Agency NXD - Blog , GeneralAgency NXD - Blog , Generalhttps://www.agencynxd.com/blogs/GeneralMon, 09 Mar 2026 14:07:39 +0100http://zoho.com/sites/<![CDATA[How a Non-Executive Director Can Elevate Your Marketing Agency]]>https://www.agencynxd.com/blogs/post/how-a-non-executive-director-can-elevate-your-marketing-agencyRunning a marketing agency with up to 50 employees often feels like balancing on a tightrope. You’re steering operations, securing clients, managing f ]]>

Running a marketing agency with up to 50 employees often feels like balancing on a tightrope. You’re steering operations, securing clients, managing finances, and keeping team morale high. No wonder many agency founders feel stretched thin.

This is where a Non-Executive Director (Non-Exec) can make a big difference. With seasoned expertise, fresh perspectives, and targeted guidance, a Non-Exec can help you overcome challenges, seize opportunities, and accelerate growth.

Here’s how a Non-Exec can bring real, measurable value to your agency.

Strategic Guidance to Drive Growth

A Non-Exec can refine your agency’s long-term strategy, helping you overcome growth plateaus. Many small agencies struggle to scale due to a lack of structured planning. By providing expertise and an objective view, a Non-Exec helps you focus on areas with the highest impact. For example, they might guide you in expanding into new industries or adopting advanced marketing technologies.


Example:

A social media agency wanted to diversify into content creation but lacked confidence. Their Non-Exec helped them test services with existing clients, refine delivery systems, and scale up seamlessly. The result? A significant revenue boost.


Industry Connections to Unlock Opportunities

Non-Execs often have a network of valuable industry contacts. These connections can open doors to new clients, collaborators, or investors, helping your agency grow faster.

Whether it’s landing a high-ticket client or forming a strategic partnership, a Non-Exec can help you bypass conventional roadblocks.


Scenario:

An agency targeting larger corporate clients struggled to make connections. Their Non-Exec introduced them to key decision-makers, securing opportunities that would’ve taken years to access.


Financial Oversight for Better Profitability

Creative founders often overlook financial discipline, which can lead to declining profit margins or cash flow issues. A Non-Exec can help you set budgetary controls, optimise resources, and cut unnecessary expenses.


Quick Win Example:

An agency overspending on unused tools worked with their Non-Exec to review operations. By consolidating software licenses and focusing on high-yield investments, they improved margins by 8% in a year.


Leadership Mentorship to Strengthen Your Team

Attracting and retaining top talent is often a significant challenge for smaller agencies. Engaging a Non-Executive Director (Non-Exec) can provide invaluable mentorship to your leadership team, enhancing decision-making processes and fostering a sustainable culture of growth.

With this guidance, founders experience reduced stress as their teams become better equipped to manage day-to-day operations, allowing leaders to focus on long-term strategy and business development.


Real-Life Impact:

A creative director facing persistent challenges with time management worked closely with their Non-Exec to develop skills in delegation and prioritization. Within six months, the agency's operations became significantly more efficient, enabling the director to dedicate more time to client relationships and high-impact projects.


Navigating Market Changes with Confidence

Adaptability is critical in the fast-moving marketing world. From shifting trends to new technologies, a Non-Exec’s experience can help you craft proactive strategies to stay ahead.


Scenario:

During a downturn, an agency’s usual revenue streams dried up. Their Non-Exec guided them to pivot to short-term campaigns, meeting immediate client needs and retaining business.


Should You Appoint a Non-Exec?

If you’re looking to break growth ceilings, boost profitability, or plan for a high-value exit, a Non-Exec could be the key. Their outside perspective complements your team’s expertise, helping you solve challenges and unlock opportunities.

From strategy to financial discipline to leadership mentoring, a Non-Exec has the tools to take your agency to the next level.


Take Action

Ready to explore how a Non-Exec can help? Start by identifying the areas where you feel most stretched. Then search through our extensive panel of NXDs with the expertise and network aligned to your goals. 


Their input could be the step that turns stagnation into success.

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]]>Tue, 22 Jul 2025 14:27:09 +0000<![CDATA[10 Award writing tips from a judge]]>https://www.agencynxd.com/blogs/post/10-award-writing-tips-from-a-judgeEntering credible industry awards is a superb way of raising awareness of your agency, showcasing your amazing team, and celebrating with your clients ]]>
Entering credible industry awards is a superb way of raising awareness of your agency, showcasing your amazing team, and celebrating with your clients. There are even a number of agencies that quote it as their most valuable source of inbound leads.

