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Would you like access to our advanced agency training for FREE? https://www.agencymastery360.com/training Have you ever found yourself grinding endlessly, only to pause and think, “Is this really what I signed up for?” Maybe you started your business chasing freedom—only to end up feeling trapped by the very thing you built. It's a common trap: the belief that working harder and enduring more pressure will eventually earn you the right to enjoy life after a big exit. But as today's guest discovered, you don't need to wait 10 more years to start living. What you really need is a clearer why, a stronger structure, and the right people around you—people who understand your vision and support your growth. Blake Denman is the president and founder of Rickety Roo, a remote agency specializing in SEO and paid search marketing. He'll discuss his unconventional path into entrepreneurship, which was influenced by a personal injury, and the importance of designing your business and life around personal values, not just growth for growth's sake. He also shares his time management strategies, how he uses AI for self-reflection, and his perspective on the mental load of entrepreneurship. If you're an agency owner still doing everything—from ops to admin to taxes—you'll relate to his story. In this episode, we'll discuss: Strategic hires that might results in your identity crisis. Designing your life before it designs you. Time audits, energy filters & the “$5K task” rule. Figuring out what you actually want. Do you thrive in chaos? Manufacture some healthy pressure. Subscribe Apple | Spotify | iHeart Radio Sponsors and Resources Wix: Today's episode of the Smart Agency Masterclass is sponsored by Wix Studio, the all-in-one platform designed to help agencies scale without the headaches. With intuitive tools, robust native business solutions, and low maintenance, Wix Studio lets your team focus on what matters most—delivering exceptional value to your clients. Ready to take your agency to the next level? Visit wix.com/studio and discover how Wix Studio can transform your workflow, boost profits, and strengthen client relationships. The Moment that Forced Him to Slow Down Blake didn't set out to build an agency. Like a lot of agency owners, he fell into it. What started as freelancing to pay the bills while he finished school and pursued a different career path took a hard left turn—literally—when a serious bike accident landed him with a traumatic brain injury. That moment forced Blake to slow down. Rebuild. Rethink. And when he got back into client work, he realized something: just because you can do it all doesn't mean you should. Like many agency owners, he hit the familiar ceiling of capacity. So he started hiring. First contractors. Then a coach in 2019. That's when the game really changed. The Pivot Point: Strategic Hires (and the Identity Crisis That Follows) When you've built your agency from the ground up, letting go isn't just hard—it can mess with your head. One of the pivots that really made a difference in Blake's agency was the strategic hires that required him to let go of some areas of the business. For instance, when he finally handed over operations. “I was like that John Travolta meme—just looking around wondering what to do with myself.” And that's the truth no one talks about: letting go of operations isn't just a tactical decision. It's emotional. You've tied your identity to being the guy who does everything. And suddenly… you're not. That shift sparked something deeper—what Blake calls “identity paralysis.” Not a crisis, but a freeze. A moment of, “If I'm not the operator, who am I now?” Spoiler: that question is the start of real CEO-level growth. Designing Your Life (Before It Designs You) Most agency owners plan every quarter like a military op: KPIs, OKRs, revenue targets. But how many plan their life that way? Blake started mapping his ideal year: the trips, the purchases, the experiences. Then he calculated what income he actually needed to live that life. We're mostly led to believe those goals are too far away, but the first time he did this he was just $1,500/month off. So many agency owners think they need to sell their business to finally live the life they want. But often, you don't need to sell—you just need to restructure. What if the business could serve your life now instead of being the thing you have to escape? Time Audits, Energy Filters & the “$5K Task” Rule Most people say they value their time but let it slip through their fingers, which is why you need a time tracking method that works for you. After trying a few, Blake got a framework from one of his early coaches. He categorizes his weekly tasks into four buckets: $5, $50, $500, and $5,000/hour value. If you think your time is worth $5,000 but the time audit shows its mostly spent in the $5 or $50 buckets, congrats—you've just diagnosed why your growth is stuck and your energy's tanked. To his surprise, this is what happened to Blake, who was spending way more time than he thought on the $5 and $50 columns. You don't scale by doing more. You scale by doing less of the wrong things. What Do You Actually Want? If your agency isn't giving you time, freedom, and joy… what the hell are you building it for? Blake now runs his agency with zero calls on Mondays. Focus time is blocked. The calendar is color-coded. And most importantly, the business doesn't need him 60 hours a week to grow. He also has the whole team on Brain.fm, a tool that uses science-backed audio to get you in the zone faster. Some would call that a lifestyle business, but so what? Lifestyle business can be extremely profitable too. Why not build your business around what you like and don't like? People who  struggle for 20 years to then sell their agency find that after all their work they have maybe ten years left to do the things they want to do. Lessons for the Owner-Operator Ready to Evolve If you're reading this and feeling that twinge—that mix of burnout and “I want more” clarity—take these cues from Blake: -Let go of the identity that your agency is you. -Map your ideal life, then build your business to fund it. -Hire for elevation, not just delegation. -Your value isn't in the tasks you do. It's in the vision you hold. From the Hustle Hamster Wheel to the Hedonic Treadmill You want the 8-figure agency, right? So did Blake. Until he realized that every time he hit a new goal, he'd feel good for a week… maybe five days. Then it was back to baseline. This is what's called the Hedonic Treadmill—and agency owners live on it without realizing it. We chase growth for growth's sake. Or worse, for external validation—from peers, clients, even family. Blake stopped to think about what was next after he had the money. Was he supposed to save it? Spend it? Did he even need that much? Define what you want your life to look like, and build your agency to support that. Don't fall into the trap of chasing growth for validation more than for yourself. If you let go of the idea of just hitting a number, surround yourself with the best team and clients, and set your priorities, you'll be able to go after what you really want and live your best life. Agency Owners & the Calm in the Chaos Most agency owners have had the type of upbringing that's them great under pressure. Calm in chaos. Laser-focused when everything's on fire. Of course, this can also become a trap if you start creating chaos just to feel normal. For instance, you may seek pressure to push you into action. In his case, after years of needing the chaos, Blake turned to Claude to figure out a way to manufacture chaos without the disastrous consequences. His AI coach creates a “painful penalty” for missing a goal. For instance, donate $1,000 to a political group you can't stand if you miss a revenue target. That'll light a fire. Point is: for some people motivation isn't just about dreaming big. If you need some added pressure to get working engineer consequences that make staying small more painful than pushing forward. 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.

Feeling stuck in the “intermediate” zone with your MTB skills on the trails? Do you want to ride more confidently, tackle tougher features, or maybe (finally!) try racing? This episode is your guide to making BIG gains in your mountain biking skills—without the overwhelm.

Would you like access to our advanced agency training for FREE? https://www.agencymastery360.com/training What really happens after you sell your agency? Brent Weaver, founder of UGURUS, knows firsthand — and it wasn't the beach-and-cocktails story most agency owners imagine. In this second half of our conversation, Brent opens up about what really happens after you sell a business, why his team stuck around (when they had every reason to bolt), navigating the shift from entrepreneur to executive within a corporate machine. He also lays down a fresh perspective on where agencies are headed in the AI era — and why human advantage is still your biggest asset. If you missed Part One, go back — it sets the emotional stage. This one dives into the raw aftermath. Brent Weaver is a veteran digital agency founder who scaled UGURUS, sold it not once, but twice, and is now charting a new course inside a larger ecosystem. But behind the polished LinkedIn update is a journey filled with doubt, identity shifts, and deep loyalty to team and customers. In this episode, we'll discuss: What no one tells you about life after a big exit How Brent is using AI at scale inside E2M Why “human advantage” still wins in an AI-driven world The risk agencies face if they treat AI like a gimmick How to protect clients from the “accountability gap” AI creates 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. What Really Happens After the Deal Closes When most agency owners fantasize about the big exit, they think freedom, cash, maybe a beach. But Brent paints a more nuanced picture: “Selling is one of the most emotional business events you can go through. You feel every end of the spectrum — excitement, fear, uncertainty.” And no, he didn't tell the team beforehand because he wasn't even sure himself. Looking back, he remembers asking himself: ‘Is this what I want? What's going to happen to our customers? Our team?' Spoiler: Nobody left. Because Brent didn't cash out and disappear. He pushed hard to give people incentives to stay, rolled up his sleeves, and stayed to help 10x the next chapter. Brent's first acquisition with Cloudways was scrappy, entrepreneurial, and chaotic in a good way. But once DigitalOcean came into the picture everything changed. Some of the team joined a small company where they had a voice — then suddenly, it was all process, approvals, structure. And not everyone loves that. More recently, after staying at the newly-acquired agency, Brent took a step back from a direct client-facing role. At the same time, he had a bigger role in the back office, so despite people not seeing him as much, they also knew he was still around working on the business. To his knowledge, no one left because of the acquisition. The agency saw the normal amount of churn for the business but all clients and team members knew that Brent was trying to provide a sense of continuity after the sale. Why the Learning Curve is Shorter — and Scarier BBack when Brent started learning about the business, he had no idea how to write a proposal. He didn't know anyone in the industry who could orient him, and ended up writing one in the only format he knew: a high school essay. It was bad. It talked about his interests, why he was trustworthy and why they should hire him. Comparing that experience from the early 2000s to now, where kids are doing triple backflips on BMX bikes at age 12 because they can watch the trick 10 minutes after it's invented on Instagram, the speed at which someone can learn anything now is incredible. And even overwhelming. For agency owners, this means two things: There's never been a better time to start. There's never been a harder time to stand out. AI, Meta, and the Future of Agencies Ever since WordPress came out, everyone thought agencies were dead. To Brent, all it did was create more demand for people who knew how to use it. Same with Meta's new tools or any AI platform. Brent's take is clear: The tools will make advertising more accessible. But that will actually increase demand for agencies who know how to go deeper. In his view, there's no world where his old restaurant client — who had a flip phone and a fifth-grade education — was ever going to run his own ads. He just wants to cook. Translation: AI doesn't replace relationships. It just raises the bar on what value you're bringing to that relationship. Infusing AI Horizontally Across a Business: Brent's New Role at E2M The reality is, even in the AI era people still crave trust and connection. Even in a world where AI is analyzing spreadsheets and diagnosing ad performance better than most marketers, the decision to act still comes down to a human being. “I look at a spreadsheet,” Jason says, “and I want to throw up. But I put it into AI, and suddenly I get clarity.” That's the shift—AI can sift through the noise, but humans still make the call. Business owners aren't about to turn over their bank accounts to a voice assistant. There's always going to be a place for a trusted advisor—someone who knows the game, who gets results, and who's got skin in it with you. For agencies, that's the edge. If you can interpret the data and turn it into action, you're still wildly valuable. This isn't about one person nerding out on ChatGPT after hours. AI isn't a tool for the top—it's a mindset for the whole team. At E2M, he's stepping into a leadership role to help infuse AI horizontally across the company. That means operations, creative, sales—everyone using AI not as a crutch, but as a co-pilot. The agencies that survive the next wave will be the ones who stop treating AI like a gimmick and start treating it like a business partner. Brent's advice: don't wait. Start now, even if it's nights and weekends. Fire yourself from every job you're not elite at. And that now includes jobs that AI can do faster, better, and at scale. "Leverage these tools to gut-check your deliverables,” he says. “You owe it to your clients.” The Legal Line and the Accountability Gap But it's not all upside. Brent drops a crucial warning about accountability. AI might be amazing at cranking out contracts, pitch decks, and even deal structures—but if it screws up, who takes the hit? If chat tells you to jump off a bridge, and it goes south, you're not suing OpenAI,” Brent jokes. You're just canceling your $20 subscription. And that's where real coaches, consultants, and experts still matter. There's a human soul to leadership, and a layer of accountability AI can't (and maybe shouldn't) touch. The smart play? Start with AI to generate, then apply your judgment to validate. 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.

Today, I'm talking about protein supplements, amino acids, surgery, and recovering from injury.

Would you like access to our advanced agency training for FREE? https://www.agencymastery360.com/training What if one bad hire wrecked your agency? What if the red flag you're dismissing tanked your margins? Most agency owners learn these lessons the hard way. But you don't have to. In this episode, Collin Slattery shares the red flags, hiring mistakes, and leadership shifts that helped him build an agency that's not just growing—but growing sane. He's here to share stories that can help you shortcut the pain and build smarter, sooner. From pricing hesitations to over-hiring juniors to waiting too long to fire a bad hire, he brings great insights about what not to do—and what to fix fast. At the end of the day, the goal isn't just growth—it's sane growth. Collin Slattery is the founder of Taikun Digital, an agency that primarily focuses on the e-commerce space, doing Facebook ads, Google ads, and creative landing pages for clients. He'll share his scrappy beginnings, the mistakes that cost him (and taught him), and the non-negotiables he's learned about red flags and respecting your own time as an agency owner. His strategy now is simple: only do the work that's uniquely his. Delegate the rest. And when hiring, pay for people who love the stuff you hate. In this episode, we'll discuss: How to spot sales-process red flags before they cost you. Why hiring friends usually fails—and how to do it right if you must. What to do before a big client leaves—so you're not scrambling. The hiring mindset that leads to faster, saner growth.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. Starting with $300 and a Canadian Pharmacy Right out of high school—class of '07—Collin started making money online during what he calls the "Wild West" days of digital marketing. Think bootleg Canadian pharmacies, early Google Ads, and cracked versions of Adobe software. One of his first official clients was a skincare brand called Spa Technologies, which he charged $300 a month to handle “all the web stuff”—from email and SEO to advertising and site updates. He even landed a local government gig in New York early (back when procurement was a little less formal). It wasn't glamorous, but it was enough to plant the seed for what would eventually become his agency. Eventually, Collin took the boutique route. He leaned into complex client problems and bespoke solutions, found his zone of genius, and grew from there. Hiring Red Flags During the Sales Process One of the most expensive lessons agency owners learn, and one Collin has relearned, is ignoring red flags during the sales process. It's amazing how anyone can forget to trust their gut when they need the money, but Collin has learned this lesson by now. From clients with unreasonable expectations who ghost meetings to those who show up late or treat your time like it's optional, he has learned to put a limit. Today, he waits five minutes—max—for a prospect to join a call. If they don't show, he's out. Because if someone doesn't respect your time on the sales call, they're definitely not going to respect your process, boundaries, or team later on. The biggest red flag for Collin is clients who offload all responsibility. If they're promising to be your “best client ever” or insisting they'll deliver everything you need “right away,” it's worth digging deeper. Of course, clients who are too involved can also be a problem. However, the agency can't be more invested than they are in their own success. To prevent this, establish a pricing structure where at least 50% of the project is paid upfront, with clear dates for the remaining payments.. This can help irresponsible clients get moving on what they're supposed to deliver, although Jason shares a story about a client who paid 100% upfront (before kickoff!) but delayed the project by not providing what was promised. That's why process and payment timelines matter. If you don't control scope and expectations from day one, you'll pay for it in time, profit, and sanity. When One Bad Hire Derails Everything Collin's been on both ends of the hiring spectrum—over-prioritizing skill and under-prioritizing culture fit… then swinging the other way and hiring people he liked without checking if they actually had the skills. Spoiler: Neither approach worked. On top of that, he's been guilty of stubbornly keeping people too long, thinking he could “fix” them. However, he's now confident that owners can usually know on Day 1 if they made the wrong hire. Week 1 if you're generous. People usually start with their best foot forward, so if that's shaky, it's a red flag. The real game-changer was learning to trust his gut early and cut things off quickly—for everyone's sake. Hiring Friends? Set Very Clear Expectations Should you hire friends or family? Most agency owners will say no—and Collin would've agreed… until one friend hire actually worked out. There were many factors that contributed to this, including expectations, where the agency is at, and the person's character. The first time he hired his best friend, it was a disaster. The second time, it was a former mentee who had already sold his own agency, knew the ropes, and was a perfect culture fit. They were open, direct, and mutually respectful—and it worked. The lesson? If you do go down the friend/family road, set clear expectations, give both parties an exit ramp, and value the friendship above the business if things go sideways. The Secret to Real Growth: Do Less of What You Hate According to Collin, delegation and self-awareness are the great drivers of his agency's success. He focused on hiring people to do the things he was either bad at or dreaded doing—even if he was good at them, because chances are someone else loves the stuff you hate doing. That mindset shift allowed Collin to get laser-focused on what he does best—sales, marketing, and solving complex “math problems” for e-commerce clients. Now he wakes up looking forward to work instead of dreading it. When a Big Client Bails, Your Margins Matter More Than Ever Recently, Collin's agency lost its biggest client temporarily due to the pressures of the new tariffs. Instead of panic, his response was grounded and strategic. He's built his agency to survive losses like this and encourages agency owners to do the same, by thinking about pricing, hiring, and not sabotaging your own sales engine. Thanks to this mindset, the agency had healthy profit margins baked in. If losing one client sends you into a tailspin, you're probably not charging enough. You need to build your business in a way that you can survive losses without cutting down. That's not just about pricing—it's about operating with margin as a mindset. One of the biggest mistakes agency owners make is hitting pause on sales because things feel good. Collin's advice is to always be selling. And if capacity is tight, don't pause—raise your prices. Pro tip: Implement a sliding scale strategy. Every few clients, bump your pricing and track retention. You might find that you're working less for more. Want to Grow Fast? Hire Ahead of the Demand Let's talk about one of the hardest lessons agency owners learn: hiring too late. Collin admitted he brought on clients he couldn't serve well—and paid the price in churn and stress. This year, he's trying a different strategy by hiring ahead of the demand. And not just anyone—hire senior people. Yes, it's a luxury. But it's also how you buy back your time and protect your client relationships. Junior hires sound good on paper—cheap, trainable, full of potential. But they require time and energy you may not have. As Collin explains, the real value of a senior hire is autonomy because they can own it from day one. ”At the end of the day, if you don't build margin into your agency, one bad month can wipe you 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.

