Podcasts about agencies

Would you like access to our advanced agency training for FREE? https://www.agencymastery360.com/training With clients increasingly expecting their agencies to leverage AI, are you waiting for client direction, or leading the way on how to use it? Today's featured guest has a unique vantage point on this shift. He runs a platform that connects clients with credible agencies while helping agencies showcase their expertise, giving him a front-row seat to what clients truly want and what agencies fear about AI. With hundreds of thousands of agencies on his platform, he's seen firsthand that the agencies standing out are the ones leading the AI conversation, not waiting for permission to start it. He'll share why educating your clients on the possibilities of AI is now a competitive advantage and how his company's new verification layer aims to bring trust and clarity to an increasingly crowded agency marketplace. Tim Condon is the Chief Revenue Officer at Clutch, the largest B2B service provider marketplace online, boasting over 300,000 agencies. Tim helps agencies showcase services, collect reviews, and attract qualified buyers. With a front-row seat to the challenges and wins of agencies across industries, Tim sees exactly how the best adapt—and how others risk falling behind. Tim has been on the show before with advice on how agency owners can separate from the pack and position their agencies for success. In this episode, we'll discuss: Is AI coming for your agency? Document your AI processes before it gets expensive. How you should be starting the AI conversation. The power of documented proof. Subscribe Apple | Spotify | iHeart Radio Sponsors and Resources This episode is brought to you by Wix Studio: If you're leveling up your team and your client experience, your site builder should keep up too. That's why successful agencies use Wix Studio — built to adapt the way your agency does: AI-powered site mapping, responsive design, flexible workflows, and scalable CMS tools so you spend less on plugins and more on growth. Ready to design faster and smarter? Go to wix.com/studio to get started. Is AI Coming for Your Agency? It Depends The elephant in every agency Slack channel: Will AI replace us? Tim sees a spectrum. Some agencies think they're immune (“We only serve local dentists, so we're safe.”), while others are already using AI to transform delivery, productizing what used to be manual labor into scalable SaaS products for other agencies. Most agencies are stuck in the middle - unsure where to begin and afraid to fall behind. Basically, if your clients are tech-savvy DIYers, yes, you're at risk. But 99% of clients aren't like that. They want the results AI brings, but they don't want to build or manage it themselves. Hence, those who adopt AI to streamline delivery and elevate their positioning—not those who ignore it or just dabble, will win. AI Isn't a Threat. It's Your Edge AI is already making agencies faster, leaner, and more profitable if they leverage it correctly: Custom GPTs for marketing, sales training, and operations Automated research and lead qualification Speeding up delivery while maintaining quality Tim shared an example of a San Francisco agency using LLMs to automate internal processes. It wasn't complicated: structured folders, an AI model to search and output organized results. Simple, but powerful. If your agency isn't at least experimenting with AI to remove repetitive manual work, you're falling behind—not because AI will replace you, but because other agencies will outpace you by using AI to do what you do, faster and cheaper. Document Your AI Processes Now (Before It Gets Expensive) AI pricing today is like Uber in the early days: cheap to get you hooked, but it won't last. AI's current affordability is saving agencies the equivalent of multiple salaries annually. Eventually, these tools will increase in price to reflect their true value. What can you do about this? Jason recommends documenting your workflows and data used to train custom GPTs or AI agents now. If pricing spikes or a model goes down, you can pivot to another provider without losing your institutional knowledge. Why Agencies Must Shift from Order-Takers to Advisors Most agencies fail not because they lack skills, but because they act like order-takers. As a clients, it's frustrating for Jason when agencies ask, “What do you want us to do?” instead of showing him what's possible. Remember that as agencies, your purpose is to solve problems for your clients. Clients (dentists, local businesses, even large brands) don't know what's possible with AI. They think it's just a fancy chatbot. If you step up to educate and advise clients on what's possible with AI, you become indispensable. Look to build systems that: Research prospects automatically before calls Automate competitor and market analysis Help clients leverage AI in their workflows Agencies that step into this advisor role, showing clients what's possible and taking accountability for delivering results, become irreplaceable. You're not just executing tasks; you're creating outcomes they can't create alone, and that's where real value lies. Don't Be Another “Nomad Agency.” Be the Real Deal Too many people who failed at running agencies pivot into teaching how to run an agency while living the “digital nomad” lifestyle, without having actually built sustainable businesses. This creates noise and mistrust in the marketplace, making it harder for real agencies to stand out. Most of the time, agency owners are accidental entrepreneurs—people who mastered a skill and were asked to help, not those who started for the lifestyle. If you're listening to this, you're likely the latter. To stand out, you need to showcase not just what you can do but what you've actually done. Your wins, client results, and case studies speak louder than lifestyle photos on Instagram. The Power of Specific, Documented Proof If you want to stand out from the fly-by-night agencies, talk specifics. Others mostly speak in generalities. Instead, credible agencies share specifics. If you can clearly articulate, “Here's the exact problem we solved for a client just like you,” then you instantly separate yourself from the pack. Tools like Clutch help because they use AI to pull themes from your reviews to match buyer intent, but your agency still needs to collect, showcase, and share detailed case studies and client stories. Documentation matters. If you're working with SMBs or mid-market clients, they want to see clear, verified results before investing. When you can present proof, it's hard for low-quality competitors to compete, no matter how flashy their pitch decks look. Start gathering your “receipts” now to future-proof your positioning. Verification Adds Trust in a Crowded Marketplace Tim's company Clutch now offers Clutch Verified as an additional trust layer. They don't just take your word for it; they check your business registration, credit history, and operating longevity to separate real agencies from “gaming-the-system” players. It's a powerful way to signal to potential clients, “We're credible, stable, and vetted.” For clients, it's a good indicator of who you'll be working with and for agencies it becomes a sales asset. When potential clients research you on Clutch, verified agencies are prioritized, giving you an edge over competitors. It's a practical, low-cost step to build trust and signal legitimacy, especially if you're competing for premium clients. 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.

The final episode of the month will not disappoint! This week on That Entrepreneur Show, we're pulling back the curtain on the often-confusing world of marketing partnerships! We're thrilled to host Behdad Jamshidi, CEO of CJAM - The Marketing Connector, a truly unique and successful business. Bee founded CJAM after realizing a critical gap: most companies don't know how to evaluate marketing agencies or properly assess their own needs.In just six years, Bee has personally vetted over 1,000 marketing agencies, narrowing them down to 100+ preferred partners across every niche. He's since become the ultimate matchmaker, successfully pairing hundreds of businesses with the perfect agencies for their unique needs. His diverse background, spanning marketing, engineering, consulting, leadership, sales, and strategy, has made him the indispensable conduit between business owners and the marketing teams designed to fuel their success.Featured in MarketWatch, Bloomberg, and the Financial Post, Bee brings a wealth of knowledge. In this episode, he'll share the biggest lessons learned from his career at CJAM, including crucial insights from working with countless agencies. We'll also explore his journey for that defining moment – perhaps a failure or an unexpected opportunity – that changed everything. Finally, Bee will reveal what he believes is something about running a company that most people simply don't realize. If you've ever struggled to find the right marketing partner, or want a candid look behind the scenes of an innovative business, this is an episode you won't want to miss!Support the showThank you for tuning in! Be sure to subscribe to stay current with our episodes. We want to feature you! Let us know about an episode you love by emailing PodcastsByLanci@gmail.com Want the episode freebie or have a question for our guest or Vincent? Interested in becoming a guest or show partner? Email us.Show Partners:Coming Alive Podcast Production: www.comingalivepodcastproduction.comJohn Ford's Empathy Card Set and App: https://www.empathyset.com/ Music Credits: Copyright Free Music from Adventure by MusicbyAden.

