Just ask

In the world of marketing, referrals are a powerful tool. Rather than waiting for them to come to you, take a proactive approach and actively seek referrals from every client and contact you've had. A recent survey revealed an insightful statistic: when asked why they chose their current marketing agency, the second most common response was "The agency was recommended to us." Take a moment to reflect on what this means for your own business and how clients decide to work with you.

It's not just about having a polished website, an active presence on LinkedIn, or a flashy YouTube or Instagram account. People tend to trust "safe bets." If Barry at Company X has worked with you and had a positive experience, make sure you leverage that relationship to its fullest and ask for referrals.

In the realm of cold outreach, the 20% rule is often discussed, which highlights the fact that around 80% of business is typically retained by incumbent agencies or secured through referrals. So why place yourself at the margins of this equation?

Being introduced to a new potential client removes the "cold" label from your name. Instead, you become the agency that’s "highly recommended" by someone they trust. This shift in perception can have a profound impact on how you're viewed, significantly improving your chances of securing new business.

It’s time to step outside your comfort zone and start asking for referrals from both current and past clients. If you can’t confidently say, “I’ve just asked for a referral,” then it’s clear that you’re not fully capitalising on this valuable avenue.

Take action today and make referrals a priority. Harness the power of recommendations and watch your business flourish.

Time and Motion

In today’s fast-paced business environment, the concept of "time and motion" studies may seem somewhat archaic. Nevertheless, the lessons I gleaned from those practices throughout my career have proven to be immensely valuable. While the original aim of these studies was to identify the most efficient ways to complete tasks, the core principles remain highly relevant—particularly when it comes to driving long-term success in business.

Take a moment to reflect on the activity that truly sustains your business. Is it the consistent client base you've cultivated over the past decade? Perhaps it’s your ongoing success in acquiring new clients through project-based work, with little to no reliance on retainers. Or, maybe you’re spending time reading blogs that, while certainly engaging (you’re welcome), may not have a direct impact on your bottom line.

The reality is that many of the daily tasks we engage in don't necessarily contribute to our success. Instead, they’re activities we enjoy, and over time, we’ve become skilled at justifying their place in our routine.

Take "networking" as an example. It’s often viewed as a key business activity, yet the truth is that it can sometimes serve more as a diversion from more impactful work. While networking may provide personal benefits, any diversion from activities that directly contribute to business outcomes can impede your progress.

It’s worth considering that engaging in "enjoyable" activities might be beneficial for mental well-being, which is an important factor in maintaining overall productivity. However, it’s crucial to be honest with yourself about the true value of these activities. They may help to recharge your energy, but don’t delude yourself into thinking they directly propel your business forward. Instead, think of them as a well-deserved reward for focusing on the tasks that truly matter.

So, it’s time to shift your focus away from reading blogs and into real work. Prioritise tasks that will drive your business forward and yield measurable results.

Good luck, and remember to enjoy the process—but not too much.

Delivering on Expectations

Imagine visiting KFC, eagerly anticipating their signature fried chicken, only to be presented with a pyramid of asparagus, all in the name of "thinking outside the box." Or picture picking up your car after its M.O.T. and service, only to find that the mechanics have replaced the engine with a cauliflower. Would you praise their creativity and vision? Probably not. You’d simply ask for what you originally requested.

Before I entered the world of new business development (yes, I’m dropping a deliberate keyword there), I faced a challenge in my career when referring to creative teams as a "service department." Let me tell you, that did not go down well. And honestly, I rather enjoyed the reaction.

From the viewpoint of marketing and sales managers, design exists for a very specific reason. You can’t just place a plain white box on a shelf and expect it to catch customers’ attention. It needs to be enhanced with compelling visuals or enticing images—think vibrant colours or pictures of children happily enjoying sugar-coated treats.

I remember one particular instance where I requested a simple glowing icon resembling an on/off switch. What followed was an unexpectedly elaborate process: a “mood board” materialised, and the creative team disappeared for an entire day to “conceptualise.” In the end, I turned to a friend of a friend who quickly delivered the exact icon I needed in just 20 minutes for a reasonable fee of £75.

