Podcasts about agencies

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/-----------

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.

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!

Ari Paparo and Eric Franchi sit down with Erin Foxworthy, Global Head of Marketing and Advertising at Snowflake, to discuss how marketing teams are rethinking data infrastructure in a shifting landscape. Erin reflects on her path through agencies, entertainment, and tech, and how that journey informs her current perspective. The conversation covers the move from legacy tools like DMPs to composable CDPs, the importance of data governance, and why some companies are opting to keep data where it is. They also touch on clean rooms, identity resolution, and the early role of AI in working with structured marketing data. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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! 

Episode 168: Learn how to put your random courses into a system that works: https://app.digitaltrailblazer.com/register-launch-scaleMany online business owners waste money on courses and coaching programs that promise quick results but leave them disappointed and stuck in a cycle of buying the next "magic bullet" solution. This constant course-hopping is what makes getting your business off the ground so difficult and prevents you from generating consistent, reliable income.In this episode, Leah and Todd reveal how to stop chasing shiny objects and start building a complete marketing system that actually moves you forward in your business. They discuss the “7-11-4 rule” and how to use it to create a customer journey that reliably produces qualified prospects and paying clients in your business.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

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/

On this raw and energizing episode of The Axel Schura Show, Axel sits down with filmmaker and creative director, Hamish Gardner to unpack the mindset shifts that transformed his life—from a broke backpacker with no clear direction to a world-traveling creative with freedom and purpose.We dive into the timeless philosophies that shaped the lives of icons like Steve Jobs and Marcus Aurelius, and how those same principles can unlock a deeper sense of clarity, urgency, and alignment in your own life.Explore the power of confronting your mortality as a gateway to living fully, breaking free from fear, and stepping into your creative potential.This is about cultivating courage, asking yourself the right questions, and starting before you're ready.If you've been waiting for permission to go all-in on your potential—this episode might be it.What You'll Learn:- The one mindset shift that kills fear and sets you free- Why death is the ultimate clarity tool- How to stop holding back and start living in alignment- What separates those who wait from those who lead- Hamish's story of creative freedom through inner transformation-Connect with Hamish:x Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hamish.hmg/x Website: https://www.hadowmedia.com/x YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@hadowmediax Become a videographer, with programs and coaching from Hamish: https://calendly.com/hadowmedia/strategy-call-BOOK YOUR CALL NOW:⁠https://axelschura.com/the-evergreen-blueprint/⁠-RETREATS:× Buy a retreat ticket in combination with my success blueprint, "The Lucky One" for a discounted price of only 499€: ⁠⁠https://axelschura.thrivecart.com/fire-within-retreat-tlo-offer/ ⁠⁠⁠⁠(Please read this Infosheet first: ⁠⁠https://www.canva.com/design/DAGqx-736dI/HSPxPm4TEFYro_pciKe-Gw/view?utm_content=DAGqx-736dI&utm_campaign=designshare&utm_medium=link2&utm_source=uniquelinks&utlId=h102e30eae7⁠⁠)× Waiting List for future Retreats (be the first one to know!): ⁠⁠https://axelschura.com/firewithin-retreat/#save-your-spot⁠⁠-FREE LIVE WEBINAR FOR 10,000$ MONTHS AND DAYS:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://axelschura.com/live-webinar/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠-MY WEBSITE:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠http://axelschura.com/⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠-COACHING AND COMMUNITY:× 30 days FREE membership - change your life with my visualisation and meditation practices:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://axelschura.com/membership/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠× Free Webinar on Evergreen Products:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://event.webinarjam.com/register/6/yxqywig⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠× Free Strategy Session for Influencer, Agencies, Coaches, and Nutritionists:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://calendly.com/axelschurawlow/evergreen-blueprint⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠-SOCIALS:× Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://instagram.com/axelschura⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠× You can find me and my content on all social media platforms, just