Podcast appearances and mentions of sharon toerek

Sharon Toerek, Owner & Founder of Legal+Creative, joins Jim Flynn and Leslie Castillo to talk about the legal challenges AI presents and how marketers should leverage emerging technology to reshape their efforts. Interested in learning how you can safely and effectively work AI into the mix? Listen to this episode of the IMCA peer2peer podcast from ONEFIRE.

Welcome to episode 127. Thank you for listening in 2024. Looking back at this year, I've been reflecting on the superb guests I've had on the show. I thought I'd select a handful of soundbites from this year's podcast episodes to share with you. This isn't a comprehensive list - there have been so many standout moments - but these clips include tips, advice, or insights that stayed with me. I've shared 10 soundbites that I hope you find as useful or insightful as I did. Stick around until the end to hear a clip from one of the most popular episodes and one that I received the most positive feedback from listeners! You can also read more about each of these guests by visiting this episode's page on my website here: https://www.accountmanagementskills.com/top-10-tips-insights-from-the-podcast-in-2024-with-jenny-plant These episodes are mentioned: 1. Episode 125: Dan Pfister, "How to Win Back Clients for Exceptional ROI" 2. Episode 120 & 121: Carey Evans & Simon Rhind-Tutt, “What Your Client Don't Tell You” 3. Episode 116: Jack Skeels, "Why Agencies Need to Rethink Project Management" 4. Episode 117: Tim Williams, "Why Time-Based Pricing Doesn't Work" 5. Episode 114: Gareth Healey, "Stand Out or Die" 6. Episode 115: Tim Riesterer, “Why selling to client and prospects is different" 7. Episode 109: Michael Farmer, "Why the Agency Business Model Isn't Working" 8. Episode 91: Sharon Toerek, "How Agencies Are Navigating the Legalities of AI Use" 9. Episode 111: Alison Coward, "How a Workshop Culture Builds High-Performing 10. Episode 105: Benjamin Dennehy & Marcus Cauchi, "How to Sell" If you'd like to be kept up to date with who is coming on the podcast, the topics we're covering, receive tips about agency account management or to be notified about trainings I'm doing, you can sign up for my newsletter at my website: https://www.accountmanagementskills.com

On this week's episode of Own It, we're talking to Sharon Toerek from Legal+Creative. It is a firm focused on marketing law, advertising law and intellectual property law for creative people. She and the company are based in Cleveland, Ohio. We talked about the legal side of our business, her journey to ownership and so much more. We are super excited to have her on the podcast. We know you'll learn as much as we did from this episode. Thanks for listening to this episode of OWN IT with Sharon Toerek from Legal+Creative. You can find links to her LinkedIn profile and company website in our show notes at untilyouownit.com.  If you're enjoying Own It, please find it on your favorite podcast app and drop us a rating and review. Those help more people discover the show and join our community.  Also, if you're a female or non-binary agency owner, or you want to own an agency someday, join our growing community at that same address … untilyouownit.com.

Whether you're a freelancer, consultant, or a full-time employee, you'll deal with contracts that affect content ownership and how you can use what you create. Our guest, IP lawyer Sharon Toerek, highlights the critical elements every content creator needs to consider when drafting contracts, from intellectual property rights to defining deliverables, deadlines, and payment specifics. For those dealing with brand sponsorships, influencer agreements, or creating digital courses, Sharon explains the growing complexities of comparative advertising and the legalities of using memes and other pop culture references in marketing. Website: https://SiteLogic.com Learn SEO: Learn Search Engine Optimization Online (sitelogic.com) See all Coached Digital Marketing Courses: https://learn.sitelogic.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The FTC has recently passed regulations against non-compete clauses on a federal level in all work contracts. Starting in the fall of 2024, agencies will have new rules to comply with regarding their employees and independent contractors. This will be a big shake-up for many agency owners, but luckily, Sharon Toerek is always by our side to walk us through any new legal requirements that hit us unexpectedly. In this episode, she covers a lot of ground on how agency owners can comply with the new FTC non-compete rules for both employees and independent contractors. We cover the difference between non-competes and non-solicitation agreements, how agency owners can prepare to announce these changes to their workers, and how we can still legally protect our IP and client relationships. Sharon stresses that the quicker we start working on compliance, the better prepared we'll be for when this goes into effect in a few months. So don't delay — tune in to learn how this affects your agency and how to get ahead on compliance over the summer. A big thank you to our podcast's presenting sponsor, White Label IQ. They're an amazing resource for agencies who want to outsource their design, dev, or PPC work at wholesale prices. Check out their special offer (10 free hours!) for podcast listeners here. What You Will Learn in This Episode: What covenants are still legal under the FTC non-compete ruling? What agency owners need to do to be compliant How these changes will affect your freelancers and independent contractors How to protect yourself if you're selling your business Non-solicitation agreements vs. non-compete clauses Is the US ahead of or behind the times on this? How soon agency owners need to prepare new contracts or to announce the changes to employees Making sure your independent contractors are actually independent contractors The consequences of misclassifying employees as independent contractors

On this episode of Destination on the Left, you'll hear my conversation with Sharon Toerek about the importance of finding your niche and how growth happens once you commit to it. We also discuss how becoming a thought leader in your niche leads to new relationships and opportunities. While this interview centers around building a marketing agency, I'm sure you'll find value in the insights we share in our discussion. What You Will Learn in This Episode: Why having a clear vision is crucial for agency leaders and how it helps in making decisions and evaluating opportunities What the accidental birth of the Destination on the Left podcast allowed me to achieve, and how it became a lifeline for global listeners during the pandemic How I diversified my client base and funding sources to grow the business How the DOTL podcast allows me to develop a reputation as a thought leader in the travel and tourism industry How I manage content creation with limited bandwidth as the owner of an agency and the time commitment involved in scaling my business Vision-Driven Decision Making On the podcast I share why it was so important to have a clear vision for the future of Tap Into Travel to support economic growth and prosperity within the communities we serve. We discussed why having that well-defined vision allows agencies to align their strategies with their long-term goals and adapt to ever-changing market dynamics. Our conversation explores the importance of diversifying client bases and funding sources to avoid dependency on a single mechanism. I share how my participation in an economic gardening program through a local economic development organization allowed us to expand into new markets in the northeast. Building a Media Ecosystem I detail my vision of integrating three existing brands – the podcast brand (Destination on the Left), the agency brand (Break the Ice Media), and TAP allows us to realize the concept of building a robust media ecosystem. We discuss why an interconnected approach to content creation and thought leadership allows agencies to maximize their reach and impact across various platforms and engage diverse audiences. Thought Leadership Impact on Business Confidence Sharon and I also discuss the challenge of calculating the direct return on investment (ROI) of thought leadership, but we ultimately understand the significant impact it had on both our agencies' confidence and billing rates. I loved digging into all of these fascinating topics with Sharon, and I know you'll find our insights into the power of strategic vision, adaptability, and the ever-evolving nature of thought leadership in shaping the success and relevance of agencies in today's dynamic market landscape helpful. Resources: Tap Into Travel: https://www.tapintotravel.com/ Research: Collaboration in the Travel, Tourism, & Hospitality Industry: https://breaktheicemedia.com/collaboration/ We value your thoughts and feedback and would love to hear from you. Leave us a review on your favorite streaming platform to let us know what you want to hear more o​f. Here is a quick tutorial on how to leave us a rating and review on iTunes!

I am thrilled to welcome our guest expert, Sharon Toerek, back to this episode of Sell With Authority. It's her fourth time appearing on the show with us, but for those who are meeting her for the first time, she's the Founder of Toerek Law and the host of the podcast “The Innovative Agency”. Sharon is also Predictive's wicked smart intellectual property attorney and has reviewed and advised us with our client agreements and created our buy-sell and partnership agreements. She has been helping professionals in the advertising, marketing, and creative services industries protect and monetize their intellectual capital, and manage the legal implications of their marketing and advertising work. Many of us have faced the dilemma of wanting to have certain crucial conversations with our clients — but not knowing how to approach them without causing friction or damage to the relationship. On this episode, Sharon and I focus our discussion on how to ensure you get paid by having the right conversations with your clients at the right times. And — we discuss how to start relationships with clients on the right foot from the very beginning. Ensure that you and your agency get paid for your hard work. Sharon's expertise provides the tools and confidence to have these essential conversations with your clients. A big dose of gratitude to our presenting sponsor for the podcast, Conduit Digital. By using their expertise in streamlining, upgrading & scaling your clients…they promise to reduce your risk so you can become the best digital agency in your market in 30-days. You can find Conduit and all their helpful insights and smarts here. What you will learn in this episode: Smart ways to set up payment terms with clients so we're aligned right from the start Crucial elements of an effective payment agreement Strategies for setting assertive negotiation tones with clients to establish professionalism and confidence Steps to address payment delays Pros and cons of different payment structures How to attend Sharon's next virtual free Q&A session Resources: Website: legalandcreative.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sharontoerek/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/SharonToerek The Innovative Agency Podcast Get Your Money – Legal Strategies that Get Agencies Paid Q&A Episode 52 of Sell With Authority: How to Protect Intellectual Property, with Sharon Toerek Episode 59 of Sell With Authority: AI Copyright Law, with Sharon Toerek Episode 99 of Sell With Authority: Building Profitable Agency-to-Agency Alliances, with Sharon Toerek Additional Resources: Website: www.predictiveroi.com Visit our newly expanded Resource Library Join us in our free How to Fill Your Sales Pipeline Facebook Group  

Sharon Toerek is the Owner and Founder of Toerek Law, where she dedicates her practice to advising independent marketing and creative services agencies on protecting and monetizing their intellectual capital. A marketing law attorney with extensive experience in copyright, trademark, and content protection, Sharon offers strategic counsel on licensing, brand protection, social media, and advertising compliance.  She is a sought-after speaker at top industry events, including INBOUND, Content Marketing World, and MAGNET Global Agency Network, empowering professionals to recognize legal risks and uphold their rights. Recognized for her contributions, Sharon was inducted into The American Advertising Federation (AAF) Cleveland Hall of Fame in 2019, cementing her legacy as a trailblazer in legal advocacy and community leadership. In this episode… The rise of AI-generated content has sparked numerous legal and ethical concerns, prompting industry leaders to advocate for a nuanced understanding of ownership, liability, and legal implications. Although AI streamlines processes and enhances content quality, how can marketing and advertising agencies ensure brand protection? With years of experience in intellectual property protection, Sharon Toerek has witnessed firsthand the challenges of recognizing legal issues and safeguarding creative assets. She underscores the need for agencies to grasp the legal landscape surrounding AI implementation, emphasizing its gradual evolution and the importance of regulations to safeguard brands. One of the central concerns revolves around determining ownership and copyright protection for AI-generated content. As agencies navigate this complex terrain, recognizing and appraising intellectual property, combined with a vast knowledge of industry dynamics, emerge as vital pillars for fostering growth, innovation, and legal compliance within the ever-evolving landscape of AI-driven creativity. In this episode of the Growth Fire Podcast, Kevin Hourigan welcomes Sharon Toerek, the Owner and Founder of Toerek Law, to discuss AI-generated content ownership, liability, and legal implications. Sharon provides insights into copyright protection for AI-generated content, highlights the importance of human oversight in AI, and explores the potential for agencies to monetize their intellectual property.

If you use AI to generate content, but that content plagiarizes someone else's work - can you be held liable? We answer that question and more with intellectual property attorney, Sharon Toerek. As AI technology evolves at breakneck speed, so do the complexities around the ownership of AI-generated content. We cover the difference between copyright and registered copyrights, and the rights of content creators and their works. Sharon outlines the implications of using AI tools in our creative endeavors. How much can you rely on AI if you plan on protecting your work? Also, can you trust AI not to plagiarize from other protected works? Don't miss Sharon's valuable framework for ensuring your intellectual property is protected. Plus, we'll tackle how international copyright enforcement poses challenges for creators and why social media sharing isn't as straightforward as it seems. So grab your coffee and join us as we dissect the legal intricacies that could save you time and money, and learn why human judgment is irreplaceable in our ever-advancing digital world. All this and more on this episode of the Endless Coffee Cup. Learn Digital Marketing with our personalized, coached courses: https://learn.sitelogic.com/ Meet Matt Bailey: https://www.sitelogicmarketing.com/about/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

I am thrilled to welcome our guest expert, Sharon Toerek, back to this episode of Sell With Authority. It's her third time appearing on the show with us, but for those who are meeting her for the first time, she's the Founder of Toerek Law and the host of the podcast “The Innovative Agency”. Sharon is also Predictive's wicked smart intellectual property attorney and has reviewed and advised us with our client agreements and created our buy-sell and partnership agreements. She has been helping professionals in the advertising, marketing, and creative services industries protect and monetize their intellectual capital, and manage the legal implications of their marketing and advertising work. On this episode, Sharon and I focus our discussion on agency-to-agency collaborations. We delve into how to manage risk — and the key documents to have in place when agencies go down the collaboration route to save time, stress, and money. In our conversation, we go through the steps agencies should take before diving into an agency-to-agency strategic alliance. Sharon emphasizes the importance of creating agreements for each stage of the collaboration between agencies. We also discuss her recommendations on an ideal timeline to establish such contracts so agencies don't put the cart before the horse. Applying what Sharon gives you during this episode will help you grow your agency in 2024 — and — protect your shop along the way. What you will learn in this episode: Defining what is a strategic alliance and understanding its three kinds Establishing the similarities and differences between agreements between contractors or freelancers and agreements between agencies Understanding the ins and outs of white-labeling, especially when dealing with licenses Steps to take from a contract perspective before diving into a strategic alliance The importance of an umbrella document for every referral an agency receives The ideal timeline for drafting agreements Resources: Website: legalandcreative.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sharontoerek/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/SharonToerek The Innovative Agency Podcast Yours, Mine and Ours: Legal Considerations in Agency-to-Agency Strategic Alliances Q&A Session Episode 52 of Sell With Authority: How to Protect Intellectual Property, with Sharon Toerek Episode 59 of Sell With Authority: AI Copyright Law, with Sharon Toerek Additional Resources: Website: www.predictiveroi.com Visit our newly expanded Resource Library Join us in our free How to Fill Your Sales Pipeline Facebook Group

Sharon Toerek is Founder of Toerek Law, where she leads her national law practice on helping advertising, marketing and creative services professionals protect and monetize their intellectual capital and manage the legal implications of their marketing and advertising work. Sharon provides proactive, strategic counsel to communications, marketing, advertising and creative agencies on legal and business issues they face continually in their work, including: -agency-client relationships, including agency service contracts -agency-freelancer relationship management -trademark and brand protection matters -influence marketing, social media and content marketing legal compliance -copyright protection, licensing and transfer of creative content -advertising law Sharon is an approved participant on the 4A's Legal Consultants Panel, and a Past President of the American Ad Federation (AAF) Cleveland. Sharon is also the Publisher of the marketing industry legal blog Legal + Creative. Sharon created the Legal + Creative Agency Protection System, a comprehensive legal education resource and toolkit for marketing, ad and creative services agencies. She is also the creator and host of The Innovative Agency, a podcast about innovation and trends in the marketing agency world. What you will learn in this episode: Why you need professional legal (and accounting) support so you can put your full focus on running a good service business What you can learn about a potential client during the negotiation process The 3Ds – creating a strong statement of work around your Dollars, Deadlines, and Deliverables How to approach the topic of AI in your contracts and discussions Why clarity at the beginning of a relationship is so vital to success Resources: Website: legalandcreative.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sharontoerek/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/SharonToerek The Innovative Agency Podcast www.agencylegalprotection.com kayla@legalandcreative.com sharon@legalandcreative.com  

Grab your earbuds and settle in for a conversation with Sharon Toerek, an expert in intellectual property and marketing law. She talks about legal and compliance issues with emerging technologies, with a special focus on generative AI. Host Tessa Burg joins Sharon to discuss how AI is reshaping the services agencies can offer. Together, they explore how to set up the right policies, use AI responsibly, and have transparent conversations with clients to manage risks. While legal topics might not usually grab your attention, Sharon makes them interesting while delivering important information for anyone in the marketing field. Visit the AI + Your Agency Resource Center for helpful downloads from Legal+Creative. Leader Generation is hosted by Tessa Burg and brought to you by Mod Op.  About Sharon Toerek: Sharon Toerek is the Owner & Founder of Legal+Creative | Toerek Law. She's an intellectual property and marketing law attorney who devotes her legal practice to clients in the advertising, marketing, and creative services industries. Sharon helps clients protect, enforce, and monetize their creative assets and manage the legal implications of their marketing and advertising work. Sharon also writes and lectures frequently on the legal issues marketers face every day, such as intellectual property protection, social media marketing compliance, and more. About Tessa Burg: Tessa is the Chief Technology Officer at Mod Op and Host of the Leader Generation podcast. She has led both technology and marketing teams for 15+ years. Tessa initiated and now leads Mod Op's AI/ML Pilot Team, AI Council and Innovation Pipeline. She started her career in IT and development before following her love for data and strategy into digital marketing. Tessa has held roles on both the consulting and client sides of the business for domestic and international brands, including American Greetings, Amazon, Nestlé, Anlene, Moen and many more. Tessa can be reached on LinkedIn or at Tessa.Burg@ModOp.com.