Would you like access to our advanced agency training for FREE? https://www.agencymastery360.com/training Is your agency falling behind in the AI revolution—while competitors pull ahead? If you've handed off AI adaptation to your team and progress still feels sluggish, you're not alone. The uncomfortable truth? Delegating AI could be the biggest threat to your agency's future. Today's guest, Brandon Na, has seen firsthand how agencies rise—or fall—in the face of disruption. From early SEO days to the AI era, he's learned what it really takes to lead through change. And it starts with not outsourcing the future. Many employees feel more fear than excitement about AI—worried it could signal the end of their careers. Instead, agency owners should be very involved in this process and actively try to identify team members who are excited to learn about AI and already experiment with it on their own time. The agencies that will thrive aren't the ones that delegate AI innovation down the chain of command but the ones that build transformation strategies around those natural innovators.    Brandon Na is the founder of Seattle Organic SEO, as well as a venture capital pro and acting CMO. His path into agency life started with a simple desire to never have to do cold sales. So instead, he hacked his way into visibility through SEO. This path took Brandon to South Korea, where he helped scale an education company by 1,400%. He eventually returned to the U.S., launched his agency, and dominated the search rankings in a matter of months—all from a handshake mentorship deal with a guy exiting the space. In this episode, we'll discuss: How you can avoid losing your way after ‘making it'. Will SEO survive AI? Why you shouldn't delegate AI adoption.  Subscribe Apple | Spotify | iHeart Radio Sponsors and Resources Wix: Today's episode of the Smart Agency Masterclass is sponsored by Wix Studio, the all-in-one platform designed to help agencies scale without the headaches. With intuitive tools, robust native business solutions, and low maintenance, Wix Studio lets your team focus on what matters most—delivering exceptional value to your clients. Ready to take your agency to the next level? Visit wix.com/studio and discover how Wix Studio can transform your workflow, boost profits, and strengthen client relationships. From Amazon to Agency Life (And What Jeff Bezos Taught Him About Leadership) Brandon started out working at future giants like Amazon and Expedia and could've had a very different career had he stayed. Working at tech giants like Amazon and Expedia might sound glamorous today—but back then, it wasn't. Low pay, stock options that seemed worthless, and a corporate culture that left him unimpressed taught Brandon an early lesson: big titles don't equal strong leadership. From his experience with Bezos, he learned that big titles don't always mean big character and that leadership—true leadership—isn't about prestige, but about clarity, adaptation, and purpose. Next, Brandon had his first try at entrepreneurship with a real estate practice before he ever touched agency work. Knowing by experience that sales was just not for him, he wondered how to get people to find him, which naturally led him to find SEO. In the early days of SEO, Brandon decided to master the craft before launching his agency. He took a few years to learn, test his skills, and leverage some contacts before starting his agency. Why So Many Leaders Lose Their Drive After Hitting Big Milestones Seeing how big CEOs started and how they've evolved, one wonders how they manage to turn it all around. How do they get to a point in their leadership where the stories go from being terrible at managing employees to making history? For Brandon, it's about never getting too comfortable once they have the money. These trailblazers who have managed to conquer the world will not just retire and live a quiet life, they'll just choose other ways to create and make an impact. Many of them eventually move into venture capital or find other passions. It's an advisable path for agency owners who end up selling their businesses, because otherwise they can end up losing their sense of purpose. If you're chasing the next milestone remember that if you don't define your purpose beyond the hustle, the success will feel hollow. Growth Comes from Pressure - So Turn It Up Although living through the pressure of working in tech during those early years was not easy, Brandon now looks back and can see it with different eyes. As he has learned from his work as CMO: “If you're stuck on a problem—make the problem bigger.” Because being too comfortable, you can lose your edge. It may take time, since with AI, market shifts, and internal team chaos pulling us in every direction, it's easy to lose clarity, but if you focus on finding that problem you'll grow. It can sound counterintuitive, but in his experience bigger problems force bigger focus, more urgency, and better thinking. It's easy to spin your wheels when you're “fine”—but when the pressure's real, you find out what you're made of. Can SEO Still Win in an AI World? When a friend of Brandon told him he barely used Google anymore, he assumed it was because as a computer engineer, he was just ahead of everyone else in these trends. However, just five weeks later he realized he also was now using AI. After years in SEO, even he finds himself turning to AI tools like ChatGPT instead of even opening Google. So is Google still relevant, or has AI already taken the crown? The bottom line is the way people find information is changing. And that has massive implications for how your agency helps clients get found. Whether you're creating blog content, developing ad strategies, or running full-scale marketing campaigns—AI is in the mix now. Platforms like Gemini, Claude, Perplexity, and even custom-trained agents are already out in the wild. And they're fast. Ultimately, the game is changing fast, and agencies that aren't adapting might already be falling behind. If your agency is still running fully human-powered workflows while other teams are using agents to ideate, write, design, test, and iterate faster than you can blink, you're already behind. But don't panic. The solution isn't panic—it's leadership. Don't Delegate the Future—Own It One of the biggest traps agency owners fall into is just telling their team to “Figure out how to use AI,” and walking away. The reality is your team may not be motivated to lean in. Many employees view AI as a threat to their job—not a tool to make them better. Instead, try: Identifying the team members already experimenting with AI tools. Giving those people the mandate and the resources to go deeper. Investing in training and testing to see what works—and what doesn't. And most importantly, lead the charge yourself. The agencies that survive the next 3–5 years won't just be the ones doing better creative—they'll be the ones moving faster, thinking smarter, and leading with tech. 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, we share a For the Journey exclusive conversation between Bill Haley (Coracle Executive Director) and Ekemini Uwan. Ekemini is an author, speaker, and consultant widely known for her work advocating for human rights around the world from a Christian theological perspective. Bill offers a deeper dive into Ekemini's work before turning the conversation to the present moment in America—the places to weep with Christ and the places where partnership in Christ's work of healing and reconciliation is most needed.Keep Journeying with Ekemini at The Truth's Table & Get in the Word PodcastsMore From Coracle:Resources for Racial Healing & Justice"Do You Want to Be Well: Diagnosis, Treatment & Healing for the Church in America"Justice, Mercy & Humility SeriesSupport the show

Today, we're diving into something everyone is talking about without even realizing it… but few actually understand: metabolic flexibility. Think of it as your body's ability to shift gears efficiently, burning fat when it makes sense, using carbs when it's time to perform, and doing it all without crashing or constantly needing a snack. If you've ever hit a wall in your workouts, struggled with energy crashes, or felt like your “clean eating” isn't working anymore, then this episode is for you. Let's make shift happen. To learn more about nutrition tips for cyclists, check out these episodes: 106. Why Zone 2 Endurance is Crucial in Your Training 109. Q+A on Zone 2 Endurance #Fit + Fed to Shred Interest List - Starts June 9, 2025! Interested in learning more about how to fuel yourself for your adventures and your energy and performance (or physique) goals? Then my new group coaching program, Fit + Fed to Shred is the answer! It will be an 8-week program that will help you: Learn how to fuel yourself effectively in your day-to-day life. Learn how to power your bike rides and help you avoid the dreadful "bonking" on rides and runs - or any adventure outside! Learn how and when to eat more or less food, and what foods are best for active people like you! Become a meal prepping pro, without spending hours in the kitchen. Optimize your sleep and recovery routines, so you can feel more refreshed after hard training sessions, once and for all. Regular video chats with the group to build community and learn from one another! Fill out the interest form here, and you will be the first to learn about the program and join! Again, here's the link: https://forms.gle/ZW7KLmEMmahSeZRV9. Let's get fit + fed to shred, together! #ShredStrong Starts a New Cycle Every Month - Our Next Cycle Starts on Monday, July 7, 2025! #ShredStrong is my signature year-round strength and conditioning training program for mountain bikers and gravel cyclists, but you can join any time you want! Every week, it includes: 3 strength workouts (1 is optional), including some cardio finishers for some fun! A bike intervals session + advice on what other rides or cardio sessions to fit in. A comprehensive mobility plan to help you relax and stabilize your biking muscles. You get personalized coaching feedback and guidance from me on your exercises that you record and send me via video - it's like having a personal trainer in your pocket so you can feel confident in your movement! Every 3 months, you also get a new yoga flow from our in-house yogi, the MTB Yogi! A community video chat where we meet every 4-6 weeks to go over nutrition, training, and other tips that help you in your fitness and wellness journey. All of this is only $49 a month! Or, pay $39 a month if you pay for six months in-full (totaling $234). You can join us every month - each cycle starts around the beginning of every month, depending on the cycle! Learn more of the details of the program and sign-up HERE!  You can also join my email list here to get the latest news on future cycles of the program that start every month (I only email an average of 1-2 times a month and will never spam you). Do You Want a Coach to Help Make Training or Nutrition Easier and Simpler for You? Hi, it's me.

Have you ever received a diagnosis that has rocked your world? Or maybe you have a loved one who’s experienced this? If so, this episode is for you. Host Amelia Phillips and Mum of two Brooke Campbell Bayes have a raw and candid conversation about how to reimagine your life after a medical diagnosis. Brooke generously shares her story from a busy working Mum, to the day she woke up, knowing something was very wrong. How she navigated those first few months, and now a few years on, how she manages the ups and downs of her health challenges, whilst also being a Mum, wife, friend, sister (and all those hats we wear!). She shares the strategies that has helped her, but also the realities that can't be ignored. A valuable lesson for all of us, no matter our health challenges. About the guest: Brooke Campbell Bayes is the cohost of iChronic, where she and Monty Dimond offer a refreshingly honest and humorous look at life with chronic illness (If you don't laugh you'll cry, they say). The podcast explores the daily realities of living with ongoing health conditions, aiming to help listeners feel seen, supported, and a little less alone. Follow Brooke on instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brookecampbellbayes/ Listen to Ichronic on Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/show-and-tell/id957291724?i=1000699346220 Listen to Ichronic on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/4rTxBX2oj7q2Y0F2IIQzSW?si=c145253822ec4985 About the host: Amelia Phillips is an exercise scientist, nutritionist, and published researcher (BSc, MNut) with a career spanning 26 years in health. She is the co-founder of Vitality360, a functional health platform that helps people gain deep insights into their health and make targeted changes for lasting vitality.A respected media presenter, Amelia has been featured on Channel 9’s hit show Do You Want to Live Forever? and is dedicated to helping people build a life of energy, connection, and purpose at any age or stage of life.Instagram: @_amelia_phillipsHave a question? Email: ap@ameliaphillips.com.auFind out more at: www.ameliaphillips.com.auDiscover Vitality360: https://v360.health CREDITSHost: Amelia Phillips Guest: Brooke Campbell Bayes Audio Producer: Darren RothMusic: Matt Nicholich Production Partner: Nova Entertainment Pty Ltd Healthy Her acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the Land we have recorded this podcast on, the Gadigal people of the Eora Nation. We pay our respects to their Elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Would you like access to our advanced agency training for FREE? https://www.agencymastery360.com/training If you're the visionary still stuck doing the work, you're not scaling—you're surviving. Joaby Parker knows that loop well. From launching his agency straight out of college to nearly burning out and walking away, his story is a masterclass in doing too much, too long. In this episode, you'll hear how Joaby broke free from the grind, stopped bottlenecking his team, and built a business that scales without him. He shares his journey from founding his first agency right out of college to walking away and returning to agency life with a new approach and mindset. He reveals what caused his early plateau, why he left to work client-side, and how returning to the agency world taught him how to lead, grow, and eventually let go of the creative and account management roles that were holding him back. Joaby Parker is the founder and CEO of Cover 3 Growth Partners, a strategy-first agency based in Logan, Utah, focused on food and CPG brands. With a background in creative marketing and brand development, Joaby's approach combines practical business strategy with creative execution. He discusses how his passion for marketing and working closely with various agencies inspired him to start his own and reflects on the challenges of the early years, the gradual momentum they built, and how he learned that building a successful agency isn't about doing more. It's about doing less of the wrong things—and putting the right people, values, and systems in place so you can grow without burning out. In this episode, we'll discuss: The turning point that made him leave his first agency and come back stronger. How his mindset around delegation and trust evolved. Why being a visionary means you're probably a bad manager—and that's okay. Subscribe Apple | Spotify | iHeart Radio Sponsors and Resources Wix: Today's episode of the Smart Agency Masterclass is sponsored by Wix Studio, the all-in-one platform designed to help agencies scale without the headaches. With intuitive tools, robust native business solutions, and low maintenance, Wix Studio lets your team focus on what matters most—delivering exceptional value to your clients. Ready to take your agency to the next level? Visit wix.com/studio and discover how Wix Studio can transform your workflow, boost profits, and strengthen client relationships. Why Joaby Chose the Agency Path: Early Missteps & Major Momentum Joaby had a purposeful entry into the agency space, after developing a passion for marketing working with several agencies on the client side at Health & Fitness. He had the opportunity to work hand in hand with many agencies and knew he would someday want to run one himself. After a few years of learning experience, he and his partner made the jump to start their own agency. Being quite young, their first few years with the agency were marked by a lack of direction. Their first big turning point came after securing a contact with Chemdry that led to a complete rebrand of this company. Soon after, when HomeDepot acquired the carpet cleaning business, Joaby and his partner had the opportunity to assist in this transition period, helping all Chemdry franchisees take advantage of this new HomeDepot partnership. This is really when the business took off and Joaby and his partner started to deal with other aspects of scaling. The Breaking Point That Made Him Go Back to His Roots Growth flatlined. Burnout crept in. Joaby's agency hit the ceiling—and he couldn't figure out why. Turns out, it wasn't a marketing problem. It was a management problem. Initially, Joaby attributed this stagnation to geography—living in a small town seemed to be limiting their growth potential, especially during a time when digital outreach was much more challenging than it is today. Around this same time, an existing client presented Joaby with an opportunity to join their internal team. It was a great opportunity and a needed break from the agency life so he accepted, after securing another partner that could take over his contributions at the agency. It felt like going back to basics for him and gave him the time and space to think about what went wrong at that agency. Looking back, he sees the reason for that first agency's plateau was a lack of processes. While referrals from existing clients provided a steady stream of work, they were insufficient for sustained growth, which ultimately led to a plateau in growth. Ultimately, they struggled to find opportunities to get in front of people to do more work. This scenario is all too familiar for agency owners. They typically reach a breaking point where their small founding teams can no longer handle the client load. The natural response is to hire more staff, which increases revenue but often decreases profit margins—leaving owners feeling trapped and pressured. The key differentiator between agencies that remain stuck and those that break through to the next level is making the strategic decision to raise prices rather than simply adding more bodies to the team. You Don't Need to Do It All—You Need the Right People Looking back, Joaby now realizes he could have pushed the agency to that next stage of growth, but at the time, the pressure felt overwhelming. He still wasn't good at running an agency, just good at working in one, and although it seemed like the business was evolving, the reality was that Joaby had more costs than ever and was working more hours than he ever had before. At that moment, the opportunity to go back to work on the client side seemed like an escape. Joaby admits that, for most of his career, he was a bad business manager. If you're reading this as a visionary-minded agency owner—which many are—you might recognize yourself in his story. Rather than forcing yourself into an ill-fitting management role, the solution is to build a team that amplifies your natural strengths. This means hiring self-managing professionals or dedicated operations managers who can handle the day-to-day business mechanics, freeing you to focus your energy where it creates the most impact. The common objection to this approach is cost: "I can't afford to hire that level of talent."If this is your case, then the easiest solution will always be to raise your prices. How to justify that raise? Narrow your focus. When you become the go-to expert for a particular niche, you'll discover clients who are willing to pay for your true value rather than treating your services as a commodity. Stop Running the Mouse—Start Leading the Team These days, Joaby's creative involvement is way down from what it used to be. For many years, most of the agency's creative work still needed his approval in some way or another. However, at one point he and his partner realized that, whenever he wasn't stuck doing the creative work the agency grew and once he did go back to it, the agency stagnated. Agency growth is often limited by the founder, not the market, not the clients, and not even the team. When he focused on building and leading—growth resumed. If you're still running the mouse, reviewing every piece of creative, or handling every big client call, you're not leading—you're doing. And that's the bottleneck. It took Joaby some time to learn this. In fact, other than overseeing creative, he was also main account manager, where he didn't do the best job, since he couldn't fully focus on that area. In the end, client complaints about lack of focus helped Joaby recognize that it was time to hire account managers and start delegating. Scaling an agency isn't about doing more—it's about doing less yourself. By embracing your role as a leader, not a doer, hiring smarter, and building a team around your vision, you create the space for sustainable growth. Whether you're stuck in the grind or unsure how to let go, the answer isn't working harder—it's building better. 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.

Knowing how to fuel for early morning training can help you maintain performance and power on and off the bike and in and out of the gym. It can also help you learn how to recover properly since you aren't under-fueling before harder training efforts. Give this episode a listen to learn about the 3 things you can focus on when time is crunched in the morning before your bike rides and/or training. To learn more about nutrition tips for cyclists, check out these episodes: Part 1: How to Fuel Before Bike Rides Part 2: How to Fuel During Bike Rides Part 3: How to Fuel After Bike Rides #Fit + Fed to Shred Interest List - Start June 9, 2025! Interested in learning more about how to fuel yourself for your adventures and your energy and performance (or physique) goals? Then my new group coaching program, Fit + Fed to Shred is the answer! It will be an 8-week program that will help you: Learn how to fuel yourself effectively in your day-to-day life. Learn how to power your bike rides and help you avoid the dreadful "bonking" on rides and runs - or any adventure outside! Learn how and when to eat more or less food, and what foods are best for active people like you! Become a meal prepping pro, without spending hours in the kitchen. Optimize your sleep and recovery routines, so you can feel more refreshed after hard training sessions, once and for all. Regular video chats with the group to build community and learn from one another! Fill out the interest form here, and you will be the first to learn about the program and join! Again, here's the link: https://forms.gle/ZW7KLmEMmahSeZRV9. Let's get fit + fed to shred, together! #ShredStrong Starts a New Cycle Every Month - Our Next Cycle Starts on Monday, June 2, 2025! #ShredStrong is my signature year-round strength and conditioning training program for mountain bikers and gravel cyclists, but you can join any time you want! Every week, it includes: 3 strength workouts (1 is optional), including some cardio finishers for some fun! A bike intervals session + advice on what other rides or cardio sessions to fit in. A comprehensive mobility plan to help you relax and stabilize your biking muscles. You get personalized coaching feedback and guidance from me on your exercises that you record and send me via video - it's like having a personal trainer in your pocket so you can feel confident in your movement! Every 3 months, you also get a new yoga flow from our in-house yogi, the MTB Yogi! A community video chat where we meet every 4-6 weeks to go over nutrition, training, and other tips that help you in your fitness and wellness journey. All of this is only $49 a month! Or, pay $39 a month if you pay for six months in-full (totaling $234). You can join us every month - each cycle starts around the beginning of every month, depending on the cycle! Learn more of the details of the program and sign-up HERE!  You can also join my email list here to get the latest news on future cycles of the program that start every month (I only email an average of 1-2 times a month and will never spam you). Do You Want a Coach to Help Make Training or Nutrition Easier and Simpler for You? Hi, it's me.