Creative teams, while your ideas are undoubtedly valuable, it's important to remember that those commissioning your work often have specific objectives in mind. The goal should be to collaborate and align with these objectives, bringing their vision to life, rather than imposing your own ideas on what they might deem a "basic" request.

The Dangers of Seeking Validation

When my father decided to have his flat roof replaced to improve rainwater drainage, he had a very specific vision in mind (as many hands-on parents do). In order to explore his options, he invited several local builders to provide estimates.

The first builder suggested a solution that didn’t align with my father’s original plans, and as a result, he was dismissed without further consideration.

The second builder proposed an identical solution, which, unsurprisingly, resulted in the same reaction—disapproval and dismissal.

The third and fourth builders, unaware of the previous suggestions, coincidentally proposed the same solutions. As you can guess, these were also met with rejection.

However, the fifth builder finally presented a solution that resonated with my father, and he agreed to proceed with their plan.

Now, it would make for a more dramatic tale if I could tell you that the roof had collapsed, but unfortunately, that’s not the case (at least not yet—who knows what the future holds!).

This story highlights an important lesson in decision-making, particularly when it comes to expert advice. It’s all too easy to seek validation rather than truly listening to expert recommendations. In this case, it was as if my father was looking for an expert opinion that happened to align with his personal preferences, rather than objectively considering the best solution.

Let’s take a more extreme example to drive the point home. Imagine if four doctors advised you against taking a blue tablet, warning of potentially fatal consequences. Despite their expert guidance, if you were determined to take it because you simply liked the colour blue, would you be swayed by a fifth doctor who shared your affection for the colour and assured you the tablet would be fine?

This is exactly what happens when we disregard expert advice and only seek validation from those whose views align with our own.

In conclusion, while flat roofs may not be for everyone (and the same goes for risky medication!), it’s crucial to strike a balance between expert guidance and open-mindedness. Making informed decisions requires us to evaluate advice carefully and resist the temptation to choose only those perspectives that affirm our existing beliefs.

Stay thoughtful, and best of luck when the storms inevitably arrive.

The Power of Substance

As part of my regular routine, I spend a significant amount of time reviewing agency websites. While I appreciate the opportunity to explore the remarkable work of creative professionals, I’m also keenly observing those agencies that fail to represent themselves effectively. In some cases, there’s a chance to step in and offer a more strategic approach to their online presence.

During these site visits, I often encounter a fair amount of unnecessary fluff—exaggerations and irrelevant information that dilute the message. It’s perplexing why agencies would opt to highlight irrelevant details, such as the year of their founding, their high school accolades, or even the reasoning behind their office space choices. What’s even more baffling, however, is the lack of focus on what truly matters: showcasing their best case studies and demonstrating their core expertise.

One of the most frequent offenders I encounter are statements that, on the surface, may sound admirable, but upon closer examination, lack substance. These are often the kinds of grandiose claims that sound as though they were written in a moment of unearned confidence, perhaps while gazing out over a dramatic landscape. However, beneath the surface, they are little more than empty words.

Take, for example, the well-worn line: "We only take on clients we believe we can help." Really? So, if a client approaches you with a significant budget, you’d turn them away because you suddenly doubt your own capabilities? It’s difficult to take such a claim seriously, especially when you know full well that many agencies would happily welcome a lucrative client, regardless of whether they’re the best fit.

While such statements are meant to convey integrity and a strong sense of professionalism, they often do the opposite. Instead of impressing potential clients, they typically provoke eye rolls and scepticism.

I shared one of these statements with a colleague during a recent conversation, and his response was spot on: “It’s an easy claim to make, but impossible to verify, and probably not true.”

The truth is, agencies should focus on delivering substance. Instead of relying on empty slogans, let your work and results speak for themselves. We’re far more likely to be impressed by tangible outcomes and the real impact you’ve had for your clients.

So, let’s get to the point: ditch the unnecessary fluff and focus on showcasing what truly matters—the value you bring and the results you deliver. After all, that’s what clients want to see.

The Insurance Policy

Recently, a colleague shared an intriguing comparison that resonated deeply with me: New Business Development as ‘insurance’.

At first, the analogy might seem unusual, but when you think about it, it makes perfect sense. Much like how we buy insurance with the hope we never need to use it, investing in new business development is about preparing your company for a future of growth, even when things are running smoothly.