Eli Rubel is a serial entrepreneur, best known as the "Agency Profitability Guy." Since 2020, his portfolio of agencies has produced over $9.8M in profits—all while maintaining part-time hours and full-time freedom. In this episode, Eli breaks down exactly how anyone can build (or scale) a service business—plus what it takes to turn it into a lifestyle asset that runs without you. On this episode we talk about: Eli's entrepreneurial roots: setting up a photo studio in his parents' garage, learning the lessons of low-wage jobs (room service at an hourly motel), and how early initiative shaped his career vision Starting and scaling agencies: from his first agency, Matter Made (a B2B performance marketing shop), to No Boring Design (brand/design for SaaS companies), and Profit Labs (helping agency owners boost profit margins) Why agency services are the ideal scalable side hustle: you can start solo as a freelancer, ramp up to replace (or surpass) your day-job income, and ultimately build a seven-figure company with qualified operators The proven roadmap for new agency founders: identify in-demand services (paid media, design, marketing automation, sales support, cold email, etc.), connect with industry experts, and model the playbook on what works—no need to reinvent the wheel Eli's personal story: pivoting from CEO of VC-backed startups and e-commerce turnarounds to building cash-generating, low-stress agencies that let him spend more time with family ("the tricycle life") The playbook: how Eli went from $0 to $40,000/month in personal net income within three months by leveraging his network, hiring great operators, and focusing on what he does best—relationships, vision, and assembling world-class teams The agency profit formula: stop doing the technical work yourself, hire/partner with people you trust, and empower them to do what you can't (or won't) Why AI is about to disrupt agencies—why you should “make hay while there's hay to be made,” but prepare for a new wave where niche expertise and AI/automation consulting become the next big opportunities How AI agencies (helping local businesses implement and automate with tools like HighLevel) could be the new “social media agency” gold rush for ambitious, young, or tech-savvy entrepreneurs Eli's advice: focus first on what's proven to bring in revenue, then use your earnings and freedom to pursue higher-purpose projects or passion businesses down the road Top 3 Takeaways Agencies Offer Scalable, Flexible Income: Proven models like paid media, design, and marketing are easy to start and scale—no reinvention needed, just execution and networking. Play to Your Unique Strengths: Don't force yourself to do what you hate—partner with those who are better at the technical work, and focus on your unique edge (relationships, vision, operations, deal-making). AI is the Next Massive Opportunity: Traditional agencies will be squeezed by AI, but that creates demand for those who can help small businesses adopt, automate, and run leaner-than-ever operations. Notable Quotes “Within three months we'd already surpassed my goal—$40,000 a month net income—and by three years, we'd produced $7M in profit.” “I have never deployed a single client dollar or been inside of a client's ad account since 2020. My superpower is assembling great people and letting them win.” “Soon, AI will put 80% of agency businesses out of business. But if you get great at implementing it for specific niches today, there are millions to be made.” Connect with Eli Rubel: Website: https://www.elirubel.com/

The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency is out with some new guidance on how agencies can adopt zero trust security architectures. CISA's latest guide focuses on a security concept called micro segmentation. It's considered critical to containing hackers and malware before they wreak havoc across networks and steal sensitive data. For more, Federal News Network's Justin Doubleday spoke with Shelley Hartsook, an Acting Associate Director in CISA cybersecurity division.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Advertising is fundamental part of business and it's one that has been buffeted by the impacts of technology in both the path to markets and the management of its delivery. Creating a brand reputation and influencing consumers is the core function and analyst Natalie Colakides and Ian Whittaker, managing director of Liberty Sky Advisors, join host Eric Hanselman to discuss the nuances of advertising and technology's evolution around it. Shifts in media have had a profound effect - the reach of linear television media has decreased significantly, while digital advertising options have expanded. Businesses are looking to blend linear and streaming advertising, but it can be complex to make an effective distinction. There is significant global variation in media consumption and advertising potential. While the UK was the first market where digital spending overtook traditional, the European market is diverging from patterns in the U.S.. Many businesses are looking to AdTech to make the process more efficient, but there are limits its capabilities. Agencies still have a significant role to play, but the advertising buying and planning that has been a big part of their business could be under threat from advances delivered by AI. Enterprises have a lot to wrestle with, but they need to keep focused on the fundamental task of winning hearts and minds.   More S&P Global Content: Kagan Media and Telecom Summit event link   For S&P Global subscribers: Big Four ad agencies see mixed results due to macro uncertainty A sneak preview of the Kagan Media & Telecom Summit 2025 See it in charts: TV Networks, June 2025   Credits: Host/Author: Eric Hanselman Guests: Natalie Colakides, Ian Whittaker Producer/Editor: Adam Kovalsky Published With Assistance From: Sophie Carr, Feranmi Adeoshun, Kyra Smith

Send us a textIn this episode of FedBiz'5, host Bobby Testa dives into a challenge every contractor faces—cutting through the noise in an increasingly competitive federal marketplace.You've got the qualifications. You're in SAM. Maybe you even have some past performance under your belt. So why are you still getting passed over?Because in today's government marketplace, being “qualified” isn't enough.Agencies want results. They want reliability. And they're scanning hundreds—sometimes thousands—of vendors trying to find the safest bet for the mission. If your messaging doesn't clearly show what makes you a standout, you might as well be invisible.Bobby walks listeners through the top reasons most small and mid-sized contractors blend in—and exactly how to fix it. You'll learn how to flip the script from "we do everything" to "here's the measurable value we bring."Key points in this episode include:What “Best Value” really means to contracting officersWhy most capability statements fall flat—and how to rewrite yours to hitThe three differentiators that matter most: results, past performance, and team credibilityA simple value formula you can use to reshape your proposals and pitchesTactical moves to update your SAM profile, DSBS listing, and boilerplate contentHow to avoid the “GovCon Generic” trap and create messaging that sticksThis isn't theory. It's a roadmap.If you're tired of getting ghosted after submitting bids or overlooked during market research, this episode is your reset button. From proposal prep to strategic teaming, Bobby gives you the framework to become a vendor agencies want to work with.No more fluff. Just proven tactics to improve visibility, build trust, and win more.Listen now to get clear, confident, and ready to stand out.

A massive fire in an industrial park in eastern Atascosa County July 26 drew multiple area fire departments to contain the blaze. The fire was reported at about 6:30 p.m. Saturday at W.W. Wood Inc., in the 1700 block of Corgey Road east of Pleasanton. The company's complex includes a wood-processing plant, and stored a sizable inventory of artificial logs, wood chips, and charcoal, to be used primarily for barbecuing. Agencies from numerous firefighting agencies were called upon to support firefighters in Atascosa County. Bexar County agencies included elements from Emergency Services Districts (ESDs) 10 and 12, based in Elmendorf...Article Link

The majority of South Bay transit riders, whether on train, bus, or light-rail, have experienced or witnessed some kind of harassment. KALW and Mosaic Journalism student reporter Padma Balaji took a trip around the South Bay to find out more.

This Day in Maine for Monday, July 28, 2025.

Episode 171: Get our no-fluff training on how to build a profitable online business: https://app.digitaltrailblazer.com/register-launch-scaleGetting noticed in a crowded and oversaturated market is difficult. No matter how much content you create, you get lost in the noise, making it hard to build credibility and reach new audiences.In this episode, Ishveen Jolly teaches us how to leverage influencer partnerships even on a small budget. She reveals how to find authentic connections between athletes/celebrities and your coaching or course business, negotiate deals starting as low as $250 or even product exchanges, and repurpose that content across multiple channels for maximum impact.Ishveen also shares creative partnership models beyond simple promotions, including co-creating specialized courses and building long-term affiliate relationships that can transform your marketing strategy.About Ishveen Jolly: Ishveen is a trailblazer in the sports marketing industry having built OpenSponsorship.com into the world's largest marketplace connecting brands to athletes for digital marketing campaigns.Her accolades include getting on the Forbes 30U30 sports list, Inc's top 100 female Founders list and raising over $5M for the company including from NBA team owners, athletes such as Serena Williams, notable VCs and her Alma Mater Oxford University.The marketplace has 17,000 athletes, 60% are managed by the major sports agencies and 40% is athletes direct. They have done 10,000 deals including for brands like Walmart, Footlocker, ESPN, Fanduel, Western Union, and 100s more.Connect with Ishveen:https://opensponsorship.com https://instagram.com/opensponsorshipWant to SCALE your online business bigger and faster without the endless hustle of networking, referrals, and pumping out content that nobody sees?Grab our Ultimate Ad Script for Coaches, Agencies, and Course Creators.Learn the exact 5-step script we teach our clients that allows them to generate targeted, high-quality leads at ultra-low cost, so you can land paying customers and clients without breaking the bank on ad spend. Grab the Ultimate Ad Script right HERE - https://join.digitaltrailblazer.com/ultimate-ad-script✅ Connect With Us:Website - https://DigitalTrailblazer.comFacebook - https://www.facebook.com/digitaltrailblazerTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@digitaltrailblazerTwitter: https://twitter.com/DgtlTrailblazerInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/DigitalTrailblazer

Join Carl Jackson and Ed Morrissey as they delve into the intricate world of media dynamics and political narratives. In this episode, they discuss the cancellation of Stephen Colbert's show, the financial realities of late-night television, and the broader implications for media integrity. With a focus on objective truth and insightful analysis, Carl and Ed explore the intersection of entertainment, politics, and public perception. Don't miss this engaging conversation that challenges the status quo and offers a fresh perspective on today's media landscape. Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/carljacksonradio Twitter: https://twitter.com/carljacksonshow Parler: https://parler.com/carljacksonshow Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecarljacksonshow http://www.TheCarlJacksonShow.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Join Carl Jackson and Ed Morrissey as they delve into the intricate world of media dynamics and political narratives. In this episode, they discuss the cancellation of Stephen Colbert's show, the financial realities of late-night television, and the broader implications for media integrity. With a focus on objective truth and insightful analysis, Carl and Ed explore the intersection of entertainment, politics, and public perception. Don't miss this engaging conversation that challenges the status quo and offers a fresh perspective on today's media landscape. Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/carljacksonradio Twitter: https://twitter.com/carljacksonshow Parler: https://parler.com/carljacksonshow Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecarljacksonshow http://www.TheCarlJacksonShow.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Heat is the leading weather-related cause of death in the United States. A team from the National Weather Service spent more than a decade, mostly on their own time, to develop a tool that could link weather data about heat with heat-related injury data to predict heat risk. When that tool went nation-wide, it transformed emergency management, public health, and education. It also earned this team a 2025 Service to America Medal. Here to tell us more about this life-saving technology are Michael Staudenmaier, Chad Kahler, and Mark Loeffelbein of the National Weather Service.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

