Podcasts about retainers

Did you like the episode? Send me a text and let me know!! Productized Services: The Hourly Trap Debunked | Pi & Piette 2.0 | Business Conversations Episode Summary: Is charging by the hour slowly killing your business before it even starts? In this episode of Business Conversations with Pi and Piette 2.0, AI voices PI and Piette tackle one of the most critical decisions every founder faces: should you charge hourly or package your skills into a productized service from day one? Spoiler — the data says ditch the hourly model immediately. Drawing from John Warrillow's Built to Sell, Paul Jarvis' Company of One, a Journal of Business Research academic paper, and a raw interview with agency founder Brad Martin, this episode gives you a complete roadmap for building a service business that generates predictable revenue, eliminates scope creep, and ultimately doesn't need you in the room to run. What You'll Learn: Why the hourly billing model traps you in a revenue-for-effort death spiralThe three mandatory traits of a true productized service: specified, branded, pricedWhat the LUX Hotels Cinema Paradiso experience teaches us about mental tangibilityHow Brad Martin's Google Doc discovery process doubled his efficiency overnightThe "Jam Session" method for eliminating scope creep without damaging client relationshipsWhy retainers and recurring revenue are NOT the same thing — and which one actually builds business valueThe one question that forces you to stop thinking like an employee of your own companyTimestamps: [00:00:00] – Introduction & Today's Listener Question[00:01:30] – The Menu-Less Chef: Why the Custom Hourly Model Is Broken[00:03:00] – Brad Martin's Story: Giving Away the Farm Before the Contract[00:04:30] – The Hourly Trap: Why Your Business Becomes Unsellable[00:05:30] – Bespoke vs. Productized: Why the Tailor Analogy Actually Proves Our Point[00:06:30] – What Is a Productized Service? The Academic Definition[00:07:00] – The Cinema Paradiso Framework: Specified, Branded, Priced[00:08:00] – Mental Tangibility: Why Packaging Makes Clients Feel Safe[00:09:30] – Minimum Viable Profit: Paul Jarvis' Day-One Strategy[00:10:00] – Brad Martin's Google Doc Epiphany[00:11:30] – The Embarrassment Test: Launch Ugly, Launch Now[00:12:00] – Jam Sessions: The Genius Fix for Scope Creep[00:13:00] – Retainers vs. Recurring Revenue: A Critical Distinction[00:14:30] – Final Verdict & The Blank Check Thought Experiment[00:15:30] – Submit Your Question & Wrap-UpResources Mentioned:

Hello voices from the bench community, John Wilson here and I wanted to share some news about the evolution of the Programill lineup. Most importantly, Ivoclar's new PrograMill 7. What stands out right away is the reduced air consumption this mill requires, but what you'll notice first is that impressive new touchscreen. For us, the biggest advantage has been increased spindle power. My laboratory's known for these larger cases with complex geometries, and I can tell you that extra power really makes a difference. Next time you see your Ivoclar representative, be sure to ask about the PrograMill 7 and tell them John Wilson sent you. Thank you. At exocad Insights in beautiful Mallorca, we finally caught up with Felix from Imagine USA—and the timing couldn't have been better. As an exocad dealer on the front lines of digital dentistry, Felix shared his excitement about the strong turnout, the familiar faces, and most importantly, the innovation coming from exocad. What stood out most? The new exocad Hub and its cloud-based capabilities, along with powerful AI-driven tools inside DentalDB designed for efficient batch processing. For Felix and the Imagine team, it's not just about seeing what's new—it's about putting it to the test. By running new features through their own production facility first, they ensure real-world performance before bringing solutions to their customers. Beyond the technology, Felix emphasized the value of being there in person—connecting face-to-face with partners, having meaningful conversations, and stepping back to see where the industry is headed. And of course, doing it all in Mallorca doesn't hurt either. "LIVE" again at the 2026 DLAT meeting, two very different conversations came together around one common theme: the future of dental technology is still being shaped by passionate people willing to learn, teach, and adapt. First, the podcast catches up with returning guest Tiffany Prater from Destination Orthodontic Lab, who shares how her lab journey has evolved from running a large commercial space with employees to building a smaller, more personal business focused on private practices and hands-on craftsmanship. Alongside her is Sydney Ribera, a young technician discovering orthodontics through mentorship, creativity, and a fascination with bending wire and pouring colorful acrylic retainers. The conversation dives into the realities of learning ortho in today's digital world, the importance of organizations like the Orthodontic Resource Group, and why mentorship still matters more than ever in a profession where most of the training happens shoulder-to-shoulder. Then the crew sits down with Marlin Gohn from Argen to talk about everything from next-generation zirconia to massive dental labs in China and the surprisingly common mistakes labs make when choosing disc sizes for milling. Marlin breaks down Argen's new gradient translucency zirconia, explains why nesting strategy matters more than most labs realize, and shares real-world troubleshooting tips that can save labs time, money, and remakes. The conversation also wanders through SLM frameworks, milled gold crowns, PFMs, translating lectures in China, and why some old-school techniques still outperform the newest trends. Special Guests: Marlin Gohn CDT, Sydney Ribera, and Tiffany Prater CDT.

Send us Fan MailProject-based businesses face a fundamental structural problem: every quarter begins at zero. Revenue can look strong on the surface while cash flow remains volatile, pipeline uncertainty delays hiring decisions, and the founder stays personally essential to winning and scoping every engagement. Effort scales linearly. Value does not.This episode challenges the treadmill dynamic head-on, starting with a clear diagnosis of why project businesses stall at scale, utilisation ceilings, margin leakage, scope creep, and inconsistent client experience. Stuart and Mena then reframe the recurring revenue conversation, pushing back on the idea that recurring means subscriptions only. Retainers, service contracts, bundled support, staged programs, and usage-based models all qualify; what matters is predictability and ongoing value, not billing mechanics.The discussion covers how to productise what a business already does well, design offers clients stay for rather than exit from, get revenue recognition and tax timing right, and control churn before trying to scale acquisition. ARR is positioned not as a metric to report but as a tool to improve forecasting, hiring confidence, and investment timing, and ultimately as a proxy for business quality in the eyes of future buyers.The closing decision rule is simple: Does this offer create ongoing value, or does it just extend delivery?If this episode resonated with you, please leave a rating on your favourite podcast platform. It helps us reach more incredible listeners like you. Thank you for being a part of the journey! Click here to subscribe to our weekly email. SPECIAL OFFER: Buy a one of Stuart's books for ONLY $20 including delivery. Use the discount code blog here. Work with Mena & Stuart's team: At ProSolution Private Clients we encourage clients to adopt a holistic and evidence-based approach when making financial decisions. Visit our website. Follow us: Stuart: Twitter/X and LinkedIn.  Mena: LinkedInIMPORTANT: This podcast provides general information about finance, taxes, and credit. This means that the content does not consider your specific objectives, financial situation, or needs. It is crucial for you to assess whether the information is suitable for your circumstances before taking any actions based on it. If you find yourself uncertain about the relevance or your specific needs, it is advisable to seek advice from a licensed and trustworthy professional.

Episode Summary In Part Two of this Brand Retro "Lost Episode," Mike Brevik continues his conversation with Chris Bolton of Murmur Creative, diving deeper into the evolving relationship between branding, technology, and client expectations. The discussion tackles the growing hype around artificial intelligence and how it is reshaping perceptions of creativity, marketing value, and agency work. Mike and Chris break down why AI should be viewed as a tool rather than a replacement for human insight and why context, experience, and problem-solving still define great branding. They also explore how agencies can build stronger client relationships through transparency, retainers, and deeper collaboration. Ultimately, the conversation reinforces a core truth: while technology changes, the power of branding remains one of the most important drivers of business growth. Links & Resources murmurcreative.com Home - BRAND RETRO PODCAST Keywords branding strategy marketing agency AI in marketing client relationships creative agencies brand perception retainers transparency business growth digital marketing SEO branding value marketing misconceptions agency model  Highlights 00:00–01:00 – The challenge of defining "marketing" and its evolving meaning 01:00–02:00 – Why agencies start with a trust deficit (1 good experience vs 10 bad ones) 02:00–03:00 – The Fiverr effect and commoditization of creative work 03:00–04:00 – Transparency as a tool to communicate value to clients 04:00–05:00 – The limits of hourly billing and the importance of perceived value 05:00–06:00 – "Home run hitter" analogy: why top-tier creative commands higher rates 06:00–07:00 – The subjectivity problem in design and branding 07:00–08:00 – 2024 market uncertainty and shifting client expectations 08:00–09:00 – Branding as the core driver of exponential business growth 09:00–10:00 – Branding vs tactics: why ads alone won't scale a business 10:00–11:00 – Branding is not surface-level—it's relationships and perception 11:00–12:00 – How consumers are unconsciously influenced by branding 12:00–13:00 – The shift from project-based work to long-term client relationships 13:00–14:30 – Retainers, transparency, and structured workflows (Kanban approach) 14:30–16:00 – Agencies as extensions of internal teams (augmentation model)

Welcome to The Turf Zone Podcast. This episode features the article “What's New with Wetting Agents” written by Michael Fidanza, Ph.D., Stan Kostka, Ph.D. and Tom Malehorn Soil surfactants are commonly called “wetting agents” in the turfgrass industry, and there are many, many wetting agent products in today's turf market. In 2012, the USGA Green Section article — Understanding the different wetting agent chemistries — advanced our understanding of these products in a logical manner. Another good article on wetting agents also appeared in the USGA Green Section — Factors to consider when developing a wetting agent program. Both of those articles and more can be found at: https://tinyurl.com/4f2v8m8r. Recently, wetting agent categories were proposed in a further attempt help the end user understand their chemical properties: https://tinyurl.com/ywyexm4x. Overall, in golf course and sports turf management, wetting agents are employed to improve infiltration, mitigate water repellency (i.e., hydrophobic conditions), and enhance hydration in soils and rootzones. Wetting agents also are useful for enhancing certain soil directed pesticides, improving flushing of excess salts, indirectly helping turf survive the winter, and improving spring green-up and recovery. Retainers versus Penetrants? The marketing of some wetting agent products can lead one to believe there is precise knowledge of clearly definable modes-of-action, that specific desired outcomes under diverse environmental conditions can prescribe how and when they should be applied, that soil responses can be turned on and off simply by changing what product is applied, or that product “X” can dramatically influence a specific turfgrass surface condition or expectation. These sorts of questions have only been researched on a handful of products. Researchers at the University of Arkansas, University of Wisconsin, Michigan State University, and the University of Wageningen (Netherlands) have demonstrated that certain wetting agents can increase soil water content under droughty conditions, and lower soil water content during periods of excessive rainfall. Keep in mind, most of these results come from turf growing on sand or sandy loam rootzones. Does this mean those wetting agents tested are physically “holding onto” (retaining) water in the rootzone, or “pushing” (penetrating) water through the rootzone? Our soil physics colleagues would question that statement. The terms retainer and penetrant are not listed in the soil science terminology, but these terms are used to market wetting agents. Data remain lacking on the nature and differentiation of products sold as “wetters”, “water retainers”, and “penetrants”. There are many claims based on reports-from-the-field or on misperceptions or misinterpretations of visual observations. When considering a wetting agent ask for thorough, documented, replicated field research (either from university or industry researchers). A recent article in the USGA Green Section provides further insight into this topic: O'Brien, D., Fidanza, M., Kostka, S., and Richardson, M. 2023. Penetrants vs. Retainers: Understanding Wetting Agent Clamins and the Science Behind them. USGA Green Section Record. https://www.usga.org/content/usga/home-page/course-care/green-section-record/61/issue-10/penetrants-vs–retainers–understanding-wetting-agent-claims-and.html Over the past two decades, wetting agents have moved from products applied to correct localized dry spots to broader applications in water management, however, marketing claims often outpace the science. Research continues to build upon our understanding of what wetting agents can and cannot do. Understanding the mode-of-action, effects on soil physical phenomena, and effects on soil biology and rhizosphere dynamics are the future. A foundation is being built to support science-based uses of these unique soil amendment compounds. Conclusion Soil surfactants or “wetting agents” lead the way for sustainable water use and water conservation practices on U.S. golf courses. Recent research has quantified beneficial effects of using wetting agents, with more work in progress. The marketing terms “retainer” and “penetrant” are not soil science terms. Ask to see research-based information when considering a wetting agent product. Research efforts are underway in the U.S. and Europe that will increase our understanding of how wetting agents affect turf rootzone physical, chemical, and biological properties. Dr. Mike Fidanza (maf100@psu.edu) is a Professor of Plant and Soil Science at the Berks Campus, Pennsylvania State University, Reading, PA; Dr. Stan Kostka (stan.kostka@gmail.com) is a Visiting Scholar at Penn State Berks Campus; Tom Malehorn (intlturf@gmail.com) is a Penn State turf alum and principal scientist with iGin Research, in Westminster, MD. You have been listening to The Turf Zone Podcast. Follow The Turf Zone on X, Facebook and LinkedIn for all things turfgrass, featuring podcasts, magazines, events and more. Visit www.theturfzone.com for more. The post What's New with Wetting Agents appeared first on The Turf Zone.

