Podcasts about scale your agency

Send us a textScaling your agency doesn't happen by saying “yes” to every client that comes your way. In fact, that's exactly what can keep you stuck in bottlenecks, overwork, and stalled growth.In this episode, I'm joined by Wes Towers, founder of Uplift 360, where he helps construction companies grow through smarter websites and SEO. Wes shares his journey of building from the ground up, the costly lessons of chasing the wrong projects, and the pivotal decision to niche his company into construction and trades.We talk about what it really takes to scale your agency in today's environment: choosing the right clients, building trust and credibility, designing systems that sustain growth, and navigating the disruption of AI in SEO. If you've ever wrestled with burnout, bottlenecks, or the fear of turning down business, Wes's story will help you see a different path forward.Books MentionedThe E-Myth by Michael E. GerberYou can connect with Wes and learn more about his work at uplift360.com.au. You'll also find his LinkedIn link there to connect with him directly.Join Dr. William Attaway on the Catalytic Leadership podcast as he shares transformative insights to help high-performance entrepreneurs and agency owners achieve Clear-Minded Focus, Calm Control, and Confidence. Free 30-Minute Discovery Call:Ready to elevate your business? Book a free 30-minute discovery call with Dr. William Attaway and start your journey to success. Special Offer:Get your FREE copy of Catalytic Leadership: 12 Keys to Becoming an Intentional Leader Who Makes a Difference. Connect with Dr. William Attaway: Website LinkedIn Facebook Instagram TikTok YouTube

(The Complete Framework) If you're doing $10,000 to $50,000 per month and feel like you're working more hours than ever while barely being able to take a day off without revenue dropping, this post is for you. I'm going to walk you through the exact framework I used to build my $7 million agency that [...] The post How to Scale Your Agency to 7 Figures Without Working 80-Hour Weeks appeared first on Seven Figure Agency.

Would you like access to our advanced agency training for FREE? https://www.agencymastery360.com/training Are you a CEO still caught in the weeds of day-to-day operations? If so, you're not building a truly scalable business. Today's episode is here to help you shift that mindset. Our featured guest is a CEO who has grown his agency by focusing on smart leadership—prioritizing culture, developing strong management structures, and intentionally making himself less essential to every meeting. Like many agency owners, he once believed he had to outwork everyone to prove his worth. But over time, he discovered that the agency performs better when he leads with vision instead of constant presence and that CEOs don't need to be grinding to be effective. In this conversation, he shares how he came to that realization, what it's meant for his agency's growth and client success, how he built a trusted A-team, and more. Kevin Miller is the co-founder and CEO of Gr0, a performance marketing agency that's exploded from startup to 200+ clients and over 80 full-time staff in just five years. Before launching GR0 in 2020, Kevin cut his teeth at Google, served as Director of Growth at OpenDoor, and was inspired to jump into the agency world by a friend who built and sold one of the first Facebook-focused DTC agencies. His background in SEO and paid media, combined with experience at both bootstrapped and venture-backed companies, gives him a rare, well-rounded perspective. Today his mission is clear: build a high-performance team that wins together. In this episode, we'll discuss: Two levers to driving growth. Why CEOs are more effective when they're not grinding. Understanding that delegation is not optional. Client acquisition that doesn't feel like sales. 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. Getting to See the Possibilities of the Agency Space Watching a friend grow and sell a Facebook-focused DTC agency helped Kevin clearly see the differences between growing a bootstrap business versus a venture-capital backed business. His friend ended up selling the business for over $100 million, which Kevin hadn't think it was possible to do in the agency space. It was an inspiring moment that led to the realization that he too could build and scale his own business, which he chose to do in the SEO niche. From Zero to 200 Clients: The Growth Playbook With just half a decade in the agency business, Kevin can see most people just can't handle it. “Every day is a different game of guacamole with all sorts of people problems.” After all, in this business our product so the best way to guarantee you're creating a safe environment where people want to stay is to over index on culture. This is how a young agency can go from scrappy startup to 8-figure beast in half a decade. It's all about building a culture that attracts and retains A-players. If your account manager leaves, that client feels like they have to start over. It can be the worst experience for a client and the best way to avoid is to create an environment where everyone feels like part of a team. Kevin runs GR0 like an NBA franchise where everyone's expected to perform at a high level, without being a burnout factory. He's also very strict about behavior. No matter how talented you are, you can never be rude to a client or other employees. It's a team-first culture with high accountability and even higher standards that has grown fast by keeping people, delivering great work, and staying crazy responsive. Two big levers driving their growth: Kevin attributes his agency's success with client to two main elements: Rapid response times: Emails, texts, Slack messages… they don't sit idle. Obsession with client results: Deliver, retain, and let referrals do the work. Additionally, he knows it's not all about attracting new business. Churn is a killer. Retention isn't sexy, but it's the secret to compounding revenue. Inside the Org Chart: A 5-Level Machine In terms of the deals the agency is closing with clients, Kevin is a big believer that there's little room to do great work on a monthly basis, which is why he prefers offering six-month contracts that will later get renewed for another six months. He's also put a lot of thought into the agency's organizational structure, which he breaks down into five levels: Executive Team VPs Associate VPs / Directors (each running a service line) Campaign Managers Contractors & Specialists As to him, his role as CEO is divided into three categories: Coach – Recruiting and leveling up 10x talent across the top team. Closer – Still active in sales, he sets expectations and closes high-value clients. Visionary – Driving innovation like launching new services (radio is next!) and adopting tools like ChatGPT for smarter, faster workflows. You'll Be Needed Less & Less as a CEO – and That's Okay Being a CEO won't necessarily come naturally to everyone, which is why Kevin has a coach that has taught him how to conduct himself and cast the vision for the agency. He's also embraced the fact that putting together a capable team will mean getting told they don't need you to pitch in on every meeting. “If someone doesn't need me in a meeting, I'm relieved. It means we've built something scalable.” A true leader should be helpful and keep the company moving forward, which is why Kevin sees his role more as someone who works for everyone at the company, as opposed to the old model where bosses were tyrants that barked orders all day. It's not easy to lead 200+ employees, and leaders nowadays recognize that the way to do so is not just having a very strong team but also being able to keep them by building a great culture. From Hustle Mentality to Smart Leadership Kevin and Jason both admit they had to unlearn the “first one in, last one out” badge of honor. Many leaders tend to think they have to outwork everyone. Kevin admits he still wrestles with showing up early to prove value—even though the company runs better when he focuses on vision, not presence. The truth is agency CEOs don't need to be grinding to be effective. They need to be accessible, and they need to build teams that run without them. “If I'm on a mountain or a golf course, and I get a call, I'll answer. But if the team doesn't need me? Even better,” Jason shares. This shift, from being the engine to being the guide rail, is one most agency owners struggle with. But letting go (and training others to step up) is the only way you get out of the weeds. Delegation Isn't Optional—It's Leadership 101 Early on, Kevin believed only he could do the work “right.” But that mindset capped his growth—and created unnecessary pressure. Effective delegation and believing in your team is what makes a great CEO. As he says now, “you have to pass the ball and trust they'll show up.” If you're asking, “How should we do this?” you're already in the weeds. The better question is, “Who on my team should own this?” If you need ideas, start with Jason's 1 3 1 method to train team decision-making is a killer takeaway: 1: What's the problem? 3: What are three ways to solve it? 1: What do you recommend? It's a simple leadership tool that trains independence—so you're not the bottleneck every time something needs approval. You Can't Build Big if You Can't Let Go If you want to make sure you have people on your team who'll step up after applying the 1 3 1 method, hire people who can manage themselves. Kevin and Jason both agree they're not built to manage micro-tasks—or people who need micromanaging. “If I'm going to manage someone, I'll expect them to do it like me, at my pace, with my level of commitment. And that's not fair,” Kevin admits. As owners, your growth is capped by how much you think you have to do. Build a team of leaders—not followers. Give direction, not checklists. And accept that mistakes are part of the process. In the mastermind, Jason and the members celebrate even the failures—because sharing missteps keeps others from repeating them. That's how real learning happens. Client Acquisition That Doesn't Feel Like Sales Now let's talk lead gen. How did Kevin's agency bring in over 200 clients? It wasn't ads. It wasn't cold emails. It was strategic referrals—and they engineered that pipeline from the ground up. In Kevin's view, cold acquisition just doesn't work well with the amount of competition in his space. Instead, he built a network of warm referrals of ~25 trusted partners. Each partner gets 10% of the monthly revenue from any referred client. But more importantly, they only recruit partners who already know Kevin and trust his team to deliver. “I'm not reaching out cold saying ‘hey, I'll pay you 10%.' I'm building real relationships with people who already trust me.” This warm referral engine is the opposite of passive referrals. It's intentional, proactive, and mutually beneficial. It scales because Kevin didn't wait—he built the network years before launching GR0. Most of the time referrals aren't scalable. However, when you do it this way—proactively recruiting the right partners—it becomes a one-to-many strategy. This is a model more agency owners should be thinking about. It's lower friction, higher trust, and most importantly: it cuts through the noise in a saturated market. Pricing, Positioning, and Playing the Long Game One thing Kevin admits he should be raising prices more often. GR0 started with $3,000/month clients and now charges $8K–$10K for the same package. But that evolution took five years. Still, their market positioning is clear: “We're expensive but fair. Not overpriced, not low-budget. Right in the sweet spot.” This ties back to the trust built with clients and referral partners alike. If the value is real and the results are consistent, the relationships last. Do You Want to Transform Your Agency from a Liability to an Asset? Looking to dig deeper into your agency's potential? Check out our Agency Blueprint. Designed for agency owners like you, our Agency Blueprint helps you uncover growth opportunities, tackle obstacles, and craft a customized blueprint for your agency's success.

