In this episode, I sat down with Aalap Shah from 108, a minority-owned digital agency. Aalap shares his journey to agency ownership, starting with his background in accounting and e-commerce. He discusses how he fell in love with marketing and eventually started his own social media agency. Aalap also talks about the recent acquisition of Heart Creative, which adds content production capabilities to 108. He emphasizes the importance of the pillars of values that his organization stands for, how culture and community are imperative in his agency, and the value of certifications like being a minority-owned business. Aalap also shares his passion for giving back and his love for running and nature.

Key Takeaways

• Agency ownership can happen by accident, as it did for Alib Shah, who started his agency after realizing he wanted to work for himself

• Acquiring another business can help fill gaps in services and provide new opportunities for growth

• Building a strong culture and community within an agency is essential for success

• Certifications, such as being a minority-owned business, can open doors and lead to new business opportunities

• Giving back to the community and being involved in philanthropic efforts can be a valuable part of an agency's mission

• Finding a hobby or activity, like running, can provide personal fulfillment and balance in the midst of running a business

Chapters

00:00 Accidental Agency Ownership

05:35 The Meaning Behind 108

09:35 Building Pillars of Expertise

13:36 Driving Consumer-Based Traffic

22:33 The Power of Looker Studio for GA4

26:27 The Value of Niching Down

Contact Aalap:

https://1o8.agency

https://heartcreative.co

linkedin.com/in/shahaalap

In this episode I got to sit with Mary Ann Pruitt, CEO and president of Mosaic Media, and discuss the need for specialized media buying expertise in the agency space. She explains how Mosaic Media helps agencies by providing media buying services without the high overhead costs. Mary Ann emphasizes the importance of collaboration and partnership between agencies and specialized service providers. She also discusses the evolution of media consumption and the impact of COVID-19 on media habits. Mary Ann recommends the book 'Miracle Morning' and advises listeners to trust their gut instincts in business.

Key Takeaways

• Specialized media buying expertise is crucial in the agency space to optimize return on investment.

• Collaboration and partnership between agencies and specialized service providers can lead to stronger client outcomes.

• The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated changes in media consumption habits, with older generations embracing online platforms and younger generations rediscovering traditional media.

• The book 'Miracle Morning' offers valuable insights on establishing morning routines for personal and professional growth.

• Trusting your gut instincts is important in business decision-making.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Background

07:01 The High Overhead Costs of Media

13:04 The Impact of Data and Micro-Targeting

27:24 Hobbies, Tools, and Business Advice

Contact Mary Ann on her website: www.mosaic.agency

In Episode 57, I had the privilege of sitting down with the dynamic duo behind Casa Davka – Emily Cohen and Hunter Vargas. This episode is jam-packed with valuable insights for agency owners looking to master their positioning, niching, and client relationships. We dive deep into strategic approaches for expanding expertise and fostering stronger client connections. From navigating business development to addressing harmful industry practices, we cover it all. We also explore the evolving landscape of remote work and its impact on team effectiveness, while emphasizing the importance of fair compensation and trust-building in remote agencies. Plus, we discuss the advantages of global talent, vertical niching strategies, achieving work-life balance, and fostering a culture of trust. As always, expect a no-nonsense conversation that cuts through the noise. Don't miss out on this episode!

In this episode, I got to speak with Alyson Caffrey of Operations Agency about how she works with agencies to operationalize their business, allowing owners to live a life outside of their agency. She introduced her new book, The Sabbatical Method: How to Leverage Rest and Grow Your Business in our conversation and talks about the need for rest, repair, and rejuvenation after working hard and breaking things. Tune in to learn why she’s often referred to as “The Wolf” by her clients.