When choosing a creative partner for your brand, trust is everything. El Segundo's London : Los Angeles (LO:LA) just earned the Better Business Bureau's coveted A+ rating, giving you one more reason to feel confident about your next brand development project. Learn more: https://www.thelolaagency.com/post/lo-la-receives-bbb-a-rating London : Los Angeles (LO:LA) City: El Segundo Address: 840 Apollo Street Website: https://www.thelolaagency.com

In this episode...02:25 - Battlefield Updates - Battle of Pokrovsk entering critical phase11:12 - Assassination in Ukraine tied to American neo-Nazis18:42 - New report on the Olenivka massacre20:56 - Crimean Tatar arrested in France on behalf of Russia24:50 - The US might be returning to aid for Ukraine, though with a lot of caveats36:38 - Beginning of recognition of same-sex marriage in Ukraine40:32 - Most of the Ukrainian cabinet has been changed or shuffled around, including the Prime Minister51:14 - Protests against a law that would remove the independence of anti-corruption agenciesLinkhttps://english.nv.ua/podcasts-video/first-night-of-protest-against-anti-corruption-bill-50531794.htmlTwitterAnthony: @BartawayRomeo: @VagrantJournoUkraine Without Hype: @HypeUkraineOther Social Mediahttp://youtube.com/@UkraineWithoutHypehttp://tiktok.com/@ukrainewithouthypehttp://instagram.com/ukrainewithouthype/Patreonhttps://www.patreon.com/UkraineWithoutHypeResources and Charitieshttps://linktr.ee/ukrainewithouthypeMusicHey Sokoli (Traditional)

Episode 170: Grab our FREE Guest Speaking Guide for Online Business Owners: https://app.digitaltrailblazer.com/gsc-podcastMany coaches and course creators are spending countless hours creating social media content, believing it will automatically attract new customers and grow their business. However, they're often just speaking to the same audience over and over without real growth, leading to frustration and wasted time.In this episode, Leah & Todd teach us how to use social media strategically in 2025. They explain why content alone won't grow your audience anymore, reveal three proven methods for reaching new people (including the power of podcast guesting and strategic ad spend), and show how to use social media as a nurturing tool to move prospects toward a sale rather than hoping for organic discovery.Want to SCALE your online business bigger and faster without the endless hustle of networking, referrals, and pumping out content that nobody sees?Grab our Ultimate Ad Script for Coaches, Agencies, and Course Creators.Learn the exact 5-step script we teach our clients that allows them to generate targeted, high-quality leads at ultra-low cost, so you can land paying customers and clients without breaking the bank on ad spend. Grab the Ultimate Ad Script right HERE - https://join.digitaltrailblazer.com/ultimate-ad-script✅ Connect With Us:Website - https://DigitalTrailblazer.comFacebook - https://www.facebook.com/digitaltrailblazerTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@digitaltrailblazerTwitter: https://twitter.com/DgtlTrailblazerInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/DigitalTrailblazer

In this episode of the Insurance Producers Podcast, Cyrus Jaffery sits down with Paul Drake to talk all things AI and why agencies can't afford to sit this one out. From automating onboarding to streamlining property data and using AI like the ultimate intern, Paul breaks down how clean data is the real foundation behind every “smart” tool—and why hyper-specialized solutions will shape the future of the industry. Whether you're an early adopter or still skeptical, this episode will give you a practical look at what's working now and what's coming fast.

Dozens of aid agencies accuse Israel of withholding food and say mass starvation in Gaza is spreading. Also: Donald Trump secures a trade deal with Japan, and a couple reunite with their love letters - 60 years later.

Livestream with Jonathan MS Pearce - Scandal in Ukraine and the US - we break down what's happening.----------SILICON CURTAIN FILM FUNDRAISERA project to make a documentary film in Ukraine, to raise awareness of Ukraine's struggle and in supporting a team running aid convoys to Ukraine's front-line towns.https://buymeacoffee.com/siliconcurtain/extras----------SUPPORT THE CHANNEL:https://www.buymeacoffee.com/siliconcurtainhttps://www.patreon.com/siliconcurtain----------TRUSTED CHARITIES ON THE GROUND:Save Ukrainehttps://www.saveukraineua.org/Superhumans - Hospital for war traumashttps://superhumans.com/en/UNBROKEN - Treatment. Prosthesis. Rehabilitation for Ukrainians in Ukrainehttps://unbroken.org.ua/Come Back Alivehttps://savelife.in.ua/en/Chefs For Ukraine - World Central Kitchenhttps://wck.org/relief/activation-chefs-for-ukraineUNITED24 - An initiative of President Zelenskyyhttps://u24.gov.ua/Serhiy Prytula Charity Foundationhttps://prytulafoundation.orgNGO “Herojam Slava”https://heroiamslava.org/kharpp - Reconstruction project supporting communities in Kharkiv and Przemyslhttps://kharpp.com/NOR DOG Animal Rescuehttps://www.nor-dog.org/home/-----------

Most mid-market construction companies are outgrowing their brokers without even realizing it.In this episode of Getting Past the Premium, Elliot Bassett sits down with Joshua Verch, Senior Advisor at The Baldwin Group, to unpack what really happens when companies scale past $10M, $25M, or $50M—and producers are still treating them like they're a small business.Joshua brings a sharp and refreshing perspective from inside the trenches of construction risk management, where service gaps, outdated brokers, and foggy renewal processes are killing profitability.If you're a producer, agency owner, or executive dealing with risk in the construction space…This conversation is a wake-up call.You'll learn:✅ Why most insurance strategies don't evolve as businesses grow✅ The hidden risks of staying loyal to the wrong broker✅ How to structure better submissions and win underwriting support✅ Why consultative producers are taking market share✅ What it takes to be seen as an advisor—not a quote machineWhether you're trying to win BORs or protect your largest accounts, this episode delivers a masterclass in authority-based selling and next-level advisory.

Struggling to break past six figures with your Meta (Facebook) ads? In this episode of The Growth Marketing Stories podcast, Aazar sits down with Ovidia, founder of the eight-figure brand Perfect Jean, to reveal actionable strategies for scaling paid media, creative operations, and unlocking consistent ad winners.

AP correspondent Ben Thomas reports demonstrators took to the streets across Ukraine over a new law weakening anti-corruption agencies.

Mass starvation is spreading across Gaza Plus: Len McCluskey's incompetence is being exposed and the Epping asylum hotel riots continue to escalate. With: Michael Walker, Kieran Andrieu, Omar Shakir and Novara Media's Polly Smythe

More than 100 aid agencies warn that "mass starvation" is spreading across Gaza. UNRWA communications director Juliette Touma spoke to Ingrid Hipkiss.

Organizations across the world have been scrambling to address a critical cybersecurity vulnerability in Microsoft's widely used SharePoint software, that includes federal agencies who are on a tight deadline to mitigate the vulnerability earlier this week. Federal News Network's Justin Doubleday is here with the latest See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

A new educational blog series explores how AI-powered CRM tools are transforming lead management, sales automation and client engagement. The content highlights GoHighLevel's role in helping agencies and service providers improve operations, reduce costs and scale faster using automation and AI. Netpartners Marketing City: Tualatin Address: 11407 SW Amu St Website: https://netpartners.marketing

Over 100 aid agencies have warned that mass starvation is spreading in Gaza. The 2.1m population are essentially confined to an area less than the size of Galway City and its Suburbs with just under 90% of the territory under evacuation orders. Pat discusses this further with Juliette Tuoma Director of Communications, UNRWA.