Send us a note about this episode. We'll reply and thank you on a future episodeEvery PR firm knows the drill. Client says here's my budget. Firm divides by twelve. Monthly retainer, same amount, January through December, whether the work demands it or not. Need a press release? Flat rate. Need ten? Multiply. Need an editor or a videographer? That's by the hour, and one minute is one hour. The pricing isn't creative. It isn't strategic. It's arithmetic dressed up as a business model.And it worked fine, until AI started doing the arithmetic faster. Suddenly teams are twice as productive in half the time, and if you're still selling hours, you're punishing yourself for getting better. Meanwhile, the client's procurement department is happy to keep paying by the hour, because now those hours cost less. So, who's really winning? The firms who don't rethink how they price will be replaced. Not by AI, but by hungrier competitors who already have.Listen For3:42 Why Are PR Firms the Least Creative in Pricing?6:34 Are You Losing Money by Defaulting to Retainers?9:08 How Should Agencies Identify Where They Create the Most Value?12:19 How Do You Avoid the “Bait and Switch” With Senior Talent?15:27 Is AI Killing Hourly Pricing Models for Good?Guest: Blair Enns, Win Without PitchingWebsite | LinkedIn | Podcast 2BobsDavid's books including Pricing Creativity DougSubstack | Website | LinkedInFarzanaSubstack | Website | LinkedIn Are you a brand with a podcast that needs support? Book a meeting with Doug Downs to talk about it.Apply to be a guest on the podcastConnect with usLinkedIn | X | Instagram | You Tube | Facebook | Threads | Bluesky | PinterestSupport the show

Kashrus of Braces, Retainers, Dentures and TeethAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

S4 Capital has announced a revolutionary new pricing model that will transform how agencies charge for their services: instead of billable hours, they’re moving to… subscriptions. Fixed monthly fees. Annual contracts that auto-renew. All costs absorbed into the price rather than passed through as variables. You know, retainers. The pricing model most independent agencies have used for decades. In this episode (somewhat abbreviated due to Gini’s technical difficulties), Chip and Gini dissect the holding company’s “brilliant innovation” with the appropriate level of sarcasm, then pivot to the more interesting question buried in the announcement: how should agencies price around AI? The conversation moves from eye-rolling at repackaged retainer models to wrestling with legitimate uncertainty about how AI costs will evolve and what that means for agency pricing strategies. Chip points out that we only know what AI costs today, and it’s likely those costs will rise as platforms realize they’re replacing expensive labor and can charge accordingly. This creates a pricing puzzle—do you transparently pass through AI costs, absorb them into your general cost of doing business, or find some middle ground? Gini shares how she’s handling questions from college students about whether jobs will exist when they graduate, explaining that the work itself is shifting from doing to orchestrating, from creating to editing and refining AI outputs. The discussion highlights the difference between cosmetic changes (calling retainers “subscriptions”) and substantive challenges (figuring out sustainable pricing as AI capabilities and costs both increase). They land on the principle that AI costs should be factored into your total cost of doing business rather than line-itemized separately, giving you flexibility to adapt as the landscape shifts without locking yourself into specific cost structures that may not hold. The subtext throughout is that holding companies remain out of touch with how most agencies actually operate, still discovering “innovations” that the rest of the industry implemented years ago. Key takeaways Chip Griffin: “We only know what AI costs us today. As AI becomes more and more of a labor replacement, the vendors understand that the value that they’re creating for you is going up. Just as you want to charge your clients more because you’re providing more value, they want to charge you more because they’re providing you more value.” Gini Dietrich: “The job that I had when I graduated from college is not the job that you’ll have when you graduate from college. Those things are going to be done by AI. What you are going to be doing is sort of orchestrating your orchestra of AI bots.” Chip Griffin: “AI has come a long way in the last year. It doesn’t mean that everything that it does should be immediately blasted out to the universe. Sometimes the tone isn’t quite right, or maybe it misses the point slightly because you didn’t give it enough information to begin with.” Gini Dietrich: “Just like you would absorb an employee’s salary into your hourly rates or retainers or however you’re doing your pricing, that same thing. The AI needs to be absorbed into that.” Resources ‘The billable hour does not allow for any meaningful innovation': S4 Capital builds subscription model for the AI age (Digiday article) Related Structuring retainers for long-term profitability Understanding pricing models for your agency's services 9 ways to price your agency's services Choosing the right pricing model for your agency's services View Transcript The following is a computer-generated transcript. Please listen to the audio to confirm accuracy. Chip Griffin: Hello and welcome to another episode of the Agency Leadership Podcast. I’m Chip Griffin. Gini Dietrich: And I’m Gini Dietrich. Chip Griffin: And Gini, I think I wanna subscribe to your wisdom. I don’t wanna, I don’t wanna, you know, pay you retainer or anything like that. I wanna subscribe. Gini Dietrich: Oh okay, sure. $1 million a week. Chip Griffin: $1 million a week? I don’t know. Yes. I mean, even, even for you, that might be, that might be a little bit much. Gini Dietrich: It’ll be worth it. I promise. I promise. I’ll give you some benchmarks. It’ll be, it’ll be worth it. Chip Griffin: Oh, some benchmarks. Oh, well, I mean, as long as there are some benchmarks. Gini Dietrich: Yes. Chip Griffin: That’s really, you gimme some pretty charts to show that. Absolutely. That you’re achieving those benchmarks, I assume. Gini Dietrich: Yes, absolutely. I’ll, yes, 100%. Chip Griffin: Yeah. Okay. Well, that, that should solve it. That’s, that’s good for me. If it’s good for you and so, you know. Let’s do it. Gini Dietrich: Amazing. Yay. That was easy. Chip Griffin: Yay. Gini Dietrich: No, I don’t have to work anymore. Chip Griffin: We’re gonna talk about pricing today. We’re gonna talk about how you charge for your services and it seems like we’ve talked about this a lot, but, but now we have a brilliant new idea being foisted upon us from holding company land. Gini Dietrich: Brilliant is sarcastic, by the way. Chip Griffin: Where all of the ideas come from. I mean. Holding company mind. I think every, every good idea and innovation in the agency world has come from a holding company, hasn’t it? Gini Dietrich: Yeah. I think, I think you’re right. Yep. Yes. Chip Griffin: And it’s always, it’s always very original thinking that we can expect from the holding companies. Gini Dietrich: Uhhuh. Yes. Chip Griffin: So that’s what we have to discuss today. We have the proclamation from none other, none other than S4 Capital. S4 Capital, for those of you who don’t know, is I think, didn’t they originally describe themselves as like the non holding company holding company or something like that? Gini Dietrich: They did, yes. Chip Griffin: They tried to pretend Gini Dietrich: they did Chip Griffin: That they’re not really a holding company. Gini Dietrich: Mm-hmm. Chip Griffin: They’re still a holding company folks. Gini Dietrich: Yes. Chip Griffin: And so what we are being told is that we should move away from the billable hour to a subscription model. Ugh. Now this wild innovation is something that has never been considered before, so I’m glad they’ve brought this to the table. Certainly we’ve never heard of retainers in the agency world. Gini Dietrich: No. Never. Mm-hmm. Nope. Chip Griffin: So this must be different than a retainer, correct? Gini Dietrich: Um, nope. Chip Griffin: No. Gini Dietrich: I mean, when I dug into it, it’s, it’s essentially a retainer. Essentially. Chip Griffin: So the brand new. Innovative idea from holding company land? Mm-hmm. Is that, that we should have retainers and not billable hours? Gini Dietrich: Yeah. I think the difference that they’re trying to expound, expel, expound upon, expand upon is that, it’s renewable every year, so you don’t have contracts. It’s the same amount every month. Retainer. Mm-hmm. And there was one other piece. Hang on. I, I wrote it down. One year terms, it renews every month. It’s, it’s not a fixed checklist. So eventually you get more output over time, especially if you’re allowed to use AI. And it allows you to absorb costs. So instead of you doing a pass through on expenses, it just absorbs it into that and you, you still pass it through, but it absorbs it instead of doing it one off because procurement doesn’t like variable pass through costs. Chip Griffin: Mm-hmm. Gini Dietrich: So those were the big things in the subscription model versus the hourly bill hourly model. Chip Griffin: Gosh, I, I mean, I, I really hate to break it to them, but that’s how I’ve run every one of my agency businesses for a quarter of a century. Gini Dietrich: For years. Yeah. Chip Griffin: I mean, I consider myself a relatively innovative guy, but I, I don’t, I don’t claim to have invented that, so I’m, I’m not gonna sue them for doing this. Gini Dietrich: Right. Chip Griffin: Because I came up with it first. I certainly didn’t, but I think, I think if they did a little bit of research, they would find this is actually a pretty common way Yes. To do business if you are not a holding company. Gini Dietrich: Correct. Yes. Chip Griffin: I think this is one of those circumstances where the holding companies have got their blinders on Uhhuh. They’ve, they, they drink their own Kool-Aid. They focus only on the way that they do things. And yes, holding companies do a lot of dumb stuff, particularly on the advertising side. They, they like to use billable hours. They like to do pass through expenses with dramatic markups. They like to take kickbacks from publishers and websites in order to place advertising there. Mm-hmm. They do all sorts of stuff. Mm-hmm. That I think is a really bad idea. Gini Dietrich: Mm-hmm. Chip Griffin: So I guess maybe we should be encouraged by the fact that they’re going to act in a way that’s a little bit more normal. I don’t think it’s gonna help them. I think all of the struggling that we’ve seen holding companies go through in recent years is only gonna continue because the holding company model is a bad model. Yeah. It is a broken model. Gini Dietrich: Yeah. Chip Griffin: And you, you can only put so much makeup on it and try to make it look good. It’s just not gonna happen. Gini Dietrich: It’s, I mean, I read it and my first instinct was, I think I even said to you, oh, so it’s a retainer. And then I, I dug deeper and I read the comments and I read the article and like I dug deeper and I was like, yeah, this is not, it’s not anything that, to your point, that those of us who have run, been running agencies for years, granted not gigantic ones, but those of us who have been doing it, that’s, that’s how I do it. I have annual contracts that renew, unless you send me a letter saying we’re done. We have a monthly retainer, we have a, you know, we, there is work that compounds over time because we get smarter about your business and yeah, we’re using AI for certain things and there is some heavy lifting up front to get things started. So yeah, it compounds over time. Like all of those things are, are true. It’s called a retainer. Chip Griffin: Yeah, and look, I, I mean, I would have more respect if they said, you know, look, in order to, to meet. Where the clients are at in today’s environment, we’re simply going to rename retainers as subscriptions. I, I could respect that. And, there is a case to be made that for a swath of clients, at least, they are more receptive to the word subscription than the word retainer, especially if they’re in tech. So if that’s what this was, that would be fine. But to pretend that it is a brand new way of doing things Gini Dietrich: Yeah. Chip Griffin: Is just laughable. Yeah. Now I do think in reading the Digiday piece that there, there is an interesting tangent that is not fully encapsulated in this thinking, but it, it opens a door that I think is worth discussing and is worth thinking about for agency owners. Agency leaders at, at every level we’re talking, holding companies or a, you know, a solo shop, and that is how you price around AI. Mm-hmm. And I think that there is currently a strong mindset that if you can do it with AI, this is from the client side, that if you can do it with AI, it ought to be cheaper. There’s a strong feeling from the agency side that if we do it with AI, we should still charge the exact same amount because it’s the value that we’re creating. As usual, I think the truth lies somewhere in the middle. Gini Dietrich: Sure. Mm-hmm. Chip Griffin: I think one of the real challenges, and it’s highlighted in the Digiday piece, is that we only know what AI costs us today. Gini Dietrich: Correct. Chip Griffin: So we need to be really careful as we’re thinking about pricing. We need to keep a close eye on it because as I’ve said before on, on this show and elsewhere, I think it is likely that the cost of AI will go up over time. Gini Dietrich: Mm-hmm. Chip Griffin: That, that we’re, right now, we are in this adoption phase where typically things are underpriced to get people hooked essentially on it. Mm-hmm. So we’ve all seen what we can do with AI, but as AI becomes more and more of a labor replacement, the vendors understand that the value that they’re creating for you is going up. Gini Dietrich: Yep. Chip Griffin: And so just as you want to charge your clients more, because you’re providing more value, they want to charge you more because they’re providing you more value. Gini Dietrich: Yep, yep. Chip Griffin: On top of that, the cost of actually doing all of this continues to go up. And yes, they’re becoming more efficient in some of the models and that sort of thing so that they can balance the quality and the cost. But, but nevertheless, it’s likely that over time the cost is gonna continue to rise. So if they’re gonna have a smaller margin, they’re gonna make up for it by fixing that margin, by charging you more. Yep. So regardless of how you get there, you are going to be charge, be paying more for AI in five years than you are today. Gini Dietrich: Absolutely. Chip Griffin: So, so you do need to be thinking about how you are structuring AI and in particular the Digiday piece put out there, the, the thought of are you transparent about what the AI costs are or do you just consider that part of your cost of doing business? And I, I think this is, there is a lot of room for meaty conversations in the, the coming months and years trying to figure out how to tackle this most appropriately. Gini Dietrich: It’s funny you say that because I’ve been doing a lot of speaking virtually to juniors and seniors in colleges, in college classes. And one of the question that continues to come up is, and I think it’s really interesting that they’re talking about this at school, which is smart, but it continues to come up, is, is there a job for me when I graduate from college? And my answer has been the job that I had when I graduated from college is not the job that you’ll have when you graduate from college. Like, you’re not gonna stand at the copier and make clipbooks, you’re not going to open Bacon’s books and make media lists. You’re probably not gonna make media lists at all. You’re not gonna make clipbooks at all. You’re not going to, you probably, you may not even be pitching media. Like those things are, are going to be done by AI. What you are going to be doing is sort of orchestrating your, or conducting your orchestra of AI bots, so you have to understand how to prompt accurately, how to give it the right kinds of input so that you get the right output. How to edit its work, you know, those are the kinds of things that you have to understand. And so when you think about, to your point, what this is going to cost, it may not cost the same as a full-time employee. It may not cost the same as five full-time employees, but it’s going to cost you something, and that has to be… Just like you would absorb an employee’s salary into your, your however hourly rates or retainers or however you’re doing your pricing, that same thing. The AI needs to be absorbed into that. Chip Griffin: Yeah, and I think, I think ultimately, I mean, first of all, I would agree with you on the, the first jobs thing. If I think back to my first job, in an agency as a junior account executive, I can’t think of more than 5% of my job that I did back then that, that today Yeah. Can still be done. And, and some of it’s because of AI’s not just, you know, technology has Sure. Has improved. I mean, nobody’s standing there at the photocopier. That’s nothing to do with AI. Gini Dietrich: Yeah. Chip Griffin: But, you know, good luck finding a photocopier most of the time, even if you need one. And so, you know, those are the, the kinds of things technology has, has completely replaced a lot of what we did. And AI is just accelerating that even further. So certainly those kinds of jobs are not there. And, and I think that it’s fair to say that, that a college graduate going to work for the first time in an agency is, is really going in from a functional level at a, at about a level above where, where you and I started back in the day. And so fundamentally that means the skill sets are different, right? Because when you, when you’re that level up, you are doing more editing than creating, you are doing more guiding than doing. It doesn’t mean that you’ve gone, you know, completely all the way to being just a manager. You know, not people aren’t just gonna jump right in and just be managers. Let’s be realistic here. You do. But the, the kinds of things that you’re doing require a different skillset than what we needed going in. Because we weren’t doing a lot of editing of other people’s work. We weren’t doing a lot of guiding and checking and, and all of that kind of stuff. We had someone else who was doing that to our work. Now, now you have to know how to do that effectively and to your point. And it’s, it’s not just about the prompting. It’s understanding what you’re getting back and then how to re-prompt, how to tweak, how to get the most out of it, how to make sure that it actually makes sense, whatever’s come back. Because I mean, AI has come a long way in the last year. It doesn’t mean that everything that it does should be immediately blasted out to the universe. And that’s not just because of factual stuff. It may be just sometimes the tone isn’t quite right, or, or maybe it misses the point slightly because you didn’t give it enough information to begin with, and so you need to be able to look at it and have that level of judgment to understand when you need to apply human editing or when you need to ask the, the AI to take another stab at it or to do whatever you need to do to get the quality that the client is expecting. And I think, but it, it needs to be priced into your, your total cost of doing business, single invoice, not separate line items for all of this. Because I think to you, as soon as you start getting into, to separate line items for it, you put yourself in a difficult position to adapt as needed. And the reality is that none of us really knows what the, the innards of an agency in 24 or 36 months is gonna look like. We all have pretty good guesses, right? I mean, but, but the reality is we just don’t know for sure. And so we can’t put ourselves in a box by specifying here’s what it costs or say, Hey, we’re just gonna pass through these costs for the markup or those kinds of things. It needs to be factored into your cost of doing business. And on that note, I think we’ve provided some good food for thought and hopefully you’ll be able to think about pricing in perhaps a way that is a little more. I don’t know, rational, thoughtful, and more usable than what the holding companies are currently thinking or maybe have ever thought. But any case, I’m Chip Griffin for myself and Gini Dietrich. This has been another episode of the Agency Leadership Podcast, and it depends.

