In episode 091 of Agency Bytes, I had the pleasure of chatting with Brad Harris from Anchor Advisors about one of the biggest challenges agency owners face — scaling their businesses. Together, we dig through some of the must-have habits that a CEO needs to find their version of success.

We dove into the mindset shifts that are crucial for growth, the tricky transition from being a consultant to stepping into a true coaching role, and why trust is absolutely essential when it comes to delegation.

Brad shared some incredible insights on how agency owners can break through that million-dollar revenue barrier, find real satisfaction in leadership, and avoid the endless cycle of overwork that so many of us fall into.

We also talked about building a healthy work culture and how shifting your perspective can make all the difference in solving problems.

And of course, we wrapped things up with some rapid-fire questions to get a few personal insights from Brad — always a fun way to end the conversation!

It’s a great episode packed with value, and I can’t wait for you to listen.

Key Bytes

• Success is driven less by what you do than who you decide to be.

• The biggest hurdle to growth is often internal.

• Transitioning from doing to orchestrating is crucial for agency growth.

• Micromanaging can lead to decreased performance in teams.

• Finding satisfaction in seeing others succeed is key.

• Overworking does not equate to better results.

• Taking breaks can simplify overwhelming problems.

• A healthy work culture is essential for team morale.

• Trusting your team is vital for effective delegation.

• It's important to recognize that not everything is as critical as it seems.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Agency Growth Challenges

03:02 Mindset Shift: From Consulting to Coaching

05:50 Overcoming the Million-Dollar Barrier

08:58 The Importance of Trust in Delegation

12:07 Finding Satisfaction Beyond the Craft

15:07 Breaking the Cycle of Overwork

18:01 The Power of Perspective in Problem Solving

20:58 Creating a Healthy Work Culture

23:51 Rapid Fire Questions and Closing Thoughts

Brad Harris from Anchor Advisors is known for helping agency and expert firm owners grow through the $1M—2M barrier to become thriving $3M —$5M agencies.

For over twenty years, Brad has worked alongside agency owners to help them sharpen their focus, raise their prices, and hire better people so that their firms can scale.

In his work with hundreds of agency owners, he’s learned that success is driven less by what you do than who you decide to be, and the biggest hurdle to your agency’s growth is between your ears.

Contact Brad:

https://anchoradvisors.com/self-leadership-assessment/

http://www.anchoradvisors.com/growth-phase

In this episode of Agency Bites, I'm thrilled to chat with John Tsourakis, the owner and president of Oyova, a dynamic national marketing and web development agency. Jon has an inspiring story about his journey into the agency world, and I can't wait for you to hear how Oyova has evolved over the years and the lessons Jon has learned along the way.

We dive into the challenges that agencies face in today’s ever-changing market and discuss the critical role of niche marketing and how personalized service can help retain clients. Jon shares his valuable insights on adapting to market conditions and his exciting plans for future growth, including potential acquisitions.

To wrap things up, we have some fun with rapid-fire questions that reveal personal insights and practical business advice. Join us for what promises to be an engaging and informative conversation!

Key Bytes

• Jon's journey into the agency space began after leaving a family business.

• The merger of Oyova in 2019 led to rapid growth initially.

• The agency faced challenges due to economic downturns and client pullbacks.

• Niche marketing is crucial for agency success in a competitive landscape.

• Client retention is achieved through personalized, white glove service.

• The agency offers a digital marketing suite and web development services.

• Future growth strategies include focusing on specialization and potential acquisitions.

• Maintaining a healthy billing rate is essential for agency profitability.

• The agency space is evolving, and adaptation is key to survival.

• It's important to push oneself beyond perceived limits to achieve success.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Agency Bites and Guest Background

02:30 The Evolution of Oyova and Market Challenges

06:53 Niche Marketing: The Key to Agency Success

11:14 Client Retention and White Glove Service

14:55 Service Offerings: Digital Marketing and Web Development

21:02 Future Outlook: Adaptation and Growth Strategies

27:38Rapid Fire Questions and Closing Thoughts

In episode 089 of Agency Bites, I had the pleasure of sitting down with Dan Englander, CEO of Sales Schema. We dove into the world of strategic sales planning for marketing agencies and unpacked some of the biggest challenges agency owners face—things like relying too much on referrals, struggling with time, and not having a clear idea of their target market.  

