Smart Agency Masterclass With Jason Swenk: Podcast For Digital Marketing Agencies

Would you like access to our advanced agency training for FREE? https://www.agencymastery360.com/training Are you leveraging the power of podcasting to grow your agency? Whether through guest appearances on industry shows or hosting your own podcast, this medium offers unique opportunities to showcase expertise and connect with potential clients. However, while appearing on established podcasts can help spread your message, creating your own show ultimately provides greater control over brand messaging and client conversion. For marketing agencies, podcasting has become an essential marketing tool that can drive significant conversions. Today's featured guest, a podcast expert, specializes in helping clients navigate the complex balance between audience value and revenue generation. She tackles crucial questions many business owners face in their podcasting journey: optimal timing for monetization, strategies for brand partnerships, and most importantly, maintaining focus on audience benefit. Her insights rev

Would you like access to our advanced agency training for FREE? https://www.agencymastery360.com/training Would your agency be ready for an unexpected acquisition opportunity? Could you make it work if the time and offer were right? One boutique agency owner faced this question when an unexpected offer transformed her lifestyle business into an acquisition prospect. Though she and her partner had no immediate plans to sell, they recognized the potential and methodically prepared for a successful transition. Learn about their experiences finding their niche in the industry, preparing for acquisition, their ‘no regrets’ attitude regarding the sale, and the reason why they approached negotiations with a thoughtful mindset that would benefit everyone involved. Kelsey Dixon is the co-founder of Davies and Dixon, an organic social media agency based in Seattle. She shares her journey into entrepreneurship, highlighting the transition from the events and hospitality industry to digital marketing, the way her agency’

Would you like access to our advanced agency training for FREE? https://www.agencymastery360.com/training Do you struggle to write proposals? Do you know the 2 keys to winning more clients in the proposal stage? Mastering the art of creating fast, high-quality proposals remains crucial for agency growth. The best way to guarantee your proposal has a chance to stand out from competitors is to ensure speed and accuracy. That is why our featured guest is sharing how he went from owning an agency to creating the tool for overcoming proposal anxiety. He spent years thinking about ways to turn what was often the worst part of the job for him into an easier and more enjoyable process and eventually launched a software that does just that. Learn more about Joe's entrepreneurial journey and insights into the agency world. Joe Ardeeser is a former agency owner and entrepreneur who ran a web design shop and high-end WordPress shop for twelve years. He shares his journey from agency owner to launching his latest venture,

Would you like access to our advanced agency training for FREE? https://www.agencymastery360.com/training What are your goals for your agency this new year? Which new heights are you hoping to reach and what needs to change in order for you to get there? As we step into a new year, agency owners start setting ambitious targets. But achieving these goals requires more than just wishful thinking—it demands a clear understanding of three critical elements: where you want to go, who you need on your team to get there, and perhaps most importantly, how you need to evolve as a leader. Today, we're joined by a special guest who has witnessed countless agency journeys firsthand. As a key member of the Jason Swenk team, she's become a trusted companion to our mastermind members, guiding them through their growth challenges and celebrating their victories. Her unique perspective comes from years of observing what makes agencies thrive, understanding their common hurdles, and helping create environments where both busin

Would you like access to our advanced agency training for FREE? https://www.agencymastery360.com/training What is the one key thing that is holding you back from know your agency’s value? For many it’s having the financial literacy necessary to build an agency worth buying. Today’s featured guest learned that financial literacy can make or break an exit strategy. Despite his early start in business and formal education, it was the guidance of an outsourced CFO that truly transformed his understanding of business finances. This knowledge proved invaluable years later during acquisition negotiations and his successful exit. From his teenage ventures in website development to building a thriving digital agency, and ultimately, to negotiating a successful exit on his own terms, join us as we explore the beginnings his agency and essential lessons on the importance of financial literacy, knowing your worth, and preparing for life after the sale. Brian Rodriguez is the founder of Gatorworks, a digital marketing par