Would you like access to our advanced agency training for FREE? https://www.agencymastery360.com/training Most agency owners screw up their first sales hire. Why? Because they either hire the wrong person, or refuse to let go of control. Travis Hoechlin used to think building a sales team was a waste of time—until he realized he was the bottleneck. In this episode, you'll hear how he went from solo closer to leading a performance-driven team that fuels his agency's growth. Travis Hoechlin is the CEO of Rise Up Media, a marketing company specializing in law firm services. He shares insights into his journey from working at a large agency to starting his own and discusses the challenges of stepping out of a comfortable position and the motivations that ultimately led him and his business partner to take the leap into entrepreneurship. Travis also shared his experience building a top sales team, his logic behind hiring experienced seller instead of going for junior salespeople he could train, and how he keeps his team motivated and competitive. In this episode, we'll discuss: What most owners get wrong when building sales teams. The hidden cost of overlooking your top performers. How to hire competitive closers who don't need babysitting. Incentives that actually work (even with a remote team). Subscribe Apple | Spotify | iHeart Radio Sponsors and Resources E2M Solutions: Today's episode of the Smart Agency Masterclass is sponsored by E2M Solutions, a web design, and development agency that has provided white-label services for the past 10 years to agencies all over the world. Check out e2msolutions.com/smartagency and get 10% off for the first three months of service. The True Cost of Overlooking Top Performers Travis began his career working for one of the largest agencies in the industry. Despite previously owning a mortgage company, he and his current business partner found themselves settling into the comfort of corporate life—big paychecks, steady accolades, and a sense of stability. But deep down, Travis always knew he wanted to build something of his own again. It wasn't until a disagreement with his former boss that he finally made the leap. Looking back, he wishes he'd made the move sooner. Still, the way it unfolded taught him an important lesson. As one of the agency's top sellers, Travis had earned a spot in their elite President's Club—or so he thought. When he was unexpectedly passed over, it became clear that his contributions weren't truly valued. That moment of frustration became the catalyst for change. Sometimes, it takes a setback to shake us out of complacency. Travis's story is a powerful reminder: comfort can be deceiving, and top performers often leave not because of the work, but because their impact isn't fully recognized. For agency owners, it's a call to action—acknowledge your best people, or risk losing them. The Journey from Seller to Sales Leader As one of the top salespeople at his former agency, Travis was a natural fit to lead sales at his own. But like many high-performing sellers, he was hesitant about building a sales team. Great salespeople don't always make great managers—and Travis wasn't sure he could find others who would match the drive and success he brought to the table. His competitive nature added another layer of resistance. The idea of hiring someone who might rival his performance didn't sit well with him at first. But over time, realized that no matter how strong he was on his own, two or three skilled salespeople giving their all would far outperform his solo efforts. That mindset shift changed everything. Once he found the right people—sales pros who believed in the agency's mission—Travis stepped back. He moved out of the day-to-day sales role, choosing instead to support the team and help them succeed. After all, they had taken a chance on a growing agency, and he felt a responsibility to help them thrive. Many agency owners struggle with this transition. It's hard to let go of what you're great at. But as Travis discovered, tying your value to a single role—especially one you refuse to let go—can turn you into your agency's biggest bottleneck. Growth requires trust, delegation, and a willingness to lead from the side, not just the front. Strategy for Building a Premium Agency Sales Force Once Travis fully committed to building a sales team, he hit the ground running—bringing on two salespeople to start, then two more just a few months later. Since then, he's made it a habit to hire two to three new sales reps each year, fueling the agency's continued growth. While many agencies try to save money by hiring junior reps, Travis believes that route often costs more in the long run. He only recruits experienced, high-performing sales talent since inexperienced hires need extensive training, close management, and time to ramp up—resources many growing agencies simply can't afford to spare. Instead, Travis looks for people who are naturally competitive, hungry to earn, and confident in their ability to close. In his view, a good salesperson can sell anything. If a new hire hasn't sold agency services before, he keeps their focus simple for the first 30 days: just book him meetings. From there, he leads the calls while they shadow, learn, and build the confidence to eventually run the sales process on their own. Additionally, rather than hiring one rep at a time, he prefers onboarding two or three at once. Sure, not all of them will work out—but with multiple hires, at least one or two typically stick, and you're not back at square one. Plus, the healthy competition that comes from a group ramping together drives performance. When top salespeople are surrounded by peers who are also gunning for results, it pushes everyone to level up. For Travis, building a sales team isn't just about offloading calls—it's about creating a high-performance culture that multiplies results and drives the agency forward. Incentives That Actually Build Culture—Even Remotely Travis understands that great salespeople are driven by more than just commission—they thrive on competition, recognition, and rewards. In corporate environments, these high performers are often motivated by bonuses, contests, and incentive trips—and Travis knew his agency needed to offer the same kind of energy to attract and retain top talent. Having been the top seller at his previous job, he experienced firsthand how powerful the right incentives can be. So, he implemented a clear and compelling incentive structure for his team: hit an annual sales target of $850,000, and you qualify for an all-expenses-paid trip to a luxury destination, such as their recent five-day retreat at the Four Seasons in Costa Rica. But it's more than just a reward—it's a shared goal that unites the team. With about a third of his salesforce working remotely from across the globe, these trips serve as a rallying point, fostering camaraderie, motivation, and culture. This blend of healthy competition and team connection is critical in sales. By setting ambitious but achievable goals—and celebrating those who reach them—Travis has built a culture where individuals are motivated to win, and the entire team moves forward together. 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.  

Welcome to another Mini Motivation Episode, these are shorter, bite sized episodes for when you’ve only got a moment to yourself and you’re looking for some health motivation. Today host Amelia Phillips and Women's Health advocate Jennalea McInnes discuss the importance of tracking blood pressure. They look at both high and low blood pressure, the causes, impacts and how to manage them, also how it changes with age and life stage. About the guest: Jennalea McInnes is a leading Clinical Nutritionist specialising in women’s health, gut health, and holistic well-being. She offers 1:1, group coaching and public speaking. https://www.jennaleamcinnes.com/ https://www.instagram.com/jennaleamcinnes/ About the host: Amelia Phillips is an exercise scientist, nutritionist, and published researcher (BSc, MNut) with a career spanning 26 years in health. She is the co-founder of Vitality360, a functional health platform that helps people gain deep insights into their health and make targeted changes for lasting vitality.A respected media presenter, Amelia has been featured on Channel 9’s hit show Do You Want to Live Forever? and is dedicated to helping people build a life of energy, connection, and purpose at any age or stage of life.Instagram: @_amelia_phillipsHave a question? Email: ap@ameliaphillips.com.auFind out more at: www.ameliaphillips.com.auDiscover Vitality360: https://v360.health CREDITSHost: Amelia Phillips Guest: Audio Producer: Darren RothMusic: Matt Nicholich Production Partner: Nova Entertainment Pty Ltd Healthy Her acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the Land we have recorded this podcast on, the Gadigal people of the Eora Nation. We pay our respects to their Elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Would you like access to our advanced agency training for FREE? https://www.agencymastery360.com/training Ever build a business that “looked” successful—but left you feeling empty? Jeff Hilimire sure did and then he did something about it. In this episode, we unpack how he turned a successful agency career into a mission-driven movement—building purpose-led businesses, launching a global volunteer initiative, and writing books that challenge how we think about impact. Today's featured guest always genuinely enjoyed agency life—something he quickly realized was the exception, not the norm. That realization led him to a mission: helping others discover greater meaning in their business journey. Whether it's through his books, his leadership, or his venture that unites developers to build websites for nonprofits in just 24 hours, he is all about turning intention into action. We have the pleasure of welcoming back Jeff Hilimire, the podcast's very first guest, nearly eleven years ago. He shares what drives him to help business owners build purpose-driven companies, why he started writing books, and how he carved his own path in the publishing world. You'll also hear about his latest work with Purpose Group, his thoughts on operationalizing purpose, and how to lead with clarity through times of crisis. In this episode, we'll discuss: Why he made it his mission to help entrepreneurs build purpose-driven businesses. Using the concept of ‘Dream Small' to build a network of volunteers to help non-profits. How he embedded his books with his unique vision.  Subscribe Apple | Spotify | iHeart Radio Sponsors and Resources Wix: Today's episode of the Smart Agency Masterclass is sponsored by Wix Studio, the all-in-one platform designed to help agencies scale without the headaches. With intuitive tools, robust native business solutions, and low maintenance, Wix Studio lets your team focus on what matters most—delivering exceptional value to your clients. Ready to take your agency to the next level? Visit wix.com/studio and discover how Wix Studio can transform your workflow, boost profits, and strengthen client relationships. From Joke Websites to Purpose-Driven Business Empire Jeff's journey in the agency world began with simple curiosity in 1996 when, as a college student, he built joke websites with a friend. Eventually, they figured if they made it a business, they could keep doing what they loved, which led to building several sites for free and a humble start with their first paying client, Jeff's aunt, who paid them $250 to build her business' website. Jeff has done a lot since being on the podcast's first episode talking about that first agency. He's been founding, growing, and selling businesses over the last 25 years. He has also been a board member of several initiatives and written six books just since 2019. His latest venture is the Purpose Group, where he and his team acquire and reinvigorate small businesses by training more inspired and engaged employees through their Purpose Playbook™ methodology — which is very much linked to the knowledge Jeff has been sharing through his books, teaching entrepreneurs to build purpose-driven businesses, and helping them find that same joy he's always found in his different businesses. Start with One: How Dreaming Small Can Change Everything In Jeff's experience, many people never go after their dream projects because it feels too big and daunting to start. Instead, he believes it's best to start small and give that first step. If your goal is to help people, then help at least one person. This is the premise behind Jeff's book Dream Small, which helped him grow his venture 48in48, an initiative born out of the idea of getting his team to help non-profits build websites. It would give them the satisfaction of helping someone while giving two selected non-profits a functional website in 48 hours. The plan gradually grew to include thousands of volunteers who offered time and expertise to help these non-profits for one weekend. Since developing this idea, Jeff has held 35 events with 7,500 volunteers around the world pitching in to help build 1,300 websites for non-profits. And while these numbers are great, he knows that had he started with that in mind, the project would've probably never taken off. People needed to see it was possible at a small scale before committing to do more. Tired of Boring Business Books? So Was Jeff Back when Jeff wrote his first book, he wanted to bridge the gap between traditional business thinking and entrepreneurial mindset. Having repeatedly encountered CMOs who resisted innovation with claims that they "couldn't take that chance," Jeff wanted to share his conviction that business was all about taking risks. Initially, he intended to deliver a straightforward business manual and approached the writing process as such. However, he has personally never enjoyed those books, which became apparent as he navigated through the content and found that the rigidity of a traditional format stifled his creativity. Hence, he tried a different approach and embraced storytelling—creating characters and scenarios that embodied the entrepreneurial spirit. This is when Jeff found joy in the writing process and he's continued developing stories within the same fictional universe. Furthermore, after facing multiple rejections from traditional publishers, Jeff applied his risk-taking philosophy to launch his own small publishing house. Today, this venture works with approximately 25 authors and actively seeks innovative approaches to business storytelling. Becoming a Better Leader by Setting a Purpose Beyond Profit In his case, Jeff started out as the programmer in his partnership and oversaw that aspect of his agency's operations for some time. The moment he hired someone else to help him with that task, he immediately recognized there were much better-qualified developers and that his own time would be better spent growing the agency. In fact, he believes agency owners who have limited capacities and require help from the start can actually scale faster since they won't get caught up working in the agency and can focus on growth. When founders recognize their limitations and delegate from the beginning, they avoid becoming trapped in day-to-day operations to focus exclusively on strategic growth opportunities. Despite this operational insight, Jeff initially lacked a sophisticated vision beyond the vague goal of "eventually selling." It took time and experience for him to develop a more nuanced understanding of valuations and how different exit timings would affect the agency's ultimate value. His strategic thinking evolved only after navigating through multiple mergers and sales. The most profound transformation in Jeff's approach came years into his business journey when he began thinking about purpose beyond profit. While he had always wanted to create a workplace where people enjoyed their work and developed professionally, he eventually expanded this intuition into a deliberate focus on organizational culture and consciously building values into the business foundation. 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.

Do You Want to Get Well? (John 5:1-16)

We talk a lot about what to eat before, during, and after your bikes rides… but we don't talk enough about what NOT to eat before bike rides.

Here are today's sponsors:Worldsmith - Easy D&D Prep - Start a Free 7 Day Trial: https://session0studios.com/worldsmith-podcastRoll and Play Press - Easier D&D: https://session0studios.com/rollandplayStudio Fantasms: https://session0studios.com/fantasmsOur Patreon: https://session0studios.com/patreonJustin and Tanner are joined for this episode by an amazing DM, London Carlisle! While he's known for being an impressive DM at events such as "D&D In A Castle", his acting experience becomes especially useful for our discussion on NPCs. We discuss where to pull inspiration from for creating characters and voices, how to create depth in NPCs without overriding your players, and many more ideas to drill further into NPC creation!Follow London on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/londoncarlisleAnd learn more about his role at "D&D In A Castle" here: https://www.dndinacastle.com/dungeon-masters/london-carlisleSpecial thanks to:Benj Weyland for Graphic Design (https://www.instagram.com/benjweydesign/)TJ Max, Juka, and TechSenpai for being amazing moderatorsFoxy Beard, Kyle Wilson, Nick Ammann and Professor Nobody for being our patrons.Mentioned in this episode:Do You Want to Earn some Money?

Eno, DVR, and Jed discuss the new tools and leaderboards at Baseball Savant offering more public-facing data than ever for bat paths and attack angles. Plus, they talk about the eventual arrival of ABS for regular season games, and their 2025 predictions they want to use a mulligan on. Rundown1:02 New Toys at Baseball Savant -- Swing Path & Attack Angle Leaderboards9:12 Looking for Ideal & Unusual Combinations16:00 Is Swing Path Tilt the Most Difficult Thing to Change?25:09 Do Flatter Swing Path Hitters Have Higher Floors?34:40 ABS Getting Closer to Become a Reality in MLB Games Beyond Spring?52:03 Which 2025 Prediction(s) Do You Want a Mulligan On?Baseball Savant's Swing Path & Attack Angle Leaderboards: https://baseballsavant.mlb.com/leaderboard/bat-tracking/swing-path-attack-angleFollow Eno on Bluesky: @enosarris.bsky.socialFollow DVR on Bluesky: @dvr.bsky.sociale-mail: ratesandbarrels@gmail.comJoin our Discord: https://discord.gg/FyBa9f3wFeSubscribe to The Athletic: theathletic.com/ratesandbarrelsHosts: Derek VanRiper & Eno SarrisWith: Jed LowrieExecutive Producer: Derek VanRiper Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Would you like access to our advanced agency training for FREE? https://www.agencymastery360.com/training Are you doing great work but still feel like your agency's stuck in neutral? The truth is, talent alone doesn't scale a business. In this episode our guest, Stephen Woessner—author, agency growth strategist, and founder of Predictive ROI—reveals why most agencies hit a ceiling... and how to break through with a smarter, more strategic approach. From developing a true methodology to showing up with content that teaches, we dive into what's working now (and what's not) when it comes to agency growth, client expectations, and scaling with intention. If you've ever relied a little too heavily on referrals, be unsure of your niche, or found yourself winging it without a real system—this one's for you. Tune in to learn how to enhance your agency's approach to attracting clients and scaling your business! Stephen Woessner is the founder of Predictive ROI, an agency that helps clients build predictable and repeatable ROI so they can focus on doing the work they love alongside clients they choose. With over 30 years of experience, including a six-year stint in academia, Stephen discusses what's working right now to get more leads, why getting specific is vital for agencies, and why the journey to scaling your journey requires patience, as well as methodology. Stephen also hosts the "Onward Nation" and "Sell with Authority" podcasts and is the bestselling author of five books, including his latest, “Sell With Authority". In this episode, we'll discuss: Why you should be ridiculously specific. Developing a true methodology to showcase your process. How a softer approach can lead to bigger wins. Subscribe Apple | Spotify | iHeart Radio Sponsors and Resources E2M Solutions: Today's episode of the Smart Agency Masterclass is sponsored by E2M Solutions, a web design, and development agency that has provided white-label services for the past 10 years to agencies all over the world. Check out e2msolutions.com/smartagency and get 10% off for the first three months of service. The Power of Specificity (and Content That Teaches) Stephen has had a long career in the agency world, starting thirty years ago, before ROI was a thing, and working alongside agencies and consultants — teaching them how to build their authority within the markets they serve. He worked six-years in academia while also sharing his knowledge in his first books on Viral Social Networking and SEO. The expertise shared in these books got him requests to work as a consultant for different businesses, which led to him starting his own agency in 2009. At his agency, Stephen commonly works with agencies and consultants that are going about sales and new business development in the least effective, most painful way possible. In fifteen years, he's seen a lot in the business and now brings his own perspective on what's currently working in the agency space. According to him, success comes from being ridiculously specific—about who you serve, what you offer, and how you market it. It's not about flashy gimmicks or one-size-fits-all strategies. Agencies that clearly communicate their expertise and share their knowledge generously (even for free!) are the ones building long-term trust. With the many AI tools available for marketers nowadays, there just isn't a valid excuse for not putting your own content out there to attract clients with valuable tips that show your expertise. These should be small, actionable pieces that solve real problems. That kind of generosity leads to high-quality leads who already trust you by the time they reach out. While the tools might not be polished yet, they show just how easy it is now to create content and show up consistently. The key is that agencies need to be intentional, have a point of view, know their clients' real pain points and speak to them clearly. Raise the Bar or Get Left Behind Today's clients are smart. They're looking for specialized, strategic partners—not generalists who throw spaghetti at the wall. Agencies that develop a true methodology, a real system for delivering results, stand out. It's not just about the work—it's about the process behind it. Simply put, a solid methodology builds trust. It shows prospects that you know what you're doing and that you've done it before. And yes, it's a big part of what makes an agency sellable down the road. If you're familiar with games like “Age of Empires,” the process of building your methodology will be a lot like starting scrappy in the stone age—just you, maybe a freelancer or two. But as you gather resources (aka leads, a team, and tools) and build systems (onboarding, sales, and delivery processes), you level up. The methodology evolves as you grow—and mastering each stage is what gets you to the next one. The path to growth requires structure, clarity, and an intentional approach. If you're still winging it with no repeatable system in place it might be time to rethink the game plan. How a Softer Approach Can Lead to Bigger Wins Other than a methodology, the journey to the top will also require patience. Scaling an agency is rarely instantaneous and each stage of development comes with its own challenges and learning experiences. Agencies at various levels of growth face unique challenges, and the aspiration to leap from a level two to level thirty-seven—is just unrealistic. You need to experience the wins and losses that truly gives you the expertise to sustain growth and learn to appreciate that they've prepared you for the next challenges and goals. Jason was actually confronted with this lesson while preparing for his latest event, which although did eventually sell out, but did so much more slowly than he would've liked. In the end, the team made the decision to stop being pushy about promoting the event and instead try to be more inviting. A pushy attitude will likely be met with resistance. Instead, a gentle nudge or an invitation to explore creates a sense of curiosity and openness. By reframing the conversation from one of pressure to one of invitation, he was able to build trust and rapport. People are more likely to engage when they feel they have the autonomy to make choices without feeling coerced. This is the same principle that drives successful business generation. Instead of being pushy, make sure you're sharing case studies, insights, or even hosting webinars that allow prospects to learn and engage with the agency's expertise. Trust that you're offering great value that resonates with the target audience, encouraging your audience to lean in and explore further, rather than overwhelming them with hard sells. Creating Content That Draws the Right Clients In So what is the type of content agencies should be creating to get prospects to lean in? The first thing that may make you feel like you're screaming into the void is trying to attract just any client who can sign a check. Successful companies have shown that focusing on a select group of high-performing clients can lead to tremendous success. This does not mean that if you start to work with plumbers you'll have to work with that niche in perpetuity. A niche can also be a specific problem you solve or an area you serve, not just an industry. When you focus on "right fit" clients, you'll attract people you genuinely enjoy working with who choose to stay with your business long-term. When agency owners narrow their focus, they can tailor their offerings to meet the unique needs of their chosen niche. This not only enhances the quality of service but also simplifies the content creation process. Once the target audience is identified, agencies can generate relevant and engaging content that addresses the specific problems and pain points of their clients. At this point, you can focus on sharing content that makes a lasting impression. By providing valuable information upfront, you'll no doubt capture the attention of potential clients and build credibility. 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.

