Intro In this episode, Colleen Gallagher, CEO of OnWrd & UpWrd, reveals how her agency carved a niche in helping trade associations become industry leaders. Colleen shares several valuable lessons on using transparency and clear pricing strategies to not only attract the right clients but also to ensure agency growth and profitability.   What you will learn in this episode:  The importance of selecting a niche to specialize in for enhanced agency focus How transparency in services and pricing can set an agency apart in a competitive market. The benefits of implementing a value-based pricing model to ensure profitability and prevent scope creep. Strategies for effectively communicating an agency’s value proposition to attract and retain ideal clients. Practical tips for reverse engineering successful projects to create replicable offerings. Insights into fostering client relationships that are based on trust and clear expectations. Bio   Colleen Lerro Gallagher is the President and CEO of OnWrd & UpWrd. She uses her expertise in communications and advocacy, media relations and video and podcast production to help clients enhance their brand as an industry thought leader. At OnWrd & UpWrd, she works with clients to secure national and local media coverage, develop strategic communications plans and implement video and digital strategies to set them apart from the competition. She also serves on the Washington Women in Public Relations Board of Directors and the ASAE Communications Professionals Advisory Council.   Prior to joining OnWrd & UpWrd, Colleen was a Vice President at Curley Company, a DC-based brand and advocacy PR firm. Before that she was the Vice President of Communications & Research for the Global Business Travel Association where she led and implemented award-winning PR campaigns, launched a broadcast studio and provided strategic input for the overall direction of the association. She also worked on the communications teams at the Biotechnology Industry Organization and the Consumer Technology Association. Colleen has a master’s degree in public communication from American University and a bachelor’s degree in journalism from the State University of New York College at Brockport. Resources:   Website: https://onwrdupwrd.com/ LinkedIn Personal: https://www.linkedin.com/in/colleen-lerro-gallagher/ LinkedIn Business: https://www.linkedin.com/company/onwrd-upwrd Book: https://onwrdupwrd.com/qa/  

Intro In our latest episode, we sat down with Atiba de Souza, known as the Video Content Superman, a master connector in the marketing world. Atiba discusses his dynamic approach to leadership within his video marketing agency, blending his deep understanding of relationship-building with effective team management to drive business success.   What you will learn in this episode:    The critical importance of nurturing talent to drive agency success in any economic climate. Insights into Atiba's personal branding journey and its impact on team motivation. Strategies for overcoming leadership challenges through personal development and volunteer work. The effectiveness of the CASE method in delegating tasks and empowering teams. The transformational impact of mission-driven leadership on agency culture. How adapting to distributed work models can reshape team dynamics and leadership approaches.   Bio   Atiba de Souza, renowned as a Super Connector and the Video Content Superman, is a celebrated marketer and business owner whose career is rooted in the profound belief that the true power in business lies in building relationships grounded in pure intentions to connect, share, and serve. With an impressive track record spanning over two decades, Atiba has been instrumental in connecting people across various industries, earning him a reputation for turning networking into an art form.   At the core of Atiba's philosophy is the conviction that relationships are the bedrock of successful business ventures. He empowers his audience to discover and harness their inner superheroes through the formation of meaningful and impactful connections. His approach is not just about networking; it's about forming bonds that transcend traditional business transactions, fostering an environment of mutual growth and support.   As the head of a video marketing agency that specializes in helping doctors attract their ideal patients, Atiba has demonstrated a unique flair for blending marketing expertise with a deep understanding of human connections. His agency is renowned for creating compelling video content that resonates with audiences, showcasing his acumen as the Video Content Superman.   Beyond his speaking engagements and marketing endeavors, Atiba's entrepreneurial journey is diverse and rich with experience. He has successfully owned and managed various businesses, including gyms, a bakery, and food service companies over the last 25 years. This vast experience across different sectors has endowed him with a unique perspective on business and relationship building, making him a sought-after voice in the industry.   Atiba’s expertise in relationships extends far past the business world as he has coached several National Championship Youth football teams and is regularly consulted on the art of team building and culture which he says share relationships as their bedrock.   Atiba's journey is a testament to the power of genuine connections and the impact they can have on personal and professional growth. As a speaker, coach, mentor, and marketer, he continues to inspire and guide individuals and businesses toward realizing their full potential through the art of connection. Resources:   YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UChjej0lyswDeDd91x7y63ew Facebook Business: https://www.facebook.com/atibadesouza LinkedIn Personal: https://www.linkedin.com/in/atibadesouza/  

