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Michael sits down with Blair Forrest — yes, the one lifting scary barbells, flying solo without an assistant, and casually rethinking the entire North American logistics map.They dive deep into the 2025 tariff chaos: why brands are panicking, how bonded warehouses are basically international waters (minus the pirates), and what it actually means to “wait out” a multi-million dollar shipping problem.From FTZ hacks to cross-border inventory plays, this is your tactical survival guide for the madness — whether you're paying $5K or $300K per container.It's messy. It's essential. It's surprisingly therapeutic. We'll see you in The PPC Den!
What if your growth path wasn't adding more clients, but working fewer, higher-quality roles with people who genuinely value your service? Allicia Birch, founder of 4tify Recruitment, built a six-figure recruitment firm in her first year — without cold calls, without compromising on fees, and without chasing every job. Her success came down to discipline: working to a structured 12-hour day in 15-minute blocks, building a reputation-based BD strategy, and walking away from bad-fit clients. You'll hear how she transformed underperformance into consistent high billings, created multi-division revenue from single clients, and productised her approach to business development — including how she sells high-ticket projects, runs invite-only roundtables, and uses market intelligence to position herself as a trusted partner, not just a vendor. 4tify is based in Manchester and specializes in construction industry recruitment. After 8 years in the industry, Allicia has become a leading voice in the residential new build market. Episode Highlights [03:20] How she struggled during the first three years with plenty of lessons [14:11] Breakdown to Breakthrough - turning things around from 250k to 350k billings [20:25] What inspired the launch of 4tify [26:10] Key success factors in the first 12 months of business [35:19] Her idea of a cold call - how she does BD without 'cold calling' [44:26] Best practices on being organized and creating a Day Plan [48:30] How market intelligence helps provide custom-fit solutions to clients [58:21] The round-table engagement strategy [1:03:04] What's next for the team Key Takeaways Training Makes the Difference: Her first three years brought zero earnings until proper training at Anderson James turned everything around. A breakthrough coaching session helped her jump from struggling to billing £250,000–£350,000 per year. Client Selection Strategy: "If you're trying to beat me down to 10%, I'm not your recruiter. I don't get out of bed for that." She only works with clients who respect her values, turning down low-fee roles and walking away from companies that don't align. Daily Structure: Speaks to 30 people per day (150 per week) - all warm calls through referrals Plans the day in 15-minute increments the night before at 9 PM Works closest to money first: live processes, then candidates, then client development Uses Excel spreadsheets with checkboxes and color coordination Market Intelligence: Uses reputational analysis to provide custom-fit solutions to each client. Her genuine, relationship-first approach thrives on meaningful partnerships – no cold calling, just honest conversations and deep understanding of what makes great teams work. About Allicia Birch Allicia Birch is the Managing Director of 4tify, a specialist recruitment company with 8 years in the industry, though it didn't start easily. The first three years brought zero earnings, but plenty of lessons. Once things clicked, she went on to consistently break records year after year, becoming a leading voice in the residential new build market. Her genuine, relationship-first approach thrives on meaningful partnerships – no cold calling, just honest conversations and deep understanding of what makes great teams work. With operations expanding in both the UK and US, she's on a mission to connect market leaders to the market. Connect with Mark Whitby Get your FREE 30-minute strategy call Subscribe to The Resilient Recruiter
Most insurance producers don't make it past year three.Wells Gunn did…and built a thriving, specialized book in the independent grocery industry.In this powerful episode of Getting Past the Premium, host Elliot Bassett sits down with Wells to unpack the exact mindset, process, and strategies he used to go from cold-calling 100 prospects a week……to leading a national risk practice for Houchens Insurance Group.No gimmicks. No fluff. Just the hard-earned truth about what it really takes to win in this business.You'll learn:✅ Why most producers quit (and how to avoid it)✅ How to turn a niche into a $1M+ growth engine✅ The role of mentors, repetition, and proprietary process✅ The difference between quoting insurance… and being hired as a true advisor✅ Why the best producers never stop cold calling — they just evolve itWhether you're a new producer, a sales leader, or building a growth-first agency, this is the blueprint for long-term success in commercial insurance.
Behavioral Science For Brands: Leveraging behavioral science in brand marketing.
In this episode we explore how behavioral science can be applied to media planning. We discuss the fundamental attribution error and why this suggests brands should spend less time thinking about target audiences and more time thinking about target contexts. We then look at some specific moments that brands can target – such as when people are in a good mood or when their age ends in nine.
You know that nagging feeling you've had about your marketing agency? The one that says, ‘Something's not adding up'—but you haven't done anything about it yet? This episode is for you. We're unpacking the real reasons smart business leaders stay stuck with agencies that aren't driving growth—and why it's costing way more than just budget. From internal bandwidth issues to fear of starting over to that loyalty trap that's quietly killing momentum, we break it all down. We'll even walk through a self-assessment quiz to help you figure out—once and for all—if it's time to fire your agency and find a partner who can actually move the needle. So if you've ever said, ‘They're not that bad…' but your gut says otherwise, don't miss this one.Read the full blog over at: https://elevatedmarketing.solutions/whats-really-stopping-you-from-firing-your-marketing-agency
Kenya's Security Agencies ROT with Willis Otieno and Prof Gitile Naituli on #DriveInn by Capital FM
Join us on LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/company/inside-commerceSummary:In this podcast, the discussion revolves around the impact of AI on ecommerce teams, particularly focusing on the relationship between technology agencies and their clients. The conversation highlights Seth's experiment of building a website using AI tools without any developer assistance, revealing both the potential and challenges of AI in development. The discussion emphasises the importance of understanding AI's capabilities, the ongoing need for developers, and the efficiency gains that AI can bring to agencies. It also covers the future of AI in ecommerce platforms and the necessity of collaboration between AI and human expertise. During this conversation, James, Seth & Jim explore the evolving role of AI in ecommerce, emphasising the importance of efficiency, risk management, and the need for prompt engineering strategies. They explore how AI can enhance decision-making, streamline operations, and drive innovation while also addressing the complexities and risks associated with integrating AI tools into business processes. Key takeaways:Understanding AI's capabilities is crucial for marketers.Building complex applications with AI requires technical knowledge.AI can expose security vulnerabilities if not used carefully.The role of developers remains critical despite AI advancements.AI can speed up design thinking and ideation processes.AI can speed up coding but requires human oversight.Agencies are leveraging AI for efficiency gains.The future of ecommerce may rely on AI-driven interfaces.Collaboration between AI and human developers is essential. Prompt engineering is essential for maximising AI productivity.Agencies must evolve to become educators in AI usage.
