Podcasts about agency owner

Brooke Kimbrough is the Agency Owner of Roots Surrogacy, a boutique agency that facilitates ethical, relationship-driven surrogacy journeys for intended parents and gestational carriers. A former surrogate, Brooke co-founded the agency in 2015 to create a personalized and compassionate experience grounded in transparency and mutual respect. With over a decade of experience in the field, she leads an all-female team dedicated to supporting diverse families, including LGBTQ+ and single parents, throughout their path to parenthood. Brooke is also the founder of Families Without Borders, an agency offering affordable surrogacy options in Mexico to make family-building more accessible. In this episode… Surrogacy offers a life-changing path to parenthood, but it also comes with emotional, legal, and medical complexities that many don't fully understand. What makes a surrogacy journey successful, and how can intended parents and surrogates navigate these challenges together? According to Brooke Kimbrough, a leading expert with firsthand experience as a surrogate and agency founder, success begins by building deep trust and clear expectations between all parties. She highlights the importance of emotional support, careful surrogate screening, and understanding the medical realities that impact pregnancy success rates. While surrogacy creates beautiful new families, it can also involve loss, complicated legal landscapes, and the challenge of matching intended parents with surrogates. By prioritizing relationships over transactions, Brooke helps intended parents overcome these obstacles and experience the joy of growing their families. In this episode, John Corcoran is joined by Brooke Kimbrough, Agency Owner of Roots Surrogacy, to discuss creating meaningful surrogacy journeys for diverse families. They explore the emotional highs and lows of surrogacy, how to match surrogates with intended parents, and the evolving legal landscape of surrogacy. Brooke also shares how her personal experience inspired her to launch her agency.

Send us a textScaling a digital agency doesn't require hustle—it requires systems, delegation, and intentional leadership. In this episode, I sit down with Jesse Gilmore, founder of Niche In Control and author of The Agency Owner's Guide to Freedom, to unpack how one agency owner scaled from $15K to $100K MRR in just 9 months using Jesse's Leverage for Growth Framework. We walk through how time audits unlock 8–10 hours per week, how to implement scalable delegation systems, and how simplifying your offer can create not just growth, but freedom.This conversation is built around a repeatable growth framework for agencies—designed to help you shift from bottleneck to CEO, install team-driven operations, and build a business that can grow and thrive without being dependent on you. If you're leading a digital agency and ready to scale with strategy, not just hustle, you'll want to take notes.Books Mentioned:The Agency Owner's Guide to Freedom by Jesse GilmoreConnect with Jesse GilmoreLearn more about Jesse's Leverage for Growth method and download free resources for scaling your agency at nicheincontrol.com. You can also tune in to his podcast, Leverage for Growth, for weekly strategies on leadership, systems, and sustainable agency growth.

Send us a textScaling your agency doesn't always require a bigger team or ad budget—it might just take smarter tools and systems. In this episode, I sit down with tech founder and agency owner Jeff Vanasdal, who built three AI-powered tools—BotMockups, ListBuilder.ai, and HelpDocs.ai—to eliminate bottlenecks, close more deals, and drive recurring revenue growth with zero ad spend.Jeff didn't start by building for others—he created these tools to fix his own fulfillment overwhelm. Then he scaled them. You'll hear the story of how one hyper-personalized chatbot demo landed his first major client, launched his agency, and led to a fully systemized operation where his team now runs day-to-day without him.We dig into building tools that sell, simplifying client acquisition, and the mindset shift from operator to CEO. If you're still in the weeds, Jeff's story is your blueprint for scaling lean, leading with clarity, and creating margin to grow beyond yourself.Connect with Jeff VanasdalExplore the AI tools Jeff built to help agency owners automate client acquisition and scale without ads. Follow him on Facebook or Instagram to learn more about BotMockups, ListBuilder.ai, and HelpDocs.ai.Books MentionedBuy Back Your Time by Dan MartellSoftware Is Your Future (referred to as “Software as a Science” in the episode) by Dan Martell

After being laid off during pregnancy, falling deep into debt, and nearly walking away from business altogether, Diana Burgos chose something else: to rebuild, in her own way. In this episode, we talk about what it looks like to grow a business after everything falls apart—and how to do it without burning out. From learning to trust yourself again to setting boundaries as a mom and agency owner, this one's a powerful reminder that progress doesn't always look like hustle. Sometimes it looks like healing, starting small, and getting brutally honest about what success really means.  

In this insightful episode, Casey chats with Dawn, a longtime agency owner who saw the writing on the wall — agencies are losing their edge. Rather than wait for the industry to shift beneath her, Dawn took action and pivoted into offering high-level fractional CMO services. She shares how she navigated the blurry line between strategy and execution, why she separated her fractional work into a new business entity, and what it really takes to let go of implementation. From margin gains to mindset shifts, this conversation is a candid look at what happens when you stop doing favors and start owning your value. Key Topics Covered: - Why Dawn shifted away from the traditional agency model - The hidden cost of offering strategy for free - How fractional CMO margins compare to agency work - The mindset shift from “favor” to paid value - Educating clients on what a fractional CMO actually does - The impact of AI on agency services and media buying - Playing at a higher level by stepping into the C-suite

Are you ready to turn a layoff into your biggest career breakthrough and finally launch your own recruiting agency—even if you have a family, financial worries, or zero prior leadership experience? If you're a recruiter or talent professional dreaming of starting your own agency, you already know how intimidating that leap can feel: the risk, the need for capital, securing clients, and balancing it all with family life. With so many recruiters thinking about going solo but stalling out at the starting line, finding a proven path to success is more important than ever. In this episode of The Elite Recruiter Podcast, Zach Keen shares his honest, step-by-step blueprint for launching and scaling a successful recruiting firm after being laid off—all while raising three kids and prioritizing family first. If you've ever faced uncertainty or wanted to know how to grow beyond working a desk or relying solely on your solo efforts, this conversation is your shortcut. Here's what you'll take away by tuning in: A real-world guide to securing mentorship and investors: Zach reveals how he found the right backers and mentorship, accelerating his growth and reducing personal risk. Learn practical tips for finding the support you need to launch your agency faster and smarter.Mastering business development in today's market: Discover what still works (and what doesn't) for getting clients in the modern recruiting landscape, including the role of cold calls, LinkedIn outreach, and building a local reputation, all based on Zach's firsthand results.Building a resilient agency while maintaining balance: Zach gets candid about how he structures his days, hires recruiters, stays authentic with clients, and juggles startup chaos with being a present parent—so you can grow your firm without sacrificing what matters most. Don't miss this episode if you're serious about going from recruiter to agency owner—press play now to uncover the blueprint that can make your leap a success. AI Recruiting Summit 2025 – Registration: https://ai-recruiting-summit-2025.heysummit.com/ Finish The Year Strong 2025 – Registration: https://rock-the-year-2025.heysummit.com/ This episode is brought to you by Remote Assistants https://www.remoteassistants.ai/ – the go-to partner for recruiters who are done wasting time on operations, sourcing, or marketing. Their Remote Assistants are pre-vetted and fully trained for an entire 4 months. We're talking sourcing, candidate follow-up, backend automation, marketing support – all the things that pull you away from actually growing your business. So if you're serious about scaling your agency, and want to buy back your time with real, plug-and-play talent – go to www.remoteassistants.ai and get matched in under 48 hours. Free Trial of PeopleGPT and its AI Agents: https://juicebox.ai/?via=b6912d Free Trial of Talin AI: https://app.talin.ai/signup?via=recruiter Signup for future emails from The Elite Recruiter Podcast: https://eliterecruiterpodcast.beehiiv.com/subscribe   YouTube: https://youtu.be/VNFxVYkLw1k Follow Zack Keen on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zachkeen/  With your Host Benjamin Mena with Select Source Solutions: http://www.selectsourcesolutions.com/  Benjamin Mena LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benjaminmena/  Benjamin Mena Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/benlmena/

What does running a half marathon before work teach you about building a business?In this episode of No Bullsh*t Talks, we sit down with Clair Heaviside, co-founder of marketing agency Serotonin and ultra-marathon runner, to talk about the underrated power of resilience, discipline, and entrepreneur health.Clair didn't just build a successful marketing agency - she did it while running 13 miles to work every day. We talk about the mindset required to go the distance in business and in life, and why physical discipline fuels entrepreneurial performance.This one's for the founders who are tired of quick fixes and want the truth about what it really takes.