Mastering Modern PPC with Lisa Raehsler of Big Click CoOn this episode of The Thoughtful Entrepreneur, host Josh Elledge speaks with Lisa Raehsler, Founder and CEO of Big Click Co, about how businesses can stay competitive in the fast-evolving world of pay-per-click (PPC) advertising. Lisa shares expert insights on AI-powered campaign management, platform diversification, and why creativity and strategic oversight matter more than ever. Whether you're a digital marketing professional or business owner, Lisa breaks down what it takes to succeed with paid media in 2024 and beyond.Why PPC Success Now Requires Both Automation and StrategyPPC is no longer just about bidding on keywords—it's about understanding how automation, AI, and data privacy changes impact campaign outcomes. Lisa explains how platforms like Google and Meta are using AI to automate nearly every aspect of campaign delivery, from bidding to ad creation. While this creates efficiency, it also introduces risks like loss of control and black-box decision-making, which is why marketers must remain hands-on and analytical when reviewing performance data.Lisa also highlights the growing importance of creative and cross-platform strategy. As AI handles more of the technical execution, your competitive edge now lies in compelling visuals, differentiated messaging, and platform-specific strategies. From B2B success on LinkedIn to branding on YouTube and connected TV, Lisa encourages advertisers to diversify spend and lean into where their audience is most engaged.For businesses wondering when to hire a PPC agency, Lisa advises a minimum monthly ad spend of $2,000 and a strategic growth mindset. Agencies like Big Click Co offer value when you're ready to scale, need access to advanced features, or want creative approaches in complex or “unsexy” industries. Lisa's advice is clear: stay curious, test constantly, and align automation with strong brand strategy.About Lisa RaehslerLisa Raehsler is the Founder and CEO of Big Click Co. With decades of experience in digital advertising, Lisa is a nationally recognized PPC expert who helps businesses grow through strategic, data-driven paid media campaigns across Google, Meta, LinkedIn, and beyond.About Big Click CoBig Click Co is a performance-driven PPC consultancy focused on helping businesses maximize ROI across modern advertising platforms. The firm specializes in campaign strategy, automation oversight, and creative testing for growth-minded clients.Links Mentioned in this Episode:Big Click Co WebsiteLisa Raehsler on LinkedInEpisode Highlights:What's changed in PPC for 2024How AI is impacting Google and Meta ad campaignsWhy creative and cross-platform strategy are keyWhen to hire a PPC agency and how to know you're readyHow to succeed with LinkedIn, YouTube, and CTV adsConclusionPPC in 2024 demands more than just technical skills—it requires strategy, creativity, and adaptability. Lisa Raehsler shows us that by balancing automation with oversight and leaning into what makes your brand unique, paid media can become a powerful engine for growth. If you're ready to level up your advertising, now's the time to take a smarter, more strategic approach.Apply to be a Guest on The Thoughtful...

Today, we're delighted to welcome back a longtime friend of the show, Russ Dieringer.  He's here to share key insights from Stratably's latest research, diving into how brands are navigating content optimization for Rufus and the evolving landscape of AI-driven search. Tune in to find out more!   KEY TAKEAWAYS In this episode, Julie, Jordan, and Russ discuss: Russ shares his own experience as an Amazon shopper using Rufus, noting its usefulness for browsing and specific queries, but also highlighting that most everyday shoppers aren't aware of Rufus by name. Stratable's survey included 286 brands and agencies, focusing mainly on mid-sized and enterprise consumer brands, to understand industry attitudes and actions towards AI optimization. Despite AI being the industry buzzword, only 12% of brands and 20% of agencies have taken concrete steps to optimize product detail pages for Rufus. There's a lot of talk, but relatively little action so far. A major barrier is a lack of clarity from Amazon about how Rufus works and what specifically brands should do to optimize for it. Many brands are still trying to perfect basic search optimization, let alone adapt to the new AI layer, with content under-resourcing being an ongoing issue. Evaluating the impact of AI-oriented content changes is tough—only about a quarter of those who have made changes report a positive effect, and tracking the influence of AI touchpoints (like review summaries) is still a gray area. Russ recommends a balanced approach: don't ignore AI advancements or drop everything to chase the trend. Instead, start testing and learning now, so your brand can adapt as best practices and clearer measurement tools emerge. The episode closes with an emphasis on curiosity, experimentation, and the reality that there's no perfect playbook—brands should embrace the unknown and be proactive in learning as the ecosystem evolves.   MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE Are Brands Actually Updating PDPs for Rufus? What's Holding Brands Back from Optimizing for Rufus? Are Rufus-Driven PDP Updates Driving Results? Connect with Stratably's Founder & CEO, Russ Dieringer Learn more about Stratably Connect with our host, Julie Spear Connect with our host, Jordan Ripley Learn more about Acadia

This episode is brought to you by Walmart Connect. From homepage to home improvement. Win Carts and Minds with Walmart Connect.Next in Media spoke with Sarah Hofstetter, chairwoman of Profitero, a division of Publicis, about the haves and have nots in retail media, whether the big players TV presence is going to cause a bifurcation in the market, and what agentic shopping might do to the whole category.

Anthony starts by narrating a piece about the league preparing itself for the seasons of Jokic/Luka/Giannis and offering some additional context seeing as he wrote that piece a few days ago. Then, right as we were ready to post this episode, word dropped the Lakers are waiving Jordan Goodwin. Anthony gives his thoughts on that too. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this episode of the Elevate Media Podcast, host Chris Anderson speaks with Ali Hafizji, engineer turned entrepreneur and founder of Wednesday and Tuesday, two innovative agencies. Ali shares his journey from building scalable systems to running product-driven teams focused on AI, customer acquisition, and sustainable growth. He explains how product-market fit applies to both products and services, why most founders plateau, and how to break through by changing yourself and your systems. A must-listen for entrepreneurs seeking to scale with intention and adaptability.Main Talking Points:What product-market fit really means—and how to know when you have itAli's journey from engineering at scale to founding two agenciesThe biggest challenge for founders: themselvesHow to adapt business systems to scale through S-curve growthThe impact of AI on service businesses and client expectationsWhy smaller teams have an edge in flexibility and innovationLessons in delegation, decision-making, and evolving leadershipUsing sprints and skin-in-the-game pricing models for client trustNavigating fear and economic downturns with resiliencePersonal habits, sports, and the mental edge in entrepreneurship  This episode is NOT sponsored. Some product links are affiliate links, meaning we'll receive a small commission if you buy something.===========================⚡️PODCAST: Subscribe to our podcast here ➡ https://elevatemedia.buzzsprout.com/⚡️Need post-recording video production help? Let's chat ➡ https://calendly.com/elevate-media-group/application⚡️For Support inquires or Business inquiries, please email us at ➡︎ support@elevate-media-group.comOur mission here at Elevate Media is to help purpose-driven entrepreneurs elevate their brands and make an impact through the power of video podcasting.Disclaimer: Please see the link for our disclaimer policy for all our episodes or videos on the Elevate Media and Elevate Media Podcast YouTube channels. https://elevatemediastudios.com/disclaimer

If you've ever felt overwhelmed by your agency's numbers—or just kind of guessed your way through profitability—this episode is your wake-up call.Whitney Lee sits down with Louise Hipperson, CEO of The Finance Agency, to unpack what's really going on behind the spreadsheets. Louise shares her own journey into finance, then dives into what every agency owner needs to understand: how to use financial data to make smart decisions and actually boost profitability.In this episode, you'll learn:Why team utilization and project scoping are make-or-break metricsHow to use billable rates strategicallyThe power of niching down (yes, even when it feels scary)What most agency owners get wrong about money—and how to fix itIf you're ready to shift from flying blind to making confident, data-backed moves in your business, this one's a must-listen.---------The Finance Agency on InstagramLouise Hipperson on LinkedIn---------Whitney on Instagram Whitney on LinkedInTrue Story PR Website

Episode 169: Get our no-fluff training on how to build a profitable online business: https://app.digitaltrailblazer.com/register-launch-scaleMany online business owners struggle with inconsistent lead generation and make costly mistakes that either cause their businesses to fail or significantly slow their growth. Without a steady flow of qualified prospects, entrepreneurs find themselves constantly stressed about where their next client will come from, often wasting time and money on ineffective marketing strategies.In this episode, Jake Smolarek teaches us how to survive long-term as an entrepreneur by avoiding common pitfalls that derail most businesses. He shares why delegation should start from day one, explains how to leverage your existing network for free lead generation before investing in paid advertising, and reveals the critical importance of focusing on money-generating activities rather than perfectionist tasks that don't directly impact revenue.About Jake Smolarek: Jake is a high-performance business coach with over 20 years of entrepreneurial experience. He helps ambitious founders, executives, and professionals scale their businesses, build mental toughness, and create meaningful success. Known for his no-BS coaching style, Jake's signature frameworks, like Vision GPS, No 0% Days, and the 10–80–10 Rule, have transformed the way his clients think, lead, and win. Originally from Poland, he built his life from scratch in the UK and now shares hard-earned lessons through coaching, speaking, and podcast appearances.Connect with Jake:https://www.jakesmolarek.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/jakesmolarek/ https://www.instagram.com/jakesmolarek https://www.tiktok.com/@jakesmolarekWant to SCALE your online business bigger and faster without the endless hustle of networking, referrals, and pumping out content that nobody sees?Grab our Ultimate Ad Script for Coaches, Agencies, and Course Creators.Learn the exact 5-step script we teach our clients that allows them to generate targeted, high-quality leads at ultra-low cost, so you can land paying customers and clients without breaking the bank on ad spend. Grab the Ultimate Ad Script right HERE - https://join.digitaltrailblazer.com/ultimate-ad-script✅ Connect With Us:Website - https://DigitalTrailblazer.comFacebook - https://www.facebook.com/digitaltrailblazerTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@digitaltrailblazerTwitter: https://twitter.com/DgtlTrailblazerInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/DigitalTrailblazer

