Get ready to supercharge your agency's growth! In episode 071, I sit down with Karl Sakas, a seasoned agency veteran and the mastermind behind Sakas & Company, where he helps agency owners "work less and earn more." We dive deep into the art of expanding your agency by introducing new services. Karl shares his expert insights on the telltale signs that it's time to innovate, from declining demand to shrinking profit margins, and why staying ahead of client needs is crucial for long-term success.

We explore the strategic factors you must consider before making the leap—like analyzing market demand, understanding industry trends, and ensuring you have the right resources in place. Plus, we discuss the importance of evaluating your current offerings, identifying what’s no longer serving you, and knowing when to pivot. Karl also reveals common pitfalls to avoid and shares actionable advice to help you navigate the challenges of growing your agency with confidence.

Don't miss this episode packed with practical tips and insider knowledge to help you take your agency to the next level!

Key Takeaways

• The need to add new services may arise when existing services become less popular or profitable, or when new industry trends emerge.

• It is important to be forward-looking and reserve time to explore new services and trends.

• Before adding new services, consider stopping outdated or unprofitable services.

• Evaluate the demand and supply of new services, and ensure that there is a profitable supply of people to fulfill the work.

• Avoid overcommitting and consider the potential pitfalls, such as fixed bid commitments for new services.

• Pay attention to existing clients and their needs when introducing new services.

• Don't let problems fester in your agency; address them head-on to prevent them from getting worse.

Bytes of Note

00:00 Introduction and Background

02:48 Topic: Growing an Agency by Adding New Services

03:13 Recognizing the Symptoms and Need for New Services

06:38 Considering Demand, Supply, and Industry Trends

09:15 Strategically Evaluating Existing Services

13:00 Avoiding Pitfalls and Overcommitment

15:21 Listening to Clients and Addressing Their Needs

Karl Sakas helps digital agency owners ‘Work Less’ and ‘Earn More’… while rewarding their best employees. Drawing on his background in agency operations, Karl has personally advised hundreds of agencies on every inhabited continent. An international speaker, he is the author of three books—including 'Work Less, Earn More'—and more than 400 articles on agency management. When he’s not helping clients, Karl volunteers as a bartender on an antique train.

Contact Karl:

Article: https://sakasandcompany.com/adding-new-services/

Freebies: https://sakasandcompany.com/free-resources-for-agencies/

Book: https://worklessearnmorebook.com/

Workshop: https://sakasandcompany.com/agency-lead-gen-training/

In episode 070, I got to dive into the world of agency mergers and acquisitions with Jonathan Baker, the head of the M&A practice at Punctuation. Jonathan uncovers the secrets behind successful deals in the marketing services industry, shedding light on common pitfalls like leadership changes and cultural mismatches that can derail even the most promising mergers.

Discover the key elements that make an agency stand out to potential buyers, including the power of recurring revenue and strategic positioning. Jonathan shares his expert insights on valuation and talks through the sellability index, a tool that helps agencies measure their readiness for acquisition.

We explore the latest trends in M&A, the art of succession planning, and why it's crucial for founders to delegate and step back from daily operations. Whether you're looking to buy, sell, or simply learn more about the dynamics of agency mergers, this episode is packed with valuable information and actionable advice.

Key Takeaways

• Factors that can cause deals to fail include leadership changes and cultural fit issues.

• Recurring revenue and positioning are important factors in making an agency attractive for acquisition.

• Valuation should be done annually as part of the business planning process.

• The sellability index can help agencies track their progress towards becoming sellable.

• Trends in M&A include a higher number of interested buyers than sellers.

• Succession planning should consider factors such as age, long-term goals, and the presence of a capable successor.

• Founders should delegate and extract themselves from day-to-day operations to enable growth.

