Podcasts about agency owner

Learn the small shift that makes referrals repeatable. Check out our new video training: https://hey.salesschema.com/opt-in-mw-referral-engine?utm_source=podcast--Most agency owners assume nobody can sell as well as they can. Lori Cox built an agency, sold it, and then took a BizDev leadership role — and says she's actually sharper at sales now that she's not running the whole show.Lori brings 20+ years of B2B marketing and revenue experience. She built and sold a full-service healthcare-focused agency, then moved into VP of BizDev at Knack Collective, where she works with global tech companies on partner-led go-to-market strategies. We got into the systems that made her agency sellable, why most partnership pitches go nowhere, and how the inbound/outbound mix has shifted heading into 2026.What You'll Leave With:Systems before salespeoplePartnerships require intention and attentionDiversify your pipeline, not just your client baseNon-owners can be better salespeopleAI is changing the job, not replacing itConnect with Lori on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lori-cox-mba/Knack Collective: https://knackcollective.com/

Hiring in 2026 is broken or at least it feels that way.In this episode of the Mastervision® Podcast, we explore recruitment in the UAE, where companies receive 1,500 to 2,000 CVs per role and still struggle to find quality talent.Louise Vine, founder of Inspire Selection and UAE recruitment expert with over 20 years of experience, reveals the truth about hiring today: ▪️ Why there's a surplus of candidates but a shortage of quality talent in the UAE▪️ Why applying for UAE jobs from overseas rarely works▪️ What recruiters actually look for on LinkedIn (and why your photo matters more than you think)▪️ How employer branding impacts hiring success in 2026▪️ What candidates care about most in today's job market▪️ How Gen Z is changing workplace culture and what employers must do to adapt▪️ The true cost of a wrong hire and how to avoid itWhether you're a company owner, CEO, HR leader, hiring manager, or job seeker in Dubai and the UAE, this episode delivers practical insights into recruitment trends and talent acquisition strategies that work in 2026.Watch now to understand what's really happening in the UAE job market and how to find your perfect match.______Follow our Mastervision® Podcast on YouTubeSubscribe on platforms to get new episodes early: YouTube Music Apple Podcasts Spotify

If you constantly feel overwhelmed, short on time, and like you're always working but rarely working on the business … you're not alone.And if you're honest, you might not even be totally sure what “working on the business” is supposed to look like anymore now that you have a team.In this episode, I walk through how I think about designing a week on purpose, to create space for everything you want and need to do as CEO, no matter what level your business is at (from side hustle to full team)In this episode, we explore how to … Design Your Week Like a CEO:Why overwhelm is often a design issue, not a discipline issueHow most weeks quietly become reactive without you realisingWhat “working on the business” actually means in practiceWhy certain activities must be scheduled or they disappearHow intentional structure creates more freedom, not lessI also share personal insights around:energy, focus, and decision fatiguewhy busyness can feel productive while keeping you stuckand how small shifts in your week can change everythingThis episode is for you if:your days feel full but unsatisfyingyou're constantly context-switchingor you know you need to change how your time works — you just haven't stepped back to redesign itFree resource:For the Free CEO Schedule Template, go to https://a.anneliseworn.com/ceoscheduleYour time is your most valuable asset.This episode will help you start treating it that way.A xWant More?DM "CEO" on Instagram: @annelisewornDownload the 6-Figure Freelancer Guide: https://a.anneliseworn.com/6ffBook a Free Strategy Call: anneliseworn.com/consult

Your sales team is brilliant. But they're spending 70% of their week doing work a robot could do in 10 minutes. And you're paying them six figures to do it. Welcome to the "Year of Reckoning." Your board is demanding AI automation. They want results. But recent research shows that 95% of enterprise AI pilots represent zero P&L impact. In this episode, Mike Allton breaks down exactly why those pilots are failing - and it's not the technology. It's something he calls "Admin Drag" - the invisible productivity killer that turns your thoroughbred sales talent into data entry clerks. You'll discover: Why layering AI on top of broken workflows just accelerates failure The "GenAI Divide": What separates the 5% of Future-Built companies from the 95% stuck in Pilot Purgatory How to navigate board pressure to cut headcount while scaling revenue (without replacing your A-players with chatbots) The "Admin Audit" framework: A tactical exercise to identify which tasks are bleeding hours from your revenue engine Why automating the OUTPUT (customer conversations) is killing your pipeline - and what to automate instead This isn't theory. Mike is the Director of Partner-led Growth at Agorapulse and has been architecting AI workflows for revenue teams since 2024. He's a practitioner who carries quota pressure - not a futurist selling science fiction. If you're a VP of Sales, CRO, or Agency Owner tired of AI tools that promise magic but deliver busywork, this is your operational playbook. Featured Framework: The Admin Audit - identify the "robot work" killing your team's capacity Next Episode: We tackle Shadow AI - the unsanctioned tools your team is already using, and how to govern them before they become a data leak. Chapters: 00:00 Introduction: The Talent Crisis in Sales 02:10 The AI HAT Podcast: What to Expect 03:05 The Reality of AI in 2026 05:55 The Gen AI Divide: 95% vs. 5% 10:23 The Efficiency Paradox and Admin Drag 11:55 Your Homework: Conduct an Admin Audit 13:29 Conclusion: Architecting for Revenue Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome to a brand new year and a brand new episode of Build a Better Agency! In this special solo cast, host Drew McLellan kicks off 2026 with a focused, actionable discussion on preparing agency owners and leaders for what promises to be a pivotal year. Drawing from his decades of experience and deep involvement with agencies across the globe, Drew McLellan lays out five essential resolutions that serve as a roadmap for agency growth, stability, and profitability—no matter your agency's discipline. This episode is packed with practical advice for implementing intentional changes, starting with the importance of carving out deep work time and ensuring that new business development remains a weekly priority. Drew McLellan details how to practically block out time on your calendar for strategic thinking and outreach, and why these habits are especially critical as the market shifts. He also provides a step-by-step formula for running monthly all-agency meetings that build transparency, celebrate wins, and foster accountability—complete with a ready-to-use agenda. The conversation turns to the game-changing impact of AI within agencies, emphasizing why every agency owner must establish clear policies, communicate their approach to both internal teams and clients, and explore how to leverage AI tools to stay competitive. In addition, Drew McLellan highlights the often-neglected importance of deepening personal connections with your team, sharing meaningful rituals and approaches to nurturing these relationships for better retention and morale. Whether you're hoping to weather tough economic conditions, boost your new business pipeline, or future-proof your agency with smart technology and people strategies, this episode equips you with concrete steps for transforming intention into action in 2026. You'll leave inspired to schedule, strategize, and connect—all cornerstones for not just surviving but thriving in the year ahead. 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: Agency owner resolutions for a watershed year Carving out time for deep, uninterrupted work Implementing a consistent new business development routine Building transparency and accountability with all-agency updates Establishing clear AI policies and accelerating AI adoption Deepening human connections with team members   Proactively preparing for 2026's unique agency challenges