In this episode, I'm joined by the incredible Felly Day, founder of FD Studio and content repurposing specialist for podcasters. Felly takes us behind the scenes of her experience inside Dreamium, where she transformed her done-for-you services into a full-blown offer ecosystem and finally started feeling excited (and confident) about selling again.Before Dreamium, Felly was feeling disconnected from her retainer offer, unsure about her pricing, and frustrated that her suite didn't flow. But through deep work on her signature offer, Repurposing Unlimited, and the creation of complementary offers like The Remix and Repurposing Limited, she found her groove and her positioning. Felly shares how she used the Offer Blueprint, market research, and iterative design to develop offers that are easier to sell, better to deliver, and truly aligned with how she wants to work.If you've ever felt stuck in service-mode, overwhelmed by your offer suite, or unsure how to price and structure what you do, this episode will show you what's possible when you pause and do the strategic work.What You'll Learn in This EpisodeHow Felly went from a disjointed service suite to a strategic offer lineupWhy confidence in your delivery system makes marketing easierThe importance of validating structure, pricing, and delivery with real clientsHow Dreamium supported her to refine, evolve, and scale her done-for-you offersWhat it really takes to build an ecosystem (not just a bunch of random offers)"Once I stopped trying to make my offers look like everyone else's and actually structured them for how I work best, everything clicked" – Felly DayConnect with Felly:https://fellyday.com/https://www.instagram.com/fellyday/https://www.threads.com/@fellyday ::Follow + Connect with Mehttps://www.instagram.com/ceels.lockley/https://www.threads.net/@ceels.lockley ::Free MasterclassLearn more about the different types of offers and map out your offer ecosystem:https://ceelslockley.co/the-line-up::Join my CommunitySign up to my free monthly events for service pros, Sisters of Service:https://ceels-lockley.myflodesk.com/sisters-of-service ::Work with meJoin my group program for service providers who want to design a profitable offer suite over 6 months:https://ceelslockley.co/dreamiumCreate an industry-leading offer ecosystem with me 1:1: https://ceelslockley.co/main-event-experience

“I always knew I wanted to do something where I was the person deciding my own destiny, but it's not for everyone.” - Susan Quinn Host Laurie Barkman welcomes Susan Quinn, CEO and President of Circle S Studio. The conversation first explores whether entrepreneurial traits are inherited or nurtured. Susan shares her family's history of business ownership, her journey to founding her own consulting firm, and the values that drive her company's culture. The episode also covers the challenges entrepreneurs face today, the future impact of AI on the industry, and personal anecdotes about Susan's origin story and passions outside of work. This engaging discussion provides insights on leadership and maintaining a positive outlook amidst challenges.   Takeaways: Hire skilled individuals and trust them with responsibilities. Delegating tasks empowers your team and allows you to focus on strategic aspects of the business. Stay curious and continuously seek knowledge. Engage with emerging technologies like AI to boost productivity and innovation. View challenges as opportunities for growth. Maintain a positive approach to problem-solving and encourage your team to do the same. Explore and integrate AI tools to streamline tasks and enhance efficiency. Use technology to free up time for more strategic and creative work.   Links: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/susanquinn01/  Website: https://circlesstudio.com/  Susan's Podcast: https://circlesstudio.com/insights/podcast/   

Welcome to episode 137. If you've ever wondered when's the right time to introduce an account manager role into your agency - or how that change might impact the way you serve clients - this episode is for you. I'm joined by Cameron Magee, founder of event production agency avad3, trusted by clients such as Walmart and the White House. He shares with me: Why he waited until 30+ employees to hire a dedicated account manager What changed when Cameron stepped back from day-to-day client contact The growing pains of introducing account management into a production-led culture Advice Cameron would give to other agency owners ready to make the leap We also touch on where the live event industry is going - and why hybrid events might start to feel a bit more like first-class travel experiences. If you'd like to connect with Cameron, you'll find him most active on LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/c-magee or go to the avad3 website: http://avad3.com/ If you want regular tips and updates about how AI is impacting the agency account management role then head over to my website and sign up for my newsletter. That's where I share tools, training and guest insights to help you strengthen and expand your client relationships. https://www.accountmanagementskills.com

Say thanks and learn more about our podcast sponsor Omnisend. In this episode of the WP Minute+ Podcast, Matt is joined by John Doherty, a seasoned entrepreneur who transitioned from running the SEO lead-generation agency Credo to launching and scaling a productized editing and content service, EditorNinja. John reflects on how burnout, shifting business economics, and a desire for more scalable operations led him to sell his agency and pursue a new venture focused on streamlined, high-volume content editing.The conversation covers defining a productized service, navigating burnout, and embracing AI as a tool rather than a threat. John shares valuable lessons about aligning business models with personal goals, setting boundaries in client relationships, and strategically focusing on higher-value clients. EditorNinja, with its hybrid approach to human and AI-powered content production and editing, is positioned at the intersection of automation and quality. John believes it's a key in the age of AI-saturated content.Key TakeawaysFrom Burnout to Breakthrough:John launched EditorNinja after hitting a plateau with his previous agency, Credo.Selling Credo allowed him to refocus on work aligned with his goals and energy.What is EditorNinja?A content editing and writing service focused on helping content-heavy businesses scale.Offers human and AI-generated content, with a strong human editing layer.Positioned between freelancers and in-house editorial teams.Defining Productized Services:Productization is about how services are delivered, not just pricing.Even “productized” businesses can accommodate custom, high-value deals with the right systems.AI and Content Creation:AI generates 70–80% of the content EditorNinja edits.Human editing is essential for clarity, tone, and brand alignment.AI hasn't replaced writing, but has shifted where value is created.Targeting the Right Clients:EditorNinja focuses on businesses with $2+ million in revenue with dedicated content teams.Smaller companies often lack the consistency, budget, or infrastructure to sustain content programs.Strategic onboarding and custom quoting are crucial for long-term fit.Important LinksThe WP Minute+ Podcast: thewpminute.com/subscribeVisit the EditorNinja website: https://editorninja.com/Follow EditorNinja on YouTube for agency and content tips: https://www.youtube.com/@EditorNinjaConnect with John Doherty on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnfdoherty/ Support us for as little as $5 to join our members-only Slack group. ★ Support this podcast ★

Earlier this year, when we started verifying agencies in r/agency, we created a user flair for agencies that have achieved the 8-figure status. We didn't think anyone in the subreddit would get that flair... That is, until Jordan Brannon from Coalition Technologies reached out.One look at his P&Ls, and I knew we had to have him on the podcast.Jordan has gone through just about what every agency owner has gone through... 5 times or more.He's the extreme example of what agency owners can achieve if they put in the work and weather the storms. If there's a challenge in an agency, Jordan's been through it.We asked him in detail what different stages of growth for his agency were the most challenging and how he overcame them. If he were to do it all over again, what would he focus on first or do better with?----------------------------------Our recommended agency tools:everbrospodcast.com/recommended-tools/----------------------------------⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐As always, if you enjoyed this episode or this podcast in general and want to leave us a review or rating, head over to Apple and let us know what you like! It helps us get found and motivates us to keep producing this free content.----------------------------------Want to connect with us? Reach out to us on the everbrospodcast.com website, subscribe to us on YouTube, or connect with us on socials:YouTube: @agencyuTwitter/X: @theagency_uLinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/agencyuFacebook: facebook.com/theagencyuInstagram: @theagencyuReddit: r/agency & u/JakeHundleyTikTok: @agency.u

You've grown a successful business as a solopreneur — but now, you're craving more space, more scalability… and more freedom.So the big question is: Is it time to build an agency?In this episode of The Freedom-Filled Life™ Podcast, we're breaking down what it actually looks like to transition from solopreneur to agency owner — and how to know if this is the next right move for your business.We're diving into the real fears (hello profit margins and hiring headaches!), the misconceptions (spoiler: you don't need a huge team!), and the freedom that comes when you build your business to support your actual lifestyle goals — whether that's more time with family, extended vacations, or simply shutting your laptop at 5 PM.

Chip and Gini explore the different types of burnout, including cyclical and long-term burnout, and offer strategies to identify, cope with, and prevent it.