Is there something in your life you are challenged by at the moment? Host Amelia Phillips and two-time Olympic swimming champion Elka Whalan discuss how to bring an athletes mindset to your challenge. They discuss the mindset strategies athletes use to overcome repeated disappointments and missed goals, how to handle feeling like you've let people down, and how to go from good to great. Elka opens up about her own struggles and how she used her twining formulas from her athletic career to overcome them. About the guest: Elka Whalan is a two-time Olympic swimmer, representing Australia at the Sydney and Athens Olympic Games. Elka has then gone onto have a stellar career beyond the pool as a TV presenter, journalist, keynote speaker and more recently founding the QUEENhood, a community of ladies who embrace, and celebrate each other. www.queenhood.com.au www.elkawhalan.com About the host: Amelia Phillips is an exercise scientist, nutritionist, and published researcher (BSc, MNut) with a career spanning 26 years in health. She is the co-founder of Vitality360, a functional health platform that helps people gain deep insights into their health and make targeted changes for lasting vitality.A respected media presenter, Amelia has been featured on Channel 9’s hit show Do You Want to Live Forever? and is dedicated to helping people build a life of energy, connection, and purpose at any age or stage of life.Instagram: @_amelia_phillipsHave a question? Email: ap@ameliaphillips.com.auFind out more at: www.ameliaphillips.com.auDiscover Vitality360: https://v360.health CREDITSHost: Amelia Phillips Guest: Elka Whalan Audio Producer: Darren RothMusic: Matt Nicholich Production Partner: Nova Entertainment Pty Ltd Healthy Her acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the Land we have recorded this podcast on, the Gadigal people of the Eora Nation. We pay our respects to their Elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Would you like access to our advanced agency training for FREE? https://www.agencymastery360.com/training AI isn't coming for your agency—it's already here. And if you haven't set clear guidelines for how your team (and your clients) engage with it, you're already behind. In this episode, one agency founder shares how he went from AI skeptic to strategic adopter—rewriting his workflows, client communications, and pricing strategy to future-proof his business. Join us as we explore how to move beyond simply offering AI-enhanced services—and start leveraging AI to boost profitability, streamline operations, and establish your agency as a leader in this new era. Paolo Vidali is the founder of Hidden Gears, an agency specializing in e-commerce and Shopify. With over a decade of experience in design, development, and digital marketing, Paolo shares his journey into agency ownership and discusses the challenges and rewards of building a small, distributed team across the US and Europe, as well as the factors that are informing his evolving policies on AI use. In this episode, we'll discuss: Why expertise will still set you apart in the era of AI. How Paolo went from AI skeptic to viewing it as mission-critical. How you can change your agency's game by integrating AI into your operations.  Subscribe Apple | Spotify | iHeart Radio Sponsors and Resources Wix: Today's episode of the Smart Agency Masterclass is sponsored by Wix Studio, the all-in-one platform designed to help agencies scale without the headaches. With intuitive tools, robust native business solutions, and low maintenance, Wix Studio lets your team focus on what matters most—delivering exceptional value to your clients. Ready to take your agency to the next level? Visit wix.com/studio and discover how Wix Studio can transform your workflow, boost profits, and strengthen client relationships. Making a Low-Risk Jump to Entrepreneurship Paolo sees his road to owning an agency as accidental, in the sense that it was never the plan to do it full time. Initially working for a digital marketing agency focused on B2B and lead generation, he began freelancing on the side. A couple of years into this, however, he realized the work he was doing on the nights and weekends was scalable and something he could ultimately grow. Back then, the jump to entrepreneurship seemed like a move he could realistically make without risking much of the low-cost lifestyle he led at the time. If anything went wrong, he'd just go back to working for an agency. He ended up building a successful organization he has intentionally kept small to maintain the close client relationships and team cohesion that have become hallmarks of his business model. How AI Went from “Maybe” to Mission-Critical After being in the world of e-commerce for over a decade, Paolo has witnessed firsthand the evolution of digital marketing and the rise of platforms like Shopify. And although he initially didn't believe the AI hype, it soon became apparent that the landscape was shifting dramatically. It was time to establish policies that dictated how staff and contractors would interact with this technology, so the agency would always be involved in how they experimented with it. The team's approach to AI evolved in two parallel tracks: externally, they carefully calibrated AI integration based on individual client preferences, while internally conducting tests to identify operational efficiencies. Years later, what Paolo originally envisioned as merely a future service offering has instead become fundamental to the agency's internal operations, with AI tools now dramatically reducing time spent on previously labor-intensive tasks like content creation, customer support, and data analysis. Why Expertise Will Still Set You Apart & How This Can Affect Your Pricing Predictably, one of the concerns around AI as its usage spread was around agencies becoming obsolete. In reality, Paolo can clearly see the difference between his team using AI, with many hours dedicated to understanding the technology and using it effectively, and any random person using the same tools. Now the challenge becomes how much value to place on that knowledge when it comes to their overall prices. Should they charge based on the time saved through automation, or should they consider the expertise required to generate quality outputs? Much like Paolo's mother can still out-Google him thanks to her deep understanding of information retrieval as a librarian, professionals in the field now possess the knowledge to input data effectively and assess the quality of the results produced by AI. This is why agencies should be charging on a value-based model instead of hourly rates. The technology certainly aids in finishing the tasks a lot sooner, but it's the agency's knowledge of the tools that helps complete the task efficiently. ChatGPT Changed the Game—Now Agencies Have to Raise Theirs Paolo's team is conducting systematic A/B testing to evaluate AI's potential impact on their agency workflows, quantifying time savings and process optimizations to determine where technology genuinely enhances value. To foster innovation while maintaining control, Paolo encourages staff to explore diverse AI tools during personal time and share promising discoveries, while implementing strict data protection protocols. Client information can only be processed in secure, isolated environments that prevent data from being incorporated into learning models, which led to his specific ban on Deepseek. AI has already found practical applications throughout the agency. Paolo personally leverages it for copywriting and proposal refinement, appreciating how it enhances professionalism and improves success rates. His team is also using AI for drafting content, something clients are notified about and an area where they are aware the AI results will still need to be fact-checked and revised. In his view, the use of AI has to be justified as being something that adds to the process to save time, cut costs, and improve results, rather than simply being a crutch. Overall, Paolo does think that the way people now shop for and consider content services and content marketing has forever been changed. He's already seen a decline in companies' investment in SEO, since clients feel there's no need if they can just ask ChatGPT to write that content. Despite this shift, he remains confident that agency expertise produces superior results. The challenge facing agency owners now is strategic adaptation—integrating AI capabilities while demonstrating their distinctive value in an evolving digital landscape. 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.

"Do You Want to Be Set Free?" - Daniel Self - 5:18:2025 by Orchard Audio Ministry

As riding season ramps up, mountain bikers and gravel cyclists need to rethink their nutrition. Learn how to fuel longer rides, recover better, and keep energy steady with smart seasonal strategies with these nutrition tips for cyclists.  Also, if you're you feeling fatigued, having difficulty sleeping, and getting moody AF? Those could be signs that you're not fueling enough for the added hours in the saddle. Give this episode a listen to make sure you are fueling enough - and effectively - for your increased riding this season!

Here are today's sponsors:Worldsmith - Easy D&D Prep - Start a Free 7 Day Trial: https://session0studios.com/worldsmith-podcastRoll and Play Press - Easier D&D: https://session0studios.com/rollandplayStudio Fantasms: https://session0studios.com/fantasmsOur Patreon: https://session0studios.com/patreonFeeling stuck or burned out as a Dungeon Master? You're not alone—and you're not out of options. In this episode, Justin and Tanner break down the Four Core Skills that every great DM needs to master:1️⃣ People Management2️⃣ Showmanship & Performance3️⃣ Game Design4️⃣ StorytellingAnd yes... there's a secret fifth pillar

Would you like access to our advanced agency training for FREE? https://www.agencymastery360.com/training Is remote agency life really the dream? While many chase the freedom of working from anywhere, the reality is far more complex. In this episode, Lisa Larson-Kelley shares how she built a high-performing remote team—without sacrificing culture, communication, or control. Today's featured guest decided long ago that she prefers the remote option and shares what really makes remote work actually succeed. For her, it comes down to two crucial elements: Creating a solid structure for clear communication and aligned goals Hiring people who thrive in self-led, remote environments Tune in to hear how she built these systems into her agency—and how she still prioritizes meaningful, in-person connection to strengthen team culture. Lisa Larson-Kelley is the CEO and founder of Quantious, a marketing enablement agency specializing in B2B tech companies. Her agency has worked with some of the biggest tech companies in the world, starting with Adobe and building relationships that would later take them to work with Google and Meta. Currently, she's looking forward to leveraging this experience working with big companies to create lasting relationships with smaller startups and mid-market companies as well. She talks about the challenges and benefits of running a remote agency, how she finds talent suited for remote work, and how implementing EOS in her agency operations improved her business' structure, communications, and employees accountability. In this episode, we'll discuss: How EOS gives structure and accountability. The traits she looks for when hiring remote talent How she keeps team culture strong with in-person retreats Why remote work isn't “easier”—but can be better with the right systems.  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. A Pivot Fueled by Adversity Lisa began her professional journey as a developer, then transitioned to freelance consulting. Seeing she had a knack for explaining technical processes, she took some writing courses and expanded her abilities into content writing. Lisa's freelance work soon attracted several major tech companies. The growing demand for her services prompted her to hire her first intern through Craigslist, initially viewing this expansion as an extension of her freelance business. However, when her husband fell seriously ill, Lisa's need to provide financial stability for her family motivated her to formalize and grow her operation into a proper agency. What had started as individual consulting work had evolved into a full-fledged business born of both opportunity and necessity. Why Lisa's Agency Thrives Remotely—And How Yours Can Too Since founding her agency, Lisa has maintained a primarily remote operation. She did try to run the team from an office a little before Covid restrictions came to send everyone home again, but was finding it tedious, with common complaints about people's choice of food or annoying habits. It seemed as though petty distractions disappeared once they returned to remote work. As the owner of a remote agency, Lisa admits this modality isn't easier—it's just a different kind of hard. To truly succeed, agency owners who want a remote team must take care to carefully choose people suited for this type of work. Some people really do need the presence of someone keeping them accountable. These people find that on-site work provides them a sense of structure and that the interaction with teammates helps improve their performance. Lisa looks for workers who are able to self-manage and are results-oriented. Her team always has access to managers through Slack, of course, but they mostly prefer to manage their work and their time to better fit their lifestyles. Remote teams can leverage technology to enhance collaboration and communication, using tools like video conferencing, project management software, and instant messaging platforms allow team members to work together seamlessly, regardless of their geographical location. Assessing Candidates' Adaptability to Remote Work Not everyone is suited for remote work, so after assessing a candidate's suitability for the role based on their skills and experience, Lisa also looks to identify whether or not they are suited to work in this modality. If you have struggled finding workers who thrive in a remote setting, try to use assessments and structured interview questions to gauge a candidate's suitability. For instance, asking about their strategies for maintaining accountability can reveal much about their potential success in a remote setting. Furthermore, candidates who have previously navigated remote roles often have the skills and mindset necessary to thrive in similar environments. This experience can translate into a more seamless integration into a remote team, as these individuals are likely already familiar with the challenges and best practices associated with this working style. How EOS Can Transform Your Remote Agency Operations The Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS) has helped many agencies create the sense of structure that some remote teams may be missing. In it, every worker has their goals, so they know what they're working towards, as well the agency's goals for the quarter, so everyone can grow in the same direction. It wasn't immediately easy or intuitive for Lisa to implement EOS into her agency processes. She read the book and tried to self-implement it unsuccessfully. It wasn't until she was introduced to an implementer who could help her with the process and keep her accountable that she felt she was on the right path with this system. With expert guidance, structured meetings became the cornerstone of Lisa's agency operations. These non-negotiable, regularly scheduled sessions ensure team alignment and individual accountability. Using Ninety software, Lisa's team conducts highly organized meetings with clear agendas and built-in timers that keep discussions focused on measurable outcomes and actionable tasks. This systematic approach eliminates wasted time while fostering a culture where team members understand their specific responsibilities. This framework helps Lisa establish high-level objectives aligned with her agency's vision, then break these down into manageable steps by working backward from desired outcomes. For instance, if an agency aims to achieve $20 million in top-line revenue and $10 million in net profit, how does this cascade down to individual team members? This clear linkage between daily activities and long-term objectives helps create a culture of accountability and proactive engagement. Structuring Professional Growth in Remote Agencies Part of the changes introduced with the use of EOS was establishing clear pathways for employee growth, something that employees themselves asked for. While tenure still influences senior positions, the agency's COO developed a three-stage framework that provides visual clarity for professional development. Seed: Your ground-level tasks for any particular role. Blossom: Demonstrating confident competence and Independence in that role. Bloom: Preparing for advancement to the next position. Interestingly, this framework is not necessarily linear recognizing that personal circumstances may cause employees to move between stages. If an employee shifts from "Blossom" back to "Seed," management initiates supportive conversations to discuss their situation and explore potential paths forward based on the employee's choices. This is an important initiative that all agency owners hoping to scale their agency should consider as it forces you to think about ways to scale your team and locate the leaders that will help take the pressure off you as you start to delegate responsibility to them. Furthermore, you'll be taking action to help your team take ownership of their roles, thus increasing retention as you motivate individuals who could get frustrated if they don't see growth opportunities. How In-Person Retreats Build Camaraderie in a Distributed Workforce Running a remote agency takes a lot of organization, structure, and also an appreciation for in-person connection. Lisa understands that while tech keeps teams connected, it can't replace the depth of real, in-person connection.. Hence, to encourage team bonding, she organizes a team retreat, that most recently took the team to Puerto Rico, for a few days of team building activities, but mostly to just be together in the same space. This is a great lesson for agency owners who want to run a remote agency. Building camaraderie through in-person connections will also have practical implications for agency growth. In-person retreats and gatherings can serve as platforms for discussing career aspirations, setting goals, and mapping out pathways for professional growth, as well as fostering stronger relationships, enhanced communication, and a more cohesive work environment. 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.

It's Lance Roberts' 60th birthday, and the birthday faery made an early visit to the studio. Markets will be boosted today by news of an agreement between the US and China over tariffs. Is the recent market rebound a sign of recovery—or just a classic bear market trap? Lance Roberts breaks down what defines a bear market rally, why investors often get whipsawed by false hope, and how to position your portfolio amid short-term optimism and long-term uncertainty. With earnings season in full swing and rate cuts still in question, we'll explore whether this bounce has legs or is setting up for another leg lower. Lance is looking for a classic truck and has his eye on a '71 International Scout; interestingly, commentary on valuations, and the prices people are willing to pay. A history lesson on market corrections, recessions, and bottoms (with charts); why it's important to not ignore bear market signs. SEG-1: 60th Birthday, Mother's Day & Bear Market Rally SEG-2a: Bidding on a '71 Scout SEG-2b: Valuations Are What People Are Willing to Pay SEG-3: Bear Market Rallies and Market Bottoms SEG-4: Do Not Ignore Bear Market Signs Hosted by RIA Advisors Chief Investment Strategist Lance Roberts, CIO Produced by Brent Clanton, Executive Producer ------- Watch today's video on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uTZmVaVMzpg&list=PLVT8LcWPeAugpcGzM8hHyEP11lE87RYPe&index=1 ------- Articles mention in this show: "A Bear Market Rally?" https://realinvestmentadvice.com/resources/blog/a-bear-market-rally/ ------- The latest installment of our new feature, Before the Bell, "S5-12-25 Do You Want to Make Some Money?" is here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ngmFyV6B9TY&list=PLwNgo56zE4RAbkqxgdj-8GOvjZTp9_Zlz&index=1 ------- Our previous show is here: "Will Tax Reform Stall?" and "Money Advice for Single Moms on Mother's Day:" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7_0Zpmbtb-I&list=PLVT8LcWPeAugpcGzM8hHyEP11lE87RYPe&index=2&t=2s Watch the first-hour of the show here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kwfW2yddsWI&list=PLVT8LcWPeAugpcGzM8hHyEP11lE87RYPe&index=1&t=9s ------- Get more info & commentary: https://realinvestmentadvice.com/newsletter/ -------- REGISTER FOR OUR NEXT CANDID COFFEE (5/3/25) HERE: https://realinvestmentadvice.com/resources/events/live-chat/ ------- SUBSCRIBE to The Real Investment Show here: http://www.youtube.com/c/TheRealInvestmentShow -------- Visit our Site: https://www.realinvestmentadvice.com Contact Us: 1-855-RIA-PLAN -------- Subscribe to SimpleVisor: https://www.simplevisor.com/register-new -------- Connect with us on social: https://twitter.com/RealInvAdvice https://twitter.com/LanceRoberts https://www.facebook.com/RealInvestmentAdvice/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/realinvestmentadvice/ #MarketRally #MarketConsolidation #100DMA #50DMA #200DMA #BearMarketRally #StockMarketUpdate #MarketVolatility #InvestmentStrategies #EconomicForecast #LanceRobertsBirthday #InternationalScout #RayDaleo #JohnHuntsman #PEterSchiff #InvestingAdvice #Money #Investing