Intro Join us on The Innovative Agency as Diane Strand, an award-winning Executive Producer and visionary in workforce development in the arts, dives into the transformative role of video in marketing. With a rich background from JDS Studios to TV production, Diane shares profound insights into evolving video marketing strategies to meet modern demands.   What you will learn in this episode:    Explore the shift from traditional long-form videos to concise, impactful social media content. Understand the profound impact of personal branding through video in enhancing both individual and corporate profiles. Discover essential post-production skills necessary for effectively tailoring content across various digital platforms. Gain insights into how AI is set to revolutionize video production, making it an essential tool for future marketing. Learn strategic approaches for agencies looking to collaborate effectively with professional video firms to align messaging and visual style.   Bio   Diane Strand is an award-winning Executive Producer at JDS Studios and the TV show Spirit of Innovation, the first Riverside County local news and information program. She is the majority owner of JDS Video & Media Productions, Inc / JDS Actors Studio and the co-founder of nonprofit JDS Creative Academy, she is also a bestselling author on entrepreneurship and breaking into the industry as an actor. Diane provides pathways for career opportunities in the visual, performing and digital arts.    Her passion for Workforce Development in the arts, led her to write two approved curriculums for video production. One is a Title 17 program designed for adults with developmental disabilities. The other is a California State approved apprenticeship program for college graduates. These programs provide hands-on training along with paid supported internship opportunities, designed to break down barriers to gainful employment in video production, post production and acting.   Diane's prior career life holds credits from A-List shows like; General Hospital, Friends, Veronica's Closet and building the high-def control room at Staples Center, for the last 20 years Diane has been a successful entrepreneur of her own, a multi-award-winning production company, working with clients like Abbott Vascular, City of Temecula, Cal State San Marcos and United Healthcare Services to name a few.   Diane has launched over 100 video and acting careers into the mainstream entertainment and video production industry. She intersects economic development, workforce development and the arts to level the playing field creating opportunities for all.   As an award winning marketer in multimedia and communications, Diane speaks and coaches on Being Seen in your Business, Turning your Passions into Profits, and Entrepreneurship - Packing your own Parachute Resources:   Website: https://linktr.ee/JDSFAM JDS Studio Live: https://jdsstudio.live/ LinkedIn Personal: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dianestrand/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/JDSProductions Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jdscreativeacademy/  

Intro   In this episode of The Innovative Agency, we're joined by Lee Black, Founder of Antilles and a leader in SEO and digital marketing strategies. Lee shares his expert insights on the transformative impact of integrating video production into SEO practices, setting new standards in content creation.   What you will learn in this episode:    How AI and custom video content can revolutionize SEO and user engagement. The strategic benefits of moving video production in-house for quality control. Overcoming operational challenges in adopting new video production technologies. The importance of adaptability in the use of short-form video across various platforms. Insights on optimizing video content for SEO to align with Google’s content quality standards. Why diversifying marketing strategies beyond single platforms like TikTok is crucial for long-term success.   Bio   Owner, Antilles Digital Media | South Charlotte's 2023 Local Business Person of the Year | Digital Media Solutions For Growing Businesses Resources:   Website: http://antillesdigitalmedia.com/ Facebook Business: https://www.facebook.com/antillesdigitalmedia704 LinkedIn Personal: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lee-black-iii/  