Would you like access to our advanced agency training for FREE? https://www.agencymastery360.com/training RJ Huebert went from corporate comfort to agency chaos—and nearly lost himself in the process. In this episode, he shares what it really takes to balance speed-to-lead sales with sanity, and how he's redesigning his agency life for more freedom, better clients, and real personal wellbeing. Guest Overview RJ Huebert is the founder of HBT Digital, a Pittsburgh-based lead gen agency helping clients capture high-quality leads through digital ads that convert. Former corporate marketer turned agency founder, RJ knows both sides of the game—and why it's harder than it looks. What You'll Learn Why corporate escapees struggle more than expected in agency life The underrated power of speed in lead gen (and what most teams screw up) How to nurture not-yet-ready leads without annoying them What happens when your business always comes before your health and family How RJ is reclaiming time and rebuilding systems Key Takeaways Speed wins deals: If your sales team isn't responding within minutes, you're losing leads. Nurture with value: Use short, high-impact videos instead of stale PDFs. Even Meta is doing email wrong: Don't copy the big guys—build trust instead. Agency life means 20 clients, not one boss: And that requires stronger boundaries. Health > Hustle: RJ's learning that health, family, and freedom must come first. The solution? Systems: You can't scale or shut your brain off without them. Are you working harder than ever, but still can't turn your brain off—even on weekends? Today's featured guest is one of the many agency owners who has found it hard to find the right balance to take care of himself as well as the business. Like many agency owners, he made the leap from building someone else's business to finally building his own. But trading a cozy corporate job for the chaos of running an agency with dozens of clients wasn't as easy as it looked. He shares the real challenges of sales, why speed is still the secret to winning leads, and how he's figuring out how to convert prospects who aren't quite ready to buy. Most importantly, he opens up about the ongoing struggle to find the right balance between health, family, and keeping the agency growing. RJ Huebert is the founder of HBT Digital, a Pittsburgh-based lead generation agency helping clients pull in quality leads using online ads that actually convert. After 11 years of climbing the corporate marketing ladder, RJ got tired of building someone else's dream and decided to bet on himself—and it's paying off. In this episode, we'll discuss: Why he stopped building someone else's dream. How speed wins in lead generation. Always be first to respond. Ways to nurture leads that are not ready to buy. Why boundaries and self care are more important now than ever. 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. Building Someone Else's Empire? Here's the Wake-Up Call Like many agency owners before starting their own business, RJ was the corporate marketing guy building someone else's business, getting them rich, while rising through the ranks and learning how to actually drive results with digital marketing. Also like many others, he hit a moment of questioning whether it was worth it after eleven years. Sound familiar? That's when he decided it was time to test if people would actually pay him for these skills. He got some clients on the side, launched a 5K race company, and eventually opened his own digital marketing agency, proving that you can take your skills and build your own agency if you're willing to start. The Attribution Struggle He Faced as an Agency Client From his experience hiring agencies on the corporate side, one of the biggest frustrations RJ encountered was the attribution nightmare. It wasn't always easy to see where the lead came from and where they were at in the pipeline. This was some ten years ago, so every agency was siloed: SEO, PPC, outdoor, TV—and each claimed leads but no one could prove it. And even today, with GA4, HighLevel, UTMs, and tag managers, the truth is: “Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn't.” We're bombarded with data, but turning it into actionable insight is another story. RJ prefers to establish a baseline, track what matters, and avoid drowning in vanity metrics - like open rates—that don't impact the client's bottom line. Why Speed to Lead Still Wins Both RJ and Jason agree that speed to lead wins deals. If you're not calling leads while they're still on your website you are likely losing opportunities. Just like you probably click on the first result in a Google search, whoever calls back first is going to win. If your sales team is still waiting hours (or days) to follow up, you're leaving money on the table. Rethinking Nurture Sequences Without Being “That Guy” Even if you're not converting them right away, how are you nurturing those leads in a way that doesn't feel like overkill? First of all, replace boring white papers with short, actionable videos that deliver instant value. For example, Jason's Budget Buster video helps prospects get budgets 99% of the time, creating immediate ROI and building trust. Follow that with another bite-sized value piece a few days later. Once leads warm up, move them to your newsletter list. Have some lead magnets ready, like useful videos you can send each week to warm up that client. After that, you can move that client from the “warm-up” list to a newsletter list, so you can send them valuable content on a daily basis. Sending daily value-packed emails to engaged subscribers actually increased their domain authority and engagement. It's about quality frequency, not spam. Think about what you'd want to receive yourself, not just what you want to send. The Meta & Google Frustration We're All Tired Of Not even Meta is getting emails right, as they send multiple emails a day that don't really add much value for clients. On top of that, their reps hardly ever provide the right solutions and are mainly focused on “spend more” strategies. It's a universal frustration for agency owners, who see Meta is calling clients directly trying to cut their agency out. It's one more reason why agencies need to protect their positioning, control client conversations, and not let the platforms dictate strategy. From One Client to Twenty: The Real Agency Rollercoaster What's the hardest shift going from corporate to owning your agency? For RJ, it was going from one clear client you're focusing on at one moment to having even 20 clients, plus “trying to get clients to pay you, to keep paying you, while finding new ones, and keeping them happy.” Running an agency turned out to be way harder than he expected. Corporate can be robotic and boring, but on the bright side, you have one client: your boss. Lose that, and you're done. In the agency world, a client can fire you, but you've got 5, 10, or 20 others paying the bills. The flip side? You're always on. Even when you're “off,” your mind is stuck on proposals, scope creep, and that client's weird Slack message at 10 pm. That's one of the biggest challenges for RJ at the moment. Setting Your Priorities Straight with The Right Systems When it comes to taking care of yourself, your priorities should always be: Health, Family, Agency—In That Order. However, too often agency owners get their priorities backwards. You have a zillion things you can and should be doing and choosing the priority is the challenge. That balancing act gets easier once you build the right leadership team and put systems in place that pull you out of the weeds. But agency owners often struggle to shut their brains off, leading to constant stress, scattered priorities, and burnout cycles that can wreck family time, health, and even your love for the business. If you're stuck in the chaos, it's time to step back and prioritize what actually moves the needle in your agency. 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.

Send us a textAI is reshaping search before our eyes — and for digital agency owners, the shift is already impacting visibility, attribution, and results. If your SEO playbook hasn't changed in the last 12 months, it's likely underperforming.I sat down with Adam Chronister, founder of Enleaf and a trailblazing digital marketer who's helped brands scale from startup to 8-figures and beyond. His agency is known for its data-driven SEO strategy — and more importantly, for helping clients scale their agency with clarity, automation, and long-term visibility.We unpack how AI is swallowing search real estate, why traditional attribution is breaking, and what that means for scaling a high-performance agency in 2025 and beyond. Adam also shares a powerful reframing of leadership, privacy, and lifestyle freedom that every agency owner needs to hear.If you've ever wondered how to keep scaling your agency without burning out, bottlenecking your team, or chasing outdated strategies, this episode delivers exactly that — with wisdom, not noise.⏱ Chapter Breakdown (Timestamps based on transcript)00:02 — Meet Adam Chronister of Enleaf 01:19 — How software development led Adam into digital marketing 03:40 — What industries Enleaf serves (and how) 05:17 — Why SEO alone no longer works 07:33 — How AI is changing search visibility and attribution 08:30 — Think of SEO as digital real estate 09:28 — The rise of AI visibility tools and Google's upcoming changes 10:42 — Why privacy may be dead (and what that means for brand builders) 15:23 — The real role Enleaf plays in their clients' growth and exits 18:18 — What people don't see behind agency success 20:15 — How personal development fueled Adam's entire journey 21:30 — Scaling through discomfort, delegation, and trust 25:51 — Designing a business that supports the life you actually want 28:19 — Defining your business goals: growth vs. lifestyle

Most agencies plateau because they depend too heavily on the founder. If every client, campaign, and decision requires your input, you will burn out. What separates $20K/month agencies from $100K/month agencies is not just better marketing or sales. It is operational systems. To scale and step out, you need playbooks. Why SOPs Are [...] The post How to Scale Your Agency With SOPs (Full Guide) appeared first on Seven Figure Agency.

Would you like access to our advanced agency training for FREE? https://www.agencymastery360.com/training Have you ever turned to freelancers to grow your agency's capabilities? What about using fractional support once you realized you couldn't do everything as the founder and face of the agency? What if the key to sustainable growth isn't building a massive in-house team, but leveraging the right fractional support at the right time? Today's guests are two agency owners who turned a modest freelance setup into a thriving multimillion-dollar business—largely through referrals and the strength of their personal networks. They share how a flexible team of contractors became their secret weapon, offering the agility to scale without the overhead of a traditional agency structure. Tune in to learn how former competitors found a way to build a successful collaboration and why fractional support was a big part of their operation from the start. Sydney Mulligan and Lauren Aquilino are the co-founders of Emmie Collective, a for-hire network of elite independent & freelance marketing, sales, and revops consultants with big tech energy. They share their journey of entrepreneurship, reflect on their backgrounds as former competitors in the marketing industry, and the bond that brought them together. Sydney also recounts her experience of being laid off while on maternity leave, which sparked the idea for Emmie Collective while Lauren discusses her transition from freelancing to building a business as demand for her services grew. In this episode, we'll discuss: Why the fractional model was the best option for bootstrapping an agency. When should the agency owners stop being the face of the agency? External funding vs. control in agency growth.  Subscribe Apple | Spotify | iHeart Radio Sponsors and Resources E2M Solutions: Today's episode of the Smart Agency Masterclass is sponsored by E2M Solutions, a web design, and development agency that has provided white-label services for the past 10 years to agencies all over the world. Check out e2msolutions.com/smartagency and get 10% off for the first three months of service. When Competitors Become Co-Founders Before forming their partnership, Sydney and Lauren worked at competing agencies while also participating in Marketo's customer champion program. Their paths diverged when both eventually left their respective agencies—Lauren to pursue freelance work, initially planning for just 10 hours weekly during summer to rest after quitting her job. However, her freelance business quickly expanded beyond expectations, growing to 20 hours weekly and requiring additional contractor support. Meanwhile, Sydney had taken an in-house position but faced an unexpected setback when she was laid off during her maternity leave. As she navigated the job interview process, she began conversations with Lauren, who was contemplating transforming her freelance operation into a formal business. Lauren recognized Sydney as a valuable potential partner—in fact, the only person she would consider building a business with. After discussing their business vision, they decided it was time to meet face-to-face. Their first in-person meeting in Florida became what they jokingly refer to as their "speed dating" session. During this three-day encounter, they exchanged ideas and developed business plans while Sydney cared for her six-week-old baby. The meeting proved decisive—by the time they both landed back home, they had confirmed their mutual desire to build an agency together. Why the Fractional Model Is Best for Bootstraping an Agency Their participation in the customer champion program helped Sydney and Lauren establish strong reputations within a specialized niche market. With this foundation, they were able to launch their agency business with a strong base of referral clients. One unexpected advantage they discovered was the relative ease of attracting consultants eager to work with their new agency. Anticipating potential staffing challenges typical for startups, they had proactively designed their business model around freelancers and contractors. This strategy allowed them to sidestep the common industry pressure of requiring employees to meet specific billable hour quotas. Instead, freelancers had the flexibility to determine their own workload and schedules. To this day they continue to work with consultants, firmly believing that fractional support provides clients with optimal access to senior specialized expertise. By leveraging fractional experts, their agency effectively addresses specific client challenges, enhances operational efficiency, and frees internal resources to focus on strategic growth initiatives. When Should the Founders Stop Being the Face of the Agency? Balancing Growth and Client Relationships Sydney and Lauren's agency growth eventually confronted them with the challenge of hitting the limit on what they could do by themselves. With the agency growing, more and more clients and consultants coming in, and traveling for events, it just got to be too much. Sydney recalls a particularly stressful period when she felt overwhelmed, unable to keep track of their growing client base and the myriad responsibilities that came with it. They recognized they could no longer manage everything alone. When an agency owner clings to control it causes issues with bottlenecking, even become an operational issue and their agency's biggest profit leak. For Sydney and Lauren, was time for a change and the first crucial step was hiring a fractional account manager to ensure there was someone else keeping track of every client. This not only alleviated some of the burdens on Sydney but also allowed them to focus on strategic growth rather than getting bogged down in day-to-day operations. It's not an easy shift to make, and quite tricky for Sydney and Lauren, who built the agency on the back of their own networks and therefore are still the face of it. They continue to wrestle with how much to pull back, risking that clients feel they no longer interact with them. For those facing similar challenges, it's worth noting that even prominent agency leaders like Gary Vaynerchuk maintain their status as organizational figureheads while having minimal involvement in daily operations. This successful transition typically requires thoroughly training team members in core agency values to ensure consistent decision-making and actively promoting team capabilities to clients—emphasizing that a dedicated team provides superior service compared to founder-only support. External Funding vs. Control in Agency Growth After bootstrapping their business, Sydney and Lauren now face the question of whether or not to take on funding to continue to scale. While they recognize the potential advantages that investment capital could bring—accelerated expansion and resources for recruiting top talent—they also remain cautious about the significant tradeoffs involved. Most of all, they worry about the fundamental shift from being independent business owners to essentially working for investors since "once you start raising money, you'll always be raising money"—with a continuous cycle of accountability to external stakeholders. For the time being, they continue to prioritize maintaining complete control over their growth trajectory, preferring the stability and autonomy of their current approach even if it means potentially slower expansion. Do You Want to Transform Your Agency from a Liability to an Asset? Looking to dig deeper into your agency's potential? Check out our Agency Blueprint. Designed for agency owners like you, our Agency Blueprint helps you uncover growth opportunities, tackle obstacles, and craft a customized blueprint for your agency's success.

