Podcasts about agencies

On today's Daily Windup, I break down the reality behind recent reports on the federal contracting market. While confidence is up thanks to the $2 trillion Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, the truth is small businesses are struggling more than ever. We're seeing 30% fewer small business entrants into the federal marketplace and 40% fewer firms supporting the government compared to just a decade ago. Agencies like NAVFAC are shifting nearly everything into long-term MAC and IDIQ contracts—deals most micro-businesses with under 10 employees can't even qualify for. The result? A widening gap between small firms and the billion-dollar giants. But here's the opportunity: the same reports highlight strategic teaming initiatives, business development, and cybersecurity as top priorities for success. I've seen firsthand how critical these are—I've even been hacked three times this year, and the government is about to roll out stricter CMMC cybersecurity requirements across solicitations. If you don't master BD, teaming, and compliance, you'll be left behind. This episode is my straight talk about the risks, the trends, and the skills every small business needs to survive in government contracting today.

In this episode, Stacie sits down with Australian artist and entrepreneur Georgia Norton Lodge to explore the winding road from drawing houses as a side hustle to running multiple thriving businesses. Georgia shares how transparency, pricing strategy, creative pivots, and an unshakeable community-first mindset have helped her build a million-dollar business. Whether you're drawing houses or dreaming big, Georgia brings both the tough love and encouragement creatives need to hear. Today on Art + Audience: The Accidental Beginning: How a botched book cover project sparked a booming business drawing people's homes. The $35 Principle: Why Georgia started cheap, and how that decision helped her build a global brand. Murals, Agencies, and Side Hustles: How she runs multiple ventures, serves high-profile clients, and nurtures a team of young designers. Tough Love and Real Talk: The difference between being an artist and building an art business, Georgia gets real about pricing, criticism, and toxic positivity. Two Roads to Success: The quiet, word-of-mouth service path vs. the loud, social-media-driven audience path, and how to choose what's right for you. Impact Beyond Art: Why transitioning into education created deeper, more lasting transformation than drawing thousands of houses ever could.   Connect with Georgia Norton Lodge: Website: georgiadrawsahouse.com | secretartistsbusiness.au Instagram: @georgiadrawsahouse Connect with Stacie Bloomfield: Subscribe, Rate, and Review: Art + Audience Podcast Website: staciebloomfield.com | leverageyourart.com Instagram: @gingiber | @leverageyourart  Facebook: @ShopGingiber Pinterest: pinterest.com/gingiber Got questions? Call the Art + Audience Podcast hotline: (479) 966-9561 Pre-order Stacie's book: The Artist's Side Hustle

SummaryIn this episode of the Dental Flow podcast, Benjamin Suggs discusses the phenomenon of former dental practice clients returning to his agency after leaving for various reasons. He explores the reasons behind their departure, including changes in management and unmet expectations, as well as the factors that led them to return, such as better results and more supportive agency relationships. The conversation highlights the importance of understanding client needs, the role of office managers, and the significance of continuity in agency-client relationships.Takeaways10 dental practice clients returned after leaving our agency.Reasons for leaving included selling to a DSO and dissatisfaction.New office managers often disrupt existing agency relationships.Over-promising by sales teams can lead to client disappointment.Continuity in client relationships is crucial for success.Clients value agencies that require minimal time commitment.Results-driven marketing is essential for client retention.Understanding client expectations can prevent agency turnover.Building strong relationships with clients fosters loyalty.Transparency in agency performance is key to client trust.Chapters00:00 The Return of Former Clients02:19 Reasons for Leaving and Coming Back05:06 The Role of Office Managers in Agency Relationships08:11 Over-Promising and Under-Delivering10:21 Time Commitment and Client Expectations13:02 Continuity in Client Relationships14:40 Lessons from Client Returns Your Dental Marketing Growth Partner: Human Expertise Meets AI Precision. We combine cutting-edge AI technology with over 14 years of dental marketing expertise to drive real results. From increasing new patient flow to filling holes in your schedule, our strategies are built to grow your practice—efficiently, intelligently, and predictably. Experience marketing that adapts in real-time and delivers every time. No long-term contracts. Our clients average a 5X return on investment. Personalized, non-corporate approach. 5-star reviewed. Incredibly easy to work with - your time commitment is minimal. Find us: Website: https://newpatientsflow.com Google: https://g.co/kgs/zqWTc5a Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/newpatientsflow Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/newpatientsflow/ Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/newpatientsflow

Nathan had Jay and Réland back to cover all things marketing. They discuss various aspects of marketing, personal experiences, and the intersection of life and work. They emphasize the importance of specialization in marketing, share personal stories about family life, and explore innovations in marketing tools. Watch the full video HERE. #marketing #marketingagency #worklifebalance Guest Name: Réland Logan Title: Branding Expert Company: Gray Digital Marketing Expertise: Woman-owned consultant agencies hire them to perfect their brand message in 1-3 business days so they can easily land champagne clientele using her BrandExtraordinary method! Website: https://graydigitalmktg.co/ Social: linkedin.com/in/reland-logan Champagne Clientele Brand Check: https://gray-digital-marketing.kit.com/ab2e6b4b49   Guest Name: Jay Rathell Title: LinkedIn Ad Expert Company: Yamaro 83 Expertise: Building successful social media ad campaigns that drives results. Website: https://yamaro83.com/ Social: https://www.linkedin.com/company/yamaro-83/ Watch the LTM Podcast Shorts playlist. Watch the The Entrepreneur Grind playlist.