It's Lance Roberts' 60th birthday, and the birthday faery made an early visit to the studio. Markets will be boosted today by news of an agreement between the US and China over tariffs. Is the recent market rebound a sign of recovery—or just a classic bear market trap?  Lance Roberts breaks down what defines a bear market rally, why investors often get whipsawed by false hope, and how to position your portfolio amid short-term optimism and long-term uncertainty. With earnings season in full swing and rate cuts still in question, we'll explore whether this bounce has legs or is setting up for another leg lower. Lance is looking for a classic truck and has his eye on a '71 International Scout; interestingly, commentary on valuations, and the prices people are willing to pay. A history lesson on market corrections, recessions, and bottoms (with charts); why it's important to not ignore bear market signs. SEG-1: 60th Birthday, Mother's Day & Bear Market Rally SEG-2a: Bidding on a '71 Scout SEG-2b: Valuations Are What People Are Willing to Pay SEG-3: Bear Market Rallies and Market Bottoms SEG-4: Do Not Ignore Bear Market Signs Hosted by RIA Advisors Chief Investment Strategist Lance Roberts, CIO Produced by Brent Clanton, Executive Producer ------- Watch today's video on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uTZmVaVMzpg&list=PLVT8LcWPeAugpcGzM8hHyEP11lE87RYPe&index=1 ------- Articles mention in this show: "A Bear Market Rally?" https://realinvestmentadvice.com/resources/blog/a-bear-market-rally/ ------- The latest installment of our new feature, Before the Bell, "S5-12-25 Do You Want to Make Some Money?" is here:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ngmFyV6B9TY&list=PLwNgo56zE4RAbkqxgdj-8GOvjZTp9_Zlz&index=1 ------- Our previous show is here: "Will Tax Reform Stall?" and "Money Advice for Single Moms on Mother's Day:" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7_0Zpmbtb-I&list=PLVT8LcWPeAugpcGzM8hHyEP11lE87RYPe&index=2&t=2s Watch the first-hour of the show here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kwfW2yddsWI&list=PLVT8LcWPeAugpcGzM8hHyEP11lE87RYPe&index=1&t=9s ------- Get more info & commentary:  https://realinvestmentadvice.com/newsletter/ -------- REGISTER FOR OUR NEXT CANDID COFFEE (5/3/25) HERE: https://realinvestmentadvice.com/resources/events/live-chat/  ------- SUBSCRIBE to The Real Investment Show here: http://www.youtube.com/c/TheRealInvestmentShow -------- Visit our Site: https://www.realinvestmentadvice.com Contact Us: 1-855-RIA-PLAN -------- Subscribe to SimpleVisor: https://www.simplevisor.com/register-new -------- Connect with us on social: https://twitter.com/RealInvAdvice https://twitter.com/LanceRoberts https://www.facebook.com/RealInvestmentAdvice/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/realinvestmentadvice/ #MarketRally #MarketConsolidation #100DMA #50DMA #200DMA #BearMarketRally #StockMarketUpdate #MarketVolatility #InvestmentStrategies #EconomicForecast #LanceRobertsBirthday #InternationalScout #RayDaleo #JohnHuntsman #PEterSchiff #InvestingAdvice #Money #Investing

Would you like access to our advanced agency training for FREE? https://www.agencymastery360.com/training What if scaling your agency didn't mean more stress, but less? Discover how Devon Hayes and Amanda Joyce turned partnership into freedom—and how you can, too. If you're an agency owner ready to stop grinding and start growing, this episode is for you. These two entrepreneurs joined forces as partners specifically to navigate this growth journey together—and witnessed how this strategic decision created the growth, impact, and freedom they had always envisioned. Tune in to discover their realization that scaling represented not an additional burden but rather the crucial shift from merely sustaining their businesses to expanding them intentionally and the ongoing challenges they continue to face as they adapt to this exciting new chapter in their entrepreneurial journey. Devon Hayes and Amanda Joyce aren't just agency owners—they're proof that collaboration can unlock freedom. With deep experience in PR, construction, and financial services, they share the lessons they learned the hard way—so you don't have to. They are co-founders of Elevation Marketing, a company specializing in the home services niche, including roofing, custom home building, and plumbing. They share their journey of coming together after running their own agencies and what inspired them to start their first businesses. Additionally, they'll share what drove them to choosing their current niche and the lessons they're still learning about building their client pipeline and going beyond being referral-based. In this episode, we'll discuss: Joining forces to unlock freedom. Finding the winning niche. Why scaling is worth the fear.  Subscribe Apple | Spotify | iHeart Radio Sponsors and Resources Wix: Today's episode of the Smart Agency Masterclass is sponsored by Wix Studio, the all-in-one platform designed to help agencies scale without the headaches. With intuitive tools, robust native business solutions, and low maintenance, Wix Studio lets your team focus on what matters most—delivering exceptional value to your clients. Ready to take your agency to the next level? Visit wix.com/studio and discover how Wix Studio can transform your workflow, boost profits, and strengthen client relationships. Joining Forces to go From Solo Struggles to Shared Success Before meeting, Devon and Amanda were forging separate paths as agency owners, both yearning for greater freedom and support in their professional lives. Devon worked some time doing marketing for companies in engineering and construction and moved on to the financial industry thinking the bigger paycheck would be enough to make her happy.  However, just nine months later she felt like a prisoner of the corporate world, while her husband – a business owner – enjoy the flexibility to pursue passions like snowboarding. Inspired by his freedom, she leveraged her corporate contacts and industry knowledge to launch her own business, determined to reclaim control of her time. For her part, Amanda started working for an agency right out of college. Armed with a degree in PR and journalism and zero knowledge about the digital marketing world, she quickly developed expertise and built her own client relationships. As her confidence grew, she realized she didn't want the constraints of office-based work. Since it was the early 2000s, the thought of working remote was unimaginable and something she would have to pursue on her own. Finally, she started her own small niche agency in 2007. Of course, both women soon discovered that entrepreneurship wasn't the straightforward path to freedom they'd envisioned. Their businesses brought stress, sleepless nights, and the weighty responsibility of delivering results for clients. The service-based nature of their work meant constantly seeking ways to improve outcomes, often making it difficult to maintain focus amid competing priorities. When Devon and Amanda finally joined forces in 2019, they brought together the valuable lessons each had learned about the industry and business ownership—creating a partnership built on shared experience and complementary strengths. A Collaboration to Unlock Freedom and Have a Higher Impact Even before joining forces, Devon and Amanda were working together in several projects and found they complemented each other very well. In fact, Amanda felt their projects together were the ones causing her less stress. While working with Devon meant she had someone covering for her while she was on vacation, for instance, the clients from projects she was handling by herself wanted her attention 24/7. Both women had achieved a level of success that allowed them to pay their bills and maintain a comfortable lifestyle but realized that to truly thrive, they needed to shift their focus from merely sustaining their businesses to scaling them. More than just a desire for more revenue they understood the benefits that would come from collaboration. Wearing multiple hats and managing every aspect of their businesses was unsustainable. Instead, merging their strengths and resources, would allow them to create a more efficient operation that allowed them to focus on their core competencies. Furthermore, Amanda liked the idea of having someone to discuss her ideas with, something she missed from her days of corporate work and that can be invaluable for agency owners who constantly feel isolated and burdened by their responsibilities. The Pivot that Paid Off: Finding Their Winning Niche Even though Devon and Amanda initially targeted the roofing industry, they quickly lost focus and found themselves working with an eclectic mix of clients across dog training, cannabis, IT, and other unrelated sectors. This scattered approach, while diverse, undermined their ability to establish a distinctive brand identity. Thankfully, they later found their footing through their engagement with the Breakthrough Academy, a contractor coaching group. By connecting with contractors in various trades, including electricians and landscapers, they discovered a niche that aligned with their strengths and expertise. Soon they were delivering exceptional results for clients in plumbing, electrical, and landscaping businesses and – even though they hesitated to make it official – they had a niche. Furthermore, coming together proved to be the best decision once they realized that the home services market was saturated with subpar providers, and hence scaling their business was also an opportunity to reach a broader audience and amplify their message as credible thought leaders. This mission directly inspired their podcast as a platform to spread their message and positively impact an industry often plagued by questionable practices. The next challenge they face is expanding beyond referral-based growth to develop a sustainable client acquisition pipeline. Why Scaling Your Agency Is Worth the Fear Although Devon and Amanda ultimately decided to scale their business to reach a wider audience, many agency owners initially resist growth, fearing it will only increase their workload and responsibilities. While expanding and managing a larger team may seem daunting, the ability to focus on the aspects you love while delegating tasks that others could handle more effectively proves tremendously rewarding. Amanda, for instance, was excited to find people who excelled in areas where she struggled and empowering them to thrive. Once she did, she was able to delegate all the content creation work she had been handling and focus her time on different areas. This is a step that agency owners will get to enjoy not only when they find the right talent but specifically when they find self-managing professionals who take ownership of their work. It's a move that will take you to a remarkable milestone —the moment when new clients are successfully onboarded without requiring any involvement from the founder. 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.

So, you've decided you're ready to change - that's awesome! But are you WILLING to make the change? (It'll get uncomfortable and not many people love to be uncomfortable.) Are you ABLE to make the change? Or do you need a little support from someone - like a coach - to make it happen?

Would you like access to our advanced agency training for FREE? https://www.agencymastery360.com/training How are you adapting to the many changes in the industry and economy? For many agency owners this is a golden era for the business. Of course, not everyone will thrive—success depends largely on your ability to adapt. In this episode learn how our guest has mastered adaptation through several economic downturns over the years, emerging from each crisis as a more prepared and confident leader. Today, he shares the pivotal moments when his agency could have joined countless others in closing their doors, but instead discovered pathways to emerge stronger than ever. Tune in to learn how he navigated each crisis, how embracing remote work has enhanced nearly every aspect of his agency's culture and operations, and why he firmly believes that despite—or perhaps because of—today's challenges, there has never been a better time to be in the agency business. Dan Kahn is the founder of Kahn Media, an integrated marketing agency specializing in automotive and luxury brands. He shares insights into his journey in the marketing world, starting with public relations and evolving into a diverse agency model. Dan also looks back at the different ways he handles times of economic downturns in his agency, and how his leadership was shaped by these times of turmoil. Additionally, he introduces his newer venture, TRED, an outdoor recreation-focused agency emphasizing experiential marketing. In this episode, we'll discuss: 3 ways to weather economic downturns. Learning to be a better leader for a remote team.  Focus on the media, not the message. 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. Sometimes Bigger Clients Doesn't Equate to Big Success Dan grew up watching his father weather the volatile nature of business ownership and promised himself he'd never subject himself to such instability. However, his passion for automobiles guided him along a path from automotive journalism to PR work, and ultimately to founding his own agency. Hence, his entrepreneurial journey began with a strong foundation in the automotive industry, where he built a solid reputation working with notable clients like Lotus and Maserati, and handling high-profile events such as the SEMA automotive trade show. However, his ability to adapt was truly put to the test during the pandemic. When the world came to a standstill in 2020, many businesses found themselves grappling with significant revenue declines and uncertainty about the future and his agency was no exception. Dan found that while most of his corporate clients were pulling back, smaller clients like Lotus were easier to innovate with and willing to test new approaches. This is how he came up with the idea of handling car delivery services directly to journalists. With automotive press fleets locked down and journalists confined to their homes, Dan and his team were gaining lots of attention with this stunt, to the point that they achieved greater media exposure than larger competitors like Porsche. 3 Ways to Face Times of Economic Crisis 1. Grow stronger as a leader According to Dan, he was a different type of leader back when he faced his first economic downturn in 2013 and, as a result, defaulted to putting everything on his shoulders. Having experienced consistent 50% growth for several years, he felt the agency was doing well enough and he could lay back on doing new business development. Unfortunately, this decision coincided with some critical financial decisions. They had relocate to a more expensive town while taking on higher office rent and lost two big clients in one week. His world came crushing down, he burned through his savings, and it took a lot to get through that situation. With no delegation strategy in place, Dan shouldered the entire burden of recovery himself. His dreams of reducing his workload vanished as he struggled to lead the team through this crisis. While the agency eventually recovered and emerged stronger than before, the experience took a toll on his health. 2. Innovate and pivot quickly When the global shutdown of 2020 threatened Dan's agency with another economic disaster—particularly since events accounted for 30% of their revenue were canceled in rapid succession, Dan found himself in a better position to face the situation this time. He had a good leadership team, excellent client relationships and the agency was overall better prepared to figure out how to stay afloat during lockdowns. Rather than shouldering the burden individually, Dan and his leadership team collaborated closely with clients to develop innovative alternatives and pivoted quickly to create virtual experiences that maintained audience engagement despite physical restrictions. 3. Execute the highest levels of service Finally, the agency's latest critical moment happened last year, during economic shifts that hit many industries. Clients were pulling back on expenses as Dan had just launched a second agency, which requires a huge amount of capital. In part, it was the result of normal economic cycles during an election year but Dan admits it was also the result of poor planning on his part. After spending much of 2023 investing the first agency's profits into the launch of the second agency, it hit him in December that clients' annual contract renewals weren't going as smoothly as he'd hope. He started to see just how bad Q1 of 2024 could be if he didn't course correct. Once again, he relied on his team, who were tasked with continuing to execute at the highest level while he focused on business development. He also started focusing more on growing existing clients, after years with a laser focus on new business development, and invested some of his own savings into pulling the agency back up. Dan was also honest about the agency's situation with some key clients, who agreed to pay the year in full with a discount. Finally he put a heavy focus on delivering the best customer experience – aiming to become undeniable – following the teachings of Unreasonable Hospitality, by Will Guidara. The team all read the book and were instructed to apply those principles with each client. The result? Q1 was still a mess but things turned up by Q2 and by the end of the year they had record revenue and profits. Choosing Results Over Proximity Like many agencies, Dan's business runs most operations on remote, with only five to six team members coming into the office on a regular basis and some coming in once or twice a week. Although this shift does make it harder to get everyone on the same page and focused on the same target – and it does make training harder –, Dan admits it's better in almost every other aspect. Most critically, the remote structure grants access to an elite talent pool—a priority Dan values far above physical proximity. Whether team members work part-time from Alaska or elsewhere, his focus is on results rather than location. With a leadership philosophy that has changed from micromanaging to inspiring, he understands you need to trust your team to work remote. This comes after a lot of personal development work as he learned to listen more effectively and improve as a leader by taking guidance from his own team. This then led to identifying some necessary changes in the agency's culture, including replacing senior staff members who lacked leadership qualities. Now, instead of managing his team and overworking himself, he takes the time to enjoy his life. Finally, coaching and therapy have also help Dan open his eyes to the importance of diverse personality types within a leadership team. While he used to expect his team to tackle any situation exactly as he would, he now appreciates that this kind of mindset can lead to chaos in the team. Instead, varied perspectives in decision-making processes can lead to much better results. Why this is a Great Time to be an Agency Owner With traditional media on its deathbed, Dan believes this is actually the golden age for agency business, positioning communication professionals at the forefront of media evolution. He sees this as the optimal moment to launch podcasts and establish dominance in emerging media channels. Not everyone will adapt to these changes, and some agencies are struggling because of this. However, if you can adapt and make the best of this unbelievable moment in time with innovations like AI and much more freedom to be creative and innovative, you stand poised to thrive. Furthermore, nowadays people are much more willing to work with smaller agencies, relieving agency owners from the expectations of having a huge team or a fancy office. Instead, you get to focus on the ideas and building the best team possible with people from all over the world, which makes it a great time to be in this business. 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.

Have you noticed how—especially here in the Western world—we crave simplicity and speed?“3 Easy Steps to Lose Weight.”“6 Secrets to a Happy Marriage.”“12 Steps to Financial Freedom.”We're drawn to whatever promises quick results with minimal discomfort. But when it comes to the Kingdom of God—especially when it comes to seeing with spiritual eyes—it doesn't work that way. There are no shortcuts. No life hacks. Because spiritual sight doesn't come through information—it comes through transformation.It's born in the presence of God. It grows through abiding. And it matures in those who linger with Him when others move on.Today, in Part III of Do You Want the Red Pill or the Blue Pill, Steve shares his personal journey into this kind of sight—not as a formula, but as a relationship. A life lived close to God, where clarity comes not through steps, but through staying.But let me say this—What you'll hear today is more than reflection.It's preparation. Because in Part IV, we'll begin to explore why this kind of vision is so urgently needed. Why Jesus warned us about the Days of Noah...and why only those who truly abide will recognize what's happening in our time.But for now, let's begin where all true sight begins:In His presence. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Healthy Her host Amelia Phillips and clinical nutritionist Jennalea McInnes discuss the role of electrolytes, and whether we need to supplement. You may have noticed a lot in the media about electrolytes powders gaining popularity, so they discuss the benefits, who is most at risk of imbalances and how to tell if your body really needs extra electrolyte support? *Disclosure: Healthy Her was sent samples of Sodii Hydration Salts to trial but no commercial arrangement was in place. About the guest: Jennalea McInnes is a leading Clinical Nutritionist specialising in women’s health, gut health, and holistic well-being. She offers 1:1, group coaching and public speaking. https://www.jennaleamcinnes.com/ https://www.instagram.com/jennaleamcinnes/ About the host: Amelia Phillips is an exercise scientist, nutritionist, and published researcher (BSc, MNut) with a career spanning 26 years in health. She is the co-founder of Vitality360, a functional health platform that helps people gain deep insights into their health and make targeted changes for lasting vitality.A respected media presenter, Amelia has been featured on Channel 9’s hit show Do You Want to Live Forever? and is dedicated to helping people build a life of energy, connection, and purpose at any age or stage of life.Instagram: @_amelia_phillipsHave a question? Email: ap@ameliaphillips.com.auFind out more at: www.ameliaphillips.com.auDiscover Vitality360: https://v360.health CREDITSHost: Amelia Phillips Guest: Jennalea McInnes Audio Producer: Darren RothMusic: Matt Nicholich Production Partner: Nova Entertainment Pty Ltd Healthy Her acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the Land we have recorded this podcast on, the Gadigal people of the Eora Nation. We pay our respects to their Elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Would you like access to our advanced agency training for FREE? https://www.agencymastery360.com/training Do you feel stuck in your agency journey? Are you trying to figure out the next step to grow? Don't know what you don't know but you DO know something is holding you back? These can be hard questions to figure out when you feel you have little to no support to help you identify areas of improvement and make necessary changes. This featured guest felt her agency was doing well with their defined niche, and capabilities. However, something was missing — as an owner, she felt isolated. This all changed when she joined an agency owner community where she could openly share her doubts and struggles while receiving actionable feedback and support. This pivotal decision transformed not only how she operated her business but also accelerated her personal development as a leader. Discover her experience building a business, the defining moment when she first identified as a true entrepreneur, and the two critical pivots that marked significant milestones in her agency's growth trajectory. Jennifer McPherson is the owner of Chickenango Marketing Solutions, a specialized marketing agency focusing on public involvement and marketing for engineering, construction, oil and gas utility clients. She shares her journey from spending 27 years in marketing roles within engineering firms to launching her own agency seven years ago. She discusses the motivation behind her transition and the challenges of building a business from the ground up. Jennifer reflects on the moment she realized her agency had truly become a real business and why the mastermind community has meant so much in the growth and self-improvement she's experienced in recent years. In this episode, we'll discuss: Community as the solution to agency owner isolation. Stop relying on project-based work. Finding fulfillment in the agency journey.  Subscribe Apple | Spotify | iHeart Radio Sponsors and Resources Wix: Today's episode of the Smart Agency Masterclass is sponsored by Wix Studio, the all-in-one platform designed to help agencies scale without the headaches. With intuitive tools, robust native business solutions, and low maintenance, Wix Studio lets your team focus on what matters most—delivering exceptional value to your clients. Ready to take your agency to the next level? Visit wix.com/studio and discover how Wix Studio can transform your workflow, boost profits, and strengthen client relationships. The Leap from Corporate Marketing to Agency Founder Jennifer spent most of her career working on marketing roles within engineering firms, taking the step to venture on her own just seven years ago. Feeling a need for a change in direction, she set out to create an agency that would focus more on the engineering, construction, and oil & gas niche. Building her business, Jennifer quickly discovered that agency ownership extended far beyond simply practicing her marketing expertise independently. It demanded she master numerous aspects of running a company and navigate countless unexpected challenges. Despite these hurdles, she didn't fully perceive her venture as a legitimate business until she began hiring employees. Suddenly, her agency was no longer just a personal side hustle but an enterprise supporting other people's livelihoods, adding a profound layer of responsibility to her role as founder. 2 Pivots That Changed the Agency's Growth Trajectory In the years following her agency's launch, Jennifer achieved notable success and growth. Despite her professional achievement, she felt increasingly isolated in her role as an agency owner. Without connections to peers facing similar challenges, she lacked a support network of individuals who truly understood her unique experiences. Looking back, two important shifts got her out of that place: Community. Discovering Agency Mastery was a complete game changer for Jennifer. (This isn't just a shameless plug — but if not us, then find your people!) In addition to being the support she needed, this agency owner community also completely changed the way she ran her agency. With the mastermind's support, she went from figuring things out on her own to hiring a Chief Operating Officer, implementing efficient systems, and shifting her focus from being an operator to a true leader. The community also helped Jennifer get over the need to compare her success to others. The inherently competitive nature of the agency world often fosters unhealthy comparisons based on incomplete information about others' successes. Through her mastermind involvement, Jennifer gained insight into fellow owners' challenges, recognizing most face similar obstacles. She's also learned that community, a laser focus, and the right systems are the only things that will help you get by during rough patches. Predictable Cash Flow. Another pivotal moment was restructuring her business model to reduce dependency on project-based work. Her agency's focus on public involvement had previously meant operating on a project-by-project basis, a very difficult model to sustain since you're always choosing a next project and not building recurring revenue. With this pivot, her agency can now focus more on growth and building a pipeline to secure recurring revenue. This way, she is finally stepping out of being in the business to working on the business and focusing on its future. She is able to see that the future of her agency is beyond just her involvement. Finding Fulfillment in the Agency Journey Entrepreneurs often become fixated on end goals—whether it's selling a business, achieving financial independence, or reaching a certain level of market dominance. However, to make your business journey a truly fulfilling one, you'll need to do more. The journey of entrepreneurship is not just about hard work and determination. Luck and having the right team and community all play a role in what you enjoy doing and what you come to know as your agency's success. Many agency owners may feel frustrated by the daily grind and dream of selling their agency to feel free, but come to miss team work and sense of accomplishment after selling. Recognizing that the journey involves both struggle and triumph allows entrepreneurs to appreciate their efforts and find value in the process. In her experience, Jennifer loves the relationship building and connections as much as she loves winning. This is why she has come to define success as a journey is rich with learning opportunities, personal growth, and meaningful connections that contribute to a fulfilling entrepreneurial life. 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.