Would you like access to our advanced agency training for FREE? https://www.agencymastery360.com/training What a year. I sat down with over 100 incredible agency owners—and the insights were unreal. From million-dollar breakthroughs to hard-earned lessons, these founders brought the real talk. In this special year-end episode, I'm sharing the top 5 interviews that stood out most. To everyone who tuned in, shared an episode, or took action from something they heard—thank you. This show is for you, and because of you. Here's to a smarter, stronger, more scalable 2026. Let's go.   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.   AI, Efficiency & the Future of Digital Agencies | with Manish Dudharejia (E2M Solutions) If you're running a digital agency and wondering how the hell you're supposed to keep up with AI, automation, and shifting client expectations—this one's for you. Jason sits down with Manish Dudharejia, founder of E2M Solutions, one of the largest white-label partners for agencies, to break down where the real opportunities are—and what's about to get wiped out. Spoiler: Agencies that don't embrace efficiency will get eaten alive. Whether you're stuck in fulfillment hell or just trying to stay 3 steps ahead, this is a must-watch if you want to grow smarter, not grind harder.   From Freelancer to CEO: How Kriston Sellier Built a Scalable, Human-Centered Agency Kriston Sellier, Founder of Id8, shares how she broke free from the freelancer grind, stopped being held hostage by a single client, and transformed into a confident CEO with systems, a team, and a business that no longer revolved around her. We dig into the moment she realized she wasn't really running a business and how hiring a consultant changed everything (and brought in 25 new clients) This isn't fluff. It's the real path from chaos to clarity—one that too many agency owners skip because they're stuck reacting.   From $1M to $40M: How Chris Dreyer Scaled His SEO Agency with One Counterintuitive Strategy If you're an agency owner stuck managing chaos, wondering how the hell to grow without everything breaking—this is your blueprint. I sat down with Chris Dreyer, CEO of Rankings.io, who scaled his agency from barely breaking 7 figures to nearing $40 million in pure service revenue. And no, it wasn't because of some sexy funnel or overnight hack. It was because he doubled down on relationships. Favorite line from Chris: "You mean to tell me it's not worth $500 to go shake hands with a $125K client?" This isn't theory. It's what the top 1% of agencies are actually doing—and it's probably not what you're doing right now.   How to Build an Agency Team That Sticks & Clients Who Actually Respect You | Colin Hetherington I sat down with Colin Hetherington, founder of Dublin's Common Good and co-founder of Zoo Digital (which scaled to $3M+ with less than 5% turnover). Colin's the real deal—he's built agencies people love working at and clients want to stay with. You'll hear how Colin combined strategy, creativity, and technical execution to create an agency that stood out—and why focusing on team trust and clarity made all the difference. Whether you're scaling or starting fresh, there's gold in this conversation on how to lead without burning out.   Do You Want to Transform Your Agency from a Liability to an Asset? Looking to dig deeper into your agency's potential? Check out our Agency Blueprint. Designed for agency owners like you, our Agency Blueprint helps you uncover growth opportunities, tackle obstacles, and craft a customized blueprint for your agency's success.

If you're wondering whether it's finally time to hire an Account Manager, this episode is for you.In this episode of the Happy Clients Podcast, we walk through the exact checklist we use with agency owners to decide when (and if) it's time to offload client management.We cover:The subtle red flags that signal it's time to hireHow client communication is quietly capping your growthWhy burnout doesn't fix itself as your agency scalesThe danger of letting contractors manage client relationshipsA practical, data-backed checklist to evaluate your capacityHow to look at client load, churn, and MRR realisticallyIf you're stuck managing clients, drowning in emails, or putting off growth because you “don't have time to onboard someone,” this episode will give you clarity.-----------------------------[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!

Growth doesn't come from adding more tasks — it comes from eliminating the ones that drain your time, attention, and decision-making energy. In this episode, Abe introduces the Agency Owner's Elimination Framework, a practical weekly system that frees up capacity, increases team productivity, and gives you more space to focus on revenue-producing work. Learn what to stop doing, what to delegate, and how to identify the hidden bottlenecks silently slowing your agency down. https://theinsurancedream.com/payment-processing 

In this episode, Vince Quinn talks with Jesse P. Gilmore — founder of Niche in Control and author of The Agency Owner's Guide to Freedom — about how agency owners (or solo entrepreneurs) can move from being the bottleneck in their business to building scalable systems. Jesse explains the concept of “single points of failure,” why it's common among service‑based founders, and walks through a five‑step “Leverage for Growth” framework to help transition from doing all the work yourself to becoming a leader who builds systems, packages value‑priced offers, attracts clients, and empowers a team. He also reflects on how launching his own podcast — Leverage for Growth — helped him refine his methods, attract the right clients, and systemize content creation in a repeatable way.Guest BioJesse P. Gilmore is the CEO and founder of Niche in Control, a firm dedicated to helping marketing‑agency owners grow and scale their agencies. He authored The Agency Owner's Guide to Freedom and hosts the podcast Leverage for Growth, where he documents both his personal business transformation and interviews other agency founders to surface proven growth strategies.TakeawaysA single point of failure happens when the business depends too heavily on one person — often the founder — making growth unstable and risky if that person is unavailable.To scale, you must systemize everything: document processes, delegate work, and make the business operate independently of any one individual.The shift from “doer” to “leader” usually happens when monthly revenue reaches roughly $15,000–$20,000 — that's when it becomes worthwhile to build leverage through systems rather than more hours.The “Leverage for Growth” framework's first step: free up time — track how you spend your time for 7 days, then apply “Eliminate, Automate, Delegate, or Time‑block” to reclaim hours.Next, systemize work and document procedures so that tasks can be handed off without disruption.Then, build a minimum‑viable, high‑value offer priced based on value, not effort — this helps you move up‑market as clients increasingly value strategy over execution.After that, create a client attraction system — combining inbound, outbound, and referral mechanisms — to keep the pipeline flowing.Finally, empower your team to own major parts of the business, enabling you to run the firm instead of doing the work.Leveraging content (like podcasting) isn't just marketing — it's also business validation, market research, and lead generation — and when done with systems, it can run predictably.Consistency, authenticity, and leading by example matter: sharing personal stories (like sobriety) can attract clients and collaborators who resonate with your values.Chapters00:00 Welcome & Intro to Jesse P. Gilmore00:50 What is a “Single Point of Failure”?03:28 How to identify single points of failure in your agency06:27 Overview: The 5‑step “Leverage for Growth” method & role transition (doer → operator → manager → leader → CEO)10:26 How the Leverage for Growth podcast and book came about14:48 How authenticity and values have shaped Jesse's clients & business philosophy17:48 How to systemize content production: from 12 hrs to 30 min per episode20:21 Where to follow Jesse & what's next (Scalable Agency Accelerator)LinkedIn & Where to FollowFollow Jesse P. Gilmore on LinkedIn: You can also check out Niche in Control or learn about the Scalable Agency Accelerator via nicheincontrol.comFollow Vince Quinn

