Boosting Agency Efficiency: Why Focusing on Throughput Matters More Than Utilisation with Skyler Reeves

In today's episode, my guest, Skyler Reeves, the founder and CEO of Ardent Growth, challenges the conventional wisdom of why focusing solely on agency utilisation is the wrong metric.

We delve into the concept of throughput and why it should take precedence over utilisation. Skyler shares valuable insights from applying this approach in his agency and the lessons learned.

We also dig into the importance of setting realistic timelines, minimising context switching, and prioritising customer satisfaction. 

Time Stamp

[00:00] This week’s podcast explores improving efficiency and profitability by focusing on throughput rather than utilisation

[02:44] What do we mean by throughput over utilisation?

[05:37] The Toyota methodology

[07:03] Limit work in progress for better productivity

[09:39] What changes should an agency make to refocus on throughput?

[12:44] The importance of having an equal partnership relationship with clients

[14:23] Should agencies change the way they price and create scopes of works?

[19:00] Should you still time-track when implementing a focus on throughput?

[23:34] Practical tips to improve throughput and efficiency

[28:05] Shifting focus from what is best for you to what is best for the customer, brings better results

[29:19] Advice Skyler would give his younger self

Quotations

“Throughput is like a computer queue: tasks can only move through the system one at a time unless you are trying to (inefficiently) multi-task” - Skyler Reeves

“Clients don't care about tasks completed, they care about outcomes” - Rob Da Costa

Rate, Review, & Subscribe on Apple Podcasts

“I enjoy listening to The Agency Accelerator Podcast. I always learn something from every episode.”

If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more people like you to move towards a Self-Running Agency. How to leave a review on Apple Podcasts

Scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then, let me know what you loved most about the episode!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, subscribe to the podcast. I’m adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the feed and, if you’re not subscribed, there’s a good chance you’ll miss out. Subscribe now!

Useful links mentioned in this episode:

• Ardent Growth Website
• Skyler Reeves LinkedIn profile
• My free CEO Masterclass: ‘3 Strategies to Elevate Your Role & Build a Self-Running Agency’