In this episode, Ryan Miller shares the leadership strategies and cultural principles that helped him build a multi-million dollar agency. From embracing vulnerability to developing leaders within his team, Ryan provides a roadmap for agents and builders looking to scale their businesses while fostering a positive and empowering environment.

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In this episode, Edward Prichett shares his blueprint for scaling an insurance agency to $50M+. Learn how to lead effectively, build scalable systems, and transition from self-employed to a true business owner.

Would you like access to our advanced agency training for FREE? https://www.agencymastery360.com/training Are you inadvertently holding your agency back? We are all guilty of it! Many agency owners eventually confront a challenging reality: they themselves are the primary bottleneck preventing their business from reaching its full potential. Today's featured agency owner has recognized this critical insight and is actively working to transform his approach. By strategically empowering his team and gradually delegating operational responsibilities, he is creating a pathway for the agency to expand beyond its current limitations. Hear an inspiring conversation about overcoming entrepreneurial challenges and unlocking an agency's true potential through intentional operational restructuring. Steve Phipps is the founder of Wayfind Marketing, an agency that works with service-based seasoned B2B companies focusing on mapping out clients' strategy, website, and content for sustainable growth and increased ROI. Steve discusses his journey into the world of digital marketing and shares the pivotal moment inspired him to launch his own agency in 2015. He emphasizes the importance of strategy in marketing, explaining how his initial offering has evolved into a full-service agency. Listeners will gain insights into how agency owners can prepare the grounds to delegate effectively and stop being the bottlenecks preventing agency growth. In this episode, we'll discuss: Getting out of your own way: breaking free from the founder's bottleneck. Leading with a clear vision to ensure your team's success. Empowering your sales team to make the process their own.  Subscribe Apple | Spotify | iHeart Radio Sponsors and Resources Wix: Today's episode of the Smart Agency Masterclass is sponsored by Wix, an intuitive way to design exceptional sites and a smart addition to your agency's toolkit. With this flexible tool, your team will be able to take on any project at any scale and focus on the work that matters the most. Check out wixstudio.com and break free from growth bottlenecks. Breaking Free from Founder's Bottleneck by Facing the Delegation Dilemma Steve's career took an unexpected turn in 2011 when he transitioned from a corporate digital marketing role to an agency position. His talent and dedication quickly propelled him to the position of VP, where he envisioned a long-term future. However, a sudden turn of events—the unexpected passing of the agency owner and finding himself in line to buy that business.— Although the deal fell through, Steve realized he was ready to step out on his own and launched Wayfine Marketing. With a strong focus on strategy, he tailored the agency's services to service-based B2B companies, helping them transform scattered marketing efforts into cohesive, lead-generating strategies. However, as the business grew, he encountered a familiar challenge: he became a bottleneck in his own processes. The strategy development process for clients became a significant source of strain. Despite having a capable team, Steve found himself deeply involved in the intricacies of creating strategy decks, often resorting to late-night work sessions to meet client demands. Recognizing the need for delegation, Steve is actively working to empower his team. He is committed to upskilling his team members, equipping them with the necessary tools and knowledge to handle strategic tasks. Hence, one of his current challenges is to rework the agency's processes and systems to where he's not involved in everything and can focus on the areas where he is strongest and rely on his team for everything else. Leading with Purpose: How A Clear Mission Drives Team Success One of Steve's primary goals is to equip his team with the ability to make informed decisions that align with the agency's overarching objectives. By fostering a shared understanding of the agency's mission and goals, he aims to create a culture of clarity and purpose.  When team members grasp the agency's "North Star," they are better positioned to evaluate opportunities and challenges critically. They can ask themselves: "Does this align with our mission?" and "Is this beneficial to our agency?" By encouraging these thought processes, leaders can ensure that everyone is working towards a common goal. A clear mission statement serves as a roadmap, guiding the agency's growth and providing team members with a sense of direction. When employees understand the agency's trajectory and their role within it, they are more likely to take ownership of their responsibilities, leading to increased accountability and initiative. The next step will be to record yourself doing a task you never want to do again. By documenting processes and sharing insights, leaders can create a repository of knowledge that becomes accessible to the entire team and fosters an environment where team members can learn from past experiences, both successes and failures, and apply those lessons to future challenges. 3 Steps to Train an Agency Salesperson for Success The level of alignment you'll need to build out your processes in a way that you can be sure the agency can run without you will require hiring integrators who can handle daily operations and management and are adept at managing processes and people. Success Stories. When it comes to preparing your sales team, start by sharing the stories they'll need to relate to clients and earn their trust. After decades of business ownership, agency owners commonly amass a wealth of knowledge and anecdotes that serve as valuable tools in client interactions. Separate those stories from your personal experience and start teaching them to your team as a way to gain the clients' trust while they gain experience and, little by little, start creating their own stories. Initial Calls. Once your team has a solid foundation of knowledge and skills, it's time to transition them into a more active role. Begin by training them to conduct initial client calls, providing them with a script and key talking points. Have them shadow you on these calls to observe your techniques and gain practical experience. Increase Autonomy. As they become more confident, allow them to take the lead on calls while you listen in. This approach provides an opportunity for real-time feedback and guidance. Continue this process throughout the entire sales cycle, gradually increasing their autonomy. Soon they'll be confident enough to sell with only bringing you in to add color, where needed. Remember, learning is often accompanied by mistakes. Encourage your team to embrace these setbacks as opportunities for growth. By reviewing recorded calls together, you can identify areas for improvement and provide constructive feedback. 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.

“Two equals one, one equals none. Always hire more than you need.” – Michael WeaverNEW BOOK “Quote 3: How to Make Multiple 6 Figures in Any Sales Organization" Order HERE What's in this episode:Takeaway 1: Scaling Compliantly:Michael dives into the importance of building systems that ensure compliance and reduce backend errors. He explains how using a structured checklist can create a win-win for customers, producers, and the agency.Real-World Example of Compliance: An agency writing $1M+ in premium per month shares their process for ensuring applications are error-free and compliant through manager-reviewed submissions and producer accountability.Takeaway 2: Always Be Recruiting: Michael introduces the concept of “Two equals one, one equals none,” explaining why over-hiring ensures stability. He emphasizes the importance of maintaining a full recruiting funnel and hiring in groups.Personal Reflection on Recruiting: Michael shares lessons from his early career mistakes, such as hiring reactively and being understaffed. He explains how proactive recruiting creates opportunities to discover A-players and improve team dynamics.Takeaway 3: Invest in Your Team:Michael stresses the ROI of consistent training and development, sharing insights from top agency owners who make team investment a priority. He discusses how investing in people drives business growth and fosters long-term success.In this solo episode of The Insurance Buzz, Michael Weaver shares his top three insights from the Farmers Mega Conference, where 75 elite agency owners gathered with an average book size of $13 million in premium. Michael breaks down actionable strategies for scaling compliantly, the importance of always recruiting, and why investing in your team is the ultimate game-changer for agency success in 2025. These takeaways are designed to help you elevate your business and take it to the next level.RESOURCES + LINKSWatch the full episode on YouTube: HEREJoin thousands of successful Insurance Agents who have achieved over $200 million in sales FREE 7-Day Demo TRY NOWTEXT METext "BUZZ" to (816) 727-7610 to chat directly with MichaelFOLLOWWebsite: https://www.weaversa.comLinkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelweaverwsa/Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@michaelweavertrainingFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/themichaelweaverInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/_michaelweaver_/

Agency for Insurance Virtual Assistant: The Secret to Boosting Efficiency

If you're a digital marketing agency owner offering services like SEO, PPC, and website design, and your revenue is around $10,000 to $20,000 per month, keep reading. There's a proven way to simplify your business, put effective systems in place, and grow to seven figures and beyond. This November, I'm hosting a live event [...] The post How to Scale Your Agency to $1M+ Live Event in Miami (It's FREE) appeared first on Seven Figure Agency.