Two of the biggest agencies in MFL join us this week: RonJon who owns Fortress Agency (most players in the game) and TrustTheProcess (most clubs in the game).We ask them your questions and how they go about operating their massive agencies! Join our Discord server!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Follow us on our socials! ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Episode 184: Automate Your Lead Generation with our FREE online course: https://go.digitaltrailblazer.com/auto-leads-course-freeMany online business owners waste months creating courses, coaching programs, or services only to discover there's no market demand when they finally launch. This leads to lost time, money, and momentum that could have been invested in profitable ventures.In this episode, Josiah Ryan teaches us how to validate offers before building them using his "rank and rent" strategy. He explains how to generate traffic first, test market demand by selling leads or affiliate products, and only invest in creating the full offer once you've proven people will actually buy. This approach eliminates the guesswork and ensures your time is spent building something that's guaranteed to sell.About Josiah Ryan: Josiah is a Fractional CMO, marketing strategist, podcast host, and author of the upcoming book “Questions Are Your Weapons”.He first made his mark in digital marketing by launching an SEO agency that helped over 100 business owners scale across dozens of industries—generating well over $50 million in combined client revenue. From high-ticket service businesses to local operators, Josiah developed a reputation for simplifying complex problems and building lean systems that actually convert.After running both his agency and his own high-growth rental business, he launched Competitive Edge Consulting to bring real marketing leadership to founders who are tired of guessing and ready to scale with clarity.Today, Josiah serves as a trusted Fractional CMO for service-based businesses that want to grow without the bloat—offering strategy, structure, and execution without the inflated retainers. He's also the host of the Christian Business Podcast, where he explores the intersection of business, leadership, and faith with raw, practical insight.Connect with Josiah:www.CompEdgeConsulting.com https://www.instagram.com/ChristianBizPodcast/ https://x.com/ChristianBizPod https://open.spotify.com/show/0Q8k55u0WeTC7mepZi9BH8?nd=1&dlsi=69568fd8b0af4573 https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-christian-business-podcast-with-josiah-ryan/id1832524666Want 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 Are you wondering how AI will really change the way agencies work? Will it replace your team, or make them better than ever? Artificial intelligence continues to be at the forefront of most tech conversations, and that's exactly why agency owners can't afford to ignore it. Today's guest believes the real future of AI in agencies isn't about replacement—it's about augmentation. Humans bring the high-leverage ideas, AI scales the execution, and the magic happens in the collaboration between the two. That's why he challenges his team to master a skill first—understanding every step—before delegating pieces of it to AI. By doing so, they not only achieve stronger results but also gain the ability to explain, teach, and refine the process. For agencies, this thoughtful integration turns AI from a threat into a powerful accelerator. Josh Payne is a serial entrepreneur and the founder of Coframe, which helps businesses continuously optimize their digital experiences. Before that, he co-founded Autograph, scaling it to unicorn status within just over a year, and previously sold his first company, AccessBell, to India's Tata Group. A Stanford AI researcher and occasional lecturer, Josh has blended tech, entrepreneurship, and big-name partnerships into a career full of lessons that agency owners can apply to their own journey. In this episode, we'll discuss: The power of just asking. Should we be worried about AI? Why the human element still wins. When AI shows empathy. 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. Building Big, Fast (and What Comes After) Josh's first exit was AccessBell, acquired by Tatai Group. Then came Autograph, the NFT platform co-founded with connections in the entertainment industry that quickly attracted celebrities and athletes like Tom Brady. The company went unicorn in about a year, proof that timing, partnerships, and execution can fuel explosive growth. But Josh is quick to admit that pace sets a dangerous bar. When he launched Coframe, progress felt slower. The natural question arises: why am I not going as fast as I did last time? For any agency owner who's had one “big win,” the fear of never matching that level again is real. For Josh, it comes down to stop chasing vanity metrics and focusing on the real value you're creating. The long burn, when tied to a larger vision, often builds a stronger foundation. The Power of Just Asking One of the best stories from Josh's Autograph journey was how Tom Brady got involved. It was a simple conversation, made possible because a co-founder's family knew Brady. They took a shot, asked for a call, and suddenly, an NFL legend wasn't just an investor—he was a co-founder. They were, of course, very lucky, but the lesson for Josh was that you'll never land your dream client (or partner) if you don't step up to bat. Too many agencies convince themselves certain clients are “out of reach,” when in reality, decision-makers are more approachable than you think. Even the busiest people have time for the right conversation if you show up as a person, not a pitch machine. Separating Yourself from Your Business Identity With all these exits, Josh is still struggling with the identity crisis that comes with selling or stepping away from a company. Like Jason back when he sold his agency, Josh felt like he'd sold his soul and is still wrestling with how to separate being a tech founder from just being Josh. Your business is not your identity, as performance coach Todd Herman (the guy behind Kobe Bryant's “Black Mamba” alter ego) helped Jason understand. You're not an “agency owner” by identity. You're a creator, innovator, and strategist. Those traits travel with you into whatever you do next. Lose the label, keep the essence. Fighting the Metrics Spiral Every agency owner knows the feeling: dashboards screaming that you're 30% down from last month, the creeping panic that you're “slipping.” Josh admits he's guilty of chasing these vanity metrics too, and it's exhausting. The problem is that short-term sprints cloud the long-term vision. But focusing only on the long-term isn't right either. You can't sit back dreaming and stop executing. Josh calls it a balance game. Some days require in-the-weeds execution. Other days call for pulling up to 30,000 feet and resetting the vision. And finding ways to get into that higher-level thinking state is crucial. Finding Flow and Big Picture Clarity One of Josh's surprising hacks for perspective is the float tank, a sensory deprivation chamber where you float weightless in silence. He describes it as being suspended between sleep and wakefulness, giving him the clarity to see the forest instead of the trees. For him, a float every couple of months resets his ability to think deeply. This lucid dreaming state allows him to consciously control his thought process, which is hard to do on a day-to-day basis. There are different ways to achieve this “flow state” like flying planes or running, where focus on the task at hand frees the brain to process ideas in the background. The lesson for agency owners is that you need intentional “out of the weeds” time. Whether it's floating, running, or flying, find your version of the float tank. Should We Be Worried About AI? Where is AI really going, and should agencies be worried? Josh approaches the subject with cautious optimism. He admits there are possible negative outcomes—whole essays have been written about the risks—but he believes society still has control of its destiny. Governance, adaptation, and human ingenuity will help us navigate the “intelligence explosion” ahead. For agency owners, that perspective matters. The fear-driven narrative (“AI will replace us all”) misses the more useful question: how do we adapt to stay ahead? Josh's view is that AI will become a force multiplier, but only for those who deeply understand their craft first. At Coframe, he leads his team with the mantra: “first we are artisans, then we are automators.” Josh encourages his team to master processes as humans before trying to automate them. An artisan, he says, is someone who not only performs a task with taste and skill but can also teach it to an apprentice. If you can teach it, you can usually train AI to do it too. This is a powerful framework for agencies. Too many people treat AI as a magic shortcut, asking it to “do the thing” without knowing what “the thing” really requires. But if you've built the human expertise first, AI becomes like a hyper-capable apprentice, great at code generation, design variations, or crunching vast amounts of data, but still lacking the higher-level strategy and creative ideation that only humans can bring. Why the Human Element Still Wins Lots of people are already trying to launch “AI-only agencies.” This is a mistake. Clients don't just want data or deliverables; they want connection, guidance, and trust. Even as AI accelerates execution, the human side, like the ability to understand a client, guide their decisions, and translate insights into strategy, remains irreplaceable. This is especially true when clients don't know what to ask. Tools may say, “Ask me anything,” but most business owners don't even know where to start. That's where the agency earns its keep: by framing the right questions and then leveraging AI to deliver smarter, faster answers. AI Limitations on Emotion and Empathy Empathy remains the most valuable and, so far, irreplaceable element that AI cannot afford clients, and where human intervention continues to be necessary. However, as these models get more and more aligned, clients are starting to see cases where the AI is able to show empathy for your situation. For instance, Jason recently tested AI with his own medical challenges. After foot surgery complications, he uploaded photos of his wound to an AI tool and was surprised at how sympathetic the responses felt. It wasn't just giving data—it was offering encouragement, warnings, and even emergency advice when he tested it with old images. Josh had his own example: experimenting with fasting while using AI to predict weight loss. The model gave estimates but also warned him about the risks and refused to encourage unsafe behavior. Modern models are being trained not just for accuracy but to reflect human values, to ensure they're aligned with human interests. Balancing AI Alignment With Performance This fine-tuning process with newer AI models makes them more positive and empathetic. But there's a trade-off: aligned models can lose some raw performance on benchmarks. For agencies, this means two things: AI tools will continue evolving in personality and usefulness. The best results will still come from humans who know how to wield them—pairing empathy, strategy, and creativity with AI's speed and scale. 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.  