For instance, I insure my car, but I’d much rather keep it in excellent condition than find myself in a situation where I have to say, "Thank goodness I insured it!" after an accident. Insurance is peace of mind—it’s there for protection, not for immediate gain. The same can be said about new business activities: we engage in them not because we’re desperate, but because it ensures that when the business landscape changes, we’re ready to thrive.

The Importance of Sustaining Business Development

Just like personal insurance policies, new business development is about long-term security. Sure, it’s not a guarantee of instant leads, but it provides a foundation that strengthens your business. Consistently investing time and resources into building new relationships means you have a safety net against future dry spells when phone calls and emails slow down.

Here’s why it’s essential:

• New Opportunities: You'll connect with businesses and prospects who otherwise might never have discovered you.

• Long-term Client Relationships: You may uncover short-term projects that, with the right nurturing, could turn into lasting partnerships.

• Increased Visibility: You’ll get your business noticed by those who haven’t had the chance to engage with you before.

Don’t Wait for the Quiet Period

New business development isn’t something to be considered only when things start to slow down. Like insurance, it’s most beneficial when you’re not in crisis mode. The key is to keep investing in new prospects, so when opportunities arise, you’re already prepared.

Take action today—whether that means reaching out to new prospects, refining your approach, or starting a conversation that could propel your business forward. Think of it as an investment that ensures your future success, not just a reactive strategy for when things aren’t going well.

Reframing Cold Outreach

Struggling to see results from your business development efforts? If your cold outreach feels ineffective, you’re not alone. Many agencies face similar frustrations after experimenting with different approaches—whether hiring lead generation companies, working with new business agencies, or building in-house sales teams.

The key challenge isn’t just the method but how expectations are set. Cold outreach operates differently from referral-based business, and without understanding these distinctions, it's easy to feel like it’s not working. In this article, we explore why cold outreach often feels like an uphill battle and how to make it a more effective part of your growth strategy.

The Expectation vs. Reality Gap

Agencies often become discouraged when cold outreach doesn’t yield immediate results. However, this frustration usually stems from unrealistic comparisons—particularly when measured against referral-based business, which naturally converts at a much higher rate. Understanding this distinction is essential to managing expectations and refining your approach.

Why Referrals Convert More Easily

Referrals enjoy high conversion rates—often exceeding 80%—because they come with built-in trust. When a prospect is introduced through a mutual connection, credibility is already established, making it far easier to close a deal. However, it’s important to remember that this trust wasn’t built overnight—it was developed over time by the person making the referral.

The Reality of Cold Outreach

When engaging with cold prospects, that trust doesn’t exist. Unlike a referral, where you may be one of just a handful of options, cold outreach typically places you in direct competition with multiple businesses. As a result, success rates are naturally lower. The key isn’t to abandon cold outreach but to recognise its role and adapt accordingly.

Maximising Cold Outreach Effectiveness

While cold outreach won’t deliver instant wins at the same rate as referrals, it can still be a powerful tool—if approached correctly. Many agencies mistakenly assume that securing a meeting guarantees success, but real progress comes from ongoing engagement. To build meaningful connections, you must consistently demonstrate value, establish credibility, and nurture relationships over time.

Rethinking Your Growth Strategy

Instead of viewing cold outreach as an isolated tactic, see it as one part of a broader business development plan. A well-balanced strategy leverages both the credibility of referrals and the reach of cold outreach, creating a sustainable pipeline of new business.

By setting realistic expectations, refining your approach, and committing to consistent engagement, you can turn cold outreach from a frustrating exercise into a key driver of long-term success.

Link Smarter

In today’s fast-moving industries, talented professionals frequently seek new opportunities. Fortunately, LinkedIn keeps us informed, notifying us when our connections switch roles—and even prompting us to congratulate them with the effortless click of a button.

However, what truly matters is how you respond to these job changes and leverage them to your advantage.

When a new Marketing Director joins a company, their focus is often on making a positive impact and tackling key challenges. This presents a valuable opportunity for you to demonstrate your expertise and position yourself as part of the solution.

While offering your congratulations, take the time to research their new role and identify the potential challenges they may face. For example:

• Has the company recently undergone a merger? If so, how can you support them during this transitional phase?

