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!
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Ep 153 – Juliana Marulanda, Scaletime – You Can’t Scale Chaos
Scale gets thrown around like a vanity metric, but Juliana reframes it as something quieter and more powerful: the freedom to choose what you do with your day. Her SCALE framework walks owners from seeing what's actually happening in the business all the way to designing an exit — on their own terms, whether they ever sell or not.
Ep 149 – David Wain-Heapy, Prodigi – Remote-Ready Agencies Win: Systems Before Scale
In episode 149, I sit down with David Wain-Heapy, founder of Prodigy, a company that helps agencies and digital businesses build flexible, scalable remote teams through global talent sourcing.
David spent 14 years building and running a Magento-focused e-commerce agency out of central London before selling it to Brave Bison PLC. We talk through what that exit process actually looked like, why the right acquirer matters as much as the right offer, and how building systems independent of the founders made the transition possible.
From there, we get into the real substance of what David does now: helping agencies shift from an outsourcing mindset to an offshore hiring mindset. There's a difference, and it matters. Agency owners will come away with a clearer framework for when and how to integrate global talent, how to think about time zones, which roles translate well offshore, and what AI is actually doing — and not yet doing — to development teams in agencies right now.
Key Bytes
• Outsourcing and offshore hiring are not the same thing — one is a handoff, the other is a hire.
• The fix for a failed first attempt wasn't better talent, it was better integration — sprints, tools, and cadence.
• Building a business that runs independently of you isn't just good leadership, it's what makes you acquirable.
• The right acquirer matters as much as the right offer — alignment on team and culture is what made a six-month handoff possible.
• East Coast agencies fit well with Eastern European talent; West Coast agencies are better served by South and Central America.
• AI handles contained tasks well, but it still can't hold the context of an enterprise-scale project.
• The people who will thrive in an AI-augmented world are the ones who bring real creativity — the architects and problem-solvers, not just the executors.
Chapters
00:00 Why this conversation matters for agency owners right now
01:45 David's 14-year agency journey and building in a competitive London market
05:10 The first attempt at offshore talent and why it failed
08:30 Selling to Brave Bison: what the exit process actually looked like
13:15 Choosing the right acquirer and making a clean handoff
17:00 Outsourcing vs. offshore hiring: why the mindset shift changes everything
21:30 How to think about time zones when sourcing global talent
24:45 What systems agencies need before hiring offshore
28:00 Where AI is actually helping agency dev teams right now
33:20 Which roles work well offshore and which don't
37:50 Rapid fire: surfing in Bristol, letting go of control, and a risky bet that paid off
David Wain-Heapy is an experienced founder currently focused on building remote teams for digital businesses with Prodigi.
Having sold my digital agency to Brave Bison PLC, I am now working to provide a flexible and scalable solution that enables companies to take control of hiring by looking at a global talent pool.
I have many years experience building globally distributed teams of digital professionals and leading them to help great businesses win in the race for attention and accelerate their digital growth.
Contact David:
Ep 140 – Michael Janda, More Creative Academy – The Creative’s Guide to Growing Up: From Portfolio to Profits to Peace of Mind
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In episode 140, I sit down with Michael Janda—agency founder, bestselling author, and one of the most respected voices helping creatives master the business side of creativity. Michael built and sold Riser, worked with giants like Disney and Google, and later led creative teams at Fox before dedicating his career to teaching creatives how to price, position, and run their businesses without burning out.
We dig into the mental and operational “growing up” that every creative eventually faces: getting past portfolio thinking, charging confidently, understanding value, eliminating chaos, and building a more peaceful (and profitable) creative life. Michael’s straight-talk wisdom hits every agency owner exactly where they need it—no fluff, no ego, just clarity.