Dan breaks down why building trust and leveraging connections is so critical for effective outreach, and we talk about where automation fits (and doesn’t fit) into the sales process. He also explains why it’s so important to create a solid sales system before you start hiring salespeople, and how understanding sales cycles can help set better expectations.  

We also touch on hiring the right salesperson and why the human element in sales can’t be overlooked. And of course, we wrap up with some fun rapid-fire questions that give us a glimpse into Dan’s personal and professional side. 

If you’re an agency owner looking to make your sales process smoother, more human, and more effective—this one’s for you!

Key Bytes

• Many agencies rely too much on referrals for growth.

• Lack of time and clarity are major stumbling blocks for agency owners.

• Outbound sales should start as a clarity-building exercise.

• Agencies should define their target markets and specialize.

• Building trust is crucial in a competitive landscape.

• Leveraging connections can enhance outreach effectiveness.

• Automation in sales processes is essential but quality matters.

• Most agency clients have owner-led sales teams.

• It's important to build a sales system before hiring a salesperson.

• Understanding sales cycles is key to setting expectations.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Agency Growth Strategies

01:50 The Importance of Strategic Sales Planning

04:41 Overcoming Common Agency Growth Challenges

09:10 Building Trust in a Competitive Landscape

12:52 Leveraging Connections for Effective Outreach

15:24 The Role of Automation in Sales Processes

18:46 Creating a Sales System Before Hiring

21:55 Understanding Sales Cycles and Expectations

26:51 The Human Element in Sales

Dan Englander is the CEO and Founder of Sales Schema, a fractional new business team for marketing agencies, and he hosts The Digital Agency Growth Podcast.  Previously Dan was the first employee head of new business at IdeaRocket, and before that, Account Coordinator at DXagency.  He's also the author of Relationship Sales at Scale: How to Find Your Virtual Tribe and Reliably Grow Your Professional Service Business, Mastering Account Management and The B2B Sales Blueprint.  In his spare time, he enjoys developing new aches and pains via Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and spending time with his wife Sarah and their son Adrian in NYC.

Contact Dan:

www.salesschema.com

https://www.linkedin.com/in/danenglander/

https://www.linkedin.com/company/sales-schema/?viewAsMember=true

https://www.facebook.com/salesschema

Ep 087 – Peter Kang, Barrel Holdings – Building an Agency Portfolio

In Episode 087 of Agency Bytes, I had an inspiring conversation with Peter Kang, co-founder and chairman of Barrel Holdings. Peter shared his journey of building Barrel, a standout eCommerce agency specializing in Shopify, and how his vision evolved into creating multiple specialized agencies under the Barrel Holdings umbrella.  

We dove into the challenges and rewards of growing an agency, the strategic decisions that shaped his path, and what it’s like to step back from daily operations to focus on the bigger picture. Peter is passionate about investing in the right people and systems to build an ecosystem of agency services that truly thrives and writes about it weekly in his newsletter.

He also opened up about the importance of transparency in communication, their bold Omakase experiment in funnel building, and launching Agency Habits, a resource-packed platform for agency operators. Throughout our chat, Peter emphasized the power of relationships in business and the fulfillment that comes from pursuing work you’re truly passionate about.  

This episode is packed with actionable insights and inspiration—don’t miss it!

Key Takeaways

• Peter Kang co-founded Barrel in 2006 with a focus on digital transformation.

• The agency evolved to specialize in e-commerce, particularly Shopify.

• Barrel Holdings was created to manage multiple agencies under one umbrella.

• Transparency in communication has been a core value for Peter and his team.

• The Omakase experiment allowed clients to receive branding for free, building a portfolio.

• Separate agencies allow for tailored staffing and focused strategies.

• Agency Habits aims to share resources and insights among agency operators.

• Building relationships is crucial for long-term success in business.

• The importance of passion-driven work over purely strategic planning.

