Is your agency constantly struggling to balance client demands with healthy work practices? In the high-pressure environment of agency life, where the lines between professional obligations and personal time often blur, establishing and maintaining clear boundaries can be challenging. Yet without these boundaries, agency owners and leaders may face burnout, client dissatisfaction, and team unhappiness, ultimately affecting the agency's success and growth. By tuning into this episode of The Agency Accelerator podcast, you’ll learn how to: 1. Implement effective working practices and service definitions, ensuring you protect your time and focus on what you do best. 2. Set and manage client expectations, thus avoiding scope creep and fostering healthier, more profitable client relationships. 3. Create a positive work environment with clear role definitions and decision-making authorities that retain top talent and boost team morale. Take the first step towards a more organised, less stressful agency life today! So grab a coffee and let’s get started. Questions answered in this episode Q: Why are boundaries crucial in the context of running an agency, and how do they impact your agency's health and team dynamics? Q: What common situations in agency life indicate a lack of clear boundaries, and what are the potential consequences of these blurred lines? Q: How can setting and maintaining clear boundaries between your agency's services and clients' expectations prevent scope creep and ensure fair compensation? Q: What strategies can agency leaders implement to communicate and reinforce boundaries effectively with both clients and team members? Q: How can learning to say NO in a professional manner benefit your agency, and what techniques can help in declining requests while maintaining client relationships? Q: What practical tips can assist in conducting regular boundary audits, and how can these audits help in refining and reinforcing boundaries as your agency evolves? Quotations "Strong boundaries are not restrictive; they are liberating. They allow you to focus on what you do best, serve your clients more effectively, and create a more positive environment for your team." - Rob Da Costa "When you establish and maintain healthy boundaries, you set the stage for sustainable growth, more profitable client relationships, and a healthier work-life balance." - Rob Da Costa "Are you a charity or are you a business? When you're overservicing for free, you're definitely becoming a charity." - Rob Da Costa Rate, Review, & Subscribe on Apple Podcasts “I enjoy listening to The Agency Accelerator Podcast. I always learn something from every episode.” If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more people like you to move towards a Self-Running Agency. How to leave a review on Apple Podcasts Scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then, let me know what you loved most about the episode! Also, if you haven’t done so already, subscribe to the podcast. I’m adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the feed and, if you’re not subscribed, there’s a good chance you’ll miss out. Subscribe now! Useful links mentioned in this episode: Join my Self-Running Agency Implementation Group

Are you tired of hearing "I was too busy" as your team's go-to excuse for missed deadlines? In the high-pressure world of agency work, where meeting deadlines and delivering outstanding results are crucial, the frequent use of "I was too busy" can erode trust and productivity. For agency leaders, this excuse not only hinders project success but also creates a negative work environment that impacts the entire team. By tuning into this episode of The Agency Accelerator podcast, you’ll learn how to: 1. Identify and tackle the root causes of missed deadlines, such as poor prioritisation and ineffective time management, to enhance overall performance. 2. Foster clear and proactive communication, ensuring that team members are on the same page and deadlines are met with consistency. 3. Cultivate a culture of accountability and realistic planning, empowering your team to manage their workloads effectively and minimise stress. Start transforming your agency's culture today — grab your headphones and dive into the episode now! Questions answered in this episode Q: Why has the phrase "I'm too busy" become so prevalent in the agency world, and why is it problematic? Q: How can poor prioritisation and ineffective time management contribute to the "I'm too busy" epidemic? Q: What are some practical strategies for agency professionals to improve their time management? Q: In what ways does the "I'm too busy" excuse affect client relationships and team morale? Q: How can setting realistic timelines and managing resources better help eliminate the "I'm too busy" mindset? Q: Why is learning to say "no" or "not now" vital for improving workload management in agencies? Q: What are the tangible benefits an agency can expect when it succeeds in eliminating the "I'm too busy" mentality? Quotations "Imagine a sofa company telling you they were 'too busy' to deliver your furniture on time. Ridiculous, right? So why do we accept this excuse in our agencies?" - Rob Da Costa "In the agency world, 'I'm too busy' has become an excuse rather than a reality. It's time we reclaim control of our time and deliver our true potential." - Rob Da Costa "Every time you say 'yes' to something, you're saying 'no' to something else. Let's learn to prioritise effectively and eliminate the 'I'm too busy' epidemic." - Rob Da Costa Rate, Review, & Subscribe on Apple Podcasts “I enjoy listening to The Agency Accelerator Podcast. I always learn something from every episode.” If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more people like you to move towards a Self-Running Agency. How to leave a review on Apple Podcasts Scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then, let me know what you loved most about the episode! Also, if you haven’t done so already, subscribe to the podcast. I’m adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the feed and, if you’re not subscribed, there’s a good chance you’ll miss out. Subscribe now! Useful links mentioned in this episode: Download our free guide on the Art of DelegationJoin The Self-Running Agency Implementation Group

Are you able to afford your own coach?  What about a mentor for each of your team members?  For most, the answer will be NO but AI is having and going to have a huge impact on this area meaning every agency owner will have their own coach and every time member, their own mentor. In a time when Artificial Intelligence is revolutionising how we manage and grow our agencies, one area it is only just starting to impact is coaching, mentoring and training.  If you’re an agency owner or manager, leveraging AI coaches could be the key to boosting productivity, enhancing team learning, and staying competitive in a rapidly changing landscape. We are going to dig into this topic in a ton of detail today. By listening to this episode of The Agency Accelerator podcast, you'll learn how to: 1. Utilise AI coaches to provide personalised and consistent guidance tailored to your agency’s needs. 2. Integrate AI-driven problem-solving techniques to navigate complex client situations and enhance decision-making. 3. Create a scalable and cost-effective mentoring system that promotes continuous learning and growth across your entire team. I am super excited by the potential of giving every agency 24/7 coaches and mentors so let’s dig in! Questions answered in this episode Q: What specific advantages do AI coaches offer over traditional human mentorship in agency settings? Q: How does an AI coach personalise its guidance to match the unique needs of an agency? Q: In what ways can an AI coach help in resolving complex client situations or pricing strategies? Q: How can AI coaches be utilised to ensure consistent training and development across an entire agency? Q: What are the steps involved in creating a customised AI coach tailored specifically for your agency? Q: How do AI coaches assist in the seamless integration with existing project management and CRM tools? Q: What potential future applications of AI coaching could revolutionise agency management even further? Quotations "Imagine having a mentor who's available 24/7, who never gets tired and can process vast amounts of information in seconds. That's the promise of an AI coach for your agency." - Rob Da Costa "AI coaches aren’t about replacing human intelligence in your agency. They're about augmenting it, getting you from 0 to 60 quickly so you can focus on reaching 100%." - Rob Da Costa "The future AI coach isn't just reactive. It's proactive, anticipating potential issues and suggesting innovative solutions based on emerging trends." - Rob Da Costa Rate, Review, & Subscribe on Apple Podcasts “I enjoy listening to The Agency Accelerator Podcast. I always learn something from every episode.” If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more people like you to move towards a Self-Running Agency. How to leave a review on Apple Podcasts Scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then, let me know what you loved most about the episode! Also, if you haven’t done so already, subscribe to the podcast. I’m adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the feed and, if you’re not subscribed, there’s a good chance you’ll miss out. Subscribe now! Useful links mentioned in this episode: Discover the The Self-Running Agency - AI Edition - powered by your AI agency coach and mentor, AskRobAnythingExplore Coachvox, the tool behind Ask Rob Anything

Is your agency struggling to keep up with clients who request highly-tailored bespoke services which end up eating into your profitability and efficiency? In an era where agencies are constantly juggling between custom projects and scalability, the transition to productised services can be a game-changer. Many agency owners find themselves overwhelmed, becoming bottlenecks in their own businesses and struggling with over-servicing without clear deliverables and scopes of work. Productisation expert, Melissa Morris from Agency Authority, joins me to explore this topic and discuss why smart agencies are productising their offerings resulting in easier to scale and highly profitable businesses. In this episode you’ll discover how to: 1. Identify when it's time to transition from bespoke services to standardised offerings, helping you avoid burnout and inefficiencies. 2. Create clear and consistent service packages that meet client needs without sacrificing your agency's flexibility and creativity. 3. Enhance your agency's profitability through efficient capacity management and clearer scope definitions, ultimately delivering better results for your clients. Take the first step towards a more streamlined and profitable agency today – grab your headphones and dive into the episode now! Questions answered in this episode Q: What are the key indicators that suggest an agency should consider moving away from bespoke services? Q: How does one balance creativity and customisation with the need to productise agency services? Q: Can you explain the actual process of transitioning from bespoke services to a more standardised, productised offering? Q: What are the potential pitfalls in moving towards productised services, and how can agencies avoid them? Q: How does productising services impact an agency's profitability and efficiency? Q: What steps should an agency take to ensure they are catering to their ideal clients while transitioning to productised services? Quotations "Moving from bespoke services to productised offerings isn't just a strategy—it's a lifeline for agency owners overwhelmed by customisation and burnout." - Melissa Morris "Start by identifying the clients you're getting great results for and truly enjoy working with. That's where the magic of productisation begins!" - Melissa Morris "Many agency owners struggle to let go of control, but embracing productisation can be a game-changer for profitability and efficiency." - Rob Da Costa Rate, Review, & Subscribe on Apple Podcasts “I enjoy listening to The Agency Accelerator Podcast. I always learn something from every episode.” If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more people like you to move towards a Self-Running Agency. How to leave a review on Apple Podcasts Scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then, let me know what you loved most about the episode! Also, if you haven’t done so already, subscribe to the podcast. I’m adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the feed and, if you’re not subscribed, there’s a good chance you’ll miss out. Subscribe now! Useful links mentioned in this episode: Connect with Melissa Morris on LinkedInTake the Agency Authority Quiz to uncover scaling bottlenecksLearn more about The Self-Running Agency Implementation Group

Do you ever wonder why you are running your own agency, stuck in the weeds and lurching from one demand or crisis to the next? In the fast-paced world of agency life, it's easy to lose sight of your core motivations and why you started your own agency amidst the daily grind. For agency owners and leaders, reconnecting with your deeper purpose can reignite your passion, drive meaningful decision-making and steer your business through turbulent times. That’s what we are digging into today. You’ll discover how to: 1. Uncover your unique "why" by reflecting on your passions, values, and long-term vision, bringing clarity and renewed focus to your day-to-day operations. 2. Develop practical strategies to regularly revisit and align with your core purpose, ensuring your agency stays on track even during challenging periods. 3. Communicate your "why" effectively to build a motivated team and foster a strong, values-driven company culture. Let's take a moment for introspection and realign with what truly drives you. Questions answered in this episode Q: What drives you and gets you excited to jump out of bed in the morning? Q: What kind of impact do you want to have on the world around you, and how does it shape your agency's mission? Q: What are your core values, and how do they act as a moral compass guiding your decisions and actions? Q: How do you practically stay connected to your why on a day-to-day basis? Q: Why is it important to communicate your why to your team and stakeholders, and how does it benefit your agency's culture and accountability? Quotations “Your WHY is the driving force that gives your work meaning and keeps you motivated, even when times are tough." - Rob Da Costa “Discovering your why is like finding a compass; it guides you through the inevitable challenges and obstacles in agency life." - Rob Da Costa “When you're truly connected to your why, you'll have an unshakable foundation that helps you weather any storm and emerge stronger." - Rob Da Costa Rate, Review, & Subscribe on Apple Podcasts “I enjoy listening to The Agency Accelerator Podcast. I always learn something from every episode.” If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more people like you to move towards a Self-Running Agency. How to leave a review on Apple Podcasts Scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then, let me know what you loved most about the episode! Also, if you haven’t done so already, subscribe to the podcast. I’m adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the feed and, if you’re not subscribed, there’s a good chance you’ll miss out. Subscribe now! Useful links mentioned in this episode: Learn more about The Self Running Agency Group Attend my FREE CEO Masterclass

Did you know that a holiday in nature could teach you a vital lesson about running your agency? I recently returned from exploring the stunning fjords of Norway, and it was a stark reminder of the power of living in the moment. In the fast-paced world of agency life, where every second is packed with emails, meetings, and deadlines, it's easy to forget the value of presence. But translating that sense of mindfulness from a holiday to our daily work can significantly improve focus, productivity, and overall well-being. By tuning into this episode of The Agency Accelerator podcast, you’ll discover how to: 1. Enhance your focus and increase productivity by truly immersing yourself in the task at hand, free from distractions. 2. Improve decision-making and problem-solving abilities through a mindful approach, allowing for clearer and more effective solutions. 3. Strengthen client relationships and communication by practising active listening and being fully present in interactions. Let's explore how living in the moment can transform your agency's performance! So grab a coffee and let’s get started. Questions answered in this episode Q: How does being present improve productivity and overall well-being in agency life? Q: How can single-tasking and the Pomodoro technique enhance focus and productivity? Q: What strategies can agency owners use to eliminate digital distractions effectively? Q: How does practising active listening strengthen client relationships and team collaboration? Q: Why is it important to reward oneself when trying to cultivate mindfulness practices? Quotations “Mindfulness isn't just a trendy buzzword; it's a powerful tool that agency owners can use to enhance creativity, improve decision-making, and reduce stress." - Rob Da Costa “By fully inhabiting the present without constant worry about the past or the future, you'll unlock a sense of freedom and clarity that serves you well as an agency owner." - Rob Da Costa Rate, Review, & Subscribe on Apple Podcasts “I enjoy listening to The Agency Accelerator Podcast. I always learn something from every episode.” If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more people like you to move towards a Self-Running Agency. How to leave a review on Apple Podcasts Scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then, let me know what you loved most about the episode! Also, if you haven’t done so already, subscribe to the podcast. I’m adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the feed and, if you’re not subscribed, there’s a good chance you’ll miss out. Subscribe now! Useful links mentioned in this episode: Join me on the next CEO Masterclass.Download my free Time Management Guide.

Learn how crucial it is for agencies to truly define their niche to stand out in the competitive market. Get tips on identifying ideal clients, creating a niche-focused marketing strategy, and differentiating your agency to attract target clients.

Have you ever felt that your message just isn’t getting through to your clients or team members? In today’s competitive agency environment, where clarity and connection can make or break relationships, mastering the art of storytelling in communication is paramount.  Whether you’re struggling to convey complex ideas or seeking to build stronger, more empathetic connections with clients, honing these skills can transform your interactions. By tuning into this episode of The Agency Accelerator podcast, you’ll discover how to: 1. Harness the emotional power of storytelling to create memorable and impactful communications with your team and clients. 2. Use analogies to simplify and clarify complex concepts, making them more accessible and relatable. 3. Build deeper, more empathetic client relationships, fostering trust and understanding in every conversation. Questions answered in this episode Q: Why is storytelling so powerful, particularly in a work context? Q: How can analogies simplify complex ideas and make abstract concepts more tangible? Q: What impact does storytelling have on our brain's neural pathways and our ability to retain information? Q: What are some practical tips for tailoring analogies to a specific audience or client? Q: How can you use storytelling and analogies to forge deeper connections with your team and clients? Q: Why is it important to integrate storytelling and analogies into your communication arsenal, and how can it transform your interactions? Quotations "Stories tap into our emotions in a way that dry facts and figures simply can't. They create connections that transcend mere data." – Rob Da Costa, The Agency Accelerator "Imagine buying a coffee and demanding a free croissant—that's what over-servicing your clients looks like. Analogies like these help us understand poor business practices." – Rob Da Costa, The Agency Accelerator Rate, Review, & Subscribe on Apple Podcasts “I enjoy listening to The Agency Accelerator Podcast. I always learn something from every episode.” If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more people like you to move towards a Self-Running Agency. How to leave a review on Apple Podcasts Scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then, let me know what you loved most about the episode! Also, if you haven’t done so already, subscribe to the podcast. I’m adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the feed and, if you’re not subscribed, there’s a good chance you’ll miss out. Subscribe now! Useful links mentioned in this episode: Discover more about AskRobAnything, your AI Agency CoachGet further support for your agency

In this week’s episode, we have a truly inspiring journey to unpack. If you're navigating the challenges of entrepreneurship or intrigued by the intersection of technology and business, you're in for a treat. I sat down with the incredibly accomplished Jodie Cook. Known for her keen insights into entrepreneurship and AI, Jodie has a wealth of experience to share. From accidentally starting her social media agency to expertly scaling and eventually selling it, Jodie's story is filled with lessons on resilience, innovation, and meticulous planning.  We'll delve into her transition from agency owner to AI entrepreneur, with the creation of Coachvox AI—a pioneering platform for AI coaching.  Jodie shares the strategies she employed to run her business remotely, the process of preparing her agency for sale, and the significance of creating a self-sustaining business model.  By listening to this episode of The Agency Accelerator podcast, you will learn how to: 1. Strategically prepare your agency for a sale that meets your financial and professional aspirations, ensuring a smooth transition and optimal outcomes. 2. Explore life after the sale of a business, finding new passions and opportunities that align with personal growth and professional expertise. 3. Successfully integrate technology, like AI, in your next venture to maximise efficiency and scale your impact without direct involvement in daily operations. Questions answered in this episode Q: Could you delve into how you stumbled upon starting your social media agency, and what propelled you to transition from a freelancer to an agency owner? Q: What were the initial challenges you faced while managing your agency remotely, and how did you overcome them using inspirations from "The 4-Hour Work Week" and "The E-Myth"? Q: Discuss the concept of making oneself redundant in order to enhance the saleability of an agency. How crucial is this step for agency owners contemplating a sale? Q: After selling your agency, you experimented with numerous activities. What inspired you to eventually choose AI in coaching as your next venture? Q: How does Coachbox AI differentiate itself in the burgeoning field of AI-driven solutions, particularly in coaching and personal development? Q: What advice would you give to young entrepreneurs, particularly women, aiming to make a mark in the tech and AI sectors? Quotations Jodie Cook: "When you align your personal ambitions with your professional endeavours, every setback morphs into an even greater comeback." Jodie Cook: "Freedom doesn't come from running a business; it comes from building a business that runs without you." "Rob Da Costa: "I am excited to be using Coachvox as the platform on which I have built AskRobAnything, and the potential impact it will have for my agency community" Rate, Review, & Subscribe on Apple Podcasts “I enjoy listening to The Agency Accelerator Podcast. I always learn something from every episode.” If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more people like you to move towards a Self-Running Agency. How to leave a review on Apple Podcasts Scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then, let me know what you loved most about the episode! Also, if you haven’t done so already, subscribe to the podcast. I’m adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the feed and, if you’re not subscribed, there’s a good chance you’ll miss out. Subscribe now! Useful links mentioned in this episode: Visit Jodie’s website for monthly insights from JodieDiscover more about Coachvox AI, the platform revolutionising coachingExplore AskRobAnything for a personalised coaching experience with Rob Da CostaConnect with Jodie Cook on LinkedIn

Are you struggling to expand your email list with genuinely interested prospects? In today's marketing world, the challenge to continuously feed your sales funnel with qualified leads is a common yet critical problem. Creating a dependable system to attract and convert high-quality leads is essential for sustainable growth if you want to avoid the dreaded feet or famine cycle that agencies who rely on referrals or word-of-mouth invariably find themselves in. Dive into this episode of The Agency Accelerator podcast, and you will learn how to: 1. Craft irresistible lead magnets that capture the attention of your ideal audience, ensuring that you grow your prospect database every single day. 2. Integrate these lead magnets seamlessly with your email marketing strategies to maintain engagement and nurture your leads effectively. 3. Employ proven promotional techniques that amplify your reach, ensuring your lead magnets get in front of the right people at the right time. Join me today and discover the strategies that will boost your lead generation and nurture your prospects into loyal customers.  Questions answered in this episode Q: What precisely is a lead magnet, and how does it function to gather email addresses? Q: What types of lead magnets are there and which are particularly effective for engaging an audience? Q: What should the format of a successful lead magnet be? Q: Could you share some examples? Q: How do I integrate a lead magnet with my email automation system to optimise lead nurturing? Q: What are the key performance metrics that should be monitored to assess the effectiveness of a lead magnet? Q: How crucial is A/B testing in refining lead magnets, and what specific elements should be tested? Q: What are some optimisation strategies for enhancing the conversion rates of lead magnets? Quotations "Don't be afraid of giving away genuine value in your lead magnet. Prospects will buy from you because they want 1-2-1 guidance and not because the content is already available somewhere on the web!" – Rob Da Costa "A well-crafted lead magnet not only helps you build your email list but also positions your agency as the trusted authority in your industry." – Rob Da Costa "Embrace a mindset of continuous improvement and iteration. Regularly analyse your performance data, identify areas for optimisation, and implement changes based on these findings." – Rob Da Costa Rate, Review, & Subscribe on Apple Podcasts “I enjoy listening to The Agency Accelerator Podcast. I always learn something from every episode.” If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more people like you to move towards a Self-Running Agency. How to leave a review on Apple Podcasts Scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then, let me know what you loved most about the episode! Also, if you haven’t done so already, subscribe to the podcast. I’m adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the feed and, if you’re not subscribed, there’s a good chance you’ll miss out. Subscribe now! Useful links mentioned in this episode: Register for my FREE webinar ‘5 Ways AI Will Impact Your Agency in the Next 12 Months’ Practical Applications For Your Agency’s GrowthLearn more about email marketing Join my Group Coaching Agency Community, The Self-Running Agency