In this episode of the Grow A Small Business Podcast, host Troy Trewin interviews Sacha Awwa founder of Sacha Awwa Marketing Group explains how her agency helps small businesses avoid wasted marketing spend by focusing first on strategy and then execution. By combining go-to-market planning with tactical implementation, her agency now charges monthly retainers ranging from $2,500 to $10,000, helping companies grow through targeted and efficient marketing. Why would you wait any longer to start living the lifestyle you signed up for? Balance your health, wealth, relationships and business growth. And focus your time and energy and make the most of this year. Let's get into it by clicking here. Troy delves into our guest's startup journey, their perception of success, industry reconsideration, and the pivotal stress point during business expansion. They discuss the joys of small business growth, vital entrepreneurial habits, and strategies for team building, encompassing wins, blunders, and invaluable advice. And a snapshot of the final five Grow A Small Business Questions: What do you think is the hardest thing in growing a small business? Sacha Awwa shares that patience is one of the hardest things in growing a small business. She explains that many entrepreneurs feel pressure from society to constantly achieve the next milestone, which makes it difficult to pause and recognize the progress they have already made. Learning to slow down, reflect on success, and avoid rushing every stage of growth is a key challenge for many founders. What's your favorite business book that has helped you the most? Sacha Awwa shares that one of the business books that has helped her the most is Building a StoryBrand by Donald Miller. She appreciates how the book teaches businesses to communicate clearly with their audience and structure their messaging in a way that makes customers understand the value of their products and services. Are there any great podcasts or online learning resources you'd recommend to help grow a small business? Sacha Awwa shares that she has learned a lot from listening to Ed Mylett's podcast. She finds his interviews and conversations with entrepreneurs from different industries very valuable because they provide real insights into the challenges and mindset required to build and grow a successful business. What tool or resource would you recommend to grow a small business? Sacha Awwa shares that using a strong project management tool is essential for keeping a business organized and efficient. She currently recommends Motion, which helps automate planning and task management using AI, allowing teams to stay organized and improve productivity. What advice would you give yourself on day one of starting out in business? Sacha Awwa shares that the advice she would give herself on day one is simply to relax. She explains that starting a business can feel overwhelming, but learning to stay calm, trust the process, and focus on steady progress makes the entrepreneurial journey much healthier and more sustainable. Book a 20-minute Growth Chat with Troy Trewin to see if you qualify for our upcoming course. Don't miss out on this opportunity to take your small business to new heights! Enjoyed the podcast? Please leave a review on iTunes or your preferred platform. Your feedback helps more small business owners discover our podcast and embark on their business growth journey.     Quotable quotes from our special Grow A Small Business podcast guest: Patience is the foundation of real business growth because success takes time to build – Sacha Awwa If you lose your connection with customers while scaling, you lose the heart of your business – Sacha Awwa Strategy without understanding your audience is just noise in the marketplace – Sacha Awwa      

Fractional work is exploding — and it's still confusing for a lot of corporate escapees. In this Featured Speaker session inside the Escapee Collective, John Arms breaks down Fractional 101 in plain English: what fractional really is, who it's for, how to get clients (spoiler: it's not campaigns), and what you can realistically charge.If you're still in corporate, recently laid off, or already freelancing and want more stability, this is the clearest “how it works” primer you'll hear.What you'll learn • The “W2 → 1099 bridge” and why more people are getting pushed across it • Why fractional is mostly a referral-based business (and what to do with that) • The mindset shift: conversations, not campaigns • John's simple relationship model: the “10-person circle” (fractionals, independents, super-connectors) • What companies actually care about (hint: pain, not the definition of fractional) • Typical pricing and why fractional often lands in the $8K–$10K/month retainer range • Why fractional is proactive leadership, not “wait to be told what to do” • The “project first” entry strategy — and why it usually turns into ongoing leadership • How to reconnect with old contacts without being weird or salesy • The core principle: get involved with other people's successNotable moments / lines you'll remember • “You'll work for the people you get referred to.” • “Referrals come from conversations, not campaigns.” • “Fractional is leadership — solve it and keep it solved.” • “Most barriers are fear and assumptions… it's hard work, but it's not complicated.”Resources mentioned • The Go-Giver (Bob Burg) • The NCG Factor (Larry Kaufman — Network, Connect, Give)

Kim Vargo was a high school math teacher for 10 years. She had three-and-a-half-year-old twins. Her heart just wasn't in teaching anymore, and she was desperately Googling "what can I do besides teaching" while feeling completely pigeonholed. Then she found the world of virtual assistants and took the leap—even though she had no idea if she could make consistent money. In this episode, Kim shares how she went from general VA work to becoming a certified Dubsado specialist for wedding professionals, why she's not afraid to just try things and pivot if they don't work, and her biggest hurdle as a business owner (spoiler: it's not what you think).If you've ever felt stuck in a career that's draining you, or if you're building a service business and struggling with consistent income, this conversation will give you permission to just start.Connect with Kim:WebsiteInstagramFacebookResource Guide + FreebiesGuide to a seamless inquiry workflowSend a textThank you for being a part of the Soulpreneur Scaling Stories community!

Ever wondered what actually changes when you stop guessing your prices and start backing your expertise? In this episode, you'll hear Faith Morris share how joining Dreamium in early 2025 transformed the way she saw herself, her business, and her place in her niche. At the time, Faith was running her ops consultancy on bespoke retainers with a lot of pricing guesswork. Since graduating, she's generated over $30,000 in revenue from her Dreamium-created offers alone. This conversation—originally recorded for Faith's Non-Traditional Résumé podcast—dives into what shifted, what challenged her, and the parts of the programme that made the biggest difference to her confidence and results.You're invited to join me on 22nd January at 1pm GMT for a FREE workshop. Save your seat here: https://ceelslockley.co/flops-to-floorfillers Step into my festival world...

We dig into why traffic is fragmenting, why single-channel expertise won't cut it, and how expert generalists, stronger offers, and brand strategy are now the true growth levers. We share a practical path from productized “done-for-you” to higher-margin “done-with-you,” plus frameworks for attribution, remote team performance, and human-in-the-loop AI.• AI-driven traffic shifts and platform changes• Generalists with deep skills as the new edge• Offers, positioning, and CRO over channel tricks• Human-in-the-loop standards to avoid AI slop• Done-with-you consulting to expand TAM and margin• Retainers, value pricing, and capacity planning• Attribution redesign and qualification signals• Objectives, metrics, KPIs, and NPS for retentionGuest Contact Information: Website: agencyacquisitions.ioLinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/nickavariaTwitter/X: x.com/Nick_AvariaYouTube: youtube.com/@AgencyAcquisitionsInstagram: instagram.com/nick_avariaMore from EWR and Matthew:Leave us a review wherever you listen: Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or Amazon PodcastFree SEO Consultation: www.ewrdigital.com/discovery-callWith over 5 million downloads, The Best SEO Podcast has been the go-to show for digital marketers, business owners, and entrepreneurs wanting real-world strategies to grow online. Now, host Matthew Bertram — creator of LLM Visibility™ and the LLM Visibility Stack™, and Lead Strategist at EWR Digital — takes the conversation beyond traditional SEO into the AI era of discoverability. Each week, Matthew dives into the tactics, frameworks, and insights that matter most in a world where search engines, large language models, and answer engines are reshaping how people find, trust, and choose businesses. From SEO and AI-driven marketing to executive-level growth strategy, you'll hear expert interviews, deep-dive discussions, and actionable strategies to help you stay ahead of the curve. Find more episodes here: youtube.com/@BestSEOPodcastbestseopodcast.combestseopodcast.buzzsprout.comFollow us on:Facebook: @bestseopodcastInstagram: @thebestseopodcastTiktok: @bestseopodcastLinkedIn: @bestseopodcastConnect With Matthew Bertram: Website: www.matthewbertram.comInstagram: @matt_bertram_liveLinkedIn: @mattbertramlivePowered by: ewrdigital.comSupport the show

Would you like access to our advanced agency training for FREE? https://www.agencymastery360.com/training How big do you actually want your agency to become? Does the idea of running a massive team sound exciting or completely exhausting? For many agency owners, scaling feels less like growth and more like trading freedom for complexity. Scaling an agency isn't about hustle. It's about surviving the moments that almost break you, building systems that actually work, and accepting that what got you here won't get you there. Today's featured guest understands that running a big agency is about structure and leadership. He's grown a global agency to 700 people without losing profitability, sanity, or culture and now he'll unpack the hard-earned lessons that most agency owners don't think about until it's too late. Nital Shah is the co-founder of Mavlers, a full-service, lifecycle digital agency headquartered in India, with operations supporting global brands and agencies across multiple geographies. Today, Nital leads a 700-person organization focused on marketing operations, delivery excellence, and scalable systems for agencies around the world. Having experienced both sides of the agency equation, client-side pressure and operational scale, Nital brings a grounded, operator-first perspective to growth, profitability, and leadership. In this episode, we'll discuss: An early principle: Profit should be intentional. Achieving operational excellence at scale. Structuring scale to make it manageable. Why alignment beats micromanagement. Subscribe Apple | Spotify | iHeart Radio Sponsors and Resources This episode is brought to you by Wix Studio: If you're leveling up your team and your client experience, your site builder should keep up too. That's why successful agencies use Wix Studio — built to adapt the way your agency does: AI-powered site mapping, responsive design, flexible workflows, and scalable CMS tools so you spend less on plugins and more on growth. Ready to design faster and smarter? Go to wix.com/studio to get started. The Wake-Up Call: COVID, Cash Flow, and Retainers Like many agencies, Nital's biggest inflection point came during COVID. Before the disruption, the agency was focused heavily on top-line revenue rather than predictable recurring income. When 40 percent of revenue disappeared almost overnight, the weakness in that model became painfully obvious. Luckily, the agency's consistent focus on profit from day one helped them overcome this ordeal. However, it changed Nital's perspective on retainers and helped him understand that, without retainers, any similar unexpected bump in the road could destroy the agency. The agency had enough cash flow to survive the shock and rebuild and the lesson was clear: at scale, a large team without consistent recurring revenue is fragile. Retainers aren't just about stability; they are about survival. The other advantage that helped soften the blow was diversification. By spreading clients across industries and geographies, the agency avoided being wiped out by a single market downturn. When one region slowed, others carried the load. That balance didn't eliminate pain, but it reduced risk in a way most agencies underestimate until they feel it firsthand. Profit Is Not an Afterthought One of the most important principles Nital and his co-founder agreed on early was: profit must be intentional. It's not something you hope shows up at the end of the year. It's something you design into the business. That mindset shapes everything from service selection to client qualification. The agency actively avoids hyper-competitive, race-to-the-bottom services and continually evolves its offerings as markets become saturated. When a service becomes unprofitable, they pivot. When a client isn't aligned or drains margin, they say no. Profit isn't just about owner income. It funds experimentation, innovation, and future growth. Without margin, you can't test new services, pivot when the market shifts, or invest in better systems. You just stay busy. And busy is often the enemy of profitable. Operational Excellence at Scale Running a 700-person agency isn't about heroics but about process. Nital is clear that consistent, documented, and enforced workflows are what reduce mistakes, rework, and delivery friction. The agency is structured into service-based business units, each with its own leadership and accountability. On top of that sits a customer success layer that ensures delivery stays aligned with expectations. Everyone is trained on defined protocols, and those protocols exist to protect quality, not bureaucracy. When processes are clear and followed, the probability of hitting client outcomes increases. That reduces rework, lowers internal stress, and improves margins. In a people-driven business, operational discipline is what turns chaos into leverage. Alignment Beats Micromanagement One of the hardest challenges for Nital's agency came after rapid post-COVID growth, when the team doubled in size and remote work became the norm. Processes broke, alignment slipped, and as a result, communication suffered. The turning point came with adopting the Scaling Up framework by Vern Harnish. This framework, aimed at businesses ready to scale in a more structured manner, forced clarity across four areas: people, strategy, execution, and cash. More importantly, it created alignment from leadership all the way down to individual contributors. Every team member understands how their work connects to departmental goals, quarterly priorities, and long-term vision. When people understand the why behind the process, ownership replaces micromanagement. Accountability becomes cultural, not enforced. Leadership, Tough Calls, and A-Players When it comes to mistakes in team alignment, Nital openly acknowledges that the team that gets you to one stage may not be the team that gets you to the next. That realization isn't easy, especially when loyalty and shared history are involved. But over the last two years Nital has embraced the fact that growth demands adaptability. The agency now prioritizes agility, learning speed, and ownership. When someone can't evolve with the business, they are given time, feedback, and support, but the standard doesn't change. You don't win championships by protecting weak links. You win by putting the best players on the field while still treating people with respect and empathy. It's not cold. It's responsible leadership. Structuring Scale So It's Manageable When Nital decided to go back to India and start an agency, his mentor back in Australia offered him the chance to run their offshore center. From there, he started supporting other agencies in several countries and expanded his team to where they are now. Seven hundred people sounds overwhelming until you understand the structure. Instead of one massive organization, the agency operates as multiple business units, each capped around 100 to 150 people and run as its own P&L. This turns an impossible leadership problem into a manageable one. Leaders focus on coaching their direct reports, not managing hundreds of individuals. Each layer carries responsibility downward, creating clarity instead of bottlenecks. As Nital points out, no founder manages 700 people directly. You manage your leadership team. And if that team is strong, aligned, and accountable, scale becomes less scary and far more sustainable. The Future: AI, Change, and Opportunity Despite the uncertainty surrounding AI and marketing technology, Nital is optimistic. The pace of change has leveled the playing field. Years of experience no longer guarantee an advantage. Everyone is adapting at the same time. For smaller agencies, this creates opportunity. They can adopt tools and workflows faster than large organizations. For larger agencies, the challenge is moving faster without breaking structure. Either way, the shift toward complex marketing technology orchestration opens doors for agencies willing to master it. For him, the future belongs to agencies that can adapt, systemize, and evolve without clinging to what used to work. 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.

