Process: Agency

Every agency runs a model of "get it done for the client as fast as possible." Some agencies use that to burn out your team as long as you can deliver on time. It's a juggling act in agency life: projects, deadlines, resources – all moving at breakneck speed. The name of the game is getting things done and done fast. Project managers are the ringmasters here, guiding the team, sometimes through sheer chaos, to that final delivery. It's a system that thrives under pressure, but don't kid yourself — it's not always pretty. Speed can mean brilliance, but it can also mean missing a spot or two.

For smaller agencies, it's all about keeping the lights on. If whatever process they're running can keep money flowing in, it "works ." It's a simple truth: when your focus is locked on the client, every decision gets sharper and more revenue-driven. Understanding the client's needs in the agency world isn't just good service; it's survival. This laser focus can lead to quick, targeted solutions that hit the mark. But it's a double-edged sword. Sometimes, this rush for revenue can mean skipping the bells and whistles, delivering what's needed, sure, but maybe not what's best.

Pros

In the fast-paced world of agency work, a hidden perk often goes unnoticed: the lack of sustainment costs. Once a project is delivered, it's out of your hair. Agencies are all about that first delivery, that initial wow factor. The ongoing maintenance, updates, the never-ending tweaks? That's usually off your plate. No maintenance means your team can move on to the next big thing without being bogged down by past projects. It's a clean break every time, leaving the long-term upkeep to others. This setup is ideal for keeping the workflow fresh and dynamic, but it also means you're constantly chasing the next project and deadline.

Agencies can be some of the fastest delivery-oriented teams. It may be that you value speed of delivery above everything else. You have to have a delivery to get the chance to improve on it with version two, and agencies excel at version 1 products. 6

Cons

In the agency game, speed often trumps all, but it comes with a price. Teams run in high gear, racing against the clock, which, let's face it, can burn people out faster than a shooting star. Constant stress leads to a revolving door of faces; people come and go as the relentless pace takes its toll. And while agencies are champs at beating the clock, focusing on hitting deadlines can mean the end product is only sometimes top-shelf. It's about getting it done, not necessarily getting it perfect. Add to this a lack of long-haul ownership, and you've got a scenario where handing over the baton to another team to polish and improve becomes more challenging. The groundwork laid is often just enough to cross the finish line, not to set the stage for the next act.

Let's talk about the elephant in the room – cutting corners. It's an open secret in agency circles. Time is money; sometimes, that means taking the shortest route to the finish line. Testing might get trimmed. Research might get a once-over instead of a deep dive. Sure, you get a product out the door, but at what cost? It's a gamble – sometimes it pays off, sometimes it comes back to bite.

Summing Up the Agency Experience

So, what's the bottom line in the high-speed world of agency work? It's a mixed bag. On one hand, you've got the adrenaline rush of rapid delivery, the thrill of the chase. It's about lighting up the board, fast and furious. But on the flip side, this race against time can leave a trail of worn-out talent and, sometimes, a good but not outstanding product. And when it comes to playing the long game, that's outside the agency playbook. It's a world where you always look forward to the next big thing, rarely glancing back. Exciting, yes, but with its own set of challenges.