• Peter emphasizes the need for a succession plan in agency leadership.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Agency Bites and Peter Kang

05:10 Focusing on E-commerce and Shopify

10:16 The Strategy Behind Separate Agencies

14:35 The Importance of Transparency in Communication

16:20 The Omakase Experiment: A Bold Approach

23:01 Building a Diverse Agency Portfolio

24:56 Launching Agency Habits: A New Venture

28:41 Rapid Fire Questions and Personal Insights

Peter Kang is co-founder and Chairman of Barrel Holdings, a portfolio of digital agency businesses that includes Barrel, a leading Shopify agency, and BX Studio, a leading Webflow agency. Peter enjoys working closely with agency leaders both in and outside of Barrel Holdings, being a sounding board and sharing lessons learned from years of operating agency businesses.

Contact Peter:

barrel-holdings.com

peterkang.com

agencyhabits.com

In Episode 086 of Agency Bytes, I sit down with Christian Banach, a business development expert with a fascinating backstory—from concert promotions to helping agencies land big-ticket clients. Christian’s journey is packed with lessons for anyone looking to level up their business development game.  

We dive into the power of relationship marketing, the magic of positioning and specialization, and how agencies can stand out in a crowded marketplace. Christian shares actionable strategies for building and nurturing an email list and why thought leadership (like newsletters!) is key to staying top of mind with prospects.  

We also chat about creating consistent, meaningful content and using LinkedIn to boost visibility and credibility. If you’re wondering how to turn casual readers into real connections, this episode is a goldmine.  

It’s a must-listen for agency owners ready to take their business development to the next level!

Key Takeaways

• Christian Banach started his entrepreneurial journey in high school.

• The 2008 recession prompted Christian to pivot to business development.

• Agencies often struggle with lead generation due to lack of specialization.

• Positioning and messaging are crucial before seeking leads.

• Thought leadership can significantly enhance agency visibility.

• Email newsletters should focus on providing value, not self-promotion.

• Building a targeted email list is essential for effective outreach.

• Consistency in sending newsletters is key to staying top of mind.

• Agencies can repurpose existing content for newsletters.

• Engagement analytics can guide proactive outreach to prospects.

Chapters

00:00 The Journey of Christian Banach

02:49 Navigating Business Development Challenges

05:56 The Importance of Positioning and Specialization

09:05 Thought Leadership and Email Newsletters

12:01 Building and Engaging Your Email List

15:07 Content Strategy for Effective Newsletters

17:57 Leveraging LinkedIn for Thought Leadership

20:51 Transitioning from Readership to Engagement

24:09 Final Thoughts on Newsletter Success

Christian Banach is a seasoned business development expert who began his entrepreneurial journey in high school by running a successful concert promotions business. He's worked with big names like Lady Gaga and Pitbull and led marketing activations for brands like Disney and Toyota. After navigating the challenges of the 2008 recession, Christian pivoted to business development, helping agencies generate millions in revenue with clients like Kohl's and Constellation Brands. Now, he's on a mission to help agencies and consultancies land 6 and 7-figure opportunities predictably. Welcome to the show, Christian!

Contact Christian:

christianbanach.com

https://www.linkedin.com/in/christianbanach

In Episode 085 of Agency Bytes, I had the privilege of sitting down with Dia Bondi, a communications expert and author of Ask Like an Auctioneer. Dia shares her fascinating journey from the world of auctioneering to becoming a sought-after communication coach.

We dive deep into the art of asking effectively in high-stakes situations, exploring how to embrace rejection, craft impactful asks, and understand the value behind what you're offering. Dia introduces her powerful framework for building and delivering asks with confidence and clarity.

This episode is packed with insights on training your mindset to recognize what you truly want, articulate it boldly, and go after it fearlessly. Dia inspires us to make our dreams known and actively chase our goals with intention and determination.

If you’ve ever struggled with asking for what you deserve, this conversation is one you don’t want to miss!

Key Takeaways

• Asking like an auctioneer involves maximizing potential asks.

• Rejection should be seen as a sign of success, not failure.

• Design your asks based on what you truly want, not what you think you can get.

• Understanding the perceived value is crucial in negotiations.

• The offer inside the ask should benefit both parties involved.

• Mindset plays a significant role in how we approach asking for what we want.

• It's important to communicate your dreams to those around you.

• Asking for more can lead to greater outcomes than anticipated.

