Analyzing Current Activity Levels Among U.S. Agencies: Who’s Really Staying Busy?

In today’s dynamic business environment, many agency owners and professionals are experiencing unprecedented levels of activity. It’s a time when some agencies report being so busy that managing client workloads and project pipelines becomes a constant balancing act. The demand is high enough that retaining or engaging key personnel is not just a recommendation but a necessity. Furthermore, this increased workload often translates to healthier margins for contractors and internal teams alike.

But who exactly is riding this wave of activity? Are there particular sectors, roles, or engagement models that are consistently outperforming others? To gain clarity, let’s explore some key questions:

  • What are agencies currently billing?
    Understanding billing levels provides insight into overall revenue streams and project complexity.

  • What sectors, niches, or role types are experiencing the most demand?
    Certain industries—such as technology, healthcare, or marketing—may be outperforming others in terms of new projects and client engagement.

  • What engagement models are agencies employing?
    Are agencies operating predominantly on contingency, retainer, or contracting arrangements? Each model prioritizes different client relationships and project types, influencing workload and revenue stability.

  • What is the size of agency teams?
    Larger staff sizes often correlate with a broader project scope, but smaller, nimble agencies might be pivoting more quickly to new opportunities.

While the news in many sectors has been characterized by uncertainty and cautious optimism, it’s clear some agencies are thriving. Increased activity levels, sustained client demand, and strategic engagement models are enabling certain firms to not just survive but to excel amid challenging conditions.

If you’re part of an agency experiencing a boom, or if you’re curious about which sectors and business models are currently yielding the best results, sharing insights can help paint a more complete picture. The marketplace is complex, but recognizing patterns in agency success stories can inform strategic decisions moving forward.

In conclusion, despite lingering concerns and economic headwinds, there are definitely agencies out there that are “killing it” right now. Understanding what they’re doing differently could be the key to replicating their success in your own practice.