Creative work has always had its ups and downs, but lately the dips feel longer and the competition sharper. Budgets that once seemed safe are now under constant pressure, and clients expect more for less—often faster than before. Technology keeps shifting the rules, blurring the lines between what used to be specialized skills. For agencies and production companies, it's not just about making great work anymore—it's about proving you're still essential in a market that's always moving the goalposts. https://youtu.be/UhfyKQnkoxs?si=Z_zoEQs5FUGq1Prc Ross MacRae, founder of BikiniList and AgencySource, has spent over three decades helping creative teams grow and adapt. Today, he addresses how agencies can weather industry slowdowns by focusing on consistent networking and relationship building. He stresses the need to stay visible, even when work is scarce, and to nurture client trust over time. His advice centered on steady outreach, strategic positioning, and resilience in shifting markets. Stay tuned! Quotes: “If change is a constant part of what we do, then we need to accept that when things change outside our control, we can use the opportunities that presents—because change isn't all bad.” “You've got to give yourself a default diary—a timetable that allows you time in your week, every week, to do networking and pipeline. You must, even if you're frantic and busy.” “We've always listened to what our prospective and existing customers say to us to try and find out how we can help them in this new way of doing business.” Resources: The New Business platform for Agencies, Production & Reps | Agency Source Connect with Ross MacRae on LinkedIn

PREVIEW: Baird: Ben explains US agencies, under Obama and Biden, continued funding extremist Muslim groups despite their destructive vows. Past reports and Trump's cuts didn't stop this long-standing allocation. MORE LATER 1956

Udayan Bose is the Founder and CEO of NetElixir, a digital marketing agency designed to help the growth of eCommerce businesses, B2B companies, and retail brands through strategic solutions and an AI-powered platform. Udayan is also the Co-founder of The Udaan Trust, a nonprofit foundation of NetElixir that supports underprivileged young women in India to pursue their education goals and build successful careers. In this episode… AI is transforming the way businesses operate, but the question remains: How can AI create measurable value instead of being just another buzzword? As industries experiment with generative tools, the stakes are high for brands trying to keep up with rapid technological shifts. What does it take to integrate AI responsibly to drive growth and innovation? Digital marketer and AI researcher Udayan Bose says companies must rethink how AI fits into core strategies rather than treating it as an add-on. They can leverage machine learning and generative models to identify high-value customers, streamline complex workflows, and uncover new opportunities for revenue growth. The advantage comes from reinvesting efficiency gains into new roles, experimentation, and innovation. When paired with a human-centered, responsible approach, AI can reshape industries. In this episode of The Digital Deep Dive, Aaron Conant sits down with Udayan Bose, Founder and CEO of NetElixir, to discuss unlocking business value with generative AI. Udayan talks about the disruptive potential of applied AI, why responsible adoption balances efficiency with human innovation, and how to select agencies and invest in future-proof strategies.

Episode 183: Automate Your Lead Generation with our FREE online course: https://go.digitaltrailblazer.com/auto-leads-course-freeMost online business owners struggle with getting in front of their ideal audience and staying in front of them long enough to build the trust needed to make sales. Without a proper system, entrepreneurs often resort to time-consuming tactics like DMing prospects or manually following up, which leads to burnout and inconsistent revenue.In this episode, Todd and Leah teach us how to build an automated lead generation funnel that attracts buyers and nurtures them effectively. They explain the "7-11-4 rule", how to create irresistible lead magnets that don't raise resistance, and the critical importance of having a clear next step after someone opts-in to keep prospects engaged in your nurturing system.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

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I keep seeing AI agencies pop up everywhere, offering to AI-ify businesses. But what are they AI’ing? How are they doing it? Seems too general and unfocused to work. Still, they do. I wanted to understand how, so I interviewed Rob Howard, who teaches agency owners how to sell and deliver AI services. Rob Howard is the founder of Howard Development & Consulting (HDC.net) and the creator of Innovating with AI, a program that has helped over 1,000 people start and grow AI consulting businesses. With a background in software development and WordPress, Rob has built and shipped projects for clients for more than 20 years. Today, he's focused on teaching others how to combine no-code tools, automation, and AI to create profitable, sustainable agencies. More interviews -> https://mixergy.com/moreint Rate this interview -> https://mixergy.com/rateint

Would you like access to our advanced agency training for FREE? https://www.agencymastery360.com/training Are you stuck acting like an order taker instead of leading your clients with strategy? If you want to grow an agency that survives the competition, you need to do more than deliver pretty websites or manage ad budgets. You need to lead with strategy, prove it with data, and guide your clients through the journey—not the other way around. Too many agencies are still making decisions based on “gut feelings” instead of data, which is why today's featured guest is tackling exactly that problem—making it easier for everyone in a company to use data daily, so decisions are grounded in reality, not instinct. Pete Caputa is the CEO of Databox, a business intelligence platform built for small to mid-market companies that makes data adoption simple across teams. Before that, Pete spent nine years at HubSpot, where he famously launched and scaled the agency partner program—now responsible for billions in revenue. But Pete's journey didn't start in SaaS boardrooms. He began as an engineer, dabbled in early 2000s web apps after learning to code, and struggled through the grind of bootstrapping. his own ventures. A key pivot came when he connected with sales coach Rick Rober, who helped him sharpen his sales chops. That path eventually led him to HubSpot as the fourth sales rep and later, the architect behind the company's groundbreaking agency channel. In this episode, we'll discuss: Creating the HubSpot Agency Partner Program. Why agencies need to lead with strategy. AI as the new strategic edge. Selling strategy as a service. 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. The Birth of the HubSpot Agency Partner Program Early HubSpot sales conversations looked familiar to many agency owners: lots of free education, lots of excitement… and lots of ghosting. Agencies wanted to roll HubSpot out to their clients, but deals rarely closed. Pete recognized the deeper problem —agencies were stuck in project-based work and living on the cash flow rollercoaster. So he set out to teach agencies to package ongoing retainers instead of chasing one-off projects. That simple but powerful shift unlocked stability and scale. Agencies suddenly had recurring revenue, longer-term client relationships, and the ability to deliver compounding value. HubSpot, of course, became the backbone of that service delivery. What started as a scrappy idea became a multi-billion-dollar channel—and one of the most successful agency programs in SaaS history. Leaving HubSpot As HubSpot scaled, so did its internal politics. Pete found himself in the middle of a growing conflict between the direct sales team and the partner channel. Instead of collaborating, the two operated like competing businesses, often clashing at the deal level. Pete saw a solution, but realized implementing it would be painful in company scaling that fast. He eventually stepped away, even though he was responsible for nearly 40% of HubSpot's revenue at the time. “It got harder to get things done,” he admitted—proof that what works in a startup culture doesn't always survive as companies mature. The Evolving Challenges for Agencies Back in the early 2000s, agencies had to convince clients digital marketing was worth investing in. SEO, social, and funnels were foreign concepts for most businesses. Agencies had to sell belief before they could sell retainers. Today, the problem isn't buy-in—it's competition. Businesses now see digital as essential, but agencies are often commoditized into executing tactics. Instead of being trusted advisors, many find themselves replaceable—either by freelancers, in-house hires, or other agencies that “do the same thing cheaper.” The risk is clear: if you're not leading clients strategically, you're just a vendor waiting to be swapped out. Agencies Need to Lead With Strategy Most agencies claim to do strategy, but really, they only use it to justify selling a tactic. Redesigning a website? They'll run some quick competitor research. Launching content marketing? They'll whip up a persona doc. But that's not strategy—it's sales collateral. Pete is now working on a framework he calls Predictable Scale. It starts with true strategy: competitive research, customer research, defining vision and mission, and setting clear objectives. Only then do tactics come into play. Most agencies don't put these together in the right sequence and, as a result, get pushed in to executing tactics. For agencies, this is the key to breaking out of the execution box and earning a permanent seat at the table. AI as the New Strategic Edge These days, agencies can leverage AI to accelerate strategy and client service. It can be as simple as using AI to run a SWOT analysis, refine your brand voice, mission and vision, and then taking all the data and use it to create a custom GPT you can run to generate client-facing plans. One mastermind member, Chris Dwyer, took this to the extreme by building a board of AI advisors (finance, marketing, sales, and acquisitions) and saw incredible growth as a result. Pete's team has also dabbled in this use of AI and created a custom GPT called Pete GPT. They feed in customer interviews, surveys, and Pete's own writing so the tool can generate content in his voice. Beyond content, AI is speeding up product feedback loops. By connecting call transcripts, chat logs, and support tickets, his product team can instantly spot customer needs and prioritize features—a process that used to take weeks of interviews. Pete also has an AI agent that handles about 50% of his agency's conversations with prospects and clients, with a customer satisfaction score of 70% so far. For agencies, the message is clear: if you're not already embedding AI into your workflows, you're falling behind. Onboarding and Client Retention Still Matter Most Not everything should be automated, however, especially when it comes to onboarding. Onboarding can make or break a client relationship in the first 60 days. Too many agencies rely entirely on Zoom and automation, missing the opportunity to build true connection. “No one meets with clients in person anymore,” he said, and it's costing them. Some of the most successful agencies in Jason's mastermind make it a priority to visit new clients in person during the first quarter. That small gesture builds trust, creates deeper bonds, and makes it much harder for clients to churn later. With competition as fierce as it is, going the extra mile in onboarding may be the simplest competitive advantage agencies can claim. Selling Strategy as a Service Pete wrapped up the conversation by introducing Databox's new program for agencies: business intelligence as a service. Until now, most agencies used Databox to report on campaign performance. But Pete sees a bigger opportunity—helping agencies package BI consulting as a strategic service. Instead of being the vendor that just improves ad ROAS or runs SEO reports, agencies can step up as partners who improve an entire company's performance. That means quarterly reviews looking not just at marketing metrics, but at sales, ops, finance, and customer success data too. For agencies tired of being “order takers,” this is the chance to finally sell strategy over tactics—and get paid for it. 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.

