Agency Bytes

Featuring: Jason Swenk, Agency Mastery 360 Episode 75 is by far the Swenkiest of all episodes. I had the absolute pleasure of sitting with Jason Swenk, who is hands-down one of the most systemized agency coaches I’ve had the opportunity to speak with. Jason shares the secrets behind building and selling a successful agency, highlighting the power of clarity, positioning, and a solid offering. We dive into the essential pillars of agency growth, from prospecting and sales to leadership and operations. His advice? Stay committed to one goal until you succeed and keep showing up consistently. This is a must-listen for any agency owner looking to scale! Key Takeaways • Clarity, positioning, and offering are foundational elements for building a successful agency. • Prospecting, sales, delivery, operations, and leadership are key systems for agency growth. • Focus on one commitment until success and be consistent in your efforts. • Building strategic partnerships and relationships is crucial for agency success. • Regularly assess and reset your agency's systems and processes to adapt to growth and changes in the market. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Background 03:01 The Foundation of Clarity, Positioning, and Offering 09:59 The Key Systems for Agency Growth 22:55 Strategic Partnerships: Unlocking New Opportunities for Agency Growth 26:04 Assessing and Resetting: Adapting Your Agency's Systems for Growth Jason Swenk is the agency advisor & coach who guides marketing agencies through a proven framework for growing their agency faster. Jason is the author of the definitive guide to growing an agency from scratch to two 8-figure enterprises. He is one of the most sought-after advisors to agencies worldwide, thanks to his 8-system framework that has proven successful in scaling his own agency. His expertise has attracted clients like AT&T, Hitachi, and Lotus Cars, ultimately leading to the successful sale of his agency. Contact Jason on his website.

Featuring: Iggy Odighizuwa, Founder of Ai-setters.com 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 on LinkedIn, or his personal or company Facebook pages.

Featuring: Rachel Gertz, Louder Than Ten In Episode 073, I sat down with the brilliant Rachel Gertz, Co-founder of Louder Than Ten, to uncover the real power behind project management. We didn’t just talk about deadlines and deliverables—we dove into how effective project management can transform your agency from the inside out. Rachel shared game-changing insights on leadership, empowering your team, and rethinking the way digital agencies operate. From hiring the right talent to using the right tools for growth, this conversation is packed with strategies you can start using today to take your agency to the next level. Tune in now! Key Takeaways • Project management is a powerful conduit for empowering individuals and driving project success. • Leadership challenges within digital agencies often stem from a lack of delegation and a scarcity mindset. • The integration of project management tools and the development of financial literacy are crucial for effective project management. • The role of project managers extends beyond traditional project delivery, encompassing strategic thinking, revenue growth, and team empowerment. • Personal growth tools, such as journal trackers, can provide valuable insights and self-awareness for professional development. Rachel Gertz is a Co-founder and Direc­tor of Deliv­ery and Growth at Loud­er Than Ten. She helps small to medi­um sized dig­i­tal agen­cies trans­form their dig­i­tal PM oper­a­tions through hands-on train­ing and con­sult­ing. Her mis­sion at Loud­er Than Ten is to pro­pel tech work­ers through an uncer­tain future by train­ing dig­i­tal com­pa­nies how to give pow­er to the peo­ple lead­ing their projects. Contact Rachel on her website or LinkedIn.

Featuring: Peleg Top In episode 072, I had the incredible opportunity to sit down with Peleg Top, a talented artist and spiritual director, to tackle a topic every creative professional faces: overcoming creative burnout. If you’ve ever felt drained or stuck in your creative journey, this episode is for you. Peleg and I go way back—over 20 years—and in this conversation, he opens up about his transformative journey from agency owner to guiding others through burnout and into spiritual alignment. Peleg’s insights on the importance of self-love, shifting from a fear-based mindset to one of abundance, and saying "no" more often are powerful reminders for anyone in the creative field. We dive deep into recognizing and transforming toxic beliefs and discuss the fascinating role that plant medicine plays in his work. This episode is packed with wisdom for agency owners and creatives looking to reconnect with their passion and purpose. Don’t miss it! Key Takeaways • Recognize the symptoms of burnout as an opportunity for self-examination and spiritual growth. • Shift from a fear-based mindset to one of abundance and self-love. • Identify and transform toxic beliefs that are holding you back. • Say no more often and trust your intuition. • Create a life and business that aligns with your values and allows you to express your creativity. Bytes of Note 00:00 Introduction and Background 06:06 Recognizing Burnout and Seeking Spiritual Alignment 14:15 Shifting from Fear to Abundance 25:09 The Power of Saying No and Trusting Your Intuition 31:31 Creating a Life and Business Aligned with Your Values Peleg Top is an artist, a trained spiritual director, and a teacher who mentors accomplished creatives and agency owners who meet themselves at a crossroads. His background comes from being an agency owner himself. He ran a leading design and branding firm in Los Angeles for twenty years until he experienced his own spiritual crisis at the age of 40 and decided to shift direction, sell his agency, and become a guide and a coach who teaches creatives how to reinvent themselves. Peleg is the creator of the "Creative High Growth" process, which teaches creatives to rediscover their creative free spirit and guides them to create a life of abundance and prosperity. A world traveler, trained chef, DJ, and breathwork facilitator, Peleg’s mission is to activate and bring more love into the world. Contact Peleg: website: www.PelegTop.com LinkedIn: @PelegTop IG: @PelegTop Free Sample: https://www.pelegtop.com/chg-sample