Jason has the story almost every agency owner is after. He grew his first agency to $5m and sold it. Then started a second one and within 5 years, he was at $5m in revenue again.After another 5 years, his agency was at $20m.Jason sold his $20m law firm agency to a private equity firm and took a seat on the board yet still continues to lead his own agency.Some crazy facts about the legal space: law firms are spending $100k per month in SEO retainers. These same law firms are spending $2m per month in PPC. Jason considers his agency the Lamborghini of law firm agencies but has a rinse-and-repeat McDonald's style strategy for his legal clients.After learning about his amazing story and being envious of everything he's accomplished, we dive into what it takes to get clients in the legal space, manage them, and what the best ways to drive results for them are.-----Find Jason online:https://www.instagram.com/jasonhennessey/https://www.linkedin.com/in/jhennessey/https://hennessey.com/https://www.herringbonedigital.com/-----JOIN THE FREE DISCORDhttps://discord.gg/uvHRRRFVRDOur recommended agency tools:everbrospodcast.com/recommended-tools/----------------------------------⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐As always, if you enjoyed this episode or this podcast in general and want to leave us a review or rating, head over to Apple and let us know what you like! It helps us get found and motivates us to keep producing this free content.----------------------------------Want to connect with us? Reach out to us on the everbrospodcast.com website, subscribe to us on YouTube, or connect with us on socials:YouTube: @agencygrowthpodcastTwitter/X: @theagency_uLinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/agencypodcastFacebook: facebook.com/theagencyuInstagram: @theagencyuReddit: r/agency & u/JakeHundleyTikTok: @agency.u

Would you like access to our advanced agency training for FREE? https://www.agencymastery360.com/training What would you do if the merger you believed would change everything suddenly collapsed? Agency owners often dream of the big exit: the acquisition, the payday, the validation. But if you've been in this industry long enough, you know the story rarely goes as planned. Today's guest lived through the dot-com boom, a merger gone sideways, a rare "un-merger," and multiple reinventions across three decades. Today's featured guest is an agency owner who lived through the dot com boom, a merger gone sideways, an unmerger (a rare event), and multiple reinventions over three decades. He'll talk about his journey and the lessons he's gained in resilience, clarity, and what it means to build a business that lasts. Tom Snyder is the founder and CEO of Trivera, a Milwaukee-based agency that originally launched in 1996 under the name Website Solutions. He got his start back when tables ruled the web, Netscape Navigator was leading the browser war, and you had to explain to clients what the internet even was. Tom's agency grew quickly through the dot com boom, became part of an early multi-agency rollup, unmerged after the dot com crash, and later rebuilt itself around strategic services, recurring revenue, and emerging technologies. Thirty years later, he has seen nearly every high and low this industry can deliver and has the scars and wisdom to match. In this episode, we'll discuss: The roll up that seemed like a dream and the subsequent meltdown. The rare chance to unmerger. Learning to adapt to new technologies. Subscribe Apple | Spotify | iHeart Radio Sponsors and Resources This episode is brought to you by Wix Studio: If you're leveling up your team and your client experience, your site builder should keep up too. That's why successful agencies use Wix Studio — built to adapt the way your agency does: AI-powered site mapping, responsive design, flexible workflows, and scalable CMS tools so you spend less on plugins and more on growth. Ready to design faster and smarter? Go to wix.com/studio to get started. The Early Days of the Web: A Front Row Seat to Digital History Tom got into websites before most people even understood what a web browser was. He recalls visiting a friend in 1995 who showed him a website for a local jeweler. The fact that someone in Milwaukee could suddenly sell jewelry to anyone in the world blew his mind. That spark soon became Website Solutions, a one-man shop in his duplex basement that grew into a million-dollar agency within three years. These early days were defined by scrappiness. There were no WordPress installs, no Mailchimp, no Shopify. Agencies wrote their own CMS platforms, email tools, and ecommerce systems. For years, Trivera worked on project-based engagements. Sell a website. Build it. Launch it. Then hunt for the next one. It created a revenue roller coaster that made it hard to grow. Then the breakthrough came when someone asked a simple question: Why are you not offering annual retained services? Once they shifted the model, everything changed. Retainers gave them predictable cash flow, stability during downturns, and the ability to build deeper, longer-term partnerships. Inside the Dot-Com Boom and the Rollup That Promised Millions By the late nineties, agency rollups were happening everywhere. Big groups on the West Coast were buying smaller shops at high valuations, promising stock payouts that would multiply as the group grew. Tom's agency was acquired by one of these rollups. The offer was attractive: $1 million in stock with the expectation that it could balloon into ten million within a couple of years. For Tom, this was more than a payday. It felt like a way to secure better opportunities for his team. Higher salaries, better benefits, more resources. All the things agency owners often think a larger parent company can provide. But as the ink dried on the deal, the dot com crash hit. Internal battles erupted among the agency owners inside the rollup. Some wanted to scale fast and sell. Others were emotionally attached to their agencies and resisted change. As the economy collapsed, so did the plan. When an Agency Merger Falls Apart Tom describes the internal environment as chaos. Agencies within the rollup started blaming one another for the downturn. Some owners viewed Tom's Midwest operation as a weak link and argued it was a mistake to acquire them. Then came the breaking point. At a Las Vegas meeting that was supposed to chart a path forward, Tom learned that he would lose control of his agency. His wife, who served as CFO, would be dismissed. His team would report to another agency owner. This happened on September 10th. The next morning, as they sat in their hotel room trying to process what to do, the news broke that planes had hit the World Trade Center. The world changed, and so did their priorities. In that moment of clarity, they made the decision to walk away and unmerge. How a Rare Un-Merge Saved the Agency Unmerging from an agency rollup almost never happens. But because the rollup was already fracturing, the leadership was surprisingly open to it. They returned most of the shares, let Tom keep a small portion, and released the original agency name. From there, Tom and his wife rebuilt everything from scratch under a new identity. Although it felt like the right decision to make, they were still exiting what was still a financially stable operation to start from scratch, which was a scary but necessary step to take. They brainstormed names that felt Greek or Latin until they arrived at Trivera. The name itself was available only because the previous owner had just let the domain lapse. It felt like a small sign that starting over was the right move. This reset allowed Tom to build the agency the right way. No irrational exuberance, burn rates, or pressure to sell. Just strong culture, smart financial discipline, and an eye on durable business fundamentals. How Adapting to New Technology Helped Survive in Crisis After the dot com crash, new technologies created fresh opportunities. SEO, email marketing, mobile, and social opened new revenue streams that helped Trivera rebound each time the economy dipped. Tom noticed a pattern. Every downturn was followed by a brand new marketing wave that rewarded the agencies willing to embrace it early. One of the most pivotal moments came during the 2009 recession. The agency had lost clients, payroll was tight, and they needed a breakthrough. Everyone was asking about social media at the time, so Tom and his team built an event called Social Media University. They hustled for two months and ended up selling 400 tickets. The sales and sponsorship revenue kept their payroll alive and catapulted them into a new service category. Events like this do more than create revenue. They cement authority, give an agency a story in the market, and in Tom's case, it opened doors to new clients and positioned them for the next evolution of the agency. Letting Go of Comparison to Stay Focused on the Journey Despite the wins, Tom admits there were years he compared his agency to others and wondered why they scaled or sold faster, especially some that got the tools from his very social media event. It is easy to feel behind when you see competitors raising money, getting acquired, or shouting big revenue numbers. However, there's very little one can actually know about other agency's purchase deals. These stories are incomplete. You never know what the real terms were. You never know the headaches behind the scenes. And you definitely never know if they actually took money home. Success in the agency world is rarely a straight line. It is more often a messy, winding path filled with reinventions, hard conversations, and moments when you question everything. So agency owners struggling and watching others reach new milestones should remind themselves that longevity comes from resilience, not a perfect upward curve. 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.

Hourly billing was keeping Jeremy Slack stuck — exhausted, underpaid, and working late nights just to stay afloat. In this powerful case study, Michelle Weinstein talks with Jeremy about how he restructured his firm, replaced his salary, and added $425K in annual retainers by shifting to a value-based model. From sleepless nights and a demanding boss to landing multi–six-figure clients and quitting his job, Jeremy shares what changed when he stopped selling time and started selling results. His story is proof that confidence, clarity, and the right system can transform both your business and your life.

You need a repeatable way to engage the people already in your orbit.

You don't need to post daily or chase cold leads to land high-value clients. You need a repeatable way to engage the people already in your orbit.

The podcast episode discusses the advantages of prioritizing UGC Retainer Deals to move your income from 1-2k months to 8-10k months within the first quarter of 2026! Here is why over 50% of my monthly income comes from UGC retainers, how I book them and how to stand out to be hired for a retainer contract, even as a new creator. Here's a breakdown of the key points: • What are Retainers? A retainer means a brand or agency hires your services for a set duration, rather than for a single, one-off project (0:42-1:02). This provides predictable income, as you know how much content you'll produce and how much you'll be paid for a specific period (1:12-1:29). • Benefits of Retainers: • Predictable Income: Over 65-75% of the speaker's UGC income comes from retainers, providing stability and peace of mind (2:29-2:51). • Less Clients, More Money: You can achieve your income goals with fewer clients, which is ideal for those with other commitments (2:53-3:00). • No Pressure to Go Viral: The focus is on delivering consistent, valuable content, with the brand deciding how it's used (3:02-3:07). • Control: You control your rates, time, and schedule, and can customize retainers (3:09-3:15). • Efficiency: Working with fewer brands allows for deeper integration and understanding of their message and audience, leading to more efficient content creation (8:05-8:29). • Why Brands Love Retainers: Brands appreciate not having to constantly search for new creators, as it simplifies bookkeeping and ensures a consistent brand voice (1:59-2:25, 3:44-3:56). • How to Secure Retainers: • Communicate Value: Position the retainer as beneficial to the brand, focusing on how it solves their problems rather than your need for consistent income (4:09-4:45, 9:02-9:13). • Demonstrate Reliability: Brands look for creators who deliver on time, communicate well, follow directions, are easy to work with, and take feedback constructively (6:59-7:14). • Make the Brand Look Good: Delivering excellent content makes the brand's team members look good to their superiors, increasing your likelihood of being hired (7:25-7:37). • Common Length: Most common retainer lengths are 3 to 6 months, though some can be on a rolling basis (7:49-7:58). • What to Avoid: Be wary of brands that ask for free videos with the promise of a retainer later, as this can be a "carrot dangle" to get free content (5:31-5:56). Instead, counter with an offer for one paid video at your normal rate to test performance (6:03-6:20). RESOURCES MENTIONED: → FREE RESOURCE: What I said to brands to get 10 PAID DEALS overnight -- https://stan.store/Kaylaybanez/p/the-message-that-got-10-brands-to-say-yes WORK WITH ME: Ready to monetize your skills as a non-influencer? -- Get ready to get paid high ticket for brand videos + retainer deals without having to post to social media - Lights, Camera Rehired -- https://stan.store/Kaylaybanez/p/lights-camera-rehired→ Check out my program, 2nd Job Alternative : https://stan.store/Kaylaybanez/p/2nd-job-alternative-30-day-program LET'S HANG OUT MORE: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/imkaylaybanez TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@kaylaybanez Tell me in the comments: What was your biggest "OMG I NEEDED THIS" moment? Let's chat below — I reply to every single one! #UGC #UserGeneratedContent #CreativeEntrepreneurship #ContentCreation #DigitalMarketing #BrandCollaboration #VideoEditing #CreativeOutlet #MakeMoneyOnline #AgeIsJustANumber #networkmarketing #UGCretainers #paidretainers

