Operation Agency Freedom - The #1 Podcast for Digital Agency Owners Who Want to Scale and Exit Their Business

In episode 151, I sat down with the dynamic Mike Arce, founder of Loud Rumor and a trailblazer transforming how gym owners manage and grow their businesses. Today, he's here to share his innovative approach to revamping profit and loss statements, diving deep into numbers like customer acquisition costs and lifetime value to bring real financial literacy to the fitness industry. Mike made the leap from ad agency to business consultancy, broadening his team's skill set with wealth managers, data analysts, and franchise savvy experts, to empower gym owners beyond the traditional marketing model. As global events threw the world into chaos, Mike's pivot not only helped gyms navigate the storm but thrive amidst it, emphasizing the importance of resilience and adaptability. He also hits on the importance of community through his exclusive events for seven-figure businesses. And you won't want to miss our debate on the emergence of AI in marketing – will agencies survive? Mike's insights and predictions could redefine your outlook on how to harness these tools for success. From shared business templates to secrets of successful business ownership, Mike Arce’s dedication to his mission shines through as he offers a wealth of knowledge to help those in the fitness industry make a profound impact. Now, brace yourselves for a deep dive into marketing, resilience, growth, and the future of the agency model, on this episode of Operation Agency Freedom.   Discussion Points: 00:00 Intro. 03:11 Transition from ad agency to fitness niche. 10:43 Maximize customer lifetime value, minimize acquisition costs. 14:04 Entrepreneurship isn't easy, but worth it. 18:41 Commit, work hard, expect significant growth. 28:01 Increasing demand for marketing creates opportunity for agencies. 32:28 Key qualities for success: discipline and financial skills. 35:25 Surrounding oneself with positive influences is crucial. 40:06 Retention tool to increase customer worth. 43:23 Outro   Resources: • Connect with DUDE on the following social channels • Facebook / dudeagency • Instagram / dudeagency.io  • Visit our YouTube channel / @dudeagency2093 • Check out our website and see how we can help you run a profitable agency https://bit.ly/3RPh4Zn 

Hey Dude! In today's episode of Operation Agency Freedom,I'll be diving into the crucial topic of how company culture plays a key role in training your team effectively. You should already know that hiring the wrong people can cost your agency a fortune, so it's vital to establish a framework for hiring and training based on your company's core values and culture. I'll be breaking down the misconception of company culture being all about perks like ping pong tables and happy hours, and instead highlight the true essence of company culture as the standard of values the team collectively holds dear. It is SUPER important to implement your company's core values into the hiring process and training, for example, punctuality. I suggest integrating core values into training materials to help align new employees with the company culture. I'll also be talking about the significance of open communication and feedback loops to ensure employees are embracing the core values and culture, and I'll also be sharing practical strategies like reward systems and real-world examples to reinforce and celebrate adherence to the company's values. With insights and actionable advice, I'll be basically providing you a roadmap to effectively integrate company culture into training programs and create a cohesive, values-driven team. If you're looking to enhance your training process and build a team that embodies your agency's culture, this episode is a must-listen! So, get ready to level up your team training with this insightful episode of Operation Agency Freedom. Don't miss out on these game-changing strategies to elevate your agency's culture and effectiveness. Tune in now and unleash the power of a values-driven team! And if you want to learn more, as always, feel free to contact me through social media or email, or visit dudeagency.io for more information!  Discussion Points: 00:00 Intro 05:57 Include values and ethics in employee training. 09:15 Train new hires to embody company culture. 10:56 Dialogue with employees to discuss core values. 14:23 Recognize team, schedule, and real examples. 17:26 Outro Resources: • Connect with DUDE on the following social channels • Facebook / dudeagency • Instagram / dudeagency.io  • Visit our YouTube channel / @dudeagency2093 • Check out our website and see how we can help you run a profitable agency https://bit.ly/3RPh4Zn 

