Agency Bytes Podcast
Agency Bytes is a video podcast series that packs a ton of important agency information on one topic, from one expert into a 25-minute brief.
Why 25 minutes?
Because who has the attention span for much more these days, and you can squeeze in a listen between meetings with time for a bathroom break or coffee refill before your next meeting.
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Ep 106 – Lisa Colantuono, AAR Partners – Building Relationships, Not Pitches
In episode 106 of Agency Bytes, I chat with Lisa Colantuono, president of AAR Partners and a 25-year veteran in agency-client matchmaking (though she hates that word!). If you’re tired of wasting time on endless pitch decks, spec work, and one-sided RFPs, this episode is a must-listen.
Lisa shares what really matters to brands during the agency search process—and how agencies can proactively position themselves to win more work without chasing every lead. We dive into how to build trust that leads to long-term relationships, how to get your agency noticed through smart PR, and why your creative work still needs to deliver real impact. Lisa also drops actionable advice on reputation-building, client retention, and what it really takes to stand out in a crowded agency landscape.
Whether you’re running a small shop or a growing firm, Lisa’s insights are full of practical steps to help you stay relevant, get on the right shortlists, and keep your agency’s name in the room—even when you’re not.
Key Bytes
• Streamlining the agency review process is essential—both for marketers and agencies trying to avoid wasted time and energy.
• Marketer-led reviews now make up 85% of the search landscape—agencies need to understand how to stand out in this evolving dynamic.
• Trust and relationships are everything. People buy from people they trust, and lasting partnerships are built on emotional connection.
• Agencies must treat themselves like their number one client. Prioritize your own marketing, just like you would for your best-paying account.
• Referrals, recognition, and press coverage are key to visibility—smart PR can put your agency on a brand’s radar before the pitch even starts.
• Great creative still wins. No amount of charm or strategy can replace standout work that delivers results.
• Proactivity beats complacency. The biggest reason agencies lose clients? They stop showing up with ideas.
• Personalized outreach beats “spray and pray.” Insightful, relevant communication gets attention—generic blasts get ignored.
• Your network defines your success. The company you keep, the connections you nurture—they’re all part of the relationship-driven business we’re in.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Agency Bites and Lisa Colantuono
01:44 Reinventing the Agency Search Process
04:21 Streamlining the Review Process
08:11 Trends in the Marketing Industry
12:26 Building Trust and Relationships in Agencies
18:10 The Importance of Reputation and Press Coverage
23:28 The Power of Recognition in Agency Work
25:06 The Importance of Account Management
26:39 Complacency: The Silent Account Killer
28:07 Proactivity in Client Relationships
29:33 Building Trust Through Networking
30:56 Emotional Connections with Brands
32:55 The Value of Insightful Communication
35:05 Understanding Client Pain Points
39:19 The Comprehensive Marketing Approach
40:09 Personal Insights and Life Lessons
Lisa Colantuono is the President of AAR Partner. With nearly 25 years of experience, Lisa has helped marketers like Ancestry, Subaru, and Panera Bread connect with the right agencies to drive meaningful results. She’s a pioneer in modernizing the agency search process, the author of @AARLisa: New Biz in 140 Characters (or Less), and the host of the On Purpose podcast. Lisa is passionate about building impactful partnerships and shaping the future of the marketing industry.
Contact Lisa:http://www.aarpartners.com
Ep 105 – Ryan Rhoten, The Distilled Brand – Messaging That Converts
In episode 105 of Agency Bytes, I’m joined by Ryan Rhoten, founder of The Distilled Brand, who helps entrepreneurs and agency owners develop crystal-clear messaging that actually connects. Ryan shares the structured process he’s refined to help business leaders articulate their value—not with jargon or vague promises, but with messaging that speaks to real human emotion and need.
We dig into his “four O’s” framework, why niching is essential (even if you resist it), and how standardizing your offers can streamline operations, boost profitability, and make your marketing 10x easier. If you’ve ever felt like your agency’s message isn’t landing or you’re reinventing the pitch every time you meet someone new, this episode is for you.
Key Bytes
• Ryan helps entrepreneurs align their internal expertise with external perceptions.
• Messaging should address both objectives and the emotional obstacles clients face.
• The Four O's: Objectives, Obstacles, Objections, and Outcomes are crucial for effective messaging.
• A messaging playbook provides a structured approach to communication across all platforms.
• Niching down helps entrepreneurs become known for their expertise.
• Standardizing offers can lead to increased efficiency and profitability.
• Clear messaging is essential for team alignment and customer understanding.
• Customers are primarily concerned with their own needs, not your company's history.
• Effective messaging should focus on benefits rather than features.
• Incremental improvement is key to long-term success in business.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Agency Bites and Guest Ryan Roten
02:26 Understanding Brand Messaging and Positioning
05:44 The Emotional Side of Messaging
09:16 The Four O's of Messaging
12:40 Creating a Messaging Playbook
15:01 The Importance of Niching Down
18:42 Standardizing Offers for Efficiency
20:22 Crafting a Clear Elevator Pitch
22:04 Identifying Red Flags in Messaging
25:05 Rapid Fire Questions and Closing Thoughts
Have you ever struggled to communicate your expertise in a way that truly resonates? Ryan Rhoten, owner of The Distilled Brand, understands the challenge and has developed the Brand Messaging System to help. As an expert in brand positioning and messaging, Ryan guides his clients through a proven process to distill complex ideas into clear, compelling messages to communicate your brilliance and connect with your audience.
Contact Ryan:
https://linkedin.com/in/ryanrhoten
Ep 087 – Peter Kang, Barrel Holdings – Building an Agency Portfolio
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:
Ep 086 – Christian Banach – Growth with Newsletters
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:
Ep 085 – Dia Bondi – How to Ask for More
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.
Ep 084 - Jacquelyn Laufer & David Yassky, Driver Digital – Fashionable Agency Culture
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:
Ep 083 – Jody Sutter, The Sutter Company – Build, Win, Scale
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 SCALETM 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.
Ep 082 – Chris Martinez, Bloom Partners – Operational Underdogs
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:
Ep 081 – David C. Baker, Punctuation – Preparing to Sell Your Agency
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:
Ep 050 – Ilise Benun, Marketing Mentor – The Simplest Marketing Plan
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!
Ep 049 – Robert Patin, Creative Agency Success
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.