Key Bytes
• Why creatives struggle with pricing — and how to fix it
• The mindset shift from freelancer to business owner
• How Michael positioned his agency to win massive clients
• The surprising relationship between process, profit, and peace
• What creatives get wrong about value
• Why “portfolio thinking” holds owners back
• How to build a business that supports your life, not the other way around
Chapters
00:01 Welcome + Michael’s background and agency journey
04:12 From creative chaos to building processes that scale
09:45 Why pricing is emotional—and how to make it objective
14:30 Portfolio vs. business owner mindset
19:58 Finding ideal clients and positioning that works
25:21 How Michael sold his agency and what he learned
31:44 The psychology of creative profitability
38:10 Achieving peace of mind as an owner
44:22 Michael’s advice for creatives who feel “stuck”
Michael Janda is an award-winning creative director, agency founder, and bestselling author.
He built the creative agency Riser with clients like Disney, Google, Warner Bros., and ABC, then sold the business after 13 successful years. Before that, he served as a creative director at Fox. Michael
is the author of Burn Your Portfolio and The Psychology of Graphic Design Pricing. Today, he shares practical, no-fluff strategies to help creative professionals master business, pricing, and growth.
Community: https://morecreativeacademy.com
Instagram: https://instagram.com/morejanda
YouTube: https://youtube.com/morejanda
LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/morejanda
Website: https://michaeljanda.com
Courses: https://morejanda.teachable.com
Ep 139 – Melanie Chandruang, We Consult – Agency Ops that Actually Scale: Financials, Workflows, and AI That Works
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Ep 139 – Melanie Chandruang, We Consult – Agency Ops that Actually Scale: Financials, Workflows, and AI That Works
In episode 139, I sit down with Melanie Chandruang, founder of WeConsult and a strategic operations partner for creative agencies. Melanie has spent the last seven years helping agencies tighten up their financials, streamline workflows, and build stronger leadership teams—while also navigating two maternity leaves, a cross-country move, and re-entering the industry in one of its toughest seasons.
We dig into how she rebuilt WeConsult after stepping away to have kids, what’s changed in the agency landscape since 2023, and why she’s now staying higher-level as a fractional ops leader instead of getting buried in implementation. Melanie breaks down what healthy leadership actually looks like, why so many founders remain the bottleneck even after hiring “senior” people, and how clear ownership, scorecards, and trust change everything.
We also get tactical: what she looks for first in the financials, the operational metrics that matter most, and why agencies without documented processes are struggling the most with AI adoption. We wrap by talking about leading through uncertainty, avoiding burnout, and the simple practice Melanie uses to remind herself of the value she’s creating—plus her very 90s go-to karaoke song.
Key Bytes
• Clean financials and clear reporting are the true foundation of scalable ops
• Workflow ownership matters — if it’s nobody’s job, it’s nobody’s job
• Founders stay bottlenecks when leadership has no autonomy or scorecards
• Agencies with documented systems adopt AI faster (and with fewer messes)
• Strong leadership = trust, clarity, and shared problem-solving
• Self-care and boundaries are essential for sustainable agency ownership
Chapters
00:01 Intro and how Melanie rebuilt WeConsult after kids and a cross-country move
02:48 Stepping away from client work, losing momentum, and clawing back into a changed industry
05:36 Why Melanie now stays high-level and pushes implementation to internal teams and automation
07:42 Founders as bottlenecks and what a truly strong leadership team looks like
11:15 Ego, scale, and the operational shifts required for owners to get out of the way
15:36 Where Melanie starts operationally: financials, workflows, and clear ownership
18:07 The agency financial metrics that actually matter (profitability, cash, utilization, and more)
22:03 Why documented systems are the key to successful AI adoption (and how messy it gets without them)
26:00 Leading through uncertainty, rebuilding a business, and protecting your own wellbeing
28:38 AI note-takers, imposter syndrome, and Melanie’s “value” practice
31:36 Melanie’s 90s karaoke pick and where to learn more about WeConsult
Melanie Chandruang is the Founder of WeConsult and a Strategic Operations Partner for creative agencies. With over 15 years in the industry, she helps agency owners boost profits, streamline operations, and move big initiatives forward so they can focus on growth and what matters most.
