Why Would an Accountant Attend a Conference for Agency Owners in Ibiza?
Why Would an Accountant Attend a Conference for Agency Owners in Ibiza?
Here’s Why It Was Worth It.
You might question why an accountant would attend a conference specifically designed for agency owners, especially one held in a location like Ibiza. After all, isn’t our job simply about balancing the books and calculating taxes?
Well, the truth is, being a true financial partner goes far beyond crunching numbers. To offer real value to our clients (agencies) we need to understand their businesses from the inside out, and that includes keeping up with industry trends, challenges, and opportunities. That’s precisely why I spent a week at the Agency Hackers Super Summit in Ibiza.
This event was much more than just an excuse for a party in the sun (though partying was definitely involved). It was a powerhouse of knowledge, ideas, and actionable insights, tailored specifically for agency owners.
Here’s a breakdown of some of the key highlights from the summit that stood out for me:
Key Takeaways from the Agency Hackers Super Summit
Rory Sutherland – One of the most influential voices in marketing, Rory spoke about the importance of creativity in business and how taking unconventional paths can lead to breakthroughs. His talk reminded me of the importance of taking calculated risks and exploring new ideas.
Dave Harland – Known for his witty and engaging content, Dave brought home the point that humour can play an important role in effective communication. A well-placed bit of humour can create a memorable connection and is often under-used in communications.
Sophie Miller – Sophie (Pretty Little Marketer) talked to us about her idea of ‘naive curiosity,’ which emphasizes approaching problems without preconceived notions. This fresh perspective is something I try to bring to de Jong Phillips. Before setting up an accounting business I’d never worked in practice and neither had I worked in an agency. But my background in finance and in banking gave me an understanding of what good financial management should look like and, with naive curiosity, I built de Jong Phillips to serve the agency businesses that weren’t being served by traditional accountants.
Lea Turner, Lewis Kemp, and Ash Jones – In their engaging panel, these LinkedIn experts shared insights into building personal brands and successful LinkedIn strategies. With social media playing such a crucial role in marketing, it was good to hear some solid and simple advice on how to leverage social media to build trust and connection with potential clients.
Karl Loudon and Carrie Rose of Rise at Seven – Their session was an interesting glimpse into their agency’s success, with a focus on the operational side of running a fast scaling agency and the importance of embracing change and being open to new ideas.
How This Helps Us Add Value to Agencies
Attending this conference wasn’t just about absorbing knowledge; it was about applying that knowledge to improve the way we serve our clients. By immersing ourselves in the discussions that drive the agency world, we can offer much more tailored and informed advice. Here are a few ways this experience enhances the value we provide to our clients:
1. Tailored Advice for Agencies
Agencies operate differently from other businesses. The pressures they face—such as client retention, managing talent, and navigating the fast-paced digital landscape—require a unique approach. By staying current with agency-specific dynamics, we can advise on and implement financial and operational strategies that truly align with how agencies function.
2. Optimising Resource Allocation
With a better understanding of the latest trends and challenges, we can help agencies use their resources more strategically. Whether that means advising on their most profitable service line, or where they might need to increase their prices, our goal is to ensure they are building a resilient business that can scale sustainably.
3. Benchmarking Financial Performance
Because we only work with agencies, and we have our fingers on the pulse of the industry, we can benchmark our clients’ financial performance against others in the industry more effectively. Knowing what’s considered standard versus exceptional allows us to offer clear and actionable advice on where an agency might improve or double down on success.
4. Anticipating and Managing Risks
Agencies face their own set of risks, from slow-paying clients and lumpy project revenues to balancing the capacity of their teams with client work. By staying plugged into industry discussions, we can anticipate these risks and help agencies safeguard their financial future. Whether it’s preparing for shifts in client demand or advising on the financial impact of adopting new technologies, we ensure that our clients are always one step ahead.
5. Supporting Growth in the Right Areas
Growth isn’t just about scaling operations; it’s about doing so sustainably. Whether it’s hiring new talent, investing in new software, or expanding into new markets, we help agencies identify the right opportunities for growth. With industry knowledge in hand, we can ensure that every growth decision is backed by sound financial analysis.
The Bigger Picture: Being More Than a Number-Cruncher
Ultimately, attending a conference like this isn’t about taking a break from the numbers; it’s about being a proactive, strategic partner in our clients’ growth. The only way to do that effectively is by staying engaged with the industry and understanding the unique challenges and opportunities agencies face.
And after such an impactful experience at the Agency Hackers Super Summit, I can confidently say that I’ll be returning next year, this time with the rest of the de Jong Phillips management team, ready to bring even more insights to help our clients succeed.