With the snow melting and the weather cooperating more for some more riding, let's get your bike ready for some more miles! Give this episode a listen to learn the simple steps you can take to check your bike to make sure it's ready to shred with you.

Would you like access to our advanced agency training for FREE? https://www.agencymastery360.com/training Have you ever turned to freelancers to grow your agency's capabilities? What about using fractional support once you realized you couldn't do everything as the founder and face of the agency? What if the key to sustainable growth isn't building a massive in-house team, but leveraging the right fractional support at the right time? Today's guests are two agency owners who turned a modest freelance setup into a thriving multimillion-dollar business—largely through referrals and the strength of their personal networks. They share how a flexible team of contractors became their secret weapon, offering the agility to scale without the overhead of a traditional agency structure. Tune in to learn how former competitors found a way to build a successful collaboration and why fractional support was a big part of their operation from the start. Sydney Mulligan and Lauren Aquilino are the co-founders of Emmie Collective, a for-hire network of elite independent & freelance marketing, sales, and revops consultants with big tech energy. They share their journey of entrepreneurship, reflect on their backgrounds as former competitors in the marketing industry, and the bond that brought them together. Sydney also recounts her experience of being laid off while on maternity leave, which sparked the idea for Emmie Collective while Lauren discusses her transition from freelancing to building a business as demand for her services grew. In this episode, we'll discuss: Why the fractional model was the best option for bootstrapping an agency. When should the agency owners stop being the face of the agency? External funding vs. control in agency growth.  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. When Competitors Become Co-Founders Before forming their partnership, Sydney and Lauren worked at competing agencies while also participating in Marketo's customer champion program. Their paths diverged when both eventually left their respective agencies—Lauren to pursue freelance work, initially planning for just 10 hours weekly during summer to rest after quitting her job. However, her freelance business quickly expanded beyond expectations, growing to 20 hours weekly and requiring additional contractor support. Meanwhile, Sydney had taken an in-house position but faced an unexpected setback when she was laid off during her maternity leave. As she navigated the job interview process, she began conversations with Lauren, who was contemplating transforming her freelance operation into a formal business. Lauren recognized Sydney as a valuable potential partner—in fact, the only person she would consider building a business with. After discussing their business vision, they decided it was time to meet face-to-face. Their first in-person meeting in Florida became what they jokingly refer to as their "speed dating" session. During this three-day encounter, they exchanged ideas and developed business plans while Sydney cared for her six-week-old baby. The meeting proved decisive—by the time they both landed back home, they had confirmed their mutual desire to build an agency together. Why the Fractional Model Is Best for Bootstraping an Agency Their participation in the customer champion program helped Sydney and Lauren establish strong reputations within a specialized niche market. With this foundation, they were able to launch their agency business with a strong base of referral clients. One unexpected advantage they discovered was the relative ease of attracting consultants eager to work with their new agency. Anticipating potential staffing challenges typical for startups, they had proactively designed their business model around freelancers and contractors. This strategy allowed them to sidestep the common industry pressure of requiring employees to meet specific billable hour quotas. Instead, freelancers had the flexibility to determine their own workload and schedules. To this day they continue to work with consultants, firmly believing that fractional support provides clients with optimal access to senior specialized expertise. By leveraging fractional experts, their agency effectively addresses specific client challenges, enhances operational efficiency, and frees internal resources to focus on strategic growth initiatives. When Should the Founders Stop Being the Face of the Agency? Balancing Growth and Client Relationships Sydney and Lauren's agency growth eventually confronted them with the challenge of hitting the limit on what they could do by themselves. With the agency growing, more and more clients and consultants coming in, and traveling for events, it just got to be too much. Sydney recalls a particularly stressful period when she felt overwhelmed, unable to keep track of their growing client base and the myriad responsibilities that came with it. They recognized they could no longer manage everything alone. When an agency owner clings to control it causes issues with bottlenecking, even become an operational issue and their agency's biggest profit leak. For Sydney and Lauren, was time for a change and the first crucial step was hiring a fractional account manager to ensure there was someone else keeping track of every client. This not only alleviated some of the burdens on Sydney but also allowed them to focus on strategic growth rather than getting bogged down in day-to-day operations. It's not an easy shift to make, and quite tricky for Sydney and Lauren, who built the agency on the back of their own networks and therefore are still the face of it. They continue to wrestle with how much to pull back, risking that clients feel they no longer interact with them. For those facing similar challenges, it's worth noting that even prominent agency leaders like Gary Vaynerchuk maintain their status as organizational figureheads while having minimal involvement in daily operations. This successful transition typically requires thoroughly training team members in core agency values to ensure consistent decision-making and actively promoting team capabilities to clients—emphasizing that a dedicated team provides superior service compared to founder-only support. External Funding vs. Control in Agency Growth After bootstrapping their business, Sydney and Lauren now face the question of whether or not to take on funding to continue to scale. While they recognize the potential advantages that investment capital could bring—accelerated expansion and resources for recruiting top talent—they also remain cautious about the significant tradeoffs involved. Most of all, they worry about the fundamental shift from being independent business owners to essentially working for investors since "once you start raising money, you'll always be raising money"—with a continuous cycle of accountability to external stakeholders. For the time being, they continue to prioritize maintaining complete control over their growth trajectory, preferring the stability and autonomy of their current approach even if it means potentially slower expansion. 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 Mini Motivation episode is perfect if you have heard that strength training is important for you, but you are not a fan of the weights room. Host Amelia Phillips and professor Belinda Beck discuss the many ways to fall in love with strength training (or at least experience the many benefits). They outline the safety considerations, the many ways to get motivated and also the best moves that deliver the most bang for buck when it comes to improving muscle and bone strength. About the guest: Belinda Beck is a Professor in the School of Health Sciences & Social Work at Griffith University, Gold Coast. She completed a postdoctoral research fellowship in the Stanford University School of Medicine (California). She has published over 100 scientific papers, and more recently, with her Griffith colleagues, published the results of the LIFTMOR, clinical trials which re-established the benchmark of exercise as therapy for osteoporosis and low bone mass. She has turned these results into a bone health exercise program called ONERO. https://theboneclinic.com.au/about-us/ About the host: Amelia Phillips is an exercise scientist, nutritionist, and published researcher (BSc, MNut) with a career spanning 26 years in health. She is the co-founder of Vitality360, a functional health platform that helps people gain deep insights into their health and make targeted changes for lasting vitality.A respected media presenter, Amelia has been featured on Channel 9’s hit show Do You Want to Live Forever? and is dedicated to helping people build a life of energy, connection, and purpose at any age or stage of life.Instagram: @_amelia_phillipsHave a question? Email: ap@ameliaphillips.com.auFind out more at: www.ameliaphillips.com.auDiscover Vitality360: https://v360.health CREDITSHost: Amelia Phillips Guest: Audio Producer: Darren RothMusic: Matt Nicholich Production Partner: Nova Entertainment Pty Ltd Healthy Her acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the Land we have recorded this podcast on, the Gadigal people of the Eora Nation. We pay our respects to their Elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Would you like access to our advanced agency training for FREE? https://www.agencymastery360.com/training Do you have a sales system in place for showcasing your agencies services at a low-cost price point that creates an easy “yes” for your prospects? Many agencies are giving away insights in order to land big projects. However, a well-crafted foot-in-the-door offer helps you close clients faster by giving them a taste of what it's like to work with your agency, but also allows you to qualify whether a prospect is the right fit for your agency and team. Today's featured guest shares how productizing his offer helped streamline his sales process and communicate a clear value proposition. Furthermore, after building his strategic foot-in-the-door offer, he's been testing different pricing models to make it an easy “yes” for prospects while still attracting high-quality clients. Discover practical insights on scaling your agency, improving your sales strategy, and boosting conversion rates with intentional, value-driven offers. Spencer Powell is the founder of Builder Funnel, a digital marketing agency with roots in direct mail. He shares his journey transforming his family's direct mail business into a digital marketing powerhouse, discusses strategies for converting clients faster and easier, and talks about his recent experience building a foot in the door offer, which he is currently in the process of adapting and testing. Spencer has been on the show before talking about the game-changing move to get paid for strategy instead of giving away ideas and research for free. In this episode, we'll discuss: How a productized offer can revolutionize conversions. Building a successful foot-in-the-door offer. How could rethinking the entry-level pricing benefit sales? Subscribe Apple | Spotify | iHeart Radio Sponsors and Resources Wix: Today's episode of the Smart Agency Masterclass is sponsored by Wix Studio, the all-in-one platform designed to help agencies scale without the headaches. With intuitive tools, robust native business solutions, and low maintenance, Wix Studio lets your team focus on what matters most—delivering exceptional value to your clients. Ready to take your agency to the next level? Visit wix.com/studio and discover how Wix Studio can transform your workflow, boost profits, and strengthen client relationships. Three Generations of Marketing Evolution and Adaptability Spencer's marketing roots run deep as part of a family legacy. His grandfather established a direct mail company that his father later acquired in the 1990s. Demonstrating entrepreneurial spirit early on, Spencer launched his own social media business as a side hustle immediately after college. The family business reached a turning point when Spencer's father attended an industry event where he heard direct mail was becoming obsolete. Recognizing the need to evolve, he invited Spencer to help transition the agency into the digital era. Together, they developed the agency's brand, realizing that having a niche would be an important to create a competitive advantage. This new direction proved so promising that they eventually sold off the direct mail division to concentrate fully on growing their digital brand. As the final step in this transformation, Spencer ultimately purchased his father's ownership stake and continued driving the business forward. How a Productized Offer Revolutionized Conversion Rates Like many agency owners, Spencer allowed himself to be in the sales seat for far too long, with an offer that included building custom proposals for all incoming prospects – a time-consuming process with unpredictable returns. The first step out of this was productizing his offer, which led to the creation of the "Remodeler Marketing Blueprint," a fixed-fee service providing clients with comprehensive one-year marketing strategies. This productized approach served dual purposes: it systematized the sales process while establishing a clear value proposition. Clients were offered to either implement the strategies independently using provided resources or hire the agency for full execution. By doing so, his agency not only streamlined their sales process but also established a clear value proposition and the agency's conversion rates soared from 15% to 70%. Despite this success, a one-year marketing plan was still a huge undertaking and there was opportunity to develop an even more accessible entry-level offering that could serve as a true foot-in-the-door product. 3-Step Agency Sales System to Build a Foot-In-The-Door Per Jason's suggestion, Spencer and his team borrowed the structure to build a foot in the door strategy and set up a discovery call – ranging from 15-30 minutes – which they use to assess if the prospect is a good fit, in the right industry, and are asking for services that the agency offers. If this discovery call is a success, the team will move on to selling a marketing framework call, a $497 call where they do an exhaustive run through of their website, look into their SEO and ads, and walk them through their Attract, Convert, and Measure framework. At the end of the call, the client will either take what they've learned and implement it themselves, move on to the next step of working with his agency, or ask for their money back. The framework was a success, with 35.5% of those who participated in the framework call converted into clients last year. Jason emphasized that the initial discovery call should evaluate whether prospects would be good long-term agency partners rather than just qualifying them for the framework call. Following this advice, Spencer encourages his sales team to book as many calls as possible, to get the practice they need to start discerning which prospects would actually move ahead to work with the agency and which never intended to get beyond that call. Implementing these steps was a real game changer for Spencer, who can now continually tweak, update, and improve it by recording the sales calls and review them with the team to highlight successes and room for improvement. All in all, the structure of an offering ladder will make it easier for the prospect, the sales team, and overall for the agency to offer value and better qualify clients. Rethinking Entry-Level Pricing Now, Spencer is in the process of reviewing his agency's foot-in-the-door pricing, by lowering it from the current $497 to around $197. Why charge less? Spencer finds that prospects often need to consult with higher-ups before committing to the current Price, which either slows down the process or could be the end of that interaction. However, these sorts of instances could indicate they're not speaking with a decision-maker, which agencies ideally should be when it comes to selling a foot in the door. For now, early results indicated a promising trend, with a notable increase in the number of scheduled calls and successful conversions. On one hand, this is a positive development, but it could also mean that the lower price point is also attracting prospects who are not the agency's ideal client. The team is exploring different ways to frame this pricing adjustment, such as positioning it as a limited-time offer or explaining that while the agency barely breaks even at this price point, it serves to identify genuinely interested prospects. They're also careful to clarify that this special rate doesn't reflect their standard hourly billing, which is substantially higher. It's something that Spencer will continue to evaluate with his team. If the lower price helps them acquire more clients monthly, it may prove beneficial in the short term and something they can revise in a couple of months looking, for instance, at client retention and how those relationships ultimately played 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.

Distractions obliterate your focus. By not fully-investing your attention into your work or task at hand, you are doing your brain and body a disservice. So, instead of half-assing your focus and rest, learn to set boundaries in order to limit your distractions, and your focus and health will soar! You will feel more present in all that you do. You will have more energy, and you will even become a better human along the way. Why not try to half-ass your life less? To learn more about Steve Magness, who was the inspiration for this episode, visit his site here: https://www.stevemagness.com/. I highly recommend his book, "Do Hard Things." Here are other related episodes worth checking out: 203. How to Live la Pura Vida 173. What Can You Get Out of a Morning Routine? If you want a copy of my FREE workout guide to help you manage your workouts, feel less stressed and feel more focused, then get it here. It can help you put together some workouts on-the-fly if you're traveling - enjoy! #ShredStrong Starts a New Cycle Every Month - Our Next Cycle Starts on Monday, May 5, 2025! #ShredStrong is my signature year-round strength and conditioning training program for mountain bikers and gravel cyclists, but you can join any time you want! Every week, it includes: 3 strength workouts (1 is optional), including some cardio finishers for some fun! A bike intervals session + advice on what other rides or cardio sessions to fit in. A comprehensive mobility plan to help you relax and stabilize your biking muscles. You get personalized coaching feedback and guidance from me on your exercises that you record and send me via video - it's like having a personal trainer in your pocket so you can feel confident in your movement! Every 3 months, you also get a new yoga flow from our in-house yogi, the MTB Yogi! A community video chat where we meet every 4-6 weeks to go over nutrition, training, and other tips that help you in your fitness and wellness journey. All of this is only $49 a month! Or, pay $39 a month if you pay for six months in-full (totaling $234). You can join us every month - each cycle starts around the beginning of every month, depending on the cycle! Learn more of the details of the program and sign-up HERE!  You can also join my email list here to get the latest news on future cycles of the program that start every month (I only email an average of 1-2 times a month and will never spam you). Do You Want a Coach to Help Make Training or Nutrition Easier and Simpler for You? Hi, it's me.