Ever wonder what happens when a PR matchmaker draws a hard line against fossil fuel clients? Meet Steven Shimek.In this eye-opening conversation, Keith Zackheim welcomes the owner and CMO of Shimek Strategic—an influential voice who helps determine which agencies win multi-million dollar RFPs. Steven pulls back the curtain on agency practices most clients never see. "What I try to do is educate our world of marketers about what's not in the deck, what's not on the logo slides," he explains, revealing how his network of 5,000+ marketing professionals gives him insider knowledge about which agencies secretly represent oil and gas interests.But this isn't just business—it's personal. After watching Greta Thunberg stand up to "mean, aggressive, angry, belittling people," Steven reconnected with his environmental science roots. He traded his Yukon Denali for a hybrid. He made tough choices. Despite the financial hit, he vowed never to work with agencies representing oil, gas, tobacco or firearms. The conversation takes a fascinating turn when discussing today's political climate, where companies are "green hushing" their sustainability efforts. Yet Steven remains optimistic. "Even if it is hushed, I truly believe companies are still going to do the right thing," he insists, noting that abandoning sustainability triggers "a continuous low roar" of customer discontent. For communications professionals navigating this shifting landscape, this episode offers both practical wisdom and moral clarity from someone who's seen it all—and chosen which side of history he wants to stand on.Steven Shimek is the Owner and CMO of Shimek Strategic, an influential agency matchmaker who has helped over 1,600 companies across 46 countries find their ideal marketing partners. With a Master's in Environmental Science from the University of Colorado at Boulder, Steven combines his deep environmental knowledge with extensive industry experience gained at PR Newswire, Ruder Finn, and Fleishman Hillard. What sets him apart is his principled stance against representing agencies that work with fossil fuel, tobacco, firearms, or private prison companies, despite potential revenue loss. Inspired by climate activists like Greta Thunberg and his own children, Steven has transformed his business into a vehicle for positive change, educating marketing leaders about agency transparency while helping brands find partners whose values align with their sustainability goals.In This Episode:(00:00) Steven's career journey from PR Newswire to Shimek Strategic(08:14) Agencies adopting climate values and sustainability practices(10:39) Steven's environmental science background and personal awakening(14:08) How Steven brings transparency to agency selection process(16:08) Discussion of "green hushing" in the current political climate(19:08) Forecast for sustainability in corporate communications(21:21) Conclusion and information about Antenna GroupShare with someone who would enjoy this topic, like and subscribe to hear all of our future episodes, send us your comments and guest suggestions!About the show: The Age of Adoption podcast explores the monumental transition from a period of climate tech research and innovation – an Age of Innovation – to today's world in which companies across the economy are furiously adopting climate solutions - the Age of Adoption. Listen as our host, Keith Zakheim, CEO of Antenna Group, talks with experts from across the climate, energy, health, and real estate sectors to discuss what the transition means for business and society, and how corporates and startups can rise above competitors to lead in this new age. Access more curated content on the subject by visiting, www.ageofadoption.com.This podcast is brought to you by Antenna Group, an award-winning integrated marketing, public relations, public affairs and digital agency that partners with the world's most exciting and disruptive companies across cleantech, mobility, real estate, healthcare, and emerging B2B tech sectors. Our clients are transformational and distinguished corporations, startups, investors, and nonprofits that are at the bleeding edge of the Age of Adoption. Visit antennagroup.com to learn more.Resources:Steven Shimek LInkedInShimek StrategicAntenna GroupAge of Adoption WebsiteKeith Zakheim LinkedIn
In this episode, I sit down with Luca to discuss differences in recruiting agencies, big vs. small. We share our personal stories, the challenges we've seen, and the lessons we've learned along the way. We talk about why candidate experience matters, how smaller agencies can deliver more personalized and empathetic recruitment, and why understanding the needs of both clients and candidates is key to long-term success.Get in contact with us team@careerbee.ioCheck out our website www.careerbee.io
In this episode of The Refresh News, host Kait unpacks a headline-heavy week across the advertising industry, setting the stage for big Cannes conversations. From Warner Bros. Discovery's strategic split to Mark Read's departure from WPP, and a flurry of pre-Cannes product rollouts, this episode highlights how the future of media, agency relevance, and AI-powered innovation are all colliding in real time. - Warner Bros. Discovery will divide into two focused businesses—Streaming & Studios vs. Global Networks—with cable taking on the debt burden as the company bets fully on streaming. -WPP CEO Mark Read is stepping down amid pressure and stock declines, with the holding company finally embracing an ad tech and AI-first future years later than needed. -WPP's recent moves—acquiring InfoSum, consolidating under WPP Media, and investing in AI—mark a delayed but necessary transformation for agency survival. -Multiple vendors including FreeWheel, Mediaocean, The Trade Desk, and Basis Technologies announced major product innovations focused on CTV, retail media, AI, and data integration ahead of Cannes. -The episode emphasizes that agencies must evolve from service vendors to tech-powered solutions providers or risk becoming irrelevant in a self-serve media world. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Law Enforcement Life Coach / Sometimes Heroes Need Help Podcast
This week I had the great privilege of sitting down with NCIS retired special agent Tom Coyle. Tom has been serving in various law enforcement capacities since the 80's at the local, state, and federal levels. Tom and I discuss his career, some great assignments, and the role leadership plays in all that we do. Sit back and give this episode a listen as we dig deep into what makes leadership memorable.More about Tom:Experienced public speaker, Leadership and Security Instructor. CEO and counterintelligence/Insider Threat Thought Leader with a diverse background in complex investigations, U.S. counterintelligence operations, training (leadership and ops-related), and policy writing. Visiting Lecturer, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA.Experience comes as the result of service with local (Fairfax County, VA police officer), state (Indiana Gaming Commission Investigator), and Federal law enforcement (career NCIS Special Agent). Served 6+ years overseas supporting the Navy and Marine Corps, and later the Ofc of Secretary of Defense. Founder and CEO of Talon Security Solutions, LLC, located in Carmel, Indiana, I earned multiple engagements for key personnel vetting, facility vulnerability studies, and sensitive internal inquiries.At the Natl Insider Threat Task Force, I provided expert guidance, training and recommendations to multiple government agencies on the issue of Insider Threat Vulnerability and the creation of formal Insider Threat detection and mitigation programs. As the LE Advisor for the Office of the Army Provost Marshal General, I delivered policy advice to the seniors leaders within the Army MP Corps and CID.I helped to both to create and conduct formal training for Insider Threat Personnel, Program Managers and Senior Officials from over 55 government Departments and Agencies. Hired in May 2023 as Adjunct Professor, UVA Charlottesville, VA to teach Leadership to Law Enforcement - in July presented to over 40 DEA Supervisors (Special Agents, Analysts and professional Support Staff). Website: https://www.leading4life.com/leading4life0088@gmail.comThank you for taking the time to give this podcast a listen. If you would like more information on other Law enforcement Life Coach initiatives, our "Sometimes Heroes Need Help" wellness seminar or our One-On-One life coaching please visit :www.lawenforcementlifecoach.comJohn@lawenforcementlifecoach.comAnd if you would like to watch the interview you can view it in it's entirety on the Law Enforcement Life Coach YouTube Channel : https://studio.youtube.com/channel/UCib6HRqAFO08gAkZQ-B9Ajw/videos/upload?filter=%5B%5D&sort=%7B%22columnType%22%3A%22date%22%2C%22sortOrder%22%3A%22DESCENDING%22%7D
Listen every weekday for a local newscast featuring town, county, state and regional headlines. It's the daily dose of news you need on Wyoming, Idaho and the Mountain West — all in four minutes or less.
**Cold Open (Jake has started mobile gaming)****Skip the Cold Open at 10:19**The best agencies out there aren't necessarily the ones producing the best results. They're the ones with the best communication and value for what is being paid for.On this episode, we navigate how we have failed in the client communication area recently and how we're trying to correct that and provide more communication to our clients without eating into labor hours that are better spent on servicing their actual accounts.----------------------------------Our recommended agency tools:everbrospodcast.com/recommended-tools/----------------------------------⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐As always, if you enjoyed this episode or this podcast in general and want to leave us a review or rating, head over to Apple and let us know what you like! It helps us get found and motivates us to keep producing this free content.----------------------------------Want to connect with us? Reach out to us on the everbrospodcast.com website, subscribe to us on YouTube, or connect with us on socials:YouTube: @agencyuTwitter/X: @theagency_uLinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/agencyuFacebook: facebook.com/theagencyuInstagram: @theagencyuReddit: r/agency & u/JakeHundleyTikTok: @agency.u
Civilian agencies have spent nearly 23% less during the first eight months of 2025 as compared to the same time period in 2024. The Department of DOGE Services says that means non-defense spending has been reduced by almost $25 billion. Overall non-defense agencies have obligated over $85 billion in 2025 down from $110 billion at this point last year. Some of the spending reduction comes from the cancellation of contracts, which DOGE says agencies have terminated more than 11,000. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Send us a textScaling a digital agency doesn't require hustle—it requires systems, delegation, and intentional leadership. In this episode, I sit down with Jesse Gilmore, founder of Niche In Control and author of The Agency Owner's Guide to Freedom, to unpack how one agency owner scaled from $15K to $100K MRR in just 9 months using Jesse's Leverage for Growth Framework. We walk through how time audits unlock 8–10 hours per week, how to implement scalable delegation systems, and how simplifying your offer can create not just growth, but freedom.This conversation is built around a repeatable growth framework for agencies—designed to help you shift from bottleneck to CEO, install team-driven operations, and build a business that can grow and thrive without being dependent on you. If you're leading a digital agency and ready to scale with strategy, not just hustle, you'll want to take notes.Books Mentioned:The Agency Owner's Guide to Freedom by Jesse GilmoreConnect with Jesse GilmoreLearn more about Jesse's Leverage for Growth method and download free resources for scaling your agency at nicheincontrol.com. You can also tune in to his podcast, Leverage for Growth, for weekly strategies on leadership, systems, and sustainable agency growth.
Inside INdiana Business Radio for the morning of June 12, 2025. Allison Transmission plans to acquire Dana's off-highway business unit in a $2.7 billion deal. Indiana state agencies have laid off dozens of employees amid new budget cuts. Also: ChatRX to launch a $20 AI-driven telehealth platform, Republic Airways CEO faces Senate confirmation for FAA post, and Community Health Network targets $10 million in savings with AI. Get the latest business news from throughout the state at InsideINdianaBusiness.com.