Welcome to Episode 91. This episode is for you if you're interested in how the AI landscape is changing for agencies and what you need to know from a legal perspective about your use of AI. I chatted with Sharon Toerek, Founder and Owner of Legal + Creative| Toerek Law.  The topics that we covered include: - the ownership of the outputs - potential protection of your inputs - designing policies and contracts, including clauses that will cover your freelancers and relationships with contractors, and not to mention your strategic partnerships with other agencies. - future developments and what's foreseen to happen, as well as the current US legal environment. So lots and lots of different topics that we're going to cover today. We will include all of her details in the show notes on my website here: https://www.accountmanagementskills.com/podcast We also ran an AI for Account Managers webinar recently together with Roy Murphy and the recording has been asked for several times. If you don't want to miss out on any future mini trainings we're doing in this area, then please sign up for my newsletter via https://www. accountmanagementskills.com and we'll make sure that you get notified of future podcast episodes and any mini trainings.

I am so excited to welcome back Sharon Toerek to the Sell With Authority podcast. If you're meeting Sharon for the first time — she's the Principal of Toerek Law and the host of the rock solid awesome podcast, The Innovative Agency. And in full transparency — Sharon is Predictive's wicked smart intellectual property attorney. Over the years — she has brilliantly helped us protect our intellectual property so that as it evolved and morphed into revenue streams — we were ready. In Episode 52 of Sell With Authority, Sharon broke down how to protect your intellectual property and turn it into revenue streams. Today, Sharon is back for an encore episode where we will explore the legal implications of using AI to create content for client projects. We discuss copyright, trademark, and other intellectual property rights and consider several questions that arise when using AI-generated content. Sharon brings her expertise on how to approach AI in the workplace Her advice will help agencies navigate the challenges surrounding AI and protect their intellectual property. What you will learn in this episode: Are there legal implications to using AI to create content as part of a client project Who owns the content generated by AI Questions agencies should consider regarding copyright, trademark, and IP rights What happens when AI-generated content is modified by an agency as it relates to intellectual property rights How can clients be assured that the content, campaigns, or brand they have as a result of working with an agency is truly theirs Resources: Website: legalandcreative.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sharontoerek/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/SharonToerek The Innovative Agency Podcast Sell With Authority Podcast: Episode 52

AI-generated content is rapidly finding its way into professional spaces and changing the way we work forever. This fact is especially important for creative agencies that are quickly realizing there could be legal implications for using AI to create work proposals, creative IPs, legal documents, and more. And like most legal questions, the answer to “Can I use AI to generate work for clients?” is, “It depends.” We're in such a gray area with AI right now that the legal system hasn't had a chance to catch up to technological advances. So how do agencies protect themselves, their workers, clients, and their IP when everything is so up in the air right now?   Sharon Toerek has some common sense advice for approaching AI in the workplace to avoid a potential legal nightmare. In this episode, we'll cover human-generated vs. AI-generated content, the gray areas we need to look out for when using AI, how to protect client and agency copyrights, how to avoid infringing other copyrighted content, and so much more. AI-generated content is an incredibly important and ever-changing topic. And if you're an agency owner, this needs to be addressed in your agency today. A big thank you to our podcast's presenting sponsor, White Label IQ. They're an amazing resource for agencies who want to outsource their design, dev, or PPC work at wholesale prices. Check out their special offer (10 free hours!) for podcast listeners here. What You Will Learn in This Episode: The top 3 questions lawyers are receiving about AI Having conversations with clients about the use of AI-generated content The gray area between AI-generated and human-generated content The ownability of AI-generated output Creating documentation about implementing AI tools in a typical workflow Including AI prompt strategies in trade secrets documentation Can we protect the data we're inputting into the collective that is AI? Addressing the use of AI in SOWs Should we use AI tools to create legal documents?

 “I love having the opportunity to help an agency owner see how much easier their lives can be, how much bigger their bank accounts can be, if they put a little time and attention into being proactive about putting measures in place, such as making sure their teams are well trained about the legal issues that matter to them and the work that they put out every day.” -Sharon Toerek The finer details of this episode:Benefits of proactive contract management for agency ownersExploring Common mistakes in agency legal contractsThe benefits of working with a lawyer who understands your business and industry Episode resources:Summit CPA website – summitcpa.netEmail us with questions – vcfo@summitcpa.netLegal + Creative (legalandcreative.com) 

How to Protect Intellectual Property If you're meeting Sharon Toerek for the first time — she's the founder of Legal and Creative and the host of the rock solid awesome podcast, The Innovative Agency, and an expert in how to protect intellectual property. And in full transparency — she is Predictive's wicked smart intellectual property attorney, and she has brilliantly helped us navigate how to protect our intellectual property and turn that IP into income.  For example — back in May 2015 — my team and I had the idea to launch a daily podcast called Onward Nation. We hoped hosting a daily podcast with amazing and super-smart guests could be a good business development strategy.  But — our first step wasn't to begin recording episodes or building out PredictiveROI.com with helpful content. Nope. Our first step — or, more accurately — my first call — was to Sharon. Why? Because if Onward Nation as a podcast went on to be successful — we knew that having Sharon's expertise involved at the onset would help us maximize any revenue opportunities that spun out of the show and ensure that any IP created — intentionally or accidentally along the way — was protected. The result? Onward Nation attracted listeners in 141 countries and quickly became a top-rated show on Apple Podcasts. I was also approached and offered a contract to write a book about everything we knew about podcasting, which became the bestseller “Profitable Podcasting” and sold more than 10,000 copies worldwide. Okay — full transparency moment here — from a revenue perspective — Onward Nation also drove over $4 million in new revenue into Predictive because it opened the door to new clients as a result of the Trojan Horse of Sales Strategy you may have seen or heard my team and I teach.  But here's the reality — none of these result outcomes would have been possible without Sharon's smarts around protecting intellectual property — and then leveraging it into new revenue streams. Okay — I hope what I just shared gives you 4 million reasons why this episode might provide you with the insights, tips, and recommendations you need to build brand-new revenue streams while learning how to protect intellectual property in the process. Sharon has had a front-row seat to the creativity of many agencies and will share her insights on how the right systems and strategies built around the knowledge and assets you already have can create new revenue streams to help you scale.  I promise you — applying what Sharon maps out during this episode will help you protect your intellectual property — and then — give you some ideas on how to monetize your IP so it turns into a profitable revenue stream.   Okay — here's what you'll learn from this episode about how to protect intellectual property: How to protect intellectual property begins with understanding the IP Triangle Framework of: 1) brand, 2) content, and 3) transactions How you're likely already sitting on intellectual property inside your agency and uncovering it can act as a driver of demand for your main service lines How conducting some old-fashioned market research can help uncover options for generating license fees, productizing some assets into an offering, or other revenue opportunities Why protecting your revenue streams through copyright, trademarks, trade secrets, licensing agreements, or other forms is critically important Why thinking strategically about how to protect intellectual property and how it fits into the overall business strategy is essential for your business's short- and long-term success and potentially opens up options for your personal wealth Resources: Website: legalandcreative.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sharontoerek/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/SharonToerek The Innovative Agency Podcast Additional Free Resources: Subscribe to our new “Sell with Authority” podcast. Learn how to attract a steady stream of well-prepared prospects into your sales pipeline and convert them into right-fit clients. Everything you need to move further faster is shared in full transparency. Go here for all the episodes. Order your free copy of “Sell with Authority” in paperback or Kindle. Honest — no hoops to jump through. All you need to do is go here and enter your mailing address. No credit card for shipping. Nothing. Join our free “How to Fill Your Sales Pipeline” Facebook Group. Over 1,000 agency owners and strategic consultants just like you are looking to move further faster by sharing best practices and what's working for them. But — as Susan Baier recently said, “It's not about the numbers, it's about the SMARTS contributed to this wonderful, generous community!” Go here for details.

In this week's episode of Hands-Off CEO, Sharon Toerek discusses how to streamline legal decision-making in your business. She joins host Mandi Ellefson to share insights on setting up systems for making informed legal choices and delve into the importance of master service agreements and key components of a legal service agreement. You will also learn practical tips specifically for agencies and gain a deeper understanding of how to separate CEO involvement in day-to-day operations.  Sharon Toerek is a marketing law and IP lawyer serving agencies through her company Legal + Creative | Toerek Law. She is also the host of the Innovative Agency Podcast. She is a former President of AAF Cleveland and serves on the American Association of Advertising Agencies (4A) Legal Consultant panel. With expertise in IP protection, marketing agency relationships, and social media laws, Sharon writes and lectures on these topics in the advertising industry.  Key Ideas: “We spend a lot of time helping agencies understand and plan for the fact that the intellectual property they create is not only a bargaining chip in the agency-client contract negotiation, but you're also creating assets for yourself,” Sharon tells Mandi. Agencies need to protect their intellectual property as assets for future monetization and efficiency. [4:50] The biggest mistake in contract negotiation is not treating it as part of the client experience and not planning for it. Focusing on the "3 Ds" (dollars, deliverables, deadlines) is easy, but you can miss important details in the Master Service Agreement. Contracting with clients requires thoughtfulness; it can be streamlined with good upfront processes and systems. [5:42] Essential elements to be included in Master Service Agreement: Term and termination Intellectual property language, IP ownership and transfer, ensuring work rights are assigned only after payment Reserving IP right for agency, carve out of IP language and proprietary information Liability and indemnification, capping party's liability based on revenue Exclusivity and restrictive covenants, non-solicitation of each other's talent [10:25] Mandi remarks that agencies struggle to use case studies as they are not allowed to share the results of their work with clients. This creates a lack of feedback loop which is crucial in improving their work. As such, she believes that you should not even consider working with clients who won't allow your agency to use their case studies as reference. [14:21] As agencies grow, they will need to rely on freelancers, contractors, and partners to service their clients. This requires having well-drafted agreements in place to solidify these relationships and protect all parties. Agencies should be systematic about training their team on their legal infrastructure and Master Service Agreement to avoid conflicts with clients. [17:45] KEY QUOTE: “It's inevitable that your business is going to expand more quickly than your internal team does. So, inevitably, you're going to need freelancers, contractors, strategic partners to help you service particular projects or clients. You need to be thinking about the documents and agreements that will solidify those relationships and protect all the parties, not only because you want to protect the agency, but because if you've made a promise to the client in your contract with them, it really needs to be reflected in your agreement with these other parties.” - Sharon Toerek Resources Sharon Toerek on LinkedIn | Twitter | Email Legal + Creative

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:Jhana's LinkedIn linkedin.com/in/jhana-li/Jhana's Instagram instagram.com/thejhanali/Spyglass Ops spyglassops.com/support@spyglassops.comABOUT: JHANA LIJhana Li has over 4 years experience specializing in operations for digital startups. At the start of her career, she served as COO for two 7-figure businesses (an agency, followed by a coaching program for marketing agencies). Since then, she's become an operations consultant to dozens of agencies, plus Ops Coach to hundreds more!

Summary Laurie Mikes, chief operating officer of Second Wind, an advocacy and resource organization for small- and mid-sized agencies, joins the discussion on attracting, retaining and developing talent post-pandemic. Set your agency up for success by honing in on your greatest asset — your people. Intro As an agency owner, your people are your greatest asset. But challenges around staffing are keeping many leaders up at night. For this episode of the Innovative Agency, we're diving into what you can do to attract, retain and develop talent in order to put your business on the right path. What You Will Learn in This Episode The silver lining of lean agency teams How to find balance in salary disparity between new hires and legacy employees How to structure job growth and advancement Why transparency is key for agency owners How to think about remote working options to retain employees Where agencies are having success finding candidates Bio Laurie Mikes has been with Second Wind since 1996 and currently acts as Chief Operating Officer. She oversees the daily operations of the business while keeping one finger on the pulse of the industry. Laurie is deeply involved with member agencies, emailing and speaking with them on a regular basis. Whether it's providing guidance about financial matters, agency growth or operations, her years of experience bring valuable insight and perspective to agencies looking to build a successful sustainable business. When not at work, Laurie can be found enjoying outdoor activities with her two sons, volunteering her time at school and renovating old properties around town with her husband. Resources Website: https://www.secondwindonline.com/ LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/laurie-mikes-9366111/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/second-wind/ Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/secondwindonline

Summary Manish Dudharejia, founder and CEO of E2M Solutions, joins the discussion to lay the groundwork on what a successful white label partnership looks like, including the importance ethics plays in client relationships. Set yourself up for success in 2023 business-wise and with a white label partner. Intro We've been focusing a lot on collaboration lately, and in this episode of the Innovative Agency, we're discussing how to have a successful white label partnership. As we look ahead to 2023, investing in this type of relationship can make all the difference in setting yourself up for success in the New Year and beyond. What You Will Learn in This Episode What ethics mean in the marketing world and why it matters Why focusing on niching can leave room for more lucrative opportunities Quick tips for agency leaders who want more successful white label partnerships Why the No. 1 challenge agencies have is a margin problem What agency owners can do to set themselves up for success in 2023 Bio Manish Dudharejia is wizard of E2M. He has over 15 years of experience in digital agency space, working closely with lots of different people associated with technology, entrepreneurship, and digital marketing. E2M helps digital agencies solve bandwidth problems with their strategic white label services. They have a team of over 150+ vetted experts in WordPress, Shopify, BigCommerce, SEO, copywriting and more. E2M is currently helping over 150 agencies across the US and other parts of the world grow and scale their agency businesses with piece of mind. Manish is responsible for their overall company operations, sustainable strategic growth, team mentoring and retention, and so much more. Resources Website: https://www.e2msolutions.com/ LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/company/e2m-solutions/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/manishdudharejia/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/E2MSolutions Twitter: https://twitter.com/e2msolutions Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/e2msolutions/

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:Sharon's LinkedIn linkedin.com/in/sharontoerekSharon's Twitter twitter.com/SharonToerekLegal + Creative legalandcreative.comInnovative Agency Podcast legalandcreative.com/the-innovative-agencyABOUT: SHARON TOEREKSharon Toerek is a marketing law and intellectual property lawyer dedicated to serving agencies. She's also the host of the Innovative Agency Podcast. A former President of the American Ad Federation (AAF) Cleveland, she serves on the American Association of Advertising Agencies (4A's) Legal Consultant panel.

