Growth Is Built on Success and Friendships
What does agency growth really look like? For Harry Hancock of NewGen, it comes down to two things: success and friendships.
In this episode of Growth Leaders, Harry shares his perspective on building and growing a modern agency – from making smarter use of AI to creating stronger relationships between brands and their agency partners.
While there is plenty of hype surrounding AI, Harry believes its real opportunity depends on how it is applied. Used effectively, technology can enable agencies to work with greater efficiency, scale and speed, creating new opportunities to enhance campaigns, particularly across influencer marketing and management. C6268
But technology is only part of the equation. Harry also believes brands need to trust their agencies and give them the space to bring their creativity, insight and strategic expertise to the table. When briefs become too restrictive, there is a risk that the work loses the very thing an agency has been brought in to provide. C6268
And when it comes to new business, Harry’s advice is grounded in more than a decade of experience: enjoy it, embrace the highs and lows, and don’t take every rejection personally. Losing a pitch isn't necessarily a reflection of the individual or the agency – sometimes it simply comes down to where a brand is at that particular moment.
For Harry, sustainable agency growth ultimately combines smarter technology with strong relationships, creative freedom and a willingness to keep going – and have some fun while doing it.
Key takeaways
- AI creates value when it has a clear purpose. The opportunity is using technology to improve efficiency, scale and speed rather than adopting it simply because it's the latest trend.
- Brands need to trust their agency partners. Giving agencies creative freedom allows their insight, strategy and creativity to deliver greater value.
- Don't take the highs and lows of new business personally. Growth requires resilience, perspective and the ability to keep moving forward when an opportunity doesn't work out.
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