Agency owners (aspiring, newbies and old hats) this one's for you! In this episode we're talking about the messy, emotional, not-so-glam side of building a team. You know – the stuff that no one posts about on Insta: When a team member lets you down and leaves you to pick up the pieces.When you're still doing client work, managing a family and now … dealing with shitty HR issues.When you're exhausted and wondering, “Is this even worth it?” Running a VA agency isn't for the faint hearted, but if you go into it with realistic expectations, knowing that your resilience will be tested, and you're open to growing into a leader your team deserves, then it's totally worth it! Get comfy while we talk you through the real challenges you'll face as an agency owner, the mindset shifts you'll need to make, and the practical ways you can lead with more confidence, boundaries and breathing space. This is your reminder that your journey doesn't have to be lonely or overwhelming – especially with the right support. Find out more about the Scale It Mastermind here. Download the Free Pre-Scale Checklists here. Sub-Contractor, Freelancer or Agency Owner? Your perfect virtual assistant pathway is just minutes away! Take the quiz here. Sam + Jo xo

In this episode of Agency Intelligence podcast, host Jason Cass interviews Landry Fields, Agency Owner at Nova Insurance about the rise of agentic AI, how it's different from bots, and what it means for staffing, tech, and the future of independent agencies. Key Topics: What sets AI agents apart from basic automation tools How a new MCP-based internet could power future automation Agentic AI is here and doesn't need human supervision Licensed roles may be the first to disappear in leaner agencies Every agency will need a CTO to manage tech and automation Automation can cut task costs from $7.50 to just 17 cents Agencies that adapt quickly will outperform larger competitors Reach out to: Landry Fields Jason Cass Visit Website: Nova Insurance Agency Intelligence Produced by PodSquad.fm

Points of Interest1:04 – 1:46 – Introduction of John Meyer: Marcel introduces John Meyer, highlighting his experience as a successful agency owner, seller, and current business coach.2:10 – 2:30 – John's Current Focus with Leadmore: John explains his mission with Leadore: coaching agency owners to avoid solopreneur traps and scale their businesses.2:30 – 3:11 – "No More Solo" Coaching Program: Details of John's group coaching for agencies in the $100k-$400k range focused on delegation and growth.3:11 – 3:37 – Coaching for Scaling Agency CEOs: Information on John's one-on-one coaching for CEOs aiming to delegate and further scale their agencies beyond $500k.4:32 – 5:30 – The Founding Story of Lemonly: John recounts the pivot from a broad digital agency to specializing in infographics for better focus and impact.5:36 – 6:50 – Strategic Niche of Infographics: How Lemonly's focus on infographics led to recognition and work with major brands like Netflix and MLB.8:38 – 9:25 – The Challenge of Scaling a Niche: The episode transitions to discussing the dilemma of staying niched versus widening services for continued growth.14:51 – 15:03 – Introduction to the Product Ladder: John introduces his framework of four ways service businesses can generate revenue.15:03 – 17:18 – Levels of the Product Ladder Explained: A brief overview of the custom, done-for-you, done-with-you, and DIY service levels.17:54 – 18:08 – Utilizing the Ladder for Increased Profit: The concept of moving clients up or down the ladder and repackaging services for better retention and profitability.26:58 – 28:31 – Avoiding Custom Work at "Done-For-You" Prices: John cautions against providing bespoke services while charging for standardized offerings.Show NotesConnect with John:Johntmeyer.comLinkedInInstagramYouTubeLove the PodcastLeave us a review here.

Thinking of adding payroll services to your virtual assistant or bookkeeping biz? This episode is your sign to explore it… the smart way. We're joined by Alick and Vicki from Thankyou Payroll who break down exactly what it takes to build a payroll offering that's profitable and stress-free (for you and your clients!). What you'll learn:  Why payroll can be a powerful recurring revenue stream How to package and price it like a pro What you must know to stay compliant (and protect your client) Where to get trained up if you're new to the game How to grow this service through referrals and collaboration If you're looking for a sticky, high-trust service to add to your offering - or you've been asked about payroll and not sure what to say - this convo is packed with gold nuggies. Whether you're side-eyeing payroll as your next service or you're already doing it and want to do it better, this one's for you. Book a call with Vicki to chat about adding payroll services to your business  Sub-Contractor, Freelancer or Agency Owner? Your perfect virtual assistant pathway is just minutes away! Take the quiz here. ~ Sam + Jo xo

The Agency Owner's Secret Weapon? A Knockout Client Onboarding ProcessWell, hey there, friend. Pull up a chair and grab that oat milk latte, because this one's a game-changer.In this Onboarding Series of The Happy Clients Podcast, we're pulling back the curtain on one of the most make-or-break pieces of agency client work: onboarding. Yep, that dreamy, red-carpet welcome moment where client relationships are either built to last (or left scrambling from the get-go).You'll hear the full audio from our CAM School onboarding module (our signature in-house training for client account managers), where we walk you through the exact steps we use at DOT & Co. to roll out the white-glove treatment every single time.[HELPFUL LINKS] Onboarding Checklist: Grab⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠our⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ onboarding checklist here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠[ABOUT THIS PODCAST]Welcome to the Happy Clients Podcast, brought to you by DOT and Company-- the world's best and only team of client account managers for digital marketing agencies. Whether you're a virtual assistant, an agency owner, or a client-facing account manager, we all deal with clients. Lucky for you. client management is what we do best. On the happy client's podcast, we won't shy away from the ups and downs of managing clients in the agency world, but we'll be right there alongside you to learn together and share the real juicy stuff we'll undoubtedly face when it comes to client management. Now, let's dig in, chat CAM life and have some fun along the way.Cheers, to happy clients!

Send us a textScaling a digital agency isn't just about better systems or sharper funnels—it's about who you're becoming as a leader. In this episode of the Catalytic Leadership Podcast, I sit down with Emily Sander, executive coach and author of Hacking Executive Leadership, to explore the critical leadership shifts agency owners must make to escape burnout and unlock sustainable growth.Emily draws from her experience in high-pressure startup and corporate environments to reveal what separates stuck operators from visionary CEOs. We unpack time mastery strategies for agency owners, the real impact of imposter syndrome on business growth, and why adapting your communication style is a game-changer when leading a small team.If you're a digital agency owner running on GoHighLevel, managing client expectations, and feeling stretched by team challenges and daily operations—this conversation will help you lead with greater clarity, focus, and resilience. These leadership frameworks aren't just theory—they're a roadmap to scale your agency without sacrificing your sanity. Connect with Emily Sander:Learn more from Emily at nextlevel.coach, where you'll find free resources and details about her executive coaching programs. Follow her on LinkedIn or grab her book Hacking Executive Leadership on Amazon to dive deeper into these Right now, you can get an extra 20% off your ticket for the Scale with Stability Summit with my exclusive code CATALYTIC20 at checkout.Visit scalewithstability.com to grab your ticket—I hope to see you there! Right now, you can get an extra 20% off your ticket for the Scale with Stability Summit with my exclusive code CATALYTIC20 at checkout.Visit scalewithstability.com to grab your ticket—I hope to see you there! Right now, you can get an extra 20% off your ticket for the Scale with Stability Summit with my exclusive code CATALYTIC20 at checkout.Visit scalewithstability.com to grab your ticket—I hope to see you there!Support the showJoin Dr. William Attaway on the Catalytic Leadership podcast as he shares transformative insights to help high-performance entrepreneurs and agency owners achieve Clear-Minded Focus, Calm Control, and Confidence. Free 30-Minute Discovery Call:Ready to elevate your business? Book a free 30-minute discovery call with Dr. William Attaway and start your journey to success. Special Offer:Get your FREE copy of Catalytic Leadership: 12 Keys to Becoming an Intentional Leader Who Makes a Difference. Connect with Dr. William Attaway: Website LinkedIn Facebook Instagram TikTok YouTube

