Podcasts about Toggl

Do you ever feel like you're doing everything right, yet somehow still falling behind?If you run an independent retail business, you are not imagining things. Between buying stock, managing your team, keeping up with your marketing, handling customer service, and everything else that lands on your desk — the sheer volume of what your job involves would overwhelm anyone.This is not a time management failure. It is simply the reality of running a retail business single-handedly.But there is a question underneath all of this that most retailers never stop to ask, and it is the one that changes everything.Hi, I'm retail strategist and founder of Resilient Retail Club, Catherine Erdly. And in this episode of the Resilient Retail Game Plan, I'm unpacking the framework I use with my one-to-one clients in my Retail by Design programme — a step-by-step approach to understanding how you're really spending your time, building a structure that actually works, and protecting the focused work hours that move your business forward.If you have been telling yourself for months that you will start that project "when things slow down" — this episode is for you. I work with clients who have just two hours a day after the kids are in bed, and clients who get one day a week away from the shop floor. The system I'm sharing works at every capacity level. Listen to the end to discover a clear, practical path out of the overwhelm — and toward a calmer, more intentional, and ultimately more profitable week.Listener Benefits (What You'll Discover)Why most independent retailers have less time than they think — and why that's actually the start of something usefulThe exact time-tracking method that reveals where your hours are really going (with a free tool recommendation)How to build a weekly structure around your BAU tasks so you're not starting from scratch every MondayWhy being "always available" is silently costing you hours every week — and the simple boundaries that fix it

Would you like access to our advanced agency training for FREE? https://www.agencymastery360.com/training Are you charging for execution when clients are about to stop paying for it? Are you building your sales process around your offer instead of around your prospect's trust? Today's featured guest built a growth workshop that converts 78% of buyers into long-term retainer clients. In this episode, she'll get into what that workshop actually contains, why the entry offer might be the thing keeping it from scaling, how to stop your CEO from chasing shiny quarters mid-engagement, and what happens when you position strategy as the product instead of execution. Jen Jurgens is the founder of 1 Bold Step, a revenue operations agency based in Michigan. Her background is in supply chain management, which is where she developed the belief she will die on: sales and marketing is a process, and processes can be measured, improved, and optimized. One Bold Step is a HubSpot partner and works primarily with B2B clients on pipeline growth, campaign optimization, and revenue systems. In this episode, we'll discuss: Focusing on pipeline growth as a primary metric Creating a foot in the door for Jen's growth workshop Selling the process, not the deliverable Subscribe Apple | Spotify | iHeart Radio Sponsors and Resources E2M Solutions: Today's episode of the Smart Agency Masterclass is sponsored by E2M Solutions, a web design and development agency that has provided white-label services for the past 10 years to agencies all over the world. Check out e2msolutions.com/smartagency and get 10% off for the first three months of service. Toggl: Most agencies are losing 15–30% of their profit every year: lack of time tracking, messy manual timesheets, scope creep, untracked revisions, and all those "quick" client requests that never get billed. Toggl has created a fast, interactive way to uncover exactly where your margins are leaking. Start your investigation now at toggl.com/smartagency and use the code SMARTAGENCY10 at checkout for a 10% off annual plans. The Case for Charging for Strategy Before Execution Jen comes at pricing from a supply chain logic: if you can measure the outcome, you can defend the price. Her agency focuses on pipeline growth as its primary client metric because it is the number most directly connected to revenue and the one she can credibly influence within a defined timeframe. Monthly reports go out, and every quarter there is a two-hour retrospective with the client covering what was committed to, what actually happened, what worked, what did not, and what the next 90 days look like. The reason this cadence holds is that it makes the strategic layer of the engagement visible. Most agencies send reports that clients stop reading after the first month because the data is wrapped in jargon and disconnected from business outcomes. Jen's approach is the opposite: tie everything to pipeline, show up in person or on screen quarterly, and use an Agile sprint structure to keep the client's attention from jumping to whatever crossed their desk that morning. That level of structure is the thing clients are actually paying for, and most of them do not know it until it is explained to them directly. Why Your Entry Offer Might Be the Reason Deals Stall Jen's growth workshop has a 78% conversion rate from buyer to long-term retainer. That is a strong number. The problem is on the other side of the funnel: getting prospects to say yes to the workshop in the first place. The workshop is currently priced between $10,000 and $15,000, takes 100 to 120 hours of agency time to deliver, and goes deep enough that Jen describes it as showing clients not just what they want but what they actually need. It is comprehensive. It is also a significant ask before any trust has been established. The Foot-in-the-Door principle exists precisely for this situation. A $10,000 to $15,000 entry requires founder-level credibility to close and has no on-ramp for prospects who are not yet convinced. What it needs is a smaller version that a prospect can say yes to at low risk, that delivers a real insight in a short window, and that makes the full workshop the obvious next step rather than a leap of faith. The mechanics are straightforward: charge $1,000 to $2,000 for a focused diagnostic session, frame it as a mutual qualifier, and let the output do the selling. The trust the mini-session builds is what removes the friction from the larger close. Selling the Process, Not the Deliverable Jen describes what she actually does in the growth workshop as taking the client's assumptions about what is blocking their growth and replacing them with what is actually blocking their growth. Nine times out of ten, a CEO who says they need more leads is sitting on an unconverted database, a sales team sitting on two-year-old proposals, or five product lines with no prioritization. More leads into a leaky bucket is not a solution. The reason this framing is powerful is not just diagnostic accuracy. It is positioning. When Jen walks into a growth workshop, she is not selling marketing services. She is functioning as a strategic operator who knows how revenue systems work and is willing to tell the client something they did not ask to hear. That is a fundamentally different position than an agency responding to an RFP. The clients who pay $10,000 to $15,000 for that workshop are not buying a deliverable. They are buying the read, and the confidence that what comes next will be built on something real. Pricing for Strategy When AI Is Changing What Execution Costs The conversation landed on a reality every agency is navigating right now. Execution is getting cheaper and faster. Four websites in three hours is not hypothetical anymore. Clients who used to pay for time spent are starting to ask why the price has not moved if the time has. The answer is not to lower prices. The answer is to make the case clearly that what they are paying for was never the hours. It was the 20 or 30 years of judgment that knows which inputs to use, which levers to pull, and what not to build. Jen's framing for clients who push back on process costs is direct: you can manage this yourself and be the general contractor on your own build. But you will not, because you do not have the time, and if you did, you would not need us. Agencies that can hold that position without flinching are the ones that will not have their margins compressed by AI. The ones that cannot articulate what strategy is worth beyond hours delivered are already in trouble. Do You Want to Transform Your Agency from a Liability to an Asset? Looking to dig deeper into your agency's potential? Check out our Agency Blueprint. Designed for agency owners like you, our Agency Blueprint helps you uncover growth opportunities, tackle obstacles, and craft a customized blueprint for your agency's success.

Would you like access to our advanced agency training for FREE? https://www.agencymastery360.com/training Are your account managers drowning because you never built the system around them? Are you still the one clients call when something goes sideways, even though you hired someone to handle that? In seven years, today's featured guest and her co-founder built a team of six and developed an account management structure that worked well enough to earn a speaking slot at Elevate. She'll break down the exact touchpoint cadence her agency uses to retain clients and grow accounts, what she looks for when hiring account managers, and what it took to actually get out of the way. She'll also share what makes a co-founder partnership work when so many of them fail. Michelle Keckler is the co-founder of KNC Marketing, a full-service digital marketing agency based in Nashville, Tennessee. She and her co-founder Danielle launched the agency after Danielle was laid off from a company they both worked at. Within two months they had enough clients for Michelle to leave her corporate job. Michelle spoke at Elevate and has been a member of the Agency Mastery Mastermind. Her focus inside the agency is on client relationships, account management structure, and building a team that can own outcomes without founder involvement. In this episode, we'll discuss: How to set your account managers for success What to look for in an account manager Why letting go is not a one-time decision Subscribe Apple | Spotify | iHeart Radio Sponsors and Resources E2M Solutions: Today's episode of the Smart Agency Masterclass is sponsored by E2M Solutions, a web design and development agency that has provided white-label services for the past 10 years to agencies all over the world. Check out e2msolutions.com/smartagency and get 10% off for the first three months of service. Toggl: Most agencies are losing 15–30% of their profit every year: lack of time tracking, messy manual timesheets, scope creep, untracked revisions, and all those "quick" client requests that never get billed. Toggl has created a fast, interactive way to uncover exactly where your margins are leaking. Start your investigation now at toggl.com/smartagency and use the code SMARTAGENCY10 at checkout for a 10% off annual plans. The Account Management System That Actually Retains Clients For Michelle, the first step to setting her account manager for success is to hand off ownership of that account to them right away and make that clear to the client. After that, they rely on a structured cadence built around three consistent touchpoints: weekly status updates so clients always know where things stand, monthly meetings to review campaign metrics and look at the next 30, 60, and 90 days, and quarterly business reviews that step above the day-to-day to assess overall direction and impact. What makes the cadence work is not the frequency. It is what happens inside each touchpoint. Michelle is specific about this: the monthly meeting is more than just a metrics review. It is an opportunity to ask the client what has changed in their business, whether they made a key hire, lost a team member, or landed a new account that shifts priorities. Often agencies get so focused on delivering the work that they stop asking questions that would help them serve the client better. That gap is where accounts quietly go sideways before anyone notices. Who to Hire for Account Management (And What to Actually Look For) Account management is one of the hardest roles to hire for because it requires a combination of skills that rarely come packaged together. Michelle is direct about this: you are looking for someone who can sit in a room with a client, speak confidently about the work, handle a difficult pricing conversation, and bring enough business understanding back to the internal team to actually inform strategy. She calls it a unicorn role, and she means it. What she's learned through experience is that marketing background matters less than business acumen and leadership mindset. Several of their best account managers came from strong business backgrounds with no formal marketing experience. They hired for values alignment and problem-solving ability, then trained the rest. The interview process shifted from culture-fit questions toward situational ones: how would you handle a frustrated client, tell me about a hard conversation you navigated. Knowledge can be taught. The instinct to lead a client relationship under pressure cannot. Getting Out of the Way Is a Decision You Have to Make More Than Once Michelle is honest about the fact that letting go of account management was not a one-time decision. It was a pattern she had to interrupt repeatedly. Early on she stayed involved because she knew her first hire personally. As the team grew, the justification changed but the behavior did not. advice from Darby, Agency Mastery's Agency Scale Specialist, to take the floaties off and let her people swim, stuck with her because it named the real problem: the systems were in place, the people were qualified, and she was still hovering. The practical shift that made the difference was removing a bottleneck in the operations structure. Danielle had been handling project management as an additional layer between account managers and the internal team. Moving project management back to the account management team eliminated a handoff, sped up delivery, and forced the account managers to own the full outcome of each client relationship. That structural change did more than any mindset shift could on its own. The role became clearer, the accountability became cleaner, and the team stepped into it. What Makes a Co-Founder Partnership Actually Work Michelle and Danielle are cousins who have built a seven-year agency together, which puts them in a small category. Michelle is candid about why she believes many partnerships fail and why theirs has not. The foundation is shared values and a shared goal for the business. The operating reality is that they have very different personalities, and that difference is a feature, not a bug. Danielle is the fast implementer. Michelle is the one who wants to think it through. One is the gas, one is the brake, and the business has avoided several train wrecks as a result. What she is clear about is that a partnership is not a shortcut. It requires the same kind of honest communication and tolerance for imperfection that any long-term relationship does. There will be stretches where one partner is carrying more than the other. There will be disagreements about pace, direction, and priorities. What matters is that both people want what is best for the business and the team, and can say the hard thing to each other when it needs to be said. Michelle is not selling the partnership model to everyone. She is saying that if you find someone with complementary strengths and the same core values, do not let the fear of conflict talk you out of it. Do You Want to Transform Your Agency from a Liability to an Asset? Looking to dig deeper into your agency's potential? Check out our Agency Blueprint. Designed for agency owners like you, our Agency Blueprint helps you uncover growth opportunities, tackle obstacles, and craft a customized blueprint for your agency's success.