follow this Linktree: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://linktr.ee/axelschura⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Project 2025 is reshaping the landscape of American governance in ways unseen for generations. Conceived by The Heritage Foundation and over a hundred allied conservative groups, with a sprawling document called “Mandate for Leadership” running over 900 pages, the project sets an ambitious course: consolidate executive power, overhaul federal agencies, and imprint a distinctly right-leaning ideology across the machinery of the state.The latest developments reveal sweeping changes since President Donald Trump's inauguration for his second term. With Elon Musk at the helm of the newly created Department of Government Efficiency, or DOGE, implementation has not only started but moved at unanticipated speed and scale. Agencies like the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau and USAID have been eliminated virtually overnight, mirroring the project's stated goal to "save $1 trillion" and rid the government of what its proponents call unaccountable bureaucracy. Tens of thousands of federal workers, including around 280,000 across 27 agencies, have been or are slated to be laid off, according to Challenger, Gray & Christmas Inc. Agency leaders, especially in foreign policy, have been systematically replaced by ideologically vetted loyalists who, as one Project 2025 advisor put it, will "answer to the president" alone.One key feature of Project 2025 is the expansion of presidential powers. As Kevin Roberts of The Heritage Foundation declared, "all federal employees should answer to the president." The plan's architects rely on the controversial doctrine of “unitary executive theory,” giving the Oval Office greater leverage to direct previously independent agencies like the DOJ, FBI, FCC, and FTC. In practice, Biden- or Obama-era leaders have been removed, often bypassing Senate confirmation in favor of acting appointments drawn from the project's talent pool—a who's who of conservative legal scholars and former administration officials.Policy objectives are equally far-reaching. The executive order signed this February, for example, severely restricts federal hiring—agencies can now add just one new employee for every four who depart, with exceptions only for national security or law enforcement. By identifying redundant or statutorily nonessential agency components, DOGE is empowered to recommend consolidation or outright elimination, provoking intense legal and political battles. According to statements from union leaders such as NTEU's Tony Reardon, challenges are already underway: “We have taken the necessary action to file a lawsuit to uphold the law and stop this attack.” Simultaneously, the administration has pushed for return-to-office mandates, making remote work much less tenable for government employees.Project 2025's authors are explicit about their social agenda. The American Civil Liberties Union outlines how the blueprint would reverse decades of advancements on abortion rights, LGBTQ protections, and racial equity. The Mandate for Leadership contains provisions for undermining agency independence, tightening restrictions on civil service protections, and dismantling social safety net programs, all justified as aligning federal practice with conservative values.Concrete procedural reforms are visible in the State Department, where plans called for dismissing almost all leadership before January 2025 and installing those vetted for their ideological alignment with administration priorities. Kiron Skinner, who co-authored that chapter, rationalizes the overhaul as necessary because too many senior officials are “too left-wing” and insufficiently loyal to a conservative president. This, she believes, is essential to ensure agency cooperation with White House policy.Critics and analysts, from the ACLU to the Center for Progressive Reform, warn of “devastating consequences”—threats to workers, public health, civil rights, and the democratic process itself. Legal experts voice deep concern over the undermining of checks and balances and the risk of institutionalizing a more authoritarian model of executive power. Yet, for supporters, the project promises to make government leaner, more responsive, and ideologically coherent, echoing the Reagan-era ambitions of a smaller administrative state.In the weeks ahead, all eyes are on a series of forthcoming Supreme Court decisions that could determine the limits of this new presidential authority—and Congress's next moves as legislation is introduced to codify, or counteract, these transformative changes. As these milestones approach, the stakes for the federal workforce, the balance of power, and the country's democratic norms could not be higher.Thank you for tuning in, and be sure to join us next week for more insights on the forces shaping our nation's future.Some great Deals https://amzn.to/49SJ3QsFor more check out http://www.quietplease.ai

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.