Andy Dunne thought other agency owners were the enemy. They'd steal clients, poach candidates, copy ideas. Sound familiar? Then he joined Team in 2014 just to save £130 a month on job boards. Eleven years later, he's their managing director, overseeing 500+ agencies that split over £6 million in fees last year. What changed? Andy learned that protecting everything actually kills more business than it creates. In this episode, you'll discover: Why 80% of Team's agencies went from generalist to specialist since 2014 (and why the generalists are getting crushed) The market intelligence strategy that makes prospects call you instead of you chasing them How two specialist agencies split £40,600 by collaborating on out-of-niche roles The mental health reality of running an agency alone - and why Andy champions this cause Why your real competition isn't other agencies, but AI and managed service providers Andy shares the quarterly report strategy that made one agency owner "untouchable" with prospects, the collaboration mindset shift that's transforming the industry, and why the isolation of solo agency ownership is something that can't be ignored. Whether you're a solo agency owner or leading a team, this conversation challenges the "protect everything" mentality and shows how collaboration can transform your business. Andy Dunne is Managing Director of Team, the UK's largest network of independently owned recruitment businesses. With over 20 years in recruitment, including running his own agency, Andy is passionate about collaboration and community. Since joining Team, he's helped agencies save millions in job board costs and connect through an active network that shares over £6m annually in split fees.

In this episode, I share one of my biggest blunders in my 15-year career, where I essentially just wasted well over 100k down the drain trying to shortcut my business and marketing processes by hiring outside companies that essentially just stole my money and ended up setting me further back in my process.⁣⁣

Would you like access to our advanced agency training for FREE? https://www.agencymastery360.com/training If your agency is still saying, “Sure, we can do that” to every client request, you're already in trouble. AI isn't coming—it's here. And it's gunning for the order takers. The agencies that survive won't be the button pushers. They'll be the problem solvers. The strategists. Let's break down why the old “yes to everything” model is dead—and what to do instead. The Old Way: Execution = Value Back in the day, clients would come in with half-baked ideas, you'd build what they asked for, send an invoice, and move on. That worked when execution was hard and specialized. But now? AI can crank out ad copy, designs, blog posts—even full websites—in under 30 seconds. If your agency's value is tied to deliverables, you're already replaceable. The New Way: Sell Outcomes, Not Tasks Here's what AI can't do: Diagnose the real problem. Challenge assumptions. Build trust and sell a bigger vision. That's your edge. Strategic agencies don't sell websites or ads anymore. They sell clarity. They sell outcomes. They lead the client to where they actually need to go. Think about surgeons or lawyers. They don't ask, “So what do you want me to do today?” They diagnose. They prescribe. They lead. Great agencies do the same. Real Proof: Owners Who Made the Shift Derek was stuck running a 7-figure agency that was plateauing. He and his team were working themselves into the ground for less and less money. Once he niched down and repositioned as a leader in his space, everything changed. Within a year, he scaled to eight figures. Jack almost shut down his agency before using the Agency Playbook to get clarity, reposition, and dominate his niche. Today, he runs a multi-million-dollar business. Carl stopped “doing” and started leading. Using our Foot in the Door approach, he landed a $100K cash deal plus a 20% royalty stream. These aren't outliers. They're agency owners who stopped being order takers and started being authorities. How to Make the Shift Without Burning It All Down You don't need to fire all your clients and start from scratch. You just need to change how you show up. Stop reacting. Start leading. Don't ask, “What do you want?” Instead, say, “Here's what you need, and here's the proven process to get it.” Get paid for clarity. The Foot in the Door (FITD) system shows you how to charge $2,500+ just for the initial strategy session. Because clarity is valuable—and it positions you as the authority from day one. Audit your model. If you're stuck or unclear on what to fix next, the Agency Blueprint gives you a custom diagnostic so you know exactly where to focus. Ready to stop being a doer and start being an advisor? Grab the Foot in the Door System here and start getting paid just to pitch. Or if you're not sure where the gap is, grab your Agency Blueprint here.

30 in 5 Challenge: CART NOW OPEN!Offices are writing 30 life apps in just 5 days—some hitting 70+ and over $100K in premium. You'll get exact scripts, live role plays, and real-world coaching that build confidence, create momentum, and help you consistently close bigger premiums.