I’ve been on judging panels for awards for over a decade now  - Why? That’s for another post.

With that in mind, here are a few tips I want to share from reviewing hundreds of entries.


  1. Make sure the objectives are measurable. SMART objectives or OKRs are great.

  2. …and avoid using too many percentages. An apparently impressive 1,000% uplift could represent a less inspiring increase from 1 to 11.

  3. Make sure Objectives match Results. It's amazing/disappointing how often this doesn’t happen. For example, if your campaign’s objective was “to drive 1,000 more customers”, don’t put your result as “increasing prompted awareness by 15%.”

  4. Embolden key stats to make them stand out for skim reading judges. We have lots of entries to review and it’s in the entrants best interest to highlight the most important facts in the entry.

  5. No fluff. Tight editing is important. Often awards will have word limits, but that doesn’t mean you have to pad them out with unnecessary words. Time to re-read Strunk & White.

  6. Client Testimonials - an agency is obviously going to say good things about its work, but you’ll get higher scores for including a client endorsement/testimonial. I know how hard they can be to obtain.

  7. Don’t be a one trick pony ... .unless it’s an amazing trick. It often takes more than one trick/technique to secure a winning entry.

  8. Complete all sections of the entry form. I know this sounds obvious but I come across lots of entries where a section has been left blank.

  9. If you’re asked for examples (plural) of work, then include more than one example.

  10. Include supporting documentation for the more conscientious judges, but don’t rely on it.

Hopefully, this will help you complete your next batch of award entries and secure the recognition you deserve.



Photo Credit: Don’t Panic events.

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]]>Fri, 11 Oct 2024 15:45:53 +0000<![CDATA[6 reasons to engage a Non Exec for your agency]]>https://www.agencynxd.com/blogs/post/6-reasons-to-engage-a-non-exec-for-your-agencyWhat are the key reasons agency founders are working with us?]]>
Some of our experienced NXDs

AgencyNXD originally launched to help the leaders of agencies find support through a panel of experienced Non Execs who’ve already “been there and done it.” So what are the key reasons agency founders are working with us?


  1. Expanding overseas


For many agencies there comes a point where it’s time to look outside of your home market, whether that’s Europe , the US, or even as far as Australia. Our panel includes Non Execs who have opened office and acquired agencies in Germany, Russia, China, Australia and the US. Our panel can provide advice on how to set-up in those territories, coping with the time differences and avoiding cultural pitfalls.


  1. Developing your strategy


Before an agency decides to expand overseas, they need to have a clear strategy for growth and our Agency scorecard can help prioritise the different elements of your strategy. From attracting and retaining talent, through to evolving your commercial model.


An experienced Non Exec can help you deploy tools like OKRs, EOS or simply Managing by Objectives to turn a strategy into execution.


  1. A sounding board


For single owner agencies, we’ve found that Non Execs are the perfect sounding board for challenges and frustrations. Who better to empathise about the loss of a key client or a challenging employee than someone who has survived many of those same experiences.


  1. Entering a new market


Being a specialist in a specific sector or product can be a great strategy, but occasionally you’ll need to expand your offering or break into industries to continue to grow. An NXD with experience and connections in that space will help you hit the ground running.


  1. Preparing for sale


You’re ready to seek a buyer, or you’ve been approached by a prospective acquirer. 


Now what? 


Talking to a Non Exec whose been through that process, at least once, can help guide you through the different stages of a sales process. From preparing the sales literature to appointing legal support and what valuations to expect. 


  1. YDKWYDK


The best way to engage with a Non Exec or advisor is with an open mind because you don’t know what you don’t know. An experienced NXD can help you navigate blind spots and avoid costly errors, such as hiring mistakes or commercial errors.


So, are you ready to connect with one of our NXDs? 

Get Started Now
]]>Thu, 08 Aug 2024 13:50:40 +0000<![CDATA[Spinning Out a Product from an Agency]]>https://www.agencynxd.com/blogs/post/spinning-out-a-product-from-an-agency1In this post, we delve into the experiences of three industry experts who have successfully navigated this path.]]>

Spinning out a product from an agency can be a thrilling yet complex journey so we decided to hold a webinar on the topic. In this post, we delve into the experiences of three industry experts who have successfully navigated this path. We'll explore the challenges, opportunities, and key learnings from their journeys.