Jodie Brown, a marketing agency owner, educator, podcaster, and luxury retreat host, has found her sweet spot helping coaches and educators get noticed and create content that not only builds their brands but also delivers results and reaches the right audience. ‍‍ ‍‍ ‍‍Cut your lead gen costs in HALF with my $37 mini-course–NOW only $17!Visit The Art of Online Business website for Facebook Ads help‍‍ ‍‍ ‍‍Jodie shares her entrepreneurial journey in the hair industry, where she learned how to build a successful business by mastering marketing from the ground up. Now, she focuses on helping creative entrepreneurs, coaches, and educators excel at content creation, develop strong brand identities, and build businesses they love. We also discuss how she balances running a content marketing agency with hosting international luxury retreats, offering transformative experiences for her clients.‍‍ ‍‍ ‍‍‍‍ ‍‍ ‍‍‍‍ ‍‍ ‍‍Watch the next episode on YouTube, "What's working on Instagram in 2025 with Jodie Brown" (releases April 2nd)‍‍ ‍‍ ‍‍‍‍ ‍‍ ‍‍Please click here to give an honest Rating/Review for the show on iTunes! Thanks for your support!‍‍ ‍‍ ‍‍Kwadwo [QUĀY.jo] Sampany-Kessie's Links:Get 1:1 Meta Ads Coaching from Kwadwo!Say hi to Kwadwo on InstagramSubscribe to The Art of Online Business's YouTube Channel‍‍ ‍‍ ‍‍Jodie's Links:Connect with Jodie on InstagramFollow Align Creative Co on InstagramSign up for her FREE training "The 2025 Social Pulse"Listen to The Visionary Rising Podcast on Spotify and Apple Podcasts

At times being a virtual assistant can feel like the loneliest place in the world. So many of us work at home in isolation, connecting only at a surface level from behind our keyboards. But it doesn't have to be this way. ‘Connection' may have become a bit of a buzz word in recent years, but there's a good reason for it. Connection is absolutely vital for overall our well-being and longevity not just as business owners – but as human beings! Connection provides us with a sense of belonging and purpose and the emotional support it brings cannot be underestimated. Connection is a choice, but it's a choice every virtual assistant needs to make – even if it means stepping out of your comfort zone to do so. In this episode you'll learn: Why virtual assistants are prone to feelings of loneliness and isolation, and how to combat it.How Jo beat loneliness from the outset and what Sam did to ensure no VA had to feel alone again.The big benefit of connecting with fellow VAs that may surprise you.The 2025 events you need in your diary. 2025 International VA Day 2025 VA Bali Retreat 2025 New Zealand Virtual Assistant Awards Virtual Assistant Network NZ Scale It Mastermind (for established virtual assistants) Sub-Contractor, Freelancer or Agency Owner? Your perfect virtual assistant pathway is just minutes away! Take the quiz here. Sam + Jo xo

It's been a minute since I've featured a client success story, and today's interview with Christine Schweitzer of Holistic Grants was well worth the wait. Christine has experienced incredible growth, moving from solo grant writer to owner of a thriving consulting firm. Today, she's sharing openly about the highs and lows of scaling, including hiring her first employee, transitioning client relationships from herself to her team, and swapping spreadsheets for a robust project management system in ClickUp. We also chat about the power of coaching and how the Impact Collective Mastermind has accelerated Christine's growth (including a full-circle moment with fellow mastermind member and previous guest, Lakeesha Morris-Moreau). If you're navigating the shift from solo consulting to a small firm or dreaming of getting there, you'll relate to Christine's journey and the practical insights she shares. Mentioned in this Episode: Visit the Holistic Grants website Connect with Christine Schwitzer on LinkedIn Episode 8 with Lakeisha Morris-Moreau Resources :

Ever wondered how a guy goes from owning struggling gyms to cashing out for millions and dominating the M&A game? Enter Gil Valerio—a hustler who took a crisis, flipped it into a marketing empire, and sold BIG! Now, he's on a mission to help digital agencies scale, exit, and cash out like the pros. But it wasn't all smooth sailing—hacked accounts, cease-and-desist letters, and the brutal lessons of business almost took him down. In this episode, we break it all down: how to turn your business into a sellable asset, why most agency owners are leaving money on the table, and how you can position yourself for a multimillion-dollar payday. If you're in business and not thinking about your exit strategy, you're already behind. Let's go!

Note to listeners: Humans of Travel is on hiatus for the winter, with new, full-length episodes resuming Spring 2025. This is a bonus Humans in the Hot Seat Episode. Welcome to Humans in the Hot Seat, a spinoff series of Humans of Travel. This is Emma Weissmann, Executive Editor at TravelAge West, and your host. Angela Hughes, CEO of Trips & Ships Luxury Travel and developer of Luxury Travel University, penned an open letter to the travel industry (below) about what it really takes to get started as a travel advisor, and how to achieve success. Her letter went semi-viral in the industry, was picked up by travel trade media and shared via social media. Something to consider when launching a travel business, Hughes writes, is that it’s not for everyone, and will necessitate financial and educational investment. During this Humans in the Hot Seat episode, Hughes takes the mic to reiterate the top points in her letter, including her view that the barrier to entry for travel advisors is too low, clarifying the role of host agencies, and sharing what she looks for when independent contractors join her host agency. She’ll also offer her three-part success plan for new advisors. This episode is sponsored by The Travel Corporation. RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE Angela's Open Letter to the Travel Industry (Appearing in Travel Research Online) “Dear Travel Industry Colleagues & Newcomers, I pen this open letter in response to concerning tendencies I’ve observed within our sector. It appears that some believe they can effortlessly infiltrate the travel industry with a minimal financial or educational commitment — a misconception that needs urgent correction. From the onset, let’s be clear: to establish a business as an independent contractor necessitates financial and educational investment. If you’re unwilling to invest in your business, success will likely elude you. The assumption that host agencies will bear the brunt of the financial burden is ill-conceived. Systems and tools, indispensable to the function of host agencies and independent contractors, carry associated costs. These resources are the bedrock upon which a successful business is built. Moreover, the wealth of relationships that populate our industry cannot be accessed without contributing financially and with time. These relationships are built upon decades of experience and financial commitment. And training also is a fundamental part of our industry, and it is not free. The cost of training is borne by either personal time, agency funds, or vendor marketing funds. Host agencies are not travel schools; they provide essential resources and a framework to facilitate your success. As an industry professional with a master’s degree in Geography & Travel and Tourism and a host agency owner who has invested significantly in my education and continuing professional development, I can vouch for the value of these investments. We should be requiring more education, marketing skills & business skills in addition to the vendor training. Learning about a brand and product is way different than learning to sell a brand and convert a client. Host agencies and their travel advisor IC partners benefit remarkably from the considerable financial investments of consortia, which expect growth in return. This symbiotic relationship forms the foundation of our industry. It’s bewildering to see those who expect support and high earnings without any financial or educational commitment. In addition, this industry is fraught with risk and liability; it requires mutual understanding. At our agency, the fees we charge offset the considerable expenses that accompany our brand, such as technology, marketing, mentoring, and training. We’re proud to welcome exceptional new advisors who are willing to invest in their professional growth from any industry. The travel industry is not a playground for experimentation, a retirement plan, or an escape from current careers. We must strive collectively to maintain standards and deter those who seek short-lived exploits. We have dumbed down this industry and it is time for a correction. Have host agencies become like athletic gyms allowing anyone to join the gym in January? Every owner knows that the 80/20 rule is real and that 20% of the advisors are doing 80% of the business. And that is because most advisors are doing a handful of trips at best and many are personal. Harsh I know…but the truth stings. In my four decades of experience, I have found that the key differentiator between successful advisors and those who falter is their willingness to invest in tools, resources, education, training, and consortia. Also, your choice of consortium is inconsequential if you fail to utilize its full potential. I learned this lesson the hard way. Success hinges on a robust business development plan, which, unfortunately, most advisors lack. Creating your “Why” is crucial. Passion for travel or the desire to finance personal trips is not a sufficient driver. You are not just an advisor; you are a business owner. Success in the travel industry demands a structured business development plan, continuing business education, financial investment, and a considerable time commitment. Familiarize yourself with the potential risks and liabilities because predicaments are inevitable, and preparedness is key. I extend a warm welcome to all newcomers to the travel industry. Whether your interest is a side hustle, a hobby, or full-time entrepreneurship, ensure that you have the necessary elements in place to navigate this travel road. Remember, you get what you pay for. Your return on investment will be directly proportionate to your input.”Trips & Ships Luxury Travel Luxury Travel University ABOUT YOUR HOST Emma Weissmann is the Executive Editor of TravelAge West, a print magazine and website for travel advisors based in the Western U.S. She is also the co-host of Trade Secrets, a podcast created with sister publication Travel Weekly. TravelAge West also produces national trade publications Explorer and Family Getaways, as well as events including the Future Leaders in Travel Retreat, Global Travel Marketplace West, the WAVE Awards gala and the Napa Valley Leadership Forum. ABOUT THE SHOW TravelAge West’s award-winning podcast, “Humans of Travel,” features conversations with exceptional people who have compelling stories to tell. Listeners will hear from the travel industry’s notable authorities, high-profile executives, travel advisors and rising stars as they share the highs and lows that make them human.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, Chip and Gini explore strategies for agency owners contemplating an exit plan.