We hear the corporate escape stories all the time. What we don't hear as often is what happens after. My guest built a stronger, smarter, and more aligned freelance marketing business on the other side of it. That's why I loved this conversation with Tyneshia Dise. She walked away from a high-pressure corporate sales role after hitting burnout, went back to school for a marketing degree, and slowly built her agency through networking, internships, referrals, and showing up online long before it felt comfortable. Today, she leads a team of four and runs her business with solid onboarding, real systems, clear communication, and regular client check-ins. And inside our Workgroup, she's already booked 6 out of 10 discovery calls and landed a client that gave her a 4x ROI.Tyneshia is the founder of The Innovative Design Group and a digital marketing strategist with 20 years in sales and marketing, specializing in helping service-based business owners refine their message, build standout websites, and create campaigns that drive measurable growth.Listen to learn more about:How Tyneshia used her corporate sales background to build a thriving freelance marketing agencyWhy emotionally-driven messaging is the secret weapon behind stronger conversionsHow to improve your discovery calls using active listening & buyer insightsWhat freelancers get wrong about DIY marketing and how to fix itThe systems, onboarding, and client experience shifts that helped her scaleTyneshia's growth came from intention and experience. Tune in because her story is a powerful example of what's possible when you mix skill, strategy, and community support.Sponsored by The Digital Marketer's Workgroup Are you already doing marketing work but need more clients and a stronger referral network? Join our tight-knit community of freelancers and get access to behind-the-scenes conversations, support, and troubleshooting that every solo marketer needs. Plus, you'll benefit from advanced trainings, networking opportunities, and exclusive job leads. Apply here!Links Mentioned in the Show: Grab Tyneshia's Free Email Marketing Guide: If you want your emails to land, not just send, Tyneshia's free 67-page e-book is a must. It teaches freelancers and VAs how to clarify their message, write emails that resonate, and build automations that feel personal, not robotic. Perfect for anyone managing client newsletters, funnels, or retention campaigns.Connect with Tyneshia:Instagram: @innovativedesign_cleFacebook: The Innovative Design Group_CLEWebsite: https://theinnovativedesigngroup.com/ Connect with Emily:Facebook Community: Emily's Unicorn Digital Marketing Assistant LabInstagram:

Would you like access to our advanced agency training for FREE? https://www.agencymastery360.com/training How are you preparing your clients to start thinking about AI as part of their SEO strategy? Are you educating them on what they can expect now that the landscape is changing with AI optimization? As an agency, you should be starting these conversations because you can be sure your clients are already thinking about AI, even if they still don't understand its applications for how clients will get to their content. Artificial intelligence isn't just changing how people find information, it's rewriting the rules of search altogether. Today's featured guest is already running AI audits for his clients; he thinks all agency owners should be doing this. He'll unpack what AI optimization really means for agencies, marketers, and business owners who've lived and breathed SEO for decades. Vishal Mahida is the Director of Digital Marketing at E2M Solutions, where he helps over 100 agencies scale their SEO and digital marketing operations. With a 40+ person team specializing in SEO, PPC, and operations support, Vishal works directly with agencies on systems that drive measurable growth and keep them ahead of major shifts in the industry. In this episode, we'll discuss: SEO vs. AI Optimization No, SEO is not dead, so your website still matters. Preparing your agency and clients for AI search. Subscribe Apple | Spotify | iHeart Radio The Difference Between SEO and AI Optimization There's a lot of buzz around how AI has come to change and maybe even replace SEO. Vishal clarifies that AI optimization isn't replacing SEO, it's expanding it. Traditional SEO focused primarily on optimizing for Google rankings, keywords, and backlinks. The goal was to get traffic from search results. But as Vishal explains, the modern search landscape has fragmented. Users are now searching on multiple platforms including ChatGPT, Perplexity, and Claude, not just Google. This shift means brands must move beyond "ranking on Google" and focus on being visible wherever their audience searches for information. Whether someone asks ChatGPT for "the best roofers in Austin" or Google's AI mode for "running shoes under $5,000," AI systems are gathering and summarizing information across multiple sources in real time, including social platforms like Reddit, Quora, and LinkedIn. Think about it as building a multimedia visibility strategy and ensuring your brand, expertise, and answers exist across platforms that large language models (LLMs) pull from. "You're not optimizing for one search engine anymore," he says. "You're optimizing for how the internet talks about you." Why Your Website Still Matters in the AI Era Will websites become irrelevant if AI answers everything for users? According to Vishal, websites won't disappear, they'll evolve. Think of them as your source of truth rather than your traffic generator. When AI summarizes answers for users, it still references real content and authoritative sources. So, your website remains essential for credibility, events, and conversion, even if fewer users arrive there through traditional search. For instance, if someone asks ChatGPT about agency growth events in Austin, and you've mentioned your event across social media, your website, and podcasts, AI will likely include it in the results. "That's how people find you now," Vishal agrees. "Not just through search but through signals from every platform." Of course, you should still think about the content you're putting out on your website. Are you answering the questions that people are asking? Or you just optimizing for the keywords. Optimizing for the keywords won't work. People will ask LLMs questions and if you're already answering them on your content there are more chances that AI results will find you and list your website. Redefining Reporting and KPIs for Agencies One of the biggest challenges agencies face is explaining to clients why organic traffic might be dropping even as visibility increases. Why? Traditional SEO metrics no longer tell the whole story. So how to report back? Basically, you'll need to educate clients and start measuring mentions, citations, and referrals coming from AI platforms. Vishal suggests tracking LLM bot hits in server logs and monitoring whether AI crawlers are visiting key pages. These indicators reveal your brand's visibility in AI-generated results. While raw traffic might decline, the quality of leads and conversions often improves. "You might get fewer leads," he says, "but they'll be more qualified, because AI searchers are deeper in their intent." Leads from AI chats tend to be more serious buyers who have already researched their problems. The shift, then, isn't a loss but rather an opportunity to educate clients on new performance indicators that reflect where users actually search today. Preparing Your Agency and Clients for AI Search When it comes to optimizing for AI, Vishal recommends a hybrid approach: combine solid technical SEO fundamentals with a new layer of AI-readiness. This includes making sure your site is clean, crawlable, and structured properly, while also ensuring your brand has visibility across other platforms. At E2M, Vishal's team runs AI search audits to check how often their clients' brands appear in LLM answers. They even query ChatGPT and Perplexity directly to see what those systems say about them and their competitors. From there, they reverse-engineer visibility by identifying which platforms, podcasts, or publications help brands get cited more often by AI. Mentions on Reddit, Quora, and podcasts count, even if they're not linked, because they help build trust signals that LLMs detect. Agencies, Vishal says, can sell these as AI search audits, AI content audits, or full AI optimization packages — new recurring revenue streams that build on their SEO expertise. The Human Edge in an AI-Driven World Agencies can't afford to be "order takers" who wait for clients to bring up AI. If your clients are asking about AI before you bring it up, you're already behind. Instead, agencies should position themselves as trusted advisors who help clients navigate the shift confidently. So go to your clients and start those conversations, or you WILL be replaced by AI. At the end of the day, people still want connection, which is why both Jason and Vishal agree that AI will never replace the human element and the strategy, empathy, and creativity that come from real human connection. People will always want someone that can help guide them through the new marketing trends. As Vishal puts it, "Business owners don't have time to learn all this. They want someone they trust to handle it." AI might make average easier, but connection, data, and network will always be your edge. 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.