Today I want to share my warts & all story of why and how I created my own AI tool. In this era where staying ahead means adopting innovative tools, I've used AI to create a digital coach to provide even more support for agency owners to help them manage challenges and grow their businesses. If you're an agency owner looking to enhance efficiency, provide round-the-clock support, or simply navigate the complexities of AI integration, this episode has invaluable insights for you. By tuning into this episode of The Agency Accelerator podcast, I'll share how I: 1. Navigated the journey and overcame hurdles in developing an AI-powered digital coach from scratch 2. Structured the content effectively to optimise AI-driven interactions and deliver precise, relevant answers (after several false starts) 3. Moved into the reams of science fiction by offering agencies real-time video and audio chats, with their AI coach Dive in and let's explore how AI can elevate your agency's game! So grab a coffee and let's get started. Timestamps: [00:00] - Intro [00:46] - Why would anyone consider an AI coach over a human one? [06:52] - Where do human coaches still have the edge? [13:01] - What could the future of AI coaching look like? [18:30] - Some FAQs [20:11] - How secure is my data with an AI coach? [21:14] - Can AI coaches be biased? [22:30] - How do I know if AI coaching is right for me? Quotations “Imagine an AI coach that not only listens to your words but can also detect subtle shifts in your mood. The future of coaching is closer than you think." — Rob Da Costa,  “With AI, anyone from entry-level employees to agency leaders could have access to a personal coach, levelling the playing field and unlocking unprecedented potential.” Rate, Review, & Subscribe on Apple Podcasts “I enjoy listening to The Agency Accelerator Podcast. I always learn something from every episode.” If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more people like you to move towards a Self-Running Agency. How to leave a review on Apple Podcasts Scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then, let me know what you loved most about the episode! Also, if you haven't done so already, subscribe to the podcast. I'm adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the feed and, if you're not subscribed, there's a good chance you'll miss out. Subscribe now! Useful links mentioned in this episode: Try your AI Digital Coach, AskRobAnything, for freeAttend my free on-demand workshop ‘Harness AI to Unlock 7 Key Growth Areas - Free Yourself from the Daily Grind & Scale Your Agency' The Self-Running Agency - AI edition

Will AI coaching replace human coaching? In today's rapidly evolving world, the increasing capabilities of AI in various sectors present endless possibilities, and the coaching industry is no exception. For marketing agency owners, understanding the role AI can play in professional development is crucial for staying ahead of the curve, maximising efficiency, and ensuring business success. It no longer needs to be ‘lonely at the top' any more! By tuning into this episode of The Agency Accelerator podcast, you'll discover how to: 1. Utilise AI to achieve unbiased and consistent coaching, eliminating the influence of subconscious human biases. 2. Leverage AI's perfect memory and vast knowledge base for more efficient and accurate tracking of your progress and goals. 3. Combine the strengths of both AI and human coaching to create a balanced approach that addresses both factual guidance and emotional intelligence. Curious about the potential of AI in your coaching journey? Grab a listen now! Timestamps: [00:00] - Intro [00:46] - Why would anyone consider an AI coach over a human one? [06:52] - Where do human coaches still have the edge? [13:01] - What could the future of AI coaching look like? [18:30] - Some FAQs [20:11] - How secure is my data with an AI coach? [21:14] - Can AI coaches be biased? [22:30] - How do I know if AI coaching is right for me? Quotations “Imagine an AI coach that not only listens to your words but can also detect subtle shifts in your mood. The future of coaching is closer than you think." — Rob Da Costa,  “With AI, anyone from entry-level employees to agency leaders could have access to a personal coach, levelling the playing field and unlocking unprecedented potential.” Rate, Review, & Subscribe on Apple Podcasts “I enjoy listening to The Agency Accelerator Podcast. I always learn something from every episode.” If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more people — just like you — move towards a Self-Running Agency. Scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode! Also, if you haven't done so already, subscribe to the podcast. I'm adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the feed and, if you're not subscribed, there's a good chance you'll miss out. Subscribe now! Useful links mentioned in this episode: Try your AI Digital Coach, AskRobAnything, for freeAttend my free on-demand workshop ‘Harness AI to Unlock 7 Key Growth Areas - Escape The Agency Owner's Trap - Free Yourself from the Daily Grind & Scale Your Agency' The Self-Running Agency - AI editionReach out to Rob at robert@dacostacoaching.co.uk

Send us a texthttps://www.coreyquinn.com/anyone-not-everyone-bookLeading an agency through growth is tough, but nothing bottlenecks that growth like founder-led sales. In this episode, I sit down with Corey Quinn, a seasoned expert in scaling agencies, to discuss the painful challenges of agency founders trapped in founder-led sales and how to break free. Corey shares his journey, from micromanaging leadership driven by ego to guiding a team that grew an agency's revenue 8X, scaling it to $150 million.We dive deep into the pivotal moments when Corey realized his leadership style needed to change, and the steps he took to foster an environment where his team could thrive. He also breaks down the power of niche specialization, explaining how the right data-driven focus can exponentially improve agency growth. Finally, Corey unveils his game-changing gift-based outbound strategy that played a significant role in building Scorpion's success, offering actionable steps for agency founders to implement today.If you're struggling to escape founder-led sales or scale your agency, this episode provides invaluable insights and practical strategies to set your business on the path to sustainable growth.Connect with Corey Quinn:Corey Quinn generously offers listeners a free copy of his audiobook, Anyone Not Everyone, along with helpful workbooks and videos. Head to AnyoneNotEveryone.com to grab your copy and start building a scalable agency today.  Books Mentioned:Anyone Not Everyone by Corey Quinn Ready to Finish 2024 Strong?Don't wait until December to address your challenges. There's a few months left in 2024, now is the time to plan for a strong finish! Book a free strategy call with Dr. William Attaway to create a plan for impactful results. Support the showJoin Dr. William Attaway on the Catalytic Leadership podcast as he shares transformative insights to help high-performance entrepreneurs and agency owners achieve Clear-Minded Focus, Calm Control, and Confidence. Free 30-Minute Discovery Call:Ready to elevate your business? Book a free 30-minute discovery call with Dr. William Attaway and start your journey to success. Special Offer:Get your FREE copy of Catalytic Leadership: 12 Keys to Becoming an Intentional Leader Who Makes a Difference. Connect with Dr. William Attaway: Website LinkedIn Facebook Instagram TikTok YouTube

Are you struggling to keep up with the rapid evolution of AI and wondering how it can truly benefit your agency? In today's business landscape, where time is limited and maintaining a competitive edge is critical, understanding the game-changing potential of AI is more relevant than ever. For agency owners, juggling client relationships, strategising growth, and improving efficiency remains a daunting task that AI can remarkably simplify and enhance. By tuning into this episode of The Agency Accelerator podcast, you'll discover how to: 1. Save invaluable time by accessing instant, tailored advice from an AI coach anytime you need it, avoiding the delays of traditional coaching. 2. Manage your budget more effectively with cost-efficient AI coaching that offers ongoing, customised support without the hefty fees. 3. Seamlessly integrate AI into your daily workflow, making smarter, faster decisions to propel your agency forward. Discover the future of coaching today and see how AI can revolutionise your agency — tune in now! Timestamps: [00:00] Welcome and Introduction [01:34] Why should you pay attention to AI right now? [02:24] How does AI coaching save you time? [03:39] How does AI coaching compare in cost to traditional coaching? [04:51] What makes 'Ask Rob Anything' different from other AI tools? [05:28] How can AI coaching fit seamlessly into your existing workflow? [06:30] How can you use voice or video to connect with AI coaching? [07:26] Is the impact of AI coaching a futuristic concept, or is it happening now? [08:13] What can we expect from the future of AI coaching? [09:33] How will AI coaching become a core part of agency operations? [10:04] Who was today's surprise host? [11:34] How did you perceive the AI-hosted episode and what's coming next? Quotations “AI coaching is no longer just a futuristic dream; it's a current reality that can revolutionise how agency owners make decisions, streamline workflows, and grow their businesses."  "Imagine having a business mentor available 24/7, providing you with bespoke advice instantly, without the hefty price tag of traditional coaching. That's the game-changing power of AI."  Rate, Review, & Subscribe on Apple Podcasts “I enjoy listening to The Agency Accelerator Podcast. I always learn something from every episode.” If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more people — just like you — move towards a Self-Running Agency. Scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode! Also, if you haven't done so already, subscribe to the podcast. I'm adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the feed and, if you're not subscribed, there's a good chance you'll miss out. Subscribe now! Useful links mentioned in this episode: Try your AI Digital Coach, AskRobAnything, for freeAttend my free on-demand workshop ‘Harness AI to Unlock 7 Key Growth Areas - Escape The Agency Owner's Trap - Free Yourself from the Daily Grind & Scale Your Agency' The Self-Running Agency - AI edition

Are you constantly juggling client projects, feeling stuck on the client service hamster wheel, while your agency's growth seems just out of reach? In today's fiercely competitive landscape, where time and resources are scarce, having access to effective coaching can dramatically ease the burdens of decision-making and sustained growth. Yet, many agency owners struggle with the costs and time commitments required to work with a traditional coach, making it difficult to achieve their full potential. By tuning into this episode of The Agency Accelerator podcast, you'll discover how to: 1. Leverage AI-powered coaching to overcome the common barriers of cost and time, making top-tier guidance both accessible and affordable. 2. Enhance your decision-making process and avoid costly mistakes with real-time, on-demand advice from an AI coach. 3. Free up crucial time and resources, allowing you to focus on growing a profitable, sustainable, and enjoyable agency. Unlock the potential of AI coaching to transform your agency's growth journey; press play and find out how! Questions Answered in this Episode Q: Why are so few marketing agencies currently working with a coach, and what are the main barriers hindering them? Q: In what ways can a coach save time and effort for agency owners who often feel overwhelmed? Q: How is AI transforming the coaching landscape, and how does it make coaching more accessible and affordable? Q: What makes AI coaching different from using general AI platforms like ChatGPT, and how tailored is the guidance it offers? Q: Could you explain how on-demand AI coaching works and how it can support agency owners at any time of day? Quotations  "AI is democratising coaching. It's not about replacing human coaches but complementing them, providing high-quality insights whenever you need it." – Rob Da Costa "Imagine having access to personalised, expert advice 24/7, at a fraction of the cost. That's what AI coaching offers to agency owners." – Rob Da Costa Rate, Review, & Subscribe on Apple Podcasts “I enjoy listening to The Agency Accelerator Podcast. I always learn something from every episode.” If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more people — just like you — move towards a Self-Running Agency. Scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode! Also, if you haven't done so already, subscribe to the podcast. I'm adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the feed and, if you're not subscribed, there's a good chance you'll miss out. Subscribe now! Useful links mentioned in this episode: Try, your AI Digital Coach, AskRobAnything, for freeAttend my free on-demand workshop ‘Harness AI to Unlock 7 Key Growth Areas - Escape The Agency Owner's Trap - Free Yourself from the Daily Grind & Scale Your Agency' The Self-Running Agency - AI edition

