Agency Blueprint

How often do you pause to examine whether growth is actually strengthening the business or simply stretching it thinner? Is your agency growing in size but shrinking in strength because of external pressures, or because your internal systems were never built to sustain real scale? 

In this episode of The Agency Blueprint podcast, I’m joined by Nick Avaria to discuss why so many agencies become less profitable as they grow. Nick is a serial agency entrepreneur who has scaled multiple agencies past seven and eight figures, buying and selling seven along the way. He has merged lea...

How much of your agency’s “positivity” is actually hiding unspoken frustration or declining performance? How would your culture change if every team member received honest feedback delivered with clarity and care?  

In this episode of The Agency Blueprint podcast, we discuss how agencies often swing between two extremes: brutal, demoralizing negativity on one end and sugar-coated, avoidant positivity on the other. We further explain how agencies that avoid direct conversations end up with chaos, resentment, and poor output disguised behind smiles and praise. 

Listen in to learn more about how to create a...

Have you considered that your agency’s biggest growth opportunity might be hiding in the simplest place, the moment a prospect reads your reviews? Could the most powerful conversion lever be the one almost every business overlooks? 

In this episode of The Agency Blueprint Podcast, I’m joined by George Sweatlitz to explore how AI can transform one of the most overlooked conversion levers in modern business: review responses. George is an operator-turned-builder who knows what it takes to solve problems at scale. He led strategy at Sarah Lee, earned his MBA from Harvard, and later ran a 220...

What if the real competitive edge in the AI era isn’t the tools you adopt, but the intelligence you already possess? And what if the agencies that win are the ones that stop chasing novelty and start refining their own IP instead? 

In this episode of The Agency Blueprint Podcast, I break down what’s hype, what’s real, and what truly matters for agencies seeking long-term relevance, higher profitability, and sharper differentiation in an AI-driven era. I also explain how the real power emerges when we combine logic, frameworks, and unique agency IP with AI’s ability...

What if the real path to agency growth isn’t working harder, but thinking more irrationally? And what if your biggest breakthroughs are hiding inside the constraints you’ve been trying to avoid? 

In this episode of The Agency Blueprint, I’m joined by Ben Gaddis to explore why agency growth depends less on heroic effort and more on systematic, scalable thinking. Ben is the former CEO of T3, co-founder of SuperStep Capital, and co-author of Embracing Irrationality. He took his agency from a boutique creative shop to a $50M powerhouse before merging with a $350M firm and eve...

How can you maximize the value of your business through mergers, acquisitions, and the “second bite” opportunity? Most agency owners today are seeking an opportunity to cash out some equity while continuing to play an active role in scaling their business.

In this episode of The Agency Blueprint podcast, I’m joined by Todd Taskey to discuss how deals are structured, why private equity loves specialized agencies, and how “the second bite” often ends up being larger than the first payday. Todd is a seasoned M&A advisor and investment banker who has spent over two decades guiding ag...

Do you leverage emotional, client-centered storytelling to transform your sales process? Stories resonate more than stats, and you, as an agency owner, can use them as a strategic sales tool rather than just a creative tactic.

In this episode of The Agency Blueprint podcast, we discuss how to leverage stories that build trust, spark excitement, and make your agency unforgettable. We explain how by framing sales conversations around transformation stories, case studies, and third-party proof, you can help potential clients see themselves in the narrative.

Listen in to learn the difference between pitching and storytelling...

Are you one of those agencies that spend impulsively, based on gut feeling, or delay investments out of fear and uncertainty?

In this episode of the Agency Blueprint podcast, I explain how agency owners can use operational budgets as a growth tool instead of just a tracking sheet. I further explain how to structure budgets around multiple outcomes—flat (if nothing changes), trend-based (aligned with current growth trajectory), and goal or stretch budgets (aimed at ambitious targets). 

Don't miss this episode to learn how to weigh investments using a risk-to-value calculus, prioritize based on ROI, and...

Is your smaller agency well-positioned to take bold creative risks, pitch innovative ideas, and form collaborative partnerships? The traditional full-service agency model is crumbling under the weight of overhead, fragmented expertise, and a lack of collaboration.

In this episode of The Agency Blueprint podcast, I’m joined by Danielle Dufresne to discuss the changing landscape of creative agencies and how agencies can break free from outdated overhead-heavy structures. Dani is an Emmy Award–winning executive producer and The Aux Co founder. She has over 20 years of experience producing high-stakes campaigns for global brands like Nike and Hulu. She...

Do you treat profit as “what’s left over” after expenses instead of prioritizing it from the start? Having a profit-first mindset is the cornerstone of building a sustainable, scalable, and stress-free agency. 

In this episode of the Agency Blueprint podcast, we dive deep into the profit-first mindset—a revolutionary approach for agency owners who want to generate consistent profitability. We discuss how to reverse engineer a profitable business model by focusing on intentional pricing, cost constraints, and smart resource allocation.

Listen in to learn more about how to stop running your agency like an exhaustin...

Are you aware that client retention is not just about doing great work or delivering projects on time? While those are the basics, real loyalty comes from how clients feel when working with your agency. 

In this episode of The Agency Blueprint podcast, I share practical strategies for agency owners who want to intentionally build relationships that surprise, delight, and strengthen loyalty. I also explain how personal touches, thoughtful gestures, and genuine human connections separate thriving agencies from those struggling with churn.

Don’t miss this episode to learn how little, meaningful moments can build emo...

What does it really mean to have a strong “why” as an entrepreneur? What’s driving you as a business owner, money, or something deeper that fuels your resilience?

In this episode of The Agency Blueprint podcast, I’m joined by James Brown to discuss the deeper “why” behind entrepreneurship and to share his incredibly inspiring journey. James is the CEO and founder of Business Accelerator Institute and Perseverance Squared. He has had a fascinating journey from starting his law firm in 1994 and scaling it to over $8 million annually across multiple cities, and selling it before the age of 50, t...

How do you win clients without being reduced to competing on price? To consistently land the right clients, you must position yourself as the obvious choice long before pricing even enters the conversation.

In this episode of The Agency Blueprint Podcast, we discuss how agencies can stand out in a crowded market without relying on price as the deciding factor. We explore how confidence, consultation, and insight consistently outperform relationship-based selling, drawing inspiration from The Challenger Sale. 

Listen in to learn why simply agreeing with a prospect’s assumptions is a losing strategy, and how rea...

Do you feel like your inbox is overflowing with AI-generated messages that all sound the same? While AI tools have made it easier than ever to send messages, they’ve also flooded inboxes with automated, impersonal communication.

In this episode of The Agency Blueprint podcast, I dive deep into the evolving world of outreach in an AI-driven age. I describe the shift agency owners need to make, from relying on high-volume outreach tactics to focusing on high-intent, authentic relationships that truly connect.

Don't miss this episode to learn more about why real competitive advantage comes fr...

Do you often find yourself giving strategy away for free, burying it inside larger scopes, or treating it as a one-off exercise rather than the foundational work it truly is?

In this episode of The Agency Blueprint, I’m joined by Anastasia Laskey to discuss one of the biggest challenges agency owners face: selling the value of strategy. Anastasia is the founder and president of Ground Control Research. She has helped agencies transform how they deliver pitch and price strategy by bringing insights, structure, and clarity to what