And why are security cameras being banned in Hamilton Ontario?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Episode 182: Automate Your Lead Generation with our FREE online course: https://go.digitaltrailblazer.com/auto-leads-course-freeMost online business owners struggle with the constant grind of trading time for money, spending countless hours on sales calls and content creation while barely breaking even financially. This exhausting cycle leaves entrepreneurs feeling trapped and wondering if they'll ever achieve the freedom they started their business to gain.In this episode, Brandon and Michelle Barber teach us how to break free from this pattern using their proven offer formula that generated over $10 million in sales. They share their system for creating low-ticket entry offers that naturally lead to high-ticket programs, how to sell directly through masterclasses without endless sales calls, and the specific strategies they use for driving traffic through podcast guesting, email marketing, and relationship building.Grab Brandon & Michelle's FREE Online Course: https://brandonbarbercoaching.com/connections/Connect with Brandon & Michelle:https://brandonbarbercoaching.com/ https://www.facebook.com/brandonbarbercoaching/ https://www.instagram.com/brandonbarbercoaching/ https://www.tiktok.com/@brandonbarbercoachingWant 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

Trump administration's push to reduce the federal workforce has affected virtually all agencies, but just three agencies are responsible for more than half of the total staff reductions so far. Those numbers are expected to continue climbing for the next several months or longer. Here with more analysis, 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.

we're diving headfirst into the digital rabbit hole, spurred by the brilliantly unsettling BBC show, The Capture. If you haven't seen it, don't worry, we're not spoiling the plot; we're spoiling the real-world illusion it exposes. Our overall arc? How technology is being weaponized to manufacture reality itself. Today's mini-arc: the death of evidence. We've moved beyond fake news articles you can fact-check. We've entered the era of fake reality—deepfakes, manipulated video, AI-generated audio—where your own eyes and ears become the most unreliable witnesses in the courtroom of public opinion. It's not about lying about what happened anymore; it's about creating a new, impeccably produced version of what happened, starring a digital you who says things you never said, doing things you never did. It's a digital witness protection program, but instead of protecting you, it's protecting the narrative by throwing you under a beautifully rendered, AI-generated bus.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

John Batchelor 09-03 segment 12.mp3 Guest: Bob Zimmerman who keeps the website Behind the Black. NASA Unionization and SpaceX Milestones Bob Zimmerman addresses the recent executive order by President Trumpeliminating unions at NASA and other agencies, arguing that government unions are inefficient and costly. He then praises SpaceX's achievements, including a Falcon 9 first stage completing its 30th flight—a new reuse record. Zimmerman notes SpaceX is significantly reducing launch costs and enabling new space technologies like Starlink, also mentioning the reuse of a Starship super heavy booster 1958.

Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. was grilled during a combative hearing before the Senate Finance Committee. Senators pressed Kennedy on his views on vaccines and whether he was effectively limiting access and destroying trust in past data and public health agencies. The hearing comes just a week after his decision to fire the director of the CDC, Dr. Susan Monarez. Lisa Desjardins reports. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy

AP correspondent Karen Chammas reports on a jump in the death toll from a recent earthquake in Afghanistan

Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. was grilled during a combative hearing before the Senate Finance Committee. Senators pressed Kennedy on his views on vaccines and whether he was effectively limiting access and destroying trust in past data and public health agencies. The hearing comes just a week after his decision to fire the director of the CDC, Dr. Susan Monarez. Lisa Desjardins reports. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy

Episode 181: Automate Your Lead Generation with our FREE online course: https://go.digitaltrailblazer.com/auto-leads-course-freeAI is disrupting SEO and causing massive traffic losses for online businesses as traditional websites become antiquated in the age of AI-powered search results. Many coaches, course creators, and agency owners are watching their organic traffic plummet while struggling to adapt to this rapidly changing landscape.In this episode, Bruce Clay teaches us how to transform websites for the AI era by focusing on question-and-answer content structure. He reveals his proven method of adding detailed FAQs to every page, explains why AI depends on search engines for content filtering, and shows how to rank in Google's AI Overviews. Bruce also discusses the importance of optimizing for multiple SERP features beyond traditional organic results, emphasizing that SEO is now more critical than ever for AI visibility.About Bruce Clay: Bruce is widely recognized as the "Father of SEO," having coined the term "search engine optimization" and practiced SEO since 1996. With nearly three decades in the industry, he has built a global consulting empire with offices across Japan, Australia, Singapore, Europe, and India. Bruce has authored three books on SEO, spoken at over 300 conference sessions, and established himself as a leading authority in search marketing.As the founder and CEO of Bruce Clay, Inc., he has evolved his expertise to encompass the intersection of AI and SEO, developing innovative tools like PreWriter.ai and comprehensive training programs at SEOTraining.com. Clay's current focus centers on helping businesses adapt to the AI-driven search landscape, teaching companies how to optimize for Google's AI Overviews and other emerging search features while maintaining traditional SEO fundamentals.Register for Bruce's Upcoming Training: https://www.seotraining.com/Connect with Bruce:https://www.bruceclay.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/bruce-clay-inc-/ https://www.facebook.com/BruceClayInc/ https://www.prewriter.ai/ https://www.seotools.com/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

The federal workforce is shrinking fast—OPM says 300,000 fewer employees are on the rolls compared to last year. Agencies are bracing for a retirement wave and some are cutting bargaining rights. Congress is heading toward a budget showdown with a continuing resolution almost guaranteed. What does all this mean for the people who keep government running? John Hatton, staff vice president at NARFE. joins me to break it all down.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

More agencies are now under orders from the White House to end agreements with their federal unions. President Trump added a half dozen more agencies to an already extensive list of agencies being required to cancel their collective bargaining agreements. The expansion comes as multiple lawsuits against the administration remain ongoing. 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.

Proposals can make or break your agency's Q4 pipeline. Too vague, and prospects don't see the value. Too detailed, and they get stuck in analysis paralysis. In this episode, Dan is joined by Joe Ardeeser, founder of Smart Pricing Table, to talk about how agencies can strike the right balance, upsell strategically, and close deals faster as the year wraps up.Whether you're facing slow proposals, scope creep, or undercharging, this conversation gives you practical steps to turn proposals into a growth engine for your agency.

The Grinner. Medusa. The Sheriff.No, these aren't winners of a Halloween costume contest — they're archetypes in Mita Mallick's latest book, The Devil Emails at Midnight: What Good Leaders Can Learn from Bad Bosses.The Wall Street Journal and USA Today bestseller author Mita Mallick joins the newest episode of Campaign Chemistry to discuss what all of us can learn from bad bosses. She emphasizes that communication isn't just about emails and meetings; it's about fostering a culture in which people truly feel seen. In today's climate of layoffs, dwindling retention and rising attrition, we tackle issues such as accountability, the risks of toxic positivity and the reason empathy may be advertising's most underrated leadership skill.From managing up and journaling for self-reflection, to acknowledging grief and personal challenges at work, Mallick's new book offers a road map for leaders seeking to improve — and for employees navigating difficult dynamics.The sound bite"It's not easy being a boss.”The takeawaysIt is critical to treat employees as valued consumers.Bad bosses are made, not born.Effective communication is crucial for good leadership and team dynamics.Leaders should regularly check in with their teams to foster a supportive environment.Journaling can help leaders reflect on their behaviors and improve over time.Asking for coaching and feedback from team members can enhance leadership effectiveness.Managing up is essential for employees to navigate difficult boss relationships.Empathy for bosses can grow from understanding their challenges and pressures.Toxic positivity can undermine team morale and lead to burnout.Leaders should acknowledge personal struggles and the impact these struggles can have on work relationships. AI Deciphered is back—live in New York City this November 13th.Join leaders from brands, agencies, and platforms for a future-focused conversation on how AI is transforming media, marketing, and the retail experience. Ready to future-proof your strategy? Secure your spot now at aidecipheredsummit.com. Use code POD at check out for $100 your ticket! campaignlive.com What we know about advertising, you should know about advertising. Start your 1-month FREE trial to Campaign US.