• The process of auctioneering provides valuable insights into effective communication.

• Honesty and generosity should guide your asks, not manipulation.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Asking Like an Auctioneer

05:16 The Connection Between Asking and Auctioneering

10:28 Mindset: Embracing Rejection

15:30 Designing Your Ask

20:57 The Offer Inside the Ask

27:03 Final Thoughts and Rapid Fire Questions

Dia Bondi is a Communications Catalyst, Speaker and Author of Ask Like an Auctioneer: How to Ask for More and Get It. She coaches VC-backed founders, executives, and ambitious professionals to speak powerfully when the stakes are high. She helped Rio de Janeiro win the right to host the 2016 Summer Olympics and has helped countless leaders secure hundreds of millions in decisions and resources. A hobbyist fundraising auctioneer, Dia’s TEDx Talk was selected as a TED Editors’ Pick, showcasing how to make the kinds of asks that can change everything.

https://www.diabondi.com/bytesized

In this episode of Agency Bites, I had the pleasure of sitting down with David Yasky and Jacqueline Laufer, the dynamic duo behind Driver Digital. Let me tell you, their story of building a thriving agency in the fashion and e-commerce space is nothing short of inspiring!

We dove deep into the secret sauce of their partnership, and it's all about knowing your strengths and playing to them. David and Jacqueline shared some golden nuggets on how they've defined their roles and fostered a culture that keeps their team excited to come to work every day. They've cracked the code on maintaining joy in the workplace! 

We also got into the nitty-gritty of building those long-lasting client relationships that are the lifeblood of any agency. And if you're looking to level up your leadership game, you won't want to miss their thoughts on effective leadership and the power of mentorship.

If you're ready for a dose of inspiration, practical wisdom, and maybe a laugh or two, tune in to this episode. Trust me, you won't regret it!

Key Takeaways

• Both David and Jacqueline ran their own agencies before partnering.

• Driver Digital specializes in fashion, beauty, and e-commerce.

• Defining roles in a partnership is crucial for efficiency.

• Fostering a positive culture is essential for team morale.

• Maintaining joy in the workplace enhances productivity.

• Building lasting relationships with clients leads to success.

• Effective leadership involves immediate feedback and open communication.

• Mentorship plays a vital role in personal and professional growth.

• Success is attributed to strong relationships and quality work.

• Saying no to projects that aren't a good fit is empowering.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Driver Digital

01:01 The Journey to Partnership

02:58 Niche Focus in Fashion and E-commerce

06:16 Defining Roles in the Agency

10:26 Fostering a Positive Agency Culture

15:41 Maintaining Joy in the Workplace

19:31 Building Lasting Client Relationships

22:01 Leadership Styles and Team Management

25:04 The Importance of Mentorship

29:03 Success Through Relationships

33:02 Rapid Fire Questions and Key Takeaways

David Yassky is a creative leader and brand developer with over eighteen years of dynamic experience combining the worlds of editorial, fashion, retail and ecommerce. His editorial roots, entrepreneurial acumen, and strong industry relationships make him a unique asset that artfully straddles the creative and business worlds. David began his career as a Fashion Editor at Women’s Wear Daily and W Magazine before going on to consult for a variety of iconic brands including Tory Burch, Anthropologie, and Gap. David was the co-founder and President of The Aisle New York, a progressive digital startup in the bridal ecommerce space, and later he served as Fashion and Editorial Director of the large American ecommerce site, IDEELI. He is the founder and creative director of Driver Creative & Driver Digital – helping transform iconic brands including Anne Klein, Bergdorf Goodman and Joseph Abboud.

Jacquelyn Laufer, is an E-Commerce, Digital Marketing, Solutions and Project Management consultant with over 14 years experience specializing in the luxury fashion, beauty and travel industries. Having launched Henri Bendel’s first ecommerce website, Bond No. 9’s second, built online experiences with Estee Lauder Companies, Coty, Edit New York and Blissworld, Jacquelyn is known for helping companies scale their business. Most notably, Jacquelyn founded e-commerce consulting and project management firm Rebuild Girl, which led the re-platforms for brands such as L’Objet, Anne Klein, Joseph Abboud, Creed Boutique, Hanky Panky and more. Jacquelyn enjoys building consensus, effectively motivating and helping teams hit their mark, defining digital solutions and integrations to help brands grow and most importantly hanging out with her husband and rescue dog.