This week Atbpod sits down with Kyani Bateman model, mentor, and cofounder of Pakolea—to trace her path from kid commercials and pageantry to building a community-first agency with her partner, photographer Darren. She shares how social media became a living portfolio, why brands care about personality as much as pictures, and how a fierce feed can coexist with a grounded, aloha-driven life.Kyani pulls back the curtain on runway realities: quick changes, six-inch heels, and the mental game that starts long before call time. She breaks down the difference between influencers and professional models, explains how to make reels and day-in-the-life content work for bookings, and tells the unfiltered stories rolled ankles, missed cues, and all that forged her resilience. We explore Hawaii's collaborative backstage culture versus Miami's every-model-for-themselves pace, underscoring how character shows on stage and in the camera.The heart of the episode is Pakolea's model-first blueprint. The academy teaches posing, runway technique, comp cards, consent, and ethics; the agency represents ready talent with fair, modest commissions so models keep more of their pay. No height gatekeeping, no mean-girl energy just a clear interview process to protect culture and safety. Kyani encourages smart choices about paid vs unpaid work, networking with intention, and taking uncomfortable opportunities that expand skill and confidence. She also opens up about building a business with her boyfriend , communicating through creative decisions, and keeping trust at the center.We wrap with big goals: more global bookings, pop-up workshops from LA to New York, and a personal dream to walk the Victoria's Secret runway. If you care about modeling, content creation, or creative careers built on values, this story is your blueprint. Listen, share with someone chasing their first casting, and leave a review so we can bring more conversations like this to your feed.

Scalable operations turn you from the person doing the work into the person creating the environment for great work to happen. That is what my guest Christine Schwitzer, the founder and CEO of Holistic Grants, and member of my Impact Collective Mastermind has found. Christine shares what it looked like to move from spreadsheets and mental checklists to real systems that give her visibility, structure, and peace of mind. We discuss how operational clarity helps her delegate with confidence, strengthens client delivery and allows her to lead her growing team with ease. Her story is a powerful reminder that scalable operations aren't just about efficiency, they are a pathway to better leadership. Connect with Christine Schwitzer: Linked In Holistic Grants Website Previous Episode:50: [client success] From Solo Grant Writer to Agency Owner with Christine Schwitzer  Let's grow your consulting firm together!  

Send us a textIf you loved Part 1 of our She Leads Digital series, you're in for another round of inspiring career journeys, bold pivots, and hard-won wisdom from incredible women shaping the future of digital marketing. In this continuation episode, we dive deeper into themes of mentorship, education, career training, and professional development; all told through personal stories that prove there's no single path to success in digital marketing. While their journeys showcase fascinating career transitions, what stands out is their resilience in embracing change and continuous learning. Episode Highlights:Discover how non-traditional mentorship relationships can drive mutual growth and fresh perspectives in your career.Learn the leadership traits that foster calm, confident, and high-performing teams.Hear real stories of self-discovery that led these inspiring female leaders to pivot into careers they truly love.Understand how personalized coaching and regular touchpoints can help teams thrive and solve challenges collaboratively.Gain insights into balancing professional expertise with empathy and trust to create lasting, impactful connections in digital marketing.Episode Links: 

In this episode, Corey Quinn sits down with Chris Madden, co-founder of Matchnode, to unpack the journey from being a generalist agency juggling sports teams, banks, and restaurants to becoming a specialized leader in digital health marketing. Chris shares how their team went from struggling with unpredictable referrals to scaling consistently in one of the fastest-growing industries. He opens up about the turning points, the doubts, and the breakthroughs that led to their best year ever. If you've ever wondered whether narrowing your focus is worth it, this conversation will give you both the strategic framework and the emotional reassurance you need. What You'll Learn in This Episode

In this episode of the Scottish Property Podcast, Nick and Steven sit down with Graham Reeves, digital marketing entrepreneur, property investor, and founder of an SEO agency that ranks number one for “SEO Glasgow.” Graham shares his journey from struggling with dyslexia at school and working as a chef, to building a thriving online business and scaling a growing buy-to-let portfolio.

What does it really take to grow an agency past seven figures? Spoiler: it's not sipping mai tais on the beach while your team handles everything. In this episode of Coffee with Corey, Corey sits down with Peter, a 12-year agency owner who's built an 18-person team, scaled past seven figures, and learned some hard but powerful lessons along the way. From the myths of “easy growth” to the reality of burnout and breakthroughs, this is a candid look at what agency life is actually like and how to thrive in it. What You'll Learn in This Episode ☕ The myths vs. realities of agency ownership – why growth isn't as glamorous as it looks from the outside.

In this Mission Matters episode, Adam Torres interviews Jesse Gilmore, Founder of Niche in Control. Jesse explains why most agency bottlenecks start with the founder, not demand, and walks through his Leverage for Growth framework. He shares a practical time audit plus a 4-step method—Eliminate, Automate, Delegate, Time-block—to free capacity, build systems, and scale from operator to visionary. Jesse also highlights his book, The Agency Owner's Guide to Freedom, which provides mindset shifts and strategies to help founders buy back their time and build businesses that run without them. Follow Adam on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/askadamtorres/ for up to date information on book releases and tour schedule. Apply to be a guest on our podcast: https://missionmatters.lpages.co/podcastguest/ Visit our website: https://missionmatters.com/ More FREE content from Mission Matters here: https://linktr.ee/missionmattersmedia Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this Mission Matters episode, ⁠Adam Torres⁠ interviews ⁠Jesse Gilmore⁠, Founder of Niche in Control. Jesse explains why most agency bottlenecks start with the founder, not demand, and walks through his Leverage for Growth framework. He shares a practical time audit plus a 4-step method—Eliminate, Automate, Delegate, Time-block—to free capacity, build systems, and scale from operator to visionary. Jesse also highlights his book, ⁠The Agency Owner's Guide to Freedom⁠, which provides mindset shifts and strategies to help founders buy back their time and build businesses that run without them. Follow Adam on Instagram at ⁠https://www.instagram.com/askadamtorres/⁠ for up to date information on book releases and tour schedule. Apply to be a guest on our podcast: ⁠https://missionmatters.lpages.co/podcastguest/⁠ Visit our website: ⁠https://missionmatters.com/⁠ More FREE content from Mission Matters here: ⁠https://linktr.ee/missionmattersmedia⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