Episode 167: Grab the Ultimate Ad Script right HERE - https://join.digitaltrailblazer.com/ultimate-ad-scriptMany people starting a marketing agency struggle to grow and scale because they focus solely on lead generation without understanding their clients' complete business funnel and measuring what actually drives revenue.This is why they often face high churn rates and difficulty demonstrating clear ROI to clients. In this episode, Anthony Carls teaches us how to build a seven-figure marketing agency by implementing a comprehensive "business waterfall" methodology, and how connecting directly to client CRM systems allows you to track the entire customer journey from lead to revenue, identify bottlenecks like poor phone answer rates or weak sales processes, and prove your marketing impact.Anthony also shares his content distribution strategy across LinkedIn and YouTube, and explains how giving away expertise through educational content builds long-term trust and reduces client acquisition costs in B2B markets.About Anthony Karls: Anthony Karls is a business builder, family law firm accelerator, and digital marketing strategist who believes real growth comes from clarity, discipline, and relentless execution. As the President of Rocket Clicks—a leading digital marketing agency for family law firms—and Co-Founder of Sterling Lawyers, Anthony has spent more than a decade helping law firms and small businesses break through plateaus, build powerful cultures, and generate predictable, sustainable revenue.Whether you're an ambitious law firm owner, a small business leader, or a marketer looking to turn data into action, Anthony's practical advice and candid storytelling will help you grow a business worth working at—and a life worth living.Learn Anthony's Waterfall Method HERE: https://rocketclicks.com/waterfall-method/Connect with Anthony:https://rocketclicks.com/ https://www.facebook.com/RocketClicks/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/rocket-clicks/ https://www.instagram.com/rocketclicks/ https://x.com/rocketclicksWant 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

Episode Summary:https://constraintcalculator.scoreapp.com/In this eye-opening solo episode, Jordan Ross, founder of 8 Figure Agency, breaks down a critical and often overlooked issue holding agencies back from true AI integration: schema and tech stack structure. While everyone is excited about AI, almost no agencies are prepared to implement it at scale—and the result is costly mistakes, hallucinations, and wasted time. Jordan shares how his team builds “agentic solutions” for agencies, the role of structured databases, and why relying solely on GenAI will leave you exposed.⏱️ Chapters: – Why 99% of agencies are not AI-ready – What is an AI brain and how it's built – Agentic solutions and workflow automation – The myth of being “tech stack ready” – Schema: the missing piece in your AI transition – Why GenAI isn't enough – Cost, hallucinations, and why shortcuts fail – The danger of unstructured data – Who this applies to and how to get startedTo learn more go to 8figureagency.co

En este episodio de Videocast For You, Maca Riva habla con Marilyn Martínez - Head of Agencies en TikTok México y con Jacobo Fernández - CEO Starcom México sobre cómo el video corto está transformando el marketing. Descubre por qué TikTok impulsa resultados reales, conecta con las comunidades y cambia la forma en que las marcas crean contenido.

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.

In this episode, Barry and Phil are joined by Matt Weiss, former President and Chief Growth Officer of Huge and founder of Soul Purpose Advisory, in a broad discussion about the future of Agencies, and Creative Professional Services in general. Matt shares his observations on which agencies will win the future, and why, and what others will need to do to remain relevant in the AI age. Also, fresh off his annual pilgrimage to Cannes, Matt shares his perspectives on why Cannes still matters, how to get the most out of it, and what the prevailing wisdom of the collective community brought to bear. If you are interested in getting answers to the hardest-hitting questions facing the agency space today, this is the episode for you. Enjoy!Drinks: Mass Landing Brewing Co. Beer Named Duck New England Pale Ale, Seven Arrows Brewing That Dam IPA, Michelob Ultra Links: https://www.soulpurposeadvisory.com/