Hey DUDES! We're tackling a real hot topic in today's episode of Operation Agency Freedom– the mix of Christianity and business, and yeah, it can be just as thorny as it sounds. We're spinning quite a yarn with my buddy Billy Sticker, dropping some serious wisdom on the not-so-saintly side of exploiting faith in the entrepreneurial world. We're diving headlong into some of the shadier practices lurking in Christian circles where faith is less about love and service and more about manipulation for a quick buck. Billy – who's not only seen it all but wrote the book on doing business with a pure heart (The Blessed Entrepreneur)– is here to shed light on the blessed way to be an entrepreneur.  If you've ever wondered about walking the tightrope between making money and keeping your soul intact, this is the episode for you. We're not shying away from the big topics today. So if you wanna get the lowdown on doing well by doing good, and how to scale your agency's success without sacrificing your values, Billy Sticker’s insights in this one are pure gold. Get comfy and hit play, 'cause we're about to take a deep dive into what it really means to serve God and people in the marketplace. Trust me, it’s a game-changer. Stay blessed and catch you in the episode! ✌️🙏 Discussion Points: 00:00 Intro 04:03 Billy's transition from ministry to marketing. 17:44 Connecting with people different from us is important. 25:22 Rise in Christian marketing. 30:36 "Serve God by serving people with business." 38:51 Diverse beliefs within Christianity. 42:45 Christian environment, standing against discrimination and exploitation. 46:06 Discussing faith-based division and its consequences. 48:04 Israel and Palestine conflict: calling for unity. 53:44 Outro. Resources: • Connect with DUDE on the following social channels • Facebook / dudeagency • Instagram / dudeagency.io  • Visit our YouTube channel / @dudeagency2093 • Check out our website and see how we can help you run a profitable agency https://bit.ly/3RPh4Zn 

Hey Dude! In today's episode of Operation Agency Freedom, we're diving into the essential steps for a proper employee onboarding process. I'm going to walk you through the ten crucial elements you need to include when bringing on a new team member, from preparation and warm welcomes to training, check-ins, and social interaction. Missing any one of these steps could cost you time and money, and leave your new hire feeling out of place and unprepared. So, I'm breaking down each step and sharing some personal insights and experiences to help you put together a killer onboarding process for your agency.  Don't miss out on this valuable advice that will set your team up for success and make your agency a great place to work. Tune in and take notes, because we're about to get your employee onboarding process in tip-top shape! Discussion Points: 00:00 Intro 06:01 Introduce new hires. 09:07 Review job responsibilities and expectations. 12:22 Mentorship, training and regular check-ins. 13:59 Clear performance expectations. 19:38 Outro Resources: • Connect with DUDE on the following social channels • Facebook / dudeagency • Instagram / dudeagency.io  • Visit our YouTube channel / @dudeagency2093 • Check out our website and see how we can help you run a profitable agency https://bit.ly/3RPh4Zn 

In today's episode of Operation Agency Freedom, we have a VERY special guest, Oyuki Gallegos, who is an expert in agency finances and happens to be my wife. With nearly 20 years of experience in bookkeeping and accounting, Oyuki shares invaluable insights on agency finances, best practices, and common mistakes made by agency owners. The episode covers the concept of profitability per client, emphasizing the importance of tracking the cost of goods sold and ensuring a healthy margin on each client. Oyuki breaks down the essential financial reports that agencies should be doing on a regular basis, such as capacity and cash flow. She emphasizes the significance of maintaining a sound financial practice, even if it's uncomfortable, and stresses the need for agency owners to stay on top of their numbers and cash flow. Join us as Oyuki shares her wisdom and practical tips to help understand and improve YOUR agency finances, ultimately leading to a more profitable and sustainable business. So, if you're ready to gain practical advice on managing your agency's finances, you don't want to miss this episode! Discussion Points: 00:00 Intro.  06:19 Track profitability per client for business success. 10:10 Keep cost of goods to 30-35%. 13:03 Understanding business finances = profitability and sustainability. 16:32 Improving efficiency, raising prices, making tough decisions. 20:02 80% productivity value. 27:56 Outro. Resources: • Connect with DUDE on the following social channels • Facebook / dudeagency • Instagram / dudeagency.io  • Visit our YouTube channel / @dudeagency2093 • Check out our website and see how we can help you run a profitable agency https://bit.ly/3RPh4Zn 