Summary Ryan Watson, a partner at Upsourced Accounting, joins the discussion to highlight how financial forecasting before a crisis can actually help you avoid one. Understanding which metrics are important – and which ones are distracting – can help agency owners avoid the overwhelm and achieve forward momentum and progress. Intro In this episode of the Innovative Agency, we are looking ahead to 2023. If you're like most agency owners, you have probably been planning for the new year and thinking a lot about metrics, numbers, money, and how to improve your profitability. As talks about a possible recession heat up, many have been wondering how they can prepare for tomorrow, today. What You Will Learn in This Episode How forecasting, strategic planning, and KPI reviews can help you plan for the next 1, 3, or 5 years Why being financially responsible every day will set you up for success regardless of the economy The challenges many agency owners face when getting their finances in order What the “Million-Dollar Moment” is, and how that shifts an agency's mindset around finances The “Hierarchy of Needs,” and the questions you should be asking to assess the financial health of your agency How to overcome overwhelm by focusing on the metrics that are relevant and deciding which ones are distracting Bio Ryan Watson is an experienced operations and finance leader for creative agencies and venture-funded startups. By day, he is a partner at Upsourced. Ryan helps scaling creative agencies see the future and drive profits. By night, he runs a tech startup and helps other startup founders avoid some of the mistakes he made in his career. Previously, Ryan served as COO and CFO of Ahalogy, a venture funded influencer marketing agency, which exited to Quotient Technology, Inc (NYSE: QUOT) in June 2018. Prior to Ahalogy, he cut his teeth at Sqrl - a SaaS product incubated out of Upsourced that automated document collection for service firms. Sqrl received an Entrepreneur of the Year EDGE Award from Ernst & Young and 'Outstanding Emerging Innovation' honors from the Cincinnati Business Courier. Resources Websites:https://ryankwatson.com/ https://upsourcedaccounting.com/ LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryankeithwatson/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/upsourced-accounting/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/upsourcedaccounting/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/Upsourced?s=20&t=x1hKhOkI_oA2Z3Lhsyc_Bg Recession diagnostic:https://upsourced.typeform.com/to/DhjP6oh8 Recession Guide: https://hubs.ly/Q01rFvjq0

Summary Logan Lyles joins us to discuss marketing agency profitability — how it is achieved and how it is best maintained and nurtured. His insights will help you ensure that your team isn't over or underutilized, which will allow you to maximize profit without resulting in churn. Intro Agency owners and their employees are notorious for working hard. But, how many are paying close attention to where their working hours are being spent and how those efforts affect overall profitability? Today's guest, Logan Lyles, provides insight into the methods agencies can use to implement time-tracking strategies that illuminate vulnerabilities and new profit opportunities. What You Will Learn in This Episode How to implement a time-tracking strategy that your team doesn't hate. The value of viewing your billable hours as “shelf inventory.” The importance of recognizing how you are billing and what can be done better. How to eliminate scope creep using time tracking. How to prepare clients for pricing changes by setting up trigger points in their contracts. Bio Logan Lyles is the Head of Partnerships at Teamwork, a project management platform built for scaling client work. Logan previously served in several leadership roles at Sweet Fish, a B2B podcast agency serving mid-market SaaS companies. Taking over sales from the agency founder in 2018, Logan helped triple the business in his first 6 months. He also played a key role in landing the agency on the Inc 5,000 List (twice), while helping the company both 10x headcount & increase ARR by 1,283%. Logan works from his home office (that's slowly becoming a mini video studio) alongside his labradoodle, Mack, in Castle Rock, CO. Resources LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/loganlyles https://www.linkedin.com/company/teamwork-com Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/TeamworkHQ Twitter:https://twitter.com/teamwork

Intro The most valuable thing you have within your agency's inventory is the intellectual property you create. With the right strategy — your team could turn your IP into a standalone revenue stream(s). Agencies are creators — and because of that — agencies are IP generators every single day. In my opinion, agencies often overlook this because their business model tends to focus on monetizing the production — doing the stuff. But — I believe agencies can flip that script because the ideas and the way they get expressed in the strategies you develop for clients, the brands and campaigns you build — or whatever it might be — that's where the real money could be for the agency. If you're looking for new ways to think about profitable revenue streams for your agency in 2023 and beyond — then this is the episode you don't want to miss. I break down what I call the “IP Triangle” so you can take and apply all the steps to make going from IP to Income in 2023 possible. What you will learn in this episode: Why more than 50 percent of all agencies overlook the value and potential revenue streams their IP could represent How to use the “IP Triangle” to inventory the intellectual property that you most likely already have inside your agency How to harness all of the “gold dust” that's being scattered around every day within the walls of your agency and turn it into a highly profitable revenue stream How to protect your portfolio of trademarks, taglines, product and system names, etc How the value of your IP directly impacts the valuation of your agency Bio Sharon Toerek is Principal of Toerek Law, where she focuses her law practice on helping professionals in the advertising, marketing, and creative industries monetize their intellectual capital and manage the legal risks of their work. Sharon provides proactive, strategic counsel to marketing agencies on legal issues they continually face in their work, including agency-brand contracts, social media, content marketing legal compliance, and trademark and copyright protection. Sharon also created the Legal + Creative Agency Protection System, a subscription-based legal toolkit for marketing agencies. In 2018, Sharon launched The Innovative Agency, a podcast on innovation for marketing agency leaders. Resources: Website:https://www.legalandcreative.com/  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sharontoerek/ Twitter:https://twitter.com/SharonToerek 

Intro This episode covers a few ways an agency can branch out, capitalizing on techniques they've perfected through conducting business, after the point at which they achieve self-sufficiency. David Riggs joins us to discuss how he led a web development and SEO agency to success and wrote his company's playbooks. He also speaks about how he now monetizes those core concepts to help other agencies reach the point of self-sufficiency, all while growing his own agency. What you will learn in this episode: How to document your agency's processes and operations. How to invest in newer companies and teach them how to succeed – and how to pick the right ones. The concept of trading playbooks – not money – for minority shares in a company. The 80/20 rule: finding the 20% that gets things moving for a new company; the other 80% will come with time. How problem-solving skills can be valuable for someone trying to break into this business model. Bio David Riggs, founder of Pneuma, a full-service web and SEO company, has been running businesses since he was seven years old. Where most kids dip their toes in lemonade sales, David did things a bit differently. He caught the “leadership bug” early on and never quit. He structured his first “venture debt deal” when he asked his grandmother to loan him ten dollars for ten percent of his earnings. A few years later, while living next to a golf course, David gathered all of the errant balls that landed in his backyard and sold them at a yard sale. He then started flipping sneakers (think Jordans and other in-demand brands) for profit. David graduated at the height of the pandemic in May 2020 and took a remote job that allowed him to continue working on Pneuma. David says, “I hired a co-founder to help run things while I closed deals on lunch breaks.” Many mornings, he would appear on podcasts before starting his day job. He spent a lot of his time “focusing on how to get the momentum rolling.” Eventually, he switched to Pneuma full-time and was joined by a CMO and CTO Resources: Website: https://www.pneumallc.co/ pneumallc.co/get-a-free-assessment LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dwilliamriggs/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/pneumamedia/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/dwilliamriggs

In this episode of the Thoughtful Entrepreneur, your host Josh Elledge speaks with the Principal Owner of https://www.legalandcreative.com/ (Legal and Creative and Toerek Law), https://www.linkedin.com/in/sharontoerek/ (Sharon Toerek). Legal and Creative work with independent marketing agencies and digital marketing across the US. They help business owners monetize their intellectual capital and advertise and manage its legal implications. Sharon shared examples of rules or laws that people don't take seriously in the business focused issue and peer IP-focused issue perspective. She further explains when marketing agencies would need to consult a legal agency. According to her, agencies' intellectual property is their most significant asset, and how they leverage it is completely up to them.  Key points from this episode: Laws that aren't being taken seriously enough How would businesses know if they need legal recourse? Leveling the playfield between the client and agency with legal recourse The importance of confidentiality Are electronically signed documents and contracts worth a dime? Legal and Creative can help you with 3 things: Intellectual property, protection, registration, and other IP issues in marketing. Business transactions require solid documentation and a legal tool kit to protect businesses. Help businesses be compliant in the evolving regulatory landscape in marketing. About Sharon Toerek: Sharon Toerek is Principal of Toerek Law, where she focuses her law practice on helping professionals in the advertising, marketing, and creative industries monetize their intellectual capital, and manage the legal risks of their work. Sharon provides proactive, strategic counsel to marketing agencies on legal issues they face continually in their work, including agency-brand contracts, social media, content marketing legal compliance, and trademark and copyright protection. Sharon also created the Legal + Creative Agency Protection System, a subscription-based legal toolkit for marketing agencies.  About Legal and Creative: Legal + Creative is a service that helps professionals in marketing, advertising, and communications protect their creative assets and generate revenue from those assets. This section contains articles discussing the legal difficulties encountered daily by marketers. Some examples of these difficulties include intellectual property rights, compliance with social media and content marketing, and the interactions between agencies, their clients, and freelancers.  They protect, enforce, and monetize intellectual capital for advertising, marketing, and design professionals, as well as manage the legal ramifications of their work. Legal Creative caters to customers' needs in the advertising, marketing, and creative services industries, and she offers proactive, strategic advice on legal difficulties that firms confront. Links Mentioned in this Episode: Want to learn more? Check out the Legal and Creative website at  https://www.legalandcreative.com/ (https://www.legalandcreative.com/) Check out Legal and Creative on LinkedIn at  https://www.linkedin.com/company/legal-creative/ (https://www.linkedin.com/company/legal-creative/) Check out Sharon Toerek on LinkedIn at  https://www.linkedin.com/in/sharontoerek/ (https://www.linkedin.com/in/sharontoerek/) Check out Sharon Toerek on Twitter at  https://twitter.com/SharonToerek (https://twitter.com/SharonToerek) Don't forget to subscribe to The Thoughtful Entrepreneur and thank you for listening. Tune in next time! More from UpMyInfluence: Tickets for the FIRST Annual Fame and Profit Summit 2022 are on sale now! https://fameandprofit.com/tickets (Check it out HERE!) ️  We are actively booking guests for our The Thoughtful Entrepreneur.https://upmyinfluence.com/guest ( Schedule HERE). Are you a 6-figure consultant? I've got high-level intros for...

Bio Simon Severino helps business owners in SaaS and Services run their company more effectively which results in sales that soar. Trusted by Google, Roche, Consilience Ventures, Amgen, and AbbVie, he created the Strategy Sprints™ Method that doubles revenue in 90 days by getting owners out of the weeds. Simon is a TEDx speaker, Contributor to Forbes and Entrepreneur Magazine, and member of the SVBS Silicon Valley Blockchain Society. Intro This episode explores why agencies get stuck and what they can do to breathe new life into their operations. Our guest, Simon Severino, offers a unique solution that hinges on paring service offerings down to the bare minimum. His consulting business has proven that once you've got your offering down to one service, it will be much easier to scale efficiently and effectively. What you will learn in this episode: The benefits of limiting your scope to a single service offering. How to standardize core processes. The value of showing clients that your offering actually works. How to avoid scope creep leaving your team unsatisfied with their work. A method to find out what the margin is on your current offering. Resources: Website:https://www.strategysprints.com/ LinkedIn: Personal: https://www.linkedin.com/in/simonseverino/ Business: https://www.linkedin.com/company/strategysprints/ Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/strategysprints/ Twitter:https://twitter.com/strategysprints Youtube:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCnSFgJd0CrsEdQdO21txR2A Podcast:https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/strategy-sprints/id1299008831 Book:https://www.amazon.com/Strategy-Sprints-Accelerate-Growth-Business/dp/139860349X

Intro In this episode of the show, we discuss the ways agencies can better serve their clients' needs through outsourcing and white labeling their production work. And in the process, how they can add revenue streams by monetizing their agency's intellectual property. Brian Gerstner, president of White Label IQ, tells us how his agency did it, and also discusses its business model and its philosophies when it comes to identifying a niche and capitalizing on it to provide value to a specific group of customers – and how to determine what that group is. What you will learn in this episode: How to value your intellectual property as an agency. How to learn how your agency can provide value to a niche. Agencies who know what they're good at – what their wheelhouse is – are the ones who succeed in white labeling. Success tips for agencies working with white label partners. Why agency-to-agency collaboration and teamwork are so important in white labeling. Bio Brian Gerstner is the President of White Label IQ. He has over two decades of client-facing and agency-to-agency experience creating, directing, and leading teams to develop digital and software solutions to empower sales, communication, and digital operations. In his role with White Label IQ, he works with over 50 agencies providing white-labeled specialized skill sets for design, development, and paid media services. Resources: Website: https://www.whitelabeliq.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/white-label-iq/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WhiteLabelIQ/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/whitelabel_iq?lang=en

Intro Consumers increasingly want to align with businesses that clearly align their marketing with their corporate purpose. Lyn Wineman, president and chief strategist at KidGlov, specializes in helping agencies define and effectively market via their purpose. She believes that your employees are your number one audience for launching your purpose statement; and once you do, they'll be the ones to help you live that purpose. What you will learn in this episode: How to define your purpose as an agency. Why businesses across the board are wanting to do something different, and how they live their purpose. How to use your purpose to stand out and set yourself apart. Why it's hard to recover as a business once you've lost your customers' trust. How purpose-driven marketing allows smaller entrepreneurial companies to compete with larger enterprises. How to leverage your B Corp certification into a marketing tool to further live your business' purpose.  Bio Lyn Wineman is President and Chief Strategist at KidGlov. She is a marketing veteran with over 30 years of experience. She now leads a diverse team of passionate and talented professionals to drive growth through strategic branding and marketing communications. In addition to founding KidGlov, Lyn has played key leadership roles including: president, Pickering Creative Group; senior vice president, Swanson Russell Associates; and marketing director, Tabitha. Lyn has extensive brand advancement experience. She has been instrumental in marketing and branding efforts for regional and national organizations such as Immanuel, Lincoln Community Foundation, HopeSpoke, St. Monica's, Regency Shopping Center, MembersOwn Credit Union, Farmers & Merchants Bank, Union Bank and Bryan Health. Resources: Website:https://kidglov.com/ LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/company/kidglov/ Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/KidGlov Twitter:https://twitter.com/kidglov Agency for Change Podcast:https://kidglov.com/podcasts/ Blog:https://kidglov.com/blog/when-should-your-company-speak-out-on-social-issues-3-questions-every-purpose-driven-business-should-ask-itself/