Gov. Bob Ferguson is urging state agencies to prepare for further spending cuts amid declining revenues and a widening budget gap that could deepen after a June 24 forecast. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/washington-governor-wants-agencies-to-look-for-deeper-cuts/ #BobFerguson #WashingtonBudget #SpendingCuts #OFM #EconomicForecast #StateAgencies #WApolitics
What if the next big wave in marketing isn't about targeting people at all—but impressing their AI agents instead?Abhay Parasnis, CEO of Typeface and former CTO at Adobe, joins us to explain why the future of brand discovery is less “search bar” and more “autonomous agents doing your shopping.” Abhay makes a bold case that most traditional marketing (think SEO strategies, AB tests, and static brand books) is already becoming obsolete. Instead, the brands that win will be the ones building content systems smart enough to speak directly to intelligent agents that buy and sell on our behalf.But this conversation doesn't stop at marketing disruption. Abhay pulls back the curtain on Typeface's meteoric rise, driven in large part by early, strategic partnerships with companies like Microsoft, Salesforce, and Google. He argues that AI startups don't need to outcompete the giants… they need to build what the giants can't, and then let those giants bring them customers. It's a refreshing take on B2B growth that flips the usual “go it alone” startup myth on its head.From identifying watermelon metrics to replacing agency workflows with AI copilots, Abhay brings sharp insight, grounded optimism, and just enough heresy to keep it interesting. If you're trying to navigate the chaos of modern marketing, or just wondering what comes after search, this episode is your map. Key Moments:00:00 Abhay Parasnis: CEO of Typeface & Ex-Adobe CTO06:48 Typeface's Vision and Genesis14:03 The Role of AI in Brand Management17:29 The Future of Agencies in an AI-Driven World25:06 Change Management and the Adoption of AI37:46 AI in Campaign Creation and Performance Measurement40:34 The Future of Search and SEO46:53 Identifying High-Quality Content in AI-Driven Marketing48:16 Offline Relationships and Physical Experiences50:47 The Future of Partnerships in Tech59:45 Transformation in the C-Suite01:04:15 Relevant or Not Relevant: Quick Takes01:05:49 The Future of Digital Content Marketing in an AI-Driven World Mission.org is a media studio producing content alongside world-class clients. Learn more at mission.org.
Smart Agency Masterclass with Jason Swenk: Podcast for Digital Marketing Agencies
Would you like access to our advanced agency training for FREE? https://www.agencymastery360.com/training What if one bad hire wrecked your agency? What if the red flag you're dismissing tanked your margins? Most agency owners learn these lessons the hard way. But you don't have to. In this episode, Collin Slattery shares the red flags, hiring mistakes, and leadership shifts that helped him build an agency that's not just growing—but growing sane. He's here to share stories that can help you shortcut the pain and build smarter, sooner. From pricing hesitations to over-hiring juniors to waiting too long to fire a bad hire, he brings great insights about what not to do—and what to fix fast. At the end of the day, the goal isn't just growth—it's sane growth. Collin Slattery is the founder of Taikun Digital, an agency that primarily focuses on the e-commerce space, doing Facebook ads, Google ads, and creative landing pages for clients. He'll share his scrappy beginnings, the mistakes that cost him (and taught him), and the non-negotiables he's learned about red flags and respecting your own time as an agency owner. His strategy now is simple: only do the work that's uniquely his. Delegate the rest. And when hiring, pay for people who love the stuff you hate. In this episode, we'll discuss: How to spot sales-process red flags before they cost you. Why hiring friends usually fails—and how to do it right if you must. What to do before a big client leaves—so you're not scrambling. The hiring mindset that leads to faster, saner growth.Subscribe Apple | Spotify | iHeart Radio Sponsors and Resources E2M Solutions: Today's episode of the Smart Agency Masterclass is sponsored by E2M Solutions, a web design, and development agency that has provided white-label services for the past 10 years to agencies all over the world. Check out e2msolutions.com/smartagency and get 10% off for the first three months of service. Starting with $300 and a Canadian Pharmacy Right out of high school—class of '07—Collin started making money online during what he calls the "Wild West" days of digital marketing. Think bootleg Canadian pharmacies, early Google Ads, and cracked versions of Adobe software. One of his first official clients was a skincare brand called Spa Technologies, which he charged $300 a month to handle “all the web stuff”—from email and SEO to advertising and site updates. He even landed a local government gig in New York early (back when procurement was a little less formal). It wasn't glamorous, but it was enough to plant the seed for what would eventually become his agency. Eventually, Collin took the boutique route. He leaned into complex client problems and bespoke solutions, found his zone of genius, and grew from there. Hiring Red Flags During the Sales Process One of the most expensive lessons agency owners learn, and one Collin has relearned, is ignoring red flags during the sales process. It's amazing how anyone can forget to trust their gut when they need the money, but Collin has learned this lesson by now. From clients with unreasonable expectations who ghost meetings to those who show up late or treat your time like it's optional, he has learned to put a limit. Today, he waits five minutes—max—for a prospect to join a call. If they don't show, he's out. Because if someone doesn't respect your time on the sales call, they're definitely not going to respect your process, boundaries, or team later on. The biggest red flag for Collin is clients who offload all responsibility. If they're promising to be your “best client ever” or insisting they'll deliver everything you need “right away,” it's worth digging deeper. Of course, clients who are too involved can also be a problem. However, the agency can't be more invested than they are in their own success. To prevent this, establish a pricing structure where at least 50% of the project is paid upfront, with clear dates for the remaining payments.. This can help irresponsible clients get moving on what they're supposed to deliver, although Jason shares a story about a client who paid 100% upfront (before kickoff!) but delayed the project by not providing what was promised. That's why process and payment timelines matter. If you don't control scope and expectations from day one, you'll pay for it in time, profit, and sanity. When One Bad Hire Derails Everything Collin's been on both ends of the hiring spectrum—over-prioritizing skill and under-prioritizing culture fit… then swinging the other way and hiring people he liked without checking if they actually had the skills. Spoiler: Neither approach worked. On top of that, he's been guilty of stubbornly keeping people too long, thinking he could “fix” them. However, he's now confident that owners can usually know on Day 1 if they made the wrong hire. Week 1 if you're generous. People usually start with their best foot forward, so if that's shaky, it's a red flag. The real game-changer was learning to trust his gut early and cut things off quickly—for everyone's sake. Hiring Friends? Set Very Clear Expectations Should you hire friends or family? Most agency owners will say no—and Collin would've agreed… until one friend hire actually worked out. There were many factors that contributed to this, including expectations, where the agency is at, and the person's character. The first time he hired his best friend, it was a disaster. The second time, it was a former mentee who had already sold his own agency, knew the ropes, and was a perfect culture fit. They were open, direct, and mutually respectful—and it worked. The lesson? If you do go down the friend/family road, set clear expectations, give both parties an exit ramp, and value the friendship above the business if things go sideways. The Secret to Real Growth: Do Less of What You Hate According to Collin, delegation and self-awareness are the great drivers of his agency's success. He focused on hiring people to do the things he was either bad at or dreaded doing—even if he was good at them, because chances are someone else loves the stuff you hate doing. That mindset shift allowed Collin to get laser-focused on what he does best—sales, marketing, and solving complex “math problems” for e-commerce clients. Now he wakes up looking forward to work instead of dreading it. When a Big Client Bails, Your Margins Matter More Than Ever Recently, Collin's agency lost its biggest client temporarily due to the pressures of the new tariffs. Instead of panic, his response was grounded and strategic. He's built his agency to survive losses like this and encourages agency owners to do the same, by thinking about pricing, hiring, and not sabotaging your own sales engine. Thanks to this mindset, the agency had healthy profit margins baked in. If losing one client sends you into a tailspin, you're probably not charging enough. You need to build your business in a way that you can survive losses without cutting down. That's not just about pricing—it's about operating with margin as a mindset. One of the biggest mistakes agency owners make is hitting pause on sales because things feel good. Collin's advice is to always be selling. And if capacity is tight, don't pause—raise your prices. Pro tip: Implement a sliding scale strategy. Every few clients, bump your pricing and track retention. You might find that you're working less for more. Want to Grow Fast? Hire Ahead of the Demand Let's talk about one of the hardest lessons agency owners learn: hiring too late. Collin admitted he brought on clients he couldn't serve well—and paid the price in churn and stress. This year, he's trying a different strategy by hiring ahead of the demand. And not just anyone—hire senior people. Yes, it's a luxury. But it's also how you buy back your time and protect your client relationships. Junior hires sound good on paper—cheap, trainable, full of potential. But they require time and energy you may not have. As Collin explains, the real value of a senior hire is autonomy because they can own it from day one. ”At the end of the day, if you don't build margin into your agency, one bad month can wipe you out.” Do You Want to Transform Your Agency from a Liability to an Asset? Looking to dig deeper into your agency's potential? Check out our Agency Blueprint. Designed for agency owners like you, our Agency Blueprint helps you uncover growth opportunities, tackle obstacles, and craft a customized blueprint for your agency's success.