Are you aware of how much more money you could be making by just keeping your clients happy? Well, in today's episode of Operation Agency Freedom, I will be breaking down the EXACT formula to determine how your churn rate impacts your income! Let's dive into the importance of client retention in the agency business model together and I'll share with you this very simple formula to calculate the lifetime customer value based on your churn rate. The significance of maintaining a low churn rate is much greater than you might think, so today I'm giving you practical tips on how to achieve this, including hitting deadlines, delivering results, and building trust with clients. In this episode I offer you valuable insights into managing client retention and its direct impact on your agency's profitability. If you're looking to boost your agency's financial health through improved client retention, this episode is a must-listen!   Discussion Points: 00:00 Intro. 03:52 Maintain 3% monthly churn for business success. 07:12 Questioning popular assumptions, discovering an important formula. 12:49 Frequent communication, trust, deliver results for clients. 13:35 Control churn rate, improve retention, increase profits. 15:50 Outro.   Resources:  • Connect with DUDE on the following social channels • Facebook / dudeagency • Instagram / dudeagency.io • Visit our YouTube channel / @dudeagency2093 • Check out our website and see how we can help you run a profitable agency https://bit.ly/3RPh4Zn 

🤠 Howdy, y'all! Chris Martinez here with a new episode of Operation Agency Freedom! Today I'm wearing my special cowboy hat and plaid shirt since I'll be diving into the taboo subject of money. I'll share my personal experiences growing up in a household with a scarcity mindset and highlight the importance of taking responsibility for understanding and managing finances as an adult and a business owner. I challenge the negative perceptions around wealth and emphasize the possibilities of making a positive impact with accumulated wealth. I highly recommend the book "Thou Shalt Prosper" and will discuss the Jewish faith's approach toward money, presenting a fresh perspective on wealth accumulation. My belief is in opening our mindsets to generate more wealth while focusing on serving others. It's crucial to understand that making money as an agency owner is not about ripping people off but rather about serving clients and helping them achieve better results. Ultimately, I want to encourage you to change your mindset and embrace the idea that making money as an agency owner is not only okay but also required for success. My insights and recommendations provide a thought-provoking and inspiring take on the subject, shedding light on ways to approach wealth accumulation and its positive potential. If you're ready to challenge your preconceived notions about money and wealth, this engaging and motivational episode is a must-listen! Discussion Points: 00:00 Intro. 05:57 Value of education, striving for success, wealth perceptions. 09:45 Open-minded learning. 13:10 Plan financially for achieving life goals. 15:05 Entrepreneur raised million dollars, cured disease through fundraising. 17:45 People should be admired for wealth reasons. 22:39 Outro. Resources:  • Connect with DUDE on the following social channels • Facebook / dudeagency • Instagram / dudeagency.io • Visit our YouTube channel / @dudeagency2093 • Check out our website and see how we can help you run a profitable agency https://bit.ly/3RPh4Zn 

Hey there, dudes! In today's episode of Operation Agency Freedom, we're diving into the nitty-gritty of agency finance. I know, it might not sound like the most thrilling topic, but trust me, it is the most important financial metric when it comes to growing your agency's profitability. When growing a marketing agency, the first thing that we do is we look at the numbers. And the most important metric that I've seen is cost of goods sold - the ultimate metric that I swear by for evaluating a marketing agency's financial health. So I will be dissecting the concept of cost of goods sold to its ideal percentage and the common culprits behind inflated costs. I will also be giving you some really good advice on how to make small, sustainable improvements to your cost of goods sold without causing chaos in your agency. This way, you'll be well on your way to a healthy and profitable business. So, if you're keen to boost your agency's financial know-how and take tangible steps towards greater profitability, this episode is exactly what you're looking for! Tune in, absorb all those pro tips, and get ready to SCALE your agency. Cheers to your agency's financial success! Discussion Points: 00:00 Intro. 03:32 The importance to focus on cost of goods sold. 09:31 High costs due to inefficient business practices. 10:34 Maximize financial efficiency, reassign resources strategically. 14:11 Outro. Resources:  • Connect with DUDE on the following social channels • Facebook / dudeagency • Instagram / dudeagency.io • Visit our YouTube channel / @dudeagency2093 • Check out our website and see how we can help you run a profitable agency https://bit.ly/3RPh4Zn   