Would you like access to our advanced agency training for FREE? https://www.agencymastery360.com/training What is the best way to speak to your target audience? How can you make a compelling case to work with your agency? With proper storytelling techniques, you will reach your prospects and clients in a way the resonates with them. Every successful agency owner needs a persuasive "Who am I" narrative, along with educational and vision stories that speaks directly to potential clients. However, the task can feel overwhelming, leaving many owners unsure where to begin. Today's featured guest specializes in transforming scattered narratives into strategic stories that create meaningful connections. She'll reveal the essential types of stories every agency owner should develop to attract clients, while emphasizing the power of simplicity—demonstrating why less truly is more when it comes to impactful storytelling. Tune in to learn the art of strategic storytelling that positions your agency as the obvious choice in a crowded marketplace. Margot Black is a publicity expert and founder of Black Ink PR, an agency that takes clients' stories and turn them into winning strategies that produce strong results and elevate their business from established to extraordinary. She's also the author of Life's a Pitch, a masterclass in business, branding, public relations, and marketing that will teach you how to get what you want in business and life. Margot shares her focus on the importance of storytelling in connecting with audiences, highlighting strategies for agency owners to effectively communicate their narratives, focusing on a number of stories that every owner should share with their audience and tools that will help you identify common denominators with your audience and understanding their problems. In this episode, we'll discuss: Connecting with prospects by sharing compelling stories. The importance of mapping out your process. 2 essential stories every agency owner should tell. 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. Connecting with Prospects by Sharing Compelling Stories Many agency owners struggle to craft a compelling narrative about their business. According to Margot, the first thing you need to do is connect to your audience by finding a common denominator. One of the most powerful things you can do to achieve this is demonstrate your understanding of their challenges by creating stories that say “I know what your problems are. I understand.” These stories are always powerful because your audience feels seen. Unfortunately, many entrepreneurs miss this opportunity by focusing too heavily on self-promotion ("let me tell you all about me"), neglecting the crucial element of empathy. When you demonstrate that you both understand and can solve your audience's problems, you've already won a significant part of the battle for their attention and trust. Instead, Margot suggests framing your message around "how to" questions. For instance, "How to tell a better story so people will listen" or "How to find five people that need what you have." This approach not only positions the storyteller as an expert but also provides immediate value to the audience. Pro Tip: Keep it Simple. With limited time and attention spans, your audience needs content that's easy to grasp and implement. Rather than overwhelming them with extensive offerings like a 123-lesson course, focus on digestible concepts: "I'll show you the four quadrants you need to dominate to attract more customers." You may think that the more you offer the better, but people have very limited time and attention to give in this ADHD era so make it easy for them to grasp the core concepts to enhance retention. The Importance of Mapping Out Your Process "How we do it" stories represent a powerful yet underutilized tool in agency communications. These narratives function as client roadmaps, clearly illustrating the processes and methodologies behind the agency's success. By transparently sharing these operational details, agencies demystify their work and provide potential clients with clear expectations. This structured approach significantly increases client confidence when deciding to partner with an agency. Without process-focused stories, clients lack visibility into your working methods and can't anticipate how much involvement will be required from them. Margot specifically advises against giving clients "homework" as this creates additional burdens that often go uncompleted which leads to frustration and disengagement. Instead, effective "how we do it" stories should clearly show the finish line—allowing clients to envision the end result before the partnership even begins. Equally important is incorporating a "what's changing and where we're headed" element into your narrative framework. In today's rapidly evolving business landscape, clients seek reassurance that their agency partners understand how emerging changes affect their specific challenges. They want partners who not only recognize these shifts but also have developed clear strategies to navigate them successfully. When in Doubt, Educate Your Clients If you're at all confused about where to start, stories that teach provide an excellent starting point. These narratives offer significant benefits by sharing valuable knowledge and insights that empower clients to better understand and address their challenges. This educational approach accomplishes two critical objectives simultaneously: it establishes your expertise in your field while keeping the client firmly positioned as the central character of the narrative. The most effective stories always maintain this client-centric focus. Their journey, challenges, and ultimate success should drive the narrative forward. For instance, a leader might share a story about how they overcame a common challenge faced by their clients. By detailing the steps taken and the lessons learned, they not only provide valuable information but also illustrate their understanding of the client's journey. 2 Essential Stories Every Agency Leader Must Tell Who I Am — Every leader should develop a compelling “Who I Am” story. The best advice Margot has to improve it is to know where to start. People tend to start too early and tell you about where they went to college or even their childhood – details that rarely resonate with potential clients. Instead, focus your personal narrative on establishing relevant expertise that directly addresses client needs. Even though the Who I Am story is about you, it's still for your audience and should attract them. Vision Story — Equally important is crafting a powerful "vision" story that articulates an inspiring future direction. These narratives provide clients with a clear roadmap to success—such as the eight pillars of agency ownership—and create a compelling framework for your relationship. A great historical example of an exceptional vision story is Martin Luther King Jr.'s "I Have a Dream" speech. This is one of the most powerful visions in American history that illustrates how powerful vision stories can mobilize and inspire action. Leaders who can paint a vivid picture of the future not only engage their clients but also empower them to envision their own success. 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.

Thinking about soft launching your VA biz or side hustle? Think again! Ironically your fear of failure (that's holding you back from launching for real) has put you on a path that's doomed to fail. It's time to take control of your destiny, to take the bull by the horns, to put your fear of failure and judgement aside and to stop allowing assumptions to hold you back. It's time to take courageous action. 'Cos stepping out of your comfort zone is where you'll truly thrive. In this episode you'll learn: Why soft launches don't work.The VA soft launch story that had us SHOOK!Why your fear of failure will become a self-fulfilling prophecy. Find out more about Launch in 30 Days here. Sub-Contractor, Freelancer or Agency Owner? Your perfect virtual assistant pathway is just minutes away! Take the quiz here. Sam + Jo xo

Are you a stay-at-home mum thinking about starting a wee VA side hustle to bring in some extra income? Then this episode is for YOU! Grab a pen and paper, and get ready to learn the exact steps you need to take to create a profitable side hustle while remaining present for your kids. In this episode you'll learn: How to remain present for your kids while supporting your clients.Our very different SAHM/VA journeys.Why there's no such thing as a side hustle hourly rate!The best way to figure out your services and hourly rate as a SAHM VA.Why you may only need to find 1 client. Wanna tip your toes in? Check out the 7 Step Formula and Pricing Calculator. Ready to go all in? Launch in 30 Days is exactly what you need. Sub-Contractor, Freelancer or Agency Owner? Your perfect virtual assistant pathway is just minutes away! Take the quiz here. Sam + Jo xo 