You can watch the full webinar here

The Decision to Spin Out

The decision to spin out a product from an agency is often driven by a combination of factors. For Mark Camp and Martin Meadows, the catalyst was a desire to protect the core agency business while pursuing a promising new venture. Mark Kuhillow, on the other hand, was motivated by a desire to focus on the product and its potential for global scale.

Overcoming Challenges

  • Team Dynamics: Building a product-focused team within an agency culture can be challenging. Clear communication and defining roles are essential for success.

  • IP and Ownership: Establishing clear IP ownership and managing client relationships is crucial. Open and honest communication with clients is key to maintaining trust.

  • Funding: Securing funding for a product spin-out can be difficult. Bootstrapping, as in the case of Mark Kuhillow, or finding strategic investors can be viable options.

  • Cap Table Management: Careful consideration of the company's cap table is essential for future growth and potential exits.

Key Learnings

  • Timing is Everything: Deciding when to spin out a product is critical. Doing it too early can hinder growth, while waiting too long can create complexities.

  • Culture Shift: Transitioning from an agency mindset to a product-focused one requires significant cultural change.

  • Transparency is Key: Open communication with employees, clients, and investors is essential for building trust and managing expectations.

  • Focus on the Product: Prioritizing product development and customer satisfaction is crucial for long-term success.

Conclusion

Spinning out a product from an agency can be a rewarding venture. By carefully considering the challenges and following the insights shared by our experts, you can increase your chances of success.

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]]>Mon, 22 Jul 2024 11:23:00 +0000<![CDATA[Ask our non-execs: Susan Hallam]]>https://www.agencynxd.com/blogs/post/ask-our-non-execs-susan-hallam


Susan Hallam is the latest in our series of  Ask our non-execs. She started digital marketing agency Hallam  in 1999



How did you start your journey in the marcomms world, what did you do before setting up your digital marketing agency Hallam

My experience working on the Internet started way back in 1983. 

Most people don't realise the Internet was a thing then, well before the advent of the world wide web and Google. I was an early player in the data management field, and in hindsight I was enough of a risk taker to just "say yes" to what became transformational digital opportunities. Before I set up Hallam I was a Senior Lecturer in Computing at NTU, and also had senior leadership roles in telecommunications and banking. I think that combination of academic and blue chip experience set me up well for the entrepreneurial journey that followed.

You worked for and learnt from others before deciding to 'do your own thing' - what was or were the factors that compelled you to want to have a go for yourself


It's surprising how many successful businesses consist of just their founders for a number of years, and then over time the business takes off and achieves that hockey stick growth. I set up on my own because I genuinely had a passion for digital marketing and wanted the freedom to do my own thing. 

I was a "one man band" for 10 years before Hallam's growth took off, eventually employing 70 people and being named one of Google's top performing agencies in EMEA.

Running a business can be lonely. How did you reach out for advice when you felt it could be useful

I agree running a business can be lonely - particularly as a woman business founder in a technical profession where women hold less than 25% of the leadership roles. 

I actively sought out a range of leadership development programmes that connected me with other business owners who gave me advice and provided a much needed sounding board. I am still in touch with some of those other business owners today, even after having exited my company.


Did you always plan to sell your agency and why ultimately did you decide to sell to the management

I have to confess when I was a kid I never once thought "I want to be an entrepreneur when I grow up." Like many agency founders, time passed and after years of hard work I woke up one morning and found myself leading a big company. Most successful agency owners have M&A companies sniffing around them, and we were no different. 

After assessing offers from international buyers and exploring other options with our excellent business advisors, we agreed an MBO was the best way forward. The MBO kept our outstanding leadership team motivated, gave me the cash I wanted, and most importantly retained Hallam's company culture and unique market position.

Building, managing and ultimately exiting an agency requires several different skill-sets. What advice can you share with ambitious marcomms bosses who also seek to grow and sell their businesses


I think there are two things that help agency owners to scale up a business. First, you need your "North Star" - that overarching vision of what you do, and what you value, your passion, and where you are going. You can't fake being an expert, you can't fake integrity, and that North Star will make you the leader you need to be to grow and sell. 

And the second secret to scaling your business is to focus on your people. Notice I didn't say focus on the money. If you focus on your people, financial success will follow. So take good care of your people, and nurture and develop them.

Your skills span start-ups, sales, strategy, scaling up and leadership development - what sort of businesses/bosses are you most interested in advising?

I am interested in advising people who have the same passion, the same commitment, and the same energy I had when I was growing and ultimately selling my own business. I made more than my fair share of mistakes along the way,and I enjoy working with individuals who have the resilience to pick themself up and brush themselves off when they hit a bump in the road.


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