Intro This episode focuses on the goals that an agency should outline to create a roadmap for their growth. Jon Morris joins the podcast today to discuss his innovative framework around how agencies should look at goal-setting. Having owned agencies, he brings a lot of experience to the discussion, particularly how he was able to grow his agency to two hundred and fifty employees before selling it. His formula highlights four different types of goals for growing an agency's revenue. What you will learn in this episode: How you can triage what's most important for your company, so you can outline concrete goals. How to define dollar amounts for each of the four agency goals: revenue, profit, cash, and infrastructure. What kinds of investments your agency should be making in training & recruiting, to maximize growth. How to organize your agency's accounts to create a clear-cut safety net and understand your company's outlook. The best way to institutionalize your agency's goals, so your team can understand them and ultimately help you achieve them. Bio Jon Morris is the founder & CEO of Ramsay Innovations and a serial entrepreneur. Prior to Ramsay, he established Rise Interactive in 2004 with prize money from his second-place finish in the University of Chicago's prestigious New venture Challenge. Over the next 16 years, he grew Rise from a one-person shop to one of the largest independent marketing agencies in the world. After selling Rise, Jon pondered his next move and realized that he was most energized when connecting and helping fellow entrepreneurs grow their businesses. Ramsay Innovations is the product of this inspiration. Like at Rise, Jon developed a proprietary, tech-enabled approach for surfacing hidden financial insights that drive critical business decisions. Ramsay Innovations' mission is to transform marketing agencies by providing them with world-class, agency-specific financial management and strategic planning at a fraction of the cost. In his spare time, Jon enjoys spending time with his wife, three daughters, and two dogs. He loves soccer, having played on his alma mater's team, Kenyon College, and he now coaches his daughter's two soccer teams. Resources: Website:https://ramsayinnovations.com/ LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonmorrisramsayinnovations/ Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/RamsayInnovations Twitter:https://twitter.com/JonBMorris

Intro What could you do to position your agency for higher profitability and greater overall success? Rather than following the age-old trend of attempting to shave pennies off of costs to achieve higher profitability, Alyson Caffrey recommends focusing on optimizing backend operations like fulfillment and delivery instead. In this episode, she expounds on what agencies can do to increase efficacy by improving systems that function behind the scenes. What you will learn in this episode: How to identify the symptoms of a struggling agency. Why you should move away from billable rates to value-based pricing. How to start charging prospects for discovery, rather than doing it for free. What agency owners can do to secure the backend of their business. Why you should establish one “king” metric during the sales process. The benefits of productizing your intellectual property to increase profitability. Bio Alyson Caffrey is the founder of Operations Agency and co-creator of the Operations Simplified™ Framework. She's commonly referred to as ‘The Wolf' among her clients because she just gets stuff done. Alyson is best known for helping streamline the back-end ops for a multitude of brands, but mostly digital and creative agencies. As a fractional COO for many high-growth businesses, Alyson fell in love with the results that clear ops bring to a service business. She and the team at Operations Agency are determined to help businesses thrive profitably, serve more clients and create high-performing teams. Alyson is a mom to two sons and enjoys spending her time at home with her growing family. Resources: Website: https://operationsagency.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alyson-caffrey-26723990/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/operationsagency

Intro Agencies and clients have done a lot of online training in the past two years. During this time of agencies operating from behind their screens, Joel Erway has been helping agencies deploy webinars for their clients, regularly boosting their revenue to six figures and beyond. In this episode, Joel speaks about his expertise in the space, and why he thinks webinars are so effective in the age of online businesses. What you will learn in this episode: How to determine when a webinar is the right fit for your clients. There are two types of webinars: those for marketing-qualified leads, and those for sales-qualified leads. Learn when to deploy one versus the other. What questions an agency needs to be asking its clients to figure out which type of webinar is right for them. How interviews and “infocasts” can be an effective form of webinar, to help your audience stay engaged. Where webinars are headed over the next 1-2 years, and how you should expect them to evolve. Bio Joel is a master at helping Experts break 7-Figures without being expert marketers. People call Joel Erway “The Webinar Guy” but that's a tiny slice of his expertise. Joel's a master at crafting high-converting offers and helping Experts scale their business with High Ticket Courses. He authored the book, "High Ticket Courses" to help show Experts how to create leveraged offers to scale their business with programs valued at $2,000 or more. Between his own personal sales and his clients, he's helped generate $100+ million over the past few years. He's also a long-time podcaster and the host of Sold With Webinars and Experts Unleashed. Resources: Website: https://www.joelerway.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joelerway/

Intro This episode is all about email marketing. Our guests, Alex Melone and Andrei Marin of CodeCrew, believe that utilizing email for customer acquisition and retention is an often underlooked opportunity for agencies to grow. They outline the tactics and techniques through which they've seen immense success for their clients. What you will learn in this episode: How to have a conversation with your client about implementing a plan for email marketing How to use email for customer acquisition – and more importantly, retention The importance of developing a testing framework to generate customer data How to analyze your data to determine how many emails you should be sending – “The sweet spot” How the pandemic has influenced the way email marketing performs Where email marketing as a tool for agencies is headed over the next 12-18 months Bio Alex Melone & Andrei Marin are 2 of the 3 co-founders at CodeCrew. With over 2 decades of combined experience in email marketing amongst the founding team and a team of 40 email experts, they've seen it all, done it all, and improved countless programs' email marketing ROI. Resources: Website: https://codecrew.us/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/codecrewinc/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/codecrew.us/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/CodeCrewUS

Today's guest is Sharon Toerek, principal owner at Legal + Creative, which helps marketing and ad agencies protect their assets and turn their intellectual property into revenue.Welcome to Agency for Change Podcast! 

Intro As an agency owner, you certainly collect data — but are you leveraging that data to fully empower your agency? Even if your agency has doubled in size recently, if you are not making money, something is missing. In this episode of The Innovative Agency, Marcel Pettipas explains how agency owners can start using their data to gain more insights into their business and get ahead of the curve. What you will learn in this episode: How to empower your agency using key data points The best ways to leverage financial reporting data in an agency How to share financial data with team members in an effective way The difference between “revenue” and “agency gross income (AGI)” and why it's important How time tracking can be leveraged to collect more information about your business How to bill customers based on perceived risk and value Bio Marcel Pettipas is the CEO & Co-Founder of Parakeeto, a company dedicated to helping agencies measure and improve their profitability by streamlining their operations and reporting systems, a problem he discovered while running his own agency back in his early 20's. He's also the fractional COO at Gold Front, an award-winning creative agency in San Francisco working with brands like Uber, Slack, Keap, and more. As well as the head strategic coach at SaaS Academy by Dan Martell, the #1 coaching program for B2B SaaS businesses in the world. In his work as a speaker, podcast host, and consultant, specializing in Agency Profitability Optimization, he's helped hundreds of agencies around the world improve profitability and cash flow in their business. Resources: Website: www.parakeeto.com www.parakeeto.com/toolkit www.marcelpetitpas.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marcel-petitpas-20059588/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/agencyprofitability Twitter: https://twitter.com/Parakeeto

Intro Today's episode is more about clients than it is about agency owners. Our guest, Daniel Fernandez, shares his understanding of what clients value and how agency owners can keep them around for longer. His strategy hinges on retaining clients by systematizing a roadmap to their success. In doing so, you give them the opportunity to be active in the process of strengthening your agency-client relationship. What you will learn in this episode: How to create a definite pathway that ensures success for your clients. The value of systematizing your processes, rather than relying on instinct. How to make clients more enthusiastic to continue working with you. What you can do to get clients to raise their concerns sooner, rather than later. How to decrease complaints and increase client retention. The benefits of increasing the number of times you speak face-to-face with clients. Bio Daniel is the founder and CEO of AMZclever.com, a full-service agency that manages and grows brands on Amazon and Walmart since 2015. He has worked with several 7, 8, 9-figure brands; public companies; and product startups on launching and expanding in the Amazon and Walmart platforms, as well as taking many of them internationally. Daniel spent some years living in China; he has spoken at several industry-leading conferences in US, Canada, China, Netherlands, Hong Kong; and is a frequent contributor to different publications in the Amazon and e-commerce space. Currently resides in Florida, where he leads his global team and enjoys the sunny weather. Resources: Website: https://www.amzclever.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/danielfernandezamazon/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AMZcleverAgency Twitter: https://twitter.com/danielamzclever Instagram: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amzclever/ Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCYbzTlGWW_XUa1y90THJCPQ

Sometimes, people look at others in their space as competition. But the most successful leaders of business often recognize that collaboration and networking with others can push their business forward faster than if they were to try to tackle everything independently. In today's episode of The Innovative Agency podcast, my guest is Rob Kischuk, a builder of more than just software products. His adept skills and leadership qualities have allowed him to build companies, teams, partnerships, and relationships. He started Bellwood Labs because he saw the disconnection between a business's problems, its objectives, and the software product. He has been recognized in Atlanta's “Top 40 Under 40” and has helped startups with successful exits. He's also comfortable with the podcasting world too, as host of a podcast about agency owners and leaders. What you will learn in this episode: How a developer and agency leader thinks about building a product and establishing a niche of specialty and competency Learning the benefits of being willing to network, connect, and talk with other agencies to refer work to one another. Tips for working in an agile and scrum mindset to build something and anticipate challenges in the process Product development lifecycle challenges and how they interact with agency ownership Bio Rob Kischuk is a builder of more than just software products - he's a builder of companies and teams, as well as partnerships and relationships. Ever since he learned how to code, Rob's fascination with transforming ideas into action has enabled him to create great software products that empower people to do the work that matters most to them. Throughout Rob's career, he's always strived to be an invested partner - not an order taker. He started Bellwood Labs because he saw the disconnection between a business' problems, its objectives, and the software product. From helping startups like Proficient Systems and Air2Web achieve successful exits, to driving digital transformation for enterprise-level companies like Chick-fil-A, Delta Airlines, PGi, and more, Rob's caring and collaborative approach has been at the center of it all. In addition to serving on the board of the Atlanta Interactive Marketing Association (AIMA), Rob has been recognized time and time again as a key figure in Atlanta's vibrant business community. Rob has been named to Atlanta's Top “40 under 40,” and he has also been a finalist in TIE Atlanta's “Top Up-and-Coming Entrepreneur.” Outside of work, you can find Rob slipping into sporting events, exploring Atlanta's foodie scene, or volunteering at Cumberland Community Church. Rob holds a Bachelor's degree in Computer Engineering from the Georgia Institute of Technology, as well as an MBA from Georgia State University. Resources: Website: https://www.bellwood.io/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bellwood-labs/?viewAsMember=true Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BellwoodLabs

Does your agency provide something unique and valuable that only you can offer? In this episode of the Innovative Agency podcast, we are joined by the founder of BitMoto, Matthew Strunk. Matthew, along with cofounder Devin Peterson, created BitMoto to help car dealerships with digital marketing, a function that many dealerships struggle with, especially when BitMoto first started out in 2015. What you will learn in this episode: How Matthew and BitMoto anticipated a niche that was underserved, and how they developed a process to enter into it The value of leveraging your IP to provide incentives to clients. The process of creating, evolving, and improving proprietary software as a revenue generator Advantages of considering worldwide development strategy and the cost-savings that can come with that How the development of a product can allow your business to generate revenue, and also set you up for success in an exit strategy Bio Founder & CEO Matthew Strunk started BitMoto in April 2015 with long-time friend Devin Peterson. Matthew had worked in the automotive space for over a decade, serving as a sales consultant, internet manager, internet director, and sales manager during his career. It became clear that the majority of car dealerships didn't truly understand digital marketing beyond the fact that it was something they had to do. They needed a trusted solution to help them gain market share and be more efficient with their ad spend. And so, BitMoto was born. BitMoto created a software solution to help dealerships create copy and ads for their digital marketing by simply entering their deals and pricing information, and then auto-generating copy for their marketing. Their proprietary software continued to evolve and allowed them to become leaders within the automotive industry niche. Resources: Website:https://www.bitmoto.com/ Website: https://www.strunkmedia.com Website: https://www.autosigma.com LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/company/bitmoto/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/strunkmediagroup Twitter:https://twitter.com/bitmotomktg Twitter: https://twitter.com/strunkmedia Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/StrunkMediaGroup/

Would a white-label partnership be beneficial to your agency? In this episode of the Innovative Agency podcast, we are joined by the founder of Conduit Digital Media, Tim Burke. Tim helps successful agencies scale through white-label partnerships. During our conversation, he shares how white-label partnerships can help improve the performance and communication of your agency. What you will learn in this episode: The signs that agency owners should look for when deciding if it's the right time to form white-label relationships What an agency owner should expect from a white-label partnership How communication influences the performance of a white-label relationship Should white-label partners be client-facing for your agency What should agencies do to receive client data from white-label partners to prep for meetings Should agencies be transparent with clients about using a white-label partner Bio Tim Burke has run media sales organizations in television, cable, and radio. His last position before starting Traffic Builders/Conduit Digital was as the Director of Sales for Comcast in the New York DMA. Tim worked as a national advertising sales consultant for Jim Doyle & Associates during two different tours and started an advertising sales consultancy, Burke Advertising & Marketing. Tim has consulted with media sales teams and local businesses in over 95 US markets and has industry insight that helps him to maximize the opportunity for his clients. Conduit Digital Media is built on the experience of over thirty years in media management and the education that comes from working hands-on with literally thousands of businesses. Tim brings a client-first marketing mindset and old-school values like hard work and integrity to this new media company. Resources: Website: conduitdigital.us/ LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/timburkesalesconsulting Twitter: https://twitter.com/MediaConsultUSA

Should you be using LinkedIn ads to grow your agency? In this episode of the Innovative Agency podcast, we are joined by the founder of B2Linked, AJ Wilcox. AJ is a LinkedIn ads pro who has managed over $150 million in spend on the platform. During our conversation, he shares his insights on how to create high-converting ad campaigns for your agency. What you will learn in this episode: How to determine if investing in LinkedIn advertising is the right platform for your agency Why LinkedIn is great at developing high-quality client personas Why people spending less time on LinkedIn vs Facebook is better for marketers What is the primary challenge with running authentic LinkedIn ads How to develop more of a connection with your audience as a business account What expectations should agencies have when starting LinkedIn advertising When should an agency prioritize organic vs paid strategy on LinkedIn Why LinkedIn is the easiest network for your content to go viral What types of content should agencies use in LinkedIn ads and why What are the biggest mishaps that people make with their LinkedIn ads Bio AJ Wilcox is a LinkedIn Ads pro who founded B2Linked.com, a LinkedIn Ads-specific ad agency, in 2014. He's managed over $150M in spend on the platform, they're official LinkedIn partners, he's the host of the LinkedIn Ads Show podcast, and has managed 5 of the world's top 10 LinkedIn Ads accounts. He's ginger and a triathlete. He lives in Utah, has 4 adorable kids, and his company car is a wicked-fast go-kart. Resources: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wilcoxaj/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/B2Linked The LinkedIn Ads Show Podcast: https://b2linked.com/podcast/

