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 144 – Ali Mirza, Rose Garden Consulting – Intentional Selling: Build a Pipeline That Doesn’t Depend on the Founder
In episode 144, I’m joined by Ali Mirza, a sales expert who’s personally closed over $450 million in revenue and advised hundreds of high-growth companies, including multiple Inc. 500 winners and successful exits.
Ali and I dig into what’s really broken in agency sales today — from why “more leads” isn’t the answer, to how founders unintentionally sabotage deals, to the mindset shifts required to close larger, more confident engagements. This conversation is especially relevant for agency owners who are great at delivery but feel stuck, uncomfortable, or inconsistent when it comes to selling.
We talk candidly about sales systems vs. sales personalities, the danger of winging it, and how agencies can move from reactive selling to intentional, scalable growth without becoming someone they’re not.
Key Bytes
• Why “just getting more leads” rarely fixes agency sales problems
• The hidden mindset traps that keep agency owners underpricing
• How confidence (not pressure) actually drives better close rates
• The difference between selling expertise vs. selling outcomes
• Why inconsistent sales processes hurt valuation and scalability
Chapters
00:00 Why agency sales feels harder than it should
04:32 The biggest sales myths agency owners believe
09:15 Why confidence matters more than scripts
14:40 Selling outcomes vs. selling services
20:05 How founders accidentally sabotage deals
26:18 Pricing fear and the psychology behind it
32:10 Building a repeatable sales process
38:45 What great agency sales leadership really looks like
44:20 Final advice for agency owners who hate selling
Ali Mirza is a sales expert who has personally closed over $450 million in sales with multiple Inc. 500 companies and high-growth startups.
His work has been featured in Inc., Forbes, Huffington Post, Business Insider, and more. He has consulted for hundreds of companies, with 17 earning the Inc. 500 Fastest Growing Companies award and three successfully acquired. He is president of Atlanta-based consulting firm, Rose Garden.
Connect with Ali:
IG: @alimirza.rgc
Ep 130 – Peter Lang, Digital Agency Business – Buy, Don’t Build! Using M&A to Scale Your Agency
In episode 130, I sit down with Peter Lang—co-founder of Digital Agency Business and AVA, and longtime agency acquirer—to unpack how agency owners can use M&A as a growth superpower. Peter shares the seven-day deal that doubled his agency’s revenue, the due-diligence signals that actually matter (talent, client stickiness, and contracts), why most M&A fails on culture not math, and how AI is reshaping hiring and service models. We also get into founder identity after the sale, what “professional maturity” looks like, and why many owners are really capital allocators in the making.
Key Bytes
• M&A can compress years of organic growth into months—if you underwrite people, clients, and terms before the numbers.
• Culture fit and integration planning beat fancy spreadsheets; most failed deals are value misalignment, not valuation.
• AI is wiping out entry-level tasks first; the winners redeploy A-players and teach clients how to use AI, not hide from it.
• Founder-led sales can’t be the only engine; build repeatable sales capacity that survives distractions.
• You already “work for” whoever pays you—selling changes the customer, not your agency DNA.
• Treat time like capital: budget it, forecast it, and review it like an effective executive.
Chapters
00:00 Cold open, quick re-intro
01:08 The seven-day deal that doubled revenue
03:32 Doing three deals in 90 days during COVID
06:36 Common seller misconceptions and Peter’s deal lens
09:19 Endurance mindset, calendars, and operating like an athlete
13:46 What buyers actually look for beyond the numbers
17:43 AI’s impact on talent, delivery, and survival to 2027
22:10 Life after the sale and “professional maturity”
24:51 Rapid fire: celebrating wins, the race that changed him, dream acquisition
27:45 Where to learn more (digitalagencybusiness.com)
Resources mentioned
• Effective Executive by Peter Drucker (time tracking and retrospective)
• GrowthHackers community (context on Peter’s portfolio)
• digitalagencybusiness.com (Peter’s M&A training and upcoming book)
Peter Lang is an entrepreneur, investor, and philanthropist with over 15 years of experience building, buying, and selling companies across online publishing, media, advertising, e-commerce, and consulting. He’s the co-founder and Chief M&A Officer at AVA, a fast-growing digital agency holding company acquiring businesses in the $1–10 million range.
