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.
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Ep 114 – Courtney De Ronde, Forge Financial – Unlocking Business Growth
Ep 113 – Dr. Jeremy Weisz, Rise25 – The Gift of Podcasting
In episode 113, I sit down with Dr. Jeremy Weisz, co-founder of Rise 25 and host of the Inspired Insider podcast. Jeremy and I talk about how podcasting—when used the right way—can become one of the most effective tools for building real relationships, not just content. He breaks down the Dream 200 strategy for identifying ideal clients, why giving value always beats chasing sales, and how his agency uses both podcasting and strategic gifting to keep top-of-mind with partners and clients. We also dive into how he accidentally became an agency owner, the underrated power of thoughtful gifts, and his take on creating a high-impact referral ecosystem. And yes, we end with some rapid-fire questions—including the surprising mascot he’d pick for his agency.
Key Bytes
• Podcasting is a powerful tool for networking and professional development.
• Building relationships through podcasting can lead to business opportunities.
• The Dream 200 strategy helps identify and target ideal clients.
• Giving away valuable information attracts the right clients.
• Gifting strategies can enhance client engagement and retention.
• Podcasting can serve multiple purposes: authority building, SEO, and content creation.
• Networking through podcasts can create referral partnerships.
• Understanding your niche is crucial for effective marketing.
• Regular touchpoints with clients through gifts can strengthen relationships.
• Consider the source of business advice before acting on it.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Podcasting and Rise 25
02:52 The Evolution of Podcasting and Its Benefits
05:47 Building Relationships Through Podcasting
09:10 The Dream 200 Strategy for Targeting Clients
11:53 Gifting Strategies for Client Engagement
14:54 Rapid Fire Questions and Closing Thoughts
Dr. Jeremy Weisz has been featuring top entrepreneurs with video interviews since 2008 that include founders/CEOs of Pixar, P90X, Atari, Einstein Bagels, Mattel, Kettle Chips, RX Bars, Big League Chew, the Orlando Magic, and many more on www.InspiredInsider.com
He runs Rise25 which helps B2B businesses connect to their ‘Dream 200’ clients, and referral partners and get ROI, using a podcast. They eliminate 99% of the work and make sure you get ROI. Rise25 is an easy button for you to launch and run your podcast.
Podcasting has been one of the best things I've done both personally and professionally. It's been an amazing tool for connecting with referral partners, strategic partners, clients, and more.
Podcasting is like a "Swiss Army knife" because it is business development, referral marketing, strategic partnerships, lead generation, SEO, content creation, and personal and professional development, all in one.
Contact Dr. Weisz:
Ep 114 – Courtney De Ronde, Forge Financial – Unlocking Business Growth
In episode 114, I sit down with Courtney De Ronde, CEO of Forge Financial and Management Consulting, to talk about the powerful intersection of financial visibility and leadership growth. Courtney shares her journey from CPA to strategic business advisor, and we dig into her Simple Scale Up System—a framework designed to help agency leaders evolve from scrappy doers to scalable CEOs.
We explore the importance of accurate revenue recognition, the dangers of relying too heavily on gut instincts, and the mindset shifts needed to lead at the next level. Courtney also gets candid about AI’s impact on the accounting industry and why embracing technology is a must—not a maybe. We wrap things up with some rapid-fire questions that reveal the human side of this numbers expert.
Key Bytes
• Courtney De Ronde has over 20 years of experience as a CPA.
• Understanding financial visibility is crucial for business growth.
• AI presents both challenges and opportunities in the CPA industry.
• The Simple Scale Up System focuses on scaling leaders and organizations.
• Leaders must shift from relying on instincts to leveraging insights.
• Cash flow issues often indicate deeper business problems.
• Delegation and trust are essential for scaling a business.
• Learning from others' failures can accelerate growth.
• Financial reporting should match revenue with related expenses.