Would you like access to our advanced agency training for FREE? https://www.agencymastery360.com/training The Smart Agency Masterclass podcast reached new heights in 2024, delivering game-changing insights from entrepreneurs who transformed their challenges into triumphs. From battling impostor syndrome to scaling revenue and reclaiming personal freedom, our guests didn't just share their success stories—they offered a blueprint for agency owners walking the same path they once traveled. Industry titans like Guy Kawasaki and Gino Wickman brought their hard-earned wisdom to our listeners, creating moments that resonated deeply with our community. As we reflect on this remarkable year, I'm excited to share some of the most powerful conversations that shaped our 2024 season. Subscribe Apple | Spotify | iHeart Radio Sponsors and Resources E2M Solutions: Today's episode of the Smart Agency Masterclass is sponsored by E2M Solutions, a web design, and development agency that has provided white-label services for the

Would you like access to our advanced agency training for FREE? https://www.agencymastery360.com/training Do you shy away from cold calling for fear of rejection? Or, do you think cold calling is dead in the digital age? Today’s guest runs an SEO agency that grew from a small project with four clients to a full-service agency. Discover how a focused cold-calling campaign landed him seventeen clients in his first month. In this episode, youl will also learn the reason he prioritizes culture fit over impressive resumes in his hiring process, why he believes relying on just one lead source is playing a dangerous game, and why he believes that open communication is the key to building trust with clients. Marc Brookland, the owner of SEO Locale, a full-service digital marketing agency specializing in search engine optimization. He shares his journey into the world of SEO and how much things have changed in that field, from focusing on repeating a keyword as much as possible or having more backlinks than the

Would you like access to our advanced agency training for FREE? https://www.agencymastery360.com/training Are you caught in the challenging "no-man's land" of agency ownership—where growth meets gridlock? Despite years of management experience, today's guest discovered that running a digital agency demanded more than strategic acumen alone. His journey reveals the often-overlooked complexities of agency leadership that can transform an owner's dream into an operational maze. Although he felt comfortable making the strategic decisions as a manager, as an owner he found himself pulled in countless directions. From juggling legal complications, financial decisions, and HR responsibilities—areas far removed from his core strengths and passion for marketing strategy. In the end, he recognized the only way through was setting up the right processes for the agency to grow without him and ultimate decided to sell. Tune in to learn about building a successful marketing agency and the principles that guide his appro

Would you like access to our advanced agency training for FREE? https://www.agencymastery360.com/training Are you inadvertently holding your agency back? We are all guilty of it! Many agency owners eventually confront a challenging reality: they themselves are the primary bottleneck preventing their business from reaching its full potential. Today's featured agency owner has recognized this critical insight and is actively working to transform his approach. By strategically empowering his team and gradually delegating operational responsibilities, he is creating a pathway for the agency to expand beyond its current limitations. Hear an inspiring conversation about overcoming entrepreneurial challenges and unlocking an agency's true potential through intentional operational restructuring. Steve Phipps is the founder of Wayfind Marketing, an agency that works with service-based seasoned B2B companies focusing on mapping out clients’ strategy, website, and content for sustainable growth and increased ROI. Ste

Would you like access to our advanced agency training for FREE? https://www.agencymastery360.com/training Is your team leveraging AI beyond basic content creation? Did you know your sales process can be more efficient with the help of AI? While many agencies focus on AI's obvious applications, today's guest reveals a more innovative approach: using artificial intelligence to mine the wealth of unstructured data generated during sales interactions. By capturing and analyzing these often-overlooked conversations, his agency has discovered valuable insights that are transforming their sales process. In our fascinating discussion, we'll explore how AI is revolutionizing not just data analysis, but the entire advertising landscape. This interview is an in-depth conversation about the convergence of technology, community building, and cutting-edge marketing strategies. Andrew Eklund is the founder and CEO of Ciceron, a digital agency that excels at amplifying brands by creating bespoke audiences and activating t