Could your agency be doing more to retain clients? In this episode of the Innovative Agency podcast, we are joined by the founder of DOT & Company, Taylor McMaster. She and her team help digital marketing agencies keep their clients happy—and keep agency owners focused on what they do best—with full-service client account management (CAM) services. During our conversation, she shares her insights on hiring the best account manager for your agency. What you will learn in this episode: How to gauge how many account managers your agency needs Why hiring an account manager is crucial for client retention and agency growth When is the right time for an agency to hire their first account manager How to set your account management team to be successful in their roles What skills an account manager needs to have that are non-negotiable Bio Taylor McMaster is the founder of DOT & Company where she and her team help digital marketing agencies keep their clients happy—and keep agency owners focused on what they do best—with full-service client account management (CAM) services. Taylor leads a team of Client Account Managers at DOT & Company, training the CAMs to work with different agencies. To date, they have helped dozens of digital marketing agencies free up their time to prioritize the money-makers in their businesses, while the DOT & Co. team ensures their client experience is smooth like butter. She is also the host of The Happy Clients podcast, where she interviews top names in the industry, diving deep into what makes clients happy in the agency world. Resources: Website: www.dotandcompany.co Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dotandcompany LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/taylormcmaster/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/CompanyDot

Sharon Toerek, Principal of Toerek Law, focuses her law practice on helping professionals in the advertising, marketing, and creative industries monetize their intellectual capital and manage the legal risks of their work. She joins me on the Progressive Agency podcast to describe how she helps agencies protect their intellectual property. Hear insights about: Why it's vital agencies negotiate good, solid, strong contracts with their clients How Toerek Law counsels agencies on IP protection issues The ever-evolving landscape of data privacy regulations, why they continue to change, and how they impact social media marketing When growing agencies need to take advice on protecting their IP Why intellectual property is the underpinning of everything that an agency does – and the importance of investing in good advice Why Sharon advises that agencies put restrictive covenants in place in their handbooks The difference between non-solicitation and non-compete covenants and their practical applications Hot buttons that agency owners should be aware of, including the double-edged sword of being a specialist agency Intellectual Property Protection A huge pain point for agencies who do new business by pitching for contracts is how to protect their work, concepts, or ideas during a relationship's new business development phase. Sharon Toerek explains how Toerek Law helps agencies understand the legal consequences of the campaigns that they're working on for their clients, including counseling on marketing regulations or highlighting data privacy issues in social media influencer campaigns. The Triangle Approach Sharon explains the importance of protecting your intellectual property (IP) as a triangle. At one point in the triangle, agencies have their content, which is subject to copyright protection; at the next point sits brand, which is a source identifier protectable by trademarks, and at the third point are transactions, or how agencies convey the rights to the work they do for clients. On the show, Sharon shares how her firm helps clients navigate these three issues. Investing in IP Protection Intellectual property is the underpinning of everything that an agency does. It's where they make their revenue, and it's their most critical asset. Sharon shares why it's well worth investing in good advice on how to protect your IP and why you will end up farther along financially if you invest the time and energy and protecting and understanding the principles of IP protection and embedding them in your agency's culture. How to Connect with Sharon Toerek: Website: www.legalandcreative.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sharontoerek/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/SharonToerek About Sharon Toerek: Sharon Toerek is the Principal of Toerek Law, where she focuses her law practice on helping professionals in the advertising, marketing, and creative industries monetize their intellectual capital and manage the legal risks of their work. Sharon provides proactive, strategic counsel to marketing agencies on legal issues they continually face in their work, including agency-brand contracts, social media, content marketing legal compliance, and trademark and copyright protection. Sharon also created the Legal + Creative Agency Protection System, a legal toolkit for marketing agencies. In 2018, she launched The Innovative Agency, a podcast on innovation for marketing agency leaders.

Can artificial intelligence (AI) help your agency grow? In this episode of the Innovative Agency podcast, we are joined by the founder of Agency Growth Secrets, Josh Harris. Josh helps companies stop wasting money on customer acquisition using artificial intelligence to optimize marketing campaigns. During our conversation, he shares his insights on how to integrate AI into your agency for growth. What you will learn in this episode: How integrating artificial intelligence (AI) can help your agency's growth What are the common objections to implementing AI and how have they changed in recent years What is the difference between a trend and a fad, and why it's important to learn to spot them in your industry Why efficiency and effectiveness are the most important requirements of technology How can agencies begin to implement AI into their lead generation and sales processes What are the two most important categories that agency owners should prioritize for AI  Bio Josh Harris developed an entrepreneurial spirit at a young age. Growing up in Illinois, he found himself creating businesses to help his neighborhood. He quickly learned that your paycheck doesn't have to be directly tied to a set number of hours worked. Instead, he discovered that money is tied to your personal productivity. This caused the marketing mogul to face the internet head-on. He wanted to be the man in charge and the web would be his path to opportunity. Josh created a marketing and website business that saw some success, but not enough. He desired a better life without the money woes he was so familiar with. After struggling to scale his business, and enacting the help of a mentor, he finally honed in on a successful approach to business growth. His marketing and website company grew rapidly, and Josh soon sought other ventures. In 2014, Josh founded Agency Growth Secrets, an advanced data-targeting company that uses artificial intelligence to optimize marketing campaigns. Through technology and machine learning, AGS allows companies to pinpoint individuals who are ready to purchase. This saves the companies from money wasted on customer acquisition. Resources: Website: https://joshuaharris.co/ Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/joshuaaharris Twitter:https://twitter.com/joshharrislife LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/agency-training/ https://aisales.systems/ai-vsl

How does culture impact the growth of your agency? In this episode of the Innovative Agency podcast, we are joined by the founder of Austin Amplifies, Doug Austin. Doug is a growth consultant who helps agencies of all types and sizes grow and thrive. During our conversation, he shares his insights on the intersection of culture and growth within agencies. What you will learn in this episode: How do growth and culture complement each other within agencies What are the two most important factors in creating a safe work environment How a growth culture helps to avoid losing your “A-Player” employees How agency owners can maintain culture and talent development in a hybrid or virtual working world Why agencies should conduct a third-party audit to help foster growth and culture Bio Doug Austin is the founder of Austin Amplifies - a business growth consultancy that helps agencies of all types and sizes grow and thrive. Doug spent a career in the advertising agency world working for some of the country's best independent shops from NYC to Dallas to Missouri. Today, Doug spends his time coaching agency owners and their teams on how to create a culture of growth and position themselves to win. Resources: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/doug-austin-b978915/ Book on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Permission-Win-Douglas-V-Austin-ebook/dp/B08ZKN9H21/ref=sr_1_2?crid=3BCNKGKC626ER&keywords=permission+to+win&qid=1649711363&sprefix=permission+to+win+%2Caps%2C229&sr=8-2

Does your agency have recurring revenue? In this episode of the Innovative Agency podcast, we are joined by the founder and CEO of uGurus, Brent Weaver. Brent is on a mission to help 10,000 digital agency owners achieve freedom in business and life by helping them own their market. During our conversation, he shares his insights on building an agency with recurring revenue streams. What you will learn in this episode: Why it's important for agencies to have recurring revenue How financing differs from recurring revenue in agencies How to determine what services are great -- and which ones are not great -- for recurring revenue Why customer development interviews are crucial for determining your pricing What should agency owners consider when developing service packages Why agencies can begin to offer fewer services at higher prices over time  Bio Brent is on a mission to help 10,000 digital agency owners achieve freedom in business and life by helping them own their market. Brent is the founder and CEO of uGurus, a business training, and education company dedicated to this mission. He also hosts one of the leading podcasts in the business niche—The Digital Agency Show and is the author of Get Rich in the Deep End: Commit to Your Niche, Own Your Market, and Audaciously Scale. Resources: Website: ugurus.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ugurusweb Twitter: https://twitter.com/u_gurus LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ugurus

Are you searching for more ways to keep money in your agency? In this episode of the Innovative Agency podcast, we are joined again by CPA, Chris Hervochon. Chris provides outsourced accounting and tax preparation for small businesses and individuals. During our conversation, he shares insights on avoiding scope creep and updating your agency's pricing model. What you will learn in this episode: Two ways that agency owners can avoid scope creep How after-action reviews can help make sense of time and scope of projects Why a subscription-based pricing model is the best option for agencies What is the difference between scope creep and margin bleed How to address pricing changes during our current market Bio Chris Hervochon, CPA, CVA is the sole proprietor of his CPA firm. Chris Hervochon provides outsourced accounting and tax preparation for small businesses and individuals. Before starting his own CPA firm, Chris spent ten years between forensic accounting and corporate accounting and finance. He has been featured in publications such as the AICPA Certificates Wall of Fame, Accounting Today, AMEX Open Forum, LendingTree, the IAMCEO podcast, the Success Defined podcast, CMS Wire, CEO Blog Nation and WINSAVVY for his industry knowledge and accounting expertise. Resources: Websites: https://www.betterwaycpa.com/recent-press/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BetterWayCPA/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/betterwaycpa/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ChrisHervochon/ Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/betterwaycpa/_created/

Are you helping your clients achieve revenue growth? In this episode of the Innovative Agency podcast, we are joined by the Founder of The Pedowitz Group, Jeff Pedowitz. Since 2007, Jeff and his team have helped over 1,400 companies engage customers, go digital, and grow revenue. During our conversation, he shares his unique model and insights for creating a better customer experience. What you will learn in this episode: How the customer journey has changed in recent years What is the loop model, and how can it be used to engage customers How does the funnel differ from the loop model, and why the funnel may not account for multiple buying stages Why marketers should prioritize storytelling and the customer experience What questions agencies should ask their clients that are often missed How can agencies conduct valuable customer research for themselves and clients How buying patterns have changed in the B2B industry, and how it impacts digital marketing What agency owners should do if they want to reconsider revenue growth Bio Jeff Pedowitz grew up working in the restaurant business and learned firsthand the value of good operations. He used to curse at the owners of the Greek diner for making him scrape out ketchup bottles, but it taught him the value of a dollar – and not to waste it. When his parents bought him a Commodore 64, he taught himself how to program and began a life-long love affair with software and technology. Jeff's parents were teachers who later transitioned into sales for World Book/Childcraft. They took him to their trade shows and corporate events, and he listened to Zig Zigler and Dennis Waitley in the car on the family's 8-track cassette. All those years, growing up in and around businesses instilled a passion for business. Now, every day he gets to live his passion, traveling the world to teach companies how to build better marketing organizations and drive repeatable, predictable, and scalable revenue. Jeff started The Pedowitz Group in 2007 and has been blessed with an amazing team that he calls family. Together, they have helped over 1,400 companies engage customers, go digital, and grow revenue. Resources: Website: pedowitzgroup.com Revenue Marketing Basics - https://rmu.pedowitzgroup.com/p/revenue-marketing-basics LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/jeffpedowitz Twitter: https://twitter.com/JeffPedowitz

How can you continue to grow your agency after the pandemic? In this episode of the Innovative Agency podcast, we are joined by Tim Kilroy. He has helped over 100 agencies drive dramatic growth results — like growing 8x in a year, or by 3x in 90 days. During our conversation, Tim discusses the challenges that agency owners are facing today and strategies for growth in all stages. What you will learn in this episode: Why growing and starting an agency was easier during the pandemic and how things have recently changed Why Tim believes that return on ad spend (ROAS) is a ridiculous metric What are inexperienced marketers and agency owners missing, and what insights do they need to bring to the table How agency work has transitioned from more technical work to more marketing and strategy work What are the differences in the growth strategy for emerging agencies vs established agencies What is the concept of “return of understanding” and why it's important for emerging agencies to niche down Why bigger agencies should prioritize learning how to create engaging management structures Why agency leaders should plan for their own exit, even if they don't plan on selling  Bio “I help digital agencies (and digital agency owners) generate more revenue, more profit & more happiness without working a million hours, being ‘sales-y' or doing anything else gross,” Tim says of his business strategy. Tim has worked with over 100 agencies to help them solve problems ranging from “How do I get my 1st client?” to “How do we maximize our exit value?” Tim also focuses on driving dramatic growth by collaborating with agency owners and management teams. He has helped his clients do amazing things – like grow 8x in a year, or by 3x in 90 days. In addition, Tim has helped agencies create account management structures, and coached them through various situations, such as a founder moving to another opportunity. Resources: Websites: The Kilroy Report Podcast: https://www.thekilroyreport.com/ Consulting Offers: https://timkilroy.com/agency-growth-consulting/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/agencygrowthcoach Twitter: https://twitter.com/timkilroy LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/timkilroy/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/agencygrowthcoach Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/timkilroy_agencygrowth/

You may think you have your contracts for clients and you think you have all your boxes ticked - but you are probably missing something very important. Do you have all the client contracts and other legal bits for your toolkit? You'll find out in this episode! It's always helpful to have Sharon Toerek on to talk about the changing landscape of legal, and especially today to discuss why you need more than a contract or your boxes have been ticked. This week, episode 134 of The Digital Agency Growth Podcast is about your business legal toolkit! Watch our new recorded video training: Relationship-Driven New Business At-ScaleIn this episode of The Digital Agency Growth Podcast, Dan Englander and Sharon Toerek share the importance of being legally prepared for potential clients asking for exclusivity and actionable steps you can take right now to protect your legal ideas and formulas while also providing more one to many opportunities for growth in your service options. Sharon Toerek is a marketing law and intellectual property lawyer dedicated to serving agencies. She's also the host of the Innovative Agency Podcast. Sharon is a former President of the American Ad Federation (AAF) Cleveland and serves on the American Association of Advertising Agencies (4A's) Legal Consultant panel. In the advertising and communications industry, Sharon writes and frequently lectures on the topics of intellectual property protection, marketing agency relationships, and the legal implications of social media.In this episode, Dan and Sharon discuss the following:What Sharon and her clients are really focusing on in terms of IP as things shift and change in the landscape of legal.When to know when it's time to legally protect an idea, project or product, and when you should expect it to pay off.How you can protect yourself legally and what you need to have in your business legal tool kit. How negotiating with brands and potential clients is changing to the clients asking for exclusivity, and how to navigate that to keep your niche and protect both you and your client's best interests.After this episode, you'll feel more prepared for both negotiations with future clients and your own agency's legal toolkit.Thank 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!CONNECT WITH SHARON TOEREK:WebsiteLinkedInTwitterCONNECT WITH DAN ENGLANDER:LinkedInSales Schema