Contact Jacquelyn and David:

https://driver-digital.com

https://instagram.com/driveragencies

https://www.linkedin.com/company/driver-digitalagency/

In Episode 083, I had the pleasure of chatting with Jody Sutter, owner of Sutter Company, about her journey in business development and our shared mission of supporting small marketing agencies with their sales and marketing efforts. Jody introduces her Build Win Scale System—a practical, step-by-step approach to help agencies identify their ideal clients, improve messaging, and strengthen their teams for business growth.

Throughout our conversation, Jody shares why it's crucial for agencies to focus on sales and marketing fundamentals, like pinpointing the right clients and solving their unique challenges. We also explore how to tackle seasonality in the agency world and the power of prioritizing one thing at a time for sustainable success. Don’t miss this insightful episode!

Key Takeaways

Focus on the basics of sales and marketing, such as identifying your ideal client and solving their problems.

Prioritize and focus on one thing at a time to make progress.

Use the dips in business to work on strategic projects and improve your agency.

Consider integrating AI tools to streamline processes and improve efficiency.

Reflect on the value you provide to your clients and turn it into a compelling message.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Background

06:32 The BuildWin Scale System

12:58 Challenges and Pitfalls in Agency Business Development

17:41 Managing Seasonality in the Agency Business

20:12 Prioritization and Focus

25:15 Integrating AI in Agency Operations

31:05 Turning Value into a Compelling Message

32:40 Closing Remarks

Jody is the owner of The Sutter Company, a business development coaching and advisory firm,

and the inventor of the BUILD WIN SCALE^TM system, a step-by-step process designed to help

leaders of small marketing agencies identify and activate their natural talents for sales and

marketing, leading to a sustainable approach to winning new business. 

www.thesuttercompany.com

In episode 082, I sit down with Chris Martinez, CEO and founder of Bloom Partners, who shares his journey from building a successful marketing agency to transitioning into management consulting. Chris dives into the importance of data-driven strategies and setting clear KPIs for each department, emphasizing how these metrics fuel growth. We discuss the impact of AI on the industry, and Chris encourages agency owners to embrace the new possibilities it brings. He also talks about the critical role of personal fulfillment in business success—how finding joy in all areas of life directly boosts both individual and company performance.

Key Takeaways

• Set clear KPIs for each department in your agency and track them using simple tools like Google Sheets.

• Embrace AI and leverage its capabilities to improve efficiency and productivity in your agency.

• Focus on personal fulfillment in physical health, mental health, relationships, and business to achieve overall success.

• The business is a reflection of you, so ensure that other areas of your life are in balance for optimal performance.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Background

03:08 Building a Marketing Agency and Transitioning to Management Consulting

05:54 Data-Driven Strategies and Clear KPIs

09:00 Embracing AI in the Agency Industry

12:56 The Importance of Personal Fulfillment in Business

Chris Martinez, CEO and Founder of BLOOMAgency.io, has turned his passion for helping underdogs into a thriving business, growing his company from zero to millions in revenue. Recognized with a 2021 Stevie Award for Minority-Owned Business of the Year, Chris also hosts the popular podcast Operation Agency Freedom. He is the author of four books, including the Amazon Bestseller It’s Not JUST A Website, and his latest release, Facts Not Feelings, offers insights on scaling a marketing agency with data-driven strategies.

Contact Chris:

https://bloompartners.io

https://www.instagram.com/bloompartners.io/

https://agencyfreedomlive.com/

In episode 081, I sit down with David C. Baker, a renowned consultant, author, and speaker in the advertising agency world. We explore David's journey from grad school to founding his consultancy, Punctuation, and later bringing his son into the business. David shares key traits that drive successful agencies—courage, discipline, strategic positioning, and effective team management. We discuss business resets, lead generation, and the science behind agency positioning, along with the advantages of running an agency with future acquisition in mind. Beyond business, David talks about his personal passions like motorcycling, woodworking, and photography. Tune in for valuable insights into managing and scaling a creative agency.