The Office of Personnel Management has detailed the federal workplace changes that should already be in effect, in response to President Trump's orders on “gender ideology” from January. Agencies were required to cancel any diversity-related training programs and disband employee resource groups that focused on gender inclusion. Federal employees also had to remove pronouns from their email signatures. The White House says the requirements are meant to combat what it calls “gender ideology extremism.” But advocates of diversity, equity and inclusion say the new policies are harmful to transgender and non-binary employees. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Is print marketing still relevant in today's digital world? Believe it or not, there are real-world examples of how businesses are building credibility, driving engagement, and standing out from competitors using print advertising. In this episode of The Agency Blueprint, I'm joined by Jesicca Embree to dissect the biggest misconceptions surrounding print media marketing. Jessica is the Creative Director at Tulip Media Group and co-author of the Amazon bestseller Double Sales/ Zero Sales People. She has over a decade of experience in both print and digital marketing. Listen in to learn how print media helps professionals become thought leaders, deliver value-driven content, and leverage word-of-mouth marketing. You will also learn how to identify and target your ideal customer, aligning marketing efforts with the buyer's journey using print media. Key Questions: [01:41] What are the biggest misconceptions about print marketing in today's digital-first business landscape? [03:40] How exactly can businesses or agencies leverage print media to drive both physical and digital engagement? [05:20] What makes printed magazines and newsletters effective tools for building authority and client trust? [07:25] Why does creating a magazine seem so daunting, and is it really that time-consuming or complex? [09:03] What considerations should someone make when thinking about launching a print program for the first time? [11:03] How can you avoid being too "salesy" in print marketing and instead guide readers through a natural decision-making journey? [16:27] When your campaigns fail, is it because your messaging talks too much about you and not about your customer? [19:53] What is the initial test volume you would need to be considering for a print campaign to be successful? What You'll Discover: [01:46] Jessica on why print continues to offer unique advantages like visibility in the digital age. [03:10] How physical books and mail trigger higher recall and user engagement than digital formats. [03:53] How businesses can use print media not only to provide value but to lead readers toward digital actions. [05:16] How magazines help businesses establish authority, share relevant checklists, and spotlight clients to build community trust. [06:42] The types of industries best suited for print such as associations and real estate professionals. [07:50] Jessica explains Tulip Media's streamlined, all-inclusive publishing process. [09:21] Why anyone starting a print campaign should get clear on goals, audience pain points, and desired actions. [11:26] Why identifying where a customer is in the buyer's journey can help determine your messaging. [13:59] Examples of trackable marketing metrics and how even niche businesses benefit from value-driven print content. [15:43] How digital and print can be integrated through things like downloadable reports and SEO blog repurposing. [16:51] Why focusing too much on your brand instead of your audience leads to a failed campaign. [20:13] A strategy for determining campaign frequency and why you should start a print campaign with your current client list. Connect with Jessica: LinkedInA free downloadable tool

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

The podcast show we are releasing this week focuses generally on the so-called “Unitary Executive Theory” and specifically on the legality of President Trump firing without cause the Democratic Commissioners of the Federal Trade Commission and the members of other independent agencies, despite language in the governing statutes that prohibit the President from firing a member without cause and a 1935 Supreme Court opinion in Humphrey's Executor holding that the firing of an FTC Commissioner by the President is unlawful if done without cause. Our guest is Patrick Sobkowski who teaches constitutional law, courts and public policy, and American politics at Marquette University. His scholarship focuses on constitutional and administrative law, specifically the administrative state and its relationship to the other branches of government. Our show began with an explanation of the “Unitary Executive Theory” which is defined as a constitutional law theory according to which the President has sole authority over the executive branch including independent federal agencies. It is based on the so-called “vesting clause “of the Constitution which vests all executive power in the President. The theory often comes up in disagreements about the president's ability to remove employees within the executive branch (including Federal agencies); transparency and access to information; discretion over the implementation of new laws; and the ability to control agencies' rule-making. There is disagreement about the doctrine's strength and scope. More expansive versions are controversial for both constitutional and practical reasons. Since the Reagan Administration, the Supreme Court has embraced a stronger unitary executive, which has been championed primarily by its conservative justices. We then discussed a litany of Supreme Court opinions dealing with the question of whether the President has the unfettered right to remove executive agency employees: a. Myers v. US (1926) b. Humphrey's Executor (1935) c. Morrison v. Olson (1988) d. Seila Law (2020) We then discussed Trump's removals of the Democratic members of the National Labor Relations Board and Merit Systems Protection Board and the Supreme Court's opinion and order staying the lower court's order that the removals were unlawful. In addition to casting doubt on the continued viability of Humphrey's Executor, the Court included dicta to the effect that the logic of its opinion about the NLRB and the MSPB would not apply to the Federal Reserve Board because the Fed is not really an executive agency and that its functions are more akin to the functions performed by the First Bank and Second Bank of the United States. Alan Kaplinsky, the founder and former practice group leader for 25 years and now Senior Counsel of the Consumer Financial Services Group hosted the podcast. The podcast recording is here.