• Things don't have to be perfect to be effective.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Agency Bites and Guest Background
01:04 Courtney's Evolution from CPA to Business Leader
03:19 Understanding Financial Visibility and Coaching Services
04:12 Common Financial Red Flags in Service-Based Businesses
08:06 The Impact of AI on the CPA Industry
12:25 The Simple Scale Up System Framework
15:46 Shifting Mindsets: From Instincts to Insights
22:53 Challenges in Scaling Dependent Businesses
25:13 Rapid Fire Questions and Closing Thoughts
Courtney De Ronde is the CEO of Forge Financial & Management Consulting and the creator of the Simple ScaleUp System™. With over 20 years as a CPA and 15 years in business
leadership, Courtney specializes in guiding small businesses from startup to scaleup. She’s an expert in business intelligence, leadership, and corporate finance. We’re thrilled to have her share her insights on how you can achieve your most ambitious goals.
Take our free Business Intelligence Grader to gain visibility within their business
Ep 111 – Corey Quinn – Deep Specialization
In episode 111 of Agency Bytes, I sit down with Corey Quinn—agency growth expert, author of Anyone, Not Everyone, and the guy who helped scale Scorpion from $20M to $150M. We unpack what it really means to specialize as an agency and why empathy might just be your most overlooked growth lever.
Corey shares how moving from generalist to deep specialization can unlock operational efficiency, stronger positioning, and a hell of a lot more revenue. We also dig into outbound sales strategies (including the power of gifting!), how to expand into multiple verticals without becoming a generalist again, and what the future of agency specialization looks like in an AI-driven world.
If you’ve ever worried about niching down “too far,” this conversation will flip that fear on its head.
Key Bytes
• Corey Quinn emphasizes the importance of deep specialization for agency growth.
• Empathy is crucial for understanding clients' specific problems.
• Transitioning from inbound to outbound sales requires a strategic approach.
• The generalist trap can lead to operational inefficiencies and client loss.
• Building trust through industry engagement is key to agency success.
• Agencies should consider adjacent verticals for expansion.
• Creative teams may need variety to stay engaged in specialized markets.
• The tools used in marketing may change, but the outcomes remain constant.
• Agencies should focus on solving real-world business problems for clients.
• Founders can explore new verticals once they achieve a certain market share.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Agency Growth and Specialization
01:11 Corey's Journey in the Agency World
03:02 Scaling Scorpion: From 20M to 150M
07:15 The Shift to Outbound Sales Strategies
11:44 Deep Specialization: Breaking the Generalist Trap
12:10 Empathy in Agency Specialization
19:10 Building Trust Through Industry Engagement
21:10 Expanding into New Verticals
25:17 Addressing Fears of Niching Down
27:42 Future Trends in Agency Specialization
Corey Quinn has over 18 years in the agency space, including as Scorpion's CMO, where he helped grow revenue from $20M to $150M in 6 years. His bestselling book: "Anyone, Not Everyone: a Proven System for Agencies to Escape Founder-Led Sales" has been endorsed by Aaron Ross, John Ruhlin, Dr. Benjamin Hardy, Marcel Petitpas, and many others.
Today, his company helps digital agencies become the go-to choice within a vertical market with his Deep Specialization Methodology.
Contact Corey:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/coreyquinn/
Ep 110 – James Barnard, Barnard Co – Going Viral: The TikTok Breakthrough
In episode 110 of Agency Bites, I sit down with the incredibly talented James Barnard, a logo designer and design educator based in Australia. We dive deep into his fascinating journey from the publishing world in the UK to building a thriving freelance design business powered by social media — especially TikTok! James shares how he crafted his pricing strategies, attracts qualified leads, and balances freelance life with family life. We also get into his design process, the value of design education today, and how he's expanded his income streams through courses and brand partnerships. Plus, we wrap things up with a few rapid-fire questions that give a glimpse into James's personal side. You won't want to miss this one!
Key Bytes
• James transitioned to graphic design at 25 after a career in publishing.
• Social media, especially TikTok, played a crucial role in his business growth.
• Viral content can significantly increase client leads and visibility.
• Pricing strategies are essential for attracting qualified leads.
• Balancing freelance work with personal life is a priority for James.
• A structured design process leads to higher quality work and client satisfaction.
• Diversifying income streams can alleviate pressure from client work.
