The Innovative Agency

In this episode of The Innovative Agency Podcast, Sharon Toerek is joined by Jennifer Filzen, the dynamic Founder of Rockstar Marketing. They explore the art and science of managing a thriving remote team while building a resilient company culture. Jennifer reveals her innovative 'PASTA Method'—a game-changing approach to team management—and shares the incredible story of how a single vacation transformed her business's trajectory. Whether you're leading a remote team or simply looking for inspiration to grow your agency, this episode is packed with insights, strategies, and Jennifer's signature Rockstar energy. What you will learn in this episode: Why feeling indispensable as a business owner can hinder your agency's growth. How the 'PASTA Method' can transform your team dynamics and operational success. Real-life examples of supporting remote employees without overextending financial resources. The value of building a strong company culture through praise and recognition. Insights into moving past stagnant business growth by trusting and empowering your team. Bio Jennifer Filzen is the GRAMMY-Qualified Rock Star who founded Rock Star Marketing and is the author of The Give To Get Principle. She believes that storytelling is the best marketing, especially when you share what makes you special and unique. Rock Star Marketing specializes in telling our clients' stories via SEO content, social media marketing, customized blogs, and video marketing. Jennifer loves to teach marketing classes at live and virtual events and is known for her fun, interactive, teaching style. Jennifer is the author of The Give To Get Principle, What Dancing Taught Me About Running A Successful Business, and How To Make Your Dance Business Profitable. Jennifer also co-owns The West Coast Swing Dance Company with her husband, and they teach dance across the country. Resources: Website: https://rock-star-mktg.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenniferfilzen/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/rock-star-marketing/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rockstarmktg/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rockstarmktg/ X: https://x.com/RockStarMRY

In this episode of The Innovative Agency Podcast, Sharon Toerek welcomes guest Wendy Covey. Wendy is the Co-Founder and CEO of TREW Marketing, and has mastered the craft of using books and research reports to amplify her agency's authority. Wendy emphasizes the importance of thought leadership and how her agency turned intellectual property into an authoritative advantage, helping them secure more speaking engagements and streamline the sales process. If you're ready to unlock the power of expertise to fuel your agency's growth and generate quality leads, this episode is for you. What you will learn in this episode: How creating and sharing intellectual property can establish your agency as a sector leader. The benefits and long-term impacts of authoring a book that targets your niche market. Strategies for converting content assets into revenue-generating products. The benefits of using data and research to back marketing recommendations. How to diversify your income streams through non-consulting sources. Bio Wendy Covey is the CEO and Co-Founder of TREW Marketing, working with companies targeting highly technical buyers. She is the author and podcast host of Content Marketing, Engineered, named one of The Wall Street Journal's 10 Most Innovative Entrepreneurs in America...and she holds a Texas fishing record. Resources: Website: https://www.trewmarketing.com/ LinkedIn Personal: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wendycovey/ LinkedIn Business: https://www.linkedin.com/company/trew-marketing/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCBqVji94sPTQ5d4NBts1oUw State of Marketing to Engineers Research Report: https://www.trewmarketing.com/state-of-marketing-to-engineers-research-report Podcast: Content Marketing, Engineered: https://www.trewmarketing.com/podcast Event: Industrial Marketing Summit: https://industrialmarketingsummit.com/

In this episode of The Innovative Agency Podcast, host Sharon Toerek sits down with Jason Kramer, founder of Cultivize, to discuss strategies for reducing client churn in marketing agencies. Jason shares his expertise on how agencies can enhance client retention by improving performance conversations, understanding clients' CRM systems, and building trust through open communication. Tune in to discover how to foster long-term client relationships to minimize churn in a competitive landscape. What you will learn in this episode: The importance of understanding clients' sales processes and CRM systems to align lead generation and conversion. Key questions agencies should ask clients during the discovery phase to ensure alignment. Strategies for fostering collaboration between marketing and sales teams to improve client satisfaction. How nurturing leads over longer sales cycles can build trust and position the agency as an expert. The value of strategic partnerships for filling gaps in expertise and improving service offerings. Tips for confidently discussing performance metrics with clients to build trust and clarity. How to create additional revenue streams through retainer models and revenue-sharing agreements. Bio Jason Kramer is the founder of Cultivize, a consulting firm that specializes in B2B lead nurturing strategies and technology. With 15 years of experience running a creative agency, Jason identified revenue gaps in marketing and sales funnels for distributors, service providers, marketing agencies and manufacturers. He launched Cultivize to provide customized solutions and empower businesses to connect prospect and customer data with marketing campaigns and sales team activities. When not strategizing in CRM, he enjoys family time with his wife, two kids, and two dogs in their lively New York home. Resources: Website: https://cultivize.com/ LinkedIn Personal: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasonleighkramer/ Facebook Business: https://www.facebook.com/cultivize/ Twitter Business: https://x.com/cultivize YouTube Business: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCwbLwcOh0_fAeID-wtjpeGg?view_as=subscriber Lead Nurturing Guide E-book: https://cultivize.com/learnmore/ How marketing agencies can pitch marketing/sales automation: https://koi-5ZI3X5NY.marketingautomation.services/net/m?md=1ubzGwHF4FR%2B0m9pHvzBrbjLEDYoVNQ4YeSbXhgwJAM%3D Agency partner program: https://cultivize.com/agency-program/ Lead Nurturing Guide: www.afterthelead.com