So many agency owners struggle with building a steady, profitable biz dev engine that doesn't leak time, energy, money — and most importantly — opportunity.  What if the biggest culprit isn't the volume of your outreach, the size of your list, or even your pitch?  What if the leaks are about something far more fundamental — understanding? Working alongside agencies, we too often find their ideal client profiles aren't nearly as sharp as they think. Too often, ICPs are built on assumptions — not data. And when that happens, everything downstream starts to wobble. Targeting documents look good on paper but break down in execution. Messaging is crafted around what sounds clever — instead of what prospects are actually saying. And thought leadership is positioned around belief — not proof. If right-fit prospects don't hear their own words reflected back, in your voice, they won't lean in. They won't see you as the guide who “gets it.” But — when you do capture their exact language, when you listen deeply and build strategy from their voice instead of your assumptions — the whole biz dev game changes. Suddenly, you're speaking their dialect, and they can't help but lean in. Agencies that guess at their ICPs — or only check in with clients once a year — are really building pipelines on hope. And as we know — hope is not a strategy.  Listening is. That's why I'm thrilled to welcome back today's guest expert for an encore conversation. Ana Laskey, President and Founder of Ground Control Research joins to give us a deep dive into how agencies can stop guessing, listen deeply, and use both AI tools and human touch to extract critical client language that sharpens targeting, elevates your content, and builds a biz dev process that's a real engine — not just a random act of marketing. If you're guessing at who your right-fit clients are, or if you're hoping content sticks when you toss it at the wall — this conversation is for you. Ana's approach will help you stop shouting in a crowded arena — and instead, speak with such precision that your right-fit prospects say… “Finally. That's exactly what I need!” What you will learn in this episode:  Why most agencies' ICPs are built on assumption — NOT data How to build an ICP so sharp that you attract right-fit clients on repeat How to use AI to spot the red threads in your client conversations — without losing the human touch Why it's vital to understand your buyer's company and the full “deal path” including secondary decision makers Ana's tips for open-ended, empathy-driven interviews How to turn client insights into marketing strategies that actually move the needle Resources: Website: www.groundcontrolresearch.com LinkedIn Personal: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anastassialaskey/ LinkedIn Business: https://www.linkedin.com/company/groundcontrolresearch/ Ana's Bio Page: https://ana.bio/ How to Sharpen Your ICP, with Ana Laskey

Dostoevsky Update, aPoLiTiCaL Agencies, Braindead Politicians (but I repeat myself) by Tommy McElroy

For years, many agency owners mistakenly believed that marketing agencies couldn't be sold. But that myth is fading fast, and buyers are hungrier than ever to acquire agencies. In this episode, Greg Elfrink explains why he thinks we're in the golden age of marketing agencies. He dives into why buyers are actively hunting agencies to grow their portfolios, highlighting everything from recurring revenue models to the skyrocketing importance of digital marketing across industries. Of course, no conversation about agencies in 2025 is complete without discussing AI. Greg addresses the big question: Will AI kill agencies, or will it become a tool that accelerates their growth? He also shares why agencies may be entering a profit renaissance, with more opportunities than ever to scale and succeed.But it's not all smooth sailing. Greg also breaks down the three main reasons why agencies struggle to sell and what founders can do to fix them. If you've ever wondered whether your agency has real exit potential, or if you're curious why investors are piling into this space, this episode is packed with insights you won't want to miss. Topics Discussed in this episode: Busting the myth that marketing agencies cannot be sold (01:30) Why buyers are hungry for marketing agencies (04:35) Will AI kill agencies? (09:25) The marketing agency profit renaissance (15:25) The 3 main reasons why agencies don't sell (26:46) Mentions:  Empire Flippers Podcasts Empire Flippers Marketplace Create an Empire Flippers account Subscribe to our weekly newsletter Episode 185 - Amos Bar Joseph's AI system Sit back, grab a coffee, and learn why marketing agencies are becoming the hottest businesses on the market!

Welcome to our 10th Season! Join us as John Darnell from Global Outreach International (GOI) unpacks God's heart for the nations and the vital role of the local church in sending well. Together we'll explore how churches can build intentional, prayerful partnerships with mission agencies that keep the Church at the center of missions. [et_social_share]

For years, many agency owners mistakenly believed that marketing agencies couldn't be sold. But that myth is fading fast, and buyers are hungrier than ever to acquire agencies. In this episode, Greg Elfrink explains why he thinks we're in the golden age of marketing agencies. He dives into why buyers are actively hunting agencies to grow their portfolios, highlighting everything from recurring revenue models to the skyrocketing importance of digital marketing across industries. Of course, no conversation about agencies in 2025 is complete without discussing AI. Greg addresses the big question: Will AI kill agencies, or will it become a tool that accelerates their growth? He also shares why agencies may be entering a profit renaissance, with more opportunities than ever to scale and succeed.But it's not all smooth sailing. Greg also breaks down the three main reasons why agencies struggle to sell and what founders can do to fix them. If you've ever wondered whether your agency has real exit potential, or if you're curious why investors are piling into this space, this episode is packed with insights you won't want to miss. Topics Discussed in this episode: Busting the myth that marketing agencies cannot be sold (01:30) Why buyers are hungry for marketing agencies (04:35) Will AI kill agencies? (09:25) The marketing agency profit renaissance (15:25) The 3 main reasons why agencies don't sell (26:46) Mentions:  Empire Flippers Podcasts Empire Flippers Marketplace Create an Empire Flippers account Subscribe to our weekly newsletter Episode 185 - Amos Bar Joseph's AI system Sit back, grab a coffee, and learn why marketing agencies are becoming the hottest businesses on the market!

Title: EPISODE 500 - Future of Agencies in SportsGuest: Craig Sloan, CEO, Playfly Sports

Arman Bimatov, co-founder and CEO TravelWits, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report at last month's Virtuoso Travel Week in Las Vegas about how his company is partnering with top travel agencies to provide them with an AI-powered booking platform designed to help them streamline their workflows and increase sales efficiency. TravelWits' proprietary AI algorithms optimize search, pricing, and upsell opportunities, allowing advisors to deliver the best options to their clients. For more information, visit www.travelwits.com.  All our Insider Travel Report video interviews are archived and available on our Youtube channel  (youtube.com/insidertravelreport), and as podcasts with the same title on: Spotify, Pandora, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Listen Notes, Podchaser, TuneIn + Alexa, Podbean,  iHeartRadio,  Google, Amazon Music/Audible, Deezer, Podcast Addict, and iTunes Apple Podcasts, which supports Overcast, Pocket Cast, Castro and Castbox.  