• Education in design is evolving with social media as a learning tool.
• James emphasizes the importance of being hands-on in his work.
• Pitching for work is often a waste of time in the design industry.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to James Barnard
02:28 James's Journey into Graphic Design
05:30 The Impact of Social Media on Business
09:52 Going Viral: The TikTok Breakthrough
12:27 Pricing Strategies and Qualified Leads
14:49 Balancing Freelance Work and Personal Life
18:57 Design Process and Client Interaction
25:58 Diversifying Income Streams
30:11 The Value of Design Education
31:37 Rapid Fire Questions and Closing Thoughts
James Barnard is a logo designer and design educator specializing in creating logos and visual identities with meaning. With over 15 years of experience in the graphic design industry, he began his career in the UK’s publishing sector before transitioning into branding and education.
Passionate about sharing his expertise, James is dedicated to mentoring and inspiring the next generation of designers through his social platforms, where he provides valuable insights, tutorials, and industry knowledge.
https://instagram.com/barnardco/
https://www.tiktok.com/@barnardco
https://www.youtube.com/@barnardco
https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamesrbarnard/
Ep 109 - Tony Wilson, Accquip – Knowing Your Numbers
In episode 109 of Agency Bytes, I sit down with Tony Wilson, founder of Accquip and a financial powerhouse for agencies who want to stop flying blind. Tony shares his story of stepping out of corporate during the Great Resignation and stepping into his passion—helping agency owners build profitable businesses they actually love running.
We break down Days Till Zero, a simple but powerful metric Tony developed to help agency owners understand exactly how long their cash will last—and how to make smarter, proactive decisions before things get tight. Tony also dives into gross margin benchmarks, how overlooked they are, and why net profit alone doesn’t tell the full story.
Plus, we talk through:
• Red light, yellow light, and green light cash benchmarks every owner should know
• Project-level gross margin mistakes (and how to fix them)
• Why time tracking is about clarity, not micromanagement
• Smart investments vs. sitting on cash
If you’re ready to stop reacting and start running your agency with financial confidence, this one’s for you.
Key Bytes
• Tony Wilson's journey reflects the empowerment of agency owners.
• Accquip focuses on educating entrepreneurs about accounting.
• Understanding financial metrics leads to better decision-making.
• Days till zero is a crucial metric for agency health.
• Proactive financial management can prevent crises.
• Cash reserves should be monitored regularly.
• Gross margins are vital for assessing agency profitability.
• Identifying project profitability helps in resource allocation.
• Time tracking provides valuable operational insights.
• Agencies should prioritize selling over playing business.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Agency Bites and Tony Wilson's Journey
01:37 The Concept of Equip and Its Mission
03:46 Understanding Days Till Zero: A Key Metric for Agencies
08:54 Proactive Financial Management for Agencies
11:34 Cash Reserves: Understanding Red, Yellow, and Green Light Zones
14:39 The Importance of Gross Margins in Agency Profitability
18:21 Identifying and Addressing Overhead and Project Profitability
21:02 Tools and Systems for Effective Time Tracking and Financial Management
24:11 Rapid Fire Questions and Closing Thoughts
Tony Wilson’s entrepreneurial journey was shaped by three pivotal moments: launching a business with his brother in 2010, witnessing his roommate’s life-changing pivot from carpenter to software developer, and becoming a father—which ignited his drive to lead by example. In 2021, Tony joined “The Great Resignation” to help digital agency owners grow thriving, profitable businesses without sacrificing their well-being. Through Accquip, he is on a mission to empower agency owners to build the businesses they love without going bankrupt in the process.
Contact Tony:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/tony-wilson-cpa/
Ep 097 – Matthew Fox – The Power of Self-Discovery in Leadership
In episode 097 of Agency Bytes, I had the pleasure of speaking with Matthew Fox, a project leader, trainer, and operations consultant who specializes in conscious leadership and helping teams work better together.
Matthew opened up about his personal journey with imposter syndrome and how it led him to dive deep into self-development. Over the years, he’s explored frameworks like The 15 Commitments of Conscious Leadership and the Drama Triangle, which have shaped how he approaches leadership and team dynamics.
One of the biggest takeaways from our conversation? Project managers often spot cultural issues before leadership does. If your projects are struggling, it’s probably not just an execution problem—it’s a reflection of your agency’s culture
We also dove into the importance of self-care for agency owners—something too many of us neglect. Matthew shared how shifting from reactive, fear-based leadership to solution-focused, conscious leadership can improve team morale, retention, and overall agency success.
This was an insightful conversation, and I know agency owners will take a lot from it. If you’re stuck in survival mode, it might be time to rethink how you lead.
Ep 096 – Jason Kramer, Cultivize – Lead Nurturing and CRM tips for Agency Owners
In episode 096 of Agency Bytes, I had the pleasure of speaking with Jason Kramer, founder and CEO of Cultivize, about how to improve the sales process through better lead nurturing and CRM strategies. We covered topics like identifying and converting leads, picking the right CRM tools, and the mindset shifts that make CRM usage more effective. Jason shared some great insights on evaluating past marketing efforts, making sense of key metrics, and positioning agencies for success. He also introduced some exciting tools and resources from Cultivize, including a Google Sheets-based CRM system called Profit Path, which helps businesses track leads and marketing expenses more effectively.
Key Bytes
• Cultivize focuses on helping businesses identify, nurture, and convert leads.
• Proper CRM implementation requires ongoing adjustments and strategy.
• Many companies jump into technology without understanding their needs.
• Evaluating past marketing efforts is crucial for future success.
• Metrics should inform decisions, not just provide data.
• Agencies often struggle with self-marketing due to proximity to their own business.
• Positioning and niche marketing are essential for agency success.
• New tools like Profit Path can simplify lead tracking and marketing costs.
• Behavioral changes are necessary for effective CRM usage.
• Asking for help can accelerate business growth.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Cultivize and Sales Optimization
05:55 Choosing the Right CRM Tools
11:58 Evaluating Past Marketing Efforts
17:54 Marketing for Agencies: The Importance of Positioning
24:04 Rapid Fire Questions and Final Thoughts
Jason Kramer is the founder and CEO of Cultivize, a consulting firm dedicated to improving lead nurturing and CRM implementation. With more than two decades of experience, Jason has collaborated with both global and local brands to help align marketing and sales efforts. His expertise lies in optimizing sales processes, evaluating underperforming marketing campaigns, and fostering better integration between marketing and sales teams.
Contact Jason:
https://cultivize.com/learnmore/
Afterthelead.com - Code “AgencyBytes” to save $50
https://cultivize.com/profit-path-sales-tool/
Ep 095 – Chip Griffin, SAGA – Agency Ownership Pitfalls
In episode 095 of Agency Bytes, I’m joined by Chip Griffin, founder of the Small Agency Growth Alliance (SAGA). With over 30 years of experience as an agency owner and entrepreneur, Chip shares how small PR, marketing, and creative agency owners can build businesses they truly love.
We dig into some of agency owners' pitfalls, including why chasing “copycat goals” and outdated benchmarks often leads to burnout, and why focusing on profit and personal satisfaction is key. Chip also breaks down his “floor-to-ceiling” pricing model, the importance of time tracking, and how finding focus (a.k.a. niching) can make your agency more efficient and profitable. Plus, we discuss how owners can step back from the grind and take control of their day-to-day.
If you’re ready to rethink your approach to running your agency, this episode is packed with actionable tips to help you grow sustainably and love what you do. Tune in now!
Key Bytes
• Commit to building a business you want to own.
• Define personal goals to shape your agency.
• Focus on profit, not just revenue or headcount.
• Time tracking is essential for understanding costs.
• Pricing should be based on project budgets and value.
• Finding focus helps improve efficiency and results.
• Agency owners often work too many hours on the wrong tasks.
• Control your day to enhance satisfaction.
• Selling an agency is often not a life-changing event.
• Life is too short to be miserable in your work.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Agency Growth
06:36 The Importance of Time Tracking
12:51 Pricing Strategies for Agencies
19:23 Common Pain Points for Agency Owners
25:19 Rapid Fire Questions and Final Thoughts
As the founder of the Small Agency Growth Alliance (SAGA), Chip Griffin helps small PR and marketing agency owners build businesses that they want to own. He works with them to grow profits, eliminate overwork, and improve their overall satisfaction.
As an experienced entrepreneur and agency owner himself, Chip shares the wisdom of his successes and the lessons from his failures. He understands the challenges and opportunities that face agency owners because he sat in the same chair and faced similar decisions.
Chip joined his first agency 30 years ago as a Junior Account Executive and has had an appreciation for the highs and lows these firms experience ever since.
Contact Chip:
Ep 094 – Chris DuBois, Dynamic Agency OS – The Three O’s of an Agency
In episode 094 of Agency Bytes, I had the pleasure of sitting down with Chris Dubois, a seasoned marketing expert and non-founder CEO. Chris shares his fascinating journey from being an infantry officer to leading a successful agency that not only got recognized as an Inc 5000 honoree but also earned the prestigious Two Comma Club award. During our conversation, Chris dives deep into the Dynamic Agency OS, his framework for helping agencies achieve alignment and growth. Key areas of focus from the podcast include:
• Transformational Leadership: How Chris advanced from head of operations to CEO and his insights on effective leadership.
• Strategic Specialization: The importance of niching based on problem-solving and creating differentiated offers.
• Team Optimization: Evaluating and leveraging team strengths to maintain high standards and improve agency culture.
• Quarterly Planning: The benefits of conducting quarterly strategy sessions to stay aligned with client goals and maintain focus.
• Practical Tools: Chris's take on invaluable tools like the AI-powered calendar tool, Motion, and its impact on productivity.
Tune in to explore valuable strategies and actionable insights that can help marketing agency owners thrive and grow their businesses.
Key Bytes
• Chris DuBois transitioned from military service to agency leadership.
• The Dynamic Agency OS framework focuses on operators, offers, and operations.
• Agencies often struggle with client requests outside their expertise.
• Leadership in agencies is about maintaining a strong culture and standard.
• Hiring the right people is crucial for delivering quality work.
• Understanding client needs requires digging deeper into their problems.
• Quarterly strategies help keep clients focused and accountable.
• Soft skills can be broken down into quantifiable hard skills for training.
• Delegation is key for agency owners to focus on growth.
• Networking with other experts can provide valuable insights and solutions.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Agency Bites and Chris DuBois
06:32 The Dynamic Agency OS: A Framework for Success
12:51 Navigating Client Requests and Agency Expertise
23:39 Personal Insights and Recommendations from Chris DuBois
Chris DuBois helps marketing agencies build a solid go-to-market foundation while avoiding common roadblocks by aligning business design with personal goals through the Dynamic Agency OS. A former head of operations and non-founder CEO at an agency, he is an INC 5000 honoree and 2 Comma Club awardee.
Contact Chris:
Ep 093 – Jonathan Stark, Ditcherville – Ditching Hourly
In Episode 093 of Agency Bytes, I sat down with Jonathan Stark — a former software developer turned pricing consultant — to dig into a topic that trips up so many agencies: hourly billing vs. value-based pricing.
Jonathan shared how he made the shift from trading time for money to focusing on the value his work delivers. What started as a few talks with agencies grew into a full-blown movement — writing books, delivering content, and building a thriving community of creative professionals ditching the hourly model.
We talked about why hourly billing holds agencies back, the importance of deeply understanding client needs, and how to craft pricing options that reflect the true value you provide. Jonathan’s insights on uncovering client motivations and taking a more strategic approach to pricing will help you build stronger client relationships and increase profitability.
If you’re tired of being stuck in the “billable hour” mindset, this episode is packed with actionable advice you won’t want to miss.
Key Bytes
• Hourly billing limits income potential.
• Understanding client outcomes is crucial for pricing.
• Scope should be defined after understanding client needs.
• Value-based pricing can lead to higher profits.
• Creating multiple pricing options can attract clients.
• Time tracking is unnecessary in a value-based model.
• Client motivations should drive the sales conversation.
• Different levels of engagement affect pricing strategies.
• Value pricing enhances client relationships.
• Being unique in your offering is essential for success.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Ditching Hourly Billing
06:01 Understanding Client Needs and Outcomes
11:45 Creating Pricing Options for Clients
17:47 Uncovering Client Motivations
23:54 The Home Run of Value Pricing
Jonathan Stark is a former software developer who is on a mission to rid the world of hourly billing. He is the author of Hourly Billing Is Nuts, the host of Ditching Hourly, and writes a daily newsletter on pricing for independent professionals.
Ep 085 – Dia Bondi – How to Ask for More
In Episode 085 of Agency Bytes, I had the privilege of sitting down with Dia Bondi, a communications expert and author of Ask Like an Auctioneer. Dia shares her fascinating journey from the world of auctioneering to becoming a sought-after communication coach.
We dive deep into the art of asking effectively in high-stakes situations, exploring how to embrace rejection, craft impactful asks, and understand the value behind what you're offering. Dia introduces her powerful framework for building and delivering asks with confidence and clarity.
This episode is packed with insights on training your mindset to recognize what you truly want, articulate it boldly, and go after it fearlessly. Dia inspires us to make our dreams known and actively chase our goals with intention and determination.
If you’ve ever struggled with asking for what you deserve, this conversation is one you don’t want to miss!
Key Takeaways
• Asking like an auctioneer involves maximizing potential asks.
• Rejection should be seen as a sign of success, not failure.
• Design your asks based on what you truly want, not what you think you can get.
• Understanding the perceived value is crucial in negotiations.
• The offer inside the ask should benefit both parties involved.
• Mindset plays a significant role in how we approach asking for what we want.
• It's important to communicate your dreams to those around you.
• Asking for more can lead to greater outcomes than anticipated.
• The process of auctioneering provides valuable insights into effective communication.
• Honesty and generosity should guide your asks, not manipulation.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Asking Like an Auctioneer
05:16 The Connection Between Asking and Auctioneering
10:28 Mindset: Embracing Rejection
15:30 Designing Your Ask
20:57 The Offer Inside the Ask
27:03 Final Thoughts and Rapid Fire Questions
Dia Bondi is a Communications Catalyst, Speaker and Author of Ask Like an Auctioneer: How to Ask for More and Get It. She coaches VC-backed founders, executives, and ambitious professionals to speak powerfully when the stakes are high. She helped Rio de Janeiro win the right to host the 2016 Summer Olympics and has helped countless leaders secure hundreds of millions in decisions and resources. A hobbyist fundraising auctioneer, Dia’s TEDx Talk was selected as a TED Editors’ Pick, showcasing how to make the kinds of asks that can change everything.
Ep 050 – Ilise Benun, Marketing Mentor – The Simplest Marketing Plan
With the launch of Season Two of Agency Bytes, I'm thrilled to introduce an extraordinary guest for this momentous occasion – Ilise Benun from Marketing Mentor. Ilise is not only a longtime friend but also someone I've admired for decades. In this episode, I had the privilege of delving into Ilise's invaluable insights on her "Simplest Marketing Plan" and how she guides creative professionals to success by helping them focus and identify their market. We discuss the importance of cultivating a deep, focused niche and Ilise lays out actionable steps to achieve this.
Ilise believes that building your business should be enjoyable and shares her observations on why many agency owners struggle with their marketing efforts due to being too close to their businesses. We dissect the difference between horizontal and vertical niches, exploring how the latter can significantly boost marketing endeavors. Ilise also emphasizes the significance of sub-niches and provides guidance on expanding into new niches.
Furthermore, Ilise outlines her comprehensive program focusing on marketing, money, and mindset, identifying these as key areas of weakness for most creatives. We also challenge the notion that referrals are always beneficial and discuss strategies to overcome complacency in business development.
Tune in to uncover some of the invaluable secrets Ilise has accumulated over her more than 30 years as a creative business coach. This episode is packed with actionable insights and wisdom you won't want to miss!