Featuring: Karl Sakas, Sakas & Company In episode 070, I got to dive into the world of agency mergers and acquisitions with Jonathan Baker, the head of the M&A practice at Punctuation. Jonathan uncovers the secrets behind successful deals in the marketing services industry, shedding light on common pitfalls like leadership changes and cultural mismatches that can derail even the most promising mergers. Discover the key elements that make an agency stand out to potential buyers, including the power of recurring revenue and strategic positioning. Jonathan shares his expert insights on valuation and talks through the sellability index, a tool that helps agencies measure their readiness for acquisition. We explore the latest trends in M&A, the art of succession planning, and why it's crucial for founders to delegate and step back from daily operations. Whether you're looking to buy, sell, or simply learn more about the dynamics of agency mergers, this episode is packed with valuable information and actionable advice. Bytes of Interest • Factors that can cause deals to fail include leadership changes and cultural fit issues. • Recurring revenue and positioning are important factors in making an agency attractive for acquisition. • Valuation should be done annually as part of the business planning process. • The sellability index can help agencies track their progress towards becoming sellable. • Trends in M&A include a higher number of interested buyers than sellers. • Succession planning should consider factors such as age, long-term goals, and the presence of a capable successor. • Founders should delegate and extract themselves from day-to-day operations to enable growth. • Personal goals and fulfillment should guide business decisions. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Background 02:11 Factors that Impact the Success of M&A Deals 05:59 The Importance of Recurring Revenue and Positioning in Agency Acquisition 08:41 Valuation and the Sellability Index: Tools for Agency Planning 19:58 Succession Planning: Considerations for Founders 22:38 Delegation and Growth: Extracting Founders from Day-to-Day Operations 25:02 Aligning Business Decisions with Personal Goals Karl Sakas helps digital agency owners ‘Work Less’ and ‘Earn More’… while rewarding their best employees. Drawing on his background in agency operations, Karl has personally advised hundreds of agencies on every inhabited continent. An international speaker, he is the author of three books—including 'Work Less, Earn More'—and more than 400 articles on agency management. When he’s not helping clients, Karl volunteers as a bartender on an antique train. Contact Karl: Articles: https://sakasandcompany.com/adding-new-services/ Freebies: https://sakasandcompany.com/free-resources-for-agencies/ Book: https://worklessearnmorebook.com/ Workshop: https://sakasandcompany.com/agency-lead-gen-training/