Intro In this episode, we are joined by Alex Oliveira, Founder and CEO of Prediq, a lead generation agency, to discuss the state of lead generation and the importance of collaboration between marketing and sales teams. He explores strategies to bridge the gap between marketing and sales teams for optimal results in the agency world.   What you will learn in this episode:    The evolution of lead generation and conversion across the agency landscape.  How to effectively manage agency-client relationship dynamics.  The benefits of maintaining a legal compliance strategy in your agency.  How AI plays into lead generation, particularly in optimizing the conversion of leads into sales. The need for agencies to balance risks and opportunities when adopting generative AI technologies.   Bio As an entrepreneur with 15 years of experience in digital marketing and technology, Alex Oliveira has excelled in elevating brands for nonprofits, small businesses, and Fortune 500 companies. Alex's marketing framework has been taught to undergrad and graduate college classes. When he is not working, Alex can be found RV'ing with his wife and 4 children.   Resources:   Website: https://www.prediq.io/ Facebook Business: https://www.facebook.com/prediqmedia LinkedIn Personal: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexoliveira1/ Book: https://www.amazon.com/You-Build-Will-They-Come-ebook/dp/B09QZYVW2X  

Intro   With the digital landscape moving at the speed of light, it can seem like a maze of evolving technologies. In this episode of the podcast, we welcome Deirdre McGlashan, CMO of BrandGuard, to explore the intersection of AI technology and brand governance. She sheds light on how marketing agencies must adapt to maintain brand integrity and stay ahead of technological advancements. We delve into the critical balance between the consumers' creative power and an agency's expertise in design and technology navigation. What you will learn in this episode:  Strategies for agencies to educate themselves and keep pace with evolving consumer-driven technology. The importance of having conversations about brand integrity and setting up tangible rules and regulations for brand governance. Why consistent brand evolution reviews with clients are crucial for maintaining brand strength. The potential of AI to transform content generation, and how to position it as a tool for enhancement rather than a threat. Utilizing AI to streamline processes, foster staff retention, and enhance the creative workflow within an agency.   Bio   Having started during the heady boom days of late 90’s San Francisco, Deirdre McGlashan has been involved in all aspects of marketing throughout her career, from strategy to content and media to technical development and data and analytics. Deirdre is currently Chief Marketing Officer for BrandGuard, the world’s first AI-powered brand governance platform after serving in Chief Media Officer, Chief Digital Officer, and CEO positions within Stagwell, MediaCom and Dentsu in NY, London, and Shanghai. Resources:   Website: https://www.brandguard.ai/ LinkedIn Personal: https://www.linkedin.com/in/deirdremcg/ LinkedIn Business: https://www.linkedin.com/company/brandguard-ai/

Intro  Today’s episode features Solomon Thimothy, a highly accomplished entrepreneur who emphasizes the significance of thinking big and aiming for 10x growth rather than settling for 2x. The conversation highlights the role of agency owners in shaping the vision for their businesses and challenges them to expand their thinking about growth strategies. By listening, you’ll learn how to elevate your agency's growth mindset and start pushing the boundaries of success.   What you will learn in this episode:    How to think big when striving toward business growth.  The realities of 10x thinking vs. 2x thinking.  How to harness the power of focus and intentionality when growing an agency. Where to start leveraging technology to scale your agency.  The benefits of developing a niche focus when scaling an agency.    Bio   Solomon Thimothy is a highly accomplished entrepreneur with over 17 years of experience in marketing and sales. As the co-founder and CEO of IMS, a leading inbound marketing and sales agency, as well as Clickx, he has helped businesses increase their revenue using the 10X Framework. Solomon is also an expert in lead generation and customer acquisition, as well as a USA Today and Wall Street Journal best-selling author.   In addition to his work, Solomon is also an angel investor and startup advisor. He has helped numerous startups grow and scale, leveraging his expertise in marketing, sales, and business strategy.   Resources:   Website: http://Thimothy.com Facebook Business: https://www.facebook.com/SolomonThimothy/ LinkedIn Personal: https://www.linkedin.com/in/solomonthimothy/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/sthimothy  