On the podcast today we have Reyes Martínez and Héctor De Prada. They're here to discuss the essential tasks involved in maintaining multiple WordPress websites, especially for freelancers and agencies. They explore the importance of ongoing updates, security, backups, uptime monitoring, and client education, highlighting proactive website care as a valuable business opportunity. They also introduce their tool, Modular DS, which helps automate and centralise maintenance tasks, and share practical advice on selling care plans, building recurring revenue, and the evolving landscape of web maintenance. If you're a freelancer or agency owner looking to scale up your business, perhaps you offer care plans to clients, or are considering adding maintenance plans to your services, this episode's for you.
Next in Media spoke with Dr. Mark Grether SVP & General Manager, PayPal Ads, on why he thinks the company's 'transaction graph' may be even more powerful than some retailers' data for advertising, and why there's nothing to worry about with a company that has so many people's banking information to use that data for ad targeting.
Points of Interest1:09 – 2:28 – Meet Rich Brett: Rich shares his background in agency finance and how he now serves 12–15 agencies monthly by bridging gaps between finance, operations, and strategy.2:29 – 4:03 – The FinOps Mindset: Rich defines FinOps as the intersection of finance and operations—connecting financial data with the reality of agency delivery for more meaningful insights.4:04 – 6:02 – Rate Cards and Data Integrity: The duo explores how operational metrics like utilization and recovery must align with financial planning, especially when building rate cards.6:03 – 9:03 – Revenue Recognition Fundamentals: Rich explains revenue recognition as booking revenue based on delivery progress rather than invoice or payment dates, providing a more accurate financial view.9:04 – 12:08 – Cash vs. Accrual Accounting: Marcel and Rich outline the critical distinction between accrual accounting for tax, GAAP, and management purposes—and why methodology matters for insight.12:09 – 15:17 – Common RevRec Mistakes: Many agencies overcomplicate revenue recognition or fail to track only fee-earned income, leading to distorted financials and misaligned reporting.15:18 – 17:55 – Building a Methodology: Rich outlines a practical approach using project forecasts, resourcing, and delivery inputs to estimate monthly revenue earned from projects.17:56 – 21:08 – Percent Complete Frameworks: The episode covers five models for calculating project completion—from time vs. timeline to project manager estimates—each with pros and cons.21:09 – 24:47 – Operational Insights from Finance: They highlight how mismatches between recognized revenue and time tracking reveal performance issues and inform staffing decisions.24:48 – 27:37 – Working with Accountants: Rich emphasizes keeping revenue recognition simple and ensuring bookkeepers support your methodology with appropriate journal entries.27:38 – 36:00 – Scope Clarity and Internal Truth: The conversation turns to separating internal planning from client-facing documents and how poor internal assumptions lead to inaccurate reporting.Show NotesRich's LinkedInResource plan-based/general forecastMy FrameworkTime vs timelineHours vs budgetBurndownInitial project shape% complete
Before we hit record on today's episode of Sell With Authority, my team and I went deep. We poured over research, we sifted through data, and we asked ourselves a simple question: What do agency leaders need most right now? Agency leaders who've done the hard work to niche down, to plant your flag, to be known for something — but your content still isn't converting the way it should — we built this episode for you. Across the agency landscape, a lot of smart, capable leaders are quietly pulling back. Frozen. Waiting for clarity. Wanting to be bold — but afraid to make the wrong move. We've been there. But here's what we also know — because the data backs it up: Agencies that lean in, that make progressive decisions in uncertain times, are the ones that build resilience. Predictability. Trust. And growth — even 10x growth in some cases. That's why I'm so excited for you to hear from today's returning guest expert Sara Hanlon, co-founder of Peer Sales Agency. Sara is sharp, no-nonsense, and has a gift for helping B2B agencies get off the content hamster wheel and start building true momentum. Her focus? Not selling harder, but showing up smarter. Also joining is our very own Director of Strategy and Mad Scientist, Hannah Roth. If you know Hannah, you know she's in the trenches every day with clients — helping them position their expertise, price their value, and build authority that generates demand. We unpack exactly how to lead with clarity, show up with generosity, and make your content strategy start pulling its weight. No hype. No guesswork. Just clear, practical insights to help you conquer uncertainty and roar through 2025. What you will learn in this episode: What it takes to stand out and build trust with authority-driven content How to unify sales and marketing to drive consistent biz dev, stronger retention, and more referrals The most important meeting cadence and agenda to keep your team accountable and collaborative Why you should lean into your prospects' pain The research-backed difference between agencies that freeze and those that double down How to align your goals so that you are showing up as a strategic partner — not just a vendor Resources: Website: http://www.peersalesagency.com/ LinkedIn Personal: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarahanlon/ LinkedIn Business: https://www.linkedin.com/company/peer-sales/ How to Create a Successful Buyer's Journey, with Sara Hanlon
Send us a textAre you spending thousands on social media content that disappears after 48 hours? In this episode, CJ Williams breaks down why most marketing agencies flood your Instagram with Reels but ignore long-term platforms like YouTube and Google—and why that's a problem for your business.Learn how agencies are optimizing for their own convenience, not your growth—and what a smarter, more sustainable video marketing strategy looks like, especially for small business owners in Charlotte and beyond.What You'll Learn:Why agencies push short-form social content that doesn't compoundThe hidden costs of relying on “hope marketing” through social mediaWhat foundational content is—and how it can grow your visibility for yearsHow to build a video marketing strategy that prioritizes YouTube, SEO, and website trafficThe questions to ask before hiring a marketing agencyLike What You Heard?Subscribe to Show Up Better on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen.Leave a review to help more business owners discover how to turn content into conversions.visit the website: www.podcasttitans.comFollow me in Instagram
On the podcast today we have Reyes Martínez and Héctor De Prada. They're here to discuss the essential tasks involved in maintaining multiple WordPress websites, especially for freelancers and agencies. They explore the importance of ongoing updates, security, backups, uptime monitoring, and client education, highlighting proactive website care as a valuable business opportunity. They also introduce their tool, Modular DS, which helps automate and centralise maintenance tasks, and share practical advice on selling care plans, building recurring revenue, and the evolving landscape of web maintenance. If you're a freelancer or agency owner looking to scale up your business, perhaps you offer care plans to clients, or are considering adding maintenance plans to your services, this episode's for you.
Mr. Joe dives into his past to share stories of his experiences with child protective services and hospitalization. He provides sound advice to one of our listeners who is currently dealing with a mental health crisis, concerning their own children. Please support Mr. Joe, so I can continue on my lifelong podcast journey… https://donate.stripe.com/bIY7vS00WaFfdrydQR Mr. Joe has also started microdosing therapy and highly recommends SoulCybin. They have an incredible selection of products and blends! Be sure to visit… https://soulcybin.org/mrjoebp and enter coupon code MRJOEBP to save 15% off your order right now! In addition, if you would like to browse some amazing chocolate bars, various strains of mushrooms, and dozens of other amazing microdosing products, visit PolkaDot by visiting Mr. Joe's personal link… https://gasstash.com/ref/1000/
Mike and Emily Riley talk media agency paralysis, Amazon vs Trade Desk, Paramount Drama and Sydney Sweeney Soap.