Key Takeaways

• Courage and discipline are key traits for agency leaders

• Positioning is crucial for agency success and requires testing and refinement

• Running an agency as if you're going to sell it can lead to better overall performance

• Woodworking, motorcycle racing, and photography are David's hobbies

• Stop things that no longer serve you and simplify your life

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Background

03:07 The Importance of Courage and Discipline in Agency Leadership

06:29 The Process of Positioning and Testing

11:17 Keys to Making an Agency Attractive for Sale

15:16 David's Hobbies: Woodworking, Motorcycle Racing, and Photography

18:20 Advice for Agency Owners: Stop and Simplify

David C. Baker is an author, speaker, and advisor to entrepreneurial creatives worldwide. He has written 6 books, advised 1,000+ firms, and keynoted conferences in 30+ countries. His work has been discussed in the Wall Street Journal, Fast Company, Forbes, USA Today, BusinessWeek, CBS News, Newsweek, AdWeek, and Inc. Magazine. He lives in Nashville, TN. His two most recent books are at http://www.expertise.is and https://www.tradecraft.is His work has also been featured in the NY Times, where he was recently referred to as “the expert’s expert”. He co-hosts the most listened to podcast in the creative services field (2Bobs).

Contact David:

https://www.punctuation.com

https://www.linkedin.com/in/dcb/

https://myobconference.com

In this episode, I got to interview Brooke Sellas, CEO of B Squared Media, a boutique digital marketing agency. We discuss Brooke's journey of starting her agency, the importance of social care, and bridging the gap between marketing and sales. Brooke shares valuable insights and advice for agency owners from her book, “Conversations that Connect.” and insights on how they leverage social care for their clients. We also briefly touched on navigating the intricacies of working side-by-side with a spouse.

Key Takeaways

• Starting an agency requires taking risks and seizing opportunities.

• Social care is about acquiring and retaining customers through social media.

• Social engagement is crucial for building brand loyalty and trust.

• Bridging the gap between marketing and sales is essential for business success.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Background

03:00 Starting B Squared Media

06:00 Working with Spouse and Team Dynamics

09:00 Brooke's Role as CEO and Visionary

12:00 Defining Social Care

16:00 The Importance of Social Engagement

20:00 Bridging the Gap Between Marketing and Sales

28:00 New Hobbies, Tools, and Business Advice

Brooke Sellas is shaping the future of digital marketing, one conversation at a time. As a CEO, she's the visionary behind B Squared Media, a boutique digital marketing agency that's redefining 'social care' for industry giants like Brother International, Endless Pools, and BCU. With her groundbreaking 2022 book, "Conversations That Connect," she's charting a course for authentic digital interactions. Dive into her insights on the Marketing Agency Show podcast, or from one of two courses she teaches at the University of California, Irvine.

Contact Brooke and download B Squared Media’s 2023 Social Care Report:

https://bsquared.media/the-state-of-social-care-2023/

In this episode, I got to talk with Rahul Raj, founder of 5&Vine. They help challenger brands win. It’s in their DNA and their whole reason for showing up each day. Our conversation dug into the nuances of living in your niche, how to define the edge of that niche, and how they evaluate wavering outside of the laser focus of who they work with. Rahul spoke about the inherent risks of being too deeply niched what tier diversification means to them, and how they define it. We went on a side tangent about the lack of authenticity in personal communication, specifically on social media.

Takeaways

Building a purpose-driven agency focused on helping challenger brands make a positive impact in the world

The importance of authenticity, community, and engagement in brand building

Challenges of staying true to a niche and the risks and opportunities presented by AI

The responsibility of leveraging privilege to help others

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Background

01:10 The Journey of Five and Vine

05:23 Building Brands that Better the World

06:18 Staying True to a Niche

09:27 The Importance of Authenticity and Learning from Mistakes

11:18 Diversification and Engaging the Team

14:51 The Role of AI in Branding

22:41 Navigating Risks and Opportunities

26:09 Final Thoughts and Rapid Fire Questions

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, Wayne Pelletier, founder of Resonant Pixel Co, discusses the process of productizing agency services and the benefits it brings. He shares his journey from being a marketing assistant to launching his own agency and explains why he chose to focus on Squarespace as the platform for his services. Wayne emphasizes the importance of niching down and serving a specific audience, as well as the mindset shift required to transition from a project-based model to a subscription-based model. He also highlights the challenges and rewards of productization and the potential for scalability and growth.