There is a set of unspoken rules that every agency owner should live by. Yet many break them daily!  I've distilled them down to 8 rules and in the concluding part of our 2-part series, we focus on the critical aspects of valuing your time, selectively choosing clients, investing in the right systems, and finding joy in the journey. For agency owners who aim to not just survive but also thrive, mastering these rules can transform your business experience. By tuning into this episode of The Agency Accelerator podcast, you'll discover how to: Learn how to prioritise high-value tasks and delegate effectively to maximise your productivity.Understand the importance of confidently saying 'no' to clients who aren't a good fit, allowing you to focus on those who truly align with your agency's goals.Discover how to implement efficient systems and processes that streamline operations and support long-term growth.Realise the significance of enjoying the journey, ensuring sustained motivation and satisfaction in your entrepreneurial path. Transform your agency life from a constant grind to a fulfilled, purpose-driven endeavour—press play and dive into these essential rules now! Key Questions We'll Answer: How can agency owners identify and prioritise high-value tasks over low-impact activities?What strategies can agency owners use to delegate tasks and empower their teams effectively?Why saying no to non-ideal fit clients is not commercial suicide!What steps should agency owners take to implement effective systems and processes to streamline their operations?What are the key benefits of focusing on and enjoying the journey rather than fixating solely on the destination in agency life? Memorable Quote: “Too many people forget to enjoy the journey because they are too focused on a destination they may never get to!.” - Rob Da Costa Don't Miss Out—Subscribe and Stay Ahead! “I enjoy listening to The Agency Accelerator Podcast. I always learn something from every episode.” If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more people — just like you — move towards a Self-Running Agency. Scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode! And if you found this episode valuable, please take a moment to rate and review the show. Your feedback helps us reach more agency owners like you who are ready to scale their businesses! Useful links mentioned in this episode: Join The Self-Running Agency Group and implement these 8 golden rulesGet 24/7 coaching from your own agency expert mentor, AskRobAnythingAttend my free workshop ‘Harness AI to Unlock 7 Key Growth Areas - Escape The Agency Owner's Trap - Free Yourself from the Daily Grind & Scale Your Agency'

"The value of an hour of your time as an agency owner, if you're growing, is never going backwards."In this episode of Agency Journey, Gray “The Martian” MacKenzie joins Kuba to discuss the challenges and strategies for agency owners scaling their businesses beyond 10 full-time employees (FTEs). Gray shares valuable insights on both the psychological and operational aspects of this critical growth phase.If your agency is past the 10 FTE threshold—or close to it—this is a must-listen to prepare you for the obstacles that you're about to navigate.Episode Insights:

There is a set of unspoken rules that every agency owner should live by. Yet many break them daily!  I've distilled them down to 8 rules and over the next 2 episodes of the show I am going to unpack them. Today we are tackling the first 4. By tuning into this episode of The Agency Accelerator podcast, you'll discover how to: Understand that you are not your agency, allowing it to thrive independently and giving you the freedom to focus on strategic growth.Align your goals with your client's success, fostering long-term relationships and ensuring consistent revenue.Embrace continuous learning to stay ahead of industry shifts and emerging trends, giving your agency a crucial competitive edge.Prioritise profitability over popularity, focusing on what truly drives the financial health of your agency rather than chasing vanity metrics. Key Questions We'll Answer: What does the phrase "You are not your agency" mean, and why is it a foundational rule for agency owners?How can agency owners delegate effectively to ensure their business operates independently of them?Why is aligning your goals with your clients' goals crucial for long-term success?What steps can you take to ensure you are delivering success as your clients define it?How can agency owners foster a culture of continuous learning within their teams?What strategies can agencies implement to prioritise profitability over popularity?How can agency owners identify and focus on their most profitable services and clients? Memorable Quotes: “You are not your agency. Building a team that can operate independently of you is the key to a thriving and scalable business.” - Rob Da Costa “Popularity doesn't equal profitability. Focus on what truly drives revenue and long-term growth rather than getting distracted by vanity metrics.” - Rob Da Costa Don't Miss Out—Subscribe and Stay Ahead! “I enjoy listening to The Agency Accelerator Podcast. I always learn something from every episode.” If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more people — just like you — move towards a Self-Running Agency. Scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode! And if you found this episode valuable, please take a moment to rate and review the show. Your feedback helps us reach more agency owners like you who are ready to scale their businesses! Useful links mentioned in this episode: Join The Self-Running Agency Group and implement these 8 golden rulesGet 24/7 coaching from your own agency expert mentor, AskRobAnythingAttend my free workshop ‘Harness AI to Unlock 7 Key Growth Areas - Escape The Agency Owner's Trap - Free Yourself from the Daily Grind & Scale Your Agency'

What if you could build an agency that ran smoothly without your constant involvement? This week on the Conquer Local podcast, we're diving deep into agency growth and scaling with Bradley Hamner, the mastermind behind BlueprintOS.Bradley shares how to transform your one-person operation into a well-oiled machine, creating a sustainable and profitable business. Learn to build systems, delegate tasks, and achieve the freedom you crave.Plus, get free resources! Head to Bradley's website, blueprintos.com/assets, and grab his starter kit to jumpstart your journey.Tune in now to discover the secrets to scaling your agency!Conquer Local is presented by Vendasta. We have proudly served 5.5+ million local businesses through 60,000+ channel partners, agencies, and enterprise-level organizations. Learn more about Vendasta, and we can help your organization or learn more about Vendasta's Affiliate Program and how our listeners (like yourself) make up to $10,000 off referrals.Are you an entrepreneur, salesperson, or marketer? Then, keep the learning going in the Conquer Local Academy.

HIGHLIGHTSKeys to Success in Insurance IndustryConsistency and Standing Out in InsuranceRisk Advising and Business GrowthEmpowerment Through AdversityThis episode of the Insurance Buzz features Michael Venable, a seasoned agency owner, who shares his journey of building a successful insurance business. From a pivotal moment attending a mutual fund leader's trip, Michael learned to think big and set ambitious goals. The episode delves into the importance of early hiring, systemization, and a growth mindset for agency scaling. Michael emphasizes consistency, exceptional customer service, and a positive outlook as key factors in overcoming challenges and achieving long-term success. His personal story of resilience and faith adds a powerful dimension to the conversation, inspiring listeners to approach their businesses with a service-oriented mindset.RESOURCES + LINKSWatch the full episode on YouTube: HEREJoin Thousands of Insurance Agency Owners and Build Your Business - With our Proven System Responsible for over 200 million in Insurance Sales! FREE 7-Day Demo TRY NOW Learn to Become a 6 Figure Life Insurance Producer HERETrain Your New Hire in Just 10 Days HERE NEW BOOK “Quote 3: How to Make Multiple 6 Figures in Any Sales Organization" Pre-Order HERE"Game Changer: Taking Your Insurance Agency To The Next Level" by Michael Weaver: Unlock the secrets to success in the insurance industry. ORDER NOWTEXT METext "BUZZ" to (816) 727-7610 to chat directly with MichaelFOLLOWWebsite: https://www.weaversa.comLinkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelweaverwsa/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/themichaelweaverInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/_michaelweaver_/Youtube handle: @michaelweavertraining https://www.youtube.com/@michaelweavertraining

“As you're building your business, you're building your agency, you're going to realize that there's some prospects that are just not right. You have to go through that Vegas buffet and get sick and food poisoning because you overate and you ate a lot of the bad shit and you tell yourself, ‘I'm not going to eat those raw craw legs anymore.'” -Jason Swenk The finer details of this episode:Jason Swenk's journey from agency owner to consultant and mastermind leaderImportance of knowing target audience and sales process for agency successValue of creating a community of like-minded individuals through mastermindsEmphasis on maintaining a high-quality community over quantity in mastermind groupsImportance of building strong client relationships and conducting thorough researchUnique approach to hiring by setting specific instructions for applicants to followSignificance of qualifying leads early in the sales processValue of personal challenges and experiences in shaping one's perspective and approach to business Episode resources:Summit Virtual CFO by Anders website: https://www.summitcpa.net/Love our content? Sign up for our newsletter: https://www.summitcpa.net/summit-newsletterDigital Dollars and Cents: A Virtual CFO's Playbook to help Digital Companies Create a Financial Roadmap to Success, is now an audio book! Download it here: https://vcfo.summitcpa.net/ddcConnect with Jason here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasonswenk/Listen to Jason's podcast here: https://www.agencymastery360.com/podcastCheck out Agency Mastery 360 here: https://jasonswenk.com/Subscribe to Jason's YouTube channel here: https://www.youtube.com/jasonswenk Timestamps:Accidental Agency Owner (00:00:00)Jason's accidental entry into the agency world and his agency's growth and eventual sale.Transition to Consulting (00:03:08)Jason's transition from running an agency to helping other agency owners and the inspiration behind his consulting practice.Mastermind Community (00:04:45)Jason's approach to running a mastermind community, its structure, and the experiences it offers to its members.Exclusive Mastermind (00:08:28)Jason's encounter with an exclusive mastermind and his decision to create a more genuine and impactful community.Client Relationships (00:11:51)Jason's insights on maintaining client relationships and the importance of delivering exceptional service.Attract, Convert, Scale Methodology (00:14:32)Jason's methodology for agency growth, focusing on attracting ideal clients, converting leads, and scaling the business.Interviewing and Hiring (00:20:27)Jason's advice on the interviewing process and the importance of knowing oneself and researching the client or employer.Research and Applications (00:21:34)Discussion on the importance of research in job applications and disqualifying uninterested candidates.Lack of Research in Agency Pitching (00:22:47)Personal anecdotes about pitching without proper research and the consequences.Budgeting and Sales Process (00:25:48)Strategies for asking for a budget in the sales process and the importance of understanding the client's budget.Personal Question: Epic Experiences (00:30:29)Sharing personal epic experiences, including hang gliding, paragliding, and winter backpacking.Agency Mastery 360 (00:35:52)Information on accessing free resources and masterclasses for building the ultimate sales team and attracting the perfect client.

In this episode of The Remote CEO Show, I had the pleasure of interviewing Michael Gasiorek. Michael Gasiorek is a founder, writer, and community builder running Truth Cartel, a "belief distribution agency" for Web3 companies like Algorand and Republic. They specialize in content marketing and public relations. He have written for Fortune and Inc, co-authored books with Derek Sivers, and mentor deep tech startups at dLab.vc and IndieBio.

In this episode, host James Dihardjo from MerchantSpring joined Steven Pope the founder of My Amazon Guy. He shares his journey of starting the agency after being laid off from a well-paying job, leading to self-reflection on personal growth and prosperity. The discussion covers the ease of starting an agency and the founder's experience growing from zero to $100,000 in annual revenue.Support the Show.