Hey there, Dudes! Brace yourselves for an enlightening chat with Josh Crouch from Relentless Digital, who's dropping by to share his incredible growth secrets that can transform how you navigate client relations and team training in today's episode. Josh reveals how he's balancing high-quality with high-value clients; it's like a tightrope walk over grand canyons of client churn – thrilling, right? Curious about discipline and strategy in business? Josh swears by EOS and coaching to squash those blind spots! And training isn't just a 'nice-to-have'; it's a cornerstone at Relentless Digital. Josh even tosses in his must-read – "The Dream Manager" to kinda be the Yoda for your team's dreams and goals. Oh, and for a dose of motivation, you've gotta hear how Josh slays the negativity with a positive environment at work. Plus, he's a firm believer in empowering employees to own their mistakes – kind of like how you taught your kids to ride a bike, remember? So, if you're itching to connect with a guy who's mastered the chill of HVAC and the heat of digital marketing – or if chatting about life, art, and business tickles your fancy – Josh is just a Facebook message away. Get ready for a session that will keep your mind jogging, your notes long, and your heart full. Josh doesn't just run an agency; he's building a close-knit team that thrives remotely, celebrating wins virtually like they're high-fiving in person. Don't forget to hit that subscribe button and share this episode with someone who needs a dash of agency enlightenment. Catch more of our episodes and connect with us on social media for more behind-the-scenes action. Now, let's get into it, shall we? 🎧   Discussion Points: 00:00 Intro 07:44 HVAC experiences shaped quick customer response focus. 11:16 Recognizing discipline in martial arts and HVAC. 13:36 HVAC background drives development of new techs. 17:53 Listeners impressed by consistency and discipline. 23:07 Consistent CSM knowledge, commitment to gym routine. 26:29 Showing care and empathy in job context. 27:37 Recognizing personal issues can impact workplace performance. 31:42 Schedule goals to achieve success and growth. 35:29 Business owners should delegate to reduce stress. 37:56 Outro   Resources:  • Connect with DUDE on the following social channels • Facebook / dudeagency • Instagram / dudeagency.io • Visit our YouTube channel / @dudeagency2093 • Check out our website and see how we can help you run a profitable agency https://bit.ly/3RPh4Zn 

Welcome back, DUDES! Chris here, and in today's episode of  #OperationAgencyFreedom I go into detail about a powerful strategy of decision-making that you should be implementing within your agency. The focus is clear: making decisions based on identifying the team member with the highest probability of holding the key to the right answer. Let me tell you how Ray Dalio's book, "Principles," has inspired me and the transformative impact this approach can have on your agency's success. Learn how to identify who on your team has the best probability of having the right answer and why it shouldn't always be you as the owner. Discover the importance of hiring for diversity and creating a leadership team that can handle problem-solving without solely relying on you. Get ready to transform your agency and set it up for growth and success. Don't miss this episode!   Discussion Points: 00:00 Intro 04:32 Develop a leadership team, seek others' input. 06:46 Diversity crucial for solving unforeseen problems. 10:00 Outro   Resources:  • Connect with DUDE on the following social channels • Facebook / dudeagency • Instagram / dudeagency.io • Visit our YouTube channel / @dudeagency2093 • Check out our website and see how we can help you run a profitable agency https://bit.ly/3RPh4Zn