• Have they secured significant new clients? What can you offer to help them meet those clients’ evolving needs?

Your goal should be to provide genuine value—to become their “secret ingredient” for success.

Rather than simply listing your services alongside a generic “well done,” show that you have invested time in understanding their circumstances. Demonstrate that you’re aware of the priorities likely occupying their thoughts.

If you choose to engage with their work more deeply, do so with purpose and authenticity. Meaningful connections stem from thoughtful interactions and a genuine willingness to help—far more valuable than a one-click congratulations.

A Sea of Sameness

"We take the time to understand your brand."
"Our team is more like a family."
"We always challenge the brief."
"Our unrivalled expertise."

I found at least a dozen variations of these statements in just five minutes.

They may all be true, but that barely matters—because unless your prospect is a warm referral, they don’t believe you. Genuine differentiation is difficult. True uniqueness is near impossible. As a result, your claims, however valid, lose their impact.

So how do you stand out in a crowded market?

Simple: consistently act as you claim to be. From the very first interaction, your prospects are evaluating you.

• Respond to emails immediately—even if it’s just a quick acknowledgement. Don’t leave potential leads waiting while you craft the perfect reply. Promptness and attentiveness matter more than a beautifully worded but delayed response.

• Ditch the jargon. No one is impressed by it. Overcomplicated, trademarked processes with flashy names mean nothing to a prospect unfamiliar with your work.

• Communicate clearly. Use plain English to explain what you do and how it delivers commercial results. Flowery language and convoluted analogies will only send visitors away from your website.

• Ask direct, meaningful questions. Never assume prospects will guide the conversation—it’s your role to take the lead.

In the early stages, don’t give prospects reasons to exclude you:

• Swearing isn’t edgy—it’s unprofessional.

• Boasting about being “picky” with clients won’t impress new contacts; it will alienate them.

• Humorous videos and personal anecdotes can wait—at this stage, focus on value.

Be the agency that understands your prospect’s commercial objectives. Demonstrate how you contribute to those goals. Explain your approach concisely. Ask smart, straightforward questions—and listen to the answers. Respond swiftly to emails. Answer the phone when it rings.

By doing this, you’ll place yourself in a rare and distinguished category. Not entirely unique, but far more differentiated than those who simply claim to be disruptive, strategic, client-led, and unrivalled.

Choosing the Right Partner

A quick online search will reveal hundreds of lead generation companies operating in the UK. Finding a provider isn’t the challenge—choosing the right one is. More importantly, once you have those leads, what’s your next step?

At Sponge NB, we position ourselves as a true business development solution because we offer a comprehensive service. We don’t just generate a list of prospects; we take your brief, identify and qualify potential clients, and engage with them directly on your behalf—person to person. Genuine connections lead to genuine business opportunities.

The distinction between lead generation and business development is in the word “generation” itself—suggesting an automated, volume-driven process.

When companies promise “real-time lead delivery” and “seamless CRM integration” (with platforms such as Salesforce, HubSpot, Highrise, Zoho, and others), the process starts to sound somewhat mechanical.

And if these leads are being generated automatically, how unique are they? If the system is that simple, how many other businesses are receiving the same leads from the same source?

On paper, automated lead generation solutions can be compelling—they promise high volumes, minimal effort, and easy integration. However, as experience tells us, if something sounds too good to be true, it probably is.

That’s why we take a more considered, strategic approach. New business development isn’t about shortcuts—it requires expertise, persistence, and a human touch. In our experience, if winning new business seems effortless, you’re probably not doing it right.

The Reality of Lead Generation

Sponge NB has been in operation for 21 years. That’s twenty one years of engaging with prospects over the phone, adapting to email as the preferred communication channel, and, more recently, mastering SEO, refining Google strategies, and understanding LinkedIn’s ever-evolving algorithms.

With this experience in mind, you can imagine how frustrating it is to witness the growing number of lead generation companies—particularly in the UK—promising to "replenish your lead funnel" at the click of a button. If only it were that simple.

We have, of course, explored automation. The prospect of allowing a macro or algorithm to handle our work is certainly appealing. However, while automation may appear to produce fast and impressive results, these outcomes often fail under closer scrutiny.