The Trump administration has created a classification of political appointees called Schedule G. The new employment category will let agencies hire non career federal employees to work on the administration's policies. The White House says Schedule G will improve operations and efficiency, but some critics are wary of the executive order's broader implications Here with more is Federal News Network's Drew Friedman.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

COSMOS Manga Review, Alien Theories & Our Pokémon Teams | AniPro Podcast 189Episode Overview:AniPro hosts Cole, Mike, and Jay explore their alien sides as they take a look at the Men in Black-like manga: Cosmos! Tune in to find out if Ryuhei Tamura's 2023 alien insurance agency manga is destined for the stars, or a crash landing!Also, the boys discuss para-social relationships, and more!Topics & Timestamps:00:00:00 - AniProPod 189 Intro 00:03:45 - Parasocial Relationships: How We Connect With Creators00:08:15 - Our Unique Skills In an Anime Game00:15:03 - Are Aliens Already on Earth? Theories and Speculation00:20:23 - Far Away Aliens, Mars Mysteries & Musings on Reality00:24:46 - Bad Concepts, Great Anime: Unexpected Success Stories00:35:18 - Our Realistic Pokémon Teams: If We Were Trainers00:46:27 - Cosmos Manga Review Introduction: Alien Insurance Begins00:50:19 - Similar Manga Recommendations & Genre Comparisons00:56:39 - Cosmos' Premise: Sci-Fi Mystery With Heart01:04:15 - Worldbuilding of Cosmos: Aliens, Agencies & Ethical Questions01:09:50 - Alien Characters: Design, Role, and Narrative Use01:16:04 - Plot Thoughts (Spoiler-Free): Episodic Format & Story Pacing01:22:03 - Character Dynamics & Emotional Arcs in Cosmos01:30:04 - Art Style & Character Designs: What Stands Out01:34:25 - Would Cosmos Work as an Anime Adaptation?01:38:56 - Final Thoughts, Ratings & Is It Worth Reading?01:44:51 - Wrap-Up & What's Coming Next on AniProSupport AniPro:Patreon – https://www.patreon.com/AniProPodMailbag – https://anipropod.com/mailbagTokyoTreat ($5 off) – Use code "ANIPRO" for $5 off your first #TokyoTreat box: https://team.tokyotreat.com/AniProFollow & Subscribe:X (Twitter) – https://twitter.com/AniProPodInstagram – https://www.instagram.com/anipropodDiscord – https://discord.gg/dV5tMCWvM7Next Reviews:Anime – BanG Dream! It's MyGO!!!!! → ID: INVADEDManga – Cosmos → Wandance → Kindergarten WarsMusic & Credits:Opening Theme – “Shibuya”Bumper Track – "She Dances For No One" by Percentage PROMusic licensed via – slip.streamEnjoying the show? If so, please rate & review us on Apple Podcasts or Spotify – it only takes a moment and helps new listeners find us!

On July 14, 2025, the Supreme Court handed down an 8-0 ruling that's got conservatives across the country cheering. It's a decision that lets President Trump move forward with gutting the federal Department of Education—yep, you heard that right, dismantling a bloated, unconstitutional bureaucracy. And let me tell you, this isn't just about schools. It's about Oklahoma standing up to federal overreach, whether it's from the Department of Education or the EPA trying to nickel-and-dime our diesel truck owners with mandates like the Ram Emissions Recall. So, buckle up, because we're diving into why this is a game-changer for our state and our values.   Lt Colonel Allen West also joins me to discuss this return of power back to the states. Also, why Oklahoma must avoid open primaries! Don't miss this important discussion! 

Would you like access to our advanced agency training for FREE? https://www.agencymastery360.com/training We've been talking about AI on this podcast for years — not just as the next shiny tool, but as the biggest shift agencies will face this decade. Yet most agencies still haven't done more than dabble. Meanwhile, their competitors (or even their clients) are using AI to move faster, make sharper decisions, and drive results that leave everyone else scrambling to catch up. If you're still on the sidelines, you're already behind. Today's guest is clear about the game-changing role of AI in the agency world. He argues it's not just about making your shop more efficient — it's about driving better client results, delivering faster, deeper insights, and adding to your bottom line. Agencies that fail to embrace AI risk being outpaced by clients who bring it in-house or by competitors already using it to gain an edge. To stay competitive, you have to take a forward-thinking approach that uses AI to scale operations, increase client value, and keep your best people. Phil Parrish is the co-founder & President of PrograMetrix, a boutique programmatic advertising agency that also crushes it in paid search and paid social. Celebrating their 10-year anniversary this past April, Phil's team has stayed nimble, focused, and mighty — helping clients dominate their digital paid media while driving real, measurable results. He'll discuss his vision on AI, how he's using it as a multiplier, and why that are not already adapting their processes to include this technology, will be exposed. In this episode, we'll discuss: Navigating pipeline churn anxiety. Delivering quick wins with AI. Why agencies that don't adapt will get exposed. Focus on the wins, not just the tasks. 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. Betting on Yourself (And Getting Clients to Bet on You Too) Phil didn't stumble into agency ownership by accident, but he didn't overcomplicate it either. He built strong client relationships over the years, recognized the moment when he thought, “I can do what this company does — why not do it for myself?” and took the leap. With clients ready to follow, he launched PrograMetrix and started generating revenue quickly, sidestepping much of the risk that keeps many would-be agency owners stuck. The takeaway? If you've built trust and consistently delivered, clients will follow when you launch your own shop. Relationships and results are your best startup capital. Navigating Uncertainty Without Panic Every agency owner hits moments of chaos—those “Are we going under?” nightmares that keep you up at 3 AM. So far, Phil's journey hasn't quite hit the “we can't make payroll” panic, but pipeline uncertainty and client churn anxiety were very real, especially during COVID-19. Ironically, the pandemic ended up being a huge growth driver. As trade shows and in-person events vanished, clients who were spending six figures on live events had to redeploy budgets digitally. PrograMetrix was perfectly positioned to catch that wave. “You've got to have a good business plan, offer strategic value, make smart bets, and stay laser-focused when your back's against the wall.” It's a solid reminder: when chaos hits, the cream rises. The agencies that pivot fast come out stronger.   AI: Beyond Social Posts and Rocket Emojis Let's get real: most agencies are looking at AI like it's a shortcut to crank out social posts and blog content (and yes, that's part of it). But Phil's approach is a level above—he's integrating AI deeply into PrograMetrix's operations to enhance speed, insights, and performance, not just save a few hours per week. In his view, agencies that have depended on time as their inventory and work on the basis that the more time they can utilize the more revenue they can drive will struggle unless they modernize operations using AI. For its part, Phil's agency is building a proprietary product using a licensed data warehouse, pulling data from all their platforms (The Trade Desk, Meta, Google, TikTok, LinkedIn, etc.), and using AI to run advanced queries and develop unique optimization techniques. The end goal would be to deliver faster, clearer, and more impactful insights that clients can't get by simply logging into their ad accounts. The bottom line: If your agency isn't embedding AI into how you operate and deliver, not just as a tool to “save time,” clients will either bring it in-house or go with an agency that does. The market is moving, and speed and value are non-negotiables if you want to win and retain serious clients. Delivering Quick Wins and Story-Driven Insights Mid-market and enterprise clients dropping six to seven figures on ad spend need to feel your authority and your velocity from day one. They need to breathe easier knowing your agency has it handled, and they need to see progress fast, or they'll be out. Using AI, Phil's agency uncovers insights like: Path to conversion (impressions and touchpoints before a sale) Channel impact across the funnel Audience segment insights Messaging that drives real ROI They're not just sending reports but turning complex data into actionable stories for their clients. If you're still measuring your agency's success by how much time you can bill rather than how much impact you can deliver, it's time to rethink your model before your clients rethink you. Why Agencies That Don't Adapt Will Get Exposed Look, AI isn't going to wipe out agencies. But it will wipe out agencies that are stuck operating like it's 2015, coasting on outdated processes, and sending the same recycled reports clients can pull themselves. AI is like the giant scoreboard in baseball, showing every advanced stat in real-time. Agencies that are half-assing delivery can't hide anymore. If you're running bad ads, AI will show your client you suck, and you'll get fired. (Like the agency I just fired.) AI won't kill the agency model, but it will expose agencies not using best-of-breed tools to deliver value faster. AI as a Multiplier, Not a Threat — and Saves Him $200K Phil is using AI as a force multiplier to: Deliver faster, clearer insights for clients Optimize campaigns for even a 2-3% lift that compounds over time And they're doing this without having to invest in new talent at the rate they otherwise would have. As Phil says, “if we can skip hiring one or two traders, that's a $200K swing to the bottom line.” And it's not because he doesn't value his team—he's investing in making his team better. AI helps smart people do better work, get better results, and actually enjoy their jobs. Clients see more value, your agency scales efficiently, and your team sticks around longer, reducing churn and recruitment costs. It's About Buying Wins, Not Just Doing Tasks If you've seen Moneyball, know Billy Beane reinvented baseball by focusing on “getting on base,” not vanity stats. Agencies should think the same way: What are your “get on base” moves that drive client results? Are you outcome-driven and problem-solving, or are you a task rabbit waiting to be replaced by AI? When clients have big challenges, do they come to you first, or are you stuck doing low-value production work? If it's the latter, it's a sign to reposition your agency now. If you don't, you're writing your own exit letter from the industry. Make AI Use Mandatory, Not Optional As an agency leader, it's time to go all-in on integrating AI across all SOPs, not just as an add-on for the leadership team. Why? Because this tech: Makes employees more valuable in the marketplace Makes them happier by removing annoying, low-leverage tasks Keeps your team aligned with your agency's growth goals Before they started using AI prompts to understand how to optimize a campaign or improve performance, their campaign managers were conducting huge Excel exports. Now they can focus on strategy. If you're the only one using AI in your agency, you're toast. You need to lead, train, and require your team to use these tools to become outcome-focused problem solvers rather than task executors. Stop Being Fearful. Start Doing If you're feeling fear around AI, that's normal. But you'll stay scared if you don't start using it. Phil's team didn't wait for a perfect moment; they're actively building, testing, and refining AI use across their delivery and ops. The agencies that will win over the next 3-5 years aren't the ones worrying about AI—they're the ones using it to solve bigger problems faster for their clients. 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.