Doing It Right with LeadershipIn the second part of her “Doing It Right” series on the Home Care Heroes and Day Service Stars podcast, industry veteran Ginny Kenyon returns to talk about leadership — not as a title, but as a responsibility. Ginny, who Ken Accardi describes as worthy of the “Home Care Hall of Fame,” shares her hard-earned wisdom on what it truly means to lead a successful and compassionate home care organization.Ginny begins by drawing a sharp contrast between being a "boss" and being a true leader. A boss, she says, issues orders and expects obedience. A leader, on the other hand, embraces their role as the “chief responsible person.” Leaders serve their teams by ensuring that staff have both the tools and the knowledge they need to succeed. Leadership is not about power; it's about service.The Podcast covers:Your Most Important Customer: Your Teamemployees are your most important customer.empower your team, and they will grow your business.From $1.2M to $5.3M: How Listening Fueled Explosive GrowthThese practices built loyalty, reduced conflict, and created a culture where staff felt seen, valued, and empowered.Serving Referral Sources Like VIPsrecognize referral partners as key customers Your Competition is Not Your Enemytreat your competitors as colleagues. What Makes a Great Leader in Home CareIn Ginny's view, leadership in home care is not about hierarchy. It's about ownership, empathy, and service. Leaders must:Listen to staff and act on their inputEquip employees with tools and knowledgeRecognize achievements in meaningful waysBuild strong relationships with referral partnersCollaborate with peers, even competitorsWhen you take care of the people who do the work — your caregivers, office staff, and partners — they take care of your clients. And when that happens, your business will thrive.Home Care Heroes and Day Service Stars is produced and sponsored by Ankota - If you provide services that enable older or disabled people to continue living at home , Ankota can provide you the software to successfully run your agency. Visit us at https://www.ankota.com.
In a world where tools like ChatGPT can write your captions, generate ad copy, and crank out blog posts in seconds, many business owners are asking: Do I even need a marketing agency anymore? In this episode, host Eddie Garrison goes beyond the bot to unpack the real reason why human-led marketing still reigns supreme, especially when strategy, creativity, and emotional connection are at stake. If you've been tempted to let AI run the show, this episode will reframe the conversation and show you how humans and machines can work together to create something truly impactful.
Dr. Keith Rose joins Blake's Morning Show for a critique CIA/USAID corruption and ineffective leadership on Blake Farenthold Show, linking economic issues to poor policies. He advocates for restructuring agencies for efficiency, a unified analytic branch under DNI, and modern communication tools to align government actions with public welfare. /// The Scalpel is proud to partner with Brickhouse Nutrition. Dr. Rose uses and highly recommends Field of Greens. Your purchase through this link supports The Scalpel Podcast. /// https://scalpeledge.com/brickhouse ------------------------------------------------- In Part TWO of this conversation, Dr. Keith Rose joins the Blake Farenthold Show and offers critique that highlights systemic corruption within U.S. government agencies like the CIA and USAID, where funds are misused without accountability. Leadership is criticized for failing to address these issues more directly with tangible and visible actions, including firing responsible individuals. Economic problems such as high gas prices and expensive groceries are attributed to poor policies and regulations, suggesting a disconnect between government actions and public interests. Calling for reforms, including restructuring intelligence agencies for efficiency and transparency, establishing a unified analytical branch under the DNI to eliminate siloed operations, and adopting modern communication tools, possibly leveraging external technologies. The conclusion emphasizes the need for significant changes to ensure government actions align with the public's welfare rather than personal or ideological agendas. --- Connect with The Scalpel: Website: https://scalpeledge.com Email: KFR@scalpeledge.com TruthSocial: @scalpeledge Rumble: @TheScalpel X: @TheScalpelEdge Instagram: @TheScalpelPodcast
In this episode of the Adoption Roadmap Podcast, Rebecca Gruenspan discusses the current need for families in the adoption process, the importance of pre-birth visits, financial planning for adoption, the stages of the adoption journey, and the often-overlooked role of birth fathers. She emphasizes the need for openness and understanding in navigating these complex topics, providing insights and practical advice for prospective adoptive families.Important LinksYour Adoption Finance CoachReady to Start your Adoption journey? Book a Call!RG Adoption ConsultingChapters00:00 Introduction to Adoption Opportunities02:21 Navigating Pre-Birth Visits12:52 Financial Planning for Adoption13:21 Understanding the Stages of Adoption19:02 The Role of Birth Fathers in AdoptionTune in to The Adoption Roadmap Podcast every Wednesday and Friday mornings. If you like what you hear, I'd appreciate a follow and 5-star rating & review! THANK YOU!For questions about adoption, episode suggestions or to appear as a guest on The Adoption Roadmap Podcast, emailsupport@rgadoptionconsulting.com
The Constitution Study with Host Paul Engel – Federal government has exceeded its constitutional limits, assuming powers not delegated such as regulating healthcare and influencing elections. Agencies like the FDA and CDC operate beyond original intent, and states rely on federal funds while ceding authority. Recent excessive loans, grants, and continued executive overreach reveal significant moral and financial costs of unchecked...
Insurance Dudes: Helping Insurance Agency Owners Gain Business Leverage
Welcome back to another exciting episode of The Insurance Dudes! Today's guest is none other than Dave Williams, a dynamic entrepreneur with a fascinating journey from overcoming personal and professional challenges to building a multi-million dollar insurance agency. Dave shares his insights on the importance of mastering your craft from the ground up, the power of cultivating a positive company culture, and the transformative effects of focusing on health and well-being. We dive deep into his process of scaling an insurance business through effective sales funnels, innovative hiring practices, and maintaining a strong growth mindset.Whether you're an agency owner or aspiring entrepreneur, this episode is packed with valuable lessons and inspiration to fuel your path to success. So, get ready as we hit the ground running with Recruit King Dave Williams, only on The Insurance Dudes!Join the elite ranks of P&C agents. Sign up for Agent Elite today and get exclusive resources to grow your agency!
This week on The Health Advocates, Steven Newmark, Chief of Policy at GHLF, breaks down two major stories: sweeping proposed cuts to key federal health agencies in the 2026 U.S. budget, and a new national partnership between GHLF and Walgreens aimed at improving care for chronic skin conditions. Steven explains what’s at stake, how advocacy can influence policy decisions, and why pharmacists are essential allies in supporting skin health. Among the highlights in this episode: 00:34: Steven breaks down the proposed 26% cut to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, including a 40% cut to NIH and 44% to CDC 01:00: Steven explains the impact of these cuts on medical research, vaccine surveillance, and chronic disease care 01:56: Steven discusses how Indian Health Services and HRSA programs would also be severely reduced, putting vulnerable populations at further risk 02:43: Steven emphasizes that this is a proposed budget and not a done deal—public advocacy still has power 03:10: Steven urges listeners to contact their members of Congress and help make budget policy personal for patients 03:40: The episode pivots to good news: GHLF’s new campaign with Walgreens: Your Skin, Your Health: How Pharmacists Help You Take Control To watch the videos from the campaign and explore more resources from GHLF and Walgreens, visit: https://linktr.ee/YourSkinYourHealth 03:58: Steven introduces the campaign’s focus on empowering patients with HS, psoriasis, atopic dermatitis, and alopecia through pharmacist guidance 04:28: Steven explains why pharmacists are ideal allies in chronic skin care—offering support from symptom recognition to navigating insurance 05:01: Steven outlines how the campaign will reach millions across GHLF and Walgreens channels, with weekly videos and actionable resources 05:40: He reflects on why this campaign matters: for many patients, it provides long-overdue validation and support from trusted professionals Contact Our Host Steven Newmark, Chief of Policy at GHLF: snewmark@ghlf.org A podcast episode produced by Ben Blanc, Director, Digital Production and Engagement at GHLF. We want to hear what you think. Send your comments in the form of an email, video, or audio clip of yourself to podcasts@ghlf.org Catch up on all our episodes on our website or on your favorite podcast channel.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Chip and Gini discuss the common scenario where clients give last-minute requests and share strategies for becoming part of the planning process earlier.