Intro   Today we’re discussing the importance of SEO and SEM for marketing agencies with guest Michael Fleischner, Founder of Big Fin SEO. We dive into the topic of agencies needing to stay current with SEO strategies to attract the right clients. The conversation also explores how agencies can prioritize their own SEO efforts to make a strong impact in the digital landscape and offers tips on operating and growing innovative agencies in today's competitive market.   What you will learn in this episode:    The issue with agencies neglecting their own site’s SEO. How agency leaders can leverage thought leadership. The importance of quality over quantity in SEO campaigns.  Recent evolutions in SEO standard practices.  The impact of AI technology on SEO services. How to effectively integrate SEO in your marketing strategies.    Bio   As an entrepreneur, marketer, author, and speaker, Michael Fleischner has worked with a variety of businesses in the Education, HR, Finance, and Technology sectors to improve online marketing effectiveness and results. He is the Founder of Big Fin SEO, a digital marketing agency that specializes in Search Engine Optimization, Paid Search, and Website Development.   Michael has appeared on the TODAY Show, ABC World News, Bloomberg Radio, and featured in USA Today discussing marketing best practices. Michael has authored a variety of marketing related books including, The 7 Figure Freelancer and his top selling search engine optimization guide, SEO Made Simple (10th Edition).   From a volunteer perspective, Michael serves as the President of the American Marketing Association’s Professional Chapters Council that works with more than 70 individual AMA chapters across the United States and Canada to support the marketing profession. Prior to his board role, Michael served as the President for the American Marketing Association of New Jersey. Resources:   Website:https://bigfinseo.com Facebook Bisness:https://www.facebook.com/bigfinseo LinkedIn Personal:https://www.linkedin.com/in/fleischner/ Twitter:https://twitter.com/mfleischner  

Intro On this episode, we’re discussing the evolving landscape of social media and its impact on agency strategies with guest Lisa Nicholls, Founder of Tira! Strategies. Lisa delves into how AI is influencing content creation and execution on social media platforms, highlighting the need for agencies to adapt their strategies accordingly. The conversation also highlights different strategies that can be leveraged when navigating the changing social media landscape and staying ahead in the industry.   What you will learn in this episode:    The recent evolution of social media strategies across several industries.  How to identify the best social media platforms for engagement.  The best methods for managing and monitoring social media campaigns. How to diversify your agency.  Recent impacts AI has had on content creation.   Bio   Lisa Nicholls is a consummate networker and community builder who intuitively understands how to form genuine connections with people in real life and online. After a career holding customer-focused positions across a variety of industries, in 2010 Lisa founded Tira! Strategies, a consultancy dedicated to helping small business owners navigate the complex and dynamic world of social media. Lisa leverages her deep expertise in relationship building and communications to help her clients form meaningful relationships with customers online, building communities of loyal and devoted customers.   Lisa has held several volunteer leadership positions and is the past President of the National Association of Women Business Owners’ DC Chapter, former board member of the Reston Chamber of Commerce, and former co-chair of the American Cancer Society’s Reston Relay for Life.   Resources:   Website:https://tirastrategies.com/ Facebook Buisness:https://www.facebook.com/tirastrategies LinkedIn Personal:https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisaanicholls/

Intro In this episode, Gregory Rosner demystifies the basis for strong sales procedures and highlights the importance of aligning marketing and sales efforts within client organizations. He emphasizes the need to refocus sales strategies and steer away from solution-based selling. This conversation offers immense insights on improving client counseling, enhancing business development, and fostering collaboration between marketing and sales teams.   What you will learn in this episode:    How to embrace a problem-based sales strategy.  The best methods of identifying, understanding, and acting on your customers’ needs. How AI will impact the marketing, sales, and overarching business landscape.  Why agencies need to implement effective, well-thought-out policy procedures.   How to assess the risk of leveraging AI in company procedures.    Bio Gregory Rosner is a fractional CMO and the Founder of PitchKitchen. PitchKitchen is a sales enablement agency that helps funded CEOs and their leadership team align around a core message that drives sales, amplifies marketing, and attracts capital, by fixing confusing websites and ineffective sales presentations.   Resources:   Website:www.pitchkitchen.com LinkedIn Personal: https://www.linkedin.com/in/Gregoryrosner/