We're diving deep into a game-changer: mapping your agency's organizational chart to scale up and create more freedom in your future. If this is on your radar, you definitely need to catch this video. Now, let's talk growth and the blueprint of your agency's structure. I've got a few must-read books that are [...] The post Scale Your Agency with an Effective Organizational Chart appeared first on Seven Figure Agency.

Check our case study here → https://myguy.agencyFeeling stuck at 40 clients and dreaming of agency growth? You're not alone! This video dives deep into the struggles agencies face around the 40-client mark and reveals the #1 mistake holding them back.Join us as we explore proven strategies for scaling your agency, including:Check our case study here → https://myguy.agencyFeeling stuck at 40 clients and dreaming of agency growth? You're not alone! This video dives deep into the struggles agencies face around the 40-client mark and reveals the #1 mistake holding them back.Join us as we explore proven strategies for scaling your agency, including:→ Building a strong leadership team with a second account director.→ Optimizing your client-to-staff ratio for efficient management.→ Creating a system that fosters client communication and reduces burnout.→ Implementing effective hiring and retention practices for top talent.#agencygrowth #scaleagency #40clienttrap #accountmanagement #clientcommunication #hiringandretention #agencyleadership #burnoutpreventionWe encourage personal growth, action, technical proficiency and communication, and prioritize progress over perfection.View our job openings, and check out some of our employee testimonials↳ https://myamazonguy.com/jobs/Our Amazon Agency specialists here at My Amazon Guy are always on the lookout for the latest updates in Seller Central Amazon in order to better manage our clients' listings. Click here to know more:↳ https://myamazonguy.com/seller-central-amazon/→ Use code STEVENPOPE6M20 and save 20% on your first 6 months of Helium 10!↳ https://bit.ly/3RTm5id→ Already have Helium 10? Get a special discount for upgrading your account!↳ https://myamazonguy.com/h10upgrade→ More reason to invest in Helium 10! ↳ https://myamazonguy.com/helium-10-service/-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Join My Amazon Guy on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/28605816/Follow us:Twitter: https://twitter.com/myamazonguyInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/stevenpopemag/Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/myamazonguys/Please subscribe to the podcast at: https://podcast.myamazonguy.comApple Podcast:  https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/my-amazon-guy/id1501974229Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4A5ASHGGfr6s4wWNQIqyVwTimestamps:0:00 - Intro: Stuck at 40 Clients? You're Not Alone!0:22 - The 40 Client Plateau: Why Agencies Get Stuck0:47 - Common Mistakes Holding Agencies Back1:22 - The #1 Reason Agencies Don't Scale Past 40 Clients (Hiring the Second Account Director)2:00 - Ideal Client-to-Staff Ratios & Account Management Structure3:38 - The Importance of Hiring & Retaining Top Talent4:14 - Building a Streamlined System for Client Management & Communication5:23 - Delegation & Avoiding Account Director BurnoutSupport the show

Today we're doing something a little different. I'm launching the audio version of my book Relationship Sales At Scale, and since you're a loyal subscriber, I'm giving you each chapter for free via the podcast.Each chapter of the book will be dripped out on Wednesday over the next five weeks, after which time we will remove the content from the stream.In Part 1, I lay out the few big shifts and changes that should cause you to fundamentally rethink how you open doors and sell to prospects, especially at the top of the funnel. To get the full book right now, in any format, go here to get it on Amazon.Relationship Sales at Scale™is the new selling philosophy for our age. It marries the timeless power of tribe-based trust with digitally enabled scale so you can open doors tastefully and convert prospects consistently, all without spamming anyone.Written by Dan Englander, CEO and founder of Sales Schema, the book's stories, strategies, and hands-on resources are grounded in thousands of outreach campaigns conducted since 2014 to secure opportunities between clients and hard-to-reach prospects, including the leaders of the largest companies on earth.Learn how to:Balance personalization and scale to keep your pipeline full and achieve reliable and predictable growthCondense five years of networking into a single weeklong campaign so you can batch up warm referrals into specific ideal accountsDe-risk conversations with highly skeptical prospects by leveraging strong personal commonalities instead of boring publicly available informationDivide specific prospecting and sales duties so you can avoid burnout, even if your team is smallLeverage dozens of actual copy examples, campaign strategies, and online resources so you can launch and close deals in a matter of weeksAnd much moreThank you for listening! If you enjoyed this episode, please take a moment to follow, rate and review the podcast and tell me your key takeaways!Learn more about The Digitial Agency Growth Podcast at https://www.salesschema.com/podcast/ and our Video training at https://salesschema.com/relationships CONNECT WITH DAN ENGLANDER:LinkedInSales Schema 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.

How do you design a fail-proof hiring process? How do you balance purpose and profit in the early days? And how do you find your first clients? Get your answer in our first episode of Agency Growth Stories – a series where we talk to the founders of the world's leading agencies about what's on every founder's mind. Our first guest was the wonderful Abi Freeman — Co-Founder of Brink — an international consulting agency which uses Behavioural Innovation to advise on new ways of working to change the world. Here is what we covered: 00:00:00 - Intro: Who is Abi Freeman? 00:02:52 - Fire Round Questions 00:04:54 - Why Abi Co-Founded her Company Brink 00:08:01 - How to Find Your First Clients 00:12:17 - How and When to Grow Your Team 00:20:20 - Services to Keep External Rather than In-House 00:22:05 - How to Hire and Manage an International Distributed Team 00:29:12 - Brink's Failproof Hiring Process: Hiring for Ways of Being Not Just Doing 00:34:21 - How to Build Intimacy with Your Team 00:39:00 - Purpose Vs. Profit, Finding Balance in the Early Days 00:48:18 - How to Measure the Impact of Your Projects 00:56:32 - Common Blinspots in Founders 00:58:01 - How to Get Clients through Networking 01:04:04 - How to Take the First Step to Start Your Agency 01:06:35 - How to Navigate Procurement Processes 01:14:05 - Behavioural Change and Climate Change 01:17:01 - Last Words For more leadership insights check our Design Leaders Programme: https://fla.wiki/4byNd0p Get more inspiration from us on other channels: https://www.instagram.com/futurelondonacademy/ https://twitter.com/FLondonAcademy https://www.linkedin.com/school/future-london-academy/

Corey Quinn is a self-employed Fractional CMO and GTM Strategist at Corey Quinn, Inc., where he helps agencies escape founder-led sales with the deep specialization method and break the cycle of flat sales and high customer churn. He has spent over 15 years in marketing and sales leadership roles at numerous respected digital agencies. Previously, Corey was Chief Marketing Officer of Scorpion, an agency he helped scale from $20 million to $150 million in seven years. He is also the host of The Vertical Go-To-Market Podcast. In this episode… Building an agency from scratch can be both exciting and challenging. Most agencies reach a certain point in revenue and get stuck, not knowing how to navigate and scale. However, it's possible to overcome these obstacles and succeed with the right mindset and strategy. Marketing expert Corey Quinn says that building a founder-led sales business is a barrier to success in the agency world. It causes the agency to reach a certain point and get stuck because it depends on the founder's ability to get leads and convert, and there's only so much a founder can do until burnout sets in. He shares how he helps agency founders free themselves from founder-led sales and increase revenue while decreasing churn. On this episode of the Inspired Insider Podcast, Dr. Jeremy Weisz sits down with Corey Quinn, Fractional CMO and GTM Strategist at Corey Quinn, Inc., to discuss how he helps agencies scale. Corey talks about his experience growing Scorpion from $20 million to $150 million, how to work with him, the five steps for scaling an agency, and how to warm up your cold prospects ahead of a sales call.

In today's fast-paced digital world, scaling a digital marketing agency is more than just a goal—it's a necessity. As we embark on 2024, I'm excited to share with you a detailed guide on how to elevate your agency to new heights. Whether it's about achieving greater financial success, enjoying more freedom, or creating [...] The post Scaling Digital Marketing Agency in 2024 appeared first on Seven Figure Agency.

**Cold Open (Jake's optimal morning)****Skip the Cold Open at 3:06**We hear a lot of people quitting their day jobs in order to start an agency in which they have no experience -- only "knowledge" they've gained from online resources.To be frank, this is a dumb idea.We have grown our agency to near the half-million dollar mark while Jake still has a full-time day job. Doing this has allowed safe and steady growth while keeping full-time benefits and the same standard of living.So where do we find time to run a successful agency while also dedicating 40 hours per week somewhere else?Well, we tell you how we did it and continue to do it in this episode.----------------------------------⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐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 or connect with Jake on socials:Twitter/X: @HundleyJakeLinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/jake-hundley/Facebook: facebook.com/jake.hundley.1Instagram: instagram.com/jakehundley/