Most producers chase every lead and wonder why they're stuck in the price game.But Tom Gilroy flipped the script—and helped scale a 120-year-old family agency into a nationally recognized powerhouse.In this episode, Tom breaks down the repeatable strategy that took him from finance outsider to President of GKG, and the systems they use to help producers win high-value clients without pitching on price.If you're serious about creating meaningful differentiation, building real expertise, and closing accounts that actually want your advice—this episode is your blueprint.Here's what you'll learn:✅ Why grit, network, or expertise—you only need 2 of the 3 to win✅ How Tom used social media to generate national inbound leads✅ The system GKG built to back up every sales promise with execution✅ How to create a risk strategy roadmap that compels clients to switch✅ Why the “no a-hole” rule protects your team and client experience✅ How to craft a repeatable risk advisory process your team can use to scale

Points of Interest0:00 – 1:20 – Guest Introduction: Marcel introduces Kristen Kelly and sets the stage for a deep dive into the roles of fractional COOs versus building operational intelligence within growing agencies.1:21 – 2:25 – The $1M Growth Threshold: Kristen explains how agencies crossing the $1M mark often face operational strain and confusion about whether to hire help or improve their systems.2:26 – 5:05 – Defining a Fractional COO: Marcel outlines what a fractional COO typically does—bridging strategy and execution—and highlights the lack of standardization across ops roles in agencies.5:06 – 7:59 – Scope Differences by Agency Size: The team discusses how the expectations and responsibilities of a COO differ dramatically between a 20-person and 200-person agency.8:00 – 10:16 – Operational Intelligence vs. Role Ownership: Marcel explains why data and modeling are essential for prioritizing and sequencing initiatives—work that can't fall solely on a fractional COO.10:17 – 13:03 – Metrics Frameworks as a Foundation: The conversation shifts to the importance of shared definitions for key metrics (like utilization and gross margin) to avoid costly misalignment.13:04 – 16:51 – The Risks of Poor Data: They explore the consequences of relying on messy or inconsistent project and financial data—including delayed decisions, accuracy issues, and limited insight.16:52 – 20:21 – When to Hire vs. When to Model: Marcel outlines when it makes sense to bring in a fractional COO versus starting with operational intelligence, depending on strategic versus tactical needs.20:22 – 22:25 – How Parakeeto Supports Agencies: The hosts explain how Parakeeto provides not just reporting tools but also the advisory layer to help agencies convert intelligence into action.22:26 – 24:42 – Bringing Operational Alignment: Kristen emphasizes how Parakeeto helps unify internal teams around a shared understanding of the business model and key profitability levers.24:43 – 27:32 – The Scope of Operational Intelligence: Marcel breaks down the full picture of operational intelligence, from framework creation to data integration, reporting, and cadence-building.27:33 – 34:15 – Final Advice & Avoiding Costly Mistakes: Marcel and Kristen caution against relying on underqualified ops hires to build complex systems, advocating instead for investing in clarity and frameworks first.Show NotesConnect with Kristen via LinkedInFree Agency ToolkitParakeeto Foundations CourseFree access to our Model PlatformLove this PodcastLeave us a review here.

Would you like access to our advanced agency training for FREE? https://www.agencymastery360.com/training Let's get real for a second. 40% of CMOs are cutting agency budgets this year. (Not hype. That's from Gartner's 2025 CMO spend survey.) If you're still out there selling tasks instead of outcomes, blending in like every other “me too” agency, you're not just at risk—you're probably already on the cut list. But here's the good news: Some agencies aren't just surviving right now. They're growing like crazy. Why? Because they're leading. They're essential. They're uncuttable. Vendors Get Cut. Partners Stay. Here's what most agencies are still doing: Taking orders. Waiting for direction. Hoping results keep the client around. But when CMOs tighten budgets, they don't cut true strategic partners—they cut vendors and noise. In-house teams and AI are replacing basic production. If your agency doesn't feel essential, you will get replaced. Period. You know what else CMOs are cutting? Agencies that over-promise, under-deliver, and ghost clients after the deal closes. I've hired a few agencies over the past couple of years, and I can say most agencies have the slick branding and a confident talk, but once the deal is closed execution just falls apart. I've seen this more times than I can count. Communication fades away and no one takes ownership This is what CMOs are frustrated with. They're not just making cuts to save money. They're doing it after getting tired of disappointments. Joey Coleman says it best: “Most clients don't leave because of price; they leave because they don't feel seen, heard, or supported in the first 100 days.” Remember that while agency teams get excited and start high-fiving each other once the deal closes, the client is sitting there thinking, “Did I just waste my budget?” That gap between your excitement and their anxiety is where trust is either built or destroyed. And it's true. Our mastermind member Marty took that to heart, redesigned his client experience, and grew to a multi-million-dollar agency because he didn't wait for tasks—he led, flew out to meet clients, set clear expectations, and became indispensable. Make Yourself Uncuttable You want to stay off the cut list? Lead. Own the relationship. Here's how: 1. Find Quick Wins Fast Don't wait six months to show value. Launch something in the first 30 days. Fix something they didn't even ask for. Send a Loom video explaining how you improved their funnel. Let them say, “These people move fast.” 2. Overcommunicate When Things Aren't Working Most agencies go quiet when results dip. Leaders say, “Here's what's happening, here's what we're changing, here's what to expect.” Transparency builds trust. 3. Be a Resource, Not a Responder Stop waiting for tasks. Show up with new hooks, funnel fixes, better angles. Be the call they make when anything breaks in their business, not just when they need a landing page. 4. Take Ownership, Not Orders Stop asking, “What do you want us to do next?” Start saying, “Here's what we're doing, and here's why.” That's how you shift from vendor to partner. 5. Productize and Simplify If it takes you 30 minutes to explain what you do, you're in trouble. Make your offer outcome-driven, simple, and memorable. Like the PR agency that said, “We turn publicity into pipeline.” That sticks. Real Results from Agencies Leading This Way Just look at Brittany, who stopped winging it, joined the mastermind, and committed to leading: Revenue up 35% in a quarter Profit up 41% Churn dropped 32% SEO and social revenue doubled And she didn't get there with a fancy hack. She got there by leading and building trust. This Isn't Just About Staying Off a Cut List It's about building an agency that deserves to grow—one that earns trust, delivers outcomes, and leads. Want a place to start? Pick one of these actions today: Tighten your onboarding. Call a client you haven't talked to in a while. Launch the damn thing you've been sitting on. Because the agencies that win aren't waiting for permission or praying for renewals. They're leading, earning trust, and making themselves uncuttable.   If you're ready to attract better clients and become uncuttable, check out the Attract Masterclass. It will help you position your agency to pull in the right leads instead of just more leads.