Ep 138 – Jordan Snider, Token Creative – The impact of integrating Ignition App
Ep 138 – Jordan Snider, Token Creative – The impact of integrating Ignition App
In episode 138, I sit down with Jordan Snider, co-founder and CTO of Token Creative Services, to break down the real impact of integrating Ignition App into their agency operations. Jordan shares how Token went from scattered proposals, manual invoices, and nearly $40k in aging AR to a streamlined, single-system workflow that clients actually appreciated.
We dig into the operational before/after: centralized proposals and agreements, automated billing, faster close rates, clearer scope definition, easier upsells and renewals, and the elimination of unbilled “mystery hours.” Jordan also talks about forecasting clarity — and why dashboards that tie proposals, renewals, and revenue projections together are a game changer for decision-making.
This episode is a grounded look at what happens when an agency stops tolerating a duct-taped sales and billing process and finally upgrades the operational spine of the business.
Key Bytes
• Token’s breaking point was nearly $40k in aging AR — a clear sign the proposal and billing process was broken.
• Clients were confused by multiple proposal versions, scattered contracts, and manual payments; consolidating everything through Ignition simplified the entire client experience.
• The biggest financial lift came from capturing previously unbilled variable hours and out-of-scope work.
• Automated reminders and stored payment methods dramatically reduced AR and manual follow-up.
• Forecasting became easier with visible open proposals, renewal pipelines, and year-over-year revenue projections.
• Simplifying the tech stack cut both software cost and constant integration maintenance.
• Ignition enabled Token to shift from hourly pricing to value-driven retainers because operations finally supported it.
• Jordan’s advice: delaying this overhaul guarantees regret — proactively fixing it avoids the forced crisis moment.
Chapters
00:00 Intro and why Token’s Ignition story matters
02:05 Token’s early days and “brute force” agency ops
03:10 The $40k AR wake-up call
05:10 What was broken in their proposal + onboarding workflow
06:55 Client reactions after switching to Ignition
07:50 Close rates, renewals, and handling scope creep
09:40 Capturing unbilled work and shrinking AR
11:55 Forecasting and metrics that changed decision-making
14:00 Simplifying the tech stack and ditching integrations
16:40 How clarity improved both scope and service delivery
23:40 Productizing services and shifting to retainers
25:05 Jordan’s advice for agencies resisting the overhaul
26:50 Rapid fire and wrap-up
Jordan Snider is the Co-Founder and CTOof Token Creative Services, a full-service digital marketing and creative agency based in Kitchener-Waterloo. With a background in full-stack software engineering, Jordan bridges the gap between technical development and creative marketing. He has contributed personal reflections to platforms supporting victims of family violence, discussing the unique stressors faced by newcomers and the importance of community support systems.
His work reflects a blend of technical precision and a commitment to social impact, aligning with Token Creative’s mission to support businesses making positive environmental or social changes.
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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 079 – Nicole Ayres, Jumpsuit – From Jumpsuit to Jumpboards
In episode 079, I had the pleasure of speaking with Nicole Ayres, founder of Jumpsuit and creator of Jumpboards. After leaving the big agency world to freelance, Nicole built her own thriving agency—Jumpsuit—with zero paid ads and zero employees. She has since developed Jumpboards, a revolutionary end-to-end solution for agencies that streamlines everything from discovery calls to project handoff.
Nicole shares how Jumpboards empowers freelancers to confidently pitch larger projects and helps agencies operationalize business development, scoping, budgeting, and resource allocation. At the heart of her success? A strong belief in her team and a culture of collaboration and empowerment.
This episode is packed with insights for anyone looking to scale their agency or improve operational efficiency. Don’t miss out on Nicole's inspiring story and the game-changing strategies she’s developed!
Key Takeaways
• Building an agency without paid ads or employees is possible by leveraging a network of trusted freelancers.
• Jumpboards is a technology that streamlines the agency process and allows freelancers to pitch larger projects.
• Trust in your team is crucial for agency success.
• Creating a culture of collaboration and empowerment leads to a more fulfilling and productive work environment.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Background
08:21 Transitioning from Freelancer to Agency Owner
19:19 Introducing Jumpboards
27:31 The Future of Agencies and Freelancing
32:01Personal Interests and Advice
Ep 078 – Jhana Li, Spyglass Ops – Maximizing Team Performance
In episode 078, Jhana Li, founder of Spyglass Ops, shares her inspiring journey from living van life to building her own successful operations consulting company. She talks about how she helps agency owners scale their businesses while regaining personal freedom by mastering the power of operations.
Jhana highlights how crucial operations are for growth and profitability, explaining how optimizing team performance, delegating tasks effectively, and implementing solid systems and processes allow founders to focus on high-value activities that drive real results. This episode is packed with practical insights for anyone looking to scale their agency while building a more efficient, sustainable business.
Key Takeaways
• Operations is crucial for scaling an agency and maximizing profitability.
• Optimizing team performance and implementing systems and processes are key to success.
• Founders should focus on high-value activities and delegate tasks to free up time.
• Raising the bar for success and setting higher standards can lead to team growth and success.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Background
03:04 The Importance of Operations in Scaling
08:23 Maximizing Team Performance
17:23 Raising the Bar for Success
Jhana Li, founder of Spyglass Ops. Jhana started as a COO for multiple startups - while living van life. After seeing countless founders stall out & trap themselves without the proper Operations, 3 years ago Jhana decided to start Spyglass Ops. Since then she has helped more than 100 businesses scale past 7 & 8-figures. Through Operations consulting, recruitment, and training, Spyglass Ops empowers founders to simultaneously scale their businesses while regaining their personal freedom.
Jhana Li started as a COO for multiple startups (while simultaneously traveling full-time in a converted van through N & S America). After seeing countless founders stall out & trap themselves without the proper Operations, 3 years ago Jhana decided to start her own company, Spyglass Ops. Since then she has helped 100+ businesses scale past 7 & 8-figures. Through Operations consulting, recruitment, and training, Spyglass Ops empowers founders to simultaneously scale their businesses while regaining their personal freedom.
Contact Jhana Li:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thejhanali
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thejhanali/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jhana-li/
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@theJhanaLi/
Website: https://spyglassops.com/
Ep 076 – Lisa Mullis, Paraphrase Communications – Copy That Matters
In episode 076, I got to sit with Lisa Mullis from Paraphrase Communications. Lisa and I got to discuss the importance of effective brand messaging and copywriting for creative professionals. Lisa shares her journey from running a graphic design studio to focusing on copywriting and helping clients communicate their message. We discuss the challenges of writing copy, especially for oneself, and the impact of poor copy on sales. Lisa also emphasizes the need for a comprehensive approach to brand messaging and the role of mindset work in business success.
Key Takeaways
• Effective brand messaging and copywriting are crucial for creative professionals to attract and convert clients.
• Writing copy can be challenging, especially when it comes to writing about oneself.
Poor copy can negatively impact sales and the overall perception of a brand.
• A comprehensive approach to brand messaging is necessary, addressing all aspects of the business.
• Mindset work is essential for overcoming resistance, fear, and anxiety in business.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Background
03:06 Challenges of Writing Copy
05:39 Positioning and Communication Challenges for Creative Professionals
10:44 Common Challenges Faced by Creative Professionals
14:27 The Impact of Poor Copy on Sales
26:10 The Importance of Mindset Work in Business Success
As a strategic brand coach and copywriter, Lisa helps service-based professionals clarify their messaging and streamline their marketing so they work with better clients, regain their time, and take home more money.
Lisa brings a unique skillset that encompasses both sides of brand messaging—the visual and the verbal. As a kid she lived in the world of language, exploring its many forms through writing, art, and music. You could find her either scribbling stories in notebooks or sketching doodles in art pads. At university, she was formally trained as an ad copywriter through her Journalism degree and as a graphic designer through the Fine Arts program.
During the first 18 years of her career as a graphic designer and owner-operator of a design studio, Lisa witnessed many clients struggle with what to put on their websites and other marketing collateral—in other words, the words. Keen to help and flex her moves as a wordsmith, she started helping clients develop sales-savvy language. In 2016, she officially transitioned her primary focus from design to copywriting.
Today as the head of Paraphrase Communications, Lisa supplements her decades of messaging, design, marketing, and small business acumen with a team of tech specialists for full support from brand strategy to execution. Together they help coaches, consultants, and creative professionals build their businesses through words that win clients—online and in real life—and high-converting marketing funnels that increase productivity and profitability.
With a do-it-together approach to brand messaging and implementation, clients gain much-needed clarity through the process, feel emotionally connected to their message which helps them sell more effectively, and grow their impact through an essential business-building skill—writing—which serves them for the life of their business.
Throughout the year, Lisa holds live events on messaging, copywriting, and marketing strategies for service providers and shares actionable ideas through her weekly newsletter. To stay in the loop, join her here: https://www.paraphrasecomm.com/em-signup
Contact Lisa:
Email: lisa@paraphrasecomm.com
Web: https://www.paraphrasecomm.com/
IG: https://www.instagram.com/paraphrasecommunications/
LI: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lhmullis/
FB: https://www.facebook.com/paraphrasecomm
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Ep 075 – Jason Swenk – Agency Scaling: Profit, Time, Freedom
Episode 75 is by far the Swenkiest of all episodes. I had the absolute pleasure of sitting with Jason Swenk, who is hands-down one of the most systemized agency coaches I’ve had the opportunity to speak with. Jason shares the secrets behind building and selling a successful agency, highlighting the power of clarity, positioning, and a solid offering. We dive into the essential pillars of agency growth, from prospecting and sales to leadership and operations. His advice? Stay committed to one goal until you succeed and keep showing up consistently. This is a must-listen for any agency owner looking to scale!
Key Takeaways
• Clarity, positioning, and offering are foundational elements for building a successful agency.
• Prospecting, sales, delivery, operations, and leadership are key systems for agency growth.
• Focus on one commitment until success and be consistent in your efforts.
• Building strategic partnerships and relationships is crucial for agency success.
• Regularly assess and reset your agency's systems and processes to adapt to growth and changes in the market.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Background
03:01 The Foundation of Clarity, Positioning, and Offering
09:59 The Key Systems for Agency Growth
22:55 Strategic Partnerships: Unlocking New Opportunities for Agency Growth
26:04 Assessing and Resetting: Adapting Your Agency's Systems for Growth
Jason Swenk is the agency advisor & coach that guides marketing agencies through a proven framework for growing their agency faster.
Jason is the author of the definitive guide to growing an agency from scratch to two 8-figure enterprises. He is one of the most sought-after advisors to agencies worldwide, thanks to his 8-system framework that has proven successful in scaling his own agency. His expertise has attracted clients like AT&T, Hitachi, and Lotus Cars, ultimately leading to the successful sale of his agency.
Contact Jason: agencymastery360.com
Ep 074 – Iggy Odighizuwa, Founder of Ai-setters.com – Sales Systems by AI
In Episode 074, I sat down with Iggy Odigizua, CEO and founder of AISetters.com, to explore how agencies can harness AI tools to book qualified appointments effortlessly. Iggy shares insights from his Leeds Management System, a done-for-you service that helps agencies streamline their operations. We dive into his entrepreneurial journey, from dominating the health and fitness industry to coaching and building successful online businesses. Iggy reveals the benefits of the Leeds system, the challenges agencies face in adopting AI, and why embracing technology is crucial for boosting efficiency and productivity.
Key Takeaways
• The Leeds Management System is a done-for-you service that uses AI to book vetted and qualified appointments for service-based businesses like agencies.
• AI technology can improve efficiency and productivity in agency operations by automating lead management and follow-up processes.
• Adopting AI tools in agencies can be challenging due to the learning curve and fear of technology replacing human jobs.
• Using AI in agencies can help bridge the gap between sales and marketing, improve lead quality, and enhance client results.
• The key to success in business is understanding your target audience and focusing on the boring, but essential, work that gets results.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Background
04:23 Building High-Ticket Online Coaching Businesses
07:56 Automating Lead Management with AI
10:43 Overcoming Barriers to Adopting AI in Agencies
13:36 Bridging the Gap Between Sales and Marketing with AI
16:11 Enhancing Lead Quality and Client Results with AI
25:24 AI in B2C and D2C
27:24 Rapid Fire Questions
29:32 Invaluable Business Advice
Iggy Odighizuwa, CEO and Founder of Ai-setters.com and The Leads Pre-Conversion System a DONE FOR YOU Service That Uses Charlie Ai To Book Vetted & Qualified Appointments For Coaches, Consultants, Agency Owners and Service Based Businesses.
Iggy Built his first 7-figure high ticket online coaching business called "Tril 80 Coaching” Since then Iggy has helped to build 20 other 7-figure online coaching businesses and helped build two 8-figure online coaching businesses one of them called "The 4% Club," and over 100 6-figure online coaching businesses. Iggy spent 8 years of his life in Benin a small village in an African country called Nigeria.
Contact Iggy:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/iggy-odighizuwa/
Ep 073 – Rachel Gertz, Louder Hello Rachel – Empowerment in Project Management
In Episode 073, I sat down with the brilliant Rachel Gertz, Co-founder of Louder Than Ten, to uncover the real power behind project management. We didn’t just talk about deadlines and deliverables—we dove into how effective project management can transform your agency from the inside out. Rachel shared game-changing insights on leadership, empowering your team, and rethinking the way digital agencies operate. From hiring the right talent to using the right tools for growth, this conversation is packed with strategies you can start using today to take your agency to the next level. Tune in now!
Key Takeaways
• Project management is a powerful conduit for empowering individuals and driving project success.
• Leadership challenges within digital agencies often stem from a lack of delegation and a scarcity mindset.
• The integration of project management tools and the development of financial literacy are crucial for effective project management.
• The role of project managers extends beyond traditional project delivery, encompassing strategic thinking, revenue growth, and team empowerment.
• Personal growth tools, such as journal trackers, can provide valuable insights and self-awareness for professional development.
Rachel Gertz is a Co-founder and Director of Delivery and Growth at Louder Than Ten. She helps small to medium sized digital agencies transform their digital PM operations through hands-on training and consulting. Her mission at Louder Than Ten is to propel tech workers through an uncertain future by training digital companies how to give power to the people leading their projects.
Contact Rachel:
Ep 072 – Peleg Top – Overcoming Creative Burnout
In episode 072, I had the incredible opportunity to sit down with Peleg Top, a talented artist and spiritual director, to tackle a topic every creative professional faces: overcoming creative burnout. If you’ve ever felt drained or stuck in your creative journey, this episode is for you.
Peleg and I go way back—over 20 years—and in this conversation, he opens up about his transformative journey from agency owner to guiding others through burnout and into spiritual alignment. Peleg’s insights on the importance of self-love, shifting from a fear-based mindset to one of abundance, and saying "no" more often are powerful reminders for anyone in the creative field.
We dive deep into recognizing and transforming toxic beliefs and discuss the fascinating role that plant medicine plays in his work. This episode is packed with wisdom for agency owners and creatives looking to reconnect with their passion and purpose. Don’t miss it!
Key Takeaways
• Recognize the symptoms of burnout as an opportunity for self-examination and spiritual growth.
• Shift from a fear-based mindset to one of abundance and self-love.
• Identify and transform toxic beliefs that are holding you back.
• Say no more often and trust your intuition.
• Create a life and business that aligns with your values and allows you to express your creativity.
Bytes of Note
00:00 Introduction and Background
06:06 Recognizing Burnout and Seeking Spiritual Alignment
14:15 Shifting from Fear to Abundance
25:09 The Power of Saying No and Trusting Your Intuition
31:31 Creating a Life and Business Aligned with Your Values
Peleg Top is an artist, a trained spiritual director and a teacher who mentors accomplished creatives and agency owners who meet themselves at a crossroad.
His background comes from being an agency owner himself. He ran a leading design and branding firm in Los Angeles for twenty years until he experienced his own spiritual crisis at the age of 40 and decided to shift direction, sell his agency and become a guide and a coach who teaches creatives how to reinvent themselves.
Peleg is the creator of the "Creative High Growth" process, which teaches creatives to rediscover their creative free spirit and guides them to create a life of abundance and prosperity.
A world traveler, trained chef, a DJ and breath work facilitator, Peleg’s mission is to activate and bring more love into the world.
Contact Peleg:
website: www.PelegTop.com
LinkedIn: @PelegTop
IG: @PelegTop
Free Sample: https://www.pelegtop.com/chg-sample
Ep 049 – Robert Patin, Creative Agency Success
In this episode, I had the privilege of speaking with Robert Patin, an agency expert and coach from Creative Agency Success. Robert's expertise centers on benchmarks and the comprehensive analysis of agency performance, emphasizing measurable metrics. Together, we explore key metrics that every agency should be monitoring. We delve into the absence of essential systems that many "accidental" agency owners overlook at different stages of their business evolution.
Robert guides us through activities that can optimize agency operations, aiding in the focus on ideal clients and the reasons behind those choices. During our discussion on agency differentiation, Robert candidly points out that most agencies tend to sound alike, offering valuable insights on how to authentically stand out in a crowded market.
Ep 048 – Kelly Berry, Brand Therapist
In Episode 48, I engaged in an enlightening conversation with Kelly Berrk, a passionate advocate for brand strategy and yoga. We explored Kelly's journey of resetting after experiencing burnout, and the profound impact it had on her creative inspiration following a much-needed period of refocus. Kelly delved into the concept of brand therapy, an integral part of her brand strategy process, influenced by her commitment to self-care and life balance. She shared insights on how these practices serve as tools to connect the dots, helping brands articulate their messages and define their "why" and purpose.
Throughout the episode, Kelly emphasized the importance of exploration and connection with others to identify the common thread that ties together brands and relationships. She encouraged listeners to reflect on how they are fostering connections, practicing empathy, and building bridges to create meaningful openings in both professional and personal spheres.
Ep 047 – Dan Antonelli, KickCharge Creative
In this episode, I got to speak with Dan Antonelli, President and Chief Creative Officer of KickCharge Creative. Dan’s agency is by far one of the most deeply niched teams I know of, literally owning the home service branding space and having written the book on it. Dan and I dug into the difference his agency saw once they declared ownership over that space, stopped chasing service-based work that they didn’t find profitable, and rebranded themselves to drink their own cool-aid. Dan experienced a near-death event a few years ago and he spoke about how that was a driving force for him to realign some of his priorities and team structure so they can have more impact and help more people. He also shared how that led to selling some equity in the agency by bringing on a partner this summer and the benefits that will have for KickCharge. Lastly, Dan’s team faces regular copyright infringement, mostly from freelancers stealing their designs and using them as their own. Dan shares how they deal with that, as well as what not to do in instances like that.
Ep 046 – Alyson Caffrey, Operations Agency
In this episode, I got to speak with Alyson Caffrey of Operations Agency about how she works with agencies to operationalize their business, allowing owners to live a life outside of their agency. She introduced her new book, The Sabbatical Method: How to Leverage Rest and Grow Your Business in our conversation and talks about the need for rest, repair, and rejuvenation after working hard and breaking things. Tune in to learn why she’s often referred to as “The Wolf” by her clients.
