Use The Next Five Framework To Elevate Your Agency Execution
Execution is what separates agencies that grow from those that spin their wheels. Everyone loves to talk about strategy, vision, and big-picture thinking…but without execution, it’s just noise. The problem? Most agencies & leaders struggle to get their team moving in a consistent, high-output direction.
That’s where The Next 5 framework comes in. It’s not just a tactic for lead generation or content creation; it’s a system for building a culture of action, focus, and momentum across your entire agency.
Why Execution Falls Apart in Most Agencies
Most agencies don’t lack good ideas…they lack managerial follow through. Here’s why execution struggles happen:
Too Many Priorities: Everyone is working on ten different things at once, so nothing gets finished.
Perfectionism Paralysis: Management wants to wait for the “perfect” version instead of shipping something workable.
Lack of Accountability: There isn’t a clear sense of ownership or accountability for tasks and projects.
No Clear Next Steps: Leaders do not give the team the “whole” picture, so team members aren’t sure what they should be doing next. Because they don’t want to seem like they aren’t putting in the effort, they default to busywork.
The solution isn’t more meetings, more planning, or more “alignment” (which is often just another way to delay doing the work). The solution is creating a culture of execution, where momentum is built into the way your agency operates.
Use "The Next 5" to Build an Execution Culture
Instead of overwhelming your team with massive, ambiguous projects, apply The Next 5 framework to break work into immediate, actionable steps.
Here’s how it works across different areas of your agency:
- The Next 5 Client Deliverables
Rather than aiming to perfect an entire project before sending anything to a client, identify the next five deliverables that can be completed and sent. This keeps momentum high and clients engaged. - The Next 5 Marketing Actions
Instead of waiting until the entire marketing plan is perfect, what are the next five things you can execute right now? It could be publishing a blog post, reaching out to potential podcast guests, or running a small ad test. - The Next 5 Sales Outreach Efforts
No need to build a complex sales funnel before you start selling. Who are the next five prospects you can personally reach out to? What’s the simplest way to start a conversation? - The Next 5 Process Improvements
You don’t need to overhaul everything overnight. What are the next five small tweaks you can make to improve workflow today - The Next 5 Team Wins
Building a culture of execution also means celebrating momentum. What are the next five small wins your team can acknowledge and share?
Execution improves when people see progress.
The Next 5 Creates a Culture of Action
It Reduces Overwhelm: Instead of focusing on the entire mountain, teams focus on the next five steps.
It Builds a Habit of Shipping: Work doesn’t sit waiting for a final version…work gets out the door.
It Encourages Learning Through Doing: Execution leads to feedback, which is the basis for improvement.
It Creates Momentum: Small wins morph into bigger wins.
It Increases Accountability: If everyone on your team knows what their Next 5 is, there’s no confusion about what needs to happen next.
Execution Is a Culture, Not An SOP
Most agencies get stuck because execution means “follow the SOP” rather than the right thing.
The best teams make doing the right thing part of their purpose for being. The Next 5 makes it easier to build that mindset.
So, ask yourself…and your team right now (really, RIGHT NOW):
What are the next five things you need to execute today?