In this episode of The Innovative Agency Podcast, host Sharon Toerek speaks with Katie Wagner, CEO and founder of KWSM, a digital agency. They explore the topic of talent recruitment and retention through the unique lens of lead generation. Katie shares her innovative strategies for attracting and retaining top talent, including the use of storytelling, employer branding, and partnership agreements, offering valuable insights for agency leaders aiming to foster a successful and thriving workplace culture. What you will learn in this episode: How talent acquisition and retention can be approached as lead generation, applying client-attraction tactics to hiring. The power of storytelling to engage both clients and potential employees, showcasing agency culture and employee success stories. Key steps in creating a strong employer brand, from optimizing the careers page to building a consistent narrative. The concept of partnership agreements as a commitment to job security, fostering trust and open communication. How proactive check-ins and regular feedback contribute to a positive and engaged work culture. Using metrics to track success in recruitment efforts, similar to tracking client lead generation. Bio Katie spent more than 15 years as a journalist. After graduating Magna Cum Laude from Boston University with a B.S. in Broadcast Journalism and a B.A. in International Relations, she began her career as an investigative reporter, and then spent a decade as a television and radio news anchor. Katie has worked at CBS, ABC, Fox, CNN and National Public Radio. In addition, she has appeared on dozens of commercials, educational videos and websites. She has hosted her own talk show, had columns published in major newspapers and blogs, and is a popular public speaker. In 2010, Katie realized that she could use the skills she learned in the newsroom to help business owners connect with their clients online. She opened KWSM to help companies and organizations tell their story, building the agency with journalists, whom she knew understood how to establish a relationship with their audience and convey information in an engaging and educational way. Katie is a proud member of Vistage, Provisors and the Young Entrepreneur Council. She has served as a member of the Advisory Board for Web Wise Kids, a non-profit focused on keeping kids safe on the internet and social media. In 2012, she was honored with the organization's 'Champion for Children Award.' Over the years she has served as an Entrepreneur in Residence at Chapman University's Leatherby Center for Entrepreneurship and Business Ethics, a Mentor for Chapman's MBA Program, and a guest lecturer for Chapman, California Southern University and California State University, Fullerton. Katie is also a certified first responder with the American Humane Association (She was one of the first rescuers allowed into New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina) and has worked and volunteered in dozens of animal shelters across the country. In her free time, you can find her hiking with her 5 rescue dogs, or at the barn with her horse. Resources: Website: www.kwsmdigital.com LinkedIn Personal: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kwsocialmedia/ LinkedIn Business: https://www.linkedin.com/company/kwsmteam Facebook Business: https://www.facebook.com/kwsmteam/ Instagram Business: https://x.com/KWSMTeam