Would you like access to our advanced agency training for FREE? https://www.agencymastery360.com/training Have you mastered the art of always obtaining the client's budget? Are you ready to elevate your pricing strategy and focus on quality over quantity? There are certain things that will only get easier with experience. Yet, all agency owners should be aware of how crucial it is to adapt your pricing model and client acquisition strategy to ensure long-term success. Today’s featured guest started his agency in 1997 and has learned a lot about the milestones that changed his agency’s growth path, the things that had to change along the way, and why continuous improvement and evolving capabilities are the best way to adapt to a changing market. Tune in to learn more about the challenges and triumphs of building a successful agency, the pricing strategies that have kept his agency afloat, how he is navigating a recent acquisition, and the improvements yet to be made to cement his agency’s brand. James Pietr

Would you like access to our advanced agency training for FREE? https://www.agencymastery360.com/training Are you tired of the endless cycle of client demands and shrinking margins? Is your agency struggling to differentiate itself in a crowded market? How can you elevate your agency from a service provider to a strategic partner? Today's guest shares how he identified an untapped market opportunity that revolutionized his business approach and established his agency as a respected HubSpot and Shopify partner. His experience shows how focusing on internal brand strength, selective client relationships, and strategic pricing can transform an agency's profitability and market position and offers valuable insights for agency owners seeking to break free from the cycle of demanding clients and diminishing returns. Join us for an inspiring conversation about navigating career paths and the importance of adaptability in business. Bob Afsari is the CEO and founder of Campaign Creators, a full-service digita

Would you like access to our advanced agency training for FREE? https://www.agencymastery360.com/training Do you cultivate a collaborative culture? Does everyone on your team feel empowered to contribute and share? That is the secret sauce that this guest has learned over the course of his time in the industry. Today’s featured guest will share common branding mistakes as well as how to brand with longevity in mind. His approach challenges common misconceptions about branding, revealing why many businesses falter from the start in their brand-building efforts. To him, the journey to building a successful brand hinges on the ability to validate ideas, fostering a culture of experimentation, and embracing the lessons learned from both successes and failures to navigate the complexities of the market with greater agility. Tune in for an enlightening conversation on the art of branding and fostering a collaborative culture. David Frederick is the co-founder of Head Over Heels, an agency dedicated to helping br

Would you like access to our advanced agency training for FREE? https://www.agencymastery360.com/training What if the secret to finding exceptional agency talent lies in conducting fewer interviews? Finding exceptional talent is perhaps the most formidable challenge in running an agency. When hundreds of applications flood in, the absence of an efficient screening process can transform talent acquisition into an exhausting ordeal of endless resume reviews and interviews. The same is true for prospective clients. Do you have a process for screening them to see if they’re the right fit? Or do you find out too late that you’re working with the wrong ones? Today's guests went have found success in both hiring and client retention by developing a filtering process that not only saves time but consistently identifies great matches. Listen in as they explore the highs and lows of running an agency, the impact on personal relationships, and their commitment to a "business for good" initiative. Alex Melone and Andr

Would you like access to our advanced agency training for FREE? https://www.agencymastery360.com/training Are you navigating the complex world of influencer marketing? What do you look for in an ideal creator-agency collaboration? Many agency owners focus solely on follower counts when seeking creator partnerships, but is that really the key to success? Our featured guest launched his influencer marketing agency in 2019, anticipating the explosive growth of the creator economy. Having built his business over the past five years, he brings valuable perspectives on what truly matters in creator-agency relationships. Through both successes and setbacks, he's developed a nuanced understanding of what makes these partnerships thrive. Tune in for insights into the influencer industry and the challenges of running a business with a partner. Alex Sunshine is the founder and CEO of Rising Suns Agency, a social media influencer agency that specializes in connecting brands and influencers. He built his agency five ye