During our research for this article, we repeatedly encountered claims such as, “generate a list of leads for customer acquisition and pass them on to you for closing.” This approach runs counter to the values we uphold. What level of strategic thinking is informing the selection of these leads? How are they being validated and sense-checked? Who, with genuine expertise, is overseeing this flood of data that seems to emerge so effortlessly?

Buzzwords such as “AI-based platforms,” “bionics,” “holistic strategies,” and “social prospecting powered by AI-enabled research” are frequently used to market these services. They promise vast volumes of leads, seemingly generated in an instant.

At this point, I may sound like a traditionalist dismissing modern advancements. However, the difference between seasoned professionals in business development and those drawn in by these extravagant promises is significant.

If lead generation were truly this effortless, wouldn’t everyone be relying solely on these methods?

I have encountered individuals who claim to have foolproof systems for winning at roulette—yet none of them are millionaires. Curious, isn’t it?

The same principle applies here; if a single subscription could truly triple your incoming business, the cost of such a service would be astronomical. Match the promise to the price, and it quickly becomes clear that these offerings cannot possibly deliver as advertised.

If someone claimed they could generate £20,000 a week simply by selling you a £5 “how-to” guide, would you believe them? Surely, if such a method worked, they would be too busy earning £20,000 a week from their yacht rather than selling instructions for the price of a coffee.

If lead generation were genuinely that simple, we—and every other experienced business development company—would already be doing it.

SKIP INTRO

I’ve said it before and (for SEO purposes) I shall say it again - I LOVE “Skip intro” as an option when using the likes of Netflix, Amazon Prime, etc.

For the people who have spent months grafting away to produce a TV show it must be a real punch in the guts - the blunt acknowledgement and acceptance that no one cares that they exist. Ouch.

But it’s also smart as hell because it’s born of the question “why are people here?”. In the case of Netflix it’s to watch a show/movie. Anyone who thinks that the vast majority are there to find out who wrote this episode of “Lucifer” is deluded (as is anyone expecting “Lucifer” to be anything other than appalling. Just saying).

Let’s now turn that around to you and your creds and/or website. “Why are people here?” Are they here to learn all about you as a person? Nah. Are they here to find out the history of your building? Nah. Are they here to check out the huge list of things you can do? Maybe, but probably not (because these days most agencies can pretty much all do the same thing).

They’re probably there because they have a specific goal and want to know if you can help them nail it. Obviously the specifics depend on what you do and who your customers tend to be, but it probably wouldn’t take long to work out the answer to that key question. And if that answer can be put front and centre on your creds/site how awesome would that be! They got to “skip intro” and get straight to what they were interested in all along.

Show them results. Show them your awesome output. Show them how the work you do will take them to where they want to be. If you force them to watch all the credits (metaphorically speaking) by the time they get to the show (if indeed they stick around that long) they’ll already be spent and might miss something juicy.

Deliver what the audience wants, not what you want them to see to make yourself feel good.

Case studies are king

You’re only as good as your last piece of work (unless you’re still harping on about some logo you changed the colour of ten years ago).

Case studies are incredibly valuable (even the ones that are a little past their sell-by date). You can write all the hyperbole about yourselves you want (and I’ll challenge every last claim just for fun) but if you show me a case study with results and testimonials, well… I’m going to accept everything as legit and an honest insight into your abilities (and if it all turns out to be lies I will hunt you down).

In the top ten “Biggest Red Flags” of a recent Semrush report, “Lack of testimonials and case studies” scored high on the list of company turn-offs, proving the point that someone else’s review of your work will always trump your own self-promotion.

When we check out potential new clients, we scroll straight past anything vaguely “About us”-shaped, instead looking for factual case studies (or at least a portfolio).

When we advise clients on the creation of case studies, many seem reluctant due to a lack of ‘real results’ to report. Seriously, don’t worry about that - a simple testimonial is worth its weight in gold if you can’t conjure up a “300% increase in sales”.

Oh, and if you ARE lucky enough to have a “300% increase in sales”, PLEASE drop that into the case study early and LARGE. It might seem a little grotesque, but showing potential customers a solid commercial outcome your work led to is always a good idea.

Referrals. Don't ask, don't get.

Don’t wait for referrals; ask for them from each and every client and contact you ever knew.

