Travelling whilst running an agency

I’ve done a fair share of travelling whilst running my agency this year.

A couple of holidays, a handful of staycations and i’ve just been away for a week.

I thought i’d speak about what it’s actually like when you’re running an agency and travelling, because its not all sunshine and rainbows.

Cocktails by the pool and a couple hours of work for the week is the dream but it doesn’t look like that majority of the time. (unless you have employees/subcontractors - but even then i dont think it would be possible to switch off completely).

Clients have needs, some call more than others, you face issues such as ad accounts being suspended, performance dipping out of nowhere, ad fatigue, new changes or client offers all whilst wanting to step back relax, reset and recover from the daily work.

Main thing is to allocate time to work in the business when travelling or being away.

Working on the business will probably take a hit as the time just isn’t there, but you get a lot more time to think things through, strategise and plan which helps massively.

I like to jump into my notes, have a few beers and think of ideas and strategise.

That’s how I work on the business when travelling.

So next time you see me away, posting a pint on IG, know i’m probably scheming some new strategy for the agency 🤣

In all seriousness though…

Look to schedule in work blocks, even if its 1 or 2 hours in the morning or a couple of hours when travelling if possible. I tend to work in the mornings and at any given minute my girlfriend is getting ready if im not napping 😅

Main thing is to not let the power list slip. I reduce from 5 to 3 tasks as often, the time just isn't there.

So I only focus on needle moving tasks & high priority tasks when travelling.

This means mainly media buying side of the agency, creatives, campaigns, reporting on campaigns along with an array of other things but that’s the main focus.

I don’t look to bring on more clients when travelling as it’s difficult jumping on the phone, time differences, signal, poor wi-fi and so on, of-course depends on where you’re travelling but these are challenges you’re faced with.

In terms of outreach I tend to automise and slow down as the time isn’t there, so using tools like instantly to send a few emails out per day to book in calls when im back or in the slots allocated in my diary always helps.

Another thing is to, let your clients know that during the time you’re away responses may be slower. With that, try and get any changes to campaigns in before you travel.

Communication is by far the most important aspect of running a business don’t let it slip when you’re travelling.

Always keep clients in the loop.

I’ve slowly started to implement working hours for my agency where im not available outside of the usual Mon-Fri 9-5 unless its for clients that have been with me for a long time.

I know it’s a bit late, when I started it was all out 24/7 contact me whenever and whilst that worked for a long time, some people take the piss and ask you to make the tiniest changes at silly o'clock.

I went against advice from others and learnt that it’s not worth it. Also makes holidays a-lot less stressful knowing you can “clock off” after 5pm UK time. - That’s in speech marks because you technically never really clock off.

Those that come on now as a client, know that there are set hours and only incase of emergencies they can contact outside of these hours.

Most importantly though, just slow down.

Take the time that you’ve set aside for a holiday or rest and actually do that.

I’ve been going pretty hard this year and noticed a massive shift in my mindset, where i’d be away and still looking to work constantly which is pretty toxic and ive come to realise that.

So take it easy, have that extra pint, don’t rush to that email or check the account tomorrow. Things aren’t going to burn if you don’t get to them straight away.

Naturally your work environment will be disrupted so the quality of work will not be as productive as when you’re in your daily environment.

So don’t kick yourself (like I always do) that you’re not doing the amount of work you usually do.

Rest, recover, re-energise and make sure you come back into it all full of energy, full of ideas and well rested.

With the holidays coming up, I thought it was a fitting subject to speak about.

Hope you have a good week

Konrad

ps. keep an eye out on your inbox this week - might have something interesting for you.