Would you like access to our advanced agency training for FREE? https://www.agencymastery360.com/training Are you trapped in the exhausting cycle of "monthly chases," constantly pursuing short-term goals at the expense of long-term vision? Today’s featured guest stood on the brink of giving up, worn down by the relentless pursuit of monthly numbers. He decided to shift focus with a ten-year plan to start building an agency that could run without him. This way, he has been able to focus on different ways to grow the agency, like launching proprietary technology that turned into a fantastic foot-in-the-door and starting a podcast that has given him the opportunity to get in front of his target audience on a weekly basis. Tune in to hear Jim's inspiring story and insights on entrepreneurship and marketing. Jim Matuga is the president and founder of InnerAction Media, a marketing agency that works with small startups and non-profits. Jim shares his journey from aspiring copywriter to starting his own agency in

Would you like access to our advanced agency training for FREE? https://www.agencymastery360.com/training What happens when your entire industry comes to a sudden halt? Are you positioned for adaptability in the face of challenge? As an events agency owner, today’s featured guest watched his business model crumble in just one week when the pandemic struck and nearly devastate the entire events industry. It seemed the events industry survive however by embracing technology, his agency successfully transitioned client events to the digital space. They created innovative virtual experiences that kept the business alive during the lockdown. Now, as in-person gatherings return, he's navigating yet another evolution: the emergence of hybrid events, as he tries to warm his clients up to this concept. Learn the most common pitfalls in event organization and his vision for the future of events in a post-pandemic world. Mark Testa is the founder of the Mark Stephen Experiential Agency, an agency that specializes in

Would you like access to our advanced agency training for FREE? https://www.agencymastery360.com/training Are you frustrated by slow growth? Does client churn keep you from really propelling ahead? Do you put off crucial decisions because you’re afraid of making the wrong choice? Today’s guest’s successful track record wasn’t enough to make him confident in his decisions on hiring or the stress of client turnover. A shift in focus helped him see consistency and adaptability are the key to agency growth. Learn about how he kept going and the strategy that helped him get through decision paralysis. He also shares the content marketing approach that transformed his agency's pipeline and helped them grow. Curtis Hays is the owner of Collideascope, a digital agency specializing in B2B lead generation services. He shares his early struggles to form an effective hiring strategy, and how a podcast has been just what his agency needed to address self-promotion to build their pipeline. In this episode, we’ll discuss

Would you like access to our advanced agency training for FREE? https://www.agencymastery360.com/training Have you ever felt like abandoning your agency? Overwhelmed or insecure about the direction the agency is headed? If so, you're not alone. At some point, we all face moments of doubt and struggle to keep momentum. Today’s guest is an agency owner who built his business over the past ten years. He recently experienced a downturn that led him to question whether he still enjoyed the work. It was a solid business plan and clear vision that helped him get the agency back on track. Learn more about why he needed clarity and communication to get his confidence back and what excites him about the new developments of generative AI and how it’s changing advertising. Ed East is the founder of influencer marketing agency Billion Dollar Boy. He shares his journey into the agency world, creating a database connecting blogs with brands and agencies. Ed also discusses the low point that made him question his commitme

Would you like access to our advanced agency training for FREE? https://www.agencymastery360.com/training Has your agency reached a growth plateau? Have you thought about narrowing your focus to enhance your marketing efforts? In this interview, you'll hear from an agency owner who relied on referrals for years until the post-pandemic landscape shifted. While his business thrived during the early pandemic, it faced challenges as larger clients began consolidating. In response, he strategically pivoted to specialize in the biotech sector. Tune in to explore his initial hiring challenges, the transformative effects of niching down, and his ongoing refinement of the sales process to secure more clients. Daniel Lofaso is the owner of Digital Elevator, a marketing agency focused on helping helps emerging biotech companies with full-circle marketing campaigns. He discusses challenges he found in building the right team, the reason he decided to niche down and the impact it has had on his agency, his approach to