This episode of the Transform Sales Podcast, Sales Software Review Series, features Alex Nisenzon, CEO at Charm.io. Alex explains how Charm.io helps agencies, logistics providers, and sales teams discover and analyze over 4 million direct-to-consumer brands worldwide. Unlike broad sales intelligence platforms, Charm.io tracks social growth, engagement, ad activity, product assortment, and revenue signals so teams can spot high-potential brands at the right stage for outreach. Charm.io is simple to set up, integrates with CRMs, and generates dynamic lead lists that update automatically. Agencies using the platform have booked five times more discovery calls in their first month by focusing only on the brands that are growing, engaged, and ready to scale. Try Charm.io here: https://software.cloudtask.com/charm-io-1eab7c #leadmining #DTC #salesprospecting #salessoftware #ecommercegrowth #charmio

Media platforms, including Meta, TikTok, X, Spotify, Pinterest and others, have been advancing their own AI capabilities to improve the advertising process of creating and serving ads to an audience. So where does this leave media and creative agencies?Meta, has gone so far as to call itself a “one stop shop” for advertisers, by reportedly aiming to fully automate advertising, including the creation and targeting of ads, by the end of the year. After this was reported, Meta's stock price went up, while Publicis, Omnicom, IPG and WPP's all took a dip. Chief executive Mark Zuckerberg said: “Over the long term, advertisers will basically just be able to tell us a business objective and a budget, and we're going to go do the rest for them.”In this episode, the Campaign editorial team discusses how much of a threat media platform's advancement of AI poses and how agencies are adapting to not lose their role in the advertising process.Hosted by tech editor Lucy Shelley, the episode features deputy media editor Shauna Lewis and editor Maisie McCabe.Further reading:You can't just tell an AI to create ads like a CCOWhy is principal-based media buying so controversial?Buckle up for the ride as agency world will look significantly different in two yearsUK TV commercial chiefs on 'radical collaboration' and ‘bullishness' in the face of LHFSir Martin Sorrell: Tech platforms are encroaching on clients of large agenciesWill media buyers be the first victims of AI?Media buying among 'first areas to go' with rise of AI, says MediaMonks co-founderGoogle's EMEA president urges adland: ‘Don't wait for magic AI moment – it's here'Microsoft AI CEO: Bigger organisations are ‘starting to feel the pressure' from AI Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

CannCon and Alpha Warrior open this episode with laughs, cold plunges, and sponsor shout-outs before diving into the buzz around Brad Zerbo's Codex 9/11 documentary and the suspicious timing of mainstream outlets like CBS and Tucker Carlson jumping into 9/11 coverage. They call out weak “debunks” of the film and stress the need for accountability when challenging Badlands research. From there, the conversation shifts to deeper questions about intelligence agencies, false flags, and the manipulation of vulnerable individuals through AI-driven recruitment, echoing modern-day MK Ultra tactics. The hosts also wrestle with solutions to America's school shooting crisis, debating armed veterans, teacher gun safes, and innovative security systems designed by law enforcement vets. With sharp takes, humor, and personal stories, including Disney tunnel secrets and Club 33 rumors, this episode balances heavy geopolitical analysis with unfiltered banter that makes The SITREP a Badlands favorite.

SummaryIn this episode, co-hosts Ayelet Shipley and Christian Hassold discuss the latest trends in digital agency M&A, focusing on recently announced deals, including Accenture's acquisition of Superdigital, Podean's acquisition of Commerce Canal with backing from Mountiangate, Impact XM's acquisition of Shelton Flemingand, and Gravity Global's acquisition of Marketing Doctor. As a part of their discussion, they debate the rationale and industrial logic of these acquisitions, as well as what they indicate about agency M&A as a whole. The conversation highlights the evolving nature of the agency market and the impact of technology and consumer preferences on business strategies.TakeawaysAccenture's acquisition of Superdigital reflects a shift towards the creator economy.Retail media is experiencing significant growth compared to e-commerce.Experiential events are becoming crucial for brand engagement.Women-owned businesses face challenges in valuation and funding.The importance of technology in enhancing experiential events is growing.Agencies are increasingly focusing on expansion in international markets.The trend of consolidation in retail media agencies is on the rise.Live events and personal experiences are key to consumer engagement. Chapters00:00 Introduction 01:33 Soho House Valuation and the Micro-Club Trend08:10 Accenture Song Acquires Superdigital11:59 Podean Acquires Commerce Canal15:54 Impact XM Expands to UK with Shelton Fleming22:49 Gravity Global Acquires Women-Owned Marketing Doctor23:26 Gender Equity and M&A: Are Women-Owned Agencies Undervalued?28:59 DealCon Plug and Wrapping UpConnect with Christian and AyeletAyelet's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ayelet-shipley-b16330149/Christian's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hassold/Web: https://www.inorganicpodcast.coIn/organic on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@InorganicPodcast/featured Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

White House Fires CDC Director As RFK Jr. Purges Bill Gates Plants In Health Agencies

Brent Weaver, CEO of E2M Solutions, joins John Jantsch to explore how artificial intelligence is reshaping the agency landscape. As the leader of a top white-label provider of WordPress, SEO, content, and AI solutions, Brent shares insights on how agencies can adapt to evolving client expectations, leverage AI tools, and stay competitive in a rapidly shifting market. Listeners will gain valuable strategies for thriving in the post-AI era of marketing. Today we discussed: 00:00 Start 01:03 Meet Brent Weaver 01:47 AI Changes Everything 03:06 Embracing AI for Agencies 04:25 AI Adoption Challenges 07:33 AI Hype vs. Reality 08:32 SEO in the AI Era 11:59 Local SEO Still Matters 12:51 Post-AI Competition 14:13 Humans vs. Machines 15:23 AI-Powered Customer Experience 17:20 Brent's AI Journey 18:41 From Doer to Strategist Rate, Review, & Follow If you liked this episode, please rate and review the show. Let us know what you loved most about the episode. Struggling with strategy? Unlock your free AI-powered prompts now and start building a winning strategy today!

As summer winds down, many agencies face the same problem: pipelines that dried up in July and August, and a mad dash to generate momentum before year-end. In this episode, Dan lays out a practical action plan for September outreach — how to reset your business development, stand out to brands, and build the right conversations that lead to Q4 results.This is from Dan's conversation with Stephen Woessner on the Sell With Authority podcast.what you'll learn:Why most agencies waste energy chasing the tiny slice of prospects “ready to buy now” — and what to do instead.How to build trust with brands early, before they're even in buying mode.Why cold outreach often fails in today's noisy market, and how to shift your approach.The real scarce resource in business developmentHow to open doors with brands in a way that feels natural, not forced.Links & Resources:Sell With Authority Podcast