The podcast episode discusses the advantages of prioritizing UGC Retainer Deals to move your income from 1-2k months to 8-10k months within the first quarter of 2026! Here is why over 50% of my monthly income comes from UGC retainers, how I book them and how to stand out to be hired for a retainer contract, even as a new creator.Here's a breakdown of the key points:• What are Retainers? A retainer means a brand or agency hires your services for a set duration, rather than for a single, one-off project (0:42-1:02). This provides predictable income, as you know how much content you'll produce and how much you'll be paid for a specific period (1:12-1:29).• Benefits of Retainers:• Predictable Income: Over 65-75% of the speaker's UGC income comes from retainers, providing stability and peace of mind (2:29-2:51).• Less Clients, More Money: You can achieve your income goals with fewer clients, which is ideal for those with other commitments (2:53-3:00).• No Pressure to Go Viral: The focus is on delivering consistent, valuable content, with the brand deciding how it's used (3:02-3:07).• Control: You control your rates, time, and schedule, and can customize retainers (3:09-3:15).• Efficiency: Working with fewer brands allows for deeper integration and understanding of their message and audience, leading to more efficient content creation (8:05-8:29).• Why Brands Love Retainers: Brands appreciate not having to constantly search for new creators, as it simplifies bookkeeping and ensures a consistent brand voice (1:59-2:25, 3:44-3:56).• How to Secure Retainers:• Communicate Value: Position the retainer as beneficial to the brand, focusing on how it solves their problems rather than your need for consistent income (4:09-4:45, 9:02-9:13).• Demonstrate Reliability: Brands look for creators who deliver on time, communicate well, follow directions, are easy to work with, and take feedback constructively (6:59-7:14).• Make the Brand Look Good: Delivering excellent content makes the brand's team members look good to their superiors, increasing your likelihood of being hired (7:25-7:37).• Common Length: Most common retainer lengths are 3 to 6 months, though some can be on a rolling basis (7:49-7:58).• What to Avoid: Be wary of brands that ask for free videos with the promise of a retainer later, as this can be a "carrot dangle" to get free content (5:31-5:56). Instead, counter with an offer for one paid video at your normal rate to test performance (6:03-6:20).✨ RESOURCES MENTIONED:→ FREE RESOURCE: What I said to brands to get 10 PAID DEALS overnight -- https://stan.store/Kaylaybanez/p/the-...✨ WORK WITH ME:Ready to monetize your skills as a non-influencer?-- Get ready to get paid high ticket for brand videos + retainer deals without having to post to social media - Lights, Camera Rehired -- https://stan.store/Kaylaybanez/p/ligh... Check out my program, 2nd Job Alternative : https://stan.store/Kaylaybanez/p/2nd-...

There's a big difference between tooth gems with retainers vs on retainers — and most people don't think about the long-term consequences. This week's episode breaks down the two trends, what's actually safe, and why one of them could be an expensive regret. 00:00 – Intro: Truth or Trend: Tooth Gems & Retainers – what's safe, what's risky 00:58 – Quick ortho math: Why retainers are $$$ (then and now) 01:20 – Two questions to ask: Under a retainer vs on a retainer 01:32 – Hawleys vs Essex: How retainer style changes gem safety 01:58 – Essex fit factors: Thickness, flexibility, and why tight = pop-off risk 02:20 – Safe gem sizes under retainers: Why SS2–SS3 might survive, navettes probably won't 02:41 – The “on the retainer” problem: Permanence + long retainer lifespan 03:00 – Adhesive reality check: Yellow etch means that gem's not coming off 03:20 – Patient commitment warning: Why you need informed consent for retainer designs 03:29 – Fit concerns vs aesthetic regret: Why fit isn't the issue — it's the “I'm over this design” factor 03:50 – Truth or trend verdict: On the retainer = trend (likely to fade) On teeth under retainers = truth (here to stay with the right gem + retainer match) 04:10 – Final mic-drop: Choose the gem for the retainer, not the other way around Thank you to our sponsor Fern Whitening Supplies.

Join me for a podcast summary looking at Ai in orthodonticsand its clinical application. A growing topic in orthodontics, and one of themost featured topics at this years AAO. This summary is based on 3 lectures fromthis year's summer meeting by Juan Francisco Gonzalez & Jean Marc Retrouvey,Tarek ElShebiny , Jonas Bianchi and Lucia Cevidanes. We will look whatAi is, the way it works and its clinical application, as well as a criticalview on this young field.  What is Ai: 1.       Technology that enables computers and machinesto simulate human intelligence, perform 1 task very well, e.g. voice command, Youtuberecommendations2.       Predictive modelling, makes calculations,  convert information into numbers or categoriesand recognise patterns  Levels of Ai: Machine learning, Neural Networks and Deep Learning1.       Machine learninga.       The ability for a machine to learn from data andpast experience to identify patterns and make predictions  2.       Neural Networks  a.       Specific model which relies on interconnectednodes, which perform a mathematical calculation of associations , patterns, andprobabilities 3.       Deep learninga.       Is a complex version of neural networks Virtual patient·     CBCT segment + STL file – segmentation of theteeth and roots, with labelling of different stuctureso  Can print model, visualise ideal vector andcalculate ideal vectoro  However clinician still required to establish biomechanics ·     CBCT integration for aligner cases, Unpublishedthesis Khalid Alotaibi:o  Treatment planning confidence increased 50%, leastchange was treatment planning modification  Diagnostic data:·     Ai cephalometric tracingo  46% of 24 landmarks 2.0mm withino  4 different programmes  Iortho, Webceph, Orthodc, cephxo  All landmarks had good overall agreement butvariation in identification  ·     Facial Analysis·     Automated 3D facial asymmetry analysis usingmachine learning  Adel 2025o  Study – 7 landmarks o  Identified manually and with deep learning o  5 accurate, 2 significant difference but notclinically relevant Diagnostic accuracy of photos·     Clinical photos assessment by Ai, and comparedto clinical examination·     Sensitivity 72%, specificity 54% Vaughan & Ahmed2025  Growth prediction·     Poor agreement age 9  Comparison between direct, virtual and AI bonding·     DIBs – uses Ai for bonding·     Compare Ai Vs user modified indirect bonding Vsdirect bonding (gold standard), 0.5mm significant ·     Incisors accurate·     Premolars and lower laterals inaccurate  Monitoring Previous podcast exploring the accuracy of remote monitoringo   with Ferlito 2022 80%repeatability from 2 scans 44.7% repeatability and reproducibility  Bracket removal from scan and retainer fitTarek Assessment of virtual bracket removal by artificialintelligence and thermoplastic retainer fit AJODO 2024o  Retainers for both – clinically acceptable    FDA approval of Ai in dentistry·     FDA - Software of Medical Diagnosis § 4  dental:·     Dental Monitoring·     Ray Co ·     X-Nav technologies·     Densply Sirona    What's next·     More data learning to train AI model·     Robotics customising appliances per patient    

Would you like access to our advanced agency training for FREE? https://www.agencymastery360.com/training Are you stuck chasing new clients while ignoring the goldmine in your past customer list? Does your agency feast on projects but starve for predictable revenue? Today's featured guest knows what it's like to hit a growth ceiling and being tired of the one-and-done client hamster wheel. He shares how he pivoted his agency after becoming a HubSpot partner, why he turned to project-based work after customer habits changed following the pandemic, and how he got out of the dreaded “no man's land”. Eric Baum is the CEO and founder of Bluleadz, a HubSpot Onboarding and Implementation Agency dedicated to transforming the way companies market, sell, and service their customers through the power of the HubSpot platform. He'll discuss his cash flow challenges, pricing mistakes that almost tanked the business, and how EOS helped him escape “no man's land.” If you're stuck in the fulfillment hamster wheel or scaling past $5M feels like pushing a boulder uphill... listen up. In this episode, we'll discuss: Reinventing his agency as a HubSpot partner. The real scaling struggle: cash flow. Why project-based doesn't mean profitless. Strategic partnerships are the future. 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. Accidental Founder, Intentional CEO Back in the Yellow Pages era, Eric was running two service-based franchises and needed a better way to market them. He brought marketing in-house for PPC, SEO, web dev, and that hire didn't just turn things around. It turned into a new business. Fast-forward a few months, and other franchise owners across the country started asking for help. Eric spun that in-house team into an agency, and had 50 clients out of the gate. As many owners before have admitted to, Eric started out charging way too low—$250 to $500/month. “I don't know how I didn't go broke right out of the gate,” he laughs. And if you've ever undercharged in the early days, you'll feel that one deep in your soul. Reinventing the Agency (and Himself) Around HubSpot The turning point came when Eric discovered HubSpot and pivoted Bluleadz to become a certified partner. That's when the “real” agency began, as he started to study the industry and figure out what he had to do to be profitable, take care of his team, and do it without necessarily doing all the sales work all the time. From there, Eric leaned into strategy, profitability, and systems. He stopped trying to be the everything guy and started building an agency that didn't need him in the trenches every day. Fifteen years later, his agency isn't just thriving. It's structured, profitable, and on track to hit 8 figures. Life in “No Man's Land” – The $1M to $5M Plateau After fifteen years in the industry and getting closer to the eight-figure mark, one of the things that most surprised Eric was getting stuck in the ugly middle: the zone between $1M and $5M where a lot of agency dreams go to die. Many call it “no man's land,” and if you've been there, you know the pain. “It was up, down, up, down,” he says. “I'd grow, then lose key employees. Revenue would spike, then tank. I kept asking, ‘What am I doing wrong?'” The answer: a lack of structure. So about nine years ago, Eric implemented EOS (Entrepreneurial Operating System). That gave his agency the foundation it needed—vision, accountability, and a cadence to scale. It didn't fix everything overnight, but it got the business out of reaction mode and into growth mode. The Real Scaling Struggle: Cash Flow Even with all that success, Eric's biggest constraint today isn't clients or talent. It's cash. In the agency world, sometimes you can grow so fast that you can actually outpace your ability to fund it. As Eric explains, “Receivables stack up. You can't hire, build, or invest without the cash reserves in place to hit the down terms.” For instance, just this year his agency was down 20% compared to last year because of all the uncertainty for businesses. Sound familiar? So far, Eric's solution has been airtight payment terms. They moved away from waiting on client deliverables and toward milestone-based billing. They typically charge: 50% upfront 25% after month one 25% at month two or fixed date Not based on deliverables. Based on time. Why? Because waiting on clients kills momentum (and your margin). “We used to wait months to get that final 50%. Now we're often 100% paid before a project is even done.” Moral of the story? Set clear terms and stop letting clients hold your agency hostage. Project-Based Doesn't Mean Profitless If You Structure It Right Five years ago, 85% of Bluleadz's revenue came from retainers. Then COVID hit. Buying behavior shifted fast. Clients wanted results without long-term commitments. So Eric pivoted hard into project work—today, 80–85% of their revenue comes from one-off HubSpot onboarding and implementation projects. That means 50–75 new customers per month, each on 30 to 90-day timelines. The lesson: project-based doesn't have to mean chaos - if you systemize delivery and payment. However, Eric does admit he and his team had been failing to recapture clients for a second or third project. “We were just focused on getting new clients through the door.” Instead of nurturing clients post-delivery, they handed off the project and moved on. Meanwhile, past clients drifted—only to come back a year or two later in total chaos saying, “We lost our HubSpot guy. Can you help?” The opportunity cost was massive. They are currently working on recapturing these relationships. By reselling past clients, his agency could double or triple revenue in a year. The Triple-Team Model: Sales, CSM, Implementation In their efforts to start creating more lifetime value for customers, Eric's agency introduced Customer Success Managers (CSMs)—not just to check in, but to hunt for value. CSMs dig into each client's needs post-project, surface upsell or cross-sell opportunities, and feed them back to the sales team. Now they're farming the base, increasing LTV, and stacking wins without chasing cold leads. This third new role adds a new layer to his team's structure, which he now breaks down as: Salespeople close net-new deals and join key milestone calls.           Implementation Specialists own delivery and are the client's main point of contact. CSMs sit above delivery, watching for success gaps, retention issues, and upsell opportunities. “Salespeople are hunters, not farmers. Trying to make them farm didn't work. So we changed the model.” This layered structure gives clients clarity, keeps teams focused, and ensures no growth opportunity slips through the cracks. Strategic Partnerships Are the Future Another key reason Bluleadz is scaling so quickly is partnerships. They're one of HubSpot's top onboarding partners, and at one point this partnership drove most of his agency's net new leads. More recently, however, as they start to expand their efforts to engage past clients, only 40% of their leads come from HubSpot, while 30% comes from existing customers, and another 30% from their inbound marketing efforts, other strategic partners, and referrals. This makes for a more balanced pipeline: “Inbound, outbound, and strategic partnerships”. Those are the three pillars in the Playbook. You've got ‘em dialed in. As for Eric, he's all in on strategic partnerships, which he considers to be the way of the future. The One Thing Eric Would Do Differently If he could go back and give his younger self advice on agency ownership, Eric would say “Let go faster.” He held on too long to sales, finance, client services… all of it. And every time he finally let go, the agency grew again. Today, Eric has zero departmental responsibilities. His job is vision, strategy, and leadership—and it's paying off. Do You Want to Transform Your Agency from a Liability to an Asset? Looking to dig deeper into your agency's potential? Check out our Agency Blueprint. Designed for agency owners like you, our Agency Blueprint helps you uncover growth opportunities, tackle obstacles, and craft a customized blueprint for your agency's success.

