smaller agencies looking to thrive in the hyper-competitive landscape. Explore various insights and mediums in this rich resource library providing regular content, podcasts, webinars, and access to their own Slack community. With practical tips, success stories, and industry insights, McLellan provides a roadmap for small agencies to step up their game and achieve significant growth and success.

 

Thought leaders to follow

There’s nobody who knows more about agency ownership and leadership than…you guessed it, agency owners and leaders. After all, It’s only the people who have walked through the tough terrain of building and growing an agency who will have the in-depth expertise and knowledge to help other agency leaders achieve their goals. 

After some extensive research, here are some outstanding agency thought leaders that we believe you should check out to get inspiration, potentially learn a thing or two from, or perhaps even network with!  

• Jason Swenk

Jason Swenk, a luminary in the digital agency sphere, stands as a beacon for growth strategies, client acquisition, and operational excellence. With a track record built on practical experience — building and selling an 8-figure marketing agency, his insights go beyond the conventional. He helps agency owners elevate their operations and achieve similar sustained success. Swenk’s unique blend of expertise and storytelling makes his guidance not just informative but also engaging and actionable.

• Chris Rudolph

Rudolph Chris, the creator of “The Agency Multiplier” and a pioneering figure in digital marketing strategy, reshapes industry norms with innovative approaches. His insights serve as a catalyst for agency owners to build thriving businesses and navigate the numerous complexities in front of them. Chris’s ability to marry creativity with strategy makes him not only an expert but also a captivating source of inspiration for those looking to break new ground in digital marketing.

• Gray MacKenzie 

Gray MacKenzie, founder of ZenPilot and co-host of the Agency Journey podcast, brings nuanced insights that extend beyond typical growth strategies. With a blend of personal experiences and industry wisdom, his narrative has become a valuable resource for over 2700 agencies navigating the intricacies of client relationships and innovative growth approaches. MacKenzie’s storytelling prowess adds a layer of relatability, making his insights both insightful and engaging.

• Karen Hite 

Karen Hite, a seasoned Growth Consultant for digital marketing agencies, has emerged as a guiding force by infusing creativity into brand strategy. Her unique insights on effective communication and creative problem-solving positions her as a reputable source of inspiration and strategic vision for agency owners. Hite’s ability to translate her experiences into actionable advice makes her a beacon for creative thinking and turning strategies into action within the agency landscape.

• Ashley Cohen 

Ashley Cohen is a visionary behind agency growth who is dedicated to helping B2B firms find the best-fit agency partners. Her distinctive approach to bringing together the right agencies to clients makes her a trusted resource within the agency realm. Cohen’s ability to distill complex concepts into practical advice for each and every agency and business adds a layer of accessibility to her insights, making them both engaging and implementable.

• Robert Patin

Robert Patin, the Managing Partner of Creative Agency Success, regularly shares insights that transcend typical industry norms. His focused approach to creative strategies, client relationships, and industry trends positions him as an established thought leader, providing agency professionals with a source of inspiration and knowledge. As the guiding force behind Creative Agency Success, Patin shares a narrative that agency owners find invaluable for navigating the dynamic landscape of the creative agency world.

• Josh Nelson

Josh Nelson, the mastermind behind “The 7 Figure Agency Roadmap” we’ve touched upon earlier, provides continuous insights that resonate with agency owners. His narrative emphasizes business development and strategic planning, providing a unique perspective on scaling operations and achieving financial milestones. Nelson’s insights are not just theoretical strategies, they are hands-on, proven insights that help agency owners on their personal journeys to success.

• Jody Sutter

Jody Sutter, a growth strategist in agency development, is committed to coaching, mentoring, and training small agencies to reach their full potential. Jody has become a unique source of agency growth wisdom, offering distinctive perspectives and strategies to support growth-oriented agency leaders. She has worked with tons of different agencies from all over the globe, helping them with positioning, converting leads, and scaling business operations.  

• Mandi Ellefson

Mandi Ellefson, creator of the “Hands-off CEO” and a renowned thought leader in agency operations, paves the way for efficiency and profitability through actionable strategies. She is dedicated to helping CEOs scale their agencies, attract better and bigger clients, and gradually step back from their day-to-day. Her expertise has become a playbook for operational excellence, guiding agency owners toward streamlined processes and sustained success.

• Ian Harris

Ian Harris is the founder of “Agency Hackers”, a dedicated hub for growing your agency with like-minded founders and leaders. His commitment to bringing together agency owners has created a global community of agency owners who share their expertise and help each other thrive in the industry. We would really suggest you check out and join the Agency Hackers community as it is the perfect blend of insights, inspiration, and networking.  