As Meta continues to invest billions in AI, understanding its impact on advertising strategies is crucial for any marketer looking to stay competitive. In this episode, Andrew Foxwell, a true OG in Meta advertising, reveals how marketing agencies and consultants can adapt to the rapidly changing digital landscape. Andrew discusses how AI is not only making advertising more automated and accessible but also revolutionizing the creative strategy game. He shares valuable insights on what works today and what doesn't when it comes to creating effective ads and navigating Meta's complex ecosystem. Plus, Andrew presents a framework for agency owners who are feeling overwhelmed by AI adoption and the pressure of client expectations. His approach to identifying what matters versus what's just noise will help you align your marketing strategy with Meta's latest AI innovations.In This Episode:- Andrew Foxwell's career in digital marketing- Meta's investment in Andromeda and ad automation- Meta's AI innovations in organic traffic vs advertising- What marketing agencies should be doing differently today - Biggest challenges agencies are facing with AI adoption- Helping agencies identify the "one thing they must do" and why- Managing client expectations and communicating AI adoption plans - How to connect with Andrew Foxwell and Foxwell FoundersListen to This Episode on Your Favorite Podcast Channel:Follow and listen on Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/perpetual-traffic/id1022441491 Follow and listen on Spotify:https://open.spotify.com/show/59lhtIWHw1XXsRmT5HBAuK Subscribe and watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@perpetual_traffic?sub_confirmation=1We Appreciate Your Support!Visit our website: https://perpetualtraffic.com/ Follow us on X: https://x.com/perpetualtraf Connect with Andrew Foxwell: Website: https://www.foxwelldigital.com/ Email: andrew@foxwelldigital.com Join Foxwell Founders: https://foxwellfounders.com/ Connect with Ralph Burns: LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/ralphburns Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/ralphhburns/ Hire Tier11 - https://www.tiereleven.com/apply-now Connect with Lauren Petrullo:Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/laurenepetrullo/LinkedIn -

Text Kristen your thoughts or feedback about the showJosh Hall shares his inspiring journey from building a successful web design agency to becoming a sought-after business coach for creative entrepreneurs.Today, Josh is a web design business coach, podcast host, and course creator who helps creatives build businesses that give them freedom and flexibility.We dive into how showing up as your authentic self is the key to standing out in a crowded industry – you are your brand's biggest differentiator. Josh's story is a great reminder that you have permission to evolve, pivot, and design your business around what matters most to you.Tune in to hear Josh's tips on differentiating your brand, adopting a business-savvy approach, and creating a thriving business that truly supports the life you want to live.Learn more and connect with Josh at joshhall.co or webdesignerpro.com. *** Freebie alert! Build Your Lead Management Fairytale Workflow with 17hats Say "goodbye" to inbox chaos and "hello" to streamlined lead management that saves time and boosts your business. This free guide will walk you through how to build a lead management workflow with 17hats'.

"I don't have the energy to control other people's perception of me."In this episode, we talked about building an agency from scratch, embracing cultural identity, using humor to connect, and redefining success on her own terms, in particular:

To launch the Christian Businessman Series, Alex starts with a conversation with his good friend and former coworker Jason Everett, Agency Owner with Globe Life / Liberty National. Jason shares his incredible journey from Bible college student to building one of the top-performing sales teams in his company—employing hundreds and impacting lives through both financial protection and godly leadership. With a heart for mentoring, giving, and serving, Jason talks about how he's embraced his calling to shine God's light in the business world, especially to his employees and community. He and his wife Sarah are raising a powerhouse family of seven boys, and together they model what it means to lead with faith, generosity, and legacy. This inspiring conversation is packed with wisdom for men striving to honor God in business, family, and everyday life.  #ChristianBusinessman #FaithInBusiness #PurposeDrivenLife #MenOfFaith #GodlyLeadership #MarketplaceMinistry #FinancialFreedom #LegacyBuilding #FaithAndWork #JasonEverett #FamilyAndFaith #TheWayWeSeeItPodcast #BiblicalManhood #BusinessWithPurpose #LeadershipMatters #GlobeLifeLeadership #MentorAndServe #FaithfulLeadership #ChristianMenWhoLead Alex Bryant Ministries is focused on helping people be reconciled to God, then within one's own self, and finally being reconciled to our fellow man in order to become disciples. Connect with us and our resources:    Our books - Let's Start Again & Man UP    More about us    Follow us on Facebook or Instagram

You don't become an agency owner by accident. It takes intention, structure, and a shift in how you think about money, clients, and your own value. I spent years making mistakes that kept me stuck in the freelance cycle. From undercharging and customizing every project to thinking hiring was only for people who were ready. In this episode, I'm walking you through everything I wish I knew earlier so you can skip the struggle and step into your next level faster.You will learn:Why productizing your services leads to better clients and more freedomHow to stop underpricing and start thinking like a CEOWhat your first hire should actually be and it's probably not a designerThe difference between selling design and selling resultsThe mindset shift that helped me go from surviving to scalingGrab a cup of coffee, your notes, and get ready to build the business you actually want.And if you're tired of wasting time on invoices, tracking payments, or chasing overdue bills, check out ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠FreshBooks⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. It's the all-in-one invoicing and accounting software I use to stay organized and focus more on design - not admin.Aventive Academy's Resources:From Crickets to Clients: ⁠⁠⁠https://aventiveacademy.com/crickets-to-clients/⁠⁠⁠$12k Client Attraction Masterclass: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://aventiveacademy.com/attract-clients-workshop/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Client Portal for Designers: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://aventiveacademy.com/client-portal/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ The Wealthy Client Blueprint: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://aventiveacademy.com/wealthy-client/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Mockup Magic: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://aventiveacademy.com/mockup-magic/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Brand Guidelines Template: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://aventiveacademy.com/brand-guidelines/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 12-Week Business Program for Designers: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://aventiveacademy.com/profit⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Join My Weekly Newsletter: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://aventive-academy.ck.page/0fc86a336f⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ The Creative CEO Accelerator: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://aventiveacademy.com/accelerator

Sydneysider Rey Cruz started providing booking gigs for music artists for minimal fee while helping venues to secure talents - a side hustle he started in June 2024 while managing a full-time job as a trained guard at Sydney Trains. - Ginawang raket o 'side hustle' ni Rey Cruz noong Hunyo 2024 ang paghahanap ng music gig para tulungan ang mga may-ari ng restaurant na magkaroon ng live musical entertainment. Sinabay niya ito sa kanyang full-time job sa Sydney trains kung saan siya ay trained guard.