EELP attorney Hannah Perls speaks with Professor Andrew Mergen, faculty director of Harvard's Emmett Environmental Law and Policy Clinic, about the latest updates to the National Environmental Policy Act, including new agency implementing procedures, the Supreme Court's recent opinion in Eagle County, and amendments included in the One Big Beautiful Bill recently passed by Congress. They talk about what these changes mean in practice for project developers, impacted communities, and the environment. Transcript: https://eelp.law.harvard.edu/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/CleanLaw_EP104-Transcript.pdf Links: NEPA overview https://eelp.law.harvard.edu/nepa-overview/ NEPA Regulatory Tracker page https://eelp.law.harvard.edu/tracker/nepa-environmental-review-requirements/ NEPA after Eagle County decision https://eelp.law.harvard.edu/the-future-of-nepa-and-federal-permitting-after-eagle-county/ CEQ's template and agencies' procedures https://eelp.law.harvard.edu/decoding-agencies-new-nepa-procedures/ "Energy emergency" declaration https://eelp.law.harvard.edu/the-trump-administrations-aggressive-anti-regulatory-pro-fossil-fuel-directives/

Public transit agencies across the state may soon be seeing some changes in services as some face funding troubles. The Federal Transportation Administration recently made revisions to its agreement with rural transit agencies, requiring them to comply with federal immigration enforcement action, contradicting Oregon’s sanctuary state law. This dispute has left some federal reimbursements in limbo for agencies. At the same time, House Bill 2025, which would have raised billions through fees and taxes for road projects, ultimately failed in the state Legislature. Melissa Metz is the general manager for the Coos County Area Transportation District. They recently announced some services will be suspended and will be accepting public comments at their next board meeting. Julie Brown is the general manager for the Rogue Valley Transportation District, the president of the Community Transit Association of America and the commissioner chair for the Oregon Department of Transportation. The RVTD recently shared that funding uncertainties will lead to a reduction in staff and service, alongside ODOT’s recent announcement of laying off nearly 500 employees. Metz and Brown join us to share more on some of the challenges facing rural transit agencies right now, and what they’d like to see in a special session from lawmakers.

Would you like access to our advanced agency training for FREE? https://www.agencymastery360.com/training Is churn currently a problem with your agency clients? Are you aware of the reasons they decide to leave? It may be time to think hard about your onboarding process, client communication, and generally the ways you're ensuring client satisfaction. The difference often comes down to positioning: are you operating as a trusted advisor or simply completing tasks? Today's special guest knows that agencies that prioritize client satisfaction, embrace accountability, and focus on becoming trusted advisors rather than mere task completers are the ones that create truly loyal clients. As our Agency Scale Specialist, Darby Copenhaver, has closely observed the growth trajectories of numerous mastermind members and constantly communicates with them in their journeys. In this conversation, he and Jason get into the importance of strong communication and transparent onboarding processes to combat buyer's remorse and build trust. They also address the strategic use of AI to enhance efficiency and results, stressing that while AI can automate tasks, human connection and understanding clients' evolving needs remain paramount for long-term partnerships. In this episode, we'll discuss: How to prevent your clients' buyer's remorse. Your onboarding might be the problem. Stop ignoring current clients. Your secret retention weapon: ongoing discovery. Subscribe Apple | Spotify | iHeart Radio Sponsors and Resources This episode is brought to you by Wix Studio: If you're leveling up your team and your client experience, your site builder should keep up too. That's why successful agencies use Wix Studio — built to adapt the way your agency does: AI-powered site mapping, responsive design, flexible workflows, and scalable CMS tools so you spend less on plugins and more on growth. Ready to design faster and smarter? Go to wix.com/studio to get started. Why Your Clients Might Not Love You (Even if You're Getting Results) Ever feel like you're crushing it for clients, but then they ghost you or churn unexpectedly? There are several reasons why this could be happening and ways to stop it before it kills your momentum. Here's the truth: buyers remorse sets in immediately after a client signs. It's your job to kill that remorse with rock-solid communication and a frictionless onboarding experience. Most agencies think they're good communicators because they answer emails. But clients want more than tasks checked off. They want to feel seen, understood, and confident they made the right decision. If you're not proactively communicating wins (and misses), or if you let your PMs control the narrative without your oversight, you're setting yourself up for churn, no matter how “good” your delivery is. Your Onboarding Might Be Pushing Clients Away As Jason knows from recent experiences as a client, most agencies' onboarding is just an exhausting homework dump on clients who already told you their goals in the sales calls you recorded. Why are you making them repeat themselves, fill out giant forms, or wait for your scattered follow-ups? Your clients didn't hire you to do more work. They hired you to get results while saving them time. Break your onboarding into clear, easy phases, Reset expectations, Use the data you already have (like call transcripts and AI sorting) to fill in the blanks yourself. If you set clear timelines, communication rhythms, and how success will be measured in that first meeting, you'll position yourself as a trusted advisor, not another vendor barking for “assets” they've already shared. This is what makes clients relieved to work with you instead of stressed. Communication: Simple, But Rarely Done Right It's so important for any business to show that you're trustworthy, and you'll show that by doing what you say you'll do, when you say you'll do it. Too many agencies fail to communicate delays, let tasks slip, and think a monthly dashboard is enough. It's not. Dashboards alone mean nothing to most clients. Some need a quick Loom, some need Slack check-ins, others need a simple “Here's what we did, what's next, and why it matters.” Customizing your communication style shows your clients you're paying attention to them, not just copy-pasting your agency SOPs onto their business. This is how you become a trusted advisor, the person they call with challenges (not just tasks). That's how you become irreplaceable. So, which measures are you implementing at your agency to ensure - not just assume - that you know your clients are happy, not only with the results presented but also the overall experience? Want Clients to Stick Around? Be Human When was the last time you called a client you didn't personally sell or deliver on, just to check in and say, “Hey, I'm the CEO, here's my number if you need anything”? Most agencies never do this, but it's one of the simplest ways to build relationships that survive budget cuts and economic slowdowns. If clients only see you as a transaction, you're the first thing to get cut. If they see you as a partner, they'll fight to keep you. Want to take it further? Fly out and have dinner with your top clients once a year. Exchange stories, show them you care, and watch how your retention and upsells climb. Stop Leaving Money on the Table by Ignoring Current Clients Agencies love to yell, “We need more leads!” But often, your easiest growth is sitting right in front of you. If your clients trust you, they'll come to you with new problems—many of which you can solve or connect them with someone who can. This positions you as a problem solver, not an order taker. Instances like this are a great opportunity to be strategic, guide them, and reinforce how much you value the relationship. Results are awesome, but that value is what will take from being transactional to being a value relationship they'll fight to keep in times of economic uncertainty. Why Ongoing Discovery Is Your Secret Retention Weapon If you're selling to clients you can't grow with, you're setting yourself up for frustration. Too many agencies say “yes” to clients who aren't ready, don't want help, or can't commit to scaling. It's like hiring a personal trainer while refusing to stop eating cake every night. They might pay you, but they won't get results—and they'll blame you when they don't. And what about after you've found the right clients? Darby believes too many agencies forget that discovery isn't just for the sales process. Every client interaction should be a sort of ongoing discovery. Agencies that retain and grow accounts are constantly in ongoing discovery mode. As you bring success to clients their needs will evolve, their businesses shift, and what worked four months ago might be irrelevant today. If you're not in tune with those shifts, your agency becomes stale, and you'll get replaced. A challenge for agency owners: How are you staying aware of what's changing in your clients' businesses? Are you proactively checking in, asking about priorities, and aligning your services to what's happening right now? Or are you stuck on autopilot, delivering what they hired you for while missing what they actually need today? Stay curious, stay in discovery, and you'll stay essential. Communication Clarity: 411 vs. 911 To prevent the typical disconnect when clients are unsure of who to reach out to and for what, Darby and Jason recommend this simple but powerful tactic brought by Agency Mastery member, Travis. He tells clients exactly who to reach out to for “411” (info & updates) vs. “911” (emergencies). This eliminates confusion, speeds up communication, and prevents small issues from turning into big frustrations. And when you mess up—and you will—own it fast. Clients don't want spin or silence. They want the truth — fast. One agency Jason used messed up an ad so badly it was embarrassing, and instead of calling to own it, they hid behind Slack messages. Don't be that agency. Mistakes happen. What matters is how quickly and humanly you fix them. Be Human. Clients Crave It. At the heart of retention and growth is human connection. If your agency relationships feel like sterile transactions, you're replaceable. Clients want to feel seen and understood. If everything you share sounds like sugarcoated wins while their results lag, they'll start doubting you. Long-term, high-value clients come from humanizing your interactions—having real conversations, admitting mistakes, sharing wins, and being upfront about challenges. Clients don't want perfect robots; they want partners they trust. Don't Fear AI - Use It to Win Do clients want their agencies to use AI? Overwhelmingly, yes. They just don't what you to use it just to write articles and create crappy images, brands want their agencies using AI to get better results. According to a survey conducted by Audience Audit, 77% of brands are more likely to hire an agency seen as an AI expert, yet only 32% think their current agency is. This is a massive opportunity. But here's the key: don't use AI as a crutch to replace human strategy. Use it to collect, analyze, and interpret data faster so you can bring clients valuable insights and make micro-adjustments that drive real results. Clients want done-for-you solutions that leverage AI under the hood while preserving a human relationship on the front end. Just remember that clients don't care about your systems, your dashboards, or your internal processes if they don't lead to results. They want outcomes with as little friction as possible. AI can help you cut busywork, speed up insights, and refine strategy—but it's your human understanding and relationship that keeps clients paying, referring, and expanding their contracts. 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.