Key Takeaways

• Productizing agency services involves niching down and focusing on a specific audience or platform.

• A subscription-based model can provide more predictable revenue and eliminate the feast and famine cycle of project-based work.

• Choosing the right platform, such as Squarespace, can offer stability, scalability, and the ability to hire predictably for talent.

• Productization requires a mindset shift from being a designer to being a business owner, focusing on access to expertise and lifetime value.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Pronunciation

08:10 Transitioning to a Subscription-Based Model

12:54 The Benefits of Productization and Lifetime Value

23:04 Serving Small Businesses and Providing Relief

In episode 051, I had the great privilege of speaking with my long-time friend, Debra Rizzi, partner and president of Rizco, a women-owned brand-led marketing agency. We got to discuss the launch and evolution of her agency nearly 25 years ago, the benefits of becoming a certified woman-owned business, and the integration of new tools and processes like EOS. She emphasizes the importance of community involvement and maintaining core values and culture in her agency. She also talks about her day-to-day responsibilities and offers business advice, including the significance of gratitude and self-acknowledgment.

Key Takeaways

• Launching a business can arise from unexpected circumstances and opportunities.

• Becoming a certified woman-owned business can open doors and provide access to funding and resources.

• Integrating new tools and processes can enhance efficiency and effectiveness.

• Community involvement and maintaining core values and culture are essential for long-term success.

• Expressing gratitude and acknowledging personal achievements are important for personal and professional growth.

With the launch of Season Two of Agency Bytes, I'm thrilled to introduce an extraordinary guest for this momentous occasion – Ilise Benun from Marketing Mentor. Ilise is not only a longtime friend but also someone I've admired for decades. In this episode, I had the privilege of delving into Ilise's invaluable insights on her "Simplest Marketing Plan" and how she guides creative professionals to success by helping them focus and identify their market. We discuss the importance of cultivating a deep, focused niche and Ilise lays out actionable steps to achieve this.

Ilise believes that building your business should be enjoyable and shares her observations on why many agency owners struggle with their marketing efforts due to being too close to their businesses. We dissect the difference between horizontal and vertical niches, exploring how the latter can significantly boost marketing endeavors. Ilise also emphasizes the significance of sub-niches and provides guidance on expanding into new niches.

Furthermore, Ilise outlines her comprehensive program focusing on marketing, money, and mindset, identifying these as key areas of weakness for most creatives. We also challenge the notion that referrals are always beneficial and discuss strategies to overcome complacency in business development.

Tune in to uncover some of the invaluable secrets Ilise has accumulated over her more than 30 years as a creative business coach. This episode is packed with actionable insights and wisdom you won't want to miss!

In this episode, I had the privilege of speaking with Robert Patin, an agency expert and coach from Creative Agency Success. Robert's expertise centers on benchmarks and the comprehensive analysis of agency performance, emphasizing measurable metrics. Together, we explore key metrics that every agency should be monitoring. We delve into the absence of essential systems that many "accidental" agency owners overlook at different stages of their business evolution.

Robert guides us through activities that can optimize agency operations, aiding in the focus on ideal clients and the reasons behind those choices. During our discussion on agency differentiation, Robert candidly points out that most agencies tend to sound alike, offering valuable insights on how to authentically stand out in a crowded market.

In Episode 48, I engaged in an enlightening conversation with Kelly Berrk, a passionate advocate for brand strategy and yoga. We explored Kelly's journey of resetting after experiencing burnout, and the profound impact it had on her creative inspiration following a much-needed period of refocus. Kelly delved into the concept of brand therapy, an integral part of her brand strategy process, influenced by her commitment to self-care and life balance. She shared insights on how these practices serve as tools to connect the dots, helping brands articulate their messages and define their "why" and purpose.

Throughout the episode, Kelly emphasized the importance of exploration and connection with others to identify the common thread that ties together brands and relationships. She encouraged listeners to reflect on how they are fostering connections, practicing empathy, and building bridges to create meaningful openings in both professional and personal spheres.