Intro In this episode of The Innovative Agency Podcast, Sharon Toerek welcomes back Christian Banach, a seasoned business development expert, to explore the untapped potential of newsletters in agency growth and client engagement. Christian shares his journey in discovering the power of newsletters, initially using them to build his own brand and later recognizing their value as a service for other agencies. What you will learn in this episode: Why newsletters are essential for building awareness and trust with potential clients. How to structure newsletters to focus on thought leadership over self-promotion. Practical tips for creating valuable content that keeps readers engaged and enhances brand positioning. Strategies for growing your newsletter subscriber list, from leveraging internal contacts to using targeted outreach. The benefits of consistency and routine in newsletter frequency for maintaining audience interest. How analytics can help identify high-potential leads from your newsletter engagement. Techniques for converting newsletter subscribers into paying clients through strategic follow-ups and content value. Bio In high school, Christian founded a concert promotion and experiential marketing agency that grew to over $10 million in sales. The business quickly expanded and began working with Grammy award winners such as Lady Gaga and Pitbull. Shortly thereafter, Christian launched an experiential marketing division that implemented programs for Disney and Toyota. However, the 2008 Great Recession brought things to a halt. Like many agencies, growth had come through word-of-mouth and referrals. To rebound, Christian hired a consultant who taught the fundamentals of business development. Feeling reinvigorated, Christian closed the firm, applied the lessons learned from the consultant, and pivoted to a career in agency business development. Over the next decade, Christian worked at independent and holding company agencies across various marketing disciplines. Christian discovered a superpower in hunting and generating top-of-the-funnel opportunities, being involved in millions of dollars of wins with companies like Kohl's and Constellation Brands. Despite an entrepreneurial itch over the years, Christian wasn't sure what to pursue until the pandemic hit. Agencies lost clients, and some closed their doors, reminiscent of the Great Recession. However, Christian had the expertise to help this time, just as the consultant had helped him before. Christian left a high-paying agency job and launched a consultancy to help agencies and consultancies grow. With over 20 years of experience, Christian offers the knowledge to help clients predictably land 6- and 7-figure opportunities. Resources: Website: www.ChristianBanach.com LinkedIn Business: https://www.linkedin.com/company/christian-banach-llc/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/christianbanach/?hl=en Facebook Personal: https://www.facebook.com/ChristianBanachLLC/

Intro In this episode of The Innovative Agency Podcast Sharon Toerek sits down with Darren Horwitz from TenTen Group to delve into the intricacies of branding and rebranding. Darren shares his expertise on the importance of "brand empathy," taking a consultative approach, and the critical role agencies play in successful brand transformations. Darren shares how marketing agencies can leverage their roles as third-party auditors, overcome common challenges faced by CMOs, and drive successful rebranding initiatives by involving diverse perspectives within an organization. What you will learn in this episode: The vital role of "brand empathy" in making successful brand changes, and how overlooking it can lead to missed opportunities. The benefits of a consultative approach to rebranding. Challenges faced by senior marketing leaders in the current landscape. How including diverse perspectives within the organization can transform employees into passionate brand ambassadors. Strategies agencies can use to counter scope creep and manage resources effectively during the rebranding process. How brand interactions influence consumer purchasing decisions and the importance of consistent brand experiences. Bio With a keen eye for efficiency, Darren Horwitz has been instrumental in helping clients build their brand activation plans and ongoing management models, no matter where they're starting from. He finds great satisfaction in creating the strategic, tactical, and practical solutions that lead to client success and has a passion for managing details, working hard, and forging long-lasting relationships. Prior to founding TenTen, Darren served as Senior Director of Implementation for FutureBrand, where he built the implementation and brand governance concepts into defined disciplines within the company. His solutions helped deploy and govern global brands at scale, including American Airlines, Axalta Coating Systems, Cadillac, Dow, Exelon, Pitney Bowes and USAA. Resources: Website: https://www.tentengroup.com/ LinkedIn Personal: https://www.linkedin.com/in/darrenhorwitz/ LinkedIn Business: https://www.linkedin.com/company/tenten-group/ Instagram Business: https://www.instagram.com/tentengrp/

Intro In this episode of The Innovative Agency, Sharon Toerek chats with Brett Banker, founder of X&O, a hybrid agency-consultancy that blends the creative strengths of agencies with the strategic approach of consultancies. Brett shares his transition from traditional agency roles to launching X&O and offers practical insights into the importance of owning and monetizing intellectual capital. The conversation explores why agencies must shift beyond execution and time-based models to build sustainable, value-driven businesses. What you will learn in this episode: How agencies can elevate profitability by monetizing ideas and intellectual capital, not just execution. The value of transitioning from time-based billing to models focused on creative output and strategy. Why agencies need to protect their intellectual capital to enhance client relationships and drive growth. Insightful ways to blend agency creativity with consultancy thinking for stronger business models. Key strategies to ensure your agency builds long-term value through ownership of creative concepts. Practical advice on how to position intellectual property as a core asset during client engagements. How Brett's hybrid agency-consultancy model offers new pathways for profitability and sustainability. Bio Brett Banker is Co-Founder of X&O. Powered by its secret, anonymous network of super senior talent from brands and agencies, X&O draws inspiration from the movie Reservoir Dogs to 'name' their talent that are brought in to tackle specific and sticky brand challenges in 1-3 week sprints, serving as a CMO's secret weapon. Brett and Co-Founder Eric Segal have established a network of the industry's best talent including former CSOs and CCOs, former Heads of Innovation at a Fortune 100 Company, a Forbes Top 50 CMO, and a Creative Director previously named the best in the world. The expert group, which operates under anonymity using pseudonyms similar to Reservoir Dogs, works in one-to-three-week sprints to tackle any range of issues including strategy, naming, upstream innovation, brand platform development, campaign launches and on-off creative wins. Clients get 3 ideas, by 3 experts in just 3 weeks. In some cases, X&O works alongside ad agencies to fill in the space that agencies can't handle. Resources: Website: https://heyxo.co/ LinkedIn Personal: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brett-banker-721b36b8/ LinkedIn Business: https://www.linkedin.com/company/xo-co/