Episode 166: Grab the Ultimate Ad Script right HERE - https://join.digitaltrailblazer.com/ultimate-ad-scriptMany coaches and course creators struggle to differentiate themselves in oversaturated markets, often resorting to copying their mentors' approaches or creating artificial, manufactured "professional" business personas that end up making you invisible among countless competitors.In this episode, Sean Stewart teaches us how to identify and integrate your "X factor" - that unique passion or talent that makes time stand still - into our business messaging, branding, and service delivery.He shares his framework for articulating a unique mechanism that positions you differently from competitors, moving beyond generic advice to create authentic differentiation that attracts ideal clients while allowing you to do work you genuinely love.About Sean Stewart: Sean is a speaker trainer and enrollment expert. As CEO of Rock Your Gift, he has 15 years experience helping entrepreneurs create profitable businesses using events and stages.He has been behind the scenes of icons like Brendon Burchard, Dean Graziosi, Les Brown, JJ Virgin, Lisa Sasevich and many more, helping them generate millions from their live and virtual events.He's been featured in the New Your Times, on NBC news and on the front page of entrepreneur magazine sharing his expertise.Originally trained by Tony Robbins and with a 30 year background as a spoken word artist, rapper and  performer… Sean electrifies audiences with his unique training style and innovative approach to helping small business's thrive.Download Sean's Free Guide, “101 Places to Speak” - https://go.rockyourgift.org/101placestospeakfreeConnect with Sean:https://rockyourgift.com/ https://www.facebook.com/rockyourgiftnow https://www.instagram.com/rock_yourgift https://www.tiktok.com/@sean_douglasWant 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

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.

Would you like access to our advanced agency training for FREE? https://www.agencymastery360.com/training Do you invest in training high-potential employees to grow into leadership roles—or do you prefer to hire seasoned pros from the start? There's no one-size-fits-all approach to building a great team, but today's featured guest has a clear philosophy: when it comes to agency growth, he prefers to develop A-players from within. For him, building the bench is just as important as building the business. Hamlet Azarian is the founder and CEO of Azarian Growth Agency, an agency that works with mid-market venture-backed startups helping them build their go-to-market strategies. He discusses his agency's "build them up" strategy, focusing on continual learning and curiosity through an academy, webinars, and internships, rather than solely hiring seasoned professionals. He'll address the common agency challenge of talent retention, noting that positive experiences can still lead to future referrals and positive word-of-mouth, even if employees eventually move on. It's an interesting episode where we dive into the importance of human capital and fostering a supportive, value-driven environment for agency success. In this episode, we'll discuss: Growing talent from scratch. Promote those who are ready to shine. The secret to employee retention.  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. From Go-to Fixer to Full Agency Before he was running his own growth agency, Hamlet was the go-to fixer for venture-backed startups in the trenches of pre-product chaos. VCs brought him in as a high-paid consultant to help fragile startups figure out product validation and go-to-market traction — a risky sandbox where there's barely a product and hardly any money. As the companies he touched turned into multi-million-dollar powerhouses, word got around, more VCs lined up, and the Azarian Growth Agency was born. So as he recalls, it wasn't exactly an accidental start, but considering he was helping startups that could barely write a check, he could not see it turning into a full agency in the beginning. A Culture of Relentless Learning One thing Hamlet doesn't compromise on is curiosity. If you run an agency, you know yesterday's marketing tactic is today's LinkedIn meme. So instead of hiring only ‘seasoned experts,' He invests in creating lifelong learners. How? He built Azarian Growth Academy, which trains up-and-coming marketers on the exact growth strategies his agency deploys for high-stakes startups. Add to that a monthly Growth Lab webinar, Udemy courses (4,000+ students and counting), and a robust internship pipeline — and you get a team that knows not just what to do, but why it works. Education is really central for Hamlet so his people don't just follow checklists — they evolve with the market because they understand the principles behind the tactics. Growing Talent from Scratch (and Letting Them Fly) Does it work? Hamlet shares a story that answers that better than any hiring manifesto. One intern joined as a college senior, left, and rejoined when Hamlet officially hung out his agency shingle. When he saw her application, Hamlet immediately hired her, as she knew her aptitude, passion, and even her weaknesses. Within 6 months, she was running paid ads. By year one, she was pitching clients solo. By year two, she was leading teams and today she's a senior department head. The lesson here is drive and curiosity should be backed with training, opportunity, and real trust. The payoff is massive loyalty and in-house expertise that's molded to your agency's playbook — not someone else's. Promotion by Performance, Not the Calendar Forget annual reviews and rigid promotion ladders. Hamlet's approach is simple: Learn fast, deliver results, get rewarded. To him, some people shine faster than others and, as the agency owners, you don't to limit that potential. Of course, you want to prepare them for the new role, so he tests emerging talent on internal agency projects before putting them on client accounts. If they mess up, the agency learns — not the client's bank account. It's a safe sandbox for risk-taking and skill-building, with performance as the only true gatekeeper to moving up. Flexibility: The Secret Sauce to Keeping Good People How can you keep that talent from jumping ship the second they hit senior level? You don't always. And Hamlet says that's perfectly fine. Even with AI evolving daily, Hamlet's clear that an agency's real moat is people — smart, motivated, curious people who feel trusted and supported to do their best work. Tools change. Channels come and go. But the humans who run them? That's your agency's real asset. In his view, the agency's success is predicated on the owner's ability to bring in talented people on to the team and provide a great environment that encourages them to stay. And the definition of “great” in this case may vary from individual to individual, but Hamlet finds that more than  perks or a foosball table or free LaCroix, it's about freedom. People need room to live their lives — whether that's hopping on a plane to Italy with the kids, or working flexible hours so family time doesn't clash with client deadlines. When people feel understood and trusted, they stay longer. And if they do leave? They become allies, not competitors. Many send referrals back. Some boomerang and return. And nearly all say, “That's where I learned how to do great work.” That reputation becomes your best recruiting tool — a self-feeding loop of great people wanting in. Experience vs. Fresh Eyes: A Never-Ending Balancing Act There's a million ways to grow an agency and there are no easy answers when it comes to hiring. Even if you hire the “experienced pro,” they can become rigid and slow to adapt — a death knell for early-stage growth marketing where experimentation rules. Hamlet's advice is don't bet the farm on resumes alone. Bet on mindset. Surround yourself with good people who share the same values. Look for curiosity, a love of learning, and the ability to fail, recover, and share lessons. Skills can be taught. Hunger can't. Define what you believe. Hire for it relentlessly. Train for skill, reward growth, and build an environment people don't want to leave — and if they do, they still sing your praises. 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 agencies are burning out their team to protect their bottom line.More remarketing.  More manual quoting.  More inefficiencies.All while margins get tighter — and expectations get higher.This week on Getting Past the Premium, Elliot sits down with Chris Peabody from Ascend to unpack what the most forward-thinking agencies are doing differently:✅ Automating the right processes✅ Embedding AI in invisible, high-impact ways✅ Standardizing workflows without losing trust✅ And actually measuring ROI before adopting new toolsThis episode isn't about “using AI” — it's about building a more scalable, sustainable firm in today's reality.

Points of Interest0:31 – 1:09 – Welcome & Guest Intro: Marcel introduces Michael Zipursky, founder of Consulting Success, highlighting his global impact helping consultants build six- and seven-figure businesses that align with their ideal lifestyles.2:33 – 4:11 – Consulting Success Origins: Michael shares how his early ventures led to launching Consulting Success with his cousin, aimed at sharing lessons learned and helping others avoid common pitfalls in consulting.6:02 – 6:24 – Agencies vs. Consulting Firms: Marcel and Michael discuss the blurring lines between agencies and consulting firms, noting how business models are converging and overlapping more than ever.6:30 – 9:39 – AI in Consulting: Michael unpacks the impact of AI on consulting, emphasizing it's not a threat but a major opportunity—especially for those who learn to leverage it for delivery, marketing, and efficiency.10:15 – 12:33 – Strategy vs. Delivery Firms: The conversation explores how AI disruption will accelerate a divide between strategic firms and commodity delivery shops, urging firms to specialize and double down on expertise.15:03 – 17:09 – The Prompting Advantage: Michael argues that asking the right questions is now a critical skill in the AI era—those with deep expertise will extract far more value from tools like ChatGPT than generalists.17:20 – 22:00 – Solo Consultant vs. Firm Builder: Michael outlines the typical journey from corporate professional to solo consultant, and the eventual fork in the road: stay lean and independent, or scale into a firm.24:27 – 27:00 – The Cost of Scaling: Marcel shares the hidden costs and risks of transitioning from a solo consultant to a firm owner, including potential income dips, increased complexity, and the need for strategic planning.27:00 – 29:54 – Smart Scaling Tactics: Michael stresses the importance of hiring slowly, keeping teams lean with A-players, and being clear on whether you're optimizing for lifestyle or enterprise value.30:06 – 31:10 – Fractional Talent & Flexibility: The hosts discuss how fractional hires and global talent access have reduced the risk of scaling by allowing firms to incrementally buy back time and capacity.33:01 – 34:58 – Profitability Levers: Michael highlights two key exercises to improve profitability: analyzing profitability by client type and by service offering, often revealing the 80/20 opportunities within the business.36:02 – 39:19 – Strategic Pricing in Uncertainty: In challenging economic times, Michael encourages firms to build stronger business cases and consider raising prices—not lowering them—as a path to higher profitability.Show NotesConsulting Success WebsiteConsulting Success PodcastConsulting Success CourseLove the Podcast?Leave us a review here.

Agencies will have to wait until another three months before they can start hiring employees again. The Trump administration has extended its governmentwide hiring freeze until mid-October. The freeze had previously been expected to lift next week. The hiring freeze doesn't apply to military members, or civilian positions dealing with immigration enforcement, national security or public safety. It's the White House's second extension of the freeze since President Trump's order on his first day in office. By the time the freeze lifts, agencies will have been barred from hiring for nine months.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Episode 165: Grab the Ultimate Ad Script right HERE - https://join.digitaltrailblazer.com/ultimate-ad-scriptMany online business owners struggle to scale beyond the low 6-figures range because they lack a strategic approach to growth and don't understand their key business metrics. They often try to be everything to everyone instead of focusing on specific personas and market opportunities.In this episode, Carolyn Lowe teaches us how to build brands to multiple seven figures by starting with product-market fit and knowing your numbers. She explains the importance of marketing to specific personas rather than generic audiences, implementing step-by-step customer journeys for higher-ticket offerings, and creating recurring revenue streams.Carolyn also shares strategies for leveraging email lists, understanding profitability at the product level, and adapting to changing marketplace conditions to maintain competitive advantage.About Carolyn Lowe: Carolyn is the CEO and Co-Founder of ROI Swift, an Austin-based agency that helps consumer brands with $3M to $50M in annual revenue optimize and scale profitably on the Amazon marketplace.With a deep background in eCommerce and marketing, Carolyn left a successful career at Dell—where she led a $2B division—to help growthstage brands unlock their potential. ROI Swift has helped over 150 companies generate over $100M in revenue on Amazon.Known for her bold decision-making and data-first mindset, Carolyn led a 2023 strategic pivot that increased agency profitability by focusing exclusively on what they do best—Amazon growth.She's a licensed pilot, EO member, and the author of Business Growth Do's and Absolute Don'ts. When she's not helping brands scale or speaking at major eCommerce events, you'll find her on the tennis court or traveling with her husband and two children.Download Carolyn's Free Guide, “3 Tips for Profitable Amazon Growth” - https://roiswift.com/3-tips-for-profitable-amazon-growth/Connect with Carolyn: https://roiswift.com https://www.linkedin.com/in/carolynbyronlowe/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/roi-swiftWant 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

After President Trump's return to Office orders, some agencies are unsure how to proceed with updating their remote work and telework policies. The Government Accountability Office says the administration needs to issue new guidance to help agencies better measure the effects of their telework policies on performance. A new report from GAO also details the results of a 2024 survey, which found that remote work has a positive effect on recruitment, retention and cost savings. Federal News Network's Drew Friedman got more from GAO, Director of Strategic Issues, Dawn Locke. 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 textRyan Minnick of the Federation of Tax Administrators discusses how state tax agencies are approaching artificial intelligence and shares insights from the FTA's upcoming briefing paper on generative AI and its 2024 tax agency survey. For more coverage, read the following in Tax Notes: California Tax Agency Ramping Up for Generative AIState Tax Administrators Are Studying the Use of Generative AIFollow us on X:Emily Hollingsworth: @EmilyHoll9David Stewart: @TaxStewTax Notes: @TaxNotes***CreditsHost: David D. StewartExecutive Producers: Jasper B. Smith, Paige JonesProducers: Jordan Parrish, Peyton RhodesAudio Engineers: Jordan Parrish, Peyton Rhodes

Would you like access to our advanced agency training for FREE? https://www.agencymastery360.com/training Let's get real. If you're stacking your agency's foundation on $20/month AI tools, congrats—you're in the honeymoon phase. But don't confuse cheap for stable. This ain't gonna last. We're in the Uber moment of AI. Remember those $3 rides in 2015? Promo codes flying like candy? Everyone thought, “This is amazing.” Then BOOM—same ride today costs $30, and you don't blink. Why? Because they normalized the spend. AI is doing the same damn thing right now. The Calm Before the Price Surge I was chatting with an agency owner the other week—four-person team doing the work of twenty. She's saving close to $800K in salary using AI. Impressive? Hell yeah. But also? Fragile. Because when AI replaces two full-time employees, it's not going to stay cheaper than lunch forever. These platforms are buying loyalty today so they can raise rates tomorrow. And when they do, the agencies who built real systems will survive while the rest scrambles. Automation Without Documentation = Fragile AF Here's the trap I see all over the place: Agencies getting lean and mean with automation… but not documenting jack. So when a tool changes, prices spike, or a platform shifts—what happens? They're rebuilding from scratch. Again. Smart operators are using AI to build leverage, not just save time. And they're documenting the whole playbook outside the tools. Prompts. Logic. Decisions. Workflows. Everything. Because they know when OpenAI changes the rules (and they will), they'll just pivot—without panic. 3-Phase AI Survival Plan (That Actually Makes You Money) Phase 1: Audit + Adapt List every AI tool you use. Ask: “If this cost 10x tomorrow, what breaks?” Document your workflows without AI. Don't skip this. You're looking for landmines now, so you're not surprised later. Phase 2: Build AI-Augmented IP Productize one service using AI—but don't lean on it 100%. Build templates based on your brain, not just the bot's. Train your agents and save the training outside the tool. Think like a software company, not a freelancer with ChatGPT. Phase 3: Future-Proof Your Value Sharpen your skills. AI is smart, but notstrategic. Build one offer that works with zero automation. Stay close to smart operators. This is a gold rush. Don't go it solo. This Isn't Anti-AI. It's Pro-Sanity. AI is a tool. It's not your team. It's not your strategy. And it's definitely not your moat. Use it. Document it. But don't depend on it. Because when the rules change—and they will—the agencies that built real systems and resilient IP will still be standing. Want a plan to build smarter leverage in your agency? Check out the Agency Playbook. It's the 8-system framework we've used to help agency owners like Derek Champagne scale from 7- to 8-figures in under a year.