• Personal goals and fulfillment should guide business decisions.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Background

02:11 Factors that Impact the Success of M&A Deals

05:59 The Importance of Recurring Revenue and Positioning in Agency Acquisition

08:41 Valuation and the Sellability Index: Tools for Agency Planning

19:58 Succession Planning: Considerations for Founders

22:38 Delegation and Growth: Extracting Founders from Day-to-Day Operations

25:02 Aligning Business Decisions with Personal Goals

Punctuation is a small advisory practice working exclusively with small- to mid-sized independent marketing services firms. Founded by industry veteran David C. Baker, Punctuation helps firms with positioning, lead generation, benchmarking, valuation, and succession planning.

Jonathan heads up the M&A practice at Punctuation. He has worked on dozens of deals both inside and outside the industry and brings a unique perspective as a fellow owner who has gone through the process himself.

He graduated from Emory University’s Goizueta Business School in 2005. His career began working at a small boutique marketing strategy consultancy. There, he was able to do marketing strategy and positioning work for many well-known Fortune 500 CPG companies.

In 2011, he left to start a craft brewery, Monday Night Brewing where his focus was on marketing, sales, and taprooms. After helping his business partners grow to 180+ employees and numerous locations, Jonathan stepped away from the day-to-day to head up the M&A practice for Punctuation.

He loves cocktails, music, and hiking, and lives in Atlanta with his wife, two kids, and entitled rescue Australian Shepherd, Oscar Snugs.

Contact Jonathan:

Website: https://punctuation.com/

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

Company LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/wearepunctuation/

Podcast: https://punctuation.com/insights/

In episode 069, I had the pleasure of chatting with Taylor McMaster, the founder of Dot and Co. Taylor shares her inspiring journey from launching her own agency to revolutionizing it into a fractional account management service for other agencies. Her story is full of valuable insights and lessons for anyone in the industry.

Taylor dives into the importance of proactive communication and strategies for expanding client accounts. She sheds light on the often daunting task of hiring and training account managers, revealing the incredible advantages of outsourcing this crucial role. Her advice to agency owners? Hire individuals who complement your weaknesses rather than those who mirror your strengths.

But it's not all business! Taylor also shares her passion for golfing and how she recently integrated a fractional sales director into her company, adding a new layer of expertise to her team.

Join us for this exciting conversation with Taylor McMaster, filled with actionable tips, personal anecdotes, and a fresh perspective on agency growth and management.

Key Takeaways

• Proactive communication is crucial in account management to keep clients informed and satisfied.

• Outsourcing account management can help agency owners focus on other aspects of their business and achieve a better work-life balance.

• Hiring account managers who complement your weaknesses can lead to a more well-rounded team.

• Golfing can be a fulfilling hobby and a way to relax and recharge.

• Bringing in a fractional sales director can provide expertise and support in growing your business.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Background

02:49 Starting Dot and Co and the Genesis of the Fractional Model

08:31 Integrating Account Managers into Agency Culture

11:36 Stepping into Existing Systems and Optimizing Processes

22:26 Personal and Professional Insights

25:06 Rapid Fire Questions

27:39 Valuable Business Advice

Taylor McMaster is the founder of DOT & Company where she and her team help digital marketing agencies keep their clients happy—and keep agency owners focused on what they do best—with full-service client account management (CAM) services.

Taylor leads a team of Client Account Managers at DOT & Company, training the CAMs to work with different agencies. To date, they have helped dozens of digital marketing agencies free up their time to prioritize the money-makers in their businesses, while the DOT & Co. team ensures their client experience is smooth like butter.

She is also the host of The Happy Clients podcast, where she interviews top names in the industry, diving deep into what makes clients happy in the agency world.

Contact Taylor:

Press: www.dotandcompany.co/press

Email: taylor@dotandcompany.co

Website: www.dotandcompany.co

Podcast: www.dotandcompany.co/podcast

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dotandcompany

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/taylormcmaster/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dot_and_company/

YouTube: ​​https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC9_2hri1R1uaNTGeZr0Oyxg/

Twitter: ​​https://twitter.com/CompanyDot

In this episode, I had the pleasure of chatting with Anne Green, the CEO of GNS Business Communications. We met in an airport lounge and talk about the value of putting oneself “out there” to meet new people and discover new opportunities. Anne shares her journey to becoming CEO, revealing her unique leadership style rooted in compassion and empathy. We dive into the challenges of leadership and the importance of overcoming the 'us versus them' mentality.