Have systems and processes been put on the backburner in your agency? In this episode of the Innovative Agency podcast, we are joined by entrepreneur and self-proclaimed process nerd, Gray MacKenzie. In only nine years he's helped more than 2,400 digital agencies build more productive and profitable agency teams. During our conversation, Gray shares the most common operational issues, and how to begin implementing a more efficient project management framework. What you will learn in this episode: The most commonly encountered agency operational issues Why agencies need systems to accurately determine profitability What internal agency metrics do clients frequently ask for, and why a client would typically ask for agency metrics How agencies can improve their project management framework Why it's more efficient to build your processes within your project management tool How systems and processes can impact agency ROI and internal retention Where agencies should begin with selecting and implementing a project management tool  Bio Gray MacKenzie from ZenPilot is a bona fide process nerd who has gone under the hood with 2400+ digital agencies over the past 9 years in search of the best way to build and lead healthier, more productive, and more profitable agency teams. Resources: Website: https://www.zenpilot.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ZenPilotHQ Twitter: https://twitter.com/sgraymackenzie LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/graymackenzie How to Choose the Best Project Management Tool for Your Agency

Are you struggling to scale and sell in your agency? In this episode of the Innovative Agency podcast, we are joined by CEO, Founder, and Author, Daniel Englander. He helps marketing agencies and B2B service companies accelerate their business growth. During our conversation, Daniel discusses the struggles that agencies face in their business development, as well as the most important tactics for building relationships and accelerating growth. What you will learn in this episode: Why it's important to prioritize building trust with connections and targets The most significant missed opportunity for business development in agencies How to be more proactive with relationship mapping in your agency Why reengagement over longer periods of time is crucial for winning clients How thought leadership interacts with, and aids in, business development and sales Why outbound marketing is the best option if you have limited time How writing and publishing a book can help to sell your professional services easier How to integrate your book to accelerate business growth for your agency Bio Dan Englander is the CEO and Founder of Sales Schema, a fractional new business team for marketing agencies and B2B service companies, and he hosts The Digital Agency Growth Podcast. He's the author of Relationship Sales At Scale and Mastering Account. Resources: Dan's Book: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09XRD71P3 Website: https://workwith.salesschema.com/rsas LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/danenglander/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/sales-schema

Is your agency charging for more than just tangible deliverables? In this episode of the Innovative Agency podcast, we are joined by Brand Strategist and Business Growth Accelerator, Karley Cunningham. She takes businesses from overcrowded, competitive spaces out into blue ocean territory where they can confidently stand out and thrive as brand leaders in their sector. During our conversation, Karley discusses the challenges that come from selling services and the benefits of collaborating on strategy. What you will learn in this episode: Why agencies are hesitant to charge separately for strategy How being seen solely as a creative can limit your ability to be seen as a strategic thinker How to help clients see the value in the process instead of just the deliverables What are the five value points that you explain to clients during the sales process How to shift your mindset into being brave enough to propose strategy as a stand-alone service What is the difference between a consultation and a strategy session Why working in stages or phases is beneficial to both the client and agency How to transition from work-for-hire to fee-for-strategy in your agency  Bio Having built three successful businesses, Karley knows what it takes to start, develop and lead a company that delivers results. Her entrepreneurial success story is featured in the awarded book, The Widest Net by Pamela Slim. In addition, she's a sought-after mentor and speaker for national and international business organizations and the host of The Made Possible podcast. Believing deeply in the practice of givers gain, she is well-known and networked and rarely goes a day without making a referral or connection. As a former pro athlete, Karley is performance-driven. An avid mountain athlete, she is a two-time finisher of the BC Bike Race, a seven-day, 325 km mountain bike stage race, and is always looking out for her next trail running adventure. When not focusing on the business or expanding her network, she can be found somewhere in the mountains of the Pacific Northwest with her wife and dog in their 4x4. Resources: Website: www.bigboldbrand.com Free Brand Audit & Guide: https://www.bigboldbrand.com/surefireaudit/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karleycunningham/

Are you hoping things will change in your agency? In this episode of the Innovative Agency podcast, guest Blake Mahon is the founder of media and creative powerhouse, Triarc. He helps leaders find dynamic solutions for rapid and sustainable growth. During our conversation, he shares how he developed core systems and client packages that allow his agency to continue on a path of rapid growth. What you will learn in this episode: Why it's important for the core of your systems and processes to be consistent throughout your agency When you should begin to include team members in new frameworks and systems How to build packages and products to meet individual client needs What are the advantages and disadvantages of working in yearly contracts Where to begin when pivoting and adapting to economic changes Why it's becoming more common for agencies to collaborate for the common good of a mutual client Bio Rapid and sustainable growth is Blake Mahon's true passion. Getting dynamic solutions into the hands of leaders is his calling. Empowering a team to do the above provides him with sustained gratification. As the founder of Triarc, a media & creative powerhouse, Blake has the unique privilege to indulge in all of the above. Triarc is a nimble and fast-paced startup that is set to disrupt the traditional agency model. Resources: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thinktriarc  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/18260874/  Twitter: https://twitter.com/thinktriarc 

Have you considered exiting your agency recently? In this episode of the Innovative Agency podcast, guest Drew McLellan has been in the advertising industry for over 30 years. Today, he advises hundreds of small to mid-sized agencies on how to grow their agency and their profitability. During our conversation, he shares the recent challenges agency owners have faced and how to prepare for a successful succession. What you will learn in this episode: What are some of the biggest challenges that agency leaders are currently facing Why agencies have lost some of their largest clients over the last year How offering strategy and insights help differentiate agencies from others How outside buyers are taking advantage of agency owners experiencing fatigue How to recognize the predictors and traits of internal employees that make good candidates for buying the agency How agency owners can prepare to exit their agency and make the transition easier Why agency owners should separate their IP from the agency during an exit Bio For 30+ years, Drew McLellan has been in the advertising industry. He started his career at Y&R, worked in boutique-sized agencies, and then started his own (which he still owns and runs) agency in 1995. Additionally, Drew owns and leads the Agency Management Institute, which advises hundreds of small to mid-sized agencies on how to grow their agency and their profitability through agency owner peer groups, consulting, coaching, workshops, and more. Resources: Email: drew@agencymanagementinstitute.com  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drewmclellan/  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/agencymanagementinstitute  https://www.facebook.com/McLellanMarketing   Twitter: https://twitter.com/drewmclellan/ 

Are you prepared to take your agency to the next level? In this episode of the Innovative Agency podcast, guest Jason Swenk discusses scaling your agency from the first stage to 8 figures. Jason is a highly sought-after agency advisor and the host of the Smart Agency Masterclass podcast. During our conversation, he shares his expertise on acting as the true CEO of your agency, productizing solutions, and defining your niche. What you will learn in this episode: What is the biggest challenge for entrepreneurs in the first stage of growing an agency How narrowing your focus gives a greater opportunity to increase prices and efficiency Why client expectations and value of services should be accounted for in pricing How replicable processes and expertise are the keys to building an agency to exit How to transition from an agency owner to acting as a true CEO Why do many entrepreneurs often experience a sense of depression when transitioning to CEO How to productize solutions for clients in your agency, and why it's important to allocate a separate team and resources for your product Bio Jason has literally written the book for growing an agency from nothing to two 8 figure agencies. He is an in-demand advisor to agencies, helping them scale by showing them an 8 system framework that worked for growing his agency, working with brands like AT&T, Hitachi, and Lotus Cars, and eventually lead to selling his agency. Jason currently hosts the Smart Agency Master Class Podcast, the #1 Digital Marketing Agency Owner podcast for sharing the strategies and stories from real agency owners of what is working today in the agency world, and how they got to where they are now. Resources: Website: https://jasonswenk.com/ Podcast: http://smartagencymasterclass.com Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/jasonswenk Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jswenk Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasonswenk Medium: https://medium.com/@jswenk/

How can research help generate more revenue for your agency? In this episode of the Innovative Agency podcast, guest Susan Baier discusses three unique ways to utilize research to increase your ROI. Susan is a Marketing Strategist & Researcher at Audience Audit. During our conversation, she shares her thoughts on the benefits of conducting research for your agency - not just your clients. What you will learn in this episode: How agencies can leverage research for revenue generation What are the benefits of conducting research for agencies rather than clients How thought leadership impacts the return on investment (ROI) for agencies What three things thought leaders need to do, and how does research aid these efforts Why research reduces the amount of outbound selling needed How to utilize research to identify your niche and attract ideal clients How to monetize your agency research, and create additional revenue opportunities Why agencies should collaborate with other agencies with the same audience Bio Susan Baier is an Audience and Marketing Strategist and Researcher of Audience Audit (www.audienceaudit.com). Susan is sought after by marketing agencies and their clients for her attitudinal segmentation research supporting thought leadership and marketing. Resources: Website: audienceaudit.com YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWGXg7e0se0MO4L8bKhCfiw Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AudienceAudit LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/audience-audit-inc

When you think of inventory for your firm, what comes to mind? Or maybe more importantly, what doesn't come to mind? The truth is that most agencies have a storehouse of intellectual firepower and aren't taking advantage of the options and opportunities to leverage their intellectual property. In this solocast episode, Sharon discusses the importance of thinking about and monetizing intellectual property, and how agency owners can use various methods to protect their IP. What you will learn in this episode: What options and opportunities do you have to leverage intellectual property What are four common scenarios that have IP consequences in agencies What is the gold standard for collecting your intellectual property How independent agreements and licenses allow you to leverage intellectual property How agencies monetize IP beyond the scope of client deliverables What steps can you take to find and protect your IP Bio Sharon Toerek is Principal of Toerek Law, where she focuses her law practice on helping professionals in the advertising, marketing, and creative industries monetize their intellectual capital, and manage the legal risks of their work. Sharon provides proactive, strategic counsel to marketing agencies on legal issues they face continually in their work, including agency-brand contracts, social media, content marketing legal compliance, and trademark and copyright protection. Sharon also created the Legal + Creative Agency Protection System, a subscription-based legal toolkit for marketing agencies. In 2018, Sharon launched The Innovative Agency, a podcast on innovation for marketing agency leaders. Resources: Website: legalandcreative.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sharontoerek/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/SharonToerek

To our host and founder, Sharon Toerek, reaching over 150 episodes of The Innovative Agency podcast is as much about taking stock of what we've learned from our terrific guests as it is about planning for the content we'll continue to share on the show. In this quick and first-ever solo episode, Sharon discusses what she has learned over the past three years through her interviews with hundreds of amazing guests. Her biggest takeaway? Innovation impacts all agencies, and just about every agency has a story to prove it. Sharon also talks about the innovation and stories she'll continue to explore in future podcast episodes. What you will learn in this episode: How innovation can impact every agency's ability to better its fortunes Why riches in agencies are not in time or production capacity How the ability to use innovation to pivot can help you scale or even save your business What you can expect from the podcast in upcoming episodes Bio Sharon Toerek is Principal of Toerek Law, where she focuses her law practice on helping professionals in the advertising, marketing, and creative industries monetize their intellectual capital, and manage the legal risks of their work. Sharon provides proactive, strategic counsel to marketing agencies on legal issues they face continually in their work, including agency-brand contracts, social media, content marketing legal compliance, and trademark and copyright protection. Sharon also created the Legal + Creative Agency Protection System, a subscription-based legal toolkit for marketing agencies. In 2018, Sharon launched The Innovative Agency, a podcast on innovation for marketing agency leaders. Resources: Website: legalandcreative.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sharontoerek/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/SharonToerek

Wondering how big agencies like VaynerX keep up the pace while rapidly growing? In this episode of the Innovative Agency podcast, guest Marc Yudkin discusses how to maintain structure and process without slowing down. He is the Chief Operating Officer & General Counsel of VaynerX. During our conversation, Marc shares thoughts on recruitment/retainment challenges, and key skill sets needed to be a successful leader. What you will learn in this episode: How to maintain structure and operations while experiencing rapid growth Why trusting your gut is critical in being a successful agency leader What the #1 problem is in the agency world right now How well-known agencies like VaynerX are handling talent recruitment and retainment challenges What key skillset is needed by managers looking to focus on employee retention How to help employees of all levels ideate and contribute creatively What visionary leaders need to do to understand operations How fear impacts the success of your agency Bio Marc Yudkin is currently the Chief Operating Officer & General Counsel of VaynerX, LLC - the parent company of various international digital marketing and advertising businesses including VaynerMedia, The Gallery Media Group, VaynerProductions, and Tracer Labs, LLC. As Chief Operating Officer and General Counsel for all of these businesses, Marc is responsible for all of the Company's global operations, acquisitions, employee relations issues, and other matters relating to the overall operation of a 900-person global agency. Marc also ensures that services provided adhere to the many regulations and guidelines promulgated by governmental authorities and other self-regulatory bodies. In January of 2020, Marc received an Icon Award as one of the top 100 US Corporate Counsels. He has been a guest lecturer at New York Law School and Pace University School of Law and previously presented at the Annual Meeting of the New York State Bar Association. Marc was appointed Chief Operating Officer in 2020 after serving as the Company's General Counsel for the previous eight years. Prior to becoming General Counsel of VaynerX, Marc was at Riker, Danzig, Scherer, Hyland & Perretti, LLP where he was selected by his peers as a New Jersey Super Lawyer for four straight years. His practice focused on representing middle-market companies on a wide scope of advertising, intellectual property, and transactional matters, including; private equity and venture capital financing, mergers and acquisitions, and joint venture arrangements. He earned his J.D from Emory University School of Law and his B.A. from the State University of New York at Binghamton where he double majored in Philosophy, Politics, and Law and Economics. Marc currently resides in New Jersey and is admitted to practice law in the States of New York, New Jersey, and Georgia. Resources: Website: https://vaynerx.com/ LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/marc-yudkin-81400670/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/vaynermedia/people/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/VaynerMedia/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/vaynermedia

Are you worried about building a legacy for your family with your marketing agency? If so, working with your adult children may be the answer! In this episode of the Innovative Agency podcast, guest Sophie Gibson shares that she's breathing easier since her children have joined her agency. She is the founder, CEO, and force behind VIVO. During our conversation, Sophie covers the benefits and struggles of working with your children, and if your kids really need the same structure as other employees. What you will learn in this episode: How Sophie started her agency when she had a 5-week old newborn How has the integration of personal and professional lives changed in recent years Why does the time and place we are living impact the way we experience situations What has recently caused us to become more culturally conscious How Sophie has seen budgets change for culturally diverse marketing campaigns What challenges and benefits stem from having adult children in your business Why do adult children need the same processes and systems as other employees Bio Pioneer in the Digital World and respected expert in digital communications. Sophie Gibson is the Founder and President of VIVO360, Inc. and the driving force behind the Digital Creative Agency she formed 20 years ago. Today, VIVO360 continues to deliver exceptional digital, marketing and technology solutions to some of the World's most influential brands, including; Voya Financial, Delta Air Lines, Turner Broadcasting, The City of Atlanta, and Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport. The Agency attracts and inspires like-minded professionals, who are knowledgeable and innovative achievers and make VIVO360 a force to reckon with in the world of digital communications. Sophie and her team focus on understanding their clients' businesses and the user experience of clients' customers, resulting in more web traffic, more leads, more business, more revenue, and greater overall positive global impact for our clients. Sophie's passion professionally is meeting and learning from extraordinary leaders around the world and sharing innovative ideas on the disruptive forces reshaping the global economy and helping her clients to adapt to changing conditions that create long-term value for the companies and organizations they lead. Sophie is also the founder, host and moderator of Reach Your Higher Self, a truly interactive organization aimed at exploring and inspiring conversations about a myriad of spiritual teachings and principles. In addition, she spearheads Show You Care; a non-profit organization dedicated to educating and building awareness about sexual, verbal, and emotional abuse. Resources: Website: www.vivotheagency.com LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/sophiegibson Facebook: facebook.com/vivotheagency Twitter: twitter.com/vivotheagency Email: Sophie.Gibson@vivo360inc.com Phone: 404-784-4688

Delivering an effective creative product can be a moving target, especially considering how quickly things change in the fast-paced world of marketing and advertising. After a lot of talk about strategy and metrics on this podcast, we're circling back to the bread and butter of the industry—the creative product. I talk with Ryan Gray, Partner and Co-Founder at Beckert, about how the creative product has evolved, the trends of the current moment, and how to improve campaign development for the future. We discuss: How micro creatives address common client complaints Tips for advising clients on the right mix of channels The right way to set client expectations The Apple update and other trends in ad buying and creative development To hear more from Innovative Agency owners, listen to The Innovative Agency podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or on our website. Listening on a desktop & can't see the links? Just search for The Innovative Agency in your favorite podcast player.