Why Did It Take So Long to Arrest An SC Lawmaker Charged With Distributing Videos of Men Raping Babies?   Investigative journalists Mandy Matney and Liz Farrell are accustomed to being disgusted by politicians who happily take part in the Good Ole Boy system when it comes to protecting bad actors from taking accountability. But this latest case has them screaming with anger.  Last month, South Carolina state Rep. Robert John “RJ” May III was arrested and charged with 10 federal counts of distributing child sex abuse materials. So why is it taking so long for RJ May to be removed from office? Why was there so much hesitation and delay before arresting him? And why was his case given to two agencies that had very personal ties to him?  Mandy and Liz explore the answers to those questions, as well as the biggest question of all: Why aren't men accused of perpetuating such vile and heinous abuse of children — including babies — not seen as immediate potential threats to society?  Plus, (24:30) Part Two of our real-time coverage of the Scott Spivey shooting (AKA the Horry County Police Department corruption case) about Weldon Boyd's star witness, Witness No. 1. Mandy and Liz continue connecting the dots and digging into the inconsistencies in witness testimony and have found themselves at a complete loss for why the South Carolina Attorney General's Office continues to refuse to appoint a special prosecutor to the state's biggest “Stand Your Ground” case.  Let's dive in!

As more states limit or ban access to abortion, some are beginning to push adoption as an alternative for women facing unplanned pregnancies. But when do laws go from accommodating to exploitative? From the Center for Investigative Reporting, Julia Lurie examines the consequences in one of the most adoption-friendly states in the country. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders

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 BRICS are struggling, the big boys did not show up. Bezos sells more of his shares. Trump puts a 50% tariff on copper, removes regs and shorten permit time. Costs are coming down because of Trump, the Fed is now trapped, and waiting for the [DS] event. Countries are now using Bitcoin as currency. Trump is now competing with the Fed for currency dominance. Trump played the D's once again. They took the bait and believe that Trump is hiding something fro them or he is involved with Epstein. Comey and Brennan are now being investigated. The storm has started. Both investigations are connected via Mueller. The coverup always gets you in the end. Multiple agencies investigated the treasonous crimes.   Economy BRICS without the Big Boys becomes a Buzzkill  There's nothing like being an event planner when the big invites that are the “Flagship Speakers” of the event are no shows.  Not just no shows, it is known well in advance they will not be there at all.    Xi, sent a minion, Putin suddenly must suddenly organize his sock drawer, Iran is digging out from the rubble, South Africa doesn't know what to do without guidance from their new colonial master of China, and Brazil is being put on notice for their mistreatment of President Bolsonaro. Source: thegatewaypundit.com (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/disclosetv/status/1942701909837766924 Copper Spikes to Record High After Trump's 50 Percent Tariff Announcement Number of Copper Mines in the US: As of 2023, there are 28 copper mines in operation in the United States, according to GlobalData's mining database. These mines are primarily located in western states, with Arizona, Utah, New Mexico, Nevada, and Montana accounting for over 99% of domestic copper production.  The tariff, announced to counter imports (primarily from Chile, Canada, and Peru, which supply over 90% of US refined copper imports), may incentivize domestic production but won't immediately resolve capacity issues. Posts on X suggest US producers might see fatter margins without significantly increasing output due to the time required to develop new mines (years) and smelting constraints. Current Production Capacity: In 2024, US copper mine production was approximately 1.17 million metric tons, a slight decline from previous years (1.3 million tons in 2022). Major producers like Freeport-McMoRan, Rio Tinto, and Grupo Mexico (Asarco) operate key mines such as Morenci (Arizona, 399,100 metric tons in 2023) and Kennecott (Utah, 169,300 metric tons in 2023). These mines are fully operational, but some face challenges like declining ore grades (averaging 0.4% copper compared to 0.6% in Chile) and labor shortages.  : While the US has significant copper reserves (estimated at 48 trillion tons), production is limited by long permitting timelines (often decades), environmental regulations, and insufficient smelting/refining capacity. Only two primary smelters operate in the US (Rio Tinto's Kennecott and Freeport-McMoRan's Miami), and about 30% of mined copper is exported for processing due to this bottleneck.  Several development projects,

The 2025 generative AI image market is a trade-off between aesthetic quality, instruction-following, and user control. This episode analyzes the key platforms, comparing Midjourney's artistic output against the superior text generation and prompt adherence of GPT-4o and Imagen 4, the commercial safety of Adobe Firefly, and the total customization of Stable Diffusion. Links Notes and resources at ocdevel.com/mlg/mla-25 Try a walking desk - stay healthy & sharp while you learn & code Build the future of multi-agent software with AGNTCY. The State of the Market The market is split by three core philosophies: The "Artist" (Midjourney): Prioritizes aesthetic excellence and cinematic output, sacrificing precise user control and instruction following. The "Collaborator" (GPT-4o, Imagen 4): Extensions of LLMs that excel at conversational co-creation, complex instruction following, and integration into productivity workflows. The "Sovereign Toolkit" (Stable Diffusion): An open-source engine offering users unparalleled control, customization, and privacy in exchange for technical engagement. Table 1: 2025 Generative AI Image Tool At-a-Glance Comparison Tool Parent Company Access Method(s) Pricing Core Strength Best For Midjourney v7 Midjourney, Inc. Web App, Discord Subscription Artistic Aesthetics & Photorealism Fine Art, Concept Design, Stylized Visuals GPT-4o OpenAI ChatGPT, API Freemium/Sub Conversational Control & Instruction Following Marketing Materials, UI/UX Mockups, Logos Google Imagen 4 Google Gemini, Workspace, Vertex AI Freemium/Sub Ecosystem Integration & Speed Business Presentations, Educational Content Stable Diffusion 3 Stability AI Local Install, Web UIs, API Open Source Ultimate Customization & Control Developers, Power Users, Bespoke Workflows Adobe Firefly Adobe Creative Cloud Apps, Web App Subscription Commercial Safety & Workflow Integration Professional Designers, Agencies, Enterprise Core Platforms Midjourney v7: Premium choice for artistic quality. Features: Web UI with Draft Mode, user personalization, emerging video/3D. Weaknesses: Poor text generation, poor prompt adherence, public images on cheap plans, no API/bans automation. OpenAI GPT-4o: An intelligent co-creator for controlled generation. Features: Conversational refinement, superior text rendering, understands uploaded image context. Weaknesses: Slower than competitors, generates one image at a time, strict content filters. Google Imagen 4: Pragmatic tool focused on speed and ecosystem integration. Features: High-quality photorealism, fast generation, strong text rendering, multilingual. Weaknesses: Less artistic flair; value is dependent on Google ecosystem investment. Stable Diffusion 3: Open-source engine for maximum user control. Features: MMDiT architecture improves prompt/text handling, scalable models, vast ecosystem (LoRAs/ControlNet). Weaknesses: Steep learning curve, quality is user-dependent. Adobe Firefly: Focused on commercial safety and professional workflow integration. Features: Trained on Adobe Stock for legal indemnity, Generative Fill/Expand tools. Weaknesses: Creative range limited by training data, requires Adobe subscription/credits. Tools and Concepts In-painting: Modifying a masked area inside an image. Out-painting: Extending an image beyond its original borders. LoRA (Low-Rank Adaptation): A small file that applies a fine-tuned style, character, or concept to a base model. ControlNet: Uses a reference image (e.g., pose, sketch) to enforce the composition, structure, or pose of the output. A1111 vs. ComfyUI: Two main UIs for Stable Diffusion. A1111 is a beginner-friendly tabbed interface; ComfyUI is a node-based interface for complex, efficient, and automated workflows. Workflows "Best of Both Worlds": Generate aesthetic base images in Midjourney, then composite, edit, and add text with precision in Photoshop/Firefly. Single-Ecosystem: Work entirely within Adobe Creative Cloud or Google Workspace for seamless integration, commercial safety (Adobe), and convenience (Google). "Build Your Own Factory": Use ComfyUI to build automated, multi-step pipelines for consistent character generation, advanced upscaling, and video. Decision Framework Choose by Goal: Fine Art/Concept Art: Midjourney. Logos/Ads with Text: GPT-4o, Google Imagen 4, or specialist Ideogram. Consistent Character in Specific Pose: Stable Diffusion with a Character LoRA and ControlNet (OpenPose). Editing/Expanding an Existing Photo: Adobe Photoshop with Firefly. Exclusion Rules: If you need legible text, exclude Midjourney. If you need absolute privacy or zero cost (post-hardware), Stable Diffusion is the only option. If you need guaranteed commercial legal safety, use Adobe Firefly. If you need an API for a product, use OpenAI or Google; automating Midjourney is a bannable offense.