Peter also runs Digital Agency Business (DAB), an e-learning company that trains entrepreneurs to launch and scale their own agencies. A former CEO of Uhuru Network and advisor to multiple companies, Peter’s passion lies in using mergers and acquisitions to accelerate growth. An endurance athlete and family man, he lives by the belief that anything is achievable with hard work.
Contact Peter:
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 126 – Meeky Hwang, Ndevr – From Code to Courage: A Founder’s Journey in Tech
In episode 126, I sit down with Meeky Hwang, CEO and partner at Endeavor, a WordPress development agency powering digital platforms for major media and enterprise brands like Bloomberg, Forbes, and Sony. With over two decades of experience in development and DevOps, Meeky has built Endeavor into a trusted name in the WordPress ecosystem while also paving the way as a female leader in tech.
We talk about her accidental journey into agency ownership, what it’s like leading in an industry where women are still underrepresented, and how Endeavor built its three-pillar framework for resilient platforms. Meeky shares candid insights on navigating partnerships, the challenges of “over-engineering” with headless CMS, and the importance of masterminds and community for entrepreneurs.
Key Bytes
• Meeky shares how an “accidental” freelance project led to a decade-long partnership and agency.
• She discusses the importance of having clear role delineation with her co-founder to avoid missteps.
• Endeavor’s three-pillar framework (audience experience, editorial experience, developer experience) keeps their platforms resilient.
• She explains why many publishers are moving away from over-engineered headless CMS solutions back to WordPress.
• As a female leader in tech, she reflects on mentorship, representation, and inspiring others by simply “being the first.”
• She stresses the value of mastermind groups for growth and support, something she wishes she’d pursued earlier.
• Endeavor is exploring AI to streamline workflows and even testing new content tools for clients.
• Her advice for organizations: implement proper version control and CI/CD to avoid preventable tech mistakes.
Chapters
00:00 Welcome and introduction to Meeky Hwang
03:00 Becoming an “accidental” agency founder
07:00 Women in tech and leadership representation
11:00 Why Endeavor niched into WordPress and media
12:30 The three-pillar framework for resilient platforms
15:00 Headless CMS pitfalls and returning to WordPress
18:00 Navigating co-founder roles and partnerships
23:00 AI, internal tools, and what’s next for Endeavor
25:00 The power of masterminds for entrepreneurs
27:00 Rapid fire: karaoke, hobbies, and tech stack fixes
Meeky Hwang is the CEO & Partner at Ndevr, a WordPress development agency trusted by leading digital media and enterprise companies. With 20+ years of experience in web development, open-source technology, and DevOps, she specializes in optimizing complex digital ecosystems, streamlining editorial workflows, and aligning technology with business goals.
Meeky has helped major brands like PMC, Hearst, Bloomberg, Forbes, and Sony build scalable, high-performing digital platforms. A champion for women in tech, she is passionate about fostering opportunities for the next generation of leaders.
Contact Meeky on their website: ndevr.io
Ep 125 – Dolores G Hirschmann, Masters in Clarity – Turning Thought Leadership into Pipeline
In episode 125, I sit down with Dolores Hirschmann, investor, strategist, and founder of Masters in Clarity. Dolores has built, scaled, and sold businesses—including one to Pete Vargas and Grant Cardone after growing it to eight figures. A former TEDx organizer, she now helps service professionals and thought leaders clarify their message, craft high-converting signature talks, and get booked on stages that drive real business results. We explore her journey from early internet marketing in Argentina to launching an outbound speaker agency, and she shares her framework for creating talks that convert, practical tips for pitching event organizers, and why thought leadership is still one of the most powerful growth levers for agencies.
Key Bytes
• Thought leadership isn’t about celebrity—it’s about clarity and consistency
• A great talk is less about what you say and more about what your audience walks away with
• Don’t pitch event organizers with long bios—open the door with a simple yes/no question
• The best call-to-action from stage isn’t a free consultation, it’s a free resource tied to your talk
• A signature talk framework can be applied to any presentation—keynote, workshop, or boardroom update
• Speaking is one of the most scalable ways to build trust, demonstrate expertise, and generate new business
Chapters
00:00 Welcome and introduction to Dolores Hirschmann
01:18 Early internet marketing and human-to-human relationships
04:58 Moving to the U.S. and pioneering online learning platforms
06:26 From serial entrepreneur to coach and strategist
08:19 Organizing TEDx and developing the signature talk framework
11:26 Building and scaling a speaker agency to $20M+
14:29 Why agencies need to lean into speaking and thought leadership
15:44 Practical steps to land more speaking opportunities
20:07 The seven steps of a high-converting talk
23:24 How to craft calls-to-action that drive leads from stage
25:23 Using QR codes and free resources to capture audience interest
26:25 Masters in Clarity workshops and software for speakers
27:02 Rapid fire: tap dancing, gut instincts, and buying businesses
Dolores Hirschmann is an investor, strategist, speaker, and founder of Masters in Clarity, a strategy and business coaching firm. She helps service professionals grow their businesses and establish thought leadership. A former TEDx organizer, she specializes in positioning experts, authors, consultants, and coaches for success.
Dolores recently sold a company to Pete Vargas and Grant Cardone, supporting its growth to multiple 8 figures in four years. She built a software platform to help speakers get placed on stages and advises businesses on preparing for profitable exits. Masters in Clarity provides fractional Chief Marketing Officer (CMO) services to help companies design and execute marketing initiatives and set up automated marketing systems. As an investor, Dolores acquires and scales small businesses, ensuring their legacy and long-term success.
Ep 119 – Jessica Malnik – Building Your B2B Content Moat
In episode 119, I sit down with Jessica Malnik, a B2B messaging strategist who’s helped over 75 founders and lean marketing teams craft content that actually gets read—and drives results. We talk about the risks of over-commoditized content in the age of AI and why a flood of “cheap” output isn’t a strategy. Jessica walks me through her signature framework, the Marketing MOAT, which focuses on Messaging, Distribution, and Content Efficiency.
She also shares practical, low-lift ways agencies can build content machines, maximize existing assets, and stay consistent without burning out. We even talk about content imposter syndrome, the curse of knowledge, and why you don’t have to be totally unique—you just need to show up as yourself.
If you’ve ever struggled with creating content that converts (and keeps converting), this episode is packed with clarity, systems, and smart takes that’ll help you raise your signal-to-noise ratio.
Key Bytes
• Messaging without a unique perspective leads to content that gets ignored
• AI-only content creation can dilute your brand and commoditize your services
• Her “Marketing MOAT” framework focuses on messaging, distribution, and content efficiency
• Distribution must be built into strategy from the beginning, not as an afterthought
• Agencies should reuse and repurpose evergreen content instead of always creating new
• Consistency (3x/week on LinkedIn) matters more than frequency spikes
• Authenticity in content doesn’t mean oversharing—it means resonance
• Set goals based on team size, budget, and business stage, then reverse engineer your strategy
Chapters
00:01 Welcome and intro to Jessica Malnik
01:46 Common agency messaging mistakes
03:26 Why AI-only content is risky for agencies
05:14 Jessica’s Marketing MOAT framework explained
07:21 How to develop “spiky” messaging and content positioning
10:34 Distribution strategy: where your audience actually is
14:04 Own your content—don’t rely only on social algorithms
15:09 Content efficiency and repurposing systems
19:00 Best practices for publishing frequency
21:16 Balancing personal and professional content
22:28 Reverse engineering content strategy based on goals
23:41 Rapid Fire Q&A with Jessica
Jessica Malnik has helped over 75 B2B founders and lean marketing teams fix their positioning and craft messaging people actually read and respond to.
I’ve spoken at half a dozen in-person conferences in the U.S., Australia, and Thailand, as well as dozens of virtual webinars, workshops, and podcast guest appearances.
I’ve also been featured in WSJ, The Next Web, MicroConf, Wynter, SXSW, and MSN UK, among many others.
Contact Jessica:
Ep 118 – Jamie Brindle – From Freelancer to Entrelancer: Building a Business That Scales
Ep 118 – Jamie Brindle – From Freelancer to Entrelancer: Building a Business That Scales
In episode 118, I’m joined by Jamie Brindle—a freelancer, strategist, and creator who’s built a half-million-strong audience around helping creative solopreneurs build sustainable, scalable freelance businesses. In this conversation, Jamie breaks down what it means to be an “Entrelancer”—a hybrid of entrepreneur and freelancer—and why the traditional view of freelancing is overdue for a reboot.
We talk about why having an audience builds instant trust, how freelancers can evolve into business owners without employees, and the myths around websites and portfolios that keep too many creatives stuck in planning mode instead of taking action. Jamie also shares a powerful framework for moving strangers into long-term client relationships—and why every freelancer should be thinking like a strategist, not just a task-taker.
Whether you’re freelancing, running an agency, or somewhere in between, this one’s packed with fresh thinking.
Key Bytes
• Jamie shares the origin of the term “Entrelancer”—and how it reflects a more modern, business-minded freelancer.
• He explains how their TikTok content (originally not for clients) unexpectedly opened doors to Fortune 100 opportunities.
• We dig into the importance of digital products, productized services, and building systems to support time freedom.
• Jamie outlines the four stages of the customer journey: Stranger → Lead → Client → Client for Life.
• He gives a masterclass in how to manufacture delight, over-deliver, and secure repeat work.
• We challenge the sacred cows of freelancer websites and portfolios—and why Jamie believes they’re massive time-wasters.
• Sales anxiety? Jamie offers a grounded, simple mindset shift that removes pressure and focuses on being helpful.
• He explains how positioning yourself as a solution—not a task-taker—is the unlock to charging more and building authority.
Chapters
00:00 Welcome and Intro to Jamie Brindle
01:00 The accidental power of TikTok and building trust
04:30 Redefining success as a freelancer
07:00 “Entrelancer” vs. freelancer: What’s the difference?
11:40 Scaling without employees: Productized and digital offers
13:00 Pivoting from video work to social media consulting
15:25 Lessons from shifting services and getting back in the field
19:30 Jamie’s four stages of the customer journey
24:00 Reframing sales: It’s just solving a problem
28:00 Positioning yourself as a strategic partner
34:00 Why portfolios and websites are the biggest time wasters
37:00 Final thoughts and closing
Jamie Brindle is a freelancer who gives advice to over half a million other creatives on social media about building a scalable and sustainable freelance business.
Contact Jamie:
@thejamiebrindle on all socials
Ep 117 – Wanda Allen, Follow Up Sales – Overcoming the Fear of Follow-Up
In episode 117, I sit down with Wanda Allen, international speaker, coach, and author of Follow Up Sales Strategies. With 25 years in the corporate world and a background in business banking, Wanda developed a systemized approach to sales follow-up that now helps business owners and sales professionals increase their close rates.
We dive into the psychology behind why so many people avoid follow-up, the fears that hold them back (hint: it’s not really about time), and how a simple shift in mindset and process can transform your sales pipeline. Wanda shares data-backed insights, actionable tips for improving follow-up cadence, and even debunks myths about being “pushy.” Whether you’re in active outreach or avoiding the phone like the plague, this episode will motivate you to reframe your follow-up game—and pick up the phone with purpose.
We also talk about her book-writing journey, the importance of believing in the value you bring, and a bucket-list dream that has her heading south of the border.
Key Bytes:
• 98% of sales don’t happen on the first contact—follow-up is essential.
• Fear of being “pushy” and fear of rejection are the top two mindset blocks around follow-up.
• 80% of sales happen between the 5th and 12th contact—most people quit after 2.
• Follow-up is a form of service, not pressure—it shows interest and professionalism.
• The phone is the most efficient tool in sales, yet it’s the most underused.
• You can’t build trust without consistent, committed follow-up.
• Stop assuming silence means disinterest—prospects are often just busy.
• Confidence in your pricing comes from believing in your value.
Chapters
00:01 – Introducing Wanda Allen and the importance of follow-up
01:04 – From corporate banking to follow-up systems expert
03:35 – Writing two books and why her first was retired
06:07 – The real reason people don’t follow up: mindset and fear
07:59 – How to prioritize follow-up and overcome procrastination
11:00 – Why consistent follow-up beats your competition
14:12 – Action over anxiety: staying out of your head during follow-up
16:18 – The forgotten power of the phone in today’s sales world
Wanda Allen is an international speaker, coach and corporate trainer. She's also the author of Follow Up Savvy and Follow Up Sales Strategies. Wanda had a 25 year corporate career where she held the position of Senior Vice President for 15 years. She has a strong skill set for developing systems and applied this skill to the follow up process. She's an expert in helping entrepreneurs, business owners and sales professionals increase pipelines, improve sales performance and strengthen relationships by developing strong follow up skills.
Contact Wanda:
https://www.followupsalesstrategies.com/
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 108 – Yael Morris, Decode Insights – Why Your Customers Buy, or Don’t
In episode 108 of Agency Bytes, I sit down with Yael Morris from Decode Insights to dive deep into the psychology behind why customers really buy — and why they don’t. Yael shares her fascinating journey from selling granola bars to becoming a go-to expert for decoding customer motivations through intimate, one-on-one conversations. We explore why traditional focus groups often miss the mark, how true empathy fuels marketing success, and why no AI tool can replace the magic of a real human conversation. If you’ve ever relied on gut feelings to shape your messaging, this one’s a must-listen. Plus, stick around for some rapid-fire questions where Yael shares personal insights, favorite tools, and advice she’d give her younger self.
Key Bytes
• Understanding buyer psychology is crucial for effective marketing.
• Customer insights can drive product development and marketing strategies.
• Empathy in marketing leads to better customer connections.
• Human conversations yield deeper insights than surveys or forms.
• AI cannot replace the emotional context of human interactions.
• One-on-one interviews provide richer data than focus groups.
• Customer-driven messaging is essential for successful marketing.
• Patience is key when introducing unconventional ideas.
• Building rapport in interviews encourages openness from customers.
• Insights from customer conversations can significantly impact business growth.
Chapters
00:00 Understanding Buyer Psychology
02:52 The Journey to Customer Insights
05:59 The Importance of Human Conversations
09:10 The Role of Empathy in Marketing
11:47 Universal Application of Customer Insights
15:05 The Impact of AI on Customer Understanding
18:03 The Value of One-on-One Interviews
21:02 Leveraging Insights for Business Growth
24:05 Focus Groups vs. One-on-One Interviews
26:52 Rapid Fire Questions and Closing Thoughts
Yael Morris from Decode Insights goes deep into buyer psychology to decode the real reasons behind why your customers buy, or don't buy from you. Through 1:1 customer interviews, she uncovers her clients customers' real-lived moments of struggle and desired outcomes that led them to purchase, giving a new human-level understanding of exactly what really matters to customers.
Contact Yael:
Ep 107 – Blair Enns, Win Without Pitching – The Fourth Conversation
In episode 107 of Agency Bytes, I sit down with Blair Enns, founder of Win Without Pitching and author of The Win Without Pitching Manifesto and The Four Conversations. If you’ve heard Blair on other shows—or are one of the many who’ve followed his work for years—you might think you’ve heard it all. Not this time. In this conversation, we go beyond the usual talking points and uncover insights he’s never shared before.
Blair opens up about the real mindset shifts creative professionals need to make if they want to stop selling like vendors and start showing up as experts. We break down the Four Conversations model, what most agency owners still get wrong about pricing, and how to rewrite the dynamics of the sales process to work in your favor.
We also explore why repetition beats inspiration, how to protect your power in client engagements, and what Blair believes is the single biggest opportunity for agencies right now—even in a time of AI disruption and economic uncertainty. If you want to charge more, pitch less, and finally own your value—this episode brings the fire.
Key Bytes
• Blair Enns emphasizes the importance of lifestyle choices in career decisions.
• The Win Without Pitching Manifesto serves as a foundational text for creative professionals.
• Sales should be viewed as a series of conversations rather than a pitch.
• Pricing is a critical area for agencies to improve profitability.
• Repetition in learning is essential for mastery of sales techniques.
• Creative professionals often struggle with the mindset of being a salesperson.
• The Four Conversations provides a framework for navigating sales effectively.
• Surviving economic uncertainty is crucial for agency success.
• Agencies should focus on their unique expertise to stand out in the market.
• Building strong client relationships is key to successful sales.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Blair Enns and His Journey
02:59 The Catalyst for Change: Lifestyle Choices
06:00 The Birth of Win Without Pitching
09:06 Understanding the Win Without Pitching Manifesto
12:12 The Four Conversations: A New Model for Selling Expertise
17:54 Lessons Learned from Coaching Agencies
20:50 The Importance of Repetition in Learning
25:56 Navigating Sales Conversations Effectively
31:59 Mindset Shifts for Creative Professionals
35:05 Opportunities and Challenges Ahead for Agencies
Blair Enns is the founder of Win Without Pitching and the author of three books on selling and pricing for expert advisors and practitioners, including the brand new The Four Conversations: A New Model for Selling Expertise.
A former advertising professional and consultant, Blair launched Win Without Pitching in 2002 to help creative professionals learn to win more business at higher prices without giving their services away for free in a pitch. His selling philosophy and pricing strategies resonated beyond the advertising and design professions to the point where today Win Without Pitching serves expert advisors and practitioners around the world in over a dozen professions, including finance, marketing, consulting, engineering and healthcare.
Blair also co-hosts, along with David C. Baker, the popular podcast 2Bobs: Conversations on the Art of Creative Entrepreneurship.
Contact Blair: winwithoutpitching.com
Ep 106 – Lisa Colantuono, AAR Partners – Building Relationships, Not Pitches
In episode 106 of Agency Bytes, I chat with Lisa Colantuono, president of AAR Partners and a 25-year veteran in agency-client matchmaking (though she hates that word!). If you’re tired of wasting time on endless pitch decks, spec work, and one-sided RFPs, this episode is a must-listen.
Lisa shares what really matters to brands during the agency search process—and how agencies can proactively position themselves to win more work without chasing every lead. We dive into how to build trust that leads to long-term relationships, how to get your agency noticed through smart PR, and why your creative work still needs to deliver real impact. Lisa also drops actionable advice on reputation-building, client retention, and what it really takes to stand out in a crowded agency landscape.
Whether you’re running a small shop or a growing firm, Lisa’s insights are full of practical steps to help you stay relevant, get on the right shortlists, and keep your agency’s name in the room—even when you’re not.
Key Bytes
• Streamlining the agency review process is essential—both for marketers and agencies trying to avoid wasted time and energy.
• Marketer-led reviews now make up 85% of the search landscape—agencies need to understand how to stand out in this evolving dynamic.
• Trust and relationships are everything. People buy from people they trust, and lasting partnerships are built on emotional connection.
• Agencies must treat themselves like their number one client. Prioritize your own marketing, just like you would for your best-paying account.
• Referrals, recognition, and press coverage are key to visibility—smart PR can put your agency on a brand’s radar before the pitch even starts.
• Great creative still wins. No amount of charm or strategy can replace standout work that delivers results.
• Proactivity beats complacency. The biggest reason agencies lose clients? They stop showing up with ideas.
• Personalized outreach beats “spray and pray.” Insightful, relevant communication gets attention—generic blasts get ignored.
• Your network defines your success. The company you keep, the connections you nurture—they’re all part of the relationship-driven business we’re in.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Agency Bites and Lisa Colantuono
01:44 Reinventing the Agency Search Process
04:21 Streamlining the Review Process
08:11 Trends in the Marketing Industry
12:26 Building Trust and Relationships in Agencies
18:10 The Importance of Reputation and Press Coverage
23:28 The Power of Recognition in Agency Work
25:06 The Importance of Account Management
26:39 Complacency: The Silent Account Killer
28:07 Proactivity in Client Relationships
29:33 Building Trust Through Networking
30:56 Emotional Connections with Brands
32:55 The Value of Insightful Communication
35:05 Understanding Client Pain Points
39:19 The Comprehensive Marketing Approach
40:09 Personal Insights and Life Lessons
Lisa Colantuono is the President of AAR Partner. With nearly 25 years of experience, Lisa has helped marketers like Ancestry, Subaru, and Panera Bread connect with the right agencies to drive meaningful results. She’s a pioneer in modernizing the agency search process, the author of @AARLisa: New Biz in 140 Characters (or Less), and the host of the On Purpose podcast. Lisa is passionate about building impactful partnerships and shaping the future of the marketing industry.
Contact Lisa:http://www.aarpartners.com
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 091 – Brad Farris, Anchor Advisors – CEO Success Habits
In episode 091 of Agency Bytes, I had the pleasure of chatting with Brad Harris from Anchor Advisors about one of the biggest challenges agency owners face — scaling their businesses. Together, we dig through some of the must-have habits that a CEO needs to find their version of success.
We dove into the mindset shifts that are crucial for growth, the tricky transition from being a consultant to stepping into a true coaching role, and why trust is absolutely essential when it comes to delegation.
Brad shared some incredible insights on how agency owners can break through that million-dollar revenue barrier, find real satisfaction in leadership, and avoid the endless cycle of overwork that so many of us fall into.
We also talked about building a healthy work culture and how shifting your perspective can make all the difference in solving problems.
And of course, we wrapped things up with some rapid-fire questions to get a few personal insights from Brad — always a fun way to end the conversation!
It’s a great episode packed with value, and I can’t wait for you to listen.
Key Bytes
• Success is driven less by what you do than who you decide to be.
• The biggest hurdle to growth is often internal.
• Transitioning from doing to orchestrating is crucial for agency growth.
• Micromanaging can lead to decreased performance in teams.
• Finding satisfaction in seeing others succeed is key.
• Overworking does not equate to better results.
• Taking breaks can simplify overwhelming problems.
• A healthy work culture is essential for team morale.
• Trusting your team is vital for effective delegation.
• It's important to recognize that not everything is as critical as it seems.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Agency Growth Challenges
03:02 Mindset Shift: From Consulting to Coaching
05:50 Overcoming the Million-Dollar Barrier
08:58 The Importance of Trust in Delegation
12:07 Finding Satisfaction Beyond the Craft
15:07 Breaking the Cycle of Overwork
18:01 The Power of Perspective in Problem Solving
20:58 Creating a Healthy Work Culture
23:51 Rapid Fire Questions and Closing Thoughts
Brad Harris from Anchor Advisors is known for helping agency and expert firm owners grow through the $1M—2M barrier to become thriving $3M —$5M agencies.
For over twenty years, Brad has worked alongside agency owners to help them sharpen their focus, raise their prices, and hire better people so that their firms can scale.
In his work with hundreds of agency owners, he’s learned that success is driven less by what you do than who you decide to be, and the biggest hurdle to your agency’s growth is between your ears.
Contact Brad:
https://anchoradvisors.com/self-leadership-assessment/
http://www.anchoradvisors.com/growth-phase
Ep 090 - Jon Tsourakis, Oyova – Agency Insights: Lessons from the Trenches
In this episode of Agency Bites, I'm thrilled to chat with John Tsourakis, the owner and president of Oyova, a dynamic national marketing and web development agency. Jon has an inspiring story about his journey into the agency world, and I can't wait for you to hear how Oyova has evolved over the years and the lessons Jon has learned along the way.
We dive into the challenges that agencies face in today’s ever-changing market and discuss the critical role of niche marketing and how personalized service can help retain clients. Jon shares his valuable insights on adapting to market conditions and his exciting plans for future growth, including potential acquisitions.
To wrap things up, we have some fun with rapid-fire questions that reveal personal insights and practical business advice. Join us for what promises to be an engaging and informative conversation!
Key Bytes
• Jon's journey into the agency space began after leaving a family business.
• The merger of Oyova in 2019 led to rapid growth initially.
• The agency faced challenges due to economic downturns and client pullbacks.
• Niche marketing is crucial for agency success in a competitive landscape.
• Client retention is achieved through personalized, white glove service.
• The agency offers a digital marketing suite and web development services.
• Future growth strategies include focusing on specialization and potential acquisitions.
• Maintaining a healthy billing rate is essential for agency profitability.
• The agency space is evolving, and adaptation is key to survival.
• It's important to push oneself beyond perceived limits to achieve success.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Agency Bites and Guest Background
02:30 The Evolution of Oyova and Market Challenges
06:53 Niche Marketing: The Key to Agency Success
11:14 Client Retention and White Glove Service
14:55 Service Offerings: Digital Marketing and Web Development
21:02 Future Outlook: Adaptation and Growth Strategies
27:38Rapid Fire Questions and Closing Thoughts
Ep 089 – Dan Englander, Sales Schema – Escaping Owner-Led Sales
In episode 089 of Agency Bites, I had the pleasure of sitting down with Dan Englander, CEO of Sales Schema. We dove into the world of strategic sales planning for marketing agencies and unpacked some of the biggest challenges agency owners face—things like relying too much on referrals, struggling with time, and not having a clear idea of their target market.
Dan breaks down why building trust and leveraging connections is so critical for effective outreach, and we talk about where automation fits (and doesn’t fit) into the sales process. He also explains why it’s so important to create a solid sales system before you start hiring salespeople, and how understanding sales cycles can help set better expectations.
We also touch on hiring the right salesperson and why the human element in sales can’t be overlooked. And of course, we wrap up with some fun rapid-fire questions that give us a glimpse into Dan’s personal and professional side.
If you’re an agency owner looking to make your sales process smoother, more human, and more effective—this one’s for you!
Key Bytes
• Many agencies rely too much on referrals for growth.
• Lack of time and clarity are major stumbling blocks for agency owners.
• Outbound sales should start as a clarity-building exercise.
• Agencies should define their target markets and specialize.
• Building trust is crucial in a competitive landscape.
• Leveraging connections can enhance outreach effectiveness.
• Automation in sales processes is essential but quality matters.
• Most agency clients have owner-led sales teams.
• It's important to build a sales system before hiring a salesperson.
• Understanding sales cycles is key to setting expectations.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Agency Growth Strategies
01:50 The Importance of Strategic Sales Planning
04:41 Overcoming Common Agency Growth Challenges
09:10 Building Trust in a Competitive Landscape
12:52 Leveraging Connections for Effective Outreach
15:24 The Role of Automation in Sales Processes
18:46 Creating a Sales System Before Hiring
21:55 Understanding Sales Cycles and Expectations
26:51 The Human Element in Sales
Dan Englander is the CEO and Founder of Sales Schema, a fractional new business team for marketing agencies, and he hosts The Digital Agency Growth Podcast. Previously Dan was the first employee head of new business at IdeaRocket, and before that, Account Coordinator at DXagency. He's also the author of Relationship Sales at Scale: How to Find Your Virtual Tribe and Reliably Grow Your Professional Service Business, Mastering Account Management and The B2B Sales Blueprint. In his spare time, he enjoys developing new aches and pains via Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and spending time with his wife Sarah and their son Adrian in NYC.
Contact Dan:
www.salesschema.com
https://www.linkedin.com/in/danenglander/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/sales-schema/?viewAsMember=true
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/