We sit down with Geenay at Consortium Studio, who recently pivoted from the agency model that takes anything they can get to niching down.Only her niche is with luxury and premium brands.We're used to finding Facebook groups with our niche audience or guesting on podcasts in our niche to get in front of our clients.Geenay doesn't have that luxury... or perhaps she actually does have the luxury? She has to attend fancy parties and member-only clubs to rub shoulders with her target audience.----------------------------------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: @agencygrowthpodcastTwitter/X: @theagency_uLinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/agencyuFacebook: facebook.com/theagencyuInstagram: @theagencyuReddit: r/agency & u/JakeHundleyTikTok: @agency.u

What does a TikTok Agency do? How did you first get into TikTok, What type of creators do you work with? Does it cost a lot of money or need a lot of equipment to start in this business?  Why would a teen listening want to grow up and do YOUR job? Can you work with someone like me and make me a TikTok star?  All these questions and so much more will be answered by Garreth Mein, Founder of Angels and Dragons TikTok Agency. You can visit https://angelsdragons.co.uk/ to learn more about his agency.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-tiberius-show--3352195/support.

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/

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

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.

In this episode, Chip and Gini discuss the prevalent issue of burnout among agency owners. They explore the different types of burnout, including cyclical and long-term burnout, and offer strategies to identify, cope with, and prevent it. Key recommendations include taking regular breaks, understanding personal energy drains and boosts, and adjusting work habits accordingly. They emphasize the importance of self-care, realistic time management, and the necessity to avoid making major decisions while burned out. Chip and Gini also share personal experiences and practical tips to help agency owners manage their workload more effectively. Key takeaways Chip Griffin: “Every entrepreneur that I’ve ever known faces burnout at some point or another.” Gini Dietrich: “It’s like putting the oxygen mask on first. How do you take care of yourself first so that the business and your team can survive and thrive?” Chip Griffin: “Avoid those knee-jerk reactions that you tend to have when you’re tired, when you’re burned out, when you’re frustrated. It’s just too easy to make the wrong choices.” Gini Dietrich: “Understand what gives you energy and what takes energy away so that you can present your best self to your clients and your team.” Related What to do when you feel burned out as an agency owner Is it time to sell your agency? Handling frustration as an agency owner View Transcript The following is a computer-generated transcript. Please listen to the audio to confirm accuracy. Chip Griffin: Hello and welcome to another episode of the Agency Leadership Podcast. I’m Chip Griffin. Gini Dietrich: And I’m Gini Dietrich. And Chip Griffin: Gini, I’m burned out. Gini Dietrich: Are you? Chip Griffin: Just burned out? Hit the wall. Gini Dietrich: I’m sorry. You know who else is burned out? Olivia Benson sleeping next to me. Chip Griffin: Oh, well that’s good. That means no dog in the show. Gini Dietrich: We don’t have to play ball. Yeah. Yeah, she may, she may show up, but right now it’s passed out. Burned out. Chip Griffin: What? What did you do to her this morning? Gini Dietrich: I didn’t do anything. Chip Griffin: Oh, okay. Well, I, I didn’t know if, you know, she had been out, running around and, Gini Dietrich: mm-hmm. No, it’s snowing here out that way, so, no. Mm-hmm. Chip Griffin: Yeah. Now we’ve got some snow here as well. Gini Dietrich: So Dumb. It’s April. Happy Spring. It’s April. It’s dumb. Chip Griffin: Oh, it is what it is. Well, we, we are gonna talk about burnout today. Not really necessarily mine or yours, but burnout generally and how agency owners can identify it, cope with it, prevent it. Just generally, I mean, it’s a, it’s a good topic because you know, you and I are both talking to a lot of agency owners who tell us that they are feeling burned out and they want to either take some time off or change up what they’re doing or pretty much anything, which I don’t blame them. I mean, you put on the news these days, I mean, pretty much anybody, you feel burned out after about five minutes of the red breaking news, chiron sitting on the screen. Gini Dietrich: Yeah. It’s funny because we do a lot of work for a client that is in the HR space, and the HR publications have been covering this, I’d say over the last six weeks, leadership burnout. So it’s, it’s definitely a topic. It’s definitely something that everybody at the top levels is experiencing and thinking about, and I think it’s a really good topic for us to explore because we’re human beings. We’re gonna burn out. You can’t necessarily prevent it, but there are things that you can do to help sort of mitigate some of the side effects of it. And also be aware that if you’re getting to that point, it’s going to affect your team too, because your attitude, your behavior, all of those things affect the way that your team behaves too. Chip Griffin: Absolutely, and, and look, I mean, every entrepreneur that I’ve ever known faces burnout at some point or another. And I think there are two different kinds of burnout that we need to think about here too, because there’s what I would call cyclical burnout, which you know, to me at least happens a few times a year. You know, where it just, you kind of just, it catches up with you. Mm-hmm. The hard charging nature. And then there’s, there’s longer term burnout where maybe you’re starting to feel frustrated with the business generally. Not just, not just because you’ve been busy in the moment, but because you know, it’s just wearing on you and, and they’re, they’re two different problems, but, but they’re both definitely problems. Gini Dietrich: For sure. You know, I think one of them, the first, the first one that you mentioned is the cyclical burnout, which is, I think we all tend to probably work more than we should. And we probably don’t take care of ourselves the way that we should. We don’t eat right. We don’t sleep right. We don’t exercise. All of those things that lead into it, and we are working, you know, 10, 12, 14 hour days consistently. That stuff leads to burnout. And so you have to really think about how do you sort of take care of yourself first. It’s like putting the oxygen mask on first, right? How do you take care of yourself first so that the business can survive and thrive, and so can your team. Chip Griffin: Yeah. And, and I think you know, it, it starts with trying to identify which kind of burnout you’re feeling, right? Because if you, if you can, if you can discern whether it is just that cyclical, I’ve hit the wall and, and need a short term break, versus I need to really shake things up. And, and I would encourage you, if you think it’s the latter, if you think it’s, you know, I need to big time shake things up. Get some short-term rest, try to deal with the short, you probably have short-term burnout too, right? Deal with that first, as you can think more clear headedly about the, the bigger picture. Because one of the things you really want to avoid is making substantial decisions when you feel burned out. Because it, there’s a natural tendency, and I, I have done this myself to overreact in those moments for sure. Instead of, of solving the problem in a, a simpler way, you know, you go for the full on amputation. Because why not? I mean, that just, it solves the problem. You know, who, who cares whether a little bit of rest and, rehabilitation would’ve solved it instead. Gini Dietrich: This is kind of an extreme example, but a couple of years ago, a really good girlfriend of mine was diagnosed with breast cancer and she was like, I’m done. I’m out. I’m closing the business. And I was