Would you like access to our advanced agency training for FREE? https://www.agencymastery360.com/training How often and effectively do you communicate with clients? What strategies are you implementing to build trust and develop lasting relationships to retain good clients? We all have blind spots in business, and today's featured guest identified one of the most significant ones for business owners is client communication and how messages succeed or fail to get through effectively. He'll share his journey of starting a business with the mission of helping business owners identify and repair communication gaps with clients to forge stronger relationships and discuss how he found his niche. He'll also address common communication blind spots that undermine client relationships and emphasize why agency owners must remember that this is fundamentally a relationship business—one where building connections should precede any sales pitch. Join us for insights into marketing, communication, and the importance of addressing blind spots in both business and life. Tim Riddle is the founder of Discover Blind Spots, a marketing agency that specializes in helping financial advisors uncover and address these blind spots in their marketing and messaging. He shares his journey into the marketing agency world, the origin of his agency's unique name, and how his exploration of blind spots in life led him to identify communication as a critical area where businesses often struggle. In this episode, we'll discuss: Choosing a niche in solving their common blind spots. 2 key elements of client communication. Letting clients have the spotlight to build trust.  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. Choosing a Niche and Solving their Common Blind Spot Tim's agency name, Discover Blind Spots, originated from a book he had written years before contemplating entrepreneurship. In "Blind Spots: What You Don't See Can Hurt You," he explored various cognitive and perceptual gaps people commonly experience. During his research, he found one theme kept coming up: communication failures. With entrepreneurial insight, Tim recognized this widespread communication gap as a potential business opportunity. He launched his venture with an ambitious vision of transforming business owners' careers through improved communication. Despite starting with no clients and no immediate prospects, he couldn't let go of the idea without at least trying. Initially, he started by offering his services for free asking only for positive reviews, aiming to build credibility and visibility. However, the true turning point came unexpectedly during a conversation with a friend who was a financial advisor. During their conversation, Tim inquired about his friend's client relationship management approach and got the typical answer of meeting with them for lunch every once in a while. When Tim learned his friend had approximately 300 clients but had only arranged a handful of lunches that year, he saw an opportunity to fill that communicational gap and offered a tailored solution that included creating content, both video and written that would reflect the advisor's voice and perspective, to authentically communicate and engage with his clients. It was a risk to pivot his focus towards financial advisors, a sector he had not originally planned to target, but it was this very risk that led to the establishment of a successful niche for his agency. Transitioning to Premium Pricing Based on Value While that was his first introduction to what would become his niche going forward, it did not immediately translate into paid work. The relationship with this financial advisor served as a crucial stepping stone rather than a direct revenue source. That milestone came later, as Tim's friend introduced him and recommended him to more potential clients and his opportunities in the sector grew. Once he saw the opportunity to monetize his services, Tim started by charging a modest $500 per project, a common approach among agency owners. Finally, once he landed his first big client, he was asked to come up with a monthly fee and upgraded to charging $5,000 per month. It was a shift to a value-based pricing model most agency owners take too long to adopt and a starting point to truly start scaling the agency. 2 Key Elements of Top-Notch Client Communication We've all experienced customer service that starts strong during the sales process but deteriorates once the purchase is complete. Poor follow-up communication leaves clients with unanswered questions about their purchase, casting a negative shadow over the entire experience. Responsiveness: Tim believes silence is the enemy in client relationships. He says there's never a good reason to allow communication gaps that make clients question the relationship. Likewise, he warns against applying a transactional mindset to a relationship-driven business. This only serves to frustrate clients and lead to missed opportunities. Being responsive doesn't mean having immediate answers or dropping everything to find them. Often, a simple acknowledgment that you don't have the information yet but are working to get it promptly can significantly reassure clients. Adaptability: Another key aspect of Tim's approach is identifying each client's preferred communication channel early in the relationship. People have different preferences—some avoid phone calls and find emails to be less intrusive while others prefer them as a quicker way to solve an issue. By adapting to the client's preferred mode of communication, agencies can save considerable time and stress. Interestingly, if you're attentive, clients often reveal their communication preferences through their behavior without you having to ask directly. For instance, if a client rarely responds to emails but answers calls promptly, they likely prefer handling matters quickly by phone. Taking the extra effort to communicate in a style that resonates with each client leads to faster resolutions and more productive partnerships. Allowing Clients to Have the Spotlight Leads to Trust & Effective Communication Tim's efforts to adapt to clients have extended beyond just communication channels to improve the overall client experience, particularly during initial meetings. Traditionally, he would schedule two-hour sessions packed with questions, aiming to leave with a comprehensive 90-day action plan. More recently, however, he began to start the meeting by asking the client “tell me a little about yourself”. This can lead to a 5-minute summary or a 30-minute account of their business' history but Tim finds letting the client feel heard helps out them at ease and leads to smoother more amicable meetings. As an expert, you might quickly identify solutions to a client's problems within minutes of meeting them. However, rushing to provide answers won't help establish the trust necessary for a successful partnership. Building that sense of safety requires patience—sitting back and truly listening as clients share what they believe is essential information. This approach enables them to feel confident that you have a complete understanding of their situation before developing an action plan.  People have a fundamental desire to be understood. By creating space for clients to share their stories and experiences, businesses can cultivate meaningful trust and rapport that serve as the bedrock for successful long-term relationships. 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.

Episode Highlights[00:00] Define the Lifestyle You Want Ryan and Brook explore how lifestyle preferences directly shape your business model—with a story about a misaligned business partner whose “no Mondays or Fridays” rule clashed with growth goals.[07:03] How Many Clients Do You Actually Want? Your ideal number of clients determines everything—from your schedule to your business model to your pricing. Ryan and Brook explain how to align this with your mission, energy, and season of life.[14:06] How Much Revenue Feels Right (for You)? Brook introduces a values-based money framework—Survival, Stability, Success, Significance—and shares how redefining your financial targets around lifestyle and season can bring clarity and peace.[21:53] Finding the Right Price Point Reverse-engineering your pricing based on hours, income goals, and delivery style leads to aligned offers. Ryan and Brook also discuss why ROI-based offers often support higher price points—and why emotional integrity still matters most.[32:37] Do You Want a Team or Just More Time? Not everyone wants to manage people—and that's okay. Ryan and Brook unpack what it really takes to lead a team, why some people change their minds, and how to know if building a company is right for you.[49:18] You Have Permission to Rebuild If your current business doesn't align with what you truly want, don't be afraid to break it. Ryan shares why smart reinvention beats staying stuck—and how to begin that process with intention.

Would you like access to our advanced agency training for FREE? https://www.agencymastery360.com/training What truly makes clients choose one agency over another? What are the essential qualities that elevate an agency from service provider to trusted partner? Today's featured guest brings a rare 360-degree perspective to these crucial questions. As a fractional CMO with extensive experience on both sides of the relationship, our guest provides unique insights into the dynamics of successful agency-client partnerships. Tune in for actionable insights that will help agencies strengthen their client relationships, refine their service approach, and position themselves as indispensable strategic partners. Alex Hultgren is a seasoned fractional CMO with extensive experience in both client and agency roles. He shares his journey through the marketing landscape, from starting at Ford Motor Company and leading marketing efforts at Polaris to transitioning to agency life at Hayworth and later starting his own business. Alex discusses the expectations that brands have when working with agencies, what he used to look for in an ideal agency partner, and the reason he kept his business boutique and has chose to work with contractors. In this episode, we'll discuss: Learning to forge deep agency partnerships in corporate marketing. Elements of effective agency relationships. Why he chose to prioritize autonomy over growth. Subscribe Apple | Spotify | iHeart Radio Sponsors and Resources Wix: Today's episode of the Smart Agency Masterclass is sponsored by Wix Studio, the all-in-one platform designed to help agencies scale without the headaches. With intuitive tools, robust native business solutions, and low maintenance, Wix Studio lets your team focus on what matters most—delivering exceptional value to your clients. Ready to take your agency to the next level? Visit wix.com/studio and discover how Wix Studio can transform your workflow, boost profits, and strengthen client relationships. Forging Deep Agency Partnerships in Corporate Marketing Alex's professional trajectory spanned both corporate and agency environments before culminating in entrepreneurship. He started his career working at Ford Motor Company, as part of their marketing leadership program for fourteen years, and then running marketing for Victory Motorcycle as part of Polaris. He then went on to work on the agency side as one of the three leads of Walmart's media accounts at Hayworth. In 2021 he decided to take all that experience to build his own business. During his time at Ford, Alex only ever worked with one agency team, the team at JTW. Although large corporations normally have many agencies working at different projects at a time, Ford preferred to maintain an exclusive agency partnership and, even when digital marketing started to be an important part of their strategy, they only used other agencies as contractors for limited periods. On one hand, this meant there weren't many options if he didn't like the work, other than asking them to go back to the drawing board. On the other hand, it also meant they formed a deeply integrated partnership, as they were more of an extension of his team than merely external service providers. By contrast, at Polaris he had a fraction of the budget but found himself coordinating multiple specialized agencies handling different aspects of the business, which proved to be considerable demanding. However, in both cases he always saw agencies as partners and part of his team. The Foundation of Effective Agency Partnerships In choosing agencies, one of the major problems Alex encountered was agencies that promised they could deliver on something when they clearly couldn't. For him, it came down to Could they be trusted to do the work? Did they know what they were doing? Most clients are looking for agencies that can alleviate their burdens by providing solutions without requiring micromanagement. Hence, an ideal agency partner should be able to take a problem, devise a solution, and communicate progress effectively. However, trust is not enough when communication is lacking and one of the major hurdles Alex faced working on the client side was getting enough clarity from the company on what they wanted from the agency. To bridge this gap, agencies must take the initiative to foster open lines of communication. This includes asking the right questions to extract meaningful feedback from clients and internal stakeholders. Finally, Alex also believes an agency should be able to take calculated risks because innovative ideas can sometimes face resistance from traditional corporate structures. The ability to push through skepticism and advocate for creative solutions is a testament to the trust that exists within a strong agency-client relationship. To address this client skepticism about design or content choices, Alex suggests AB testing the material and see how customers behave. This approach shifts the conversation from subjective preferences to measurable customer behavior—the ultimate metric for evaluating marketing effectiveness. Prioritizing Autonomy Over Growth Even after successfully scaling his agency, Alex made a deliberate choice to maintain a lean operation, preferring to collaborate with contractors rather than building a traditional team structure. To him, the more traditional style seemed like an option that would take away the flexibility and freedom he hoped to obtain by building his business. Right now, he has the ultimate authority regarding what work and clients he takes on, and it's not something he would give up. While operating as a small agency might seem limiting, Alex is part of a group that provides him with extensive capabilities without sacrificing independence. This federation—called the Chameleon Collective, is comprised of 40-50 fractional executives (CMOs, CROs, and CTOs) alongside approximately ninety specialized marketing experts and enables a modular approach to team building. This model also addresses a problem that plagues big organizations: meeting waste. From his time working at Ford Alex remembers the frustration of back-to-back meetings that yield little value. He sees a need to reevaluate the purpose of meetings, advocating for a shift away from status updates that could be conveyed via email to more focused discussions aimed at problem-solving, as well as scheduling 15-minute meetings instead of defaulting to longer time blocks and empowering team members to opt out of meetings that do not pertain to their roles. Ultimately, Alex has prioritized an agency model that prioritizes effectiveness, strategic alignment, and adaptability—values that directly contrast with the rigid structures he experienced in his corporate career. 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.

Creatine is one of the most researched supplements in the world, and it is found to be safe and effective. However, creatine use among women is vastly under-researched (what else is new?). Recent research is including more women (which we desperately need!), and the current research is showing that women store and synthesize less creatine than males. In this episode, I explain the differences between women and men when to comes to creatine supplementation, and how dosage can be adjusted, if at all. Here's the study I referenced in this episode if you'd like to nerd-out on it with me: PMID 33800439: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33800439/ Here are other episodes worth checking out: 161. All About Creatine and Q+A 208. The Downsides and Dangers of Supplements Working out and trying a new variety of movements is a great way to improve your health. If you want a copy of my FREE workout guide to help you manage your workouts, feel less stressed and feel more focused, then get it here. It can help you put together some workouts on-the-fly if you're traveling - enjoy! #ShredStrong Starts a New Cycle Every Month - Our Next Cycle Starts on Monday, May 5, 2025! #ShredStrong is my signature year-round strength and conditioning training program for mountain bikers and gravel cyclists, but you can join any time you want! Every week, it includes: 3 strength workouts (1 is optional), including some cardio finishers for some fun! A bike intervals session + advice on what other rides or cardio sessions to fit in. A comprehensive mobility plan to help you relax and stabilize your biking muscles. You get personalized coaching feedback and guidance from me on your exercises that you record and send me via video - it's like having a personal trainer in your pocket so you can feel confident in your movement! Every 3 months, you also get a new yoga flow from our in-house yogi, the MTB Yogi! A community video chat where we meet every 4-6 weeks to go over nutrition, training, and other tips that help you in your fitness and wellness journey. All of this is only $49 a month! Or, pay $39 a month if you pay for six months in-full (totaling $234). You can join us every month - each cycle starts around the beginning of every month, depending on the cycle! Learn more of the details of the program and sign-up HERE!  You can also join my email list here to get the latest news on future cycles of the program that start every month (I only email an average of 1-2 times a month and will never spam you). Do You Want a Coach to Help Make Training or Nutrition Easier and Simpler for You? Hi, it's me.

Go to KushyDreams.com and use Promo Code JOMBOY420 for 30% off and enter to win free stuff!Enjoy baseball around the clock! Download and play MLB 9 Innings 25 https://bit.ly/Play_MLB_9Innings_2025++++Timestamps:0:00 Do You Want to See Skip Bayless on This Show?3:40 The NL is Nuts  4:20 New York Yankees13:00 Texas Rangers16:05 Boston Red Sox  20:55 Toronto Blue Jays  25:25 Baltimore Orioles  29:50 The AL Central is Hard to Believe In  34:00 Houston Astros  36:00 Seattle Mariners39:45 NFL Draft is Coming!

Would you like access to our advanced agency training for FREE? https://www.agencymastery360.com/training Are you still relying on basic ChatGPT prompts while your competitors create intelligent systems that work for them around the clock? The gap between basic AI users and strategic implementers is widening rapidly—and it could determine which agencies thrive in the coming years. Today's featured guest leads the pack for this AI revolution. Through systematic implementation of advanced automation solutions, she drove an impressive 20% productivity increase across her agency's operations. By strategically integrating AI technologies throughout their processes, she's transformed her agency's capabilities and efficiency. Additionally, she's now also helping businesses achieve these same results. Join us as we explore the exciting opportunities AI presents for businesses today and learn about her most successful tool: AI agents. We welcome back Khushbu Doshi, COO of E2M Solutions, a white label agency partner where she focuses on driving more business and creating a world-class experience for their agency community to help them grow and reach their goals. With over eight years of experience and having worked with more than 500 agencies, Khushbu dives into her recent journey exploring AI, including a significant productivity boost of 20% through automation. She also talks about AI agents, explaining how they differ from simply using tools like ChatGPT, and highlights their potential to streamline processes and enhance efficiency for agencies. In this episode, we'll discuss: Why agents are the next step in AI usage in agencies. AI-powered onboarding. Ideas to expand AI application.  Subscribe Apple | Spotify | iHeart Radio The Next Evolution of AI for Agencies: From Prompt Engineering to AI Agents Most people think of AI innovation as learning to use ChatGPT and asking the right questions to get the most effective answers. While prompt engineering certainly has value, it represents only the beginning of AI's potential for agency operations. The next evolution—AI agents—offers significantly more sophisticated capabilities that can transform agency workflows. Agents are a more specialized application of artificial intelligence designed to perform specific tasks based on user-defined parameters. How is this relevant for agencies? Unlike general-purpose AI tools, which provide responses based on a broad range of inputs, AI agents can be customized to understand and execute particular functions. They can be trained to understand particular clients, recall campaign histories, apply agency-specific methodologies, and operate within defined strategic frameworks. This means that agency teams now have the ability to develop custom AI agents trained to operate according to specific requirements. The resulting tool works much better compared to just a conversation with ChatGPT. AI-Powered Employee Onboarding For agency owners interested in exploring AI agents, the process is remarkably accessible. Starting on the ChatGPT platform, users can simply select "create," name their agent, and begin training it with relevant information like branding guidelines, past success stories, and common client challenges. In her case, Khushbu also uses AI agents for onboarding new new team members dreading the prospect of reading through extensive standard operating procedure (SOP) documents. However, it's still a vital part of their training, so Khushbu thought of updating the process and making it more dynamic by training an agent to be an SOP expert. She fed it all the SOPs and instructed it to answer only the questions asked to it without searching the internet. This way, the SOPs are the agent's knowledge base, never defaulting to the web for answers. After implementing this system, Khushbu conducted a comparative test by providing new team members with both traditional SOP documentation and access to the AI agent. The new team members were fascinated by the idea of not having to go to a supervisor with their questions and maybe feeling inadequate. Instead, they can ask as many questions as they like without feeling judged. This efficiency not only saves time but also allows team members to focus on more strategic tasks rather than getting bogged down in repetitive information retrieval. Expanding AI Agent Applications in Agency Operations Quality Assurance Automation AI agents also excel in quality testing and following precise procedures consistently. You can program an agent to follow detailed checklists, ensuring that all necessary steps in a process are completed efficiently, thereby saving time and resources while maintaining high standards. Khushbu suggests implementing a fallback strategy for comprehensive quality assessment. When an agent encounters limitations in its testing capability, it should clearly document: Which items it successfully evaluated Which items it couldn't assess Specific reasons for any testing limitations This strategy delivers substantial efficiency gains even when complete automation isn't possible. If the agent can only check 300 out of a list of 500 points, it has still reduced the amount of work for the assigned employee to do by 200 points. Creating an AI Agency Within Your Agency Furthermore, you can program agents to work a specific role within your team and have several agents to communicate with each other. In this sense, you can build an AI social media team, with a CMO, strategist, tester, etc, and automate 90% of the marketing process. With AI agents generating ideas, testing concepts, producing initial drafts, and evaluating performance metrics, the human team can then focus on selecting optimal approaches, refining creative elements, and adding the distinctive perspective that differentiates the agency's work. Competitive Intelligence Automation Finally, it's also a great way to automate the research needed in your particular industry. If you want to know what your competitors are up to, just program an agent to do that research for you and present a summary of the campaigns they're running and you'll be saving a lot of time. A Wake-Up Call for AI-Reluctant Agencies Right now it seems every day there are new ways to integrate AI into your agency services and it can be as exciting as it can be overwhelming. Just remember that this technology has the potential to make your life easier in many ways, and that's how it should be used. As organizations explore the potential of AI tools, try to remain open-minded and proactive in seeking out innovative solutions. Khushbu encourages listeners to look beyond the mainstream offerings and discover the myriad of tools that can enhance their operations. By doing so, they can position themselves at the forefront of technological advancements and operational efficiency. Refusing to use AI nowadays would be like refusing to use the internet back in the late 90s. The technology is already here so there's no going back; It's only a matter of whether or not you're willing to adapt and not be left behind. 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 Is SEO still a viable service offering? If you're an SEO agency, are you at risk for extinction? With AI taking over many industries at the moment, it's no wonder people are asking if it's rise means the death of SEO. Today's featured guest is an SEO expert that found her path into the industry after discovering her passion for tech. She discusses how AI is reshaping the SEO industry — not eliminating it, but transforming its execution and potential. The fundamental principles that have always driven search engine optimization continue to matter, though their implementation evolves alongside technological advancement. Tune in to gain insights into how forward-thinking businesses are adapting their SEO strategies to thrive in this new environment, and gain practical insights for navigating this shifting digital terrain. Lindsay Halsey is the owner of Pathfinder SEO an agency that helps clients grow their recurring revenue by getting the system, tools, and training to add SEO services to their agency. She reflects on the early days of SEO, reminisces about outdated practices, and talks about why the rise of artificial intelligence and “alternative search engines” does not mean you should stop investing in SEO. In this episode, we'll discuss: 3 core principles of SEO that haven't changed. Did AI kill SEO? Subscribe Apple | Spotify | iHeart Radio Sponsors and Resources Wix: Today's episode of the Smart Agency Masterclass is sponsored by Wix Studio, the all-in-one platform designed to help agencies scale without the headaches. With intuitive tools, robust native business solutions, and low maintenance, Wix Studio lets your team focus on what matters most—delivering exceptional value to your clients. Ready to take your agency to the next level? Visit wix.com/studio an Turning a Love of Digital Technology into an SEO Agency In the early days of SEO, when tactics like hiding keywords in same-colored backgrounds were still common practice, Lindsay was finding her footing in a vastly different field working as a ski patroller and mountain guide. Her dramatic career shift came through a HTML and CSS course at her local community college that developed a consuming passion for technology. As she devoted increasingly more time to computer work, her hobby naturally transitioned into a professional opportunity, leading to her first position as an SEO account manager at a local agency. After gaining valuable experience during her two-year tenure at the agency, Lindsay took the entrepreneurial leap. Partnering with a colleague and securing their first client, she launched her own business. In retrospect, she knows their initial pricing structure was too conservative—offering SEO and Google Ads services for merely $500. Despite this undervaluation, she's proud of having prioritized recurring revenue from the start, a lesson she took from her years at the previous agency. Unlike project-based work, which often creates financial unpredictability, a subscription model provides the stable financial foundation necessary for strategic planning and sustainable growth. Within the first year of launching their agency, they managed to generate enough recurring revenue to pay themselves salaries that surpassed what they earned in their previous jobs, which was an important victory that helped cement their belief in the business. 3 Core Principles of SEO in 2025: The principles of SEO have undergone significant transformations over the 15 years that Lindsay has been in the space. At its core, however, the values that guide the industry remain and now Google has gotten better as measuring and rewarding them: User experience. You need to have a well-built and secure website that is easy to use and has good design. Genuine experience and expertise. No more getting away with lame content that just repeats keywords. External validation. There have to be external signals that validate a brand's expertise. This includes back links from reputable websites, positive Google reviews, and the establishment of authority figures within the organization. Did AI Kill SEO? The conversation around Search Engine Optimization often oscillates between optimism and skepticism. Lately, it has focused on AI and why its rise means that SEO is dead. Indeed, the rise of AI has also meant a rise of “alternative search engines”. Basically, this means that people are starting to move to ask ChatGPT questions they would have previously asked the Google search engine. The answers provided by AI are rapidly improving, and users will see both advantages and disadvantages in queries answered by AI and answered by Google. For her part, Lindsay has been seeing this fear surge every couple of years in the industry and isn't worried about the inevitable questions of “should I invest in SEO? Will it even be around?” Her answer continues to be a resounding YES. There might be some changes and some trends, but there's still value of ranking in Google and so it will continue to be a part of a business's long-term strategy. Of course, as owner of an SEO agency, Lindsay continues to monitor this rise of alternative search engines and assess where they fall into the industry. It could very well be that they'll be part of the strategy moving forward. For now, her agency continues to help clients navigate that transition by creating content that helps them rank in all searches. Ultimately, SEO is adapting to new technologies and user behaviors, and by understanding and leveraging user behavior, businesses can enhance their SEO efforts, leading to greater visibility and success in the digital marketplace. 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.