Intro In this episode of The Innovative Agency, we talk with Davey Jones, CEO of BDOW!, about his transition from running a marketing agency to developing digital products. Davey shares insights into how his experiences co-founding Davey & Krista and Till Agency shaped his journey toward creating tools that help designers and agencies convert clicks into customers. They discuss the importance of testing ideas, balancing client work with product development, and leveraging relationships for business growth. What you will learn in this episode: How Davey transitioned from agency ownership to building digital products. The importance of market research and beta testing in product development. Strategies for balancing client work with the development of new products. Insights into the lead generation process, both organic and paid. Why leveraging existing client relationships can help test new ideas. The critical role of having a profitability strategy in your core business. How to identify market opportunities through conversations with clients and prospects. Bio Davey Jones is the CEO of BDOW! the pop-up and form tool that allows designers and agencies to turn clicks into customers. (It's also the sound you make as you punch your fist into the air in excitement after doing something amazing BDOW!). Davey helps online businesses focus their marketing efforts by helping them answer one question: How can that work for someone like me?! Davey has extensive experience in the digital marketing world as former CEO of formilytics, and co-founder of both Davey & Krista, and Till Agency. Resources: Website: https://bdow.com/ Instagram Personal: https://www.instagram.com/daveytjonesy/ LinkedIn Personal: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-jones-714aa31b8/

Intro In this episode of The Innovative Agency, we welcome Douglas Bradley, Founder and CEO of Everest Legal Marketing. As we head toward the end of the year, Douglas and Sharon explore the critical conversations agency leaders need to have with clients and prospects. Douglas offers his expertise in setting clear expectations during business discussions, particularly with legal clients, and how doing so can improve long-term client relationships. What you will learn in this episode: Why it's essential to address common client questions, like "Why does this cost so much?" and "Why is this taking so long?" Strategies for clearly communicating the value of your services to clients, especially in the legal marketing sector. The importance of setting realistic timelines for digital marketing services, including SEO, to manage client expectations effectively. How to tailor your explanations based on your clients' understanding of technical or non-technical processes. Ways to proactively communicate with clients throughout a project. Why understanding a client's internal processes, including lead intake and conversion strategies, is crucial to delivering effective results. How to confidently navigate difficult conversations about costs, timelines, and project progress. Bio President & Founder – Everest Legal Marketing, LLC Resources: Website: https://www.everestlegalmarketing.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/everest-legal-marketing/ Facebook Business: https://www.facebook.com/everestlegalmarketing/

Intro In this episode of The Innovative Agency, host Sharon Toerek sits down with Phillip Rivers, co-founder of Talent HQ and an experienced agency leader, to discuss one of the most crucial issues facing agency owners today: talent acquisition. From the challenges of onboarding remote teams to the importance of maintaining a proactive talent pipeline, this conversation is packed with actionable strategies for agency leaders looking to attract top talent and achieve sustainable growth. What you will learn in this episode: Why structured onboarding is critical to successfully integrating remote and global teams. How to develop Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) that streamline onboarding and enhance productivity. Key mistakes agencies make in sourcing overseas talent and how to avoid them. How to create a proactive talent pipeline that keeps your agency prepared for growth. The importance of embracing cultural differences and fostering a sense of community among global teams. How to implement a comprehensive vetting process, including assessments, group interviews, and pilot projects. Why agencies should balance cost with quality when sourcing overseas talent. Bio I started selling products on obscure message boards and building email lists. I got really good at building and monetizing lists. That company grew to a million in sales, but I was young and didn't know what I was doing and it fizzled out. I had people around me (parents, etc) telling me to get a job, but it conflicted with my character/make up. I sold all my stuff and moved to NYC with hardly any money and no connections. After a few years of working at startups, I just couldn't do it anymore. I was unfulfilled and just going through the motions. I left and went back to the thing I knew I could do really well, and I started a marketing agency specializing in email marketing. The agency grew to nearly 50 global employees and 7-figures in sales and recently sold. Now I take all my systems and processes for finding and vetting global marketing talent and do it for agencies and other companies. Resources: Website: https://www.talenthq.net/ LinkedIn Personal: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thephilrivers/ LinkedIn Business: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-talenthq/ Twitter Personal: https://x.com/thePhilRivers