like, whoa. Well, let’s, let’s take a step back here, like you’re going through some stuff right now. Let’s focus on the personal and let’s not, let’s not completely bomb your business. And about six months ago she called me and she goes, thank you for talking me off that ledge. I’m really glad I didn’t close my business. And I was like, you’re welcome. But it’s the same kind of thing, right? I mean, the burnout could be because you’re just exhausted. The burnout could be because the business isn’t doing what you thought it would, or it’s not profitable. Or there could be something personal going on, a big life change going on that could, that could create it too. So it’s kind of the, the same thing that they tell women when, when they’re pregnant, don’t cut your hair while you’re pregnant because you’re gonna regret it afterwards. So don’t make big decisions when you’re burned out. Chip Griffin: That’s not how I lost my hair. Just for the record. Gini Dietrich: You cut it while you were pregnant. Chip Griffin: It wasn’t really optional either. I, I didn’t get to, I, I chose to make it all go away, but it was mostly gone anyway. Alas. You know, I, I think that’s, it’s a, a great point and I, I think, you know, you start by just take an hour or two off even, right? If, if you’re feeling like that, you know, try to, try to take whatever chunks you can so that you can lower that temperature just a little bit. And, and every little bit that you can improve things, the easier it is to start making rational decisions about how to address the, the larger problem, whether it’s a short-term or a long-term one. You just, you want to, to really avoid those, those knee-jerk reactions that you tend to have when you’re tired, when you’re burned out, when you’re frustrated. It’s just, it’s too easy to make the wrong choices. Gini Dietrich: Absolutely. And you know, I mentioned this at the start, and I, I know, I know that me telling you to take time for this stuff when you don’t have time is counterintuitive. But I promise you, if you take time for yourself, if you get eight hours of sleep every night, if you eat correctly, get your fruits and veggies and your protein and your fiber. If you even, even if it’s not like working out, you’re taking a walk every day, those things are going to help because it’s helping you as a whole person instead of you just sitting in front of your computer for 12 or 14 hours a day. Take a walk while you’re doing a phone call. While you’re talking to a client. There are lots of ways that you can get in sort of quote unquote exercise or get outside during the day, except that when it’s snowing in April. But get outside during the day to be able to, to take care of yourself. Because those things help when you start to feel this way. Chip Griffin: So I have, I have two thoughts there. Neither one is necessarily useful, but if, if you are going to, take a phone call while you’re walking, please take it off video. There’s nothing to me more annoying. Please just do use your, and when people are walking, walking around, holding their laptop or their phone, they’re bobbing all around on the screen. Like, just go off camera. Just say Yes, please. I, I’m, I’m, I’m gonna go, so I’m gonna go off camera. I agree. Yes, and I’ll just keep going. Please do that. The second thought was, if I get eight hours of sleep in a night, I’m gonna go crazy because I, I can’t even remember the last time that I got eight hours of sleep. It’s bad for you. It’s very bad for you. That is not, that is absolutely not true. Everybody has a different sleep need. Okay? And, and you need to know what your own sleep need is. In my case, it’s closer to seven. Gini Dietrich: All right. Seven’s not bad. Let’s say seven to nine. Chip Griffin: I’m not talking about like I’m a two hour sleeper or something like that, but Gini Dietrich: Winston Churchill here, Chip Griffin: but if I’ve slept eight hours, chances are it’s because I’m sick. Even, even if I’m on vacation or something, I’m not gonna sleep eight hours. It just, it just doesn’t. I can’t stay asleep that long. Apparently you can, based on how you’re, Gini Dietrich: oh, I can sleep. Chip Griffin: Yeah. So, so can Jen. She’s very, she’s very good at that. I, I never have. That, even as a kid, I was like, raring to go, Gini Dietrich: yeah, I can sleep. Chip Griffin: So, but yeah, I mean, get the, take care of yourself in the, the best way that you can, given all the demands that you have on your time, because it will make it easier to address things. I think the, the next piece is to figure out what’s, what’s really driving the burnout. Sure. Is it simply that you’re doing too much work or is it the kind of work that you’re doing, or is it the stress that you’re feeling to your point earlier, either in your personal life and, and things that are going on outside of work. Or within work itself, you really need to, to diagnose the actual root cause of the burnout if you’re gonna make a, a change to it. Because it might be that reducing the number of hours you work is not really the solution. It might be that changing up what you do or working in something else in your off hours to to help. There are a lot of different ways that you can solve it, but if you don’t know what’s really driving your own burnout then you’re, then you’re not gonna be able to make a wise decision on how to prevent it, or at least, you know, put it off for the, a longer period of time. Gini Dietrich: Yeah. For me it’s the back to back to back to back meetings and, you know, I’m in back to back to back to back meetings all day long and then I don’t have time to do my work. And so I spend the evenings and early morning hours doing that and I start to burn out after that. So one of the things that I do is, because I can’t avoid, always avoid the back to back meetings. I take one week a a month with no meetings. And I say, this is my week that I’m not gonna do anything. And I get caught up on things and it, you know, it allows me to sort of refresh. So I’m still working. But that’s my sort of taking time off where I’m not having, and, and part of that too is because I’m an introvert, so all of that, not being able to recharge during the week is a lot for me. So if I have found for me that if I take a week a month of no meetings, that and gives me the ability to catch up, that I do better that way. Chip Griffin: Yeah, I, I think your, your point there is that it’s, it’s different for everybody. So Yeah. For, for some folks, I mean, I, I’ve always loved meetings personally. You know, I, I, I do take energy from a lot of meetings. Not pointless meetings. Not useless meetings. Sure. But, but I actually, I, I enjoy the, the, the back and forth, the give and take and, and things like that, that you have in them. And so for me. I mean, yes, I wanna be careful that I don’t have them back to back, so I can’t get anything done. But at the same time, the mere fact that I have meetings is not an energy drain. It, it tends to give me energy. And so the, the solution for me is not the same as the solution for you. Sure. Yep. And, and every listener that we have is gonna have a different solution as well. And so you really need to tailor your own approach to burnout based off of that and not based off of what works for you or me. I do think in general, most agency owners would benefit from carving out blocks of time for certain things. Whether that’s a week with no meetings or in my case, I, I tend to block out half days throughout the week where I don’t have meetings. Mostly just to make sure that I don’t ever fall too far behind on my inbox and, and things like that. Sure. So, yeah. I basically have three half days a week where I block from most meetings at least. And that helps, as far as making sure that I keep my head above water, at least at all times. Yeah. And that’s something I’ve done for many years. And, and would encourage you to think through what’s the right approach for you? What works with the rhythm of your own business and the way that you work best? Gini Dietrich: Yeah. Because I think all of that leads to burnout because you don’t, when you’re