In this episode of The Friday Habit, Mark sits down with Ellen Wood—CEO and co-founder of vcfo—to talk about the power of financial strategy, planning for exit, and how to build a more valuable business from day one. As a pioneer in the fractional CFO space, Ellen has helped hundreds of businesses scale, prepare for investment, and exit successfully. She shares practical advice for founders at every stage, from what entity structure to choose to how (and when) to think about your exit strategy.This episode is packed with down-to-earth insights on cash flow, culture, and planning for the long game—even if you're just getting started.

In this episode of Creatives Grab Coffee, Ben Amos from Innovate Media and Engage Video Marketing shares his journey from high school media teacher to agency owner, coach, and published author. Ben dives deep into the importance of video strategy, explaining how producers can elevate client outcomes by focusing beyond just production. He breaks down his signature seven-part video strategy framework, discusses how to incorporate strategic thinking into sales conversations, and explains how his retainer model works with select clients. Whether you're running a corporate video agency or freelancing, this episode is packed with insights to help you grow your business through smarter, more strategic content.TIMESTAMPS00:00 – Episode Introduction and Guest Welcome03:05 – Ben's transition from teaching to video production06:45 – Launching Engage Video Marketing and the podcast08:30 – The pivotal moment that sparked a strategy-first mindset14:00 – Ben's 7 elements of effective video strategy21:10 – Strategy vs. production vs. management: the Venn diagram27:45 – Why Innovate Media avoids paid ad management34:16 – How to approach B2B vs B2C clients strategically42:51 – What makes a video retainer model actually work59:52 – Coaching and mentorship for video producers1:06:07 – Ben's future goals and closing thoughtsSPONSORS:Canada Film Equipment: www.CanadaFilmEquipment.comAudio Process: www.Audioprocess.ca

Want to stop chasing one-off gigs and start building predictable, recurring income? John MacAdam reveals how. He built his side hustle over 15 years while working full-time as an engineer — and eventually used it to launch a successful solo business. You can follow John's lead after hearing how he: Shifted from hourly rates to value-based pricing — and tripled his income Turned a $6K one-off project into a $5K/month retainer (still active 2+ years later) Positions himself as a trusted advisor, not just a task-doer Uses simple systems to build long-term client loyalty Turned early failures — like a “your app sucks” review — into growth and momentum Do you like what you're hearing? Consider giving it a caffeinated thumbs up. We'd really appreciate it! Need a little (and sometimes big) push to start and stay focused to grow your side hustle? Dive into my online Masterclass: How To Turn Your Thoughts Into Wanted Things. For the full show notes head on over to the home of Side Hustle Hero. https://www.sidehustlehero.com/153 Connect with John: LinkedIn John's Book - Sustainable Self Employment: Taking The Leap Connect with Joan: Instagram Facebook About Joan Be on the show! Tell us about your side hustle success story!    

Have you been struggling to close high-ticket retainer deals?    Lisa Larter is a brilliant strategist who helps entrepreneurs and small business owners create clear and simple strategies that help them reach those big, lofty business goals that feel out of reach. And in this episode, she joins Eleanor to share her proven "Second Sale Strategy" that has helped her maintain an impressive 90% close rate on six-figure retainer deals with clients who stay for 5-9 years.   Get full show notes and more information here: https://safimedia.co/WO49

In this episode of Grow a Small Business, host Troy Trewin interviews Felicity Zadro, founder of Zadro Agency, a strategic communications firm in Sydney. Felicity shares how she built her business from just $5K and a heavy laptop named “Bruce” into a $2M agency with 10 team members. She discusses overcoming major challenges, including the GFC and losing 85% of revenue during COVID, and how she rebuilt with a strong retainer model. We dive into her focus on team culture, the shift from founder to CEO mindset, and balancing leadership with motherhood. It's a powerful story of resilience, clarity of purpose, and long-term growth. Why would you wait any longer to start living the lifestyle you signed up for? Balance your health, wealth, relationships and business growth. And focus your time and energy and make the most of this year. Let's get into it by clicking here. Troy delves into our guest's startup journey, their perception of success, industry reconsideration, and the pivotal stress point during business expansion. They discuss the joys of small business growth, vital entrepreneurial habits, and strategies for team building, encompassing wins, blunders, and invaluable advice. And a snapshot of the final five Grow A Small Business Questions: What do you think is the hardest thing in growing a small business? According to Felicity Zadro, the hardest thing in growing a small business is juggling priorities and deciding where to focus your time. She emphasised that time is finite, so making the right decisions, learning how to delegate effectively, and focusing only on what the business owner can uniquely do—especially the tasks they might not always want to—are essential and challenging parts of growth. What's your favorite business book that has helped you the most? Felicity Zadro's favorite business book that has helped her the most is Start With Why by Simon Sinek. She shared that it's been critical for Zadro Agency, particularly in shaping their brand and strategic planning process. It resonated deeply with her approach to purpose-driven business. Are there any great podcasts or online learning resources you'd recommend to help grow a small business? Felicity Zadro emphasises her involvement in a CEO group, noting that while it requires a substantial commitment, she finds it incredibly valuable for gaining insights and building connections with key people and suppliers. She describes the group as a continuous, structured learning environment that has profoundly influenced her and reshaped how she manages her business. What tool or resource would you recommend to grow a small business? Felicity Zadro recommends developing a robust business plan as a critical tool for growing a small business. A clear plan focuses efforts, sets achievable goals, and ensures team alignment, creating momentum and long-term direction for success. What advice would you give yourself on day one of starting out in business? Felicity Zadro's advice to her day-oneself is to trust her instincts and embrace the journey, knowing it will challenge and transform her into a better leader. She highlights the importance of listening to your inner voice as it reflects accumulated experience. Book a 20-minute Growth Chat with Troy Trewin to see if you qualify for our upcoming course. Don't miss out on this opportunity to take your small business to new heights! Enjoyed the podcast? Please leave a review on iTunes or your preferred platform. Your feedback helps more small business owners discover our podcast and embark on their business growth journey.     Quotable quotes from our special Grow A Small Business podcast guest: Culture isn't created overnight; it's a daily commitment to values and people – Felicity Zadro   Success is a balance of ambition, focus, and adaptability – Felicity Zadro Resilience is the key to thriving through challenges and change – Felicity Zadro      

Ever feel like your business is running you instead of the other way around? You're not alone.If you've been stuck at the same income level despite working more hours, constantly switching between different client tasks, or feeling like there's a ceiling to your growth, this episode is for you. Most online service providers think that adding more clients or working more hours is the path to growth, but in reality, that approach is what's keeping them trapped. The retainer model itself creates an inevitable income ceiling that no amount of hustle can break through.In this episode, I share my personal journey from VA to OBM and the surprising realization that changed everything: your income shouldn't be tied to how much you work, but to how well your business is structured. I break down why most VAs and OBMs hit income ceilings despite working harder, and reveal a practical approach to doubling your profits while working fewer hours.Key Points Covered:✨ Why adding more clients actually decreases your effective hourly rate (with the exact math)✨ The hidden cost of context switching between different clients and tasks✨ How to transition from selling time to selling expertise through a structured framework✨ The three key shifts that allow service providers to scale without burnout✨ A practical audit to help you start implementing these changes immediatelyIf you're tired of the constant hustle, client overwhelm, and feeling stuck at the same income level despite working harder, this episode will transform how you approach your business. It's time to structure your business around a framework that positions you as the expert and allows you to charge for transformation, not time.⚡️Want to break free from the time-for-money trap? Check out EXPANSION, my 3-month 1:1 coaching program designed specifically to help service providers create a business that scales peacefully. DM me "EXPANSION" on Instagram to learn more.Send us a textThank you for being a part of the Soulpreneur Scaling Stories community!FREE RESOURCES

In this episode, hosts Rosslyn and Mikyla, founders of Food Photography Corner, discuss how Mikyla generated $72K in revenue from local restaurants in Spokane, Washington. They explain the importance of positioning oneself as a strategic marketing partner rather than just a photographer, and offer insights on building long-term client relationships.The episode details Mikyla's strategy for identifying opportunities, providing valuable consulting services, and making the process effortless for busy restaurant owners. The discussion includes practical tips for food photographers looking to expand their business with small restaurants.Key Takeaways:Challenges and Strategies in Small TownsBuilding Long-Term PartnershipsStrategic Planning for RestaurantsOffering Comprehensive ServicesHelpful Links:Connect on InstagramLanding Restaurant Work PocketbookNegotiating with Small Businesses – Apple, Spotify 

Points of Interest1:02 – 1:38 – Intro: Marcel introduces the session as a condensed version of his All-in Agency Summit talk, aimed at equipping agencies with the key levers to diagnose and improve profitability.3:05 – 3:18 – 80/20 Profitability Focus: The goal is to give agencies 20% of the knowledge that provides 80% of the insight needed to take control of profitability, regardless of market conditions.4:28 – 6:27 – The Growth Trap Cycle: Agencies often get stuck in a cycle of hiring during growth, losing profitability, scaling again, and repeatedly encountering the same financial challenges at larger scales.6:42 – 7:01 – Identifying the Real Problem: Founders are urged to identify whether their agency's issue is inefficient delivery (indigestion) or lack of revenue (starvation) to avoid insolvency.9:01 – 10:06 – Financial Metrics Foundation: Understanding core financial metrics—especially agency gross income (AGI)—is essential to making better business decisions beyond tax reporting.14:24 – 18:05 – Delivery Margin as the Core Metric: Agencies should aim for delivery costs to stay under 50% of AGI, enabling better spending on overhead and stronger profitability.21:44 – 26:44 – Lever 1: Average Cost Per Hour: Lowering the average cost of labor through delegation and improved processes helps reduce delivery costs and increase profitability.28:03 – 31:55 – Lever 2: Average Billable Rate (ABR): Maximizing revenue per hour of delivery time, regardless of billing model, improves margins—either by pricing higher or working more efficiently.34:17 – 38:24 – Lever 3: Utilization Rate: Utilization measures how much team capacity is spent on client work; improving it by selling more work or adjusting staff size directly affects profitability.42:01 – 44:45 – Utilization Benchmarks: Weekly and annual utilization targets vary by role; producers should aim for 75%+ weekly, and teams should average 50–65% annually including all roles.45:27 – 49:26 – Impact of Levers on Profit: A case study illustrates how modest gains in utilization and ABR can shift profit margins from 10% to 40%, increasing valuation by up to 500% without hiring or cutting overhead.Show NotesAll-in Agency SummitChris Dubois & Dynamic Agency OSFree Agency Profit ToolkitFree access to our Model PlatformParakeeto Foundations CourseLove the PodcastLeave us a review here.

In this episode, Mother Malia dives deep into the specific strategies needed to scale your agency beyond 7 figures. Having firsthand experience in purchasing and selling an agency, Mother Malia shares the unique challenges and triumphs of growing an agency, touching on both business structure and leadership insights. She emphasizes the importance of nurturing your team, ensuring they embody the high standards of your brand, and fostering a culture where quality and client satisfaction are paramount. Malia also explores the power of transitioning from project-based work to retainer models to establish recurring revenue, which can alleviate the stress of constantly seeking new clients and allow for more consistent growth. Listen to the full episode to gain actionable insights on scaling efficiently, building strong client relationships, and creating an agency that truly stands out in your industry. Key Takeaways: Your Team is the Foundation: Invest in your people. Make sure your team members are not only skilled but have the character and people skills to represent your brand and deliver high-quality services to clients. Malia stresses the importance of trust within the team, noting that any breakdowns in integrity or performance can severely impact your agency's reputation. Becoming the Gold Standard: To scale quickly, aim to be the gold standard in your industry. This includes going beyond meeting client expectations and constantly evaluating whether your service matches what a top-tier agency should deliver. Shift to Retainers for Recurring Revenue: Transition from selling projects to offering retainers. Retainers create a steady flow of monthly recurring revenue, reducing the pressure of continuously chasing new projects and ensuring financial stability for your agency. Tune in now to The Gold Standard Podcast and discover: Libsyn: https://jenniferlongmore.libsyn.com/ Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3KAqK4RuGonXt7PaLOf618 Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-gold-standard-making-millions-with-mother-malia Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/JenniferLongmoreSoulJourneys As you explore these strategies and envision the growth of your agency, remember that support is just a call away. If you're ready to dive deeper and discover how to implement these insights tailored to your unique situation, I invite you to connect with my team to explore working with me: media@mothermalia.com Let's craft a roadmap to scale your impact, your income, and your freedom. P.S. If you see yourself as a sovereign, new earth leader ready to generate five figures in MRR by creating new income streams beyond your business, come join the conversation in my new Facebook group.   —------------------------------------------------   About Our Host - Jennifer Longmore / 8 Figure Mentor, Founder of the #1 Akashic Record Training School & Clear Channel for Mother Malia   Jennifer is an award winning CEO, 12 time best selling author and built the #1 Akashic Record Training School in the world before shifting into becoming Mother Malia. Over the past 20 years, her school has certified over 100,000 consultants in over 100 countries and has been translated into 5 languages.   She is also a clear channel for Mother Malia: The Great Mother who comes to earth during times of great transition, like the collective ascension we are experiencing now. She is here to restore the original codes of The Land of The People, to reawaken the gold codes as they were intended, and support as many light leaders as possible elevate into their sacred mission and allow in millions to fuel the spread of their sacred gifts.   When she is not channeling and providing high level strategic guidance to light leaders, you can find her enjoying trips with her family, hikes with her dog, or tending to her 100+ rare plant collection.   Learn more:    Website: https://mothermalia.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jenniferlongmore/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SoulPurposeExpert Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/souljourneyexpert

Are retainers the future of agency growth?In this episode, David Brecount — CEO and co-founder of US Digital Partners — returns to share how his agency survived and thrived over 23 years by doing the opposite of what most agencies chase: consistency over chaos, long-term strategy over shiny tactics, and relationships over quick wins.Watch our latest video training, How to Take Charge of Your Agency's Future Revenue. During this training, you'll learn how we get qualified appointments every week using tasteful and highly targeted email outreach.We talk about how he shifted from project-based work to recurring revenue, what clients actually want in today's skeptical market, and how his team is doubling down on being human in a noisy, AI-dominated landscape.Whether you're an agency founder or a sales leader selling complex services, this is a blueprint for sustainable growth. 