Are your salespeople trained to tell relevant stories and sell in the appointment? Do they know how to catch a prospect's attention fast? Using sales scripts is a great way to keep your message focused and concise. To get the best results, your sales reps should be armed with a bulletproof script and serious training to overcome sales objections. Today's guest shares his experience and expertise in creating a big sales team that is constantly growing and improving through continuous training. Tune in to gain valuable insights on scaling your agency, building a winning sales script, and how to support ongoing professional development. Scott Scully is the CEO of Abstrakt Marketing Group, a b2b lead generation and business growth agency that offers multi-channel marketing solutions to small and medium-sized businesses. In his 28 years in the business, Scott's main focus has been in the marketing and lead gen space with three companies that all exceed $12 million in revenue. In this episode, we'll discuss: Building a winning sales script. Handling outreach by creating exclusivity. Gamifying growth.   Subscribe Apple | Spotify | iHeart Radio | Stitcher | Radio FM 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. Podcast Takeover!! Get to know your Smart Agency Guest Host: Dr. Jeremy Weisz is the co-founder of Rise25, an agency that helps companies launch and run podcasts profitably. He followed Jason's podcast and eventually joined the mastermind and has been a guest on the podcast before. Today, he's helping Jason bring something new to the Smart Agency podcast audience by interviewing a special guest and getting a new perspective to the show.   Handling Outreach by Building an Exclusivity Perspective Scott has owned three successful marketing companies always aiming to help businesses grow. His current brainchild, Abstrakt Marketing, scaled 20% annually over 12 years, crossing $50M in 2021 revenue. His team builds predictable sales pipelines - website design, content creation, social media, and extensive email and phone outreach. They make hundreds of calls daily, qualifying and scheduling initial consultations. But outreach takes shape through their sales enablement blueprint. First comes research and list cleansing to identify ideal prospects. Another key element is that the client has their target defined. Scott is a huge believer in having a defined niche. This way, his team can come with expertise in that particular niche. Working from an exclusivity perspective helps his team build up in terms of why they're calling them, who they are, and why potential clients need to meet with them. Building a Winning Agency Sales Script Scott knows cold calls aren't everyone's cup of tea, so he crafted a blueprint to catch attention fast. To build a solid script, he focused on getting people's attention, exclusivity, scarcity, and then selling the appointment. First of all, Scott recommends letting clients know you'll be brief and go straight to the point. That's huge because it shows you value their time and acknowledge the call is an interruption. Next, state the reason for your call and introduce your company. Take this as an opportunity to differentiate yourself. “If I'm a managed service provider, there are a lot of managed service providers these days. So why are you different?” Scott explains. This is where specialization becomes very important. If you're able to differentiate yourself as a managed service provider who happens to specialize in their particular industry, now you have their attention. Also, you can get ahead through influencer social proof. "We're tightly networked with industry leaders nationally - we understand your daily challenges and can plug you into best practices." This insider credibility will make you irresistible. Why You Should Never Lose Sight of Your Goals to Sell the Appointment Once you have your script and can differentiate yourself, the most important thing is to not forget your goal of selling the appointment. For Scott, the worst-case scenario is when the call is handled by a sales enablement person who lacks a clear understanding of the ins and outs of the sales presentation itself. In those cases, they may fall into mini-pitching. As a result, the prospect could make the decision to not show up based on that call. Overeager reps also risk sharing too much about what comes next. In those cases, once the time for the appointment comes, a prospect may feel they've already talked about some of those things and you may not have their full attention and participation. This is why he insists on the importance of selling the appointment. As long as you overcome the objections and answer why that meeting is important, you'll be good for the next round. Exclusivity also raises the stakes. His agency only works with one company in a particular area and niche. It's not about making threats to go to the competition but rather presenting a unique offer to get that opportunity for a meeting. "We only partner with one roofing contractor per region" conveys privileged access, not threats. By presenting engagement as a unique opportunity, they compel action. Data-Driven Prospecting: Separating Needles from the Haystack With hundreds of daily calls, how do they qualify these prospects? First of all, Scott credits their unbelievable database. Of course, there's no such thing as perfect data so outreach provides invaluable validation to determine whether or not to put them on the phone with a sales rep. If they're coming into a particular market, their data would've already given them an idea of who usually picks up the phone, who responds to emails, and who they interact with on social. They also try to be as smart as they can about who in the organization they're trying to contact. When sending emails, they're already hitting multiple people within an organization because the decision-making process isn't always the same. When it comes to making phone outreach, they'll run tracks on different titles until they determine who makes the decision. Finally, they'll get the particular client qualifiers so they can meet their expectations. Gamifying Growth for Ongoing Development There's a low barrier to entry for becoming a salesperson. However, in order to actually be good at it there are usually many rounds of training. Scott's two-week boot camp immerses new hires in Salesforce, processes, and company ethos. Towards the end, they'll have specific training around the industries that they're going to serve and the clients they'll be picking up. It's a very complete process. However, Scott is a big believer in ongoing training so professional development is mandatory for an hour weekly. There are many options available and different tracks they can follow around their training. Each employee will accumulate points for their training, which will eventually lead to them earning a “belt” a sort of martial arts gamified acknowledgment to elevate employees who are getting ahead on their training, with the ultimate goal being to become a black belt. Ultimately, Scott makes sure there are options for them in terms of growing their careers within the agency. Because of that, a lot of them are pretty hungry and self-motivated to go get the training. Do You Want to Transform Your Agency from a Liability to an Asset? If you want to be around amazing agency owners who can see what you may not be able to see and help you grow your agency, go to Agency Mastery 360.  Our agency growth program helps you take a 360-degree view of your agency and gain mastery of the 3 pillar systems (attract, convert, scale) so you can create predictability, wealth, and freedom.

How do you strike the right balance between selling (and growing) your business – and handling the backend of fulfillment? Rudy reckons that Brittany and Michael of 51 Blocks might just have found the solution!Learn about the incredible Just Sell Method™ and the ‘white label agency in a box' approach of 51 Blocks that allows you to sell – and for them to do the rest. Everything from onboarding, client management, housekeeping, and more can all be outsourced to 51 Blocks, allowing you to (you guessed it), just sell. If you are looking to scale your digital marketing agency, focus on sales, and not have to worry about managing every aspect of fulfilment, operations, and client relations, then the insight and approach of 51 Blocks will blow you away. As Rudy mentions, he wishes he'd known about them years ago!This is Living The Red Life doing what it does best: bring enormous value to its Wonderland entrepreneurs with an interview that cuts right to the heart of learning to focus on what you do best – and learning to outsource those areas that you struggle with. If you're looking to scale your agency faster (or even if you're an influencer looking to leverage your following), this episode is an absolute banger. Please join us. “It really is just as simple as signing up, and getting out there, and selling our products.” ~ Brittany“If you do one thing, you do it really well.” ~ MichaelThe first 1000 to click here and send the promo code from the podcast can claim one of my courses for FREE! - https://m.me/rudymawerlife In This Episode:Unpacking the unique Just Sell MethodPlacing an emphasis on the client experienceHow does the 51 Blocks pricing work? What services do 51 Blocks offer? How to get started with 51 Blocks if you're an influencer looking to sellAnd so much more!Connect with Michael and Brittany:51 Blocks - https://www.51blocks.com/Bionic WP - https://www.bionicwp.com/Connect with Rudy Mawer:LinkedIn - www.linkedin.com/in/rudymawer/Instagram - www.instagram.com/rudymawerlifeFacebook - www.facebook.com/rudymawerlifeTwitter - www.twitter.com/rudymawer

Book your gameplan call here!-----------------------------------------Podcast Partners - Claim your exclusive savings with the links below.Vincere - https://bit.ly/3C8uHfvSourcebreaker - https://hubs.la/Q017bVC70-----------------------------------------Watch the episode on Youtube

In this episode, Tyler Narducci interviews Alyson Caffrey. Alyson Caffrey is a small business Operations Strategist, Bestselling Author and founder of Operations Agency. She's commonly referred to as ‘The Wolf' among our clients because she just gets shit done. Alyson is best known for helping streamline the back-end ops for a multitude of brands and using her Operations Simplified™ framework to unleash the power of small teams. She and the team at Operations Agency are determined to help businesses thrive profitably, serve more clients and create high-performing teams. Covered in this episode: What is the Sabbatical Method™ for agencies  What critical system most agencies are missing  How to optimize your agency to generate more revenue How strategic rest can 2X your agencies output How to efficiently offload tasks so your agency runs without you And SO MUCH MORE … In this podcast you get the latest success strategies, scaling techniques, and top-tier interviews with agency industry professionals sharing their success stories and lighting the pathway for all to follow. Learn how to go from a freelance marketer to a successful agency owner. Want to skip all the "learned it the hard way" mistakes most agency owners make? Apply for the 100% Done-For-You Leads and Sales Program today!

Need more help? Visit www.chriscostantini.com Send me an email for consulting info: chris@adelfiainsurance.com Follow me on Instagram for more behind the scenes! @christheinsuranceguy @adelfiainsurance

Most of us didn't start our agency just to make a lot of money. We started it because we wanted FREEDOM. Freedom to spend more time with our families. Financial freedom. Freedom to do what we want to do. There comes a point when as agency owners and entrepreneurs, we have to make the [...] The post 3 Key Roles to Hire to Scale Your Agency appeared first on Seven Figure Agency.

This episode couldn't have come at a better time, as I sit down with Mario Mirabella the CEO of MSM Digital, and talk about what you can do to start scaling your agency today.The truth about scaling your agency comes down to learning how to stand out above the crowd and that starts with having a unique offer, a solid team, and proven systems in place.Your business is only as great as your team and when you have a solid team behind you supporting the systems you put into place and the clients that come your way your business will thrive.I have been working with Mario for over six months now and I have watched him scale his business to 7-figures in that short amount of time. This episode is to help others building an agency learn the keys to success and build the business they deserve.Key parts of the conversation:0:47 - How You Can Scale Your Agency Today1:55 - If you had to start all over again, this would be your first step to 6-figures2:55 - Become a trusted resource to your clients4:10 - Creating an offer that makes you unique6:00 - Synergy within the team and clients is important8:00 - Building a team to get you to the next level10:25 - It's the little things that make a difference12:00 - When it comes to branding you need to be creative14:20 - If you want to get to the next level you need to expand somewhere16:00 - If you want to get to the next level you have to fulfill17:00 - The 3-S Systems: Sell, Staff & SystemsQuotes:“I had clients coming in because I built the solid foundation that I was a trusted resource” - Mario“There are two important things that make you a trusted resource - one is what you know and two is who is talking about you” - Alexa“In business, you need to have synergy within your team and your clients” - Mario“In a world where you have an abundance of marketing agencies - you need to have an IT factor” - Alexa“It's the little things you do that make you stand out” - Alexa“If we couldn't do it for ourselves then how could we expect anyone else to think we could do it for them?” - Mario“Think outside the box when it comes to what you do for your clients - that's what they are hiring you for” - Mario“You can keep winning clients but if you also keep losing them you're bleeding money” - Alexa“I am only as great as my team” - MarioResources:For all of our episodes, you can visit: https://thynktankcoaching.com/podcastFor comments or questions, email us at support@thynkconsultinggroup.comAlexa's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dralexadagostino/Want to scale your business under our program?Visit www.thinkmillions.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/wearemsmdigital/Company Website: https://www.msmdesignz.com/

