Tombras’ Post

Last month was my 10 year anniversary at Tombras. We've grown so much over that time, it would be easy to say the agency is unrecognizable when matched against its 2014 version. But that's simply not the case. Even then, Charles and Dooley's vision for the agency was clear, and our commitment to making aggressive, strategic moves in pursuit of that vision never wavered. A lot of the folks in this photo are evidence of that–– we've added immense talent and intellect to every department and discipline in the agency. The impact of AI disruption across the creative and media landscape will make the next decade the most challenging and transformative in the history of the industry. Our independence will allow Tombras to be one of the fastest to adapt, bringing new innovation opportunities to our client partners along the way. In this context, it strikes me that independence isn't just *a* thing about Tombras, but *the* thing that makes us who we are. And the thing that defines what we're capable of. On to the next 10 years.

There are some excellent learnings here from my partners Forbes Agency Council, and me. It's important for both brands and agencies to avoid relationship mistakes like the ones mentioned here. #BehavioralMarketing #OffMadisonAve

Today's #compiled creative and cases from Crispin Porter + Bogusky, 180 Global, Global Prairie & Rodgers Townsend. Never miss a piece of creative, case study, or news. Click the link in the comments to subscribe.  #agency #agencywork #creative #casestudy #compiled

Today's #compiled creative and cases from Standard Practice, Brownstein, Carmichael Lynch & Wellcom Worldwide. Never miss a piece of creative, case study, or news. Click the link in the comments to subscribe.  #agency #agencywork #creative #casestudy #compiled

Juice the orange. That’s what Pat Fallon told us to do and he’s right. Most #agency business forget the best source of growth is the client they’ve got. But how many times have you hear this “oh we didn’t know you did that” - say what?! Make sure your clients know exactly what you do, alway. Remind them. Show them. Share results with them. Do not fall in to the assumption trap - that they know what you do, or that they’re not speaking to other agencies. Your clients are speaking to other agencies ALL THE TIME. Juice it. 🍊 NOW. ⏰ #agency #agencygrowthtips #agencyleadership #agencynewbusiness #newbusiness #agencygrowth #advertising #adagency #creativeagency #clientservice #accountmanagement

What's the key to commercial creativity? 🎨 Kirsty Muddle and Ben Coulson say it's coming up with ideas for clients that are beyond the brief. Read more here: https://lnkd.in/giM8Ep2U #commercialcreativity #dentsucreative

Today's #compiled creative and cases from Ruckus, Carmichael Lynch, Tag & Ogilvy. Never miss a piece of creative, case study, or news. Click the link in the comments to subscribe.  #agency #agencywork #creative #casestudy #compiled

Endings... they matter like beginning. And... My word. I’ve messed this up so many times. But the way you end a relationships with a colleague or client is directly proportional to to the amount of goodwill that exists around your business. People come. People go. End it well. It pays in the long run. And remember. It’s not personal. If you take it that way, that’s your problem. Not their. #agency #agencynewbusiness #advertising #agencygrowth #creativeindustry #agencyfounder #agencyleadership #adagency #creativeagency #clientservice #agencyjobs

How 'award-winning' is your agency? Are you a GRAND PRIX? You might want to read what Kevin Lynch has to say on the matter before showing off: "No other sector of business is in such constant need to be patted on the head for doing a good job. And by relying on judges to tell us what’s good, we’re essentially outsourcing our opinions." Read the full rant and more 👇 #awardwinning #adawards #advertisingagency #advertisingindustry

THE REAL COST OF PITCHING? Retention. Staff and clients. Whatever the tangible spend laid out during the process, the real cost comes in two forms. I’ve seen these issues in almost every agency I’ve worked in: 1) Top talent being put through rolling pitch processes, month on month, year on year. Yes, the pitch process can be a great speed bonding and learning experience for teams. However, over the years they can lead too many missed weekends, too much time away from friends and family and too many late night office pizzas, in lieu of the gym & home cooked dinners. I’ve too often heard “I was wobbling, but that pitch broke me” from exhausted colleagues who have decided to leave. 2) Retained clients not seeing the value they paid for. With talent continually tied up in pitches, existing staff can’t always fulfill their everyday FTE / account obligations. This usually *leads* to pitches from frustrated clients, so the cycle of ‘win-embed-repitch’ continues. Rather than make clients pay arbitrary costs for pitches, I’d like to see the Pitch Positive Pledge actually enacted. Though these would be my top 3 changes: 🕰️ Maximum turnaround times on pitches - no more lagging over 6+ months 🎄Refusal of pitch dates that clash with major nationwide holidays - no more cancelling Christmas (and be internally supportive of other holidays/needs) 💰Chemistry, then costs, only then full pitch - no more giving away months of IP to lose out on financial terms The pitch should never be a bitch. #agencyculture #pitching #marketing