Would you like access to our advanced agency training for FREE? https://www.agencymastery360.com/training Could an internal succession be the right choice for your eventual agency exit? What could that sort of deal structure look like in order to ensure you're leaving the agency in the best hands possible? As one agency owner transitioned to out of the agency day-to-day, an unexpected result was an organic exit from the business with an employee buyout. A shining-star employee with the potential to be a great owner was the buyer in mind. Now the challenge was helping him get to a place where he could make the purchase. Listen to the inspiring story of adaptability and structuring the right deal to sell your agency to the right person. Eric Holter is the CEO of Cuberis, a specialized web development firm focused on the museum industry. He shares his journey from studying traditional illustration to working in web development and launching his first web company, the reasons he decided to sell and follow other dreams, and how he ended up owning another agency years later. Eric is also the author of Blazing the Freelance Trail, a roadmap for creatives just getting started that will walk them through five main principles: money, minutes, management, marketing, and motivation and explains their role in creating and running a business. In this episode, we'll discuss: Client diversification for agency survival. Building a bridge from employee to ownership. The five roles of a CEO. 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. Going from Freelancer to Agency Owner, Twice! Eric first entered the advertising world as an illustrator using the traditional methods. He was looking for something new after freelancing for a while and knew his skills in letterpress printing and wood engraving wouldn't pay the bills. However, in 1995 he was quick to adapt to the new era brought by the internet and started his first business. Back then, all his clients were just scrambling to get a website for their businesses. Finding clients was as easy as sending them an email offering his services. This agency grew quickly to 12 employees and then was hit by two major events throughout the years: the dotcom bubble burst and 9/11, prompting a dramatic downsizing. Though the agency gradually recovered, Eric ultimately decided to sell in 2013 looking for a fresh start doing some consulting work. He wanted to help business owners learn how to run their business. One of his clients was Cuberis, whose (then) owner needed guidance in managing the business. What began as a consulting relationship evolved into an unexpected opportunity and Eric eventually purchased the agency. With this, round two of agency ownership began. Learning to Diversify Clients as the Key to Agency Survival That first blow during the dotcom bubble burst helped Eric see the initial model of direct client engagement was no longer viable. Whereas before the referrals just poured in as everyone tried to beat the competition to get a brand new website, he now needs to forge strategic alliances allowing him to continue generating business. He also needed to rethink his focus, so far marked by working primarily with small, brick-and-mortar clients. Instead, the experience gained during several difficult times and subsequent economic downturns taught him that a diverse client base can serve as a buffer against market volatility. An Unexpected Exit: What Decisions Led to Selling the Agency? Eric's decision to sell his agency emerged organically from a series of strategic decisions that began in 2000 when he hired an consultant to enhance his business management skills. In hindsight, investing in professional guidance was the beginning of a journey he hadn't anticipated. Following the consultant's advice, Eric started transitioning from an active role in his agency to developing a resilient organizational structure and empowering employees to operate independently. Initially, this move didn't have an exit strategy in mind—just sound business practices aimed at improving the agency's efficiency. However, by 2008 he felt there wasn't much for him to do at the agency, which made him restless. While he contemplated changing up things in the agency to satisfy his entrepreneurial drive, he knew it would just divert from the things that were already working. Ultimately, it became clear that instead of introducing changes just to scratch his entrepreneurial itch, it would be better to sell and move on to new things. Building a Bridge from Employee to Agency Owner When Eric decided to sell his agency, he identified an employee with  the ambition and capability to take over the business. The challenge then became structuring a deal that would make the purchase feasible for this successor. The plan was a five-year buyout with an element of owner's financing. Basically, Eric increased the employee's salary so that he could take a portion of this new salary each month and buy shares according to a distribution schedule. Over a five-year period he continued to buy shares as his equity increased. Once he hit a 45% ownership, he would buy the rest all that once through a loan. This structure not only provided the employee with a clear pathway to ownership but also allowed him to acclimate to the responsibilities of ownership without the pressure of an immediate buyout. He was able to learn about the business and develop his leadership skills under Eric's mentorship. For him, the key to succeeding with this type of structure is to take your time with the process. Ultimately, this was the best decision for the agency and for himself. Eric knew the business was in good hands and he also knew there were other things he wanted to do. He wanted to focus on helping other people run their businesses more efficiently. Not Your Time to Sell? Here are the 5 Roles of a CEO For Eric, not working in the business and feeling isolated from the work being done helped him realize he wanted to sell and move to other things. However, this doesn't have to be the case for all agency owners. You can successfully make the transition from owner to CEO and find meaning in your new role as long as you understand what that role is. The 5 roles of a CEO are: Grow and mentor the leadership team. To be the face of the company. To set vision and direction. Manage the financials. Be available for key relationships. Whatever you're doing, make sure they are part of these five roles. If it's something outside of these, you need to assess whether or not you are the one that should be doing it. If this is something you're ready to do for your agency, then selling is not the right move and you can continue being part of the business growth. If not, and you already have a plan for what you'll do after selling, then an acquisition is the best path for you. 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.

Jeremy Rowe, Agency Owner at Goosehead Insurance, joined Keith Smith & Jerry Miller on “Real Talk With Keith Smith” powered by YES Realty Partners and Yonna Smith! “Real Talk” airs every Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 10:15 am – 11 am on The I Love CVille Network! “Real Talk With Keith Smith” is presented by Charlottesville Settlement Company, LLC, El Mariachi Mexican Bar & Grill, Fincham & Associates, Inc., Free Enterprise Forum, Intrastate Service Co and YES Realty Partners.

On the podcast today we have Katie Keith, the founder and CEO of Barn2 Plugins. Katie shares her journey from running a WordPress agency to transitioning into a successful WordPress plugin company specialising in WooCommerce and other plugins. She discusses the challenges and strategies involved in this transition, including the initial successes and later refinements to her business model. Katie also touches on the current state of the WordPress and WooCommerce markets, her future business plans, and the impact of her husband leaving the company. If you're curious about the intricacies of building a plugin business, or are seeking inspiration from someone who has already navigated the WordPress ecosystem, this episode is for you.

Transitioning from a creative doer to an agency owner is exciting—but it can also be overwhelming. Many creatives struggle with letting go of control, building a team, and shifting from doing the work to leading the business. If you feel stretched thin trying to manage everything, this episode is for you.Today, I'm joined by Kait Day, Founder of Nowadays Studio, who shares her journey from being a burned-out freelancer to leading a thriving five-person agency. She opens up about the challenges of hiring, delegating, and trusting her team—and how doing so has allowed her agency to grow without overworking herself.What you'll learn in this episode: The real first step to transitioning from creative doer to agency leader The best way to decide what to delegate first and how to set up processes that make it easier.How perfectionism holds agency owners back—and how to shift your mindset to trust your team.Letting  go of misaligned clients, improving team morale and making space to take on better-fit projects.The support system (and who's in it) that's helped her to lead betterIf you want to scale your agency without micromanaging, burnout, or bottlenecking your own growth, you won't want to miss this conversation.Connect with Kait Day:Instagram: @nowadaystudiosLinkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kait-day/ Resources & Links:Find me on LinkedInDon't forget the free Agency Together Newsletter and free mini-course today to grow your agency. Join hundreds of agency owners receiving insights about growing and leading a small but mighty agency. As a bonus, get our free mini-course on building a Trust Equity Ecosystem, so you're not chasing clients and commanding premium rates.Get the free newsletter and bonus free mini-course today. Hey thank for hanging out with me at the Small But Mighty Podcast. If you enjoyed this episode it would mean the world to me if you hit the follow or subscribe button in your podcast app and share it with a friend. And I'll see you on the next one. Get the full show notes and more information here: https://audreyjoykwan.com/podcast/ep121Podcast Edits by Lindsay Curtis

On the podcast today we have Katie Keith, the founder and CEO of Barn2 Plugins. Katie shares her journey from running a WordPress agency to transitioning into a successful WordPress plugin company specialising in WooCommerce and other plugins. She discusses the challenges and strategies involved in this transition, including the initial successes and later refinements to her business model. Katie also touches on the current state of the WordPress and WooCommerce markets, her future business plans, and the impact of her husband leaving the company. If you're curious about the intricacies of building a plugin business, or are seeking inspiration from someone who has already navigated the WordPress ecosystem, this episode is for you.

In business there are oodles of ways to find yourself in the proverbial sh#t – and being in the virtual assistant space means you're even more likely to fall headfirst. Why? ‘Cos virtual assistants seem hardwired to appease their leads and clients – to the detriment of their own success and mental health. Please don't feel embarrassed if you're doing one (or more!) things on our Sh#t List! Remember. We don't know what we don't know! The important thing is that now you DO know, it's your responsibility to take action, make change and learn from the mistake/s that have put you on a path of high client (or team!) turnover, low profits and where you're asking yourself “is this really worth the hassle?”. In this episode you'll learn: Why you're forgetting your non-negotiables and how it's led to having a business you no longer love.Why all those unbilled phone calls are causing more issues than you realise.Why you've got to stop making assumptions about leads and clients.Why it's time to accept the need for having a robust client contract and onboarding process that protects YOU.The client management reminders you didn't know you needed to hear. Find out more about Scale It Mastermind here. Sub-Contractor, Freelancer or Agency Owner? Your perfect virtual assistant pathway is just minutes away! Take the quiz here. Sam + Jo xo