Despite supplements sometimes being beneficial and having a relatively low-risk profile, there are some downsides and dangers to supplements. In this episode, I share some things to look out for when it comes to supplements, as well as a couple of things you can do to keep your safety and health in check if you decide to supplement. Some things you can look for on the labels of your supplements are that the supplement company practices Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) and you get some bonus points if they are third-party tested for accuracy and quality (this will usually cost more). Also, here are some resources for you: You can learn more here on the FDA's website if you are in the United States: https://www.fda.gov/consumers/consumer-updates/fda-101-dietary-supplements https://examine.com/ is an excellent resource for learning more about supplements and which ones may be beneficial for you, once you speak with your qualified medical professional. Here are other episodes worth checking out: 161. All About Creatine and Q+A 31. Q+A on Collagen Protein Working out and trying a new variety of movements is a great way to improve your health. If you want a copy of my FREE workout guide to help you manage your workouts, feel less stressed and feel more focused, then get it here. It can help you put together some workouts on-the-fly if you're traveling - enjoy! #ShredStrong Starts a New Cycle Every Month - Our Next Cycle Starts on Monday, May 5, 2025! #ShredStrong is my signature year-round strength and conditioning training program for mountain bikers and gravel cyclists, but you can join any time you want! Every week, it includes: 3 strength workouts (1 is optional), including some cardio finishers for some fun! A bike intervals session + advice on what other rides or cardio sessions to fit in. A comprehensive mobility plan to help you relax and stabilize your biking muscles. You get personalized coaching feedback and guidance from me on your exercises that you record and send me via video - it's like having a personal trainer in your pocket so you can feel confident in your movement! Every 3 months, you also get a new yoga flow from our in-house yogi, the MTB Yogi! A community video chat where we meet every 4-6 weeks to go over nutrition, training, and other tips that help you in your fitness and wellness journey. All of this is only $49 a month! Or, pay $39 a month if you pay for six months in-full (totaling $234). You can join us every month - each cycle starts around the beginning of every month, depending on the cycle! Learn more of the details of the program and sign-up HERE!  You can also join my email list here to get the latest news on future cycles of the program that start every month (I only email an average of 1-2 times a month and will never spam you). Do You Want a Coach to Help Make Training or Nutrition Easier and Simpler for You? Hi, it's me.

Would you like access to our advanced agency training for FREE? https://www.agencymastery360.com/training Do you have the right team in place to remove yourself from fulfillment and sales? What about a partner that may no longer be aligned with the agency's vision or culture? Today's featured guest figured out a perfect niche for his abilities in data analytics and went on to create his agency. Along the road, he was met with unexpected challenges, like finding out the right employees are not necessarily the ones with the most expertise, ending partnerships that turned out to be fundamentally misaligned, and the best way to ensure he's always working with his ideal audience. Learn about the lessons he's learned with each bump on the road, and the most important lesson about losing clients to a price increase. Jacob Baadsgaard is the founder of Disruptive Advertising, a performance marketing agency that only works with selected brands to create game-changing magic and help them reach their goals, make a positive impact on the world, and claim the leading edge in their industries. With over 13 years in the industry, Jake discusses his journey into digital marketing, how he tested his business model leveraging data to benefit smaller businesses, setting up the mechanisms for an amicable partner split, and how he narrowed down the ideal audience his team needed to focus on to improve client relationships. In this episode, we'll discuss: How to make a drama-free partner split. Hiring for the needs of the agency as it grows. 3 key questions to assess lead viability.  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. Finding a Gap and Turning Expertise into an Agency Armed with a degree in information systems, Jake started his career by helping large corporations analyze and integrate their backend customer data, identifying the effectiveness of their paid advertising efforts. Jacob recognized that even industry giants struggled with data integration and saw an opportunity to build a freelance career offering this specialized expertise. Later he expanded offering beyond large corporations by helping small businesses as well. As much as he liked data, implementing it was where the money and the opportunities are at. This is how he went from just analyzing datas to helping clients develop smarter marketing strategies. He shows his clients they don't need to outspend their competition, just outsmart them by spending where it matters most. Re-Negotiating Price Based on Value Jacob started offering his services for free to test whether or not his methods could really help grow a business. Once he had clear evidence of his value, the experiment was over and it was time for a structured pricing model, initially charging $2,000 per month and later increasing to $5,000. However, as he was managing marketing budgets worth hundreds of thousands of dollars per month he realized his rates were still a bargain for these companies. Once he brought up the subject of renegotiating his rate, he faced resistance. Rather than compromise his worth, he held firm at the risk of losing clients by maintaining what he knew was his value. Some clients did go to other agencies, and after realizing how much the work was actually worth, came back willing to work out a new deal with him. Early Planning for a Partner Split Saves Headaches Later Jacob realized he needed help on with fulfillment if he wanted to grow. However, he struggled to find the right talent. Initially, he hired his high school best friend, which could have gone sideways in many ways, but thankfully proved to be an effective working relationship. On the other hand, he had a different experience with his first partner. Lacking confidence in his independent capabilities, he initially sought a partner to help launch the business. Within months, it became clear the partnership was fundamentally misaligned. One of the biggest lessons for him was that he should've trusted his own ability to start the business by himself, rather than getting into a partnership he wasn't 100% sure of. Fortunately, Jacob had taken the step to work with an attorney who helped him place a clear exit strategy in case things didn't work out. The pre-agreed terms allowed each partner to retain clients they had originally brought to the business. Thanks to this foresight, the already emotional process of splitting up a partnership ended up not being a logistical nightmare. Hiring for the Needs of the Agency as it Grows For any agency owner, the entrepreneurial journey is marked by distinct "no-man's land" moments that challenge their agency's development. For Jacob, the first one he recalls was growing beyond himself, which he solved by hiring three or four people to help him execute contracts and get to a couple million dollars in revenue. The next hurdle had to do with sales leadership, as he felt the weight handling that part of the business all by himself. While his team had mastered contract execution, Jacob recognized the need to remove himself from the sales process to continue scaling. Initially, he made some expensive hires based on expertise. However, it didn't yield the results he expected. The new hires brought with them established methodologies and approaches that may have worked in different contexts but did not align with his agency's unique needs and culture. In fact, what really worked later on was hiring a young and hungry sales person without a lot of experience but was eager to learn and take things off his plate. 3 Key Questions to Assess Lead Viability The next challenge Jacob overcame was figuring out his target audience. Without this, his agency was churning as many clients as they were selling on a monthly basis. As he recalls, the agency's experiences with proof-of-concept clients often led to a high rate of employee dissatisfaction and operational headaches. These clients, while potentially promising, frequently lacked the financial stability and established business models necessary for a fruitful partnership. Ultimately, this led the agency to reassess its client selection criteria and better define their target by training the team to ask three important questions when assessing a lead: Are they viable? What is the revenue threshold that makes this company able to afford you? For Jake's agency, it was three to five million in revenue. Are they win-win minded? Meaning, do they only care about making money or have they shown they also care about their customers and employees? Can you show results in 6 months? Jacob knows its important to be impactful right away. For that reason, he asks himself if the team will be able to make a substantial improvement to the prospect's business in the first 6 months working together. If the answer to each of these questions is yes, then it's right for a successful relationship. Keep the Message Simple When Marketing Your Agency There's a tendency for marketers to complicate their messaging, often in an attempt to convey too much information at once. This approach can confuse potential clients and dilute the core message that needs to be communicated. The point of effective marketing is to attract attention and guide the audience through a clear and structured journey. Jason urges agency owners to have this in mind when doing their own marketing, since this emotional connection can cloud judgment, making it difficult for entrepreneurs to view their marketing strategies objectively. This mindset shift will be especially necessary when you're thinking about selling your business, which many business owners can see as selling a part of themselves. Instead of equating your identity with the business, detach your self-worth from their business roles so you can make more rational decisions regarding marketing and business operations that will ultimately lead to better outcomes. 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   Does your agency do spec creative work for pitches? How do you decide which pitches are worth your time? Do you have criteria for pitches that will positively impact your agency? Pitching is a very condensed and unreal way to work and many times you spin your wheels without producing the best results. Today's featured guest specializes in connecting brands with ideal agency partners, employing a meticulous approach to matchmaking benefitting both parties. The process of selecting a client-agency partnerships is intensive. For agencies looking to stand out, the key lies in demonstrating their unique value proposition and gaining a deeper understanding of what brands are looking for and how to evaluate which pitches would bring more benefits for the business. Tom Denford is the co-founder and CEO of ID Comms, an advisory and analytics firm dedicated to helping brands optimize their media strategies. With extensive experience in conducting pitches, Tom provides valuable tips on what makes a pitch successful, why agencies should consider whether their capabilities match the project, and other important questions to ask to decide who to pitch for. In this episode, we'll discuss: No more spec work: resetting client expectations. Focusing on big name clients. 4 questions before pitching a client. Subscribe Apple | Spotify | iHeart Radio Sponsors and Resources Wix: Today's episode of the Smart Agency Masterclass is sponsored by Wix Studio, the all-in-one platform designed to help agencies scale without the headaches. With intuitive tools, robust native business solutions, and low maintenance, Wix Studio lets your team focus on what matters most—delivering exceptional value to your clients. Ready to take your agency to the next level? Visit wix.com/studio and discover how Wix Studio can transform your workflow, boost profits, and strengthen client relationships. Finding The Best Agency Candidates to Work with Brands Tom's agency primarily serves marketing and procurement leaders in consumer-facing brands. They help them building internal teams to manage media, finding and contracting pitches, and providing analytics to ensure that every marketing dollar is utilized efficiently. As he sees it, his services can be summed up as follows: Finding candidates that meet the clients' needs. Once they establish a scope of work or a particular ambition on the part of the brand, they make a list of agencies that have the capabilities to service that scope. Taking money off the table. Tom and his team don't want the final decision between agencies to come down to price, so they try to be very clear about the media rates they can get and what the terms and conditions will be. Give the clients space and time. Clients need space and time to fall in love with the people since ultimately, even in global pitches, the relationships are what will matter the most. No More Spec Work: How to Reset Client Expectations For years, agencies have been strategically working to redefine their approach to client acquisition. The traditional pitch process, which often requires creatives to offer their intellectual property without compensation, has become increasingly problematic. Tom believes it's not appropriate for brands to expect creatives to give away their ideas, as it is their intellectual property. On the media side, he says, pitches tend to come with conditions, wherein the advertiser will have rights over the work. Agencies should seek to change the dynamic by offering a paid brainstorm session. The client will have the right to keep any ideas that result from that session and the agency gets paid for their work and has the opportunity to turn that session into a larger agreement. Some clients won't like the idea of a paid session and that's okay. The point is to try to move away from the norm of work without any guarantees. Working with multi-million dollar companies that can't sit down for a meeting or paid session with several agencies, Tom knows it all comes down to the capabilities first and foremost. Although it's fair that the customer gets to stress test the agency's capabilities, he is very against the idea of treating the selection like a beauty pageant. Hence, he asks his CMOs to write down a brief detailing exactly what they expect from an agency, in terms of capabilities, culture, etc. so they can bring the best candidates to them. In the end, it's fair for both brands and agencies can develop their own set of rules regarding how to evaluate a potential relationship. Should You Focus on Having Big-Name Clients? Many agency owners fall into the trap of equating success with high-profile clients, feeling pressured to impress their peers with a roster of recognized brands. In reality, you don't need to work with the biggest clients to have a successful agency and you don't have to pursue them if you don't want to. You can walk into agency events not having worked with the biggest brands but knowing your business is far more profitable than many there. Separate your ego from those types of decisions so you can differentiate when a client will actually be good for the business. Having clarity about your goals will allow you to make those decisions. Do you have a clear vision of your goals with the agency? Have you outlined who your ideal client is and the niche you want to focus on? If not, then ask yourself what would you do and who would you be working for if you were paid on performance only? Lack of clarity is something Tom deals with as reviews proposals from agencies driven more by ego than strategic intent. They want to say they won a very lucrative deal with a big brand but are not thinking whether they have the capabilities to do the work or have a clear idea or how it will positively impact their business. Such approaches are fraught with risk and can ultimately undermine an agency's reputation and financial stability. 4 Questions to Ask When Deciding Whether to Pitch Tom mostly works with brands looking for agency partners and has useful tips for agency owners and CEOs to assess potential opportunities. He advises agency owners to always ask themselves these four questions when reviewing a pitch brief: Is it winnable? A lot of pitches are more like clients trying to start a pageant and solicit ideas without the intention of presenting a genuine opportunity. If there's a consultant like himself involved, Tom suggests calling them to see what the brand really wants and make decisions based on that. Do we want to win this? Winning new business can be enticing, but not every opportunity aligns with the agency's vision or long-term goals. So reflect on your strategic priorities because you can do far better pitching three times for the right clients than pitching ten times without a clear understanding of how the opportunity fits into your overall strategy. Can we win this? This is where you assess your capabilities in relation to the brief. If you truly don't have those capabilities, Tom advises you don't waste your time. Stretching your competencies too thin leads to disappointment and reputational harm. How can we win this? Do you really understand how the decisions are being made? Tom sees many agencies rush in thinking it's all about the ideas. Meanwhile, creativity is but a small part of the evaluation criteria. So what is the real criteria? Knowing this is how you'll make an actually informed decision. If you can say yes to these four questions, then go ahead and make your pitch. This selective approach will not only save agencies time but also allows them to focus their efforts on opportunities that align with their capabilities, culture, and vision. 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.

Stories in this episode:  The Man on the Train | h3xgoth (0:40) "Do You Want a Lift?" | SlyEnemy (9:37) Unsure of This Woman's Intentions... | thousandsofworms (16:34) I Had A Stalker | jordyn_skye (22:02) Creepy Encounter on Long Haul Train | Maria-Olsen23 (29:20) My Coworker Became My Worst Nightmare | StalkedInTennessee (38:30) Extended Patreon Content: Hotel Nightmare | Sunshine2020 The Old, Drunk Man | Felix My Old Friend Daniel | Eri "There Are Magnets in the Walls!" | Liv Due to periodic changes in ad placement, time stamps are estimates and are not always accurate. Join the Discord: https://discord.gg/84WXQud4gE Follow: - Twitch - https://twitch.tv/crypticcounty - Website - https://letsnotmeetpodcast.com/ - Patreon - https://patreon.com/letsnotmeetpodcast - Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/letsnotmeetcast/ - TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@crypticcounty Check out the other Cryptic County podcasts like Odd Trails, Cryptic Encounters, and the Old Time Radiocast at CrypticCountyPodcasts.com or wherever you get your podcasts!    Get access to extended, ad-free episodes of Let's Not Meet: A True Horror Podcast with bonus stories every week at a higher bitrate along with a bunch of other great exclusive material and merch at patreon.com/letsnotmeetpodcast. This podcast would not be possible to continue at this rate without the help of the support of the legendary LNM Patrons. Come join the family! Start your hair growth journey with Nutrafol. For a limited time, Nutrafol is offering our listeners $10 off your first month's subscription and free shipping when you go to Nutrafol.com and enter the promo code MEET.  Get more done with Grammarly. Download Grammarly for FREE at grammarly.com/podcast.  All of the stories you've heard this week were narrated and produced with the permission of their respective authors. Let's Not Meet: A True Horror Podcast is not associated with Reddit or any other message boards online. To submit your story to the show, send it to letsnotmeetstories@gmail.com.  

A Lenten Spiritual Journey with Discerning Hearts: From Ashes to Glory – Discerning Hearts Podcast Day 27: “Do You Want to Be Made Whole?” Scripture Reading (Jerusalem Bible): Isaiah 65:17-21“Thus says the Lord: I am about to create new heavens and a new earth… Be glad and rejoice forever in what I am creating… No ... Read more The post Day 27: “Do You Want to Be Made Whole?” – Discerning Hearts Podcast appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.