Would you like access to our advanced agency training for FREE? https://www.agencymastery360.com/training What if hiring smart people and getting out of your way was not enough to build a self-managing agency? Today's featured guest will talk through the decisions most agency owners get wrong: when to stay involved, when to let go, and how the absence of rigor compounds into structural problems you won't even notice until you're stuck. He'll talk about how bad hiring decisions led him to become the bottleneck, how he's trying to fix that, as well as why your "number" for how much your agency is worth is probably based on nothing, and the one financial habit that gives you genuine optionality. Scott Leff is the founder of Leff, a B2B content marketing agency serving global professional services firms and nonprofits for over 16 years. His background spans business communications working as a managing director for a big brand, as well as a 22-month stint leading communications for Chicago's bid for the 2016 Olympic Games. When the bid failed in the first round, he found himself in a period of reinvention. With the gig economy just taking off, he decided it was time to hang up his shingle. He started to take freelance work, which eventually led to hiring and forming his own business. This agency grew steadily, exploded during COVID, and is now navigating the reassessment most established agencies are facing in a shifting market. In this episode, we'll discuss: Why becoming the bottleneck isn't always about control The hiring rigor every owner should have Which metrics are you tracking? Why declining revenue doesn't equal failure Subscribe Apple | Spotify | iHeart Radio Sponsors and Resources E2M Solutions: Today's episode of the Smart Agency Masterclass is sponsored by E2M Solutions, a web design and development agency that has provided white-label services for the past 10 years to agencies all over the world. Check out e2msolutions.com/smartagency and get 10% off for the first three months of service. Toggl: Most agencies are losing 15–30% of their profit every year: lack of time tracking, messy manual timesheets, scope creep, untracked revisions, and all those "quick" client requests that never get billed. Toggl has created a fast, interactive way to uncover exactly where your margins are leaking. Start your investigation now at toggl.com/smartagency and use the code SMARTAGENCY10 at checkout for a 10% off annual plans. Knowing What You Should Never Have Delegated For the first ten-plus years of his agency business, every meaningful decision flowed through Scott or his business partner. That wasn't always a problem, but as the agency grew and decision-making had to push down through a management layer, cracks formed. Not because the team was incapable, but because they were being handed authority without the context, direction, or support to use it well. Hiring is the clearest example Scott points to. He gave department managers the autonomy to bring in their own people, which was a reasonable call on paper. But in a culture-driven organization like an agency, where your people are both your product and 80% of your overhead, that's the one decision you can't outsource and expect to get right. The fix wasn't micromanaging the process. It was figuring out the specific places where the founder's perspective is irreplaceable, and staying in the conversation there, even when it's uncomfortable to be involved. Hiring Rigor Is Not Optional and Most Agencies Are Winging It Scott attended a conference session led by someone who'd overseen hiring at Amazon and other large organizations. The biggest takeaway was a story about Jeff Bezos showing up to a debrief with three to four pages of handwritten notes on candidates, while everyone else showed up with nothing. That level of intentionality is what most agencies are missing entirely. The real problem isn't that agency owners don't care about hiring. It's that they go in underprepared, unclear on exactly what they're looking for, leaning on gut instinct, and writing role descriptions that don't reflect the actual job. To ensure you're getting applications from candidates that truly align with your agency and the required role, every part of the hiring process should be a test. Attention to detail? Bury the real application instructions at the bottom of the job post and see who finds them. Hiring a senior exec? Don't tell them much, give them a week and ask them to come back with a 90-day success plan. If they dive into answers before they ask a single question, that tells you everything. The point isn't the process for its own sake. It's that rigor on the front end reduces the cost of being wrong, and in an agency, being wrong on a hire is expensive for a long time. Watch Who You're Hiring From: Big Agency Talent Doesn't Always Travel Well There's a version of agency hiring that looks like a smart move: pull experienced people from larger, more established shops and let them install what's already working somewhere else. Here's why that doesn't work: You end up with talented people who are skilled at operating inside infrastructure, not building it. When there's no large team to direct, no resource pool to draw from, no SOP baked in for the last decade, they stall. The answer when things aren't cut and dried can be "that's not my job." And then it's nobody's job. Scott saw a version of this play out during the Olympic bid. Big consulting firms had seconded teams into the organization, and the ones who thrived were the ones who could operate in ambiguity. The ones who couldn't were waiting for a structure that was never going to show up. The lesson isn't that experienced people from large agencies are bad hires. It's that the ability to figure things out without a system to lean on is the filter. And you have to test for it explicitly, because someone's resume will not tell you whether they have it. Declining Revenue Doesn't Equal Failure, but You Have to Know What You're Actually Measuring Your revenue may seem like the only metric that felt like it matters when it's going up every year. However, a modest drop of five or ten percent, can be a big psychological blow even though profit improves and client impact is strong. That's a vanity metric doing its job: making growth feel like identity. Scott hit a similar inflection point when a former client asked him a simple question, why are you growing? Scott didn't have a clean answer. He'd been operating on the assumption that growth was inherently the goal, not a means to something else. The conversation points to a structural reality: if revenue is the only number you track, you'll optimize for it even when it costs you margin, leverage, and time. The healthier question is whether the agency is building toward the outcome you actually want, more optionality, a sellable asset, or just more control over your calendar. Revenue is a lagging indicator of that. Not the scoreboard. The Decision to Sell Your Agency Has Nothing to Do With Your Number Most agency owners carry a number in their head of what they want to walk away with when they sell. The problem is that the number is usually arbitrary, the market timing is unpredictable, and nobody warned them about the identity crisis that hits the week after closing. The right time to sell isn't a target revenue year or a specific EBITDA multiple. It's when you know exactly what you're walking toward and when the thought of running the agency has stopped feeling like a challenge and started feeling like a weight you've been carrying for six months straight. On the valuation side, Scott's question about what agency owners get wrong surfaced a hard truth: if your EBITDA is under a million dollars, your multiple takes a significant hit, and the buyer math looks very different than what you've been calculating off top-line revenue. Build the foundation like you intend to sell it. Get rid of what you hate. Make it structurally independent. Then you have real options,  whether or not you ever actually sell. Do You Want to Transform Your Agency from a Liability to an Asset? Looking to dig deeper into your agency's potential? Check out our Agency Blueprint. Designed for agency owners like you, our Agency Blueprint helps you uncover growth opportunities, tackle obstacles, and craft a customized blueprint for your agency's success.

Would you like access to our advanced agency training for FREE? https://www.agencymastery360.com/training How can you build an agency that outlasts your involvement in it? And what happens to your identity when you finally make that shift? Over the course of 22 years, today's featured guest grew a one-person freelance operation into a full-service digital agency doing eight figures and then sold it. In this conversation, he'll unpack the real lessons from that journey: the painful transitions between operator, manager, and architect, the hiring decision that finally unlocked his ability to step back from the work he loved, and why the question isn't just who you need on your team — it's who you need to become. Dave Benton is the founder and former CEO of Metajive, a full-service digital agency specializing in complex digital products and platforms. With over two decades of experience, Dave built his agency from freelance beginnings into an eight-figure business, eventually leading to a successful exit. Today, Dave is focused on innovation, particularly in AI, and how agencies must evolve structurally to remain competitive in a rapidly shifting landscape. In this episode, we'll discuss: Operator to owner evolution Recurring revenue as a growth lever AI as an operational requirement, not a competitive advantage Subscribe Apple | Spotify | iHeart Radio Sponsors and Resources E2M Solutions: Today's episode of the Smart Agency Masterclass is sponsored by E2M Solutions, a web design and development agency that has provided white-label services for the past 10 years to agencies all over the world. Check out e2msolutions.com/smartagency and get 10% off for the first three months of service. Toggl: Most agencies are losing 15–30% of their profit every year: lack of time tracking, messy manual timesheets, scope creep, untracked revisions, and all those "quick" client requests that never get billed. Toggl has created a fast, interactive way to uncover exactly where your margins are leaking. Start your investigation now at toggl.com/smartagency and use the code SMARTAGENCY10 at checkout for a 10% off annual plans. When Freelancing Becomes a Business Building an agency wasn't a single decision for Dave. It was an evolution that happened only after making several key decisions. It took him nearly eight years before the business truly felt like a company, not just a collection of projects and contractors. This delay wasn't due to lack of opportunity, but rather the absence of structural clarity. Like many founders, he initially relied on freelancers and partnerships to extend capacity. It wasn't until he introduced stability, through a small team and operational support, that the business began to compound. His experience reinforces a critical principle: agencies don't become scalable when revenue increases, but when structure stabilizes. The key mistake many founders make at this stage is avoiding the discomfort of responsibility. Hiring a team introduces fixed obligations in a variable revenue model, which forces a shift in thinking. The Founder Evolution Problem (Operator → Architect) Dave candidly describes this transition as "slow and painful," largely because he attempted to skip stages, trying to build a leadership team before the business could support it. This misalignment is common. Founders hear advice like "hire great people" or "get the right people on the bus," but apply it prematurely. Without the revenue, clarity, or systems to support those hires, it leads to inefficiency and frustration. The business must earn the right to complexity. Dave also dealt with the challenge of redefining his identity within the agency. He deeply identified as a creative director, which made delegation difficult because of his personal attachment to the work. This is the hidden bottleneck in most agencies: the founder's self-concept. The breakthrough came when he hired an exceptional executive creative director, someone good enough to replace him at a level he respected. This evolution required letting go of control, redefining his role, and shifting focus from output to system design. That transition, from doing the work to building the machine, is where real scale begins. Recurring Revenue and Stability as a Growth Multiplier Another critical unlock Dave shares is the role of recurring revenue in accelerating growth. His agency's trajectory changed significantly when they secured a long-term relationship with a major enterprise client, embedding a dedicated team within that organization. This shift introduced predictability, which is often underestimated in agency growth. Project-based revenue creates constant volatility, forcing founders to stay involved in sales and delivery. Recurring revenue, on the other hand, creates operational breathing room, allowing leadership to focus on systems, talent, and long-term strategy. Stability reduces decision fatigue, smooths cash flow, and enables more strategic hiring. Without it, agencies remain reactive. With it, they can become intentional. AI Is the New Baseline Both Jason and Dave challenge the common narrative that AI is a competitive edge. Instead, they position it as a requirement, similar to the shift from traditional to digital agencies years ago. Dave shares several striking data points: a growing percentage of B2B buying journeys now begin with AI-driven platforms, and a majority of deals are effectively decided before human interaction even begins. This changes the game entirely. If your agency isn't visible or credible within these AI ecosystems, you're excluded before the sales process starts. Internally, AI adoption requires structural integration and must go beyond tools. Dave's agency is experimenting with agents across functions, from development to QA to leadership coaching. The goal isn't efficiency alone, but capability expansion: turning team members into orchestrators rather than executors. However, this transition introduces a leadership challenge. Founders must balance urgency with stability, pushing teams to adopt AI without creating fear around job security. The agencies that succeed will be those that reframe AI as an amplifier of talent, not a replacement for it. Building an AI-Enabled Organization (Not Just Using AI) Many founders are using AI to enhance their own performance, but failing to distribute that capability across the organization. This creates a bottleneck, where the founder becomes even more central, not less. Dave is actively working to avoid this by equipping every department with tailored AI tools and training. Developers, designers, and producers each have different use cases, and the goal is to elevate the entire system, not just individual output. This aligns with a broader shift in agency structure: from teams of executors to teams of orchestrators. The future agency isn't defined by how many people it employs, but by how effectively those people leverage systems and automation to produce outcomes. The long-term implication is that agencies that fail to operationalize AI will face margin compression and reduced competitiveness. Those that integrate it deeply will unlock new levels of scale without proportional increases in headcount. Do You Want to Transform Your Agency from a Liability to an Asset? Looking to dig deeper into your agency's potential? Check out our Agency Blueprint. Designed for agency owners like you, our Agency Blueprint helps you uncover growth opportunities, tackle obstacles, and craft a customized blueprint for your agency's success.

Would you like access to our advanced agency training for FREE? https://www.agencymastery360.com/training Does growth break agencies or does it expose underlying issues? It happens more often that founders expect. Even with momentum, scrappy decisions, loose roles, and unspoken agreements eventually become the very thing that holds the business back. And by the time it's visible, it's no longer a small fix. It's structural. Today's featured guest pulls back the curtain on that transition. He dives into the messy reality of starting an agency, navigating partner exits, building leadership layers, and the constant internal battle founders face when trying to let go. This isn't about tactics, it's about identity, structure, and the discipline required to stop being the bottleneck. Matt Nelson is the owner of First Tracks Marketing, an agency specializing in e-commerce, web development, and digital marketing programs. Unlike many agencies that niche down aggressively, Matt has built his firm around a repeatable process that adapts across industries. Over the years, he transitioned from being an employee to the sole owner, buying out partners, rebuilding the company's structure, and installing a leadership team that allows him to step back from day-to-day operations. In this episode, we'll discuss: How he learned to create a proper framework for a partner exit The lack of vision in his agency's early days The most significant shift: A leadership layer Two CEO traps that mess with the agency's growth Subscribe Apple | Spotify | iHeart Radio Sponsors and Resources E2M Solutions: Today's episode of the Smart Agency Masterclass is sponsored by E2M Solutions, a web design and development agency that has provided white-label services for the past 10 years to agencies all over the world. Check out e2msolutions.com/smartagency and get 10% off for the first three months of service. Toggl: Most agencies are losing 15–30% of their profit every year: lack of time tracking, messy manual timesheets, scope creep, untracked revisions, and all those "quick" client requests that never get billed. Toggl has created a fast, interactive way to uncover exactly where your margins are leaking. Start your investigation now at toggl.com/smartagency and use the code SMARTAGENCY10 at checkout for a 10% off annual plans. A Reactive Start That Created Complexity Down the Line Matt didn't start his agency with a grand strategy. Like many founders, it began out of frustration, leaving a poorly run agency and deciding to "figure it out" on his own. In his case, he worked at an agency that resisted change. In 2008, they still regarded digital work as a fad they would outlast. This frustrated Matt, who sensed this technology was the future of agencies. He wasn't the only one who felt this way, so he joined a couple of co-workers who decided to leave, rented an office across the street, and started their own business. This group had the vision but lacked structure, and this was evident early on. There were no operating agreements, unclear roles, and partners bringing in uneven value. At the time, it worked because momentum masked the problems. But as the business grew, those gaps became liabilities. This is where most founders get caught. They assume early success equals a solid foundation. In reality, early-stage growth often hides structural weaknesses, until scale forces those issues to the surface. If you don't build structure early, you'll pay for it later, either in painful partner exits, stalled growth, or both. Partner Misalignment Is a Structural Risk, Not a Personal Issue As the current sole owner, Matt has had to navigate multiple partner exits in the years since joining the business as an employee. These mostly happened not because of conflict, but because of misalignment. Different timelines. Different expectations. Different levels of contribution. The first exit was messy because there was no framework. There was no agreement or predefined process. Just emotion and negotiation. The second exit was different. By then, they had implemented an operating agreement, defined terms, and created a clear path for transition. That structure turned what could have been chaos into a controlled process. Most founders avoid these conversations early because things feel "fine." But without clear agreements, you're building risk into the business from day one. Why Lack of Vision Breaks Agencies Before Matt became the sole owner, the agency lacked a clear direction. They were doing good work and clients were happy. But there was no defined trajectory. That's a dangerous place to be. When there's no vision, the business defaults to activity. Projects get done. Revenue comes in. But nothing compounds. Matt's turning point came when he pushed for a strategic shift, relocating the agency to access better talent and reduce costs. He was thinking beyond execution and into positioning, hiring, and scalability. This is where founders start to separate. Operators focus on output. Leaders focus on direction. You Don't Scale Until You Build Leaders Under You The biggest shift in Matt's agency came when he installed a leadership layer: Creative Director Director of Development Director of Marketing Each owns a function, manages their own team, and is accountable for outcomes. It's a shift many founders resist. They hire doers, but not leaders, and then wonder why everything still runs through them. But real scale happens when decisions are pushed down, not escalated up. That's the difference between having a team and having a business that runs. Letting Go Isn't a Skill, It's a Discipline Even with structure in place, Matt still feels the pull to jump back in. Checking tickets. Fixing issues. Responding to clients. That instinct doesn't go away. What changes is how you manage it. Instead of stepping in directly, he routes issues through his leadership team and tries to reinforce accountability. It's still difficult for him and it's a point where most founders regress. They install systems, but break them under pressure. Choosing not to step in, even when you could, is about restraint. Because every time you do, you train the business to depend on you again. The CEO Trap… Boredom or Interference? Once you reach the CEO level, there are two ways you can get in the way of your agency's success: You jump back in to feel needed. You disengage because you feel irrelevant. Both break the business. Matt's solution has been creating structured involvement, quarterly planning, defining "rocks," and aligning the leadership team around long-term direction. This keeps him engaged at the right level, without collapsing back into execution. The goal isn't to remove yourself completely. It's to operate at the level the business actually needs. Incentives Drive Behavior, Not Motivation Matt is very aware that the agency's success lies with the team and their involvement and motivation. That's why he implemented a profit-sharing model. Not as a perk, but as alignment. When the team benefits directly from performance, they think differently. They take ownership. They care about outcomes, not just tasks. Most agencies struggle with engagement because there's no connection between effort and reward. With this model, he's managed to flip that. If the business wins, the team wins first. Do You Want to Transform Your Agency from a Liability to an Asset? Looking to dig deeper into your agency's potential? Check out our Agency Blueprint. Designed for agency owners like you, our Agency Blueprint helps you uncover growth opportunities, tackle obstacles, and craft a customized blueprint for your agency's success.

Would you like access to our advanced agency training for FREE? https://www.agencymastery360.com/training Are you struggling to scale your agency or are you unknowingly the thing holding it back? At what point does your growth stop being a systems problem and start becoming a leadership one? Today's guest shares what it to break through those ceilings. After scaling quickly off the back of a strong network, he made the critical decision to systemize everything before growth turned him into the bottleneck. By leveraging documentation in a smart, intentional way, he built a foundation that allowed the agency to grow without everything running through him. In this conversation, he unpacks the realities of working with enterprise clients, the often uncomfortable shift from operator to CEO, and why—despite all the noise, AI is actually increasing the need for human judgment, taste, and leadership, not replacing it. Ted Harrison is the CEO and founder of Neuemotion, a fast-growing B2B creative agency working with enterprise brands. Before launching his agency, he spent seven years at Twitter (later X), where he led advertiser production, helping global brands create better-performing content at scale. After navigating the chaos of a major corporate transition, Ted left to build an agency where he could control decisions, scale creative impact, and architect a business on his own terms. In this episode, we'll discuss: Avoiding the trap of confusing early traction with a scalable model Leveraging documentation early Enterprise clients as a double-edged sword Subscribe Apple | Spotify | iHeart Radio Sponsors and Resources E2M Solutions: Today's episode of the Smart Agency Masterclass is sponsored by E2M Solutions, a web design and development agency that has provided white-label services for the past 10 years to agencies all over the world. Check out e2msolutions.com/smartagency and get 10% off for the first three months of service. Toggl: Most agencies are losing 15–30% of their profit every year: lack of time tracking, messy manual timesheets, scope creep, untracked revisions, and all those "quick" client requests that never get billed. Toggl has created a fast, interactive way to uncover exactly where your margins are leaking. Start your investigation now at toggl.com/smartagency and use the code SMARTAGENCY10 at checkout for a 10% off annual plans. The Hidden Trap of Scaling Expertise Leaving Twitter a year after the acquisition ultimately created opportunities for Ted's newly founded agency. Many had left long before him, had already found new jobs, and proved to be valuable contacts for potential clients. Ted tapped into this powerful network, and the access to enterprise clients helped him build momentum and fast growth. However, that same advantage creates a structural risk: those clients don't initially trust the agency, they trust you. This is where most founders get stuck. They confuse early traction with a scalable model. In reality, they've just extended their personal brand into a slightly larger container. The real challenge is transferring trust. If you don't systemize your thinking, your decision-making, and your taste, every new client reinforces dependency. The agency grows, but so does the founder's involvement. And eventually, growth slows, not because of demand, but because of capacity. Documentation as a Scaling Weapon (Not a Nice-to-Have) Luckily for Ted, by the time he started the agency, he already understood the importance of documenting processes, which has helped him greatly as he initiates his transition out of operations. Instead of relying on shadowing, tribal knowledge, or ad hoc training, Ted documented his thinking through a book, internal frameworks, and structured onboarding. Every new team member consumes that context upfront. This does two things most agencies miss: First, it compresses onboarding time. Instead of months of "figuring it out," team members immediately understand how decisions get made. Second, it creates consistency without rigidity. The team isn't copying Ted, but they're operating from the same mental model. This is the difference between delegation and true scale. Without documentation, you're forced to stay involved because no one else "thinks like you." With it, you create a system where people can make aligned decisions independently, while still bringing their own perspective. The Operator → CEO Shift Is Uncomfortable (But Necessary) Ted is currently in the most dangerous phase for any founder: the transition from doing to leading. At ~20–30 employees, the cracks start to show. You can't be in every decision. You can't touch every client. And you can't be the quality control layer anymore. This is where many founders regress. They step back in when things break. They reinsert themselves into delivery. They become the "fixer" again. But that behavior reinforces the very bottleneck they're trying to escape. The real shift is identity, not activity. As an operator, your value comes from execution. As a CEO, your value comes from clarity, structure, and direction. If you don't make that shift intentionally, the agency will stall right at the point where it should scale. AI Is Not Replacing Agencies, It's Exposing Them At his agency, Ted's team is using AI in two ways. At the client level, they're mostly building agents, using it to clean up audio and video, and using its output as a starting point. Internally, they have their own "TedGPT", which has proven to be a great tool to scale knowledge. When it comes to how his enterprise clients are using it, Ted has seen that rather than replacing agencies with AI, they're hiring agencies to fix what AI broke. Why is this? Because AI lacks taste, context, and lived experience. It can generate and optimize. But it can't decide what matters. That's where agencies still win, if they position correctly. The real risk for agencies is doing work that AI can replace. Low-level execution, undifferentiated production, and generic output are already commoditized. Enterprise Clients Are a Double-Edged Sword Something Ted wishes he'd known before working with enterprise clients is that it introduces a level of complexity most founders underestimate. Long payment terms. Free pitch work. Endless stakeholder input. Constant shifting priorities. It's both harder and structurally different. Like most founders who have worked with enterprise clients, Ted eventually realized that the bigger the client, the more operational friction you inherit. That doesn't mean you shouldn't work with them, but it does meanyou need to build systems that protect your agency from them. Without strong positioning, pricing discipline, and process control, enterprise clients will consume your team, and your margins. Do You Want to Transform Your Agency from a Liability to an Asset? Looking to dig deeper into your agency's potential? Check out our Agency Blueprint. Designed for agency owners like you, our Agency Blueprint helps you uncover growth opportunities, tackle obstacles, and craft a customized blueprint for your agency's success.

Would you like access to our advanced agency training for FREE? https://www.agencymastery360.com/training Are agencies becoming obsolete? We don't think so. However, the traditional agency model isn't just evolving, it's breaking. Today's featured guest believes the core of every business is dying and that agencies that want to adapt and win need to adopt the mindset of rebuilders. He shares why agencies have been in decline for over two decades and what it actually takes to rebuild a business that survives AI, commoditization, and shifting client expectations. Tactics alone won't help because, at its core, this shift is about identity, positioning, and stepping into a new role as someone who doesn't cling to the old model but actively creates the next one. Jonathan Lewis is the President of McKee Wallwork, a brand strategy and implementation firm. Starting as an unpaid intern, Jonathan worked his way up to eventually acquiring the agency from its founders. Over the past decade, he's led the firm through a major repositioning, moving away from traditional agency work toward upstream strategic advisory. His perspective is shaped by firsthand experience navigating succession, industry decline, and the current AI-driven disruption. In this episode, we'll discuss: The declining agency model Why identity is the real problem Moving upstream The rebuilder mindset Subscribe Apple | Spotify | iHeart Radio Sponsors and Resources E2M Solutions: Today's episode of the Smart Agency Masterclass is sponsored by E2M Solutions, a web design and development agency that has provided white-label services for the past 10 years to agencies all over the world. Check out e2msolutions.com/smartagency and get 10% off for the first three months of service. Toggl: Most agencies are losing 15–30% of their profit every year: lack of time tracking, messy manual timesheets, scope creep, untracked revisions, and all those "quick" client requests that never get billed. Toggl has created a fast, interactive way to uncover exactly where your margins are leaking. Start your investigation now at toggl.com/smartagency and use the code SMARTAGENCY10 at checkout for a 10% off annual plans. The Agency Model Has Been in Decline for Years Most agency owners think the pressure they're feeling is recent, but it's not. Jonathan makes a strong case that the traditional agency model has been declining since the early 2000s, starting with the collapse of mass media dominance and accelerating through the rise of the internet, social media, and now AI. The old model was simple: control distribution, create decent creative, and scale results through reach. That model is gone. Today, agencies are fighting for perceived value in a world where clients question everything: speed, cost, necessity, and even whether they need an agency at all. This shows up in commoditized RFPs, price pressure, and constant comparison to cheaper or faster alternatives. The frustration many founders feel isn't personal failure; it's structural misalignment. They're trying to win using a model that no longer works the way it used to. The Real Problem Isn't AI, It's Identity A lot of agency owners are blaming AI for the disruption. That's not the real issue. The deeper problem is identity. Most agencies are built by craftspeople, designers, developers, media buyers who tie their value to the tools they use. When those tools become automated or commoditized, it creates an identity crisis. If your value is "I build websites" or "I run ads," you're in trouble. Because now those things can be done faster, cheaper, and in some cases better, without you. Your value is not the tool. Your value is the thinking before and after the tool, the judgment, the strategy, the ability to define what should be built and why. Moving Upstream: From Execution to Worldview In 2018, Jonathan and his team made a critical shift. They stopped trying to compete on execution and moved upstream into strategy, specifically, helping clients define their worldview. This is where things get interesting. AI can generate outputs. It can execute tasks. But it still depends on inputs, the prompt, the context, the perspective. That's where agencies have leverage. Instead of being the ones producing deliverables, they became the ones shaping direction. Helping clients answer: Who are we? What do we stand for? Who are we actually trying to reach? What matters most? From there, everything downstream becomes easier, whether it's done by internal teams, AI, or external vendors. This shift moves the agency from vendor to strategic partner. And more importantly, it removes them from the commodity trap. AI Is a Multiplier, Not a Replacement Jonathan takes a grounded view of AI. AI increases productivity dramatically. But historically, when something becomes more accessible, demand increases. Lower cost per unit doesn't eliminate demand; it expands it. The opportunity isn't in resisting AI. It's in integrating it while strengthening the human layer around it. You can use AI to analyze markets, generate insights, and accelerate content creation, not to replace thinking, but to enhance it. The real advantage comes from combining: Pattern recognition (AI) Judgment (human) Perspective (worldview) Agencies that only use AI for execution will get commoditized. Agencies that use AI to amplify strategic thinking will gain leverage. The "Rebuilder" Mindset Jonathan wrote a book around the idea of becoming a "rebuilder" because that's how he sees people getting through these times of reckoning in the business. Every major shift, from the internet, social media, COVID, and AI, breaks existing models. Most people respond by resisting, waiting, or reacting. Rebuilders do something different. They accept that the old model is broken and take responsibility for creating the next one. That means: Rethinking how you create value Redefining your role in the business Rebuilding your offer, positioning, and delivery model Leading your team through uncertainty instead of avoiding it It's ownership at a different level. And it's the difference between agencies that survive disruption and those that disappear with it. Do You Want to Transform Your Agency from a Liability to an Asset? Looking to dig deeper into your agency's potential? Check out our Agency Blueprint. Designed for agency owners like you, our Agency Blueprint helps you uncover growth opportunities, tackle obstacles, and craft a customized blueprint for your agency's success.

  Have you ever wondered how to strike that balance between managing your team and ensuring success for your clients? Today's featured guest is here to talk about what it actually takes to evolve from doing the work to building a team that can win without you. The conversation cuts through common agency myths, like hiring better clients first or relying on RFPs, and instead exposes the real drivers of growth: team strength, leadership evolution, and structural leverage. Matt Kovacs is the president of Blaze PR, a boutique agency for lifestyle brands hungry for a piece of the market share. Kovacs brings a grounded, operator-to-leader perspective shaped by years of building and scaling a lifestyle PR agency across industries like CPG, restaurants, and real estate. His focus is on people, systems, and the subtle shifts that move an agency from founder-reliant to team-driven. In this episode, we'll discuss: Which comes first, better clients or a better team? The founder evolution from doer to developer of people How Matt's team is integrating AI Subscribe Apple | Spotify | iHeart Radio Sponsors and Resources E2M Solutions: Today's episode of the Smart Agency Masterclass is sponsored by E2M Solutions, a web design, and development agency that has provided white-label services for the past 10 years to agencies all over the world. Check out e2msolutions.com/smartagency and get 10% off for the first three months of service. Toggl: Most agencies are losing 15–30% of their profit every year: lack of time tracking, messy manual timesheets, scope creep, untracked revisions, and all those "quick" client requests that never get billed. Toggl has created a fast, interactive way to uncover exactly where your margins are leaking. Start your investigation now at toggl.com/smartagency and use the code SMARTAGENCY10 at checkout for a 10% off annual plans. The Real Constraint: Founder-Centric Teams Most founders believe their growth problem is external, more leads, bigger clients, better positioning. But the real constraint is internal: everything still runs through them. Matt describes the shift from doing everything to stepping back into leadership. In the early years, he was deeply embedded in delivery, client work, and execution. That's normal. But the shift could only happen once he changed his willingness to let go. The turning point came when the agency had enough team strength and client quality to create space. That space allowed him to focus on mentoring, business development, and strategic oversight instead of execution. This is where most founders stall. They try to grow while staying embedded in delivery. The result is bottlenecks everywhere. Sales slows down. Team development stagnates. Clients remain dependent on the founder. When this happens, growth doesn't break the bottleneck. It amplifies it. The Misdiagnosis: "We Need Better Clients" What should come first, better clients or a better team? A common belief among agency owners is that landing bigger clients will solve their problems. Kovacs challenges that directly: better clients come after a better team, not before. Without a strong team, bigger clients actually make things worse. They increase pressure, expose gaps, and force the founder to stay involved at an even deeper level. Instead of elevating the agency, they trap it. This is why agencies experience the "rollercoaster": win a big client, scramble to deliver, neglect everything else, then lose momentum. The sequence is wrong. It should be Stronger team → better client experience → higher-quality clients. Not the other way around. And that shift requires a founder to stop thinking like an operator and start building like an architect. The Hidden Cost of Not Evolving If you stay stuck in delivery, your team never fully develops, clients remain tied to you, and eventually, growth slows. This is where many agencies plateau between $1M–$3M. They have revenue, but no real structure. They're busy, but not scalable. And the founder becomes the most expensive, and least scalable, resource in the business. The Structural Shift: From Doer to Developer of People Kovacs' approach to leadership is focused on understanding people. For him, managing a team isn't one-size-fits-all. Some team members need daily interaction. Others need autonomy. Some respond to recognition. Others to responsibility. This level of awareness is what separates managers from leaders. But the deeper shift is this: the founder's job becomes developing people, not producing work. For instance, he recently stepped back during a major pitch and allowed a junior team member to lead a critical part of it. She had developed deep expertise through personal interest, and instead of controlling the outcome, he created space for her to step up. They won the account, but more importantly, this gesture strengthened the entire organization. When founders hold onto control, they limit the ceiling of their team. When they create opportunities for others to lead, they expand capacity, without adding headcount. The New Environment: AI Won't Save You Matt explains how his team is integrating AI carefully, with guardrails, reviews, and intentional usage. It's a tool to enhance output, not replace thinking. He understands that AI amplifies whatever system already exists. If your agency is chaotic, AI makes it faster chaos. If your agency is structured, AI becomes a force multiplier. This is why some agencies will compress timelines, increase margins, and outpace competitors, while others fall further behind. The difference isn't the tool. It's the operating model behind it. Do You Want to Transform Your Agency from a Liability to an Asset? Looking to dig deeper into your agency's potential? Check out our Agency Blueprint. Designed for agency owners like you, our Agency Blueprint helps you uncover growth opportunities, tackle obstacles, and craft a customized blueprint for your agency's success.

Would you like access to our advanced agency training for FREE? https://www.agencymastery360.com/training Artificial intelligence is rapidly changing how agencies operate. But the real shift isn't just about tools. It's about structure, mindset, and leadership. Today's featured guest has taken the time to explore how agencies are adapting to AI, why many agencies will struggle to survive the shift, and how founders must evolve alongside the technology. From building AI-native workflows to maintaining authentic brand connections in an automated world, the conversation highlights a central theme: agencies that stay curious and adaptable will win. Those that cling to "the way we've always done it" won't. Brian Hansen is the founder of Rocket Pilots, a marketing agency focused exclusively on helping law firms grow their revenue through targeted marketing strategies. Unlike generalist agencies, Rocket Pilots operates within a single vertical, allowing the team to develop deep industry expertise and deliver highly specialized services. In this episode, we'll discuss: Why it's a good idea to be fully AI-native. The cultural shift your agency should be making. Why average agencies will struggle the most with the rise of AI. Why the future belongs to curious founders. Subscribe Apple | Spotify | iHeart Radio Sponsors and Resources E2M Solutions: Today's episode of the Smart Agency Masterclass is sponsored by E2M Solutions, a web design, and development agency that has provided white-label services for the past 10 years to agencies all over the world. Check out e2msolutions.com/smartagency and get 10% off for the first three months of service. Toggl: Most agencies are losing 15–30% of their profit every year: lack of time tracking, messy manual timesheets, scope creep, untracked revisions, and all those "quick" client requests that never get billed. Toggl has created a fast, interactive way to uncover exactly where your margins are leaking. Start your investigation now at toggl.com/smartagency and use the code SMARTAGENCY10 at checkout for a 10% off annual plans. Starting Out Without a Niche in Mind Brian didn't start his agency with a legal niche in mind. In fact, he openly admits he ended up finding his current niche by doing it 'the hard way'. Early on, his agency worked with multiple industries and offered a wide range of services. But over time, he realized that focusing on what the agency did best, and who they served best, produced better results for both clients and the agency itself. That insight led to a clear decision: narrow the offering, specialize in the legal space, and deliver exceptional outcomes. Today, he is focused on the next evolution of agency operations: building an AI-native agency environment that allows teams to work faster, smarter, and more efficiently. Why Agencies Must Become "AI Native" Right now, Brian is focused on his agency becoming fully AI native, which goes far beyond occasionally using ChatGPT or experimenting with AI tools. Instead, becoming AI native means designing your agency's internal systems and workflows so that AI can effectively operate within them. This includes something as foundational as how documents are stored and organized. If agencies want to use custom AI models or assistants to help with strategy, writing, research, and execution, those systems need structured data and clear documentation. Without that foundation, AI cannot function as a true multiplier. Because of this, Brian's team is currently restructuring their internal systems from file organization to documentation so AI tools can access the context needed to support their work. When done properly, AI doesn't just speed up tasks; it becomes an operational layer that enhances every role in the company. In other words, agencies shouldn't simply "use AI." They should build their operations around it. The Cultural Shift Agencies Need to Make Technology alone won't determine which agencies succeed in the AI era. Culture will. Founders are often the first people inside an agency to explore new technologies. They test tools, build systems, and experiment with new capabilities long before the rest of the team adopts them. But that dynamic can create a dangerous knowledge gap if the rest of the organization doesn't follow. Brian believes agencies must actively create a culture where employees are encouraged and even required to experiment with AI tools and share what they learn. Teams should be discussing new workflows, sharing AI "wins," and constantly asking how the technology can improve their work. Employees who treat AI as a partner, rather than a threat, will become dramatically more valuable inside modern agencies. Instead of replacing talent, AI often amplifies it by allowing team members to operate like high-level project managers directing intelligent systems. Agencies that embrace this cultural shift will gain a major competitive advantage. Why Average Agencies Will Struggle At the start of the internet era, traditional agencies that dismissed how this new development would change agencies forever were the ones to set themselves up for failure and many of them disappeared within a few years. Likewise, the agencies most at risk in the coming years are the ones stuck in the middle. They aren't exceptional specialists. They aren't deeply innovative. And they rely on the same processes they've used for years. History has shown what happens to businesses that ignore major technological shifts and Jason believes AI represents a similar moment. Agencies that remain average, offering undifferentiated services without leveraging new technology, will find themselves squeezed by faster, more efficient competitors. At the same time, the agencies that thrive will be those that use AI to enhance strategy, creativity, and efficiency rather than simply automate low-level tasks. The future won't belong to agencies that resist change. It will belong to those that adapt faster than the market expects. Authentic Branding Still Matters in an AI World Despite the rise of automation, and maybe even because of it, authentic human connection remains essential and is becoming even more valuable. As AI-generated content becomes more common, audiences are becoming increasingly skilled at recognizing it. Automated comments, generic posts, and AI-generated personas rarely create real engagement or trust. That's why personal branding and authentic communication will continue to matter. Agencies that build real relationships with their audience through thoughtful content, real insights, and genuine expertise will stand out in a crowded digital environment. While AI can accelerate content production, it cannot replace credibility, experience, or trust. Those elements must still come from real people. The Role Evolution Every Agency Founder Must Make Beyond technology, Jason has seen that agency growth ultimately depends on the evolution of the founder's role. Most agency founders begin by doing everything themselves. They sell, deliver work, manage clients, and handle operations. Over time, they may become managers overseeing teams. But long-term agency growth requires another transition from manager to architect and CEO. At that level, the founder is no longer executing daily work. Instead, they design the systems, structure, and strategy that allow the organization to scale independently. Eventually, the ultimate goal is reaching the role of true owner, where the agency can operate successfully without constant founder involvement. AI tools can accelerate this evolution by automating operational complexity, but the mindset shift still has to come from the founder. Technology alone doesn't create scale. Leadership does. The Future Belongs to Curious Founders If there's one trait that will define successful agency leaders in the coming decade, it's curiosity. The AI landscape changes almost weekly. New tools, new capabilities, and new opportunities appear constantly. Founders who stay curious, experimenting, testing, and learning, will continue to find ways to adapt. Those who assume they already know enough will fall behind. For agency owners, the challenge isn't simply adopting AI tools. It's building organizations that evolve alongside the technology. The agencies that do that won't just survive the AI era. They'll lead it. Do You Want to Transform Your Agency from a Liability to an Asset? Looking to dig deeper into your agency's potential? Check out our Agency Blueprint. Designed for agency owners like you, our Agency Blueprint helps you uncover growth opportunities, tackle obstacles, and craft a customized blueprint for your agency's success.

Would you like access to our advanced agency training for FREE? https://www.agencymastery360.com/training Most agency owners say they want to sell someday… but they're building something completely unsellable. The mistake? Not only a lack of a clear vision for the future of their agency, but also a lack of understanding of what they'll need to build a sellable agency. If you're an agency owner planning to sell one day, do you understand what buyers are usually looking for? Do you know which type of buyer you're hoping to attract? Today's featured guest understands that most agencies are acquired by private equity and built the private equity partner he felt was missing in the space. He'll talk about what actually drives valuation, what kills deals, and how to build an agency that buyers want to compete for. Ben Gaddis is the former founder of T3, a digital agency he sold to private equity in 2019. After going through multiple acquisitions himself, he now runs an operator-led private equity firm focused exclusively on tech-enabled service and agency businesses. As a former owner who's been on both sides of the table, he knows exactly what buyers are thinking. In this episode, we'll discuss: What are private equity companies looking for in agencies? Recurring revenue vs. retention What would actually increase your agency's valuation? If the goal is talent, should you consider an acquisition? Subscribe Apple | Spotify | iHeart Radio Sponsors and Resources E2M Solutions: Today's episode of the Smart Agency Masterclass is sponsored by E2M Solutions, a web design, and development agency that has provided white-label services for the past 10 years to agencies all over the world. Check out e2msolutions.com/smartagency and get 10% off for the first three months of service. Toggl: Most agencies are losing 15–30% of their profit every year: lack of time tracking, messy manual timesheets, scope creep, untracked revisions, and all those "quick" client requests that never get billed. Toggl has created a fast, interactive way to uncover exactly where your margins are leaking. Start your investigation now at toggl.com/smartagency and use the code SMARTAGENCY10 at checkout for a 10% off annual plans. What Private Equity Actually Looks For (It's Not What You Think) The reality is that most private equity companies are looking to buy a couple of agencies to slam them together and eventually sell them for more. Based on this, agency owners have an idea of what these buyers want and mostly focus on revenue or EBITDA. According to Ben, however, buyers are looking at a few core things first: Client concentration Recurring or predictable revenue Net revenue retention Founder dependency (aka key-person risk) Clear vision and differentiation Let's start with client concentration. A lot of owners panic if one client makes up 20% of revenue. Some PE firms get nervous at 10%. But Ben brings nuance here. If you've landed and retained a $2–3M client for years, that's proof you can serve at a high level. That's powerful. The issue isn't just one big client. It's when your top 3–5 clients make up 50–60% of revenue. That's where it gets risky. If you're in that position, you already feel it. One bad email. One procurement shift. One budget freeze. And your stomach drops. That's not a valuation problem. That's a freedom problem. Recurring Revenue vs. Retention (The Smarter Metric) Everyone argues about contracts. "Should I lock clients into 12 months?" "Should we go month-to-month?" Ben argues that the real metric is net revenue retention. If you're at 90–100%+ retention, buyers don't care as much about contract length. He shared a case where they bought a company with almost zero recurring revenue but 115% net revenue retention. Clients kept buying more. The business was healthy. The packaging just needed to change. This is huge for agencies stuck in custom project hell. Sometimes it's not your service. It's how you position and sell it. Are you framing projects as standalone deliverables or as phases in a longer journey? If you're stuck working in the business and scrambling for the next sale, this is where to look first. Integration > Financial Engineering There are two types of buyers: Financial engineers smashing agencies together to increase multiples Operator-led firms building real integrated offerings Ben sees a lot of "fake integration." Agencies get acquired, but nothing truly connects. No shared systems. No real cross-sell. No operational synergy. Sophisticated buyers see through that immediately. What actually increases valuation? Additive capability. Does one service naturally lead to another? Does it solve a deeper problem for the same buyer? Does it expand wallet share within the same account? If you're thinking about acquisitions, don't buy revenue. Buy strategic fit. Otherwise, you're just running two companies under one logo. Growing Through Acquisition (And When Not To) A lot of 7-figure agency owners hit a wall where they can't hire fast enough and start to feel overwhelmed. The team depends on them. Growth feels capped. So they think: "Maybe I should acquire" and figure they should start small, as it seems easier than going through a big acquisition. Buying a bigger company or doing a merger of equals is certainly complicated in terms of defining who's in charge and which brand should remain. So, it should be a very complementary offer with a clear leader for it to make sense. This would be much clearer when buying a smaller business. However, here's the thing: Small acquisitions are just as hard as big ones. The legal, the integration, the emotional complexity, it's all real. If you've never done one before, the odds of it going smoothly are low. If the goal is talent… why not build offshore first? With AI and real-time translation tools, the global talent pool is radically more accessible than it was even five years ago. A lot of agency owners avoid offshore because it failed before. But the game has changed. If your bottleneck is hiring, you might not need to buy an agency. You might need to rethink your talent strategy. How to Prepare for a Sale (Even If You're Not Selling) This is where most deals fall apart, and Ben believes it's important for owners to try to cover any gaps in knowledge. Try to learn as much as you can about the process and the buyer to better understand their expectations. And if you still have questions, then don't hesitate to ask! Some aspects that owners may not understand and that you should start learning about: Working capital expectations Accrual vs. cash accounting Quality of Earnings (QofE) reviews Data cleanliness Revenue tagging Furthermore, Ben recommends something most owners never do: Run your own QofE before going to market. Know your skeletons. Track secured revenue. At the start of each year, how much revenue is already locked in? If that number consistently grows year over year, that's powerful. Buyers will ask about revenue by capability, revenue by sales rep, revenue by region, and client concentration by top 3/5/10. If your data is messy, you lose leverage. And if you're thinking, "I'll figure that out when I'm ready to sell," you're already behind. Vision Is the Real Multiplier Right now, Ben is seeing a lack of vision + execution alignment. AI is reshaping agency models in real time. Entire categories of services didn't exist a few months ago. The agencies that win won't just be efficient. They'll have a tight, clear, communicated vision. Agencies won't scale just because of a tactic. They'll scale because the vision was clear enough that the team could make decisions without the owner. If your team can't make decisions without you, that's not a people problem. That's a vision problem. And that's also why you're still stuck in fulfillment. Do You Want to Transform Your Agency from a Liability to an Asset? Looking to dig deeper into your agency's potential? Check out our Agency Blueprint. Designed for agency owners like you, our Agency Blueprint helps you uncover growth opportunities, tackle obstacles, and craft a customized blueprint for your agency's success.

Would you like access to our advanced agency training for FREE? https://www.agencymastery360.com/training Are you winning exciting projects but still feeling exhausted at the end of every quarter? Does your agency look successful from the outside, yet feel fragile or chaotic behind the scenes? For most agency owners, the real struggle isn't creativity. It's sustainability. The real challenge begins after the win, when you have to deliver consistently, protect your margins, manage your team, and somehow still have the energy to lead. Michael Boychuk is the founder and creative director of DNA&Stone, a creative agency that deals in real emotion and embrace the hard truth, understanding that brands that connect emotionally see 50% higher revenue growth. He'll talk about scaling creatively led agencies, navigating mergers, embracing productive conflict, and integrating AI without sacrificing emotional storytelling. In this episode, we'll discuss: Why creative isn't enough The merger process Embracing tension & clear swim lanes in partnerships Set audacious goals or stay average Subscribe Apple | Spotify | iHeart Radio Sponsors and Resources E2M Solutions: Today's episode of the Smart Agency Masterclass is sponsored by E2M Solutions, a web design, and development agency that has provided white-label services for the past 10 years to agencies all over the world. Check out e2msolutions.com/smartagency and get 10% off for the first three months of service. Toggl: Most agencies are losing 15–30% of their profit every year: lack of time tracking, messy manual timesheets, scope creep, untracked revisions, and all those "quick" client requests that never get billed. Toggl has created a fast, interactive way to uncover exactly where your margins are leaking. Start your investigation now at toggl.com/smartagency and use the code SMARTAGENCY10 at checkout for a 10% off annual plans. Leaving Amazon to Start a Creative Agency Michael's career began in small, strategy-led creative shops before moving to Leo Burnett in Chicago. Eventually, he crossed to the client side as Global Executive Creative Director at Amazon, working closely on major brand initiatives. While many creatives were moving in-house at the time, Michael saw the gap in how external agencies worked with internal creative teams. Even the most respected agencies struggled to collaborate effectively with in-house counterparts. So he made the decision to leave Amazon to start his own agency. He co-founded Little Hands of Stone (later merging to become DNA&Stone), building a nimble, creatively driven agency with operational discipline at its core. The goal wasn't to be another agency in a crowded market. It was to build one that worked differently. The Project Roller Coaster: Why Great Creative Isn't Enough In the early years, Michael and his partner excelled at landing high-impact project work. The agency would scale up quickly, execute powerful campaigns, and then scale back down. The upside: Strong margins. The downside: Revenue volatility. Some months were record-breaking. Others were terrifying. This feast-or-famine model made it difficult to invest in long-term infrastructure, particularly account management and relationship-building functions that sustain retainer revenue. As Michael put it, scaling into projects and rapidly reducing afterward may be profitable, but it's not easily sustainable. That realization set the stage for a major shift. The Merger: Combining Creative Firepower with Account Stability After years of competing against DNA, Michael's firm began merger conversations. His six-year-old, creatively led shop was volatile but high-impact. DNA, a 26-year-old agency, had stable retainer revenue and strong account leadership. They were opposites and that made them perfect. The nine-month merger process was far more complex than expected. Michael describes it as "drawing up a marriage certificate." But strategically, it functioned like a time machine, instantly solving growth limitations both firms faced independently. However, merging on paper is easy. Operationalizing it while "building the plane during barrel rolls" is the real challenge. One year later, they're still refining the model and balancing creative ambition with financial discipline. Account Management vs. Creative Leadership One of the biggest lessons Michael learned post-merger is the value of strong account leadership. Creative leaders tend to chase the next exciting idea. Account leaders think in terms of long-term relationships, financial discipline, and sustainable growth. You need both. Rather than avoid tension, the four partners embrace it. Michael believes healthy conflict is essential. If there's no disagreement, you're probably not addressing the real issues. But the key is respectful conflict rooted in trust. They operate with: Clear swim lanes (each partner has decision authority in their domain) Open debate before decisions 100% alignment after decisions are made No back-channel dissent or lingering resentment. Only unified execution. Embrace the AI Wave But Protect the Emotion Michael doesn't sugarcoat his views on AI. If agencies aren't actively integrating AI into workflows and developing proprietary approaches, they risk irrelevance. But he also warns against overcorrection. Yes, AI improves efficiency and enhances pre-visualization and brainstorming. Yes, it can increase margins. But creative agencies aren't data-processing factories. They're emotional engines. In his view, the industry is currently drowning in data while starving for emotional resonance. AI can create competent output but it often carries a detectable "stink," a subtle lack of human nuance. He chooses to use AI to: enable better creative. improve efficiency. remove bottlenecks. However, it should not be used to replace emotional storytelling. Because humans still crave human connection and no algorithm can replicate lived experience. Set Audacious Goals or Stay Average The biggest lesson Michael took from his time at Amazon working directly with Jeff Bezos was to set ambitious goals. After campaigning to have an Amazon ad during the Super Bowl, he got Jeff's attention and set out to create a top-five Super Bowl ad. But during development, director Wayne McClammy challenged him: "Why aim for top five? Why not number one?" That shift in ambition changed everything. Every decision became filtered through one question: Is this the move that gets us to #1? The resulting product was the "Alexa Loses Her Voice" Super Bowl spot featuring Cardi B and Anthony Hopkins. And, yes, it was ranked the number one Super Bowl ad that year. The lesson for him was about standards. If your goals don't make you nervous, they're not big enough. Do You Want to Transform Your Agency from a Liability to an Asset? Looking to dig deeper into your agency's potential? Check out our Agency Blueprint. Designed for agency owners like you, our Agency Blueprint helps you uncover growth opportunities, tackle obstacles, and craft a customized blueprint for your agency's success.

Would you like access to our advanced agency training for FREE? https://www.agencymastery360.com/training Most agency owners don't fail because they're bad at delivery. They fail because they underprice, overcomplicate, and build businesses that trap them instead of freeing them. Today's featured guest unpacks the type of life he envisioned when he set out to start an agency, it took to scale from charging $2,500 a month to closing $45,000/month retainers, surviving a market collapse, and making the counterintuitive decision to split one agency into two. Eli Rubel is the founder of Matter Made, a B2B SaaS marketing agency, and No Boring Design, a premium design studio serving high-growth tech companies. He entered the agency world in 2019 after burning out on the venture-backed SaaS model, despite a previous exit. What drew him to agencies wasn't prestige or scale; it was a desire to take control over his time, lifestyle, income, and location. Agencies, when built correctly, offered the fastest path to freedom without sacrificing ambition. Over the next few years, Eli scaled MatterMade aggressively, navigated a brutal tech downturn, and rebuilt his business with sharper positioning, stronger pricing, and clearer operational boundaries. In this episode, we discussed: Why hiking prices was the right choice early one How and why he decided to create his second agency The reason that shared services failed fast Subscribe Apple | Spotify | iHeart Radio Sponsors and Resources E2M Solutions: Today's episode of the Smart Agency Masterclass is sponsored by E2M Solutions, a web design, and development agency that has provided white-label services for the past 10 years to agencies all over the world. Check out e2msolutions.com/smartagency and get 10% off for the first three months of service. Toggl: Agencies could be losing 15–30% of their profit every year without seeing it. The usual suspects are time tracking, messy manual timesheets, scope creep, untracked revisions, and all those "quick" client requests that never get billed. That's why Toggl created the Agency Profit Heist, a fast, interactive way to uncover exactly where your margins are leaking. Start your investigation now at toggl.com/smartagency and use the code SMARTAGENCY10 at checkout for a 10% off annual plans. Why Agencies Beat Venture-Backed SaaS (If You Want Freedom) After years in venture-backed SaaS, chasing growth at all costs, Eli was done with a model he realized was grinding him down. The pressure, the lack of control, and the delayed payoff didn't align with what he actually wanted: family, flexibility, and financial independence. Agencies offered speed to cash and autonomy, which SaaS didn't. Instead of swinging for a hypothetical future exit, Eli chose a business model that paid well now and let him design his life intentionally. It was a shift he made with eyes wide open and clear expectations. The "best" business model depends on what you want your life to look like. For Eli, agencies weren't a step down. They were a strategic upgrade. Hiking His Prices Relying on Capacity and Confidence Eli's agency launched at $2,500 a month, not because that was the "right" price, but because he backed into a simple income goal. Sixteen clients at $2,500 got him to $40,000 a month. On paper, it worked. In reality, it broke fast. As soon as clients started saying "yes" too quickly, Eli knew something was off. The work was heavy, margins were thin, and building a team at that price point wasn't sustainable. Instead of obsessing over competitive pricing, he leaned into price sensitivity testing. Every time the team hit capacity, prices went up. If prospects said no, it didn't matter, they couldn't take on more work anyway. If prospects said yes, it justified hiring and scaling. Over three years, pricing climbed from $2,500 to $45,000 per month. What he learned was that underpricing doesn't just hurt margins. It traps you in constant hiring, delivery stress, and low-leverage work. Raising prices isn't greedy, it's operational discipline. What Actually Changes When You Raise Prices Eli didn't wake up one day and charge $45,000 for the same work he was doing at $2,500. Early on, the offering was vague: "We'll help with demand gen." Strategy was loose, scope was unclear, and the team was tiny. As pricing increased, the delivery model matured into a defined pod structure with paid media, design, strategy, and leadership baked in. However, once his agency hit around $15,000 per month, the services didn't change much after that. What changed was credibility. Case studies stacked up. Results became undeniable. Sales conversations shifted from "this is a great deal" to "this is what it costs to remove risk." Eli was upfront with prospects: MatterMade would be $10,000–$15,000 more per month than competitors, and nothing about the deliverables would look different. The difference was the track record. For buyers who weren't cash-sensitive, that pitch landed hard. They weren't paying for tasks. They were paying for certainty. Why Splitting One Agency into Two Was the Right Move At its peak in 2021, MatterMade was flying high, with $4.2M in EBITDA, tech clients everywhere, and acquisition talks underway. Then the tech market collapsed. Almost overnight, VC-backed clients cut agencies, froze spending, and hunkered down. They went from crushing it to losing nearly $200,000 a month. Eli held on too long, assuming it was temporary, and paid dearly for it. During the restructuring, Eli noticed something interesting: design had become a bottleneck across tech companies. Designers were laid off, but the need for creative work didn't disappear. So he spun up No Boring Design as a separate entity, fast. New brand, new site, launched in a weekend. Within months, it was profitable. Separating the businesses allowed each to have crystal-clear positioning. MatterMade stayed focused on growth marketing. No Boring Design became a premium creative solution for companies stuck in hiring freezes. Trying to keep design tucked inside the marketing agency would have slowed everything down. Separation created speed, clarity, and growth. Why Shared Services Across Agencies Sound Smart and Fail Fast One of Eli's biggest mistakes came after the split. He tried to create a shared management company to handle leadership, recruiting, and operations across multiple agencies. On paper, it looked efficient. In practice, it was chaos. Each agency had subtle but important differences in how it worked. SOPs drifted. Leaders got stretched thin. The "squeaky wheel" agency got attention while others suffered. Eventually, Eli unwound the entire structure. The hard truth: unless your companies operate almost identically, shared services create more friction than savings. Clarity beats efficiency. Do You Want to Transform Your Agency from a Liability to an Asset? Looking to dig deeper into your agency's potential? Check out our Agency Blueprint. Designed for agency owners like you, our Agency Blueprint helps you uncover growth opportunities, tackle obstacles, and craft a customized blueprint for your agency's success.

Elizabeth Thorn, Head of Marketing at Toggl, joins Pathmonk Presents to unpack how time visibility fuels better marketing and business decisions. She explains how Toggl helps knowledge-based teams understand where time and money are actually spent, moving beyond gut feel toward data-backed planning. The conversation explores why agencies, SaaS teams, and professional services benefit most from time tracking, and how clearer insights prevent burnout and improve profitability. Elizabeth also shares how Toggl approaches SEO in an AI-driven search landscape, why high-quality educational content still wins, and what truly drives website conversions today. Marketers will gain practical insights on clarity over cleverness, proof over promises, and aligning marketing strategy with real revenue impact.

New Season, New Colour Pantomime week Filming shows, taking photos, rehearsing and performing Next job is editing System created a couple of years ago to allow for streaming Doesn’t really make a profit – but I do it for my own reasons, and is very rewarding Taylor is 3rd Generation for these shows Widow Twanky in Aladdin Time Logging – Tallyho – https://tallyho.app/ Toggl is great but has more features than needed Tallyho is minimal and does what it does really well For the client and Taylor Contacting the developer to request features and updates Visit the website: https://www.thisweekwith.co.uk Drayson Design Website – https://www.draysondesign.com The Creative Tinker Website – https://www.thecreativetinker.com Facebook: https://www.thisweekwith.co.uk/facebook Youtube: https://www.thisweekwith.co.uk/youtube * Full transcript will be available on the website. We may receive a referral fee from any of our links which help towards the costs involved in creating this content for you.

Brandi Clark pulls back the curtain on how she actually organizes her week as a busy mom, wife, and fitness business mentor. If you've ever sat down to “work” and found yourself drowning in sticky notes, randomly scrolling social media, or feeling guilty for always being on your phone, this one is for you. Brandi walks you through the simple structure she uses to create focused work time, protect her home as a sanctuary, and still grow a profitable online fitness business. You'll hear how she created a dedicated work zone, ditched the constant phone hustle, started tracking her time with tools like Toggl and timers, and built “CEO Days” into her schedule so she can think, create, and actually get important tasks done. She also shares how she batches client calls, uses the Sunsama app to replace her sticky notes, and prioritizes money-making activities, lead magnets, and conversion events that consistently bring in revenue.   Resources mention in the episode: https://toggl.com/ https://www.sunsama.com/  

Simon and Rachael are back for another One Thing Wednesday episode, this time talking about the benefits of tracking your time. This podcast is produced in association with PaTMa (https://www.patma.co.uk/), the leading application for self managing landlords who want to save time and stay compliant. Easily track properties, tenancies, tenants, repairs, rent, mortgage payments and safety certificates. Get your FREE account today (https://www.patma.co.uk/). Episode links: * Toggl (https://toggl.com/). * Clockify (https://clockify.me/). * My Freelance Admin (https://www.myfreelanceadmin.com/). * Get your free weekly property market stats from PaTMa (https://www.patma.co.uk/property-market-updates/). * Find us on YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCRfrbvIJfodFK8tikisCjVw) or LinkedIn: Simon (https://www.linkedin.com/in/simonpither/). Subscribe to The Business of Property podcast on Spotify (https://open.spotify.com/show/73chI0Nqi9eRFUM7tkHc6r), Apple (https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-business-of-property/id1495635728), and all podcast platforms (https://www.thebusinessofproperty.com/subscribe). Please leave a rating and review if you're enjoying the show.

Unlock your productivity and impact as a public health entrepreneur with Dr. Huntley as she dives deep into the art of time blocking and creating space for the deep, strategic work that moves missions forward. This episode explores how visionary leaders can move from constantly reacting to crises and urgent requests, to proactively designing their workdays for maximum focus, innovation, and sustainable impact. Learn practical, actionable strategies for intentional scheduling, the difference between batching and time blocking, and tools like Toggl to reveal and reclaim your most valuable resource: time. If you're ready to stop putting out fires and start making measurable progress in public health and healthcare innovation, this is your roadmap.   Resources ▶️ Website https://PublicHealthEntrepreneurs.com ▶️ Grab your copy of: Top 10 Tips For Finding Clients ▶️ Grab your copy of: Top 10 Tips For Getting Started ▶️ Submit a question you'd like us to answer on this podcast here. ▶️ Learn more about the Public Health Entrepreneurs Mastermind group program here.

In this episode of the Live Full Work Fun Podcast, hosts Gayla Scrivener and Fran Attilio dive into practical time management approaches, reframing them as "time intention strategies." They explore how to make time your ally rather than your enemy, sharing personal experiences and actionable advice for anyone looking to better manage their time without falling into negative thought patterns. Key Highlights: Using time tracking tools: Gayla discusses how she uses Toggl to get her "head out of the clouds" and gain realistic insights about how long tasks actually take. Permission vs. perfection: Fran emphasizes the importance of giving yourself permission to try different time management approaches, even if they don't always work perfectly. Celebrating every step: The hosts discuss celebrating progress "whether it's forwards, backwards, sideways, or diagonal" when improving your relationship with time. Combating negative feelings: Practical advice on how to shift from self-criticism to celebration when time management doesn't go as planned. Adaptability: Gayla highlights the importance of adapting time management strategies as you enter different seasons of business and life. Continue the conversation. Share your biggest takeaway from this episode on Facebook. Connect with Gayla: Website: https://www.gaylascrivener.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gaylascrivener/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GaylaScrivenerLiveFullWorkFun Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gscrivener/ Connect with Fran: Website: https://tentouchcreative.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/fran-groesbeck/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tentouchcreative Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tentouchcreative/ This episode is brought to you by Scrivener Social. The easy-to-use social scheduling platform built for the busy solopreneur. Go to ScrivenerSocial.com and schedule a demo today!

Discover all of the podcasts in our network, search for specific episodes, get the Optimal Living Daily workbook, and learn more at: OLDPodcast.com. Episode 3578: J.D. Roth shares how reclaiming control over your time is the key to living with intention. By understanding where your hours go and aligning your actions with your values, you can craft a more meaningful, less reactive life. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://www.getrichslowly.org/taking-control-of-time-and-life/ Quotes to ponder: "Time is your most valuable resource. You can always make more money, but once time is gone, it's gone." "I wasn't choosing how to spend my time. I was letting life happen to me, and reacting to it." "Freedom comes when your choices align with your values." Episode references: Your Money or Your Life: https://www.amazon.com/Your-Money-Life-Transforming-Relationship/dp/0143115766 The Four Tendencies by Gretchen Rubin: https://gretchenrubin.com/books/the-four-tendencies/ RescueTime: https://www.rescuetime.com/ Toggl: https://toggl.com/ 168 Hours by Laura Vanderkam: https://www.amazon.com/168-Hours-You-Have-Time/dp/159184410X Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Discover all of the podcasts in our network, search for specific episodes, get the Optimal Living Daily workbook, and learn more at: OLDPodcast.com. Episode 3578: J.D. Roth shares how reclaiming control over your time is the key to living with intention. By understanding where your hours go and aligning your actions with your values, you can craft a more meaningful, less reactive life. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://www.getrichslowly.org/taking-control-of-time-and-life/ Quotes to ponder: "Time is your most valuable resource. You can always make more money, but once time is gone, it's gone." "I wasn't choosing how to spend my time. I was letting life happen to me, and reacting to it." "Freedom comes when your choices align with your values." Episode references: Your Money or Your Life: https://www.amazon.com/Your-Money-Life-Transforming-Relationship/dp/0143115766 The Four Tendencies by Gretchen Rubin: https://gretchenrubin.com/books/the-four-tendencies/ RescueTime: https://www.rescuetime.com/ Toggl: https://toggl.com/ 168 Hours by Laura Vanderkam: https://www.amazon.com/168-Hours-You-Have-Time/dp/159184410X Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Discover all of the podcasts in our network, search for specific episodes, get the Optimal Living Daily workbook, and learn more at: OLDPodcast.com. Episode 3578: J.D. Roth shares how reclaiming control over your time is the key to living with intention. By understanding where your hours go and aligning your actions with your values, you can craft a more meaningful, less reactive life. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://www.getrichslowly.org/taking-control-of-time-and-life/ Quotes to ponder: "Time is your most valuable resource. You can always make more money, but once time is gone, it's gone." "I wasn't choosing how to spend my time. I was letting life happen to me, and reacting to it." "Freedom comes when your choices align with your values." Episode references: Your Money or Your Life: https://www.amazon.com/Your-Money-Life-Transforming-Relationship/dp/0143115766 The Four Tendencies by Gretchen Rubin: https://gretchenrubin.com/books/the-four-tendencies/ RescueTime: https://www.rescuetime.com/ Toggl: https://toggl.com/ 168 Hours by Laura Vanderkam: https://www.amazon.com/168-Hours-You-Have-Time/dp/159184410X Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this episode of Inclusion in Progress, we kick off our Distributed Work Expert Series. With this series, we're  highlighting some of the world's leading experts who continue to map, innovate, and design how distributed work looks from inside forward-thinking companies — designing a version of work that works for teams — regardless of where they choose to work. Our goal is to start highlighting distributed work leaders in companies to help forward-thinking leaders like you to: Navigate distributed work challenges with confidence, innovation, and inspiration from real-world examples Design a version of work that works best for your teams Reimagine and reconstruct the future of distributed workplaces  For our first episode, we are joined by Dajana Berisavljević Đakonović, Head of People at Toggl, who shares their company's commitment to creating successful, healthy work environments —  regardless of where their teams are across the globe.

How do you scale a remote-first company across 40+ countries while maintaining a results-driven, people-focused culture? In this episode, we dive deep with Dajana Berisavljević Đakonović, the Head of People at Toggl. With over eight years of People Ops experience, Dajana shares the lessons from Toggl's journey—from growing a fully distributed team to 130+ people to streamlining operations and prioritizing clarity, accountability, and well-being.

In the ever-evolving world of software development, the tools you use can either streamline your workflow or slow you down. Mastering the right developer tools isn't just about efficiency—it's about transforming how you approach challenges and fostering habits that drive smarter, more effective development. The Building Better Developers podcast dives deep into this topic, exploring how thoughtful tool selection and intentional habits can lead to meaningful growth and productivity. Let's explore how developer tools can be a catalyst for transformation in your work. Why Developer Tools Matter The podcast emphasizes that developer tools are not just about improving efficiency—they shape how we think and solve problems. Tools like integrated development environments (IDEs), task management software, and even simple utilities help bridge the gap between idea and execution. Choose tools that enhance, not complicate. When evaluating tools, prioritize simplicity and integration over complexity. As Rob Broadhead explains, “Avoid tools that add work. The app should improve your life, not make it harder.” For instance, while tools like QuickBooks Desktop streamline accounting, their online counterparts may introduce unnecessary complexity. Evaluating Developer Tools: A Framework The podcast introduces a structured approach to evaluating tools. Here's a summarized framework: Define Your Needs: Identify the problems the tool should solve. Is it for task tracking, bug fixing, or customer relationship management? Research: Use online comparisons or customer reviews. Google terms like “alternatives to [tool]” or “tools like [tool name]” to discover your options. Test the Tools: Take advantage of free trials or demos to assess usability and functionality. Measure ROI: Evaluate the time and effort saved versus the cost of the tool. By taking this methodical approach, you avoid the common trap of jumping into tools without a clear purpose. Common Pitfalls with Developer Tools Michael Meloche warns against several pitfalls, including: Over-complicating workflows: Switching between multiple tools can lead to inefficiency. Find one that meets most of your needs and stick with it. Time sinks: Developers often spend hours experimenting with tools that don't provide meaningful value. Set clear time limits for evaluating new software. Redundancy: Avoid using multiple tools for the same task. For example, don't use three bug trackers when one robust option like Jira will suffice. Remember, the goal isn't to try every tool but to find those that integrate seamlessly into your existing processes. Top Developer Tools Mentioned The podcast lists several essential categories of tools every developer should explore: Task Management: Tools like Jira, Asana, and Monday.com streamline task organization and collaboration. Version Control: Git remains the gold standard, with platforms like GitHub and GitLab offering enhanced collaboration features. Time Tracking: Tools like Toggl help track productivity and billable hours effectively. Communication: Slack and Microsoft Teams are ideal for keeping remote teams connected. The Seasonal Approach to Tool Mastery Rob proposes a seasonal approach to tool evaluation. Instead of randomly testing tools throughout the year, dedicate specific periods to exploring certain categories. For example, focus on marketing automation tools one season and customer relationship management tools the next. This method ensures you gain deep knowledge of tools relevant to your work without overwhelming yourself. Tips for Implementing New Tools Start Small: Test one feature at a time. For instance, if trying a new IDE, begin by configuring it for a small project. Involve the Team: Gather input from colleagues to ensure the tool works across the board. Track Impact: Use metrics to evaluate the tool's impact, like reduced project delays or improved code quality. Challenge for Developers The podcast ends with a challenge: spend seven days exploring a new category of tools. Here's how to get started: Day 1: Research tools in a specific category (e.g., bug tracking or time management). Days 2-6: Spend 10-15 minutes each day testing different tools. Day 7: Evaluate your findings and pick the one that fits best. This simple exercise sharpens your evaluation skills and helps you discover tools that genuinely improve your workflow. Final Thoughts Building better habits and mastering tools isn't about chasing every shiny new app. It's about intentional choices that align with your goals. As Rob Broadhead wisely concludes, “It's not about doing more; it's about doing what matters.” Take the time to evaluate your toolset, and you'll find yourself not just working harder but working smarter. Ready to embrace the challenge? Let us know your top tool picks! Stay Connected: Join the Develpreneur Community We invite you to join our community and share your coding journey with us. Whether you're a seasoned developer or just starting, there's always room to learn and grow together. Contact us at info@develpreneur.com with your questions, feedback, or suggestions for future episodes. Together, let's continue exploring the exciting world of software development. Additional Resources Updating Developer Tools: Keeping Your Tools Sharp and Efficient Tools to Separate Developers from Coders Building a Strong Developer Toolkit: Enhancing Skills and Productivity Developer Tools That Transform: Habits for Smarter Development Building Better Habits Videos – With Bonus Content

WARNING: Jason's audio is very bad. He is very sorry. Who moved Andrew's cheese? How do we feel about Martin making this potential purchase? It's time for everyone's favorite gameshow, Roast My Blog! Do you have a kitchen? Tune in to see how this one weird trick can change your life! Using Apple Podcasts? All notes can always be found here (https://listen.hemisphericviews.com/121)! One Prime Plus 00:00:00 Welcome Ian M!

I remember the first time after my wife and I started dating that a mutual friend of ours became pregnant. I was the first one to find out and got to relay the message to her."Amy's pregnant," I said. My wife then asked a series of questions: "When is she due? What is she having? How is she feeling?" I had the same answer to every question: "I don't know."All I knew was that Amy was pregnant. My wife later went out and found this information for both of us. All these details were crucial to being a more present and supportive friend.So why am I telling you this? if you are running a business, especially a solo business where your time is so important, and you are not time tracking, it's kind of like knowing just the bare minimum.You might know you completed a project, but you should really know how long you spent on it, where you are spending most of your time, and how you can use this data to improve your business.So in today's episode, you'll learn about the importance of time tracking for solopreneurs. Time tracking is not just about noting down hours; it's about understanding where your time goes, improving efficiency, and making informed business decisions.Top TakeawaysStart Simple: Begin with basic time-tracking methods like pen and paper or simple apps. The key is to start noting down where your time goes, even if it's just approximate.Use the Right Tools: I recommend using tools like Timery (which sits on top of Toggl), Timing, and RescueTime. These tools can help automate the process and provide detailed insights into how you spend your time.Categorize and Tag Tasks: Break down your tasks into projects and use tags for more granular tracking. This helps in understanding which specific activities are taking up most of your time and allows for better analysis.Regular Reviews: Review your time tracking data regularly—weekly, monthly, and quarterly. This helps in identifying trends and making necessary adjustments to improve efficiency.Automate Where Possible: Use shortcuts and automation tools like Stream Deck and focus modes on iOS to start and stop timers automatically. This reduces the manual effort involved in time tracking. Sponsors: Check out Liquid WebGet started with Clariti for just $1 your first month with code SOLO2024 ★ Support this podcast ★

I'm so excited to share that my new mastermind program for photography business owners is LIVE! You can join this three-month program now at the link below. In this episode, I'm responding to the common objections I get from students hesitant to hire a business coach. You will receive amazing business support and strategy from a professional who has been there and back. I'm committed to serving you well. But you have to take the first step and apply! Join the ⁠Nichole Lauren Mastermind⁠. Download my favorite ⁠business budget⁠ sheet! Start time tracking on ⁠Toggl⁠. Links Mentioned: Follow along over on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠YOUTUBE!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Find Nichole on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠INSTAGRAM⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Listen to the episode mentioned: ⁠⁠019: How I Plan My Week on a Digital Calendar⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Download the FREE resource, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Full-Time Photographer's Playbook⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠! Free Resources and Tools ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠HERE⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Join my signature course, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Wedding Walkthrough⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Shop my attorney-drafted contract templates at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Legally Creative⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Shop ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Nichole's Amazon Favorites⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ (including gear, biz books, and more!). Find Nichole on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LiketoKnowit⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ (for personal favorites!) Try ⁠⁠⁠THRIVECART⁠⁠⁠, my favorite cart platform (and one lifetime price!)

Chaque entrepreneur a parfois l'impression de manquer de temps pour venir à bout de sa to do list. Vous aussi ?⏳

I'm so excited to share that my new mastermind program for photography business owners is LIVE! You can join this three-month program now at the link below. In this episode, I'm giving you a taste of the exercises I do with my 1-1 coaching clients. All this and more is just a taste of the amazing business support and strategy you'll receive in the mastermind. Join the Nichole Lauren Mastermind. Download my favorite business budget sheet! Start time tracking on Toggl. Links Mentioned: Follow along over on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠YOUTUBE!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Find Nichole on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠INSTAGRAM⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Listen to the episode mentioned: ⁠019: How I Plan My Week on a Digital Calendar ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Download the FREE resource, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Full-Time Photographer's Playbook⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠! Free Resources and Tools ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠HERE⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Join my signature course, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Wedding Walkthrough⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Shop my attorney-drafted contract templates at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Legally Creative⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Shop ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Nichole's Amazon Favorites⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ (including gear, biz books, and more!). Find Nichole on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LiketoKnowit⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ (for personal favorites!) Try ⁠⁠THRIVECART⁠⁠, my favorite cart platform (and one lifetime price!)

In this episode of "Gentle Frog's Bookkeeping Lily Pad," Rachel Barnett delves into the subject of time tracking for bookkeepers. She opens up about her personal choice of not tracking time and explores the motivations behind bookkeepers opting to track their time, such as identifying wasted time, improving quote accuracy, and reevaluating pricing strategies. Rachel also discusses a range of time tracking tools available, including traditional options like Excel and more modern apps like Clockify and Timely, highlighting their ability to assist in monitoring different aspects of work, including client-related tasks and administrative duties. Throughout the episode, Rachel emphasizes the significance of making an individual decision regarding time tracking practices. Timely - https://timelyapp.com/ Clockify - https://clockify.me/ Toggl - https://toggl.com/ QuickBooks Time - https://quickbooks.intuit.com/time-tracking/timesheets/ The Soul of Enterprise Podcast - https://www.thesoulofenterprise.com/ Seth David's free group - https://www.nerdenterprises.com/a/2147522163/DyoHDAZY  

It's January, the start of a new year and what better way to kick off your year than with a time audit! You know I love time audits because they are so incredibly helpful for making the most of your time and helping you make the biggest impact you can. I know, you might be thinking that adding another thing to your to-do list just isn't possible. But believe me, you can regain so much time just by doing a quick time audit of what you're doing each day!           As school counselors, we have so much on our plate so finding ways to maximize our time and eliminate things where we can is key to fitting it all in. I have found the best way to truly see where my time goes is by completing a time audit and today, I am breaking down how you can easily do a time audit of your school day to ensure you are making the most of your time!       *     Show Notes: https://brightfutures-counseling.com/podcast-episodes/how-to-perform-a-time-audit           *     Resources Mentioned:           Save your spot for January's Coffee with the Counselor Training: https://www.stressfreeschoolcounseling.com/coffee            Toggl: https://toggl.com/            Rescue Time: https://www.rescuetime.com/             Join the IMPACT Membership: https://www.stressfreeschoolcounseling.com/impact            Enroll in the Stress-Free School Counseling Course: https://www.stressfreeschoolcounseling.com/enroll         *     Connect with Rachel:     Shop: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Bright-Futures-Counseling     Blog: https://brightfutures-counseling.com/     Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brightfuturescounseling/     Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/2473191466030095     If you are enjoying School Counseling Simplified please follow and leave us a review on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/school-counseling-simplified-podcast/id1534494971

In this episode of the Executive Function Brain Trainer Podcast, Darius and Erica explore the challenges and solutions surrounding time management, a common hurdle for individuals with executive function difficulties. The conversation focuses on recognizing signs like underestimating task duration, being frequently late, and struggles in starting or completing tasks. They explore practical, empathy-driven strategies and technology tools such as time tracking apps like Toggl and Clockify, structured scheduling using Google Calendar, visual aids like Time Timer, and engaging with mindfulness apps like Headspace and Calm. Additionally, they discuss innovative time management tools like Forest and Focus@Will, along with coping mechanisms for when time slips away using platforms like Asana and Trello.   Links: My Memory Mentor: https://mymemorymentor.com/  The Checklist Manifesto: How to Get Things Right:  https://amzn.to/3QVqgv6  The Right Brain Time Manager: https://amzn.to/3QWjZ24  The Four Agreements by Miguel Ruiz:http://tinyurl.com/4cfuwdpa  Toggl  Clockify Google Calendar Microsoft Outlook Calendar  Apple Calendar Time Timer Visual Timer Countdown RescueTime Forest  Focus@Will  Headspace Calm  Asana Trello Day One  Journey Brought to you by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://goodsensorylearning.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://learningspecialistcourses.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://bulletmapacademy.com⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠https://iVVi.app⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠https://www.mymemorymentor.com/

Technology can really support your business. I'm sharing the tools that I can't live without in case you're looking for recommendations. Remember that technology is only as impactful as the problem it solves. Don't go down a rabbit hole for tools you don't need. To evaluate the tools you need with our free downloadable down below. This post contains affiliate links. Should you choose to purchase, we may receive a small commission. We are only affiliates for products and services we use ourselves. What you'll learn: → tools to help with organization. → making scheduling easier. → how we create websites and courses. → email marketing software. → essential tools for our podcast. Want to skip ahead? Here are key takeaways: [3:57] Staying on task is a combination of digital and paper. All our projects live inside of ClickUp. It helps us stay on task and manage priorities. For day to day lists, I love my weekly dashboard paper planner from Ink + Volt. [5:03] To manage time we use Toggl. We can see how long it takes us to complete things and ensure we're managing our time on the right tasks and projects. For teams, you could also use it to ensure you aren't duplicating efforts. [5:48] Make scheduling a breeze with a digital calendar. You can use it with your team, donors, sponsors, etc. It can save time with the back and forth of trying to figure out what times work best. There are also several features that you can utilize if you need them like payments and separate calendars that show different types of availability. [8:05] For website and course management we use WordPress, Divi by Elegant Themes and LifterLMS. While they may take a little more work on the front end, they are super easy to customize and edit without coding.  [8:48] ConvertKit is the email platform I use. There are several great ones out there but this is the one I've been using for years. Think about what else you need to integrate before picking one. [9:32] When it comes to our podcasts we use Zoom, Otter.ai, and Headliner to create the elements we need. This allows us to create transcripts, videos for YouTube, and audiograms to promote the episodes. Content at Scale then allows us to repurpose blog posts into long form blog posts for our sister company, H & E Marketing Solutions.  Resources ClickUp* Ink + Volt Toggl Acuity Scheduling DonorDock* Divi by Elegant Themes* LifterLMS ConvertKit Otter.AI Zoom Headliner Content at Scale* Canva Google Workspace Apollo Connect with us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-first-click Learn more about The First Click: https://thefirstclick.net Schedule a Digital Marketing Therapy Session: https://thefirstclick.net/officehours 

Today we have a few topics. First, its a new year! Are you ready? I go through a list of things that you might want to make sure you have.  We talk about asking WHY to help you find additional motivation, and to TIME yourself so you can make informed decisions.  Lastly, some people are making bad decisions for their podcasts as a business, and I give some advice on what to watch out for.  Join the School of Podcasting Community Risk-Free Are you looking to start your own podcast but don't know where to begin? Look no further than the School of Podcasting. Our comprehensive online courses and one-on-one coaching will teach you everything you need to know, from equipment and editing to marketing and monetization. With our proven methods and unlimited one-on-one consulting, you'll be creating high-quality, engaging content in no time. Say goodbye to the frustration and uncertainty and hello to a successful podcasting career with the School of Podcasting. Use the coupon code schoolofpodcasting.com/listener to save on a monthly or yearly subscription. Podcast Giveaway Each month I'll be giving great podcast gear away along with other services. Check it out at schoolofpodcasting.com/giveaway  Chapters 00:00:00 - Introduction 00:00:19 - Opening 00:01:03 - Neil Wants To Sponsor Your Show 00:09:47 - Check Your Email 00:11:24 - Keep Asking Why 00:12:54 - Example: My Whys 00:18:26 - Making Informed Decisions 00:19:27 - Why Podcasting Is Hard 00:20:34 - Join the School of Podcasting  00:21:35 - Giveaway - Enter Today  00:21:51 - The Uncomfortable Conversation  00:25:06 - Trevor Got a Recording Style Deal  00:26:32 - Cohosts Getting Fired  00:27:35 - Network Deals - Do The Work  00:36:13 - School of Podcasting Price Increase? 00:37:12 - Check the Gurus Linkedin 00:38:39 - Question of the Month 00:39:39 - Live Appearances 00:40:11 - Time Yourself with Toggl 00:44:59 - Bloopers 00:45:43 - One More Tip Mentioned In This Episode Join the School of Podcasting Community Arms Around Ukraine Podcast Prenup 7 Tips Podcasters Can Use From Radio with Neil Hedley Gordon Firemark Entertainment Lawyer The Voice Inside My Hed (Neil Hedley) Profit From Your Podcast Book Make Noise by Eric Nuzum Toggl Free Timer Live Well and Flourish Power of Podcasting Network Dave's YouTube Channel Dave's Podcasting Newsletter Buy Dave a Coffee Put Dave In Your Pocket Where Will Dave Be? Question of the Month This episode originates from the School of Podcasting at  https://www.schoolofpodcasting.com/913

When I first started my YouTube channel, I created a workflow that included ideating my videos, batch filming them one month at a time, editing, scheduling, and creating thumbnails. The best part is that I was STILL able to do it all in just four hours/week. Find out how possible it is for you to get your channel off the ground inside this episode! SEE THE SHOW NOTES! LINKS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE: YouTube Formula: https://stephaniekase.com/youtubeformulayt Toggl: https://toggl.com iMovie: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/imovie/id377298193 Final Cut Pro (90 day trial): https://www.apple.com/final-cut-pro/trial/ Descript(free trial): https://www.descript.com/?lmref=B30gvg Adobe Premier Pro: https://www.adobe.com/products/premiere.html Free YouTube Class: https://stephaniekase.com/youtubeclasspodcast Youtube for Business: https://stephaniekase.com/youtubeforbusiness EMAIL US! Have any questions or anything you'd love to see covered in an upcoming episode?! Send us an email at podcast@stephaniekase.com! We'd LOVE to hear your thoughts!! FREEBIES! Free Email Class - How to build a powerful email marketing plan to make income in your business: https://stephaniekase.com/emailclasspodcast Instagram Audit Checklist: https://stephaniekase.com/checklistpodcast Free Instagram Quiz - Find out your next steps in order to gain your next 1,000 Instagram followers: https://www.tryinteract.com/share/quiz/640b5aed5d0954001476e5f2 Free Sample Posting Schedule: https://stephaniekase.com/postingscheduleyt Free Reels Class: Grow Your Business Reach with Reels (in just 3 hours every month): https://stephaniekase.com/reelsclasspodcast Free Reels Quiz - Discover your next reel idea: https://stephaniekase.com/quiz Free Starbucks Quiz: Which Type of Drink is Your Business? https://stephaniekase.com/starbucksquizpodcast MY SHOP PRODUCTS! Instagram Growth Course: https://stephaniekase.com/instagramgrowth Instagram Story Templates: https://stephaniekase.com/instagramstorytemplates Instagram Carousel Templates: https://stephaniekase.com/instagramcarouseltemplates 35 Days of Instagram: https://stephaniekase.com/35daysofinstagram Email Graphic Templates: https://stephaniekase.com/emailtemplates Reels Mini Course: https://stephaniekase.com/reelsminicourse Reels Cover Photo Templates: https://stephaniekase.com/reelscovers Content Calendar Templates: https://stephaniekase.com/contentcalendar Lightroom Mobile Presets: https://stephaniekase.com/mobilepresets LET'S BE FRIENDS! Our Business Education Instagram: https://instagram.com/stephaniekaseeducation My Personal Instagram: https://instagram.com/stephanielynnkase Join my free weekly newsletter: https://stephaniekase.com/community Website: http://www.stephaniekase.com Blog: http://www.stephaniekase.com/blog MY MUST-HAVE PROGRAMS! HoneyBook! Get it for 50% off: http://share.honeybook.com/stephanie98736 Later! Plan your Instagram feed & get 10 free posts: https://later.com/r/stephanie_brann Flodesk for email marketing! Get 50% off: https://flodesk.com/c/STEPHANIEKASE The Legal Paige contract templates! Code "STEPHANIE" for 10% off: https://thelegalpaige.com/?aff=69 Canva for easy graphic design: https://canva.7eqqol.net/6J50E Hanging Wall Calendars from Kat Schmoyer: https://creative-at-heart.mykajabi.com/a/2147501202/nCqn6EzU EM Shop website templates! Code "STEPHANIE" for 12% off: http://www.stephaniekase.com/emshop FAVORITE CONTENT CREATION TOOLS: Blue yeti mic: https://bit.ly/3iV18Dv Vocal Booth Box: https://bit.ly/3ibTXH4 Pop Filter: https://bit.ly/3q7SSoe White Ring Light: https://bit.ly/3nkaUCj Photography camera: https://bit.ly/3GEqTmm DISCLAIMER: Some of the links above may be affiliate links, which means that at no cost to you, I may make a small commission when you click the links and complete a purchase. I never recommend anything I don't truly love! :)

In our FINAL session with Angie (Session 18), we discuss her perspective on accountability after having all of her sessions recorded and what it did (and didn't) do for her. We also review her Toggl report, talk about if she's truly one of those people who are “busy but don't work” and look at what CEO shifts she can make to be able to both run AND grow the business without burning out.    In this episode, you'll hear:   What I actually think about external accountability (this will probably surprise you) The realizations Angie had from tracking her time for a week The reality of being a busy CEO and running a business that doesn't get talked about enough The important consideration we must make before we say ‘yes' to something new The challenge of both running AND growing a business (and how to navigate it) The check in we end with that is the question most of us need to ask ourselves (and won't always give ourselves permission for)   Episode Links Join my Facebook group Learn more about Angie on her website  

Dzisiaj przychodzę z tematem, który przyda się absolutnie każdemu. Opowiem Ci konkretnie o tym, jak ogromne znaczenie ma świadomość kosztu naszego czasu i jak technologia, pomaga tę świadomość zyskać. #BoCzemuNie ? POBIERZ ODCINEK Linki: Partnerzy technologiczni: > Toggl – darmowe narzędzie do mierzenia czasu pracy, które umożliwia śledzenie zadań i działań projektowych. W odcinku kod, który da Ci […] Artykuł #299 – Daj sobie podwyżkę, czyli o koszcie naszego czasu pochodzi z serwisu Podcast „Bo czemu nie?”.

Zapraszam na podsumowanie i omówienie październikowej premiery nowych komputerów Mac. #BoCzemuNie ? POBIERZ ODCINEK Linki: Partnerzy technologiczni odcinka: > Toggl – darmowe narzędzie do mierzenia czasu pracy, które umożliwia śledzenie zadań i działań projektowych. > iDream – Apple Premium Reseller, Apple Premium Service Provider > Synology Bądźmy w kontakcie: Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | kontakt@boczemunie.pl […] Artykuł #296 – Pokonferencyjny: Zrobili to. pochodzi z serwisu Podcast „Bo czemu nie?”.

Time tracking can be difficult to get compliance on when it is presented as micromanaging and feels like monitoring.However, when you present the value of having that data WITH context, employees will more likely get on board with it. Better business decisions can be made with good information, such as pricing, hiring, and scaling your agency well.On today's podcast, we have Ilia Markov, Marketing Director at Toggl, to share with us how to go From Resistance to Success: 5 Steps to Roll Out Time Tracking in Agencies.As a marketing leader, Ilia dedicates a large share of his time working on the central pillars of Toggl's go-to-market strategy, such as positioning, messaging, and monetization strategy. He believes understanding your target audience on an intimate level – and especially the problems they face – is the single most important trait of successful marketers.

Time tracking is often seen as a necessary evil - something that takes time away from doing client work or feels like micromanaging employees. In this episode I interview Ilia from Toggl to discover why those assumptions are wrong. We discuss real-world examples of how time tracking provides valuable data to help agencies work more efficiently, provide better project estimates, optimise team members' time, identify profitable versus unprofitable clients, and ultimately achieve better profitability and work-life balance. Ilia shares tips on how agency owners can implement time tracking in a way that gets buy-in from employees and avoids it feeling punitive. If you think time tracking is a drag that holds your agency back, this myth-busting episode will surprise you and highlight the many bottom-line benefits tracking time can unlock! Full show notes: https://trailblazer.fm/is-time-tracking-holding-you-back/

**Cold Open (How many alarms do each of us set to wake up?)****Skip the Cold Open at 4:14**On this episode, Jake and Cody are joined by Toggl Marketing Director, Ilia Markov, discussing the importance of tracking time in your agency for reasons beyond simply billing.We've talked about tracking time for various reasons in episode 4 (How to Price Your Agency Services) but most importantly in episode 19 (Understanding Your Internal Labor Rate Calculation is More Important Than Making Money) -- however, in this episode, we dive deep into the not only why time tracking for multiple reasons is important in agencies, but also which tools you can use.Ilia, Jake, and Cody discuss why time tracking is important for agencies as well as key features of various time tracking apps including Toggl.Toward the end of the episode, you'll learn:How Toggl is much more than a time-tracking appHow time reporting is just as important as time trackingHow Toggl Track integrates with other project management tools like ClickUpToggl's own project management tool, Toggl PlanNew Toggl features such as Toggl HireAdditionally, for the next 3 months after this episode's air date, Ilia has been gracious enough to give all Everbros Podcast listeners 20% off on annual plans for new members by using code "EVERBROS"!**Head over to toggl.com to learn more about their products!As always, if you enjoyed this episode or any other episode, it would greatly help us get the word out there by leaving us a review on Apple or a rating on Spotify.Want to connect with us? Reach out to us on the everbrospodcast.com website or connect with Jake on socials:Twitter/X: @HundleyJakeLinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/jake-hundley/Facebook: facebook.com/jake.hundley.1Instagram: instagram.com/jakehundley/**The Everbros Agency Growth Podcast does not receive any compensation for referrals to Toggl. This is strictly an offer Ilia wanted to offer to our listeners.

In this episode of The Agency Accelerator, Ilia Markov from the time tracking management tool, Toggl, discusses the importance of time recording and how it will help agencies manage their capacity, productivity, and profitability. We explore how time tracking is not just about billing clients, but is also a way to analyse where time is going, identify areas for improvement, and optimise operations. We outline the metrics that should be measured, such as billable versus non-billable time percentages, and what constitutes too much billable time. Finally, Ilia emphasises that time tracking is not a tool for spying on employees, but rather to spot inefficiencies, identify early warning signs of burnout, and optimise work. Quotations "The highest performing agency usually are somewhere in the vicinity of 75%, meaning 75% of a client facing employee's total time ends up on an invoice."— Ilia Markov "Regardless of the pricing model that you use, it's important to understand how you are using your main resource...your people! It's very important to understand where their time is going and how it is used." — Ilia Markov Rate, Review, & Subscribe on Apple Podcasts “I enjoy listening to The Agency Accelerator Podcast. I always learn something from every episode.” If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more people like you to move towards a Self-Running Agency. How to leave a review on Apple Podcasts Scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then, let me know what you loved most about the episode! Also, if you haven't done so already, subscribe to the podcast. I'm adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the feed and, if you're not subscribed, there's a good chance you'll miss out. Subscribe now! Useful links mentioned in this episode: Toggl (Get 20% off an annual plan using discount code ACCELERATOR)Ilia's LinkedIn profileTwitterJoin my twice monthly FREE live agency workshops

In this video/podcast, we will explore the topic of boosting productivity through automation. We'll discuss various tools and techniques that can help you streamline your day, saving time and energy. By harnessing the power of automation, you can focus on important tasks and achieve more efficiency in your daily workflow. Zapier and IFTTT: Zapier and IFTTT (If This Then That) are powerful automation platforms that allow you to connect different apps and services. They work on the principle of triggers and actions, enabling you to create automated workflows, known as "Zaps" or "Applets." These tools eliminate the need for repetitive manual tasks by automating them. For example, you can automatically save email attachments to cloud storage or create a task in your to-do list when a new email arrives. Email Templates: Composing similar emails repeatedly can be time-consuming. Email templates are pre-written messages that can be customized and reused for common scenarios. By using email templates, you can save time and maintain consistency in your communication. Many email clients and productivity tools offer built-in or customizable templates, making it easy to respond to inquiries, schedule meetings, or send follow-ups quickly. Calendly or Doodle: Scheduling meetings can be a hassle, especially when coordinating with multiple participants. Tools like Calendly and Doodle simplify the process by allowing you to share your availability and let others choose a suitable time slot. These tools integrate with your calendar and eliminate the back-and-forth emails or messages involved in scheduling. With just a few clicks, you can efficiently manage your appointments and save valuable time. LastPass or 1Password: Remembering multiple passwords for different accounts can be a daunting task. Password managers like LastPass and 1Password securely store your login credentials, generating strong passwords and auto-filling them when needed. By using a password manager, you can improve security, save time, and reduce the frustration of password management. Additionally, these tools often offer features like secure note storage, form filling, and synchronization across devices. RescueTime or Toggl: Maintaining focus and tracking time spent on various tasks is crucial for productivity. RescueTime and Toggl are productivity apps that help you analyze and manage your time effectively. RescueTime runs in the background, tracking your activity on different applications and websites. It provides detailed reports on your time usage, allowing you to identify time sinks and make informed decisions. Toggl, on the other hand, is a time-tracking tool that lets you log the time you spend on specific tasks or projects. By understanding how you allocate your time, you can optimize your workflow and prioritize important activities. Conclusion: Automation tools such as Zapier, IFTTT, email templates, scheduling apps like Calendly or Doodle, password managers like LastPass or 1Password, and productivity trackers like RescueTime or Toggl can significantly enhance your productivity by minimizing repetitive tasks, optimizing scheduling, simplifying password management, and providing insights into your time allocation. By incorporating these automation techniques into your daily routine, you can streamline your day and focus on what truly matters, ultimately achieving greater efficiency and productivity.

How do you manage the tension between your personal and professional life when you work from home? Today our guest is Hilary Sutton, a fractional CMO, writer, speaker, and host of the Hustle & Grace Podcast, where she serves as the chief explorer in helping people cultivate a flourishing career in life. Join us as we discuss both the challenges and freedoms of working from home. We'll share important tips, strategies, and tools that will help you optimize your productivity and find your own unique rhythm!   Podcast Outline: [0:00] Introduction to Hilary Sutton and the topic of work-from-home productivity - Hilary shares her story and describes what she's been doing over the years. [2:42] Craig shares his story and describes what it was like going back to working in a cubicle - how he longed to go back to working from home. [3:49] How working from home has been important to Hilary - explains her work style and the challenges she faced when working outside the home. [6:01] The challenges faced by extroverts who work from home - Craig shares helpful strategies he and his wife/business partner have used to fulfill their need for social interaction. [6:30] The remote work revolution - Hilary shares her take on what the trends will be.   The Challenges of Working from Home (Productivity Pitfalls) [10:06] #1 Not having a dedicated workspace - some strategies to help carve out a space dedicated to work. [10:40] #2 Not maximizing your time - the limitations you might face and how to prioritize what needs to get done by time blocking and “big rock” strategies. [14:28] The concept of energy management - how “50-minute hustles” and other strategies can help you grow your business during the times that are most energetic and creative for you. [17:54] How using different spaces for different levels of work can improve productivity - Craig explains how you need to figure out the best environment and type of day for you. [19:17] Managing the tension between personal and professional life - Hilary shares her experience and strategies that have worked for her. [22:44] The importance of finding a rhythm - Craig describes his experience of dedicating a certain amount of time to work and life. [24:15] Tips to improve productivity - Hilary lists software and hardware that have helped her track time, avoid scope creep, collaborate with contractors or clients, and work remotely. Craig recommends additional hardware and software to include in your home office. [28:03] Using digital tools and apps versus analog planners or books - Hilary explains her preference for using digital tools for some planning and a physical journal for others. [31:57] How to learn more about Hilary   Resources and tools discussed in this episode: Freelance University   Learn more about Hilary Sutton: HilarySutton.com  Hustle & Grace Podcast  The “What's Your Career Motivation?” Quiz    Resources and tools: Laura Vanderkam - Writer, Author, Speaker  Toggl  Basecamp  Apple desktops and laptops Zoom  Asana  Bullet Journal  The Bullet Journal Method  Google Calendar  Kindle Amazon

Being an entrepreneur requires you to think about problems differently, and then it requires you to do differently. Which is why it seems so foreign to focus on your time, if you want to make more money.In today's episode, I share with you how one of my 1:1 clients got more time back, and made more money, by hiring a VA and spending her time on more revenue producing activities. If nothing less, I hope this episode gets you to start to think about making money differently.TAKEAWAYS:Time is money. When you want to make more money, you should focus on how you're spending your time.Track your time. One way to see how you are spending your time is to track what you're doing. There's a great app called Toggl where you can track your tasks throughout the day. I suggest you do this for at least a week.As an entrepreneur, you're creating your own system. So that requires you to think differently than you've previously been taught. This might mean that in order to make more money and get time back, you may need to spend money, like outsourcing some tasks that are taking up your time that could be used on other revenue producing activities.RESOURCES:Find the blog post that accompanies this episodeRegister for the Burn Your Launch Calendar and Never Look Back MasterclassGrab a $7 trial for your first month inside of the Funnel of the Month ClubCONNECT WITH ALLISON:Follow Allison on InstagramDID YOU HAVE AN 'AH-HA MOMENT' WHILE LISTENING TO THIS EPISODE?If you found value and are ready to take action from listening to this episode, head to Apple Podcasts and help us reach new audiences by giving the podcast a rating and a review. This helps us to reach more online coaches who are creating a thriving 6-figure business.Music courtesy of www.bensound.com

In this podcast episode, we explore the tips for managing your time and staying productive as a freelancer. As a freelancer, it's essential to be organized and efficient to succeed in the highly competitive market. I'll be sharing some valuable insights and practical advice on how to create a schedule, set realistic goals, use time-tracking tools, limit distractions, and take breaks. These tips will help freelancers to manage their time effectively, boost productivity, and avoid burnout. If you're a freelancer looking to improve your time management skills and maximize your productivity, this podcast episode is a must-listen! Check out Toggl for time management: https://toggl.com/ Read The Slight Edge: https://amzn.to/3y1jI4I - Want to come on project freelance? Shoot me an email at contact@justtheletterk.com or on any of my social media: http://beacons.ai/justtheletterk Instagram: http://instagram.com/justtheletterk_img Check out these best sellers from Wandrd: https://shareasale.com/r.cfm?b=2168736&u=3481091&m=79898&urllink=&afftrack= Try Liquid Death: http://liquiddeath.com/discount/JUSTTHELETTERK You can now buy me a coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/justtheletterk Get 12 fractional shares by joining Webull: https://a.webull.com/B8fJ2rwkXIWCl9tWi2 I've been using Cash App to send money and spend using the Cash Card. Try it using my code and we'll each get $5. DGMNRNB https://cash.app/app/DGMNRNB --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/projectfreelance/message

#092 - My guest Heather Angel walks you through the different types of Virtual Assistants, the tasks they handle, and what you need to do to start exploring this as your next career in this in-demand industry.Click HERE for your FREE download that explains the Different Types of Virtual Assistants and the services they provide.Click HERE to learn more about Heather's class Virtual Assistant Beginner Course, which starts on January 20, 2023.You can find Heather atwww.HeatherLynnAngel.comOn Instagram at @HeatherLynnAngelSHOW NOTES:  Here are some of the people that Heather likes to follow -Pat Flynn (YouTube)Jasmine Star (Instagram)Brock Johnson (Instagram)Chalene Johnson (Instagram)Here are some of the apps and websites that Heather has found helpful -ConvertKit (email management)Active Campaign (email management)MailChimp (email management)Meta Business Suite (scheduling social media)Hootsuite (scheduling social media)Buffer (scheduling social media)Toggl (time tracker)Marco Polo (texting with video)Loom (video texts)Google Drive (organizing and share files and documents)Evernote (note taking, sharable)Last Pass (Password protecting service)---------The Quest for Healing Podcast is hosted by Kerstin Ramstrom. For more information about Kerstin and her health coaching practice, Carefully Healing, please find her atCarefullyHealing.comFacebook: Carefully HealingInstagram: @CarefullyHealingWithKerstinYouTube: Carefully Healing with Kerstin If you want save up to 25% off supplements that you're taking every day, check out Wellevate in the Resources section of my website at CarefullyHealing.com/Resources and go to the Wellevate section. Shipping is FREE for orders over $49, US only. ($)