Over the last few years, podcast listenership has exploded. As a result, many companies are adopting this medium to boost their content marketing efforts.  But with more people entering the podcast game, it's becoming harder and harder to gain traction.  So, how do you develop a podcast that resonates from the start and rises above the noise?  Harry Morton , CEO of Lower Street Media , joins the show to share tips and tricks for crafting a compelling podcast format and strategies for standing out in a crowded marketplace.  We discuss: - How the podcasting world has changed over the last few years - How to create a podcast that resonates and measure its success - Strategies for monetizing your podcast - Predictions for the future  Mentioned during the podcast: - PodcastingwithHarry.com  -Tweet at Harry: @podcastharry   To hear more from Innovative Agency owners, listen to The Innovative Agency podcast on Apple Podcasts , Spotify , or on our website . Listening on a desktop & can't see the links? Just search for The Innovative Agency in your favorite podcast player.

Creativity should be more than an afterthought for an agency looking to produce differentiated ideas. And yet, many just don't make the time for it.   Agencies will struggle with time constraints or thinking from a place of scarcity. The way to be better? Break the bad habits.   In this episode, I speak with Cami Travis-Groves, Transformational Coach, National Speaker, Good Juju Spreader at Coach Cami, about how agencies can help creativity flourish and how the brain will fight change every step of the way.  We discuss: - Where agencies struggle in their pursuit of creativity & how to get started - Removing obstacles to let creativity grow - Reaching out to your team to see what inspires them & helping them on their journey  To hear more from Innovative Agency owners, listen to The Innovative Agency podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or on our website. Listening on a desktop & can't see the links? Just search for The Innovative Agency in your favorite podcast player.

Having the hard conversation between agency and client around what they collectively want success to look like isn't the simplest task — and it's exactly why the conversation isn't had more often. Sometimes what the client wants just isn't realistic. In this episode, I speak with Gogi Gupta, Founder at Gupta Media, about these hard conversations and why avoidance is setting unrealistic expectations on both sides. We discuss: - Why siloing causes disconnect between agency & client - Why hard conversations aren't occurring - Guiding the client journey w/ education - Advice for agencies looking to start these hard conversations To hear more from Innovative Agency owners, listen to The Innovative Agency podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or on our website. Listening on a desktop & can't see the links? Just search for The Innovative Agency in your favorite podcast player.

Every once in a while, you need to take up a broom and sweep out the corners. All those assets you've been creating that you thought were customer-specific or agency-specific? You can turn those into products to help others solve the same problems. In this episode, I speak with John Readman, Founder and CEO at Modo25, Founder and Product Owner at Ask BOSCO, a SaaS product he created to actually avoid having a massive agency and to have a reliable revenue stream instead. We discuss: - Creating recurring revenue and sharing expertise - Tapping into your team's creative product ideas - How productizing your skills raises the value of your agency - Why the ideal software is just like Mailchimp - Overcoming your fears about software developers To hear more from Innovative Agency owners, listen to The Innovative Agency podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or on our website. Listening on a desktop & can't see the links? Just search for The Innovative Agency in your favorite podcast player.

We're at the cusp of working with some of the most amazing innovations that humanity has ever seen. If you haven't yet entered the dynamic conversation about the intersection between humans and technology, you are missing opportunities to innovate. Donna Loughlin, PR & Corporate Communications at LMGPR and host of Before It Happened, joins the show to trace the human thread that runs through the stories that we agencies tell for our brands and clients. Join us as we discuss: - Working with emerging market innovators and futurists - Differentiating the human story in technological advancements - Asking what you do and how you do it better - Why the human touch will define the next generation of messaging in tech To hear more from Innovative Agency owners, listen to The Innovative Agency podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or on our website. Listening on a desktop & can't see the links? Just search for The Innovative Agency in your favorite podcast player.

New business gets a lot of attention. In most agencies, the champagne starts flowing when you close a new deal. But in the process of focusing your resources on new clients, are you overlooking big opportunities for growth that are right in your backyard? Stacey Singer, Client Retention and Growth Specialist at Stacey Singer Consulting, joins the show to discuss organic growth, an easier and more profitable way to expand your revenue. We discuss: - What's standing in the way of organic growth - Creating a culture that prioritizes the client experience - The top things agencies do that clients hate - Building an internal growth plan for each existing client To hear more from Innovative Agency owners, listen to The Innovative Agency podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or on our website. Listening on a desktop & can't see the links? Just search for The Innovative Agency in your favorite podcast player.

Could your next client be another agency?  In this episode, Tyler Horsley, Founder and CEO at Nuclear Networking, joins the show to break down the topic of partnerships and strategic alliances with other marketing service providers. Plus, he shares his perspective on the dynamic M&A market within the agency world.  We discuss:  - The pros and cons of onboarding services vs outsourcing  - How to manage the relationship with strategic partners  - Navigating the handoff process to a strategic partner  - What's going on with mergers and acquisitions in the agency world  Email Tyler if you're looking for an SEO or digital advertising partner.  To hear more from Innovative Agency owners, listen to The Innovative Agency podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or on our website.  Listening on a desktop & can't see the links? Just search for The Innovative Agency in your favorite podcast player.

Our guest is Sharon Toerek, intellectual property and marketing law attorney and owner of Toerek Law, a national law firm based in Cleveland, Ohio. Five things you'll learn from this episode:Common data compliance mistakes companies makeWhat General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) is and its effects on marketers in the United StatesThe importance of a team that can look at consumer data from a marketing, legal, and technological point of viewQuestions brands should be asking to ensure responsible data practicesWhy marketers should have a response plan in place for data inquiriesQuotables“If listeners could come away with one thing from this conversation, it would be to remember that it doesn't matter where you are. It doesn't matter where your agency is. It matters where your consumer is sitting. And so, if you're that unlucky company who maybe has 10, 20, 100 consumers in Germany on your list, you've got to comply with GDPR.” — @SharonToerek“Ultimately, all roads are going to point back to the brand when it comes to being responsible for complying with the law.” — @SharonToerek“Have a plan ready for how you're going to respond to consumers before you even launch the campaign.” — @SharonToerek“I love it when we take responsibility and we do things ethically as an industry, and we push others to do the same thing. Even if we're dragging people along and trying to get them to come along with us (kicking and screaming), I think it's the right thing to do for the industry.” — @JasonMudd9 If you enjoyed this episode, would you please share it with others and leave us a review?About Sharon ToerekOur episode guest is Sharon Toerek, intellectual property and marketing law attorney and owner of Toerek Law, a national law firm based in Cleveland, Ohio. She focuses on clients in the advertising, marketing, and creative services industries, helping creative professionals protect, engage, and monetize their creative assets. Guest's contact info and resources:Sharon Toerek on Twitter Sharon Toerek on LinkedInMore about Sharon on her blog, Legal + Creative Additional Resources:Previous On Top of PR episode on social media disclosure Episode recorded: Nov 18, 2021Sponsored by:On Top of PR is produced by Axia Public Relations, named by Forbes as one of America's Best PR Agencies for 2021. Axia is an expert PR firm for national brands.On Top of PR is sponsored by ReviewMaxer, the platform for monitoring, improving, and promoting online customer reviews.Burrelles has a special offer for On Top of PR fans. Check it out at burrelles.com/ontopofpr.About your host, Jason MuddOn Top of PR host, Jason Mudd, is a trusted adviser and dynamic strategist for some of America's most admired brands and fastest-growing companies. Since 1994, he's worked with American Airlines, Budweiser, Dave & Buster's, H&R Block, Hilton, HP, Miller Lite, New York Life, Pizza Hut, Southern Comfort, and Verizon. He foReviewMaxer On Top of PR is brought to you by ReviewMaxerSupport the show (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/OnTopofPR)

What does your client want? It's the question at the crux of what marketing and advertising is all about. In past episodes, we've answered that question from the perspective of marketing agencies and their advisors, but in this episode, we're going to hear the perspective of an actual client. RJon Robins, CEO & Founder at How to Manage a Small Law Firm, joins me to share insights into the client-marketing agency relationship and what he thinks agencies should do to gain more business and retain more clients. We discuss: - How the initial client-marketer discussion can go wrong - Why marketing agencies need to have a fully developed business plan - Why leading with fear will torpedo your agency - How to communicate with clients To hear more from Innovative Agency owners, listen to The Innovative Agency podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or on our website.  Listening on a desktop & can't see the links? Just search for The Innovative Agency in your favorite podcast player.

Successful marketing hinges on the principle of asking enough questions and asking the right questions. Think about it. We can all remember marketing campaigns that went sideways because the wrong questions were asked, and as a result, not enough relevant information was available to get it right Matt Seltzer, Market Researcher and Founder of S2 Research, is an expert at asking the right questions, and in this episode, he offers his insights on the topic. We discuss: - The importance of research in marketing - How to move past roadblocks - How agencies and clients evaluate ROI - How agencies can level up their research game Resources mentioned during the podcast: - The Creative Catalyst: How to Create Better Marketing By Asking (And Answering) Better Marketing Questions - Reach out to Matt at Matt@s2research.com To hear more from Innovative Agency owners, listen to The Innovative Agency podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or on our website. Listening on a desktop & can't see the links? Just search for The Innovative Agency in your favorite podcast player.

Do you remember when running an agency was fun? The emergence of digital tools has led to a focus on measurement and metrics, but it has come at the expense of process innovation and creativity—and that, ultimately, has led to a lot of uninspired work. It's time to rediscover the fun of the creative process. Paul Charney, Founder and CEO at Funworks, joins the show to talk about using fun to help you achieve your agency's goals—both creative and financial—and spark new ways of achieving business results for your clients. We discuss: - How the dawn of digital stripped the fun out of the advertising process - How improv comedy fundamentals can shake up the creative process - Why focusing on the voice of the customer means you no longer have to guess what's inside your client's head - How to bring joy back into the creative process Reach out to Paul: paul@howfunworks.com To hear more from Innovative Agency owners, listen to The Innovative Agency podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or on our website. Listening on a desktop & can't see the links? Just search for The Innovative Agency in your favorite podcast player.

Last week, Sharon Toerek and I joined Chip Griffin for his weekly Small Agency Talk Show. Outside of being one of the foremost experts on how agency owners can protect themselves from a business perspective, she also is an expert on when and how to copyright your intellectual property. She also happens to be my... Continue Reading → The post Episode 151: Protecting Your IP and Your Relationships appeared first on FIR Podcast Network.

Every week I get an email or three from an agency owner asking me if I have a contract template or some other legal document that they can just copy and use. My response is always the same. For a few hundred or thousand dollars – do not put your entire agency at risk. It’s dangerous and short-sighted for an agency to use someone else’s agreement as a template. They need to be built for your agency, your clients and your particulars. But when is a DIY approach acceptable? What, exactly, is a “done with you” model? And how can you determine when an actual attorney is necessary? Understanding the when, what and how of various legal tools available is vital to protecting your agency. The good news is that you can spend a little now to avoid paying a lot down the road. As AMI’s go-to attorney, Sharon Toerek* specializes in working with agencies just like yours and mine. She understands the constraints and challenges of running a small to mid-sized agency and helps clients dodge legal bullets every day. In this episode of Build a Better Agency, Sharon and I talk at length about ways agencies need to best prepare their agencies legally. We discuss a wide range of topics, including the need for a legal readiness audit, agency insurance, IP rights, regulatory issues, influencer marketing, freelance contracts, data privacy compliance, the legality of unsigned agreements, if DIY legal agreements are safe, how exactly the “Done with you” model works, and when you need to get an attorney involved. *Please note, Sharon is here as an educator speaking to her experience and nothing she shares should be interpreted as legal advice. A big thank you to our podcast’s presenting sponsor, White Label IQ. They’re an amazing resource for agencies who want to outsource their design, dev or PPC work at wholesale prices. Check out their special offer (10 free hours!) for podcast listeners here. What You Will Learn in This Episode: The three different agency owner personas and how they approach legal decisions What legal tools are available to you and why they matter. How to audit your legal readiness as an agency The need to review agency insurance A look at IP rights and usage Regulatory issues and data privacy compliance that need to be considered Is there any value to agreements not signed by the clients When DIY legal agreements are acceptable How a “Done with you” model works How to know when you need to get an attorney involved

In this episode, Robert Patin speaks with Sharon Toerek from Toerek Law about legal issues facing creative agencies.  Covering Topics of Intellectual Property, MSA Negotiations, Freelancer Agreements and Exclusivity.  Legal compliance should be at the core of your agency strategy.  To have a legal checkup with Sharon go to: https://mailchi.mp/legalandcreative/donewithyoulegalcheckup (https://mailchi.mp/legalandcreative/donewithyoulegalcheckup) Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sharontoerek/ (https://www.linkedin.com/in/sharontoerek/) Website: http://www.legalandcreative.com/ (http://www.legalandcreative.com/) Episode Links and Episodes:  00:17 https://thankyou.creativeagencysuccess.com/agencyblueprintdownload (To Download Your Free Copy of The International Best Selling Book "The Agency Blueprint" just click this link.) 1:01 https://www.legalandcreative.com/the-innovative-agency/ (The Innovative Agency Podcast) 15:32 https://www.legalandcreative.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/The-Ultimate-Marketing-Agency-Legal-Checklist.pdf (Downloadable Agency Client Contract Review Checklist) 17:46 https://podcast.creativeagencysuccess.com/leveraging-your-authority (The Importance of Leveraging Your Authority)  19:46 https://agencylegalprotection.com/free-tools/ (Full Service Deep Dive Done For You Agency Legal Audits) 20:03 https://mailchi.mp/legalandcreative/donewithyoulegalcheckup (Done For You Agency Legal Checkups) 21:43 https://www.legalandcreative.com/ (Sharon Toerek Website) 21:53 https://www.creativeagencysuccess.com/ (CreativeAgencySuccess.com)  

Ep #63 - Legal advice for Agency owners with Sharon Toerek - Jon and David discuss Jon's interview with Sharon about how Agency owners need to approach their legal documents such as Master Service Agreements and Proposals and more.