The Senior Care Industry Netcast w/ Valerie V RN BSN & Dawn Fiala
Send us a textWhen a loved one receives an Alzheimer's diagnosis, families often feel overwhelmed and uncertain where to turn. For home care agencies serving these families, having the right resources and training can make all the difference in providing compassionate, effective care. That's where the Alzheimer's Association comes in.In this enlightening conversation with Claire Corwin, Program Director of the Alzheimer's Association, we uncover the wealth of free resources available to both home care agencies and the families they serve. Claire, whose journey began while caring for her own grandmother, shares her expertise on everything from specialized dementia training programs to emotional support services."We want to make sure we're maximizing quality care and support for people living with dementia," Claire explains, highlighting the Association's mission to accelerate research while supporting those affected today. Home care agencies can access free educational programs covering critical topics like effective communication strategies, managing challenging behaviors, navigating end-of-life care, and understanding the diagnostic process. The "Essentials" certification program offers professional credentials for caregivers who want to specialize in dementia care.Perhaps most valuable is learning how these resources can be integrated into your agency operations. The 24/7 helpline (1-800-272-3900) provides not only support for families but also guidance for professional caregivers facing difficult situations. Community engagement opportunities like the Walk to End Alzheimer's help agencies build relationships while demonstrating their commitment to quality dementia care.Whether you're looking to enhance your caregivers' skills, provide emotional support for your staff, or connect clients with valuable community resources, this episode outlines concrete steps to establish a productive partnership with your local Alzheimer's Association chapter. By leveraging these connections, you'll not only improve the quality of care you provide but also position your agency as a specialized resource for families navigating the dementia journey.Reach out to your local Alzheimer's Association chapter today to explore how they can help strengthen your dementia care services while supporting the families who need you most.Continuum Mastery Circle IntroVisit our website at https://asnhomecaremarketing.comGet Your 11 Free Home Care Marketing Guides: https://bit.ly/homecarerev
In this vital episode of EMS One-Stop, host Rob Lawrence is joined by Matt Zavadsky and attorney Doug Wolfberg of Page, Wolfberg & Wirth for a deep-dive into three financial flashpoints currently impacting EMS. First, the trio unpack the launch of the new PWW|AG/EMS|MC EMS Financial Index, a quarterly report leveraging billing and revenue cycle data from over 1,500 agencies nationwide. This unprecedented benchmarking tool allows EMS leaders to measure performance against regional and national trends, uncovering actionable insights into billing strategies, reimbursement rates, payer mixes and the economics of service delivery. It's a critical step in helping agencies justify their value and improve their financial sustainability. Next, the discussion turns to MedPAC — the Medicare Payment Advisory Commission — and its controversial response to cost data submitted by ambulance services under the CMS Ground Ambulance Data Collection System. Doug Wolfberg explains how MedPAC discarded over half of the data, labeling higher-cost services — often rural or government-run — as outliers. This move could justify lower or stagnant Medicare fee increases, potentially devastating many providers. Finally, attention shifts to the “One Big Beautiful Bill” moving through Congress and now on its way to the Senate that would eliminate or severely restrict enhanced Medicaid funding mechanisms, such as supplemental payments and provider taxes. If passed, this legislation would reduce reimbursement for millions of transports, triggering funding crises across EMS systems — particularly in states like California and Illinois. The episode delivers a clear message: EMS leaders must prepare, advocate and act now. Episode timeline 00:41 – Rob introduces the three main topics: the PWW|AG/EMS|MC EMS Financial Index, MedPAC's response to ambulance data and a major federal bill impacting Medicaid 01:59 – Part 1 — PWW|AG/EMS|MC Financial Index 03:37 – Matt explains that the index is built using data from over 1,500 EMS agencies via EMS|MC 05:43 – The importance of regional benchmarking 08:22 – First major finding: dramatic variation in ALS billing rates across regions 09:30 – Key insight: agencies that bill more tend to collect more revenue — agencies are encouraged to determine their true cost of service and align billing accordingly 12:37 – Collection percentage is debunked as a misleading metric; focus should be on dollars collected 15:36 – ALS vs. BLS billing levels explained, with a look ahead to Q2's emergency-only data set 18:48 – How EMS agencies can better engage with insurers to cover non-transport and MIH services 20:46 – Part 2 — MedPAC 22:24 – Doug outlines how MedPAC discarded over half of the reported ambulance cost data 25:00 – Explanation of which data was discarded and why — primarily high-cost, rural and government-based services 28:22 – Doug asserts MedPAC is using cherry-picked data to suppress reimbursement increases 30:10 – Rob and Doug emphasize that EMS gave MedPAC quality input, but MedPAC is producing garbage output 32:08 – Doug outlines what MedPAC will do next and what EMS leaders must do in response 34:40 – Strong call to action: educate Congress, use real CMS data and don't accept MedPAC's narrative 36:59 – Doug emphasizes the importance of evidence-based deployment strategies for financial sustainability 37:31 – Part 3 — “One Big Beautiful Bill” 38:19 – Matt outlines how the bill would drastically limit Medicaid supplemental payments 39:43 – Federal/state Medicaid match rates explained with California as an example 42:51 – The looming reckoning: local governments may have to pay to maintain current EMS service levels 46:02 – Matt warns that the bill could trigger PAYGO cuts to Medicare as well 47:16 – Agencies are urged to plan now, talk to their communities and adjust operations 48:06 – Doug adds that pressure on U.S. senators, especially in red states, could still influence the bill 51:26 – Close and call to action Final takeaway This episode underscores that EMS cannot remain reactive — leaders must proactively use data, engage legislators and educate their communities on the true cost of care. The EMS Financial Index, the MedPAC dismissal, and the pending bill all point to a critical need for informed, strategic advocacy.
Smart Agency Masterclass with Jason Swenk: Podcast for Digital Marketing Agencies
Would you like access to our advanced agency training for FREE? https://www.agencymastery360.com/training What if scaling your agency wasn't about adding clients—but building a community that fuels growth from within? During Covid lockdowns, today's featured guest felt the need to turn his clients into a community, hosting events where they could get to know each other and build relationships. To this day, it remains one of the best changes he's introduced at his agency. With a dedicated community, a focused niche, and a cap on the amount of clients the agency takes, he created a sense of exclusivity that turned his agency into a “category of one” business that continues to thrive. Join us as he unpacks how his agency journey began, how he accidentally ran into his exclusive niche, and the ways he found to turn clients into members. Oli Luke is the founder of Orange & Gray, a hearing healthcare marketing agency that's not just thriving—it's become a “category of one.” He shares how going ultra-niche, building a true community, and capping client growth actually led to bigger success. His story offers agency owners a powerful blueprint for growth by focusing less on volume and more on depth. In this episode, we'll discuss: The power of creating scarcity. Choosing community over clients. Why client selection will save you headaches. Using AI to have a bigger impact with clients. Subscribe Apple | Spotify | iHeart Radio Sponsors and Resources E2M Solutions: Today's episode of the Smart Agency Masterclass is sponsored by E2M Solutions, a web design, and development agency that has provided white-label services for the past 10 years to agencies all over the world. Check out e2msolutions.com/smartagency and get 10% off for the first three months of service. Creating Category Leadership with Your Agency Oli started in the marketing world as early as fifteen years old, running a “questionably illegal” business that relied on marketing savvy more than morals. That spirit of experimentation, however, continued to evolve into something far more focused and in 2017 he launched a niche agency focused solely on hearing healthcare. Like many agency owners, Oli knows the pain of being a generalist—serving anyone and everyone just to keep the lights on. But once he committed to a hyper-niche model, everything changed. “We help a very specific type of business,” he explained. “There's only about 2,000 potential clients in the world for us. So we're not looking for quantity—we're looking for quality.” According to Oli, once you're playing in such a specific arena, you're playing against maybe three competitors, which helps you become very good at that sweet spot. By focusing on a tight, underserved market, Oli's agency was able to create a “category of one” positioning. It wasn't just another agency—they were the agency for hearing healthcare and that kind of positioning is gold. The Power of Capping Growth and Creating Scarcity Here's something you don't hear every day: Oli has no plans to scale his agency to the moon. In fact, he's capping it at 100 clients. “We don't want more. We want depth of relationship,” he said. This kind of intentional limitation creates natural scarcity and urgency and real, earned exclusivity. Prospects know there's a limit, so they know if they leave coming back will mean paying significantly more. It's a model Seth Godin once praised: deep focus, selective intake, and high