My guest is Dr. Staci Whitman, DMD, a board-certified functional dentist for kids and adults. We discuss the critical importance of oral care and the oral microbiome for brain and bodily health. We examine the negative effects of common oral care product ingredients such as alcohol, astringents, and bleaches. We also explore the history and real impact of fluoridated drinking water on oral, bone, and systemic health. Then we discuss healthy, lesser-known solutions for bad breath, canker sores, cavities, and teeth whitening. We cover how teeth can be made to repair their own cavities and the connection between oral health and cardiovascular health, male and female fertility, dementia, and cancer. This episode goes far beyond the best approaches to brushing and flossing and will be a valuable resource for anyone seeking to improve their oral health and appearance at any age. Read the episode show notes at hubermanlab.com. Thank you to our sponsors AG1: https://drinkag1.com/huberman Eight Sleep: https://eightsleep.com/huberman BetterHelp: https://betterhelp.com/huberman Joovv: https://joovv.com/huberman Function: https://functionhealth.com/huberman LMNT: https://drinklmnt.com/huberman Timestamps 00:00:00 Dr. Staci Whitman 00:02:04 Oral Health & Oral Microbiome 00:05:01 Oral Healthcare Ingredients, Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS); Canker Sores 00:08:45 Sponsors: Eight Sleep & BetterHelp 00:11:38 Cavities & Teeth De-/Remineralization, Fluoride 00:19:14 Cavities, Tool: Meal Frequency, Fasting 00:21:51 Sugar, “Dissolvable” Carbs & Cavities, Tools: Feed the Rainbow, Clean Diet 00:27:41 White Teeth, Bleaching, Hydroxyapatite, Mouth Breathing 00:34:34 Antibiotics, Gut & Oral Microbiome, Tool: Probiotics 00:36:20 Mouthwash, Alcohol, Astringents, Cardiovascular Risk, Bad Breath 00:39:54 Sponsors: AG1 & Joovv 00:42:21 Saliva, Dry Mouth, Salivary Analysis, Tools: Hydration; Nasal Breathing 00:47:23 Mouth vs. Nasal Breathing, Hard & Soft Tissue Issues 00:54:19 Deviated Septum, Therapies, Kids & Adults, Mouth Breathing & Sleep Disorders 01:00:42 Gum Health, Flossing; Sexual Health 01:01:50 Shifting to Nasal Breathing, Mouth Taping, Tools: 3-Minute Test, Kiss The Sky 01:05:53 Chewing Gum, Mastic Gum, Tool: Xylitol; Chewing Food, Breastfeeding 01:11:28 Sponsor: Function 01:13:15 Gum Disease, “Leaky Gums”, Cardiovascular Disease, Dementia, Cancer 01:20:05 Antibiotics, Ozone Therapy, Oil Pulling, Mold, Tool: Coconut Oil; Facial Trauma 01:28:07 Nicotine Gum & Pouches, Oral Health; Coffee, Teeth Whitening 01:34:16 Whole Foods, Hydroxyapatite Toothpaste; Tool: Testing Oral Microbiome 01:39:39 Water Fluoridation, History, Other Fluoride Sources, Neurocognitive Issues 01:54:57 Drinking Water & Fluoride, Toothpaste, Cavities 01:59:51 Sponsor: LMNT 02:01:07 Water Fluoridation & Levels 02:04:52 Oral Health & Fertility 02:07:03 Toothbrushing, Flossing, Waterpik, Tool: Toothbrushing & Meals 02:13:23 Teeth Spots & Markings, Fluorosis, Hypoplastic Enamel 02:19:10 Oral Health, Women, Pregnancy, Menopause & Burning Mouth 02:23:16 Geographic Tongue; Lip Balm; Mouth Breathing, Symmetrical Chewing 02:27:09 Tongue Tie, Chewing & Speech Function, Intervention 02:32:27 Red Light Therapy, Peptides & Exosomes 02:34:40 Mercury Fillings, Ceramic Composites, Retainers, Sealants 02:39:08 Dentists, Depression, Anxiety, Suicide; Insurance 02:45:05 Recap, Top Behavioral Tools for Oral Health, Tongue Scrapping 02:52:10 Zero-Cost Support, YouTube, Spotify & Apple Follow & Reviews, YouTube Feedback, Protocols Book, Social Media, Neural Network Newsletter Disclaimer & Disclosures

Think six is too young for braces? Or that you need to wait until all your baby teeth fall out? Orthodontics expert Dr. Daniel German says think again! He's sharing why braces might actually hurt less for kids (spoiler: ice cream is totally doctor-approved) and how digital technology has made appointments a breeze. Got your braces off? Not so fast! From permanent vs. removable retainers to why bottom teeth love to shift (blame that growing jaw!), learn how to help keep your smile straight for life. And yes, he's covering the truth about rubber bands, popcorn rules, and more. Tune in now!​   Care Experts is a weekly podcast by CareCredit where we sit down with doctors and experts who give information, tips and insight into healthcare treatments and procedures. Check in every Wednesday for new episodes at carecredit.com/careexperts or subscribe on your favorite podcast app.   CareCredit is a health, wellness and personal care credit card that has helped millions of people with promotional financing options and is accepted at hundreds of thousands of provider and retail locations nationwide. Learn more at carecredit.com.

Predictable revenue may not be flashy, but it's the foundation of a business that lasts. While others chase trends and burnout, you'll have steady income, reliable clients, and peace of mind. Because a business that pays you consistently isn't boring—it's profitable, sustainable, and stress-free. In this episode, we're discussing how to trade chaos for consistency, stop chasing quick wins, and start building income you can count on.  Topics discussed in this episode include: Why chasing trends won't save you. Why predictable income is the holy grail of a boring business. Steps to make a predictable income including:  Retainers and recurring revenue. Making longer commitments. Productizing your services. Setting clear payment terms Building long-lasting client relationships.  For detailed show notes and links to everything in this episode, please visit bsfreebusiness.com. Be sure to subscribe to the show so you never miss an episode, and you can get Staying Solo updates by email by signing up here

Insights from the Frontlines of M&AI'm thrilled to share some highlights from our latest episode of "The Deal Scout," where I had an enlightening conversation with Shawn Flynn, a seasoned investment banker specializing in mergers and acquisitions (M&A). This episode is packed with valuable insights and practical advice for anyone navigating the complex world of dealmaking. Here's a sneak peek at what we covered:Key Takeaways from the Episode:The Mindset of Dealmaking:   Analogies that Resonate: Shawn likens mergers to marriages and acquisitions to getting a puppy, making complex M&A concepts relatable and easier to grasp.   Emotional Rollercoaster: Selling a business is not just a financial transaction but an emotional journey. Shawn shares how entrepreneurs can prepare mentally and emotionally for this significant life event.Focus on Transaction Size:   Why Size Matters: Shawn explains why his firm prioritizes transaction size over geographic or sector-specific constraints. Deals under $10 million often don't justify the involvement of investment bankers due to fee structures.   Fee Structures: We dive into the financial models used in investment banking, including the Lehman model, and discuss the importance of aligning fees with the complexity of each deal.Client Relationships:   Trust and Collaboration: Shawn emphasizes the importance of working with trustworthy and pleasant clients. Good relationships can make the deal process smoother, while difficult clients can create unnecessary stress.Retainers and Success Fees:   Ensuring Commitment: Retainers serve multiple purposes, from ensuring client commitment to covering operational costs. Shawn highlights how retainers demonstrate a client's seriousness about the deal.The Role of Due Diligence:   Thorough Preparation: Conducting thorough due diligence is crucial for understanding the nuances and potential challenges of a deal, setting appropriate expectations, and ensuring a successful outcome.Secondary Transactions:   Liquidity Options: Shawn explains how secondary transactions involving private company shares work, including the valuation process and options for founders or early investors looking to cash out.Valuation of Private Company Shares:   Assessing Value: Despite the lack of transparency in private companies, there are ways to assess their value based on available information, including databases and platforms that provide insights into recent transactions.Next Steps Share your thoughts with a review - https://www.thedealscout.com/reviews/ Let's connect on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshuabrucewilson/ Subscribe and Watch on YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCBQN_Y3nhDGClfMxCSBDjOg Disclaimer: The content shared on this podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be taken as financial, legal, or tax advice. The views and opinions expressed are those of the host, Josh Wilson, and any guests, and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of any agency or organization. Josh Wilson is a licensed real estate broker and an investment banker, but this podcast is not a substitute for professional advice. We strongly recommend that you consult with a qualified financial advisor, legal counsel, and tax professional before making any financial decisions or taking any actions based on the information provided in this podcast.

Massachusetts ignored 198 ICE retainers for serious criminals! Plus the Senate passes the Laken Riley Act with overwhelming support, but not with either Massachusetts Senators. Visit the Howie Carr Radio Network website to access columns, podcasts, and other exclusive content.

Your mouth is more than just a place to chew food—it's the gateway to your overall health! In this episode, Dr. Staci Whitman shares groundbreaking insights into the hidden connections between oral health and systemic diseases. Learn why bleeding gums are more than a nuisance, how mouth breathing impacts your sleep and heart health, and why your kissing habits could affect your microbiome. Discover practical tips like the importance of tongue scraping, the truth about charcoal toothpaste, and how early dental care can set children up for lifelong wellness. Don't miss this eye-opening discussion that will change how you think about oral care! #oralhealth #wellness #health  Dr. Staci Whitman: IG: @doctor_staci ==== Thank You To Our Sponsors!  Nuzest Go to https://nuzest-usa.com/drg and use code DRG for 20% off all products. SiPhox Visit siphoxhealth.com/healthyself to get 20% off your first at-home blood test and start your journey toward optimal health.  BON CHARGE Click here and use code DRG for 15% off storewide OurPlace Visit https://fromourplace.com and use code DRG to receive 10% off. ==== Show Notes: 00:00:00 - Welcome to the Show 00:00:09 - Oral Microbiome & Systemic Health 00:01:48 - Signs of Gum Disease 00:03:04 - Oral Pathogens & Cancer 00:04:18 - Oral Bacteria & Brain Health 00:06:00 - Oral Probiotics & Salivary Testing 00:08:30 - Improving Oral Health Timeline 00:11:33 - Kissing & Bacteria Exchange 00:13:34 - Tongue Scraping Benefits 00:15:31 - At-Home Blood Testing 00:18:39 - Causes of Bad Breath 00:20:59 - Ketone & Periodontal Breath 00:22:34 - Floss vs. Water Picks 00:25:23 - Brushing Techniques 00:27:31 - Mouth Breathing & Dental Health 00:30:02 - Red Light Therapy & Dental Tools 00:33:11 - Sleep Apnea & Airway Issues 00:35:12 - Myofunctional Therapy 00:36:53 - Diet & Jaw Development 00:40:51 - Early Treatment for Children 00:43:33 - Retainers & Orthodontics 00:46:40 - Breathing & Jaw Expansion 00:50:03 - Toothpaste Choices 00:53:34 - Hydroxyapatite Benefits 00:56:50 - Prebiotics in Toothpaste 00:59:31 - Antimicrobial Products Use 01:01:01 - Functional Dentistry Institute 01:03:42 - Guest Introduction & Closing

Hey there! In this episode, we're talking about something every freelancer/va needs: recurring revenue streams. Imagine having steady, predictable income every month without constantly chasing new clients. Sounds pretty good, right? Here's what we're covering: Why recurring revenue is a game-changer: Say goodbye to feast or famine and hello to stability. The easiest ways to add recurring revenue to your business: Retainers, subscriptions, memberships—you've got options. How to get started today: Simple steps to package your services and pitch them like a pro. What to watch out for: Common challenges and how to avoid them so you set yourself up for success. Your next move: Quick tips to help you find your first recurring revenue opportunity. By the end of this episode, you'll have a clear idea of how to start building consistent income that works for you. Grab a coffee, settle in, and let's get to it! Enjoyed today's chat? Dive into more actionable insights on 'VA Tips, Tricks + Advice.' It's the no-fluff, no-hype podcast you've been looking for. Subscribe on Apple, Spotify, Google, iHeartRadio, and more. Short, impactful episodes to power up your skills and success. Hit subscribe now – let's keep the momentum going!  For more tips, tricks, and exclusive content, visit my website thetechiementor.com. Can't wait to connect with you there!