• Chris Bantock

Chris Bantock is a seasoned growth consultant expert who shares his transformative insights into agency scaling beyond typical industry discussions. His mission of spreading strategic advice and industry perspectives is a valuable resource for all agency owners navigating the complexities of growth and success. Founder of “Agency Local”, and as of recently an Accreditation Panel member at EDI Accreditation, Chris is dedicated to keep helping other agencies achieve the success they deserve. 

• Troy Dean

Troy Dean, the founder of “Agency Mavericks”, a thriving community of agency professionals, has helped thousands of agencies scale and grow well past 7 figures. With a specialization in the art of building and scaling WordPress agencies, he guides agency owners in the digital space with valuable insights into thriving and innovating within the WordPress ecosystem. And, by the way, Dean’s insights are not limited to WordPress, they are foundational for all agencies looking to establish their presence and thrive in the digital realm.

Events for agency owners

If you’re a fan of attending industry-themed events — we’ve got you covered. Here are some of the top agency-themed events taking place in 2024 where you can share knowledge and network with fellow professionals, either in-person or virtually, from the comfort of your home or office.

• Build a Better Agency Summit

Elevate your agency leadership skills at the BABA Summit, hosted by the Agency Management Institute on May 20-22, 2024, in Denver. This event is a hub for agency leaders seeking insights into business development, management strategies, and industry trends. Immerse yourself in a collaborative environment, where thought leaders converge to share expertise, making the BABA Summit a must-attend for those aiming to propel their agencies to new heights. 

 

• RSW/US – Agency New Business Virtual Conference

Ignite your agency’s growth strategy at the Agency New Business Virtual Conference by RSW/US, taking place on February 5 – 9, 2024. This dynamic event focuses on the challenges and opportunities in agency business development in 2024. From client acquisition to effective pitching, this conference provides a comprehensive exploration of strategies and tactics, making it an essential gathering for agencies keen on mastering the art of winning new business.

 

• Win Without Pitching – Workshop

Revolutionize your approach to agency sales at Win Without Pitching’s Workshop taking place on January 15-18, 2024. This virtual workshop delves into strategies for agencies to win clients without the traditional pitching process. Through interactive sessions and real-world examples, these workshops empower agency professionals to reshape their sales methods and achieve success in the competitive landscape.

 

• 4A’s Management Practitioners Forum

Join industry leaders at the Management Practitioners Forum by the American Association of Advertising Agencies (4A’s) on June 5-6, 2024. This forum is a hub for agency management professionals, providing a platform to explore evolving industry trends, share best practices, and discuss challenges. With a focus on leadership and innovation, this event equips attendees with the knowledge and tools needed to navigate the complexities of modern agency management.

 

Agency communities

Agency communities are a virtual gathering hub for agency professionals and leaders from all over the world. Strength comes in numbers, and an environment built on collaboration rather than fierce rivalry will flourish with the collective power of agency communities. 

Discover a network of like-minded agency owners, share invaluable industry knowledge, schedule some time for the in-person or virtual meet-ups, and celebrate each other’s milestones and achievements together.

• Agency Local Community

Join the vibrant Agency Local community and connect with like-minded professionals. This community is a dynamic space where agencies come together to share insights, discuss industry trends, and foster collaboration. Dive into a supportive network that understands the nuances of the local market, making Agency Local a valuable community for agency owners seeking regional expertise and camaraderie.

 

• Agency Mavericks Community

Become a part of the trailblazing community at Agency Mavericks. This community is designed for agency owners ready to challenge the status quo and redefine success. Agency Mavericks offers a platform for exchanging unconventional ideas, exploring innovative strategies, and building connections with fellow mavericks who are pushing the boundaries of agency excellence.

 

• Agencynomics Community

“Exclusively for founders & owners only, Agencynomics exists to help you scale your agency inside one of the most competitive industries on the planet. Our focus is your challenges & helping you overcome them with the support of those in similar situations around you.” The community values include collaborative consciousness, diversity, growth mindset, empathy, and sympathy, making it a safe and beneficial virtual environment for over 1500 agency owners such as yourself.

 

• The Agency Collective – Agency Owner Community

We’ve already mentioned The Agency Collective for its outstanding blog and content resources, but considering they also have a fantastic and growing agency owner community — it’s definitely worth the second mention. Tailored for agency owners, this community offers a space to share experiences, seek advice, and build lasting connections. Whether you’re navigating challenges or celebrating successes, The Agency Collective provides a supportive environment where agency owners can thrive together