About the guest:     Sharon Toerek is principal of Toerek Law, where she focuses her national law practice on helping professionals in the advertising, marketing and creative services industries protect and monetize their intellectual capital, and manage the legal implications of their marketing and advertising work. Sharon provides proactive, strategic counsel to communications, marketing, advertising and creative agencies on legal and business issues they face continually in their work, including: agency-client relationships, including agency service contracts, agency-freelancer relationship management, trademark and brand protection matters, social media and content marketing legal compliance, copyright protection, licensing and transfer of creative content, advertising law Sharon is an approved participant on the 4A's Legal Consultants Panel, and a past president of the American Ad Federation (AAF) Cleveland. Sharon is the publisher of the marketing industry legal blog Legal + Creative. Sharon created the Legal + Creative Agency Protection System, a comprehensive legal education resource and toolkit for marketing, ad and creative services agencies. She is also the creator and host of The Innovative Agency, a podcast about innovation and trends in the marketing agency world.   In the episode:     2:35 – Sharon explains how, from early in her career, she has been helping protect people's brands. 4:33 – Sharon defines what copyright and trademarks are and how they are different. 6:06 – Protecting a trademark takes a lot of work so Sharon describes how to protect it and why protecting your trademark is important. 11:53 – Nancy and Sharon talk about trademarks and social media handles. 19:19 – Like Nancy, Sharon loves strategy! Here, she describes the difference between a strategy and tactics. 28:52 – Sharon describes the advantage of focusing on one vertical. 35:03 - Sharon and Nancy talk about the blurred lines between personal and professional life.   Quote “Find other people who serve the audience that you serve, but do different things for them. You need what they can provide for your clients and they need what you can provide for theirs.” - Sharon Toerek, principal at Toerek Law   Links:          Toerek Law: https://www.legalandcreative.com/ The Innovative Agency Podcast: https://www.legalandcreative.com/the-innovative-agency/ Blue Ocean Strategy by W. Chan Kim: https://www.amazon.com/Blue-Ocean-Strategy-Uncontested-Competition/dp/1591396190 Agency Management Institute: https://agencymanagementinstitute.com/ Calm: https://www.calm.com/   Listen to Drew McLellan's PR Maven® Podcast episode   Activate the PR Maven® Flash Briefing on your Alexa Device.  Join the PR Maven® Facebook group page.    Looking to connect:           Email: sharon@legalandcreative.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sharontoerek Twitter: @SharonToerek

In this featured episode, Sharon Toerek chats with Jeff Pedowitz, President and CEO at The Pedowitz Group. Use the following links to subscribe in your favorite podcast player: Apple Podcasts Spotify Google Podcasts Are you getting every B2B Growth episode in your favorite podcast player? If not, you can easily subscribe & search past episodes here. You can also find us on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.

In this featured episode, Sharon Toerek chats with Patricia Beitler, President at Velocitas and Abigail Sierra, Director of Content Strategy at Velocitas. Use the following links to subscribe in your favorite podcast player: Apple Podcasts Spotify Google Podcasts Are you getting every B2B Growth episode in your favorite podcast player? If not, you can easily subscribe & search past episodes here. You can also find us on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.

Sharon Toerek joins us on this week's episode of Agency Journey to discuss common legal pitfalls for digital agencies, revenue-sharing relationships, and much more. A few of the most common legal areas that cause headaches to digital agencies include: 1) Ownership rights to client work 2) Liability and indemnification issues 3) Portfolio display rights 4) Independent contractor agreements

Sharon Toerek is the Principal of Toerek Law. She is an intellectual property and marketing law attorney, with a national firm based in Cleveland, Ohio. She devotes her legal practice to helping creative professionals protect, enforce and monetize their creative assets. Sharon also hosts her own show, The Innovative Agency Podcast. Some things we covered: […]

Most agency owners would put attorneys in the cost column. Until they get into legal trouble. Then, they quickly realize how much they could have ultimately saved if they’d been a little more proactive and worked with an attorney before they got into hot water. But with the right attorney who specializes in agencies and understands our world, you can navigate common legal obstacles while saving hundreds of thousands of dollars. My guest is AMI’s go to attorney, Sharon Toerek. Sharon’s depth of expertise in our world makes her an invaluable resource for agencies who have any sort of legal issue that they’re either trying to proactively resolve or when they’re in a jam. She speaks our language and has spent the last fifteen years carving out her niche. In this episode of Build a Better Agency, Sharon Toerek joins us again to share her expertise and walk us through the new research project that she and her law firm put together, looking at common legal snags that get agencies into trouble. A big thank you to our podcast’s presenting sponsor, White Label IQ. They’re an amazing resource for agencies who want to outsource their design, dev or PPC work at wholesale prices. Check out their special offer (10 free hours!) for podcast listeners here. What You Will Learn in This Episode: The most prevalent legal issues that agency owners are currently facing How to approach client contract negotiations from a legal perspective How to overcome the legal challenges of working with freelancers How to protect your agency from copyright and trademark issues How to move out of the anxious and afraid category by finding an agency attorney you trust Why putting foundational processes in place can make a substantial difference in the way you handle legal issues in your agency How the pandemic will change language in contracts The most worrisome part of Sharon’s research findings The Golden Nuggets:

Hey, everyone, this is Rudy Fernandez from Creative Outhouse. If you're in marketing, Sharon Toerek is someone you want on your side. She's an attorney who specializes in legal challenges Marketing Agencies run into. For example, she talks about the kinds of legal documents you should have ready to go anytime you pitch or approach a new client, and where people in marketing make their biggest mistakes. This episode will make you ask questions like, “Hmm, if a freelancer does work for me, who owns that work?” Well, you know, if you don't have your legal agreements in order, you won't like the answer to that question. Sharon is also the host of the Innovative Agency Podcast, where she talks to the heads of agencies about the trends they see coming. As someone who's an expert in our industry without actually being in it, Sharon gives a unique point of view on what she sees happening. We'll check it out. Welcome to Marketing Upheaval.Rudy: Welcome to Marketing Upheaval. My guest is , Sharon Toerek, founder of Toerek Law in Cleveland, Ohio, and host of the Innovative Agency Podcast. Sharon is an attorney who specializes in helping marketing and advertising people with legal issues such as intellectual property, social marketing, compliance, vendor relationship contracts and so on. Her podcast helps agency heads answer the question: What's next? And I was a guest on her podcast. So I'm very excited to turn the tables and ask her some questions. So thanks for joining me here.Sharon: It's my pleasure. Yes, nice to be on this side of the microphone.Rudy: So you're an attorney, but why the specialization in marketing?Read the full transcript at: https://creativeouthouse.com/2020/02/19/sharon-toerek-of-legal-creative-on-intellectual-property/Hey, thanks for listening. Before we begin the episode, I want to tell you all we have an affiliate partner, Buzzsprout. one of the first things we did when we started this podcast was sign up with Buzzsprout. It makes getting your podcast out into the world easy. Buzzsprout gets your podcasts on every major platform like Apple podcast, Spotify, Google Podcast, Stitcher, all the rest. And they also have videos and tips on improving and promoting your podcast. So if you’re thinking shoot, if he can do a podcast I can too well, you’re right. Go follow link on the show notes for this episode or on our website, and if you sign up with Buzzsprout through that link, you get a $20 Amazon gift card. So check out Buzzsprout if you’re starting a podcast and you want the world to hear your voice. Buzzsprout will make that happen.Buzzsprout - Let's get your podcast launched! Start for FREEDisclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Support the show (http://www.creativeouthouse.com/our-work)

Nobody likes to think about lawyers until they need one. Agency owners are no different, but planning ahead can make a world of difference in the outcome when it comes to legal matters. Sharon Toerek, founder of Toerek Law and host of The Innovative Agency podcast brings a wealth of knowledge and experience on agency legal issues to the latest episode of Chats with Chip. She shares her experience and insight with listeners to help avoid common mistakes.Continue Reading → The post CWC 51: How agencies can avoid common legal mistakes (featuring Sharon Toerek) appeared first on FIR Podcast Network.

Advice on client contracts, freelancer agreements, brand protection, and more

In this episode of the #CX series, Ethan Beute, Chief Evangelist at BombBomb, talks with Sharon Toerek, an intellectual property and marketing law advisor at Legal+Creative about influencer marketing, content creation, and other potential hot spots for marketing on the wrong side of the law. Listen to more episodes of Ethan's podcast, The Customer Experience Podcast! Use the following links to subscribe in your favorite podcast player: Apple Podcasts Spotify Sticher Google Play Google Podcasts

When it comes to marketing, innovation has brought about some great tools. But it’s also brought some new legal challenges marketers have to face. So, how can companies navigate these new legal challenges? On this episode of Predicting The Turn, I'm joined by Sharon Toerek, Principal at Toerek Law. She came on the show to talk through some creative ways companies can turn issues like data privacy into wins for their business.

After “What's the meaning of life?”, here's the next most important question: Do I need permission to repost this? Can't answer the first one for you, but the second one is a gigantic yes. I sat down with Sharon Toerek, Intellectual Property and Marketing Law Attorney who helps creative professionals protect, enforce and monetize their creative assets. Her work with small advertising and marketing entrepreneurs is driven by her understanding of customer experience.  “Customer experience means to me that at the end of the day, at the end of the transaction, did the customer feel heard? Did they feel seen?” Sharon said.

Download Episode Here What are you creating? Whether it’s a business, a book, a marketing campaign, or something else, you’ll want to hear what Sharon Toerek of Legal + Creative has to say. This intellectual property and marketing law attorney shares her journey building a business and how she protects innovators and their ideas. Find Sharon on Twitter @SharonToerek and LinkedIn  /sharontoerek. Visit legalandcreative.com to read about legal issues marketers face every day, like intellectual property rights, social media and content marketing compliance, and relationships. Leaders of Marketing Agencies will want to listen to The Innovative Agency Podcast on iTunes, Libsyn, or www.legalandcreative.com/the-innovative-agency. Stop worrying if your company is vulnerable to lawsuits or liability and schedule a confidential, no-cost CM6 Vulnerability Check with Gertsburg Law Firm. Alex will walk you through the minefields in your documents and key processes and tell you how to fix them yourself. Schedule your CM6 Vulnerability Check today, and explore the full CoverMySix legal audit suite at covermysix.com. SHOW NOTES * 1:05       Where’s Molly? Who is Sharon Toerek? Creation and creating; Using your time effectively and with joy * 20:40    Welcome Sharon; Navigating a less-traveled career path; The business of law and the learning process * 30:40    Reacting to and recovering from challenges; Making difficult decisions and the right decisions in business * 43:55    A legal focus on marketing agencies, trademarks and property law; Finding clients and building a practice in a saturated market * 54:54    What a business needs to know about protecting its ideas; What an Intellectual Property lawyer does; The importance of Non-Disclosure Agreements * 1:07:30 Copyright, what your website’s © should say, and when to register your copyright * 1:15:20 Lightning Round Mentioned in this episode: Strategic Coach, Nancy Santilli, Jump Start, NSBA, GCP Best.Podcast.Ever. is brought to you by The Gertsburg Law Firm, changing the character of the attorney-client relationship in business from a cost-center to a trusted advisor. Drawing from their complex litigation and transactional experiences as members of large law firms, in-house counsel and as business owners themselves, the Gertsburg Law Firm’s award-winning attorneys provide clients the benefit of business lawyers with real-life business experience in a wide variety of industries. Visit gertsburglaw.com to learn more.

In the first episode of our brand new “Duo Podcast” series, Stacy sits down with Sharon Toerek of Toerek Law. Sharon is an intellectual property and marketing law attorney and discusses the legal “do’s” and “do not’s” of Influencer Marketing.

The post EP 31: Top 3 Contractual Gaps for Agencies, with Sharon Toerek appeared first on Kelly Campbell.

Sharon Toerek is an Intellectual Property and Marketing Lawyer with a national practice based in Cleveland, Ohio. What Sharon does best is help Marketing and PR agencies protect their assets and turn their intellectual capital into revenue. Sharon loves the pace and blend of innovation, art, and pop culture that the marketing industry provides. She is looking to recreate that energy in the new podcast, The Innovative Agency. This new podcast will bring together marketing industry thought leaders and agency owners to talk about what is new in the agency industry. The goal of this podcast is to help agencies go farther faster when it comes to their intellectual capital. Stay tuned for more!

Sharon Toerek is an intellectual and property law attorney. Her national firm, Toerek Law, works with clients all over the country, devoting time to helping creative professionals protect, enforce and monetize their creative assets. Sharon consults with clients on legal issues surrounding copywriting, content protection, licensing of creative content, trademark and brand protection, and more. She is the former President of the American Ad Federation (AAF) Cleveland and serves on the American Association of Advertising Agencies (4As) Legal Consultant panel. What you’ll learn about in this episode: The most common legal concerns agencies have The big misperceptions that get agencies into hot water How and why you need to structure agreements with freelancers and clients The Legal and Creative Agency Protection System The big legal issues that are holding agencies back Employees and social media: the policies you need to put in place with your employees to protect your agency Some things you can do at low to no cost to protect your agency legally Resources Sharon provides: Website: www.legalandcreative.com Website: www.agencylegalprotection.com Developed as a result of FAQ’s Sharon was receiving, Agency Legal Protection is a legal toolkit for marketing agencies. Ways to contact Sharon: Email: Sharon@legalandcreative.com Twitter: @SharonToerek We’re proud to announce that Hubspot is now the presenting sponsor of the Build A Better Agency podcast! Many thanks to them for their support!

Sharon Toerek is Principal of Toerek Law, a national intellectual property and marketing law firm focused on helping professionals in the advertising, marketing and creative services industries protect and monetize their intellectual capital, and manage the legal implications of their marketing and advertising work. Toerek is also a frequent speaker to professional organizations, advertising agencies, in-house marketing teams, on marketing industry legal issues.   Secret -- timesaving technique Sharon prepares for tomorrow with a tactical pen to paper approach, which has a calming effect. ONWARD! Daily habit that contributes to success Sharon takes the time to call her family on a daily basis -- it is a great way to show you care. Could have ruined your business -- but now -- an invaluable learning experience Sharon had to learn to make timely decisions -- and Sharon tells the whole story here. Most critical skill you think business owners need to master to be successful “A business owner needs to learn to communicate -- without hiding behind new media platforms.” Most influential lesson learned from a mentor “You learn the most from the people you expect to be the least influential -- recognise it and listen.”     Final Round -- “Breaking Down the Recipe for Success”   What systems would you go back and put into place sooner? I would have gone back and put a system in place to help identify patterns and common problems among clients. What one strategy or “recipe” would compound into big wins for business owners? Business owners who have unwavering confidence in their judgement at all times. How to exceed expectations and add the most value? An individual who can think strategically -- find viable solutions -- and make a difference for our clients. What strategy would you recommend new business owners focus on to best ensure success? Networking Timeliness and Stress Management Finding a Niche How best to connect with Sharon: http://www.legalandcreative.com   You can also find us here: ------ OnwardNation.com ------