Thanks to our Partners, Shop Boss and AppFueledIn this no-fluff episode of the Auto Repair Marketing Podcast, Brian Walker is joined by Caroline Legrand, Danni Marks, and J.R. Portman for a candid conversation shop owners need to hear, especially if you're trying to figure out the real difference between a marketing agency, a business coach, and a fractional CMO.They dig deep into the roles each one plays, where responsibilities blur, and how shop owners can avoid the infamous “Spider-Man pointing fingers” scenario. You'll hear the good, the bad, and the straight-up truth about what happens when everyone's doing the work but no one knows who's really driving the results.From strategy gaps to operational blind spots, this episode is a masterclass in understanding who's responsible for what and how to build a team of partners (not vendors) who care as much about your success as you do.If you've ever asked, “Who do I trust?” or “Can I fire my CMO?”, you'll want to hit play, take notes, and maybe even send this one to your leadership team.Show Notes with TimestampsIntroduction and Episode Context (00:00:01): Brian Walker introduces the episode, explains the "fly on the wall" format, and sets up the discussion about marketing roles.Content Creation Process & AI Use (00:01:16): Explains their approach to content creation, use of AI, and the importance of unique, thought-leadership-based content.Episode Format and Sponsor Messages (00:03:31): Describes the episode's unique format, honesty in discussion, and includes sponsor messages.Defining Roles: Marketing Agency, Fractional CMO, and Coach (00:04:40): Breakdown of what each provider (agency, fractional CMO, coach) does for auto repair shops.Shop Marketing Pros: Scope of Work (00:05:36): Details the specific marketing tasks handled by Shop Marketing Pros, including SEO, ads, social media, and website management.Fractional CMO: Strategy and Accountability (00:06:53): Explains the role of a fractional CMO in driving strategy, creating plans, and holding others accountable.Coaching Companies: Business Guidance (00:08:01): Describes how coaches provide business advice, recommend agencies, and review marketing results.Overlap and Blurred Lines Between Roles (00:10:02): Discussion on where marketing agencies, CMOs, and coaches overlap, especially in client consultations.Marketing vs. Operations: Who Does What? (00:10:37): Clarifies the division between marketing services and shop operations, and where coaches step in.Consultative Role of Agencies (00:11:22): Agencies are increasingly expected to provide business advice, not just marketing services.Ongoing Agency-Shop Owner Relationship (00:12:04): Importance of proactive communication and evolving strategies between agencies and shop owners.Responsibility for Results: The "Finger Pointing" Problem (00:13:08): Addresses confusion when multiple providers are involved and how to identify who is responsible for issues.Case Example: Adjusting Marketing Services (00:13:43): Shares a real-world example of shifting marketing tactics based on client needs and results.Shop Owner Time Investment (00:14:19): Discusses the time commitment required from shop owners for effective marketing collaboration.Shop Owner Involvement and Results (00:14:34): Highlights that more involved shop owners see better marketing outcomes.Trust and Choosing Who to Believe (00:16:57): Advice on how shop owners should decide whom to trust when providers disagree.Variability in Provider

Johnny Campbell drops a bombshell: "Can AI recruit better than humans today? Hundred percent better than humans on average." He's got the data to back it up. Johnny explains why half of all recruiters will be gone within the next decade—and how to be in the half that thrives. Johnny runs SocialTalent and has trained over a million recruiters globally. He survived launching an agency during the 2008 crash and now shares what's coming next. Episode Outline and Highlights [3:35] How Johnny survived launching an agency into the 2008 crash [8:37] "Peak recruiter" happened in 2023—why it's downhill from here [10:41] The bank loan analogy that destroys the case for human interviewers [15:05] The AirPods story—why candidates will accept AI interviews [19:33] UK research: AI persuades people 10x better than humans [28:10] Marc Andreessen's "barbell model"—why the middle dies [31:24] Indian recruiters abandoned email—what WhatsApp means for outreach [36:26] Mercor: Three 21-year-olds built a $2B AI recruiter in 2 years [38:14] The Hudson RPO arbitrage—selling AI to companies that can't use it [52:07] Why recruiters need Johnny's "Mini MBA" Key Takeaways: Your $2 Billion Wake-Up Call: Three 21-year-olds started Mercor two years ago. Now valued at $2 billion. Their pitch: "5 qualified candidates in 5 minutes." They didn't improve recruiting—they eliminated it. Where AI Wins: Johnny breaks recruiting into three parts. Finding candidates? AI wins. Assessment? AI does it better with less bias. But closing deals? That's where humans matter. "There will always be a role for a human advising the business." No Middle Ground: McDonald's hires in 7 minutes with AI. Zuckerberg personally calls candidates. If you're doing "decent recruiting at decent prices," you're dead. Pick a side: tech-powered efficiency or ultra-premium service. The WhatsApp Revolution: Email is dead for recruiting in India. Everyone uses WhatsApp. Johnny's insight: AI will soon predict the best platform per candidate. Agencies sending LinkedIn InMails are playing yesterday's game. Johnny Campbell Bio and Contact Info Johnny Campbell is the co-founder and CEO of SocialTalent. With over 250,000 LinkedIn followers, he's recognized globally as a thought leader on AI and recruitment. Father of 4 boys, avid runner, aspiring youth rugby coach. Johnny on X Johnny on LinkedIn Johnny on Instagram SocialTalent website link SocialTalent on Facebook SocialTalent on YouTube People and Resources Mentioned Mercor website link Glen Cathey on LinkedIn Hudson RPO website link Clay website link ChatGPT  Copilot Gemini Connect with Mark Whitby Get your FREE 30-minute strategy call Mark on LinkedIn Mark on Twitter: @MarkWhitby Mark on Facebook Mark on Instagram: @RecruitmentCoach Subscribe to The Resilient Recruiter

This week's episode recaps xAI's lawsuit against Apple and OpenAI (3:58), retail media's recent boom that could be a bubble (11:11), and publishers' push to usage-based pricing in their AI deals (15:23). Then (18:50) Digiday editors Seb Joseph and Michael Bürgi join the show to discuss how generative AI technologies could spur agencies to lose client relationships or push brands to rely on agencies even more for AI access. Related articles: Why generative AI doesn't fit into a standard in-housing playbook – yet As AI alters cost of creative, indie agencies review how they charge clients WTF is AI ‘grounding' licensing, and why do publishers say it matters over training deals?

In this unprecedented history of intelligence cooperation during the Cold War, Aviva Guttmann uncovers the key role of European intelligence agencies in facilitating Mossad's Operation Wrath of God; a campaign of assassination against Black September terrorists. She reveals how, in the aftermath of the 1972 Munich Olympics Massacre, Palestinians suspected of involvement in terrorism were hunted and killed by Mossad with active European cooperation. Through unique access to unredacted documents in the Club de Berne archive, she shows how a secret coalition of intelligence agencies supplied Mossad with information about Palestinians on a colossal scale and tacitly supported Israeli covert actions on European soil.  Agencies shared information via - Kilowatt - an encrypted channel. Through this channel agencies helped to anticipate and thwart a number of Palestinian terrorist plots, including some revealed here for the first time. At the same time, the Mossad was also able to exploit this information to carry out its covert assassinations, staying one step ahead of the investigations. Many European agencies also used the same channel to bolster their reputation in the context of counterterrorism. This extraordinary book reconstructs the hidden world of international intelligence, showing how this parallel order enabled state relations to be pursued independently of official foreign policy constraints or public scrutiny. It shows how intelligence agencies play be different rules and how covert diplomacy continues - and prospers - even in the aftermath of scandals and in those occasions in which open diplomacy is problematic.  Dr Luca Trenta, Associate Professor in International Relations, Swansea University, UK. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/history