Are you tracking your agency's gross margin? How about the EBITDA? KPIs are super important and something every agency owner should be aware of. But which KPIs you track depends on the priorities you set for the agency. Do you want to grow fast? Are you planning to sell soon? Having a clear vision and goals makes a difference when it comes to what you're measuring. Today's guest shares the most important KPIs he believes all agencies should be keeping track of and what you can do if some of them dip below where they should be. Jon Morris is the CEO of Ramsay Innovations, a company dedicated to helping agencies get greater insights out of their finances so they can grow at a faster rate. In his area of specialty, Jon is used to advising companies on ways to improve their finances and now shares some of that useful insight. In this interview, we'll discuss: The most important KPIs for agencies. What to spend on sales and marketing. Revenue as a percentage of client base. Dos and Don'ts of using a line of credit. 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. Subscribe Apple | Spotify | iHeart Radio | Stitcher | Radio FM How a Minority Investment Can Help Growth Jon started working from his home in 2004 in an agency called Rise Interactive. Several years later, he took a minority investment and grew it into one of the largest independent digital agencies, managing about $250 million in media before he sold it. When he took the minority investment, his agency's fees were around $20 million. At the time, he wanted to invest more in sales and marketing. Their mission as an agency was to be the leader in leveraging data to help brands make smarter marketing decisions. However, the reality is that if you line up 50 agencies they would all say that they are data-driven. They had to answer why they were more data-driven than the rest. $20 million in fees may seem like quite a lot. However, the cost of building technology and putting together a sizeable team is a major investment. Looking back, he knows taking the minority investment was the best move because back then he just didn't have the capital for the technological investments. When you build technology you need a fully dedicated team that eats, sleeps, and dreams the product. Every agency has a very standard leadership structure, with a client service team, a sales a marketing team, and operations and finance teams. In their case, they added another pillar that was product development and strategy, which included: UX developers Engineers Product developers Development Operators Quality Assurance The Most Important KPIs for a Digital Agency For Jon, the most important KPI for an agency is gross margin, which is different from adjusted gross income. The first thing you need to do to get to your gross margin is to know your revenue. He breaks revenue into two categories: gross revenue and net revenue. Having worked with many agencies by now, Jon knows it's not very easy getting these numbers. Often times it's a matter of getting the data clean to figure out net revenue vs. gross revenue. A lot of agencies are very focused on payroll divided by revenue as a ratio. However, payroll generally includes everything from sales and marketing to operations. What you want to do is get to your costs of service. To do that, you need to go through every single line item to determine whether or not it is dedicated to client work. If you have an employee that is dedicated to a client's paid search campaign, then that's going to be a cost of service. On the contrary, an employee dedicated to HR is not a cost of service. On average, his clients are at a 40% gross margin when they start working with his agency and their goal is to get them to 50%. Why Cost of Service is the Most Important KPI? If you are selling something for $1 million and you get $500,000 in fees and $500,000 in gross margin, then you now have $500,000 to put back into your business or in your pocket. However, if that same $1 million is costing you $800,000, you only have $200,000 to invest in your business. Therefore, you can have two agencies doing the exact same thing both around $5 million in net revenue. In the end, one made a profit of $1.5 million and one lost a few hundred thousand dollars. The difference is their gross margin. Percentage of Revenue Spent on Sales and Marketing The next metric you should be focusing on is what percentage of net revenue you're spending on sales and marketing. Again, divide your payroll to group sales and marketing people into "sales and marketing costs". In theory, if you spend on sales and marketing you have a better chance of growing than if you don't. What you're willing to spend on sales and marketing directly impacts your growth: Spend 0 and 5% of revenue on sales and marketing says you're not that serious about growth. If you're between 5% to 10% spending, you're where everyone else is in terms of the importance of growth. Spending more than 10% means you're very serious about growth. Of course, it's fine if your focus right now is not on growth. For instance, one of Jon's clients is focused on increasing their revenue per employee and is interested in growing moderately. It will depend on your priorities. Some agency owners may just want to optimize their gross revenue to maintain their lifestyle business. On the other hand, some of Jon's clients don't spend anything on sales or marketing. To him, it was unbelievable that an agency could believe so little in marketing. Where Should Your EBITDA Be? The golden rule for agencies is to have 20% topline growth and 20% EBITDA. If you're planning to sell to a holding company, they'll expect you to have 20% EBITDA. However, Jon has a different philosophy. If you can make a positive investment in your agency it's okay for you to have a lower EBITDA. If you hire a salesperson who brings in a client that ends up being a retained relationship, that's fine, as long as you measure the percentages and outcome you're looking to make. Keep in mind, if you want to build a big agency without outside capital, lowering your EBITDA target will give you more money to invest in the business. Bottom line, your business is the best investment you can make. How Much Cash Flow Should Your Agency Have? Jon believes everyone should have two bank accounts at minimum, three if you manage media. Operating Account: this is the one you'll use to pay your employees, taxes, and bills. You should always have 1 month of payroll and 35% of your quarterly profits in this account. It should be enough to pay your bills at any given moment in time. Savings Account: Here you should have your monthly overhead. Double the sum of all your expenses (like payroll, sales and marketing, traveling, and entertainment x 2). Rule of thumb for savings is two months and could be up to six months if 1-2 clients make up most of your revenue or if you are project-based. Media Account: This is not your money. You have a fiduciary responsibility to make sure that money is completely separated and you're not using it for anything other than the client ad spend. Looking at Your Revenue in Terms of Percentage of Each Client How much of your revenue do your top five clients represent? For instance, one of Jon's clients has 123 clients, and the top 18 account for half their revenue. It's important to understand your agency's client concentration and strategize to reduce it. Whenever Jon won a big account that became a large percentage of their evenue, he increased his sales and marketing to go win the next big account. He was really, understandably, scared of being dependent on any single customer. Dos and Don'ts of Credit Lines Jon and Jason agree if you have a positive 12-month trailing EBITDA, you should get a line of credit. However, you shouldn't use it to use it fuel the growth of your business but rather for cash management purposes. If you have a big account like Procter and Gamble – known to pay in a net 120 days – you may want to use a line of credit to make payroll. It may be an account you really want but you can't negotiate better payment terms and that's fine. Having a line of credit is important in those scenarios. Where you shouldn't use it is to invest to grow your business. Want the Support of Amazing Digital Agency Owners? If you want to be around amazing agency owners that can see you may not be able to see and help you grow your agency, go to the Digital Agency Elite to learn all about our exclusive mastermind.

Reach your ideal prospects wherever they hang out - via LinkedIn or cold email or any other channel - and scale your consulting agency. Mandi Ellefson shares the five variables that make cold outreach work in this solo episode of Hands-Off CEO. Key Ideas: Use direct outreach to make money quickly if you're in a bind and need to bring in more clients. It's a good strategy to use as you build up your company, when you need to test new offers, or when you're pivoting your company. [3:04] “We want to move away from reliance on referrals.” Mandi says. Referrals are great, but they bring challenges that make it very difficult for your company to be sustainable if they are the only lead source that you have. “I would look at referrals as being a way to… target the right prospects and get them further up the funnel.” [4:40] The five variables you need to make cold outreach work are targeting, an attention grabbing hook, a compelling, nurturing process to educate and build desire, an irresistible offer, and a qualification process that paints an expansive vision. [6:45] Managing cold traffic goes through three phases: attracting, nurturing, and closing. [9:37] Mandi describes the ideal executive briefing. “[It's] an opportunity for you to help your prospects understand their problem at a deeper level than they could on their own and show them an alternative way to… generate much better results.” [14:26] Resources Mandi Ellefson on LinkedIn | Twitter | Facebook Hands-Off CEO - Executive Briefing

Topics discussed in the episode: 00:25 - 02:40 The Story Behind Yvi's Branding 02:47 - 05:20 How Yvi is productizing her consulting business. 05:30 - 06:40 Helping people build their business in ClickUp 06:50 - 08:00 What is Minerva, and what is Minerva's current focus as a startup 08:00 - 11:50 Yvi and YouTube 12:00 - 13:20 The 10x10 Formula Strategy 13:21 - 15:00 Shifting her approach problem-based learning 15:15-16:50 The art of repurposing content 16:50-19:30 Client Acquisition 19:30-25:00 What is The SOAR Framework? 25:00 - 26:00 Why do 95% of Yvi's clients use ClickUp? 27:00 - 29:00 Being a ClickUp Consultant Presenting Sponsor: ZenPilotCheck out ZenPilot, where we help agencies optimize their operations using our proven systems and processes.ZenPilot knows that you are tired of wasting time on trial-and-error — that's why we provide tried-and-true solutions that will help you grow and scale quickly and sustainably.So, what are you waiting for?Go to zenpilot.com to learn more.Resources mentioned in this episode: Yvonne Heimann's Linkedin AskYvi's Website The SOAR Framework Gray MacKenzie's LinkedIn ZenPilot Website

Cat Howell is the founder of FB performance based media buying agency Eight Loop Social, Agency Academy and the co-founder of adult spray Theory of Her. Top 3 Value Bombs: 1. The best thing you can do for prospecting in your business is to setup pipelines based off of your strength. 2. Tap into people who have walked the path that you want to walk. 3. Some people tend to hire as a reaction instead of being proactive about it. Visit Cat's website - CatHowell Website Sponsors: HubSpot: Customer expectations are at an all-time high, and making things easy is how you'll win. Learn more about how HubSpot can help your business grow better at HubSpot.com. Ketone-IQ: There is a product out there people are calling nature's superfuel in a bottle! Introducing the world's best kept secret: Ketone-IQ. The next 100 people to visit Ketone-IQ.com and use promo code FIRE at checkout will save 20%!

Cat Howell is the founder of FB performance based media buying agency Eight Loop Social, Agency Academy and the co-founder of adult spray Theory of Her. Top 3 Value Bombs: 1. The best thing you can do for prospecting in your business is to setup pipelines based off of your strength. 2. Tap into people who have walked the path that you want to walk. 3. Some people tend to hire as a reaction instead of being proactive about it. Visit Cat's website - CatHowell Website Sponsors: HubSpot: Customer expectations are at an all-time high, and making things easy is how you'll win. Learn more about how HubSpot can help your business grow better at HubSpot.com. Ketone-IQ: There is a product out there people are calling nature's superfuel in a bottle! Introducing the world's best kept secret: Ketone-IQ. The next 100 people to visit Ketone-IQ.com and use promo code FIRE at checkout will save 20%!

Jason has literally written the book for growing an agency from nothing to two 8 figure agencies. He is one of the most sought out advisors to agencies in the World, by showing them an 8-system framework that worked for growing his agency, working with brands like AT&T, Hitachi, Lotus Cars, and eventually lead to selling his agency. https://jasonswenk.com/buyplaybook --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/jay-feldman5/support

QUICK LINKS:• The Agency Profitability Toolkit - Get the templates, formulas, and frameworks we've used with our consulting clients to help them double their profitability in under 60 days, absolutely free.• For more information on our Agency Profitability Systems and Consulting, check out parakeeto.com• Love the podcast? Leave us a review on the platform of your choice at this link.• Want to see/read more about this episode? Then do make your way to parakeeto.com/blogGUEST LINKS:Handsoffceo.com/briefingHandsoffceo.com/roadmapHandsoffceo PodcastTwitterLinkedinABOUT MANDI ELLEFSON:Mandi helps agency owners scale their business, thus allowing it to run profitably without them. She's the host of another great podcast called The Hands-Off CEO podcast. Her upcoming book, Scale to Freedom is coming out soon and will be generating proceeds for a good cause.

on this episode, i talk about the three main reasons i have been able to grow scout's agency to a multiple six-figure revenue and how i have set it up to scale. these reasons aren't the most obvious talked about ones and might be the unpopular opinion :)apply for 1-on-1 consulting with me here.in this episode:building a story brand by donald millerfollow me: @scoutsobelbuy my book, the emotional entrepreneur, here.sign up for my newsletter here.more information on scout's agency: www.scoutsagency.comAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands