Agency Bytes Podcast
Agency Bytes is a video podcast series that packs a ton of important agency information on one topic, from one expert into a 25-minute brief.
Why 25 minutes?
Because who has the attention span for much more these days, and you can squeeze in a listen between meetings with time for a bathroom break or coffee refill before your next meeting.
Easily find the episode you’re looking for with the Podcast Search feature - type in a guest name, topic, or episode number and voila!
Listen & subscribe on the platform of your choice
Subscribe for email delivery each week
Ep 129 - Natasha Golinsky, On Purpose Projects – Mindset Matters: The Key to Entrepreneurial Success
In episode 129, I talk with Natasha Golinski, founder of On Purpose Projects, a custom web and e-commerce dev agency. Natasha is a three-time Canada Women of Influence nominee, a mom of three, and a breast cancer survivor—and she’s built her business around the belief that mindset is everything.
We dig into how she went from “accidental agency owner” to leading a zero-meeting, all-contractor team for over a decade, and why journaling, EFT (tapping), and surrounding yourself with the right people are critical to surviving the entrepreneurial rollercoaster. Natasha also shares how a cancer diagnosis forced her to hire ops support—and ultimately led to one of her agency’s biggest months ever.
This episode is a masterclass in grit, leadership, and the mental game of entrepreneurship.
Key Bytes
• Mindset is the job. Natasha starts most days with journaling and EFT to reset anxiety and focus.• Zero meetings, high loyalty. A culture of respect, gratitude, and no drama keeps her contractor team thriving.• Protect your people. Leadership means absorbing the stress and passing the praise.• Say no early. Guardrails in discovery protect the team from toxic clients.• Crisis as catalyst. Cancer forced Natasha to let go of ops—and it unlocked growth.• Community matters. No one is self-made—surround yourself with peers who lift you up.• Focus sharpens delivery. On Purpose Projects does dev only—like a food truck that just serves crepes.
Chapters
00:00 Welcome & Natasha’s background02:12 Accidental agency beginnings04:45 Mindset, marketing, and money: her founder lane07:30 Morning pages & EFT as daily reset tools11:05 Cancer diagnosis, hiring ops, and a breakthrough month15:20 Building loyalty in a zero-meeting contractor culture20:22 Client red flags & protecting your team23:50 Why no one is self-made: the role of community26:30 Rapid-fire fun: karaoke, first impressions, food truck metaphor28:55 Closing thoughts
Natasha Golinsky is the founder of an award-winning web development and ecommerce agency, a three-time nominee for the Canada Women of Influence® Award, and a tireless champion of female agency owners. Natasha’s also a mom of three and a breast cancer survivor who brings grit, heart, and a deep sense of purpose to everything she does. I’m thrilled to dig into her journey, her mission, and the lessons she’s learned along the way. Natasha, welcome to the show.
Award winning web development & ecommerce agency founder | Champion & connector of female agency owners | 3x nominee Canada Women of Influence® Award | Breast Cancer Butt-Kicker | Mom x 3
Ep 128 – Logan Lyles, DemandShift – Build a Thought-Leadership Engine that Sells
In episode 128, I sit down with Logan Lyles, founder of DemandShift and longtime B2B sales and marketing pro. Logan’s career has spanned brand side, agency side, and now his own consultancy—giving him a unique perspective on what it really takes to grow pipeline.
We unpack his journey from scaling Sweet Fish Media to Inc. 5000 status, building the Agency Life series at Teamwork, and leading growth at Business Builders. Most importantly, Logan shares how he turned disappointing webinar results into a repeatable framework that consistently converts registrations into booked sales calls.
If you’ve ever run a webinar that felt like a win… until the dreaded “conversion cliff,” this episode gives you the practical, step-by-step fixes to turn those views into revenue.
Key Bytes
• Logan explains how most agencies fall into the “conversion cliff” trap—lots of registrants, little pipeline—and the two-part fix that changed everything.
• He shares the importance of packaging your expertise into a clear framework that creates a natural next step.
• We break down his two-step registration process that boosted webinar conversions by 5–10x.
• We compare free vs. paid events, what impacts show-up rates, and which strategy works best for agencies.
• We talk about how webinars double as content engines for thought leadership and trust building.
• Logan shares why solopreneurs and 20-person agencies alike can adapt this strategy with the right tech stack.
• He opens up about lessons learned in sales—why not every “yes” is worth chasing.
Chapters
00:02 Intro to Logan Lyles and Demand Shift
01:14 Logan’s meandering career path from journalism to sales to agency life
03:09 Lessons from scaling Sweet Fish Media and leading growth at Business Builders
06:44 Why referrals aren’t enough for agencies anymore
07:28 The “conversion cliff” of webinars and how Logan fixed it
09:48 The two-step registration process that boosted conversions 5–10x
12:59 Free vs. paid webinars: show rates, signups, and strategy
15:57 Webinars as thought-leadership engines and content machines
19:11 Blending demand gen with brand building for faster sales cycles
23:02 Rethinking webinars: live podcasts, polls, and engagement tactics
27:08 Sales lessons: why not every yes is worth chasing
27:50 Wrap-up and where to find Logan (demandshift.co)
Logan Lyles has spent 17 years in B2B sales & marketing, drawing on his journalism background & working both agency- and brand-side in various roles. He has helped multiple agencies scale, including helping lead Sweet Fish Media onto the Inc 5,000 List 2 years in a row & increasing Business Builders monthly email list growth by 580% in 2024.
Logan is the founder of DemandShift, a webinar-as-a-service agency, the co-host of the weekly podcast: The Marketing Max Show & a LinkedIn Top Voice.
http://linkedin.com/in/loganlyles
Ep 127 – Kelly Schuknecht, Two Mile High Marketing – The Agency Owner’s Visibility Plan: Podcasts, Stages, LinkedIn
In episode 127, I talk with Kelly Schuknecht, founder of Two Mile High Marketing and host of the Beyond the Best Seller podcast. Kelly shares her journey from being laid off to launching her agency, how she quickly built a team, and why she’s focused on helping agency owners and CEOs grow through thought leadership platforms. We dig into what I call The Agency Owner’s Visibility Plan—a repeatable system of podcasts, stages, and LinkedIn that helps agencies build authority, stay top-of-mind, and consistently attract clients.
Key Bytes
• The Agency Owner’s Visibility Plan comes down to visibility, credibility, and consistency.
• Trusting yourself to leap without a safety net accelerates growth.
• Niching disqualifies the wrong buyers while pulling in the right ones.
• Visibility means showing up where your audience already is.
• Credibility is built in a snap judgment—package your proof.
• Consistency matters more than volume—set a realistic cadence.
• Every podcast interview can fuel a month’s worth of content.
• Delegating early unlocks owner time for actual growth work.
• In-person events still beat virtual for relationship building.
Chapters
00:00 Introducing Kelly and the story behind “Two Mile High”
03:30 From acquisition layoff to launching an agency
06:45 Why she pivoted away from “fractional CMO”
09:55 The challenge and power of niching down
13:50 Hiring early and delegating with trust
16:20 The Visibility–Credibility–Consistency framework
19:55 A realistic cadence for LinkedIn, podcasts, and speaking
24:10 In-person vs. virtual events and AI’s limitations
26:45 Rapid Fire: superpowers, lessons learned, and marketing myths
Kelly Schuknecht is the founder of Two Mile High Marketing, where she partners with agency owners and business leaders to build powerful thought leadership platforms. With over 15 years of marketing experience and a track record of elevating brands from behind the scenes, Kelly now helps experts step into the spotlight through strategic content, visibility tactics, and authentic personal branding. She’s the host of Beyond the Bestseller, a podcast featuring women who use their stories to lead.
Ep 083 – Jody Sutter, The Sutter Company – Build, Win, Scale
In Episode 083, I had the pleasure of chatting with Jody Sutter, owner of Sutter Company, about her journey in business development and our shared mission of supporting small marketing agencies with their sales and marketing efforts. Jody introduces her Build Win Scale System—a practical, step-by-step approach to help agencies identify their ideal clients, improve messaging, and strengthen their teams for business growth.
Throughout our conversation, Jody shares why it's crucial for agencies to focus on sales and marketing fundamentals, like pinpointing the right clients and solving their unique challenges. We also explore how to tackle seasonality in the agency world and the power of prioritizing one thing at a time for sustainable success. Don’t miss this insightful episode!
Key Takeaways
Focus on the basics of sales and marketing, such as identifying your ideal client and solving their problems.
Prioritize and focus on one thing at a time to make progress.
Use the dips in business to work on strategic projects and improve your agency.
Consider integrating AI tools to streamline processes and improve efficiency.
Reflect on the value you provide to your clients and turn it into a compelling message.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Background
06:32 The BuildWin Scale System
12:58 Challenges and Pitfalls in Agency Business Development
17:41 Managing Seasonality in the Agency Business
20:12 Prioritization and Focus
25:15 Integrating AI in Agency Operations
31:05 Turning Value into a Compelling Message
32:40 Closing Remarks
Jody is the owner of The Sutter Company, a business development coaching and advisory firm,
and the inventor of the BUILD WIN SCALETM system, a step-by-step process designed to help
leaders of small marketing agencies identify and activate their natural talents for sales and
marketing, leading to a sustainable approach to winning new business.
Ep 082 – Chris Martinez, Bloom Partners – Operational Underdogs
In episode 082, I sit down with Chris Martinez, CEO and founder of Bloom Partners, who shares his journey from building a successful marketing agency to transitioning into management consulting. Chris dives into the importance of data-driven strategies and setting clear KPIs for each department, emphasizing how these metrics fuel growth. We discuss the impact of AI on the industry, and Chris encourages agency owners to embrace the new possibilities it brings. He also talks about the critical role of personal fulfillment in business success—how finding joy in all areas of life directly boosts both individual and company performance.
Key Takeaways
• Set clear KPIs for each department in your agency and track them using simple tools like Google Sheets.
• Embrace AI and leverage its capabilities to improve efficiency and productivity in your agency.
• Focus on personal fulfillment in physical health, mental health, relationships, and business to achieve overall success.
• The business is a reflection of you, so ensure that other areas of your life are in balance for optimal performance.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Background
03:08 Building a Marketing Agency and Transitioning to Management Consulting
05:54 Data-Driven Strategies and Clear KPIs
09:00 Embracing AI in the Agency Industry
12:56 The Importance of Personal Fulfillment in Business
Chris Martinez, CEO and Founder of BLOOMAgency.io, has turned his passion for helping underdogs into a thriving business, growing his company from zero to millions in revenue. Recognized with a 2021 Stevie Award for Minority-Owned Business of the Year, Chris also hosts the popular podcast Operation Agency Freedom. He is the author of four books, including the Amazon Bestseller It’s Not JUST A Website, and his latest release, Facts Not Feelings, offers insights on scaling a marketing agency with data-driven strategies.
Contact Chris:
Ep 081 – David C. Baker, Punctuation – Preparing to Sell Your Agency
In episode 081, I sit down with David C. Baker, a renowned consultant, author, and speaker in the advertising agency world. We explore David's journey from grad school to founding his consultancy, Punctuation, and later bringing his son into the business. David shares key traits that drive successful agencies—courage, discipline, strategic positioning, and effective team management. We discuss business resets, lead generation, and the science behind agency positioning, along with the advantages of running an agency with future acquisition in mind. Beyond business, David talks about his personal passions like motorcycling, woodworking, and photography. Tune in for valuable insights into managing and scaling a creative agency.
Key Takeaways
• Courage and discipline are key traits for agency leaders
• Positioning is crucial for agency success and requires testing and refinement
• Running an agency as if you're going to sell it can lead to better overall performance
• Woodworking, motorcycle racing, and photography are David's hobbies
• Stop things that no longer serve you and simplify your life
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Background
03:07 The Importance of Courage and Discipline in Agency Leadership
06:29 The Process of Positioning and Testing
11:17 Keys to Making an Agency Attractive for Sale
15:16 David's Hobbies: Woodworking, Motorcycle Racing, and Photography
18:20 Advice for Agency Owners: Stop and Simplify
David C. Baker is an author, speaker, and advisor to entrepreneurial creatives worldwide. He has written 6 books, advised 1,000+ firms, and keynoted conferences in 30+ countries. His work has been discussed in the Wall Street Journal, Fast Company, Forbes, USA Today, BusinessWeek, CBS News, Newsweek, AdWeek, and Inc. Magazine. He lives in Nashville, TN. His two most recent books are at http://www.expertise.is and https://www.tradecraft.is His work has also been featured in the NY Times, where he was recently referred to as “the expert’s expert”. He co-hosts the most listened to podcast in the creative services field (2Bobs).
Contact David:
Ep 080 – Kevin Rapp, Ultra Friends – No Free Work
In episode 080, I had a great conversation with Kevin Rapp, co-founder and chief creative officer of Ultra Friends. We dive into the exploitation of creatives and the crucial role of valuing creativity in business. Kevin shares his journey from working in agencies and studios to going in-house at a fast-growing startup, where he learned to focus not just on the craft, but on delivering real value to the business.
We discuss why creatives should stop pitching for free and start advocating for the true worth of their work. Kevin’s key takeaway? Understand and confidently articulate the immense value that creativity brings to the table.
This episode is a must-listen for any creative professional looking to elevate their impact and take control of their worth in the business world!
Key Takeaways
• Creatives need to shift their focus from the craft alone to delivering value to the business.
• Pitching for free devalues creativity and sets an unhealthy dynamic in client relationships.
• Understanding and articulating the true value of creativity is crucial for success.
• Advocating for fair compensation and valuing creativity leads to better career opportunities and financial growth.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Background
03:30 Transitioning from Agency to In-House Startup
06:09 Shifting the Focus to Value and Business Impact
09:55 Starting Ultra Friends and Optimizing Creative Content
15:05 The Importance of Not Pitching for Free
20:59 The Devaluation of Creativity and Self-Worth
26:00 Setting the Tone and Advocating for Fair Compensation
31:53 Understanding and Articulating the True Value of Creativity
Kevin is the co-founder and Chief Creative Officer of the creative agency Ultra Friends. He's an accomplished creative leader with almost two decades of experience in the field. And he's built a mild reputation for himself by shouting into the internet void on Linkedin.
Ep 063 – Selena Thiele, Office Mercenary – Delegate to Win
In this episode I have a great conversation with Selena Thiele, the founder of Office Mercenary, about why the key to winning is delegation. She discusses the concept of virtual assistants and the benefits they bring to businesses. She shares her own experience of feeling overwhelmed as a small business owner and how she started Office Mercenary to provide specialized support to entrepreneurs. Selena emphasizes the importance of finding the right virtual assistant and building long-term client relationships. She also highlights the challenges of delegating tasks and setting boundaries. Selena provides insights into the types of tasks Office Mercenary handles and the role of standard operating procedures (SOPs) in effective delegation. She concludes with valuable business advice, including the importance of letting go of perfectionism and striving for good enough.
Key Takeaways
• Virtual assistants can provide specialized support to overwhelmed small business owners.
• Building long-term client relationships is beneficial for both the client and the virtual assistant.
• Delegating tasks and setting boundaries are essential for effective collaboration with a virtual assistant.
• Standard operating procedures (SOPs) can streamline delegation and ensure consistent quality.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Background
01:02 The Concept of Office Mercenaries
02:23 The Impact of the Pandemic on the Virtual Assistant Industry
03:08 The Importance of Finding the Right Virtual Assistant
04:06 The Benefits of Long-Term Client Relationships
04:49 The Transformation After Delegating Tasks
06:16 The Types of Tasks Office Mercenary Handles
08:42 The Challenges of Delegating and Setting Boundaries
11:05 The Importance of Letting Go and Accepting 85% Quality
13:03 Low-Hanging Fruit for Delegation
15:44 The Definition of a Good Virtual Assistant
17:54 The Role of SOPs and Systems in Delegation
19:59 Misconceptions About Virtual Assistants
22:57 Rapid Fire Questions
25:35 Invaluable Business Advice
Ep 062 – Jared Gibson, Outworks.io – Authenticity Matters
In this episode, I had a great chat with Jared Gibson, co-founder of Outworks.io. Jared takes us through the journey of how Outworks.io came to be and how it shifted its focus to LinkedIn engagement for B2B professionals. We dive into the common struggles small business owners face in drumming up new leads. Originally, Outworks.io was all about email lead generation, but they soon found their sweet spot on LinkedIn. Jared shares why building trust through LinkedIn engagement is key and gives us some tips on what kind of content really clicks on the platform. He also shares some top-level strategy on how to leverage relationship building tactics on LinkedIn to convert comments into sales. Plus, he talks about the importance of having an abundance mindset, being your true authentic self, and the benefits of working with competitors. Don't miss out on Jared's valuable insights!
Key Takeaways
• Outworks started as an email lead generation service before pivoting to focus solely on LinkedIn engagement for B2B professionals.
• Building trust through engagement is key on LinkedIn, and it is important to take a networking approach rather than a sales approach.
• Posting valuable and authentic content on LinkedIn can help establish credibility and attract engagement.
• Optimizing LinkedIn profiles and engaging with other users' posts can help break through the noise and build relationships.
• Having an abundance mindset and collaborating with competitors can lead to new opportunities and growth.
Chapters
00:00 Origin of Outworks
01:00 Starting with Email Lead Generation
02:27 Pivoting to Focus on LinkedIn
03:42 Combining Email and LinkedIn Strategies
05:11 Posting Organic Content on LinkedIn
06:54 Engaging with the LinkedIn Algorithm
09:26 Types of Content that Work on LinkedIn
11:16 Bringing Authenticity to LinkedIn
13:56 Building Relationships and Trust on LinkedIn
17:07 Breaking Through the Noise on LinkedIn
18:24 Optimizing LinkedIn Profiles
20:18 Having an Abundance Mindset on LinkedIn
23:15 Personal Favorites and Tools
27:39 Invaluable Business Advice
Jared lives in Chicago (with his wife and two kids 5,7) where he is well networked within the Chicago business community.
He co-founded a company called Outworks. They work with B2B CEO’s, Entrepreneurs, Sales & Marketing leaders who are looking to generate revenue through LinkedIn. He's a big believer in the power of networking on the platform to generate warm leads and has built a healthy engagement system that focuses on relationship building over pushy sales tactics.
He's spent his career building and scaling businesses using these growth marketing and selling systems and decided to take that experience and provide the same value and support for other small to midsize businesses.
Connect with Jared:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/jaredoutworks/
https://www.outworks.io/