Anne opens up about the value of curiosity, enthusiasm, and making meaningful connections in the agency world. We explore the significance of understanding one’s purpose and staying focused amidst rapid technological changes. Anne stresses the importance of agencies revisiting their culture, mission, and values to stay aligned and impactful.

Our conversation also highlights the need for trust-building, inclusivity, and open communication within organizations. Anne’s leadership style, characterized by vulnerability and openness, fosters an environment where team members feel comfortable speaking up. We wrap up by discussing the importance of self-compassion and finding joy in the dynamic world of agency life.

Join us for an engaging and insightful discussion with Anne Green, filled with practical advice and heartfelt reflections on leadership and agency dynamics.

Key Takeaways

• Transitioning to a CEO role requires learning leadership at scale and managing a collaborative matrix style.

• A leader's style should be warm, empathetic, and open, with a focus on being of service and making connections.

• Resisting the 'us versus them' mentality is crucial in both internal agency dynamics and agency-client relationships.

• Compassion and empathy are essential in understanding and supporting clients, as well as fostering a positive agency culture.

• Curiosity and enthusiasm are key traits for agency leaders, as they drive learning, collaboration, and problem-solving. Understanding purpose and staying focused is crucial in the face of technological advancements.

• Agencies should revisit their own culture, mission, and values to stay relevant.

• Trust-building, inclusivity, and open communication are essential for a strong and effective organization.

• Leadership should embrace vulnerability and openness to create an environment where people feel comfortable speaking up.

• Self-compassion and enjoying life are important for personal fulfillment in the agency industry.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Background

05:33 Transitioning and Learning Leadership at Scale

14:23 Resisting the 'Us Versus Them' Mentality

27:39 Building Trust and Fostering Inclusivity

36:54 Self-Compassion and Enjoying Life in the Agency Industry

Anne Green taps 30 years of experience in integrated marketing communications in her role as CEO and a partner at G&S Business Communications. She is responsible for ensuring excellence across all areas of agency performance and operations, from client service to the agency’s integrated offerings to cultivating a vibrant and growth-oriented culture. Anne was previously President and CEO of CooperKatz & Company, Inc., an award-winning agency she helped to build for more than two decades before it was acquired by G&S in 2018. She began her career with Burson-Marsteller in New York City. In her alternatives lives, she would be a singer or literature professor - but agency life ensures she's always creatively engaged.

Contact Anne:

https://www.gscommunications.com/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/anne-e-green/

In episode 067, I had an enlightening conversation with Jenny Magic, founder and author of "Build Better Change." We delved into the tough but crucial challenges of implementing internal change within organizations and explored how agencies can play a pivotal role in fostering adoption. Jenny passionately emphasizes the significance of building long-term client relationships and partnering through the change and adoption journey.

Jenny sheds light on the necessity for agencies to identify potential roadblocks early and engage in difficult conversations upfront to ensure smooth implementation. She shares invaluable tips, such as validating project needs with multiple stakeholders, conducting confidential inquiry interviews to uncover hidden challenges, and prioritizing trust and rapport with clients. Jenny also underscores the importance of empathy, employee engagement, and psychological safety within organizations.

This episode is packed with practical advice and insights for agencies looking to drive successful change and make a lasting impact. Don’t miss out on Jenny’s expert strategies and thoughtful perspectives!

Key Takeaways

• Building long-term relationships with clients is crucial for agencies to ensure successful implementation of projects.

• Agencies should surface potential roadblocks and have difficult conversations early on in the process.

• Validating the need for a project with multiple stakeholders and obtaining senior-level buy-in is important for successful adoption.

• Conducting confidential inquiry interviews can help uncover potential challenges and build trust with clients.

• Empathy, employee engagement, and psychological safety are key factors in fostering adoption within organizations.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Background

07:08 The Impact on Agencies

12:11 Surfacing Roadblocks: Having Difficult Conversations

23:11 The Importance of Relationships and Change

27:04 Final Advice: This Too Shall Pass

When leaders want to win back employee willingness, accelerate innovation, and reduce change fatigue, they call Jenny Magic. As a nationally recognized speaker, author, and advisor, Jenny is the founder of Build Better Change and co-author of the organizational change bestseller, Change Fatigue: Flip Teams From Burnout to Buy-In (2023). She has successfully led extensive projects with renowned organizations throughout her career, including Sesame Workshop, AARP, Citrix, Prudential, Acxiom, Alcon, Purdue University, Experian, US Bank, Cisco, and many others. She loves using the marketing strategies she's honed over two decades to motivate teams to do their best work.

Contact Jenny:

website: https://buildbetterchange.com

Change Fatigue book and Build Better Buy-In online course: https://changefatigue.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennymagic/

In this episode, I had the incredible opportunity to interview Gabe Levine from Matchstick Legal, a top-notch attorney specializing in representing creative businesses. Gabe brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the table, making this a must-listen episode for anyone in the creative industry.

We dive deep into some of the hottest topics facing agencies today. Ever worried about protecting your creative work from copycats? Gabe shares essential strategies and legal insights to safeguard your intellectual property. We also tackle the crucial task of reviewing and updating contracts to ensure they’re airtight and up-to-date with the latest legal standards.

Gabe unpacks the complexities of GDPR and privacy regulations, breaking down what they mean for your agency and how to stay compliant. He also emphasizes the importance of perspective and leverage in negotiations, providing practical tips to help you navigate these often challenging discussions.

Whether you're an agency owner, creative professional, or just interested in the legal side of the creative world, this episode is packed with valuable insights and actionable advice. Don't miss out on this engaging conversation with one of the leading legal minds in the industry!

Key Takeaways

• Having a relationship with an attorney as an agency owner is important for protecting creative work and navigating legal issues.

• Registering trademarks and copyrights can help protect creative work from copycats.

• Contracts should be reviewed and updated regularly to ensure they align with the agency's current practices and protect their interests.

• GDPR and privacy regulations are important considerations for agencies, and compliance can be complex.

• Having perspective and creating leverage are key in negotiations, but sometimes compromises need to be made to secure work.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Background

05:28 Protecting Creative Work from Copycats

11:38 Reviewing and Updating Contracts

Gabe is an attorney specializing in representing creative and technical businesses in commercial transactions. He's a shareholder in and president of Matchstick Legal, Inc. Gabe lives in Marin County, California with his wife Holly, daughter Kate and dog Scully. He's a very average gravel cyclist but enjoys it quite a bit.

Connect with Gabe:

matchstick.legal

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

In Episode 065, I have the exciting opportunity to speak with James Martin, also known as Made By James, a talented UK-based designer renowned for his dedication to design education and his candid presence on social media. I invited James because I deeply admire how he’s grown his following and how he communicates with his audience.

James shares his journey from a solopreneur to becoming a design partner at Lincoln Design, highlighting the evolution of his career and the importance of giving back to the design community. He openly discusses the range of emotions he experiences during the design process, including imposter syndrome, and provides valuable Adobe tips and tricks.

In our conversation, James talks about understanding your worth and pricing your services appropriately. He emphasizes the fear of saying no and its impact on self-worth, sharing his 13% rule for pricing to help increase confidence in charging higher rates. James also underscores the importance of setting the right prices and not undervaluing oneself.

Finally, James reflects on the significance of letting go to grow and the importance of celebrating achievements along the way. This episode is packed with insights for designers at any stage of their careers, offering practical advice and inspiration for building a successful and fulfilling design practice.

Key Takeaways

• Building a community and giving back through design education can lead to personal and professional growth.

• Consistency and authenticity in sharing your work and knowledge on social media can help establish your personal brand.

• Transitioning from a solopreneur to working with an agency can provide new opportunities and a larger team to collaborate with.

• Understanding your worth as a designer and pricing your services accordingly is crucial for sustainable business growth.

• Saying no to clients who don't align with your value and pricing can lead to better opportunities and a stronger business. Don't let fear and self-doubt dictate your pricing. Set the right prices based on your value and expertise.

• Use the 13% rule to increase your prices incrementally and build confidence in charging higher rates.

• Focus on proving your value to clients through case studies and demonstrating the impact of your work.

• Let go of certain tasks and responsibilities to allow for growth and scalability in your business.

• Take the time to celebrate your achievements and enjoy the journey rather than constantly chasing the next goal.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Background

02:06 Starting to Share Work on Social Media

05:00 Evolution as a Designer

06:45 Transition to Working with Lincoln Design

09:11 Giving Back and Building a Community

12:09 Transition from Solopreneur to Agency Partner

19:15 False Sense of Security on Social Media

21:22 Knowing Your Worth and Evolving as a Designer

23:15 Saying No to Clients to Say Yes to Yourself

23:47 The Fear of Saying No and Self-Worth

25:06 Setting the Right Prices

26:28 Proving Your Value to Clients

27:27 The 13% Rule for Pricing

29:22 The Evolution of the Partnership with Lincoln

30:28 Focusing on Helping Designers

33:29 Letting Go to Grow

James Martin, better known as Made By James, is transforming the design education landscape with his rebellious creativity and relentless determination. He has dedicated 20 years of his life to achieving creative excellence, being sought after by clients for the impact his work has on businesses and the meticulously crafted experiences he delivers.

He now has one purpose: to build the best designers on the planet.

Through his real-world experience, he understands that to land your 'dream client,' you first need to become a 'dream designer.' The status quo within the design education space is focused solely on external outcomes, when the real focus should be on internal transformation. He knows if he can help designers become comfortable with the unpredictability of the real creative world, then the predictable stuff becomes even easier to manage.

His full focus is as an educator to brand designers, but he is also a best-selling author, public speaker, and creative partner at Lincoln Design Co., where the team works daily with the likes of Disney, Liquid Death, and Nike. He is dedicated to guiding the next generation of designers with action, honesty, and love, creating a future where designers and clients thrive together.

Connect with James:

themadebyjames.com

https://www.instagram.com/made.by.james/

In Episode 064, I had the pleasure of having an inspiring conversation with Justine Clay, a business coach and ADHD life coach for creative entrepreneurs. Justine shares her journey from working in the creative industry to launching her own coaching business, and how these experiences have shaped her current work. She delves into the unique challenges and strengths of individuals with ADHD and the importance of fostering a supportive and inclusive work environment. Justine discusses the need for leadership to understand and accommodate neurodivergent team members and examines the impact of remote work on those with ADHD. Throughout the conversation, Justine emphasizes creating spaces that foster connection and meaningful experiences, and the importance of being present and taking care of ourselves in our daily lives. She also shares valuable business advice on focusing on solutions rather than problems and keeping the client at the center of our thoughts and messaging.

Key Takeaways

• Understanding the unique challenges and strengths of individuals with ADHD is crucial for creating a supportive work environment.

• Leadership should strive to accommodate the needs of neurodivergent team members and provide them with the tools and resources they need to thrive.

• Remote work can be beneficial for individuals with ADHD, as it allows for greater flexibility and control over their work environment.

• Creating an open and inclusive culture where individuals feel comfortable communicating their needs is essential for fostering productivity and well-being.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Background

03:00 Becoming an Independent Creative Professional

06:00 Starting a Creative Management Agency

09:00 Transitioning to Coaching

13:00 Becoming an ADHD Coach

15:00 ADHD as a Superpower, or not

19:00 Supporting Neurodivergent Individuals

21:00 Coaching Leadership on Working with Neurodivergent Team Members

25:00 The Impact of Remote Work on ADHD

35:00 Personal Hobbies and Tools

38:02 Creating Spaces for Connection and Experience

39:12 Focus on Solutions, Not Problems

In this episode I have a great conversation with Selena Thiele, the founder of Office Mercenary, about why the key to winning is delegation. She discusses the concept of virtual assistants and the benefits they bring to businesses. She shares her own experience of feeling overwhelmed as a small business owner and how she started Office Mercenary to provide specialized support to entrepreneurs. Selena emphasizes the importance of finding the right virtual assistant and building long-term client relationships. She also highlights the challenges of delegating tasks and setting boundaries. Selena provides insights into the types of tasks Office Mercenary handles and the role of standard operating procedures (SOPs) in effective delegation. She concludes with valuable business advice, including the importance of letting go of perfectionism and striving for good enough.

Key Takeaways

• Virtual assistants can provide specialized support to overwhelmed small business owners.

• Building long-term client relationships is beneficial for both the client and the virtual assistant.

• Delegating tasks and setting boundaries are essential for effective collaboration with a virtual assistant.

• Standard operating procedures (SOPs) can streamline delegation and ensure consistent quality.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Background

01:02 The Concept of Office Mercenaries

02:23 The Impact of the Pandemic on the Virtual Assistant Industry

03:08 The Importance of Finding the Right Virtual Assistant

04:06 The Benefits of Long-Term Client Relationships

04:49 The Transformation After Delegating Tasks

06:16 The Types of Tasks Office Mercenary Handles

08:42 The Challenges of Delegating and Setting Boundaries

11:05 The Importance of Letting Go and Accepting 85% Quality

13:03 Low-Hanging Fruit for Delegation

15:44 The Definition of a Good Virtual Assistant

17:54 The Role of SOPs and Systems in Delegation

19:59 Misconceptions About Virtual Assistants

22:57 Rapid Fire Questions

25:35 Invaluable Business Advice

In this episode, I had a great chat with Jared Gibson, co-founder of Outworks.io. Jared takes us through the journey of how Outworks.io came to be and how it shifted its focus to LinkedIn engagement for B2B professionals. We dive into the common struggles small business owners face in drumming up new leads. Originally, Outworks.io was all about email lead generation, but they soon found their sweet spot on LinkedIn. Jared shares why building trust through LinkedIn engagement is key and gives us some tips on what kind of content really clicks on the platform. He also shares some top-level strategy on how to leverage relationship building tactics on LinkedIn to convert comments into sales. Plus, he talks about the importance of having an abundance mindset, being your true authentic self, and the benefits of working with competitors. Don't miss out on Jared's valuable insights!

Key Takeaways

• Outworks started as an email lead generation service before pivoting to focus solely on LinkedIn engagement for B2B professionals.

• Building trust through engagement is key on LinkedIn, and it is important to take a networking approach rather than a sales approach.

• Posting valuable and authentic content on LinkedIn can help establish credibility and attract engagement.

• Optimizing LinkedIn profiles and engaging with other users' posts can help break through the noise and build relationships.

• Having an abundance mindset and collaborating with competitors can lead to new opportunities and growth.

Chapters

00:00 Origin of Outworks

01:00 Starting with Email Lead Generation

02:27 Pivoting to Focus on LinkedIn

03:42 Combining Email and LinkedIn Strategies

05:11 Posting Organic Content on LinkedIn

06:54 Engaging with the LinkedIn Algorithm

09:26 Types of Content that Work on LinkedIn

11:16 Bringing Authenticity to LinkedIn

13:56 Building Relationships and Trust on LinkedIn

17:07 Breaking Through the Noise on LinkedIn

18:24 Optimizing LinkedIn Profiles

20:18 Having an Abundance Mindset on LinkedIn

23:15 Personal Favorites and Tools

27:39 Invaluable Business Advice

Jared lives in Chicago (with his wife and two kids 5,7) where he is well networked within the Chicago business community.

He co-founded a company called Outworks. They work with B2B CEO’s, Entrepreneurs, Sales & Marketing leaders who are looking to generate revenue through LinkedIn. He's a big believer in the power of networking on the platform to generate warm leads and has built a healthy engagement system that focuses on relationship building over pushy sales tactics.

He's spent his career building and scaling businesses using these growth marketing and selling systems and decided to take that experience and provide the same value and support for other small to midsize businesses.

Connect with Jared:

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

https://www.outworks.io/

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!