Send us a textNik Sharma CEO of Sharma Brands, is the go-to strategist for scaling modern consumer brands. Dubbed 'The DTC Whisperer,' he has helped companies like Cadence, Levels, and JuneShine break through the noise with bold, data-driven marketing. With a sharp eye for brand storytelling and growth hacking, Nik's insights are reshaping how businesses connect, convert, and scale in the digital age.Connect with Nik! https://x.com/mrsharmaConnect with Ryan! https://twitter.com/RyanJAyalaConnect with Us! https://www.instagram.com/alchemists.library/Chapters:00:00 Intro Who Is Nick Sharma?0:25 Creator vs. Business Owner Dilemma 1:25 The Power of Personal Branding3:09 How Influencers Get Away with Bad Business Models 4:32 Ad Spend & The Battle for Eyeballs 5:49 Winning with Product Innovation & Storytelling 7:03 Scaling from 0 to 100K Revenue 11:06 Finding the Right Agency 17:27 Ads vs. Affiliates – Which Works Best? 20:01 Paid Traffic – How to Not Burn Money 22:58 Breaking Down the Million-Dollar Growth Strategy23:18 When to Scale Beyond Ads 25:29 The Solopreneur E-Commerce Debate 41:27 The Future of AI in E-Commerce 43:45 Nick's Journey – From Ad Buying to Agency Owner 47:10 Lessons from Meeting E-Com Founders 48:56 Signing Off Connect with Us!https://www.instagram.com/alchemists.library/https://twitter.com/RyanJAyala

In this episode of the And I Quote podcast, brought to you by Coterie Insurance, host Ashleigh Burden interviews Rick Rolfs, president of Rolfs Insurance Services.   They discuss Rick's extensive background in the insurance industry, the evolution of technology in insurance, and the importance of building client relationships.   Rick shares his experiences working with Coterie Insurance and navigating the Southern Florida insurance market. He also offers insights into future trends in the industry and advice for aspiring insurance agents, emphasizing the value of trust and personal connections in the business.   Contact Rick: https://rolfsinsurance.com/rick-rolfs/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/rick-rolfs-bb540513/ Connect with Coterie: https://coterieinsurance.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/coterieinsurance/ Reach out to Ashleigh Burden: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashleigh-burden/ Chapters of the episode: 00:00 Introduction of the And I Quote Podcast 02:16 Rick Rolfs Background in Insurance 04:55 The Evolution of Insurance Technology 07:50 Working with Coterie Insurance 10:15 Navigating the Southern Florida Insurance Market 14:10 Building Client Relationships 17:29 Future Trends in the Insurance Industry 21:35 Advice for Aspiring Insurance Agents _______________________ Keywords: insurance, technology, client relationships, Coterie Insurance, Rick Rolfs, insurance industry, Southern Florida, insurance market, insurance agents, future trends in the insurance space

I wanted to wait until after the holidays to talk about this topic because it's a bit heavier than what we usually talk about on the show. But it's something that Danyel and I have noticed weighing heavily on a lot of you since COVID, and that is agency owner grief.  It's true that many of you have experienced quite a lot of loss and change these past few years  — with the way we work, how well our business is doing, AI, our overall productivity, and so much more. It's a lot of change to handle, and for many of us, we haven't taken the proper time to actually acknowledge our grief and begin to let it go.  But without taking those first steps, that grief will continue to take hold of us and affect us in all aspects of our business — and even our personal lives. Many of you report being restless, unable to focus, depressed, uninspired, feeling heavy, and burnt out. And it's all because we're burning the candle at both ends without taking the time to acknowledge just how much change we've gone through in the past 5 years as agency owners.  So I hope you'll join me and take some time to take stock of everything that's happened from 2020 to now — the good and the bad — and start to recognize just how much we've gone through so we can collectively learn to grieve and begin to let go of the bad to make more room for some good.  A big thank you to our podcast's presenting sponsor, White Label IQ. They're an amazing resource for agencies who want to outsource their design, dev, or PPC work at wholesale prices. Check out their special offer (10 free hours!) for podcast listeners here. What You Will Learn in This Episode: Why agency owners are struggling mentally and emotionally more than ever Understanding agency owner grief and what's caused it to increase in the past 5 years Addressing agency owner grief The 5 stages of grief and how it manifests for agency owners The trickle effect of grief on agencies How we can begin to identify our grief  Starting the healing process after we identify the source of our grief Seeing post-COVID as an agency renaissance

Angelo Fruci grew up as a cousin to fellow logistics podcaster Chris Jolly. But it would take years later for the two to team up to start their own freight agency with none other than our favorite, SPI Logistics. Learn about that journey from engineer to freight agency owner while also picking up some sales and marketing tips along the way.LINKS:Angelo's LinkedInSPI's Freight Agent GuideSPI's Secrets to Building a Successful Freight Agent CareerWATCH THE FULL EPISODE HEREFeedback? Ideas for a future episode? Shoot us a text here to let us know.---------------------------------------------THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS!Are you experienced in freight sales or already an independent freight agent? Listen to our Freight Agent Trenches interview series powered by SPI Logistics to hear directly from the company's agents on how they took the leap and found a home with SPI freight agent program. Tai TMS is designed to streamline your brokerage operations and propel growth for both FTL and LTL shipment cycles. Book a demo with the Tai team today and tell them Everything is Logistics sent you. Digital Dispatch maximizes your #1 sales tool with a website that establishes trust and builds rock-solid relationships with your leads and customers. Check out our website services here.

Welcome to the Business without Burnout Podcast with Kirsten Roldan. Kirsten is a Business Coach, Agency Owner, and Burnout Expert, here to teach you how to scale your business to $1 Million and beyond peacefully.Learn more at kirstenroldan.com.

Davey Jones is the CEO of Formalytics, the company behind Bdow (formerly Sumo), a popular lead generation tool that helps businesses grow their email lists through optimized pop-ups and forms. Davey is also the co-founder of Davey & Krista, a branding and website design agency that has helped countless businesses establish impactful brands. With a background in both agency ownership and SaaS, Davey shares his unique insights into building businesses, scaling software, and transitioning from service-based work to product-driven success.

What makes a good social media manager? In today's episode, I'm talking with Allison DiRienzo of Wolf Dog Marketing about what it is like to own a social media management company, plus what to expect when hiring someone for your own social media marketing. Are you ready to schedule your next in-person event? In today's episode, I'm sharing all about some of my favorite events that I've attended, plus which ones are coming up next on my calendar. Review full show notes and resources at mollycahill.com/podcastGet access to my Marketing Roadmap Private Audio Training: mollycahill.com/privatetrainingMentioned in this EpisodeWolf Dog Marketing: wolfdogmarketing.comFollow Molly on Instagram: instagram.com/mollyacahillHolistic Marketing Hub holisticmarketinghub.com/enroll

As we round the bend into the new year, I'm reflecting on the lessons learned from my time as an agency owner and the insights I've gained from working with hundreds of agencies.  While there are too many to count, I'm going to try to boil down my experiences into a few points that I hope you can take into 2025 as you start to think about what you want the next year to look like for your agency. This episode is packed with actionable advice on things like niche selection, service offerings, operational efficiencies, and how to foster a culture of continuous growth and dedication among your staff.  As you go into the new year, ask yourself, How do you want your agency to look different? How do you want your team to look different? How do you want to look different to the world? And how do you want the clients you serve to be different? With those questions in mind, join me as I walk through what my dream agency would look like today and how you can implement these strategies to align your agency for success in 2025.   A big thank you to our podcast's presenting sponsor, White Label IQ. They're an amazing resource for agencies who want to outsource their design, dev, or PPC work at wholesale prices. Check out their special offer (10 free hours!) for podcast listeners here. In This Episode: The most profitable size of an agency Dividing in-office work and at-home work for a hybrid agency The importance of having in-house accounts service people who are dedicated to growing the agency Using freelancers and contractors to support a smaller team of in-house creatives The continued importance of running the agency by the numbers for maximum profitability Having one-on-ones to check in with agency employees and clients Narrowing down your niche to get to that 20% profitability Building a recession-proof agency Getting more thoughtful about what the agency owner role looks like and hiring roles to support it Getting smart about paying yourself  Team off-sites and investing in professional development

On this episode of Agency Nation Radio, we meet Stephanie Dew, President, Agency Owner of WinStar Insurance Group in Cedar Park, Texas. In 2022, Dew, then 20% owner of WinStar, learned that the other two owners would be retiring. She didn't want to see the agency absorbed by the large buyers circling overhead and decided she would buy it herself—even if it meant mortgaging her house. “It devastated me to think that these employees who have worked so hard to build up the agency would have to watch it get gobbled up by another agency that I didn't think would value our clients the way we do,” Dew says. “I went to my family first to make sure my husband and kids were on board. And they knew this was my dream. We had our house pretty much paid off, and I took a loan on it and did everything I needed to make it happen.” WinStar's defined niches propel its growth, from wineries and water entities to emergency services. The agency has been a Best Practices agency since 2019. Agency Nation Radio is where insurance professionals turn on the mic and share unscripted stories about leadership, technology, marketing, success, and failure—stories that helped make them the professionals they are today. From Main Street USA to the pages of Independent Agent magazine—we've got the stories you want to hear. For more, catch Agency Nation Radio on your favorite streaming platform or visit iamagazine.com/podcasts.