feeling overwhelmed, when you’re feeling underwater, and when you’re feeling like you can’t keep up, that’s gonna lead to burnout. Chip Griffin: Right. And, and I think that, you know, another piece of this is, is really understanding how you’re spending your time and how you want to change that. Whether that is spending more or less time in meetings. More or less time writing, or doing other creative pursuits. More or less time doing business development. Try trying to really understand exactly how you’re spending your current time, which is why I’m such a big believer in time sheets and time tracking. Yep. It, it really does help, even if you’re only doing it in snippets from time to time as an on, I, I would rather you do it all the time, but if you don’t do it all the time, at least do it some of the time so that you have a clear picture of, of how you’re spending your time. And then figure out, okay, what are the things that that give me energy and what are the things that take energy away? And how can I rearrange things with my team, with my clients, with others, so I get more of those energy producing things and fewer of the energy drains, and that will help to resolve burnout, but more importantly help to stave it off for longer before it comes back. Gini Dietrich: Yeah. I, yes, I mean, I think what we’ve outlined here is there’s no one size fits all. It definitely depends on you figuring out why you’re burned out or why you’re, you’re, it, why it’s leading to burnout, will help. Understanding, you know, what gives you energy, what takes energy away. And it it, to your point, it depends on your personality, it depends on the way your brain is, is wired, all of those things, right? So understanding that about yourself, because if you can be present the best, your best self, then you’re going to present your best self for your clients, for your team, for your contractors, for anybody that you’re working with. Which is what you should be doing as an agency owner. Chip Griffin: Yeah, and I, and I think that, you know, the other piece of this is that you have to find ways to take time off. Gini Dietrich: Yes. Chip Griffin: And, and, and the way we all take time off is different. If, if people looked at the way I take time off, they would say, that kind of looks like you’re working. But to me it’s not. But you know, when, when I take time off, I like to read business books and watch business videos and things like that. But it’s not, it’s not deadline oriented client service things. It, it, it still is broadly speaking work, but it’s mentally enriching portions of work that I can do in a more relaxed fashion. And so again, that’s how I’ve always done things. Most people are like, you’re on vacation. Why are you reading these business books? Why? It’s what I do. Gini Dietrich: And, and you don’t have time to do it otherwise. Chip Griffin: Right. And I, and I enjoy it. Yeah. So I, you know, I’m not gonna apologize for it and you shouldn’t either. Whatever it is that, that vacation or time off looks like for you is what you should embrace. But you need to find some way to, to disengage from the, the day-to-day pressures at least, let’s put it that way, more so than even taking time off. Because it’s, look, I, I understand as an agency owner, it’s hard to take so hard, full on time off. Gini Dietrich: Yep. Chip Griffin: Things are always gonna crop up. And, you know, I’ve said it before on the show, I’ll say it again. To me, I view it as a real asset that we have things like phones and, and other devices that allow us to stay connected because to me it is so much more relaxing to know that in a true emergency, someone can reach me to resolve thing in things in 30 seconds. Rather than the old days when you know, I would go somewhere for a week unplug and then come back and realize that all sorts of things had gone to hell in a hand baskets. Yeah. And it took a whole lot more to solve it. Just, I mean, you gotta make sure that it’s measured and that you’re not, you know, just doing your job remotely somewhere. Although for some people that may be good enough. That might Gini Dietrich: work too. Yeah. Chip Griffin: Right. I mean, again, you gotta figure out what works for you, but, but embrace all of the things that you have to help you to, in some way disengage your brain enough to help deal with that burnout. Gini Dietrich: And for me, being able to stay on top of my inbox while I’m out helps. So I, I will check my email a couple of times a day. Sure. Just to make sure there’s nothing that has fallen off the tracks or there’s, you know, and I’m not gonna respond to emails that can wait, but I am gonna like, keep, just keep track of stuff because that’s easier for me and a lot less stressful for me when I come back to work. So I think it, I think that’s a really good point, is just figuring out what works for you. Chip Griffin: Yeah. I mean, I, I remember when I used to work on Capitol Hill 30 some years ago, and I would come back from a, a week off and you’d come into the office and the inbox was literally so high, it was overflowing, and they had started putting stuff on your chair instead. So, I mean, it was because it was, everything was paper driven. I mean, this was, Gini Dietrich: yeah. Chip Griffin: For you kids out there, this was pre email. I had no email when I worked on Capitol Hill. You could still walking down the hall, you could still hear, hear people typing on typewriters. That’s how old I am. Gini Dietrich: That’s crazy. Chip Griffin: I know. It’s just, it’s hard to explain to people that’s how it used to be. Gini Dietrich: Were people still on typewriter? Typewriters? Yeah. They were? Chip Griffin: Older members still had their entire staffs on typewriters. I mean, when, when I started working on Capitol Hill, we didn’t have PCs. We had dumb terminals. Okay. The, the, the amber screen Dumb terminals. Yeah. Yeah. And, in the office I was in, I got the first PC myself, ’cause I was the only one who knew how to use it. But that was probably after, I dunno, a year and a half, two years of working there. Huh. And it wasn’t really connected to anything. And, and it was just, it was a, it was difficult. So. Yep. I love it. I’m old. Moving on. Gini Dietrich: I love it. So I’m old. Moving on. Chip Griffin: I, I, I think that the, the bottom line is that, that a lot of you are feeling burnout. There are a lot of ways to handle it, but first you have to try to figure out what those root causes are and then work on little incremental steps to start to address it. You’re not gonna wipe it all out overnight, and whether it’s cyclical burnout or long-term burnout, you need to try to come up with a, a plan to, to address it, and hopefully do that when you’re not so burned out that you can’t think straight. Gini Dietrich: Yeah, I think you raise a really good point in that you may take a week of vacation and you will come back and you may still be burned out. So don’t expect that it’s going, that will help, but it, you could still be burned out, so don’t expect that it is gonna be solved overnight. Chip Griffin: That’s right. And there are, there are no magic answers. So for all of all of you who send me emails or wanna do calls with me where I can just give you the answer, there is no single answer. Mm-hmm. By the way, for most of you, it is not just sell the agency. Right. Which seems to be the favorite place that people, I’m just so burned out. I need to sell. Worst time to sell. Gini Dietrich: That is the worst time to sell. Chip Griffin: Worst time for so many reasons. But yes, and we can address that in another episode somewhere. Gini Dietrich: That’s a good idea. Chip Griffin: When is a good time to sell. So on that note, I think we will draw this episode to a close before you’re burned out, just from listening to us talk about it. Gini Dietrich: Oh boy. So, geez, Chip Griffin: come on. That wasn’t that bad. I’ve done worse. Terrible. Oh, please. I’m Chip Griffin. Gini Dietrich: I’m Gini Dietrich. Chip Griffin: And it depends.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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