Featuring: Jonathan Baker, Punctuation In episode 070, I got to dive into the world of agency mergers and acquisitions with Jonathan Baker, the head of the M&A practice at Punctuation. Jonathan uncovers the secrets behind successful deals in the marketing services industry, shedding light on common pitfalls like leadership changes and cultural mismatches that can derail even the most promising mergers. Discover the key elements that make an agency stand out to potential buyers, including the power of recurring revenue and strategic positioning. Jonathan shares his expert insights on valuation and talks through the sellability index, a tool that helps agencies measure their readiness for acquisition. We explore the latest trends in M&A, the art of succession planning, and why it's crucial for founders to delegate and step back from daily operations. Whether you're looking to buy, sell, or simply learn more about the dynamics of agency mergers, this episode is packed with valuable information and actionable advice. Key Takeaways • Factors that can cause deals to fail include leadership changes and cultural fit issues. • Recurring revenue and positioning are important factors in making an agency attractive for acquisition. • Valuation should be done annually as part of the business planning process. • The sellability index can help agencies track their progress towards becoming sellable. • Trends in M&A include a higher number of interested buyers than sellers. • Succession planning should consider factors such as age, long-term goals, and the presence of a capable successor. • Founders should delegate and extract themselves from day-to-day operations to enable growth. • Personal goals and fulfillment should guide business decisions. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Background 02:11 Factors that Impact the Success of M&A Deals 05:59 The Importance of Recurring Revenue and Positioning in Agency Acquisition 08:41 Valuation and the Sellability Index: Tools for Agency Planning 19:58 Succession Planning: Considerations for Founders 22:38 Delegation and Growth: Extracting Founders from Day-to-Day Operations 25:02 Aligning Business Decisions with Personal Goals Punctuation is a small advisory practice working exclusively with small- to mid-sized independent marketing services firms. Founded by industry veteran David C. Baker, Punctuation helps firms with positioning, lead generation, benchmarking, valuation, and succession planning. Jonathan heads up the M&A practice at Punctuation. He has worked on dozens of deals both inside and outside the industry and brings a unique perspective as a fellow owner who has gone through the process himself. He graduated from Emory University’s Goizueta Business School in 2005. His career began working at a small boutique marketing strategy consultancy. There, he was able to do marketing strategy and positioning work for many well-known Fortune 500 CPG companies. In 2011, he left to start a craft brewery, Monday Night Brewing where his focus was on marketing, sales, and taprooms. After helping his business partners grow to 180+ employees and numerous locations, Jonathan stepped away from the day-to-day to head up the M&A practice for Punctuation. He loves cocktails, music, and hiking, and lives in Atlanta with his wife, two kids, and entitled rescue Australian Shepherd, Oscar Snugs. Contact Jonathan: Website: https://punctuation.com/ Personal LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathandavidbaker/ Company LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/wearepunctuation/ Podcast: https://punctuation.com/insights/

Featuring: Taylor McMaster, DOT & Co. In episode 069, I had the pleasure of chatting with Taylor McMaster, the founder of Dot and Co. Taylor shares her inspiring journey from launching her own agency to revolutionizing it into a fractional account management service for other agencies. Her story is full of valuable insights and lessons for anyone in the industry. Taylor dives into the importance of proactive communication and strategies for expanding client accounts. She sheds light on the often daunting task of hiring and training account managers, revealing the incredible advantages of outsourcing this crucial role. Her advice to agency owners? Hire individuals who complement your weaknesses rather than those who mirror your strengths. But it's not all business! Taylor also shares her passion for golfing and how she recently integrated a fractional sales director into her company, adding a new layer of expertise to her team. Join us for this exciting conversation with Taylor McMaster, filled with actionable tips, personal anecdotes, and a fresh perspective on agency growth and management. Key Takeaways • Proactive communication is crucial in account management to keep clients informed and satisfied. • Outsourcing account management can help agency owners focus on other aspects of their business and achieve a better work-life balance. • Hiring account managers who complement your weaknesses can lead to a more well-rounded team. • Golfing can be a fulfilling hobby and a way to relax and recharge. • Bringing in a fractional sales director can provide expertise and support in growing your business. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Background 02:49 Starting Dot and Co and the Genesis of the Fractional Model 08:31 Integrating Account Managers into Agency Culture 11:36 Stepping into Existing Systems and Optimizing Processes 22:26 Personal and Professional Insights 25:06 Rapid Fire Questions 27:39 Valuable Business Advice Taylor McMaster is the founder of DOT & Company where she and her team help digital marketing agencies keep their clients happy—and keep agency owners focused on what they do best—with full-service client account management (CAM) services. Taylor leads a team of Client Account Managers at DOT & Company, training the CAMs to work with different agencies. To date, they have helped dozens of digital marketing agencies free up their time to prioritize the money-makers in their businesses, while the DOT & Co. team ensures their client experience is smooth like butter. She is also the host of The Happy Clients podcast, where she interviews top names in the industry, diving deep into what makes clients happy in the agency world. Contact Taylor: Press: www.dotandcompany.co/press Email: taylor@dotandcompany.co Website: www.dotandcompany.co Podcast: www.dotandcompany.co/podcast Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dotandcompany Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/taylormcmaster/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dot_and_company/ YouTube: ​​https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC9_2hri1R1uaNTGeZr0Oyxg/ X: ​​https://X.com/CompanyDot

