Earlier quoted context omitted.
Curious - which is a more profitable relationship, the agencies or serving a mid-sized business directly? I imagine there's a longer selling cycle for the mid-sized business, offset by higher pricing? Which group is harder to serve? (eg. more iterations and drama inserted into the job vs. shaking hands, getting it done, and getting paid)
Agency work is less profitable and higher hassle. They tend to want to “manage the project” and many of them do it rather poorly. My sales cycle is very short. I usually close the sale in the first meeting - or walk away knowing that a PO is imminent. Or I finish that meeting knowing that there’s no real opportunity there. Over many years I’ve developed a pretty good instinct of what is an opportunity and what isn’t,…
I agree with the first part, but disagree with the second. Rather, partially disagree. Most agencies are inept. There are some out there that run a very tight ship and it is a pleasure to work for them. They tend to be larger and have a system for handling contractors.
That said, since it's always less profitable, you're always better off having your own clients.