trust. Oli's clients know they're one of the few, which raises the bar for everyone—team, clients, and prospects. Community Over Clients: How COVID Changed Everything Oli's most unexpected move—and perhaps his most impactful—came during COVID when, like many agency owners, he had to rethink everything. Prior to that, he ran a very traditional agency, with one-to-one relationships with clients that mostly didn't know each other. This all changed during COVID, when amid the shutdowns and uncertainty, Oli's team started hosting weekly “campfire chats” to bring them together. That simple shift sparked a powerful transformation. “We almost pivoted from being just a marketing agency and to being a communications company,” he said. By bringing clients together, the bonds formed turned into something more powerful than any campaign. That organic community—born out of crisis—evolved into something deeper. Today, Oli's agency doesn't just have clients; they have members. And the community has only grown since the days of the campfire chats. For him, there's nothing more powerful than getting people together, especially in this new AI era where human connection will become increasingly rarer and more important. There are monthly calls, print newsletters, annual events, and even an Austin Powers-themed meetup in London for their U.S. clients. The community is more than a retention tool—it's a moat. Members feel like they're part of something elite, something valuable. It's not just about services; it's about belonging. Why Client Selection Matters As established, if you're running an agency and not building a community of your clients, you're missing one of the biggest strategic advantages available today. Yet, it may lead to competition – some of those clients won't want to be in the same room as their competitor. That's why your client selection matters. You can't afford to bring in clients who don't align with your values, even when you're in startup mode and tempted to say yes to everyone. Learning this will take some time, but it'll always be worth it because, more than just executing for them, you're making them part of something bigger—giving them access to relationships, tools, and strategies that help them grow. And that, right there, is what makes the difference. Finding a Niche... by Accident Like many agency owners, Oli didn't start with a clear niche. In fact, his entrance into the hearing care industry in the U.S. was totally accidental—through a client speaking engagement in Houston. Back then, he had a small marketing company in the UK and a client who was doing work as a speaker in the US hearing care industry and invited him to one of his events. There, Oli shared some ideas with the audience. Just tips that seemed obvious to him in the marketing industry but were eye-opening to his listeners in the hearing care industry. He was asked to help some in that audience implement these ideas and, before he knew it, he had found a niche. When the Market Shifts, Community Wins It's easy to panic when markets get weird. And let's face it—we're in a weird season right now. But the truth is, these “down” times are often where the biggest opportunities lie. Remember 2008? 2000? COVID? Each one of those eras had agency owners panicking—and also created massive opportunities for those willing to adapt. When your competitors pull back, you lean in. And it's not just theory. Community-first strategies during downturns can redefine your agency. They create stickiness, loyalty, and value beyond deliverables. People remember who helped them weather the storm—and they stick around. This is especially true for agencies that have found their ideal niche and have therefore found a way to be of significantly more value than just the doing. These agencies are in a position to lead their clients through these changes and provided much needed leadership. The AI Evolution: Smaller Teams, Bigger Impact There's a lot of noise about AI replacing agencies. But let's get real: Agencies aren't going away. They're just changing. At the end of the day, agencies are the middle man between someone having a problem and arriving at the solution. People will still need help, they'll just be able to do more with less people. What used to take 100 employees might now take 30—or even 10. The work doesn't vanish—it evolves. It becomes smarter, faster, and more strategic. You still need strategy. You still need people making decisions. But with AI, your execution becomes more powerful. And your clients know this. They're not oblivious. Bigger brands are already coming to agencies saying, “We want the same output with fewer people—powered by AI.” If you're not ready to answer that call, you'll get left behind. That's why understanding AI—and being able to communicate your expertise in it—is going to be a game-changer. Supercharged Workflows with AI Agents One of the ways agencies should start leveraging AI is by creating their own internal AI agent using ChatGPT. For instance, you can use it to train that agent with: Case studies Client challenges CRM data Brand voice Once you do that, share it with your team so they can start using it to write a blog post, a LinkedIn update, or any kind of content—and it generates something better than most humans would. This is where the future's headed. Not to replace humans—but to empower your team with incredible leverage. You're not building a bot to do your job—you're building a smarter team that gets more done. One More Tip: Start a Podcast Even with all his experience and success in choosing a niche, creating community, and using AI, Oli maintains that starting a weekly podcast was the best move he ever made for the business. It drove client attraction, retention, education, and brand recognition. And with AI, it's never been easier to create high-quality content consistently. If you're not creating content—especially in podcast form—it's time to rethink your strategy. Want to Build an Exclusive, Scalable Agency That Clients Line Up For? Our Agency Blueprint helps you identify growth bottlenecks, build community-driven strategies, and position your agency as a category of one.
Canvas CEO Paul Woolmington on why everyone needs the NFL, and why brands need to weigh the value of running ads in live games vs. becoming part of the religion of sports fandom - with creators' help.
AI is changing SEO as we know it. But what does this mean for SEO agencies?That is what Jerry Chen, Founder of ECF Marketing, joins us to discuss. Jerry brings his experience in SEO and marketing to unpack how AI is disrupting the traditional agency model. He predicts that as AI tools become more advanced, many marketing services, especially lower-ticket ones, will become cheaper and more commoditized as these tasks are increasingly fulfilled by AI agents. Agencies that fail to adapt may struggle, but those that evolve can thrive. It's not all doom and gloom. As AI helps to reduce workloads and overheads, Jerry reminds us that it's only a matter of time until we see the first single-person unicorn. A business that hits at least a billion dollars in revenue, operated by one person and a bunch of AI agents. Greg and Jerry also explore the growing importance of personal branding. As AI-generated content floods the market, genuine human connection and authenticity will be what sets winning brands apart. If you're in digital marketing, run an agency, or want to stay ahead of the AI curve, this episode is a must-listen. Tune in to hear how AI is reshaping SEO, and what savvy entrepreneurs are doing to stay competitive. Topics Discussed in this episode: Jerry's background: From rocket science to SEO (03:00) The future of SEO in the age of AI (18:06) The traditional SEO agency model is dying (27:12) Why personal branding and human connection with your audience are so important (33:50) Jerry's AI agency (38:06) Taking content repurposing to a whole new level with AI (48:58) Mentions: Empire Flippers Podcasts Empire Flippers Marketplace Create an Empire Flippers account Subscribe to our weekly newsletter ECF Marketing Jerry's LinkedIn Sit back, grab a coffee, and explore how AI is transforming SEO agencies!
How do you grow a digital agency without getting stuck in feast-or-famine cycles or boxed in by a single niche?In this episode of The Digital Agency Growth Podcast, Dan Englander sits down with Erik J. Olson, CEO of Proxa and the force behind three specialized agencies under one umbrella. Erik walks us through his unconventional journey from civil engineering to coding in bookstores to building a portfolio of agencies with one goal: a $100M private equity exit.You'll learn:Why Erik spun off agencies instead of pivoting oneHow to identify “hall of fame” clients without over-complicating the dataWhat it really takes to hire (and keep) a performing salespersonHow AI is standardizing execution and what agency leaders should focus on insteadWhy niching isn't risky, avoiding it isWe also dig into Erik's sales frameworks, lessons from failed hires, and what it means to evolve from entrepreneur to operator.Learn more about The Digitial Agency Growth Podcast at https://www.salesschema.com/podcast/ and our Video training at http://salesschema.com/takecharge CONNECT WITH ERIK J. OLSON:LinkedInArray DigitalRival DigitalCrush DigitalCONNECT WITH DAN ENGLANDER:LinkedInSales Schema
We're diving back into the rabbit hole with the second installment of our Operation Paperclip deep dive. This week, we're peeling back the layers of history's biggest "science fair gone wrong," exposing how Nazi scientists were recruited by the U.S. government for rocket science, biological warfare, and psychological research. Was it all for the greater good, or just a convenient way to whitewash some seriously shady pasts? We tackle the ethics, the cover-ups, and the creepy connections between power and the occult. Von Braun, Himmler, and a whole lot of questionable "scientific progress"—it's all here.Timestamps:00:46Understanding Operation Paperclip04:33The Dark Side of Science and Ethics10:38The Legacy of Von Braun and Others18:05The Ethical Dilemma of Scientific Progress23:42The Moral Dilemma of Totalitarian Regimes25:56The Role of Intelligence and Occult Practices28:33The Propaganda of Operation Paperclip30:21The Ethics of Sacrifice for Progress32:53The Dark Legacy of Chemical Warfare34:53The Horrors of Biological Warfare39:53The Justification of Atrocities40:48The Power of Propaganda in Society