A recent survey showed that in a list of “why have you chosen your existing marketing agency?” number two was “The agency was recommended to us”. Just think about that for a moment compared to all the things you think are the reasons people hire you…

It’s not your web site… it’s not your presence on LinkedIn… it’s not your wacky YouTube channel or your Instagram account. People like a ‘safe bet’ and if ‘Dean over at Company X’ has already used you and liked working with you, be sure to squeeze every last referral from him.

In cold channel new business we talk about having about 20% to work with when it comes to being brought on board, simply because we know that about 80% of business goes to incumbent agencies or referred companies. So why voluntarily sit on the outside of that equation?

Being introduced to a potential new client removes the cold moniker from your resume. You’re now the guys the client “doesn’t know, but came highly recommended”.

It creates SUCH a massive shift in the way you will be regarded it’s worth the potential ‘embarrassment’ of not being referred when you ask.

When was the last time you asked a current or ex-client for a referral? Unless your answer is “just now” then you’re not doing it enough.

Get it sorted.

The Art of Humble

Let's face it, everyone tends to exaggerate a little (and as an award-winning, 6'5" muscular gold medallist with perfect teeth, I understand). Moreover, it seems like nobody ever misses an opportunity to take credit for something that may not entirely be their doing. In my previous role as a renowned PR professional in the video games industry, I was no stranger to this phenomenon. I held records for gracing numerous magazine covers for the games I represented. However, it's important to acknowledge that these games (Unreal, Duke Nukem, Driver, and the like) were already highly-anticipated and well-received. So while I like to believe I did an awesome job, it was somewhat difficult to fail when working with such an extraordinary line-up of games.

Personally, I take greater pride in the times I managed to generate PR traction for less remarkable games. Those were the moments when I truly demonstrated my expertise. But if I were to sell myself to you as a PR expert, which do you think I would highlight? Yes - the flashy accomplishments, of course.

However, when showcasing your "sexy stuff," it's crucial not to overstate your impact. I can certainly believe that your Twitter campaign played a significant role in deepening brand recognition among consumers. But when you claim that the company experienced a miraculous 400% surge in sales solely due to your Twitter campaign... well, you've swiftly transitioned from being a credible part of the narrative to sounding like a dubious storyteller. Once trust erodes, even your honest achievements will fall on deaf ears.

Keep in mind that your audience will have reasonable expectations regarding your contribution to a campaign. Whether you're designing a logo, managing social media, or handling media buying, you undoubtedly play a positive role in the outcomes. However, it's essential to remain humble and authentic, acknowledging that success is a collective effort.

By embracing humility and credibility, you'll not only receive due recognition for your work but also be commended for presenting yourself reasonably and honestly.

Let Results Speak for Themselves

In the world of creative work, your reputation hinges on your most recent achievements (unless you're still bragging about tweaking a logo's colour a decade ago). Case studies hold immense value, even if they've aged a bit. You can indulge in all the self-promotion and hyperbole you desire (rest assured, I'll be there to question every extravagant claim just for fun) but when you present me with a case study brimming with tangible results and glowing testimonials, well... I'll accept it all as genuine, providing an honest glimpse into your capabilities (and trust me, if it's all smoke and mirrors, I will track you down and make your life hell).

In a recent report published listing the "Biggest Red Flags," the absence of testimonials and case studies ranked high among the turn-offs for potential clients. This proves the point that the review of your work by someone else will always outweigh your own self-promotion.

When assessing potential clients, we swiftly bypass anything resembling an "About Us" section and head straight for factual case studies (or at least a portfolio). That's where the true essence of your abilities lies.

When we guide clients in crafting their case studies, many express hesitation due to a perceived lack of "real results" to showcase. But here's the thing - a simple testimonial holds immense value, worth its weight in gold even if you can't conjure up a grandiose "300% increase in sales."

And oh, if you do happen to be fortunate enough to boast a "300% increase in sales," please ensure it features prominently and prominently in the case study. It may seem a tad ostentatious, but showcasing potential customers a concrete commercial outcome resulting from your work is always a wise move.

So, let your case studies do the talking. Let the results speak volumes about your prowess and allow potential clients to witness the tangible impact of your expertise.