Featuring: Anne Green, G&S Business Communications In this episode, I had the pleasure of chatting with Anne Green, the CEO of GNS Business Communications. We met in an airport lounge and talk about the value of putting oneself “out there” to meet new people and discover new opportunities. Anne shares her journey to becoming CEO, revealing her unique leadership style rooted in compassion and empathy. We dive into the challenges of leadership and the importance of overcoming the 'us versus them' mentality. Anne opens up about the value of curiosity, enthusiasm, and making meaningful connections in the agency world. We explore the significance of understanding one’s purpose and staying focused amidst rapid technological changes. Anne stresses the importance of agencies revisiting their culture, mission, and values to stay aligned and impactful. Our conversation also highlights the need for trust-building, inclusivity, and open communication within organizations. Anne’s leadership style, characterized by vulnerability and openness, fosters an environment where team members feel comfortable speaking up. We wrap up by discussing the importance of self-compassion and finding joy in the dynamic world of agency life. Join us for an engaging and insightful discussion with Anne Green, filled with practical advice and heartfelt reflections on leadership and agency dynamics. Key Takeaways • Transitioning to a CEO role requires learning leadership at scale and managing a collaborative matrix style. • A leader's style should be warm, empathetic, and open, with a focus on being of service and making connections. • Resisting the 'us versus them' mentality is crucial in both internal agency dynamics and agency-client relationships. • Compassion and empathy are essential in understanding and supporting clients, as well as fostering a positive agency culture. • Curiosity and enthusiasm are key traits for agency leaders, as they drive learning, collaboration, and problem-solving. Understanding purpose and staying focused is crucial in the face of technological advancements. • Agencies should revisit their own culture, mission, and values to stay relevant. • Trust-building, inclusivity, and open communication are essential for a strong and effective organization. • Leadership should embrace vulnerability and openness to create an environment where people feel comfortable speaking up. • Self-compassion and enjoying life are important for personal fulfillment in the agency industry. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Background 05:33 Transitioning and Learning Leadership at Scale 14:23 Resisting the 'Us Versus Them' Mentality 27:39 Building Trust and Fostering Inclusivity 36:54 Self-Compassion and Enjoying Life in the Agency Industry Anne Green taps 30 years of experience in integrated marketing communications in her role as CEO and partner at G&S Business Communications. She is responsible for ensuring excellence across all areas of agency performance and operations, from client service to the agency’s integrated offerings to cultivating a vibrant and growth-oriented culture. Anne was previously President and CEO of CooperKatz & Company, Inc., an award-winning agency she helped to build for more than two decades before it was acquired by G&S in 2018. She began her career with Burson-Marsteller in New York City. In her alternative lives, she would be a singer or literature professor - but agency life ensures she's always creatively engaged. Connect with Anne on the G&S Communications website or LinkedIn.

Jenny Magic, founder and author focused on guiding organizations through internal change, shares her insights on stakeholder buy-in. She emphasizes the importance of building long-term relationships with clients to navigate challenges. Jenny discusses the necessity of addressing potential roadblocks early and fostering empathy and psychological safety within teams. She offers practical strategies for validating project needs and securing stakeholder consensus, all crucial for successful organizational change.

Featuring: Gabe Levine, Matchstick Legal In this episode, I had the incredible opportunity to interview Gabe Levine from Matchstick Legal, a top-notch attorney specializing in representing creative businesses. Gabe brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the table, making this a must-listen episode for anyone in the creative industry. We dive deep into some of the hottest topics facing agencies today. Ever worried about protecting your creative work from copycats? Gabe shares essential strategies and legal insights to safeguard your intellectual property. We also tackle the crucial task of reviewing and updating contracts to ensure they’re airtight and up-to-date with the latest legal standards. Gabe unpacks the complexities of GDPR and privacy regulations, breaking down what they mean for your agency and how to stay compliant. He also emphasizes the importance of perspective and leverage in negotiations, providing practical tips to help you navigate these often challenging discussions. Whether you're an agency owner, creative professional, or just interested in the legal side of the creative world, this episode is packed with valuable insights and actionable advice. Don't miss out on this engaging conversation with one of the leading legal minds in the industry! Key Takeaways • Having a relationship with an attorney as an agency owner is important for protecting creative work and navigating legal issues. • Registering trademarks and copyrights can help protect creative work from copycats. • Contracts should be reviewed and updated regularly to ensure they align with the agency's current practices and protect their interests. • GDPR and privacy regulations are important considerations for agencies, and compliance can be complex. • Having perspective and creating leverage are key in negotiations, but sometimes compromises need to be made to secure work. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Background 05:28 Protecting Creative Work from Copycats 11:38 Reviewing and Updating Contracts Gabe is an attorney specializing in representing creative and technical businesses in commercial transactions. He's a shareholder in and president of Matchstick Legal, Inc. Gabe lives in Marin County, California with his wife Holly, daughter Kate and dog Scully. He's a very average gravel cyclist but enjoys it quite a bit. Connect with Gabe on his website and LinkedIn