Welcome to the second episode of series 78! In this series, we sat down with Brian Saliba, creator of the game we are covering this series, Monty Python's Cocurricular Mediaeval Reenactment Programme, the officially licensed role-playing game lovingly ripped off from the complete works of Monty Python! This episode, we start making our characters! Character Creation Cast Patreon https://patreon.com/charactercreationcast Announcements: Bluesky Starter Pack! https://go.bsky.app/RBJ971x Join our Discord! https://discord.charactercreationcast.com Leave us reviews in any, or all, of these places: Character Creation Cast on Apple Podcasts (The best place to leave reviews for us) https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/character-creation-cast/id1363822066?mt=2&ls=1 Character Creation Cast on Podchaser https://podchaser.com/CharacterCreationCast Guests Brian Saliba Crowbar Creative: https://crwbr.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/crowbarcreative Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/crowbarcreative/ Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC4XLlAumcHxnVS5JBw4NVEg Games/Tools discussed this episode: Monty Python's Cocurricular Mediaeval Reenactment Programme: Pre-order: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/exaltedfuneral/monty-pythons-cocurricular-mediaeval-reenactment-programme Timestamps: (00:00:00) - Announcements (00:02:14) - How did the aesthetics of the game come together with a blend of public domain and custom art? (00:11:05) - Terms and Concepts (00:12:06) - Let's make some people! (00:17:54) - Class (00:22:07) - Traits and Mechanics (00:35:30) - Choosing Traits and/or Retainers (00:44:17) - Call to Action (00:48:37) - Credits Music: Opening: Meditation Impromptu 03 (https://freemusicarchive.org/music/Kevin_MacLeod/Calming/Meditation_Impromptu_03) by Kevin MacLeod Clip 1: Hit the Big Time! by Dresden, the Flamingo On Soundstripe: https://app.soundstripe.com/songs/9914 Clip 2: Homeland by Cody Martin On Soundstripe: https://app.soundstripe.com/songs/14480 Main Theme: Hero (Remix) (https://freemusicarchive.org/music/Steve_Combs/Principal_Photography_1493/11_Hero_Remix) by Steve Combs Our Podcast: Character Creation Cast: Website: https://www.charactercreationcast.com Contact Us: https://contact.charactercreationcast.com BlueSky: @CreationCast.net (https://bsky.app/profile/creationcast.net) Discord: https://discord.charactercreationcast.com/ TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@charactercreationcast Amelia Antrim: BlueSky: @gingerreckoning.bsky.social (https://bsky.app/profile/gingerreckoning.bsky.social) Ryan Boelter: BlueSky: @lordneptune.com (https://bsky.app/profile/lordneptune.com) Our Network: https://oneshotpodcast.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Would you like access to our advanced agency training for FREE? https://www.agencymastery360.com/training Are you tired of the endless cycle of client demands and shrinking margins? Is your agency struggling to differentiate itself in a crowded market? How can you elevate your agency from a service provider to a strategic partner? Today's guest shares how he identified an untapped market opportunity that revolutionized his business approach and established his agency as a respected HubSpot and Shopify partner. His experience shows how focusing on internal brand strength, selective client relationships, and strategic pricing can transform an agency's profitability and market position and offers valuable insights for agency owners seeking to break free from the cycle of demanding clients and diminishing returns. Join us for an inspiring conversation about navigating career paths and the importance of adaptability in business. Bob Afsari is the CEO and founder of Campaign Creators, a full-service digital marketing agency and HubSpot partner focused on helping their clients onboard and optimize their Hubspot environments. Bob shares his unconventional journey from studying neurobiology and working in molecular biology research to launching an agency in 2011. He reflects on the surprising turns of his career as well as expanding partnerships. In this episode, we'll discuss: Shifting from retainers to productization to redefine agency success. Finding the sweet spot between passion, skill, and value. Why too many choices kill agency sales. 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. Revolutionizing HubSpot and Shopify Onboarding Bob's journey to agency ownership was anything but conventional. After earning a degree in Neurobiology, Physiology, and Behavioral Science, he initially planned to pursue a medical career. However, a brief stint in San Diego led him to make a sharp turn, ultimately opening his own agency in 2011. Today, Bob's agency has become a HubSpot and Shopify partner, specializing in an area ripe for innovation – the onboarding process. Businesses purchasing HubSpot licenses, particularly the professional or enterprise versions, are required to undergo a mandatory onboarding that can be both cumbersome and costly, often taking up to 90 days and requiring significant financial investment. Recognizing the pain points his clients were facing, Bob stepped in to revolutionize the onboarding experience. By productizing the process, his agency has created a more efficient and cost-effective model. Instead of the traditional 90-day onboarding, they offer a streamlined 20-working-day process, reducing not only the time commitment but also the overall cost by 20% compared to traditional onboarding services. This innovative approach has allowed Bob's agency to carve out a unique niche in the market, catering to clients ranging from solo entrepreneurs to large corporations that are seeking a more seamless and accessible onboarding experience for their HubSpot and Shopify platforms. A Product-Led Approach to Agency Profitability Initially operating on retainers, Bob soon discovered that revenue growth didn't necessarily translate to increased profitability. Instead, it created a challenging cycle of constantly expanding the workforce to meet growing demands. The traditional retainer model's limitations became increasingly apparent. Clients would pay for monthly hours without clear deliverables, creating uncertainty on both sides. This often led to awkward conversations about unused hours and rollovers, while agencies struggled with workload management and resource allocation. Recognizing these challenges, Bob started to think of ways to make intangible marketing services tangible by productizing what they did and making sure there was a clear offering that empowered clients to engage with the agency in a way that suited their unique circumstances. This shift greatly helped eliminate the ambiguity. Some clients preferred to take a gradual approach, while others sought comprehensive solutions immediately and productization allowed for this flexibility, enabling clients to choose how they wished to utilize the agency's expertise. As teams become more efficient in deploying these products, the agency can scale its offerings without compromising quality, ultimately leading to enhanced profitability. Why Too Many Choices Kill Agency Sales The shift to productized services requires a deep understanding of client needs and a commitment to delivering tailored solutions. Successful agencies not only productize their services internally but also present these offerings clearly to clients. Bob noticed his team was more often than not racing towards a close. With the new process, they're now more focused on ensuring that clients fully understand the details of each deliverable, even if it's not their initial request. By creating a structured menu of services with defined deliverables and associated costs, agencies eliminate ambiguity and earn the client's trust. However, even with the right process, many agencies make the mistake of leaving clients to navigate a sea of options. Instead, take the initiative to guide clients through their options. Rather than overwhelming them with choices taking a consultative approach fosters trust and demonstrates the agency's commitment to understanding the client's unique challenges. Much like a skilled server at a restaurant helps patrons navigate a complex menu; an expert salesperson can streamline the decision-making process by offering targeted recommendations based on specific needs. Ultimately, when both parties have a shared understanding of the project scope and expected outcomes, the likelihood of scope creep diminishes. The result is a more productive working relationship, where clients feel informed and engaged, and agencies can focus on delivering quality work without the constant pressure of changing requirements. The Value Intersection: Finding Your Agency's True North With years of collaborative learning and optimization, Bob has achieved a significant milestone: the ability to say no to the wrong clients. While this was once a challenge, he now realizes that the more he focused on his team's strengths, refining processes, and value-based selling the more saying no actually made him money in the end. It's natural for new businesses to explore all sorts of opportunities. However, finding your niche involves identifying the sweet spot where passion, skill, and the ability to provide value intersect. An agency may possess passion and skills in a particular area, but without the ability to deliver measurable value to clients, it will struggle to thrive. The intersection of these three elements is where you'll find your true value proposition. Having a clear understanding of the agency offerings helps the sales team engage clients more effectively, setting the stage for successful collaborations. This clarity is essential, especially when considering the long-term growth potential of client accounts. If an agency cannot envision how to grow a client's account, it raises questions about the wisdom of taking that client on in the first place. Building a Strong Brand from the Inside Out Agency owners often find themselves caught between client demands, competitive strategies, and the ever-changing technological environment. Amidst this chaos, do not overlook the importance not marketing yourself last. This happened to Bob, who at one point realized his agency was “the cobbler's son who doesn't have shoes". He got to work focusing internally to cultivate a strong brand identity and effectively communicate the agency's true value to clients and prospects. It took a tremendous effort and focus to finally do it, basically reengineering the agency from the inside out but it's what has allowed them to create a cohesive narrative that reflects their authentic identity and value proposition. Additionally, strategic partnerships also play a critical role in authentic internal marketing, as is Bob's experience with platforms like HubSpot and Shopify. These alliances not only enhance the agency's service offerings but also serve as a testament to its credibility and expertise. However, it is vital for agencies to remain vigilant about the longevity and stability of these partnerships, as reliance on a declining platform can jeopardize their growth. Finally, Bob reminds agencies to help clients realize the critical importance prioritizing strategy over mere execution. While execution is essential, it should not be the sole focus of an agency's offerings. This shift from a transactional relationship to a strategic partnership allows agencies to provide greater value to their clients, ultimately leading to higher profitability and stronger client loyalty. 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.

Building a 6 figure business inside of your first year is impressive but achieving it in your first 6 weeks of business is CRAZY! Today, we interview Round 12 of the 6 Week Mastermind Grad, Madison Tremblay from Madison Tremblay Media about how she scaled her business to $100,000+ in her first 6 weeks of opening her business. Madison is a social media manager and content strategist from Northern California who's currently doing $15,000/mo+ in retainers. This episode covers her story of growth and what we can all learn! Follow Madison - www.instagram.com/madisontremblaymedia Madison's Website - www.madisontremblaymedia.com Want the same growth experience Madison had? Want to learn from the same content, get involved with the same community and most importantly, get coached through the growth frameworks that helped her scale to $15,000+/mo in 9 weeks? If you missed out on Round 12 of the Creativ Rise 6 Week Mastermind with Madison and 30 other businesses, you are in luck! Applications for Round 13 of the 6 Week Mastermind open on March 2nd, 2025 - join the early access list today - https://www.creativrise.com Watch all the video testimonials to learn how the 6 Week Mastermind can benefit you and your business! _______________________________ Shop Courses and Tools to grow your business - www.creativrise.com/shop Share this episode with a friend who needs to hear this. Even better - share this episode on your IG story and TAG us (@creativrise, @joeyspeers, @christyjspeers) and we will repost you! Watch this episode on Youtube Free Resources

In this episode, we delve into the impressive success story of Bridget Lomax, founder and principal of WordSource. Bridget joins us to discuss how she secured an astounding $89,000 in her grant writing business within just eight months, using a strategic approach focused on retainer-based pricing. Bridget will share her journey from feeling uncertain about raising her rates to confidently pricing her services, all with the support of our specialized academy. She'll also reveal how the consistency and financial stability of retainers have transformed her business, allowing her to meet her financial goals, sustain her household, and even take well-deserved vacations. Stay tuned as we dive into how Bridget leveraged her extensive experience in creating grant proposals and utilizing AI, overcame the challenges of shifting priorities in grant funding, and empowered herself to operate not just as a freelancer, but as a thriving business owner. Plus, we'll touch on how outsourcing can save valuable time and discuss strategies for growing your client base and scaling your business. Whether you're a seasoned grant writer or just starting your journey, this episode offers invaluable insights into structuring your business for success, building financial resilience, and positioning your services to appeal to a diverse array of funders. Let's get started! Resources mentioned in this episode: Register for the upcoming free and new webinar on October 15th, 2024: “How to Create a Profitable Grant Writing Business with Little to No Experience: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/academy-webinar Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts ___________________________________________________________ "Write Grants. Get Paid" Newsletter - Get FREE Grant Writing Resources in our Newsletter Series https://grantwritingandfunding.com/get-started/ Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/ Grant Professional Mentorship: Double Your Revenue as a Grant Professional with a Team, Systems, and Scaling Offer - without Burning Out. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/grant-professional-mentorship-for-freelance-grant-writers/ ——————————————————————————— To learn more about this episode AND get the full links for each of these, click here: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/357 Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener? This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review! “Every time I listen to Holly's show, I learn something”

In this episode of the Grow Your Video Business Show, we're tackling three game-changing strategies for video professionals looking to level up their business. We dive into the power of offering strategic workshops to clients, explore effective ways to find work and promote yourself, and unpack the nitty-gritty of retainers, contracts, and partnerships. Whether you're a seasoned pro or just starting out, this episode is packed with actionable advice to help you build stronger client relationships, create consistent income streams, and position yourself as a sought-after video partner.  Key Takeaways  Offering Workshops The power of strategic planning sessions with clients How to package and price your workshops Using workshops to land bigger projects Finding Work and Self-Promotion Tips for showcasing your best work Strategies for reaching ideal clients Balancing different types of projects Retainers, Contracts, and Partnerships The importance of written agreements Structuring retainer deals for consistent income Navigating business partnerships In This Episode [00:00] Welcome to the show! [05:11] Offering a paid workshop [21:32] Finding work and promoting brand [39:11] Retainer contracts [01:03:01] Outro Quotes "The magic word is start. Go ugly early. Like don't just get out of your head. Just do the thing." - Ryan Koral "People are more invested when they're paying money, right? So there's this feeling that they're already showing up to the table with like pen in hand and like ready for you to lead them versus somebody that's in interviewing you to figure out if they want to hire you." - Ryan Koral Links Find out more about 10xFILMMAKER   Find out more about the Onward Summit Join the Grow Your Video Business Facebook Group  Follow Ryan Koral on Instagram Follow Grow Your Video Business on Instagram Check out the full show notes

Growing a business doesn't always mean building from scratch. James and guest Vic Dorfman explore how retainers and buying a business can speed it up.

A lot of small agency owners learned how to structure and run their businesses from the agencies they've worked at in the past.But what if everyone's doing it in an inefficient, ineffective way? That's the conclusion I came to when we found ourselves deep in debt after following the default way things were done. Now after over a decade of doing it the No BS way and teaching that method to hundreds of people, we've developed our own way of doing almost everything, and it's far from the default of proposals and pitch decks.This month, I'm talking about some common things that we all have to do as agency owners, and the very different way that we do it inside No BS.In this episode, I talk about the difference between the traditional retainers model and the No BS way of doing retainers.Tune into this episode to hear:How traditional retainers give small agency owners a false sense of financial securityWhy retainers are so prone to creating burnout for agency ownersThree rules for handling retainers the No BS wayResources:No BS Agencies MasteryThe Price to Freedom Calculator™No BS LaunchpadNo BS Agency Owners Free Facebook GroupStart reading the first chapter of my bookPiasilva.com