Luke Maltby, founder of CoLab, has over 20 years of experience in design, marketing, and web development. From freelancing to running a successful remote agency, Luke has worked with brands like Estrella, Avon, Mini, and Volkswagen while helping other agencies expand their service offerings. His agency focuses on delivering flexible solutions and balancing professional success with personal priorities.

Send us a textBurnout. It's something that too many agency owners face but rarely talk about. In this episode, I sit down with Colby Wegter, founder of Autonomy Agency, to explore the deep challenges of running an agency and the toll it can take on both mental and physical health. Colby shares his candid journey of burnout—not once, but twice in a single year—and how it forced him to reevaluate how he was running his business.We discuss the common limiting belief that so many agency owners hold: that without them, their business would collapse. Colby breaks down why this mindset is holding you back and how building systems is the key to escaping this cycle. He also shares powerful insights on how you can retain clients for years, increase their lifetime value, and ultimately scale your business with less stress.If you're an agency owner who feels overworked, stuck, or simply burnt out, this episode is a must-listen. Colby's approach is not just about fixing the immediate pain points, but about setting you up for long-term success.Connect with Colby Wegter:  If you're an agency owner feeling the weight of burnout or struggling to scale, I highly recommend connecting with Colby Wegter. His approach to building systems that free you from the day-to-day grind can transform not only your business but your life. Visit autonomyagency.com to learn more about how he can help you regain control and scale with ease. Books Mentioned:Dare to Lead by Brené Brown Ready to Finish 2024 Strong?Don't wait until December to address your challenges. There's a few months left in 2024, now is the time to plan for a strong finish! Book a free strategy call with Dr. William Attaway to create a plan for impactful results. Support the showJoin Dr. William Attaway on the Catalytic Leadership podcast as he shares transformative insights to help high-performance entrepreneurs and agency owners achieve Clear-Minded Focus, Calm Control, and Confidence. Free 30-Minute Discovery Call:Ready to elevate your business? Book a free 30-minute discovery call with Dr. William Attaway and start your journey to success. Special Offer:Get your FREE copy of Catalytic Leadership: 12 Keys to Becoming an Intentional Leader Who Makes a Difference. Connect with Dr. William Attaway: Website LinkedIn Facebook Instagram TikTok YouTube

Send us a textWatch This Episode On YouTubeIn this episode, we get a quick recap of Chase and Mason's first in-person hangout, plus their best advice for navigating Q4 as a freelancer or agency owner.It all kicks off with a discussion about how your marketing messages are probably too complicated for your audience. Keep it stupid simple, so the information you're trying to communicate actually gets heard.Then, they talk about what steps agency owners should take NOW to ensure they have a successful and stress-free fourth quarter.Tune in if you want to learn how to set your service business up for success in Q4 and beyond, or if you want to hear the latest update about Chase's LinkedIn course collab with a mega-influencer.And, while you're here, drop your #1 business goal for Q4 in the comments. Let's finish the year strong, together!“If you can really be there and be omnipresent for all your clients and really over-deliver in Q4, that sets up a beautiful Q1, Q2, where you've just earned a lot of trust and can start to cash in on that.”– Chase DimondWHAT YOU'LL LEARN ABOUT:Simple Scales, Fancy Fails – Why you should dramatically simplify your marketing messages to better align with your audience and improve your conversion metrics.Survival Strategies For Agency Owners In Q4 – Fourth quarter is a beast, especially in the professional services industry. Learn what you should be doing now to preserve your sanity and lay a strong foundation for next year.When & How To Test Out Performance Pricing – It might be too late to sell a client on pay-for-performance this year, but you can start sowing the seeds now so that next year you take home more of the profit during busy season.Chase's New LinkedIn Course Launch – Chase partnered with a mega-influencer to produce a best-in-class course on LinkedIn marketing. It just launched, so he's finally sharing who his partner is and where you can find more information.Leveraging LinkedIn for Agency Growth – Hear personal experiences from Chase and Mason, outlining how they and their students have used LinkedIn as a tool to acquire clients for their agencies and solo practices.KEY MOMENTS IN THIS EPISODE:00:00:00 – Introduction00:01:17 – Why you should "dumb down" your marketing00:05:07 – Examples of success brands built with a K.I.S.S. approach00:07:59 – Why Q4 is so challenging for agency owners00:12:21 – Strategies for having a smooth fourth quarter00:14:23 – Why you might want to explore performance bonuses next year00:17:03 – Details about Chase's LinkedIn course launch with ???00:23:18 – Final thoughtsLIKE, FOLLOW, AND SUBSCRIBESubscribe to the show and listen to all our past episodes at www.dimonddownload.com.Keep up with Chase at…www.chasedimond.comwww.twitter.com/ecomchasedimondwww.linkedin.com/in/chasedimondKeep up with Mason at…www.copymba.comwww.twitter.com/CardinalMasonwww.tiktok.com/@cardinalmasonSUPPORT THE PEOPLE WHO SUPPORT USPodcast production is handled by James Sowers at www.castaway.fm.Thumbnail design is handled by Steven Baterina at www.creosocial.net.

Episode 291 features Kirsten Roldan of Kirsten Roldan Coaching. We're talking about how to use email marketing to grow your business. Listen now!Kirsten Roldan is a Nuyorican Business Coach and Agency Owner with a 7 figure a year business.She created the only program that helps Coaches and Service Providers make Social Media Optional using Email Marketing, Million Dollar Email.She also created Million Dollar CEO, a mastermind for Coaches and Agency Owners that want to increase their profit by 50% while delegating operations and client delivery with a scalable offer, a genius team and powerful systems.Kirsten made the decision that if more money wasn't part time, peaceful, and simple, it wasn't worth it. Her mission is to help entrepreneurs be "confusingly wealthy" because their business feels so light. You can follow Kirsten on Instagram.For full episode show notes, visit here.My new book is officially available to buy! Order Financially Lit! Today!Want our merch? Get yours here!Check out this YQD™ Sponsor:BetterHelp—Professional support when you need it, at a fraction of the cost of in-person therapy. Get 10% off your first month with our sponsor: https://betterhelp.com/dinero Become a member at https://plus.acast.com/s/YoQuieroDinero. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Your business should serve your lifestyle — not the other way around. Many agency owners got into the industry because it affords them a lifestyle and freedom most people dream of. But it's easy to lose sight of that when the business gets overwhelming and we fall into agency owner fatigue. For this week's solocast, I want to do a deep dive into one of the ways we help agency owners sort out this fatigue and get back on the right track to achieving their goals and dreams — the agency owner life plan. This plan is a free tool to help agency owners sit with their goals, dreams, aspirations, and legacies and write them down so they feel more tangible and achievable. These legacies don't have to be lofty, lifelong goals but can be smaller goals that we can start working toward today. Whether you have a charity you'd like to work with or just want to focus on spending more time with your family, you can use your agency (along with the agency owner life plan) to help you achieve these goals step by step. So if you're feeling burnt out, fatigued, or discouraged, this episode will help you sort out your dreams and desires and help you get back to using the agency to fuel your legacies. A big thank you to our podcast's presenting sponsor, White Label IQ. They're an amazing resource for agencies who want to outsource their design, dev, or PPC work at wholesale prices. Check out their special offer (10 free hours!) for podcast listeners here. In This Episode: 3 things that drive agency owner fatigue Our business should serve our life, not the other way around The agency owner life plan Finding 5 legacies you want to leave in your lifetime Uncovering 3 things you can do this year to start working toward your legacies Choosing 5 people you want to spend more time with to help you achieve your goals How to use the agency to support you in accomplishing your goals