Watch The X22 Report On Video No videos found (function(w,d,s,i){w.ldAdInit=w.ldAdInit||[];w.ldAdInit.push({slot:17532056201798502,size:[0, 0],id:"ld-9437-3289"});if(!d.getElementById(i)){var j=d.createElement(s),p=d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0];j.async=true;j.src="https://cdn2.decide.dev/_js/ajs.js";j.id=i;p.parentNode.insertBefore(j,p);}})(window,document,"script","ld-ajs");pt> Click On Picture To See Larger Picture The green new scam continues to fall apart, the fake news can't manage the narrative, the temps are declining not rising, it's all about taxing the people. Treasury Sec Bessent just destroyed the fake news/[CB] narrative on tariffs. Tariffs brought in 23 billion in May, the parallel system is building.[DS] pushing war with Ukraine and Russia, Trump just trapped them in their attempt. The [DS] is panicking because Trump and the patriots have uncovered their secret method of keeping important evidence and document hidden, even if you search for it, it cannot be found, its called the Prohibited access. Now every case needs to be revisited. This system is also used in the other agencies. This is why they didn't want DOGE poking around. Economy https://twitter.com/ChrisMartzWX/status/1929217758224322804 1961-2020 than during the 60-year period 1901-1960. Good luck finding these statistics in the Washington Post, New York Times or on CNN. (function(w,d,s,i){w.ldAdInit=w.ldAdInit||[];w.ldAdInit.push({slot:18510697282300316,size:[0, 0],id:"ld-8599-9832"});if(!d.getElementById(i)){var j=d.createElement(s),p=d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0];j.async=true;j.src="https://cdn2.decide.dev/_js/ajs.js";j.id=i;p.parentNode.insertBefore(j,p);}})(window,document,"script","ld-ajs"); https://twitter.com/WallStreetApes/status/1929239692047798314 Learn This: Secretary Scott Bessent Outlines Status of U.S-China Trade Conflict Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent appears on CBS News to counter the false information being spread by Margaret Brennan on behalf of Wall Street corporations. The topics of interest surround China and tariffs. Let me clarify for the audience that does not follow closely. Tariffs are paid by the importer based on the wholesale price of the product as delivered by the exporting country depending on the exporters' tariff rate. Tariffs are NOT LEVIED/PAID based on the retail price of the product as sold to the consumer. Example: A pair of Denim Jeans made in China for Guess Brand. The Chinese manufacturer sells the jeans to Guess Brand for $10 a pair manufactured. Guess sells the jeans at retail in the USA for $100 (a $90 gross profit). A 50% tariff on China means the jeans cost Guess Brand $15 instead of $10 (an $85 gross profit). A 50% tariff on Guess brand jeans, that retail for $100, changes the cost to the retail brand by $5. Multinational corporations who have off shored their production and manufacturing to China are the ones screaming about tariffs. Ultimately in the final analysis, President Trump is exposing corporatism, multinational corporate vultures; he is not necessarily just exposing China. In the example above the company makes $85 gross profit as opposed to $90 gross profit on the pair of jeans if they do not raise the retail price. They don't raise the price because their profit margins are already ridiculous, and that's why consumer prices do not go up. A 50% direct tariff on Chinese goods only marginally hits the multinational corporation. American consumers need to understand this dynamic better. WATCH: MARGARET BRENNAN: But for consumers, the reality is there will either be less inventory or things at higher prices, or both. SEC. BESSENT: Margaret, when we were here in March, you said there was going to be big inflation. There hasn't been any inflation. Actually, the inflation numbers are the best in four years. So why don't we stop trying to say this could happen, and wait and see what does happen.
Episode 93. What's an agency business and what do you do after building one to 100 people and then selling? Retire?In this episode of the Lifetime at Work podcast, host Greg Martin interviews John Ghiorso, founder of Orca Pacific, an Amazon media agency, which he successfully built and sold. John shares his journey from an accidental agency owner to a seasoned entrepreneur now setting up a venture studio model to launch multiple niche-focused marketing agencies. Key topics include the dynamics of running and scaling agencies, the importance of aligning company values, the impact of AI on agency businesses, and strategies for hiring and retaining top talent.00:00 Introduction to the Podcast and Guest00:23 John's Agency Journey01:30 Understanding the Agency Business03:12 Starting and Scaling an Agency05:28 Retirement and New Ventures08:10 Hiring and Retaining Talent12:32 Company Culture and Values19:12 Deciding to Sell the Business22:09 Personal and Market-Based Reasons for Selling23:01 Navigating the Competitive Landscape of Amazon Agencies24:41 The Impact of COVID-19 on Business Strategy25:27 The Acquisition Process and Choosing the Right Partner26:49 Life After Acquisition: Working with Media Monks29:11 Reflections on Entrepreneurship and Leadership31:23 Advice for Aspiring Agency Professionals34:32 The Future of Agencies in an AI-Driven World43:31 Key Traits for Successful Agency Leaders46:56 Resources and Final Thoughts
Emily and Mike talk about the ad world's new obsession with models, and whether brands are too trusting of AI ad buying.
Health reporter Martha Rosenberg discusses her article, "Conflicts of interest are eroding trust in U.S. health agencies." Martha outlines how faith in government health bodies like the FDA and CDC has plummeted due to escalating conflicts of interest, tracing some concerns back to the 1992 Prescription Drug User Fee Act (PDUFA), which allowed drugmakers to fund aspects of the drug approval process. She points to a pattern of FDA commissioners, such as Dr. Scott Gottlieb, Dr. Robert Califf, and Dr. Margaret Hamburg, having significant financial ties to the pharmaceutical industry, and notes the concerning practice of drug trials being funded by the manufacturers of the drugs under investigation. Martha also examines the CDC Foundation, which accepts private donations, and cites several CDC directors, including Dr. Brenda Fitzgerald, Dr. Tom Frieden, Dr. Julie Gerberding, and Dr. Robert Redfield, who faced scrutiny over alleged conflicts or ethical issues. The conversation delves into the pervasive influence of pharmaceutical lobbying on Congress and the increasing tendency of medical journals to publish industry-funded research, highlighting the danger these interwoven interests pose to public trust and patient well-being. Our presenting sponsor is Microsoft Dragon Copilot. Want to streamline your clinical documentation and take advantage of customizations that put you in control? What about the ability to surface information right at the point of care or automate tasks with just a click? Now, you can. Microsoft Dragon Copilot, your AI assistant for clinical workflow, is transforming how clinicians work. Offering an extensible AI workspace and a single, integrated platform, Dragon Copilot can help you unlock new levels of efficiency. Plus, it's backed by a proven track record and decades of clinical expertise and it's part of Microsoft Cloud for Healthcare–and it's built on a foundation of trust. Ease your administrative burdens and stay focused on what matters most with Dragon Copilot, your AI assistant for clinical workflow. VISIT SPONSOR → https://aka.ms/kevinmd SUBSCRIBE TO THE PODCAST → https://www.kevinmd.com/podcast RECOMMENDED BY KEVINMD → https://www.kevinmd.com/recommended
New York Times columnist David Brooks and Washington Post associate editor Jonathan Capehart join Amna Nawaz to discuss the week in politics, including Elon Musk's legacy as his time in the White House comes to an end, members of Congress facing more pushback from voters over the Trump agenda, the president's controversial pardons and Russia's attacks on Ukraine intensifying. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders
On today's show, Dane is joined by Britt Robson from MinnPost to discuss the Timberwolves' exit interviews on Thursday morning, specifically focusing on the free agencies of Naz Reid and Julius Randle. Specific topics and timestamps below...- Key themes from exit interviews: Turnovers and Gameplan Execution (3:00)- Naz Reid's free agency + Does he need to be a starter to stay? (22:00)- Julius Randle's player option (42:00)- Where Ant is at on his developmental arc + What he still can add (60:00) If you'd like to support our partners...-- Learn more about First Resource Bank: https://myfrbank.com/-- Contact Adrianna Lonick with Coldwell Banker Realty for a free consultation at: https://www.thedancingrealtor.com/ or call/text 715-304-9920-- Contact Your Home Improvement Company: https://www.yourhomeimprovementco.com/-- Follow Falling Knife on Instagram for weekly schedule updates: https://www.instagram.com/fallingknifebc/-- Try out our new sponsor WtrMln Wtr at Whole Foods or Target: https://drinkwtrmln.com/ -- Sign up for Prize Picks, promo code "DANE" for a signup bonus: https://www.prizepicks.com/-- Want to advertise on the show? Reach out to DaneMooreProductions@gmail.com-- Support the show by subscribing for $5 a month: https://www.patreon.com/DaneMooreNBA-- #BlueWireVideo
New York Times columnist David Brooks and Washington Post associate editor Jonathan Capehart join Amna Nawaz to discuss the week in politics, including Elon Musk's legacy as his time in the White House comes to an end, members of Congress facing more pushback from voters over the Trump agenda, the president's controversial pardons and Russia's attacks on Ukraine intensifying. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders
Elon Musk’s time in the White House has officially come to an end. The world’s richest man was tapped to reshape the federal government and rein in spending. But as White House correspondent Laura Barrón-López reports, Musk’s impact remains unclear and some agency budgets actually grew. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders