Not every agency owner can afford 1-2-1 coaching and most agencies don’t have the budget to provide every team member with a mentor. But what if you could have a virtual coach available 24/7 to guide your agency? A digital assistant that operates like your own personal agency expert, dishing out expert advice tailored specifically for your business? Or what if you could create your own AI knowledge base to support your team or become the first line of customer support? That's the premise behind an AI coaching platform (a newish concept that is about to become very commonplace), and today I'm going to pull back the curtain on my journey creating one called AskRobAnything.  By listening to this episode of The Agency Accelerator podcast, you’ll learn how to: 1. Streamline your knowledge into an AI system, allowing for on-demand, accurate business advice that directly reflects your expertise. 2. Understand the nuances of AI technology in coaching, ensuring you prepare and structure your training data effectively to avoid counterproductive results. 3. Utilise AI to enhance your team’s productivity and decision-making capabilities, offering a consistent, reliable resource that grows alongside your agency. Ready to revolutionise your approach to business coaching? Make sure to listen to this episode and discover the future of AI in agency coaching. Questions answered in this episode Q: What inspired the creation of the AI coaching platform, AskRobAnything? Q: Can you detail the challenges faced during the initial development of the AI coach? Q: How is the training data for an AI coach curated and refined to ensure reliability? Q: What surprising benefits emerged from using the AI coach within your team? Q: In what ways has the development process of an AI coach differed from your initial expectations? Q: What future developments are envisaged for enhancing the interactivity and capabilities of AI coaching tools? Q: What advice would you give to someone considering implementing an AI coaching tool in their business strategy? Quotations "Simply uploading content does not create a reliable AI coach; meticulous data curation is key to avoid the trap of garbage in, garbage out." "AskRobAnything evolved from a digital coaching tool into a comprehensive AI assistant, enhancing not just my business but the entire marketing agency landscape." "Creating an AI coach like Ask Rob Anything was a game changer, automating expert advice and revolutionising agency operations 24/7." 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 the free webinar on AI's impact on agenciesDiscover more about AskRobAnything, your AI Agency Coach

Are you tired of constant email management that eats up your time and gets you nowhere? Or perhaps you email your list sporadically (or not at all!)? In today's fast-evolving digital world, maximising lead generation and nurturing customer relations are paramount. Yet, many agency professionals are bogged down in an endless cycle of manual email tasks or worse, stuck in client service with no time to focus on lead generation. This not only slows down progress but also hampers the agency's scalability and client engagement - the very lifeline of the business. By tuning into this episode of The Agency Accelerator podcast, you'll discover how to: 1. Harness the power of email automation to scale up your marketing efforts efficiently, saving both time and resources. 2. Set up robust, email sequences that effectively guide potential clients through each stage of their journey, from lead to conversion. 3. Combine precision targeting and personalisation to send impactful messages, ensuring your emails resonate with and captivate your audience. Unlock the full potential of your agency's lead nurturing with cutting-edge email strategies. Press play and let’s journey together towards effortless email success. Questions answered in this episode Q: What factors should you evaluate when selecting the right email automation software for your agency? Q: Could you elaborate on how email sequences nurture leads through the sales funnel? Q: What are some popular email automation platforms and their respective pros and cons? Q: How do personalisation and segmentation enhance the impact of email sequences? Q: What are the types of lead capture forms and their best placements on websites and landing pages? Q: What are some best practices for creating effective and engaging email sequences? Q: What key performance indicators should agencies track to measure the success of their email campaigns? Quotations "Automation is the key to scalability, efficiency, and consistency in today's fast-paced digital landscape, not just in email marketing but across your whole agency." — Rob Da Costa "Craft your email sequences as compelling narratives; use consistent tone and messaging to guide subscribers through a journey, providing real value every step of the way." — Rob Da Costa "By embracing a culture of continuous testing, tracking, and optimisation, your email automation system can remain a powerful lead generation and conversion engine for your agency." — 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 Build, Nurture, Convert Blueprint training courseExplore the Self-Running Agency Membership ProgramFurther information on the Creative Crew Community

Do your meticulously crafted email campaigns feel like they're vanishing into the ether, met with silence or a swift move to the 'trash' folder? Or maybe you know you should be using email as a lead generator but you’re not! In today's noisy landscape, grabbing the attention of your audience is more challenging than ever. Email marketing might not be sexy or trendy but it is still one of the best ways to build a 1-2-1 relationship with your ideal target customer. By listening to this episode of The Agency Accelerator podcast, you'll gain insights on how to: 1. Implement email marketing strategies that rise above the digital noise, ensuring your message reaches—and resonates—with your ideal audience. 2. Harness cost-effective techniques that turn your email list into an owned asset, creating a direct and powerful communication channel with prospects. 3. Examine the importance of tracking and refining your campaigns, transforming analytical data into newfound opportunities for growth and engagement. Discover the art of captivating your subscribers and converting them into loyal clients through email marketing. Questions answered in this episode Q: Why is email marketing still the best method for lead generation in the fast-paced digital era? Q: What are the fundamental advantages of using email marketing over other channels like social media or traditional advertising? Q: How does owning an email list offer more control and security compared to building a following on social media platforms? Q: Can you delve into the cost-effectiveness of email marketing for agencies of various sizes? Q: What metrics should be considered to accurately measure the success of an email marketing campaign? Q: What strategies are recommended for segmenting your email list to enhance campaign personalisation and impact? Q: Could you outline how automated email sequences benefit engagement and the sales process? Quotations "Remember, you own your email list, whereas you rent your social media audience. Build an asset that's yours, adding value to your business." - Rob Da Costa "By delivering personalised, valuable content through email, we're not just making one-time sales but nurturing long-term relationships that foster trust and loyalty." - Rob Da Costa "Get the 80/20 content balance right in your email marketing: 80% value-add, 20% sell. It's about creating emails that your audience looks forward to, not spam." - 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: Explore additional FREE resources on email marketing and lead generationLearn more about AskRobAnything, the AI coaching platform Further information on the Creative Crew Community

Learn how specializing in a niche can skyrocket your marketing agency's growth by attracting ideal clients, charging premium rates, and crafting compelling messaging. Discover the pitfalls of a generalist approach, tips for defining a profitable niche, and strategies to stand out in a crowded market. Dive into practical steps for positioning your agency as the distinguished expert in your chosen niche.

Have you ever poured your heart into a proposal, only for your potential client to disappear without a trace? In this fast-paced world, where new trends shape the landscape of client engagement every day, the ability to secure ideal prospects and craft proposals that convert is more essential than ever. For anyone in the marketing agency space, dealing with prospects going silent post-proposal can be both frustrating and costly, hindering business growth and wasting valuable resources. By tuning into this episode of The Agency Accelerator podcast, you’ll discover how to: 1. Precisely identify prospects that align with your agency’s expertise and values — paving the way to more meaningful connections and a higher success rate. 2. Develop strategies to create proposals that resonate deeply with clients' needs, setting you apart and making sure your hard work is acknowledged. 3. Employ effective communication and follow-up tactics to not only present your proposals with impact but also to avoid the dreaded 'proposal ghosting' that leaves you in limbo. Let's transform your proposal woes into wins!  So grab a coffee and let’s get started. Questions answered in this episode: Q: How do you effectively pinpoint your ideal prospects to save time and maximise agency success? Q: How do you qualify leads to ensure a focus on prospects with the highest conversion potential? Q: What are the crucial steps to take when presenting a proposal to prevent it from being ghosted? Q: How do you maintain client engagement while waiting for a proposal decision? Q: What methods have proven effective for soliciting honest feedback and adjusting client acquisition strategies accordingly? Quotations “Position yourself as the expert in your specific niche to naturally attract clients who are looking for exactly what you offer." - Rob Da Costa, Agency Accelerator Podcast “Be a ‘Rottweiler’ with your proposals; the only outcomes should be a yes or no, not an endless wait in purgatory." - Rob Da Costa, Agency Accelerator Podcast 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 the free Ideal Client Persona WorkbookGuide on niching for your agencyFurther information on the Creative Crew Community

Why are agencies so bad at applying the smart advice they give their clients, to their own businesses? I’m on a Mission this year to apply everything I teach my clients to my own business and this inspired me to record this episode. Time Stamp [01:45] - Why are marketing agencies not very good at doing their own marketing? [02:26] - Is the 'client service hamster wheel of doom' affecting marketing agencies' ability to market themselves? [03:13] - Why might agencies rely on word-of-mouth and referrals instead of active marketing strategies? [04:09] - What happens when marketing agencies experience the feast or famine cycle? [04:59] - How can agencies demonstrate the effectiveness of their marketing advice? [05:40] - What should an agency owner do if they recognise the need for marketing but lack the time? [06:21] - How can a marketing agency put a successful system in place for marketing efforts? [07:22] - Why is outsourcing, especially to a VA, beneficial for an agency's marketing? [08:03] - What is Rob Da Costa's approach to applying what he teaches to his own business this year? [08:57] - How can agencies make sure they are doing effective marketing and business development? Quotations “We live in an instant gratification world, yet most robust business development strategies deliver in the medium to long-term” - Rob Da Costa “Try and be your own best customer!” - 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 — just like you — move towards a Self-Running Agency. Scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to 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: YouTube ChannelAskRobAnything AI Coaching Platform

Are you tired of the feast or famine cycle in your agency? Discover how to recession-proof your agency and ensure a steady flow of clients and revenue, even in challenging economic times, in today’s The Agency Accelerator podcast. In this episode, you will learn how to break free from the cycle of extreme workload fluctuations, achieve a more stable and profitable agency, and navigate the ups and downs of business. You will gain practical strategies to diversify your client base, implement consistent marketing and business development, and build a financial buffer for your agency. Tune in now and take the first step towards recession-proofing your agency for a more stable and profitable future. Questions answered in this episode: Q: How can agency owners break free from the feast or famine cycle and recession-proof their businesses? Q: What are the key strategies for diversifying a client base to ensure stability during economic downturns? Q: How can agency owners effectively balance diversification and specialisation when expanding their service offerings? Q: What are the best methods for maintaining a consistent marketing and business development process, even during busy periods? Q: How can agency owners prioritise effective time management to protect time for business development? Quotations "Protecting time for business development isn't just a nice to have, it's an absolute must-have." - Rob Da Costa "The key to a successful, profitable agency is consistency and proactive planning." - 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 and join the Creative Crew CommunityLearn more about AskRobAnything, your AI Agency Coach and MentorJoin one of our FREE all-value, no-sales workshops

Are you ready to explore the AI revolution in the agency world and maximise your creative and operational potential? In an industry that is always evolving, agency owners and employees constantly seek ways to stay ahead of the curve, increase efficiency, and drive growth amidst fierce competition. The rise of artificial intelligence offers unprecedented opportunities to revolutionise how we run agencies, tackle common bottlenecks in project management, and exceed client expectations while fostering a stimulating work environment for employees.  In today’s show, I outline 10 ways in which AI is and will be used. You will learn how to leverage AI for pinpointing and engaging with ideal prospects, gain insights into blending AI-assisted content creation without compromising on originality, and discover AI's role in optimising project and financial management to cut down on costs and burnout. Questions answered in this episode: Q: In what ways is AI reshaping the journey from lead generation to customer engagement? Q: What improvements in media efficiency can agencies expect from leveraging AI in paid advertising campaigns? Q: Can you outline the role of AI in providing clear insights through reporting dashboards and how this affects decision-making? Q: How is AI automating the more mundane aspects of project management and what impact does this have on team wellbeing and productivity? Q: How AI is streamlining agency finance management? Q: How is the AI coaching platform 'Ask Rob Anything' designed to personalise support for agency owners and their team members? Q: Could you share insights into the implementation of AI within agencies for optimising internal communications and employee development processes? Quotations "Imagine your agency where AI takes you from 0 to 60%, leaving your human creativity to race from 61 to 100%. That's not the future, that's now." — Rob Da Costa "Empowering every agency owner with a coach, and every team member with a mentor – that's the vision. AI isn't just changing the game; it's personalising it." — 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 AskRobAnything, your AI Agency Coach and MentorLearn more and join the Creative Crew Community

Are you tired of the unpredictability of income and client work in your agency?  Transitioning to productised services could be the game-changer you’re seeking. This episode delves into the world of productisation and how it can transform feast-famine cycles into consistent revenue streams for agencies like yours. Agencies are striving to find sustainable ways to grow in a market that is increasingly competitive and where clients demand more for less. Agencies often find themselves at the mercy of variable income patterns, leading to instability and stress. Productisation offers a systematic approach to stabilising your agency's income and streamlining its operations. Join me and my guest, productisation expert, Brad Hussey and you will gain: 1. An understanding of how to transform services into standardised, scalable products, fostering sustainable agency growth. 2. Actionable insights from Brad on how to deliver remarkable client experiences while protecting profitability through effective service productisation. 3. Practical advice on avoiding the trap of commoditising your services, with strategies for pricing and positioning your productised offerings to attract premium clients. Quotations "Productisation is about achieving clarity in marketing, sharpening your operations, and ensuring your profit doesn't become an afterthought. It's the game-changer for agencies striving for sustainable growth." Brad Hussey "Embrace the power of the niche; it's the lighthouse guiding your marketing messages to shore, resonating deeply with the clients who are searching for exactly what you offer." 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 The Creative Crew CommunityReach Brad on Twitter/XRegister for the next Agency Accelerator LIVE event

Are you tired of feeling isolated and overwhelmed running your agency - making critical decisions without anyone to bounce ideas off of, or lacking the support of a like-minded community? In today's fast-paced and competitive agency world, the loneliness of running an agency can contribute to burnout, demotivation, and missed growth opportunities. This episode provides essential insights into overcoming the challenges of agency ownership and reaping the rewards of a supportive community.   Rob will share: Valuable insights: Discover the pitfalls of isolation and the immense benefits of being part of a supportive community of fellow agency owners.Practical tips on finding the right community: Learn actionable advice on integrating into communities, accessing diverse perspectives, and building genuine relationships that can lead to new business opportunities.Personal and professional growth: Understand how community connection provides motivation, accountability, and exposure to new ideas, ultimately propelling agency owners forward in their journeys. Dive into this episode to gain practical advice on finding the right community and reap the benefits of being part of a supportive network of agency owners. Questions answered in this episode: Q: What are some of the pitfalls of going it alone? Q: What are the benefits of being part of a community of fellow agency owners? Q: What types of communities are there? Q: How do I find appropriate communities? Quotations "Surrounding yourself with a tribe of like-minded peers provides diverse expertise, emotional support, and endless growth opportunities." 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: My free community, Agency Accelerator LIVEMy community of agency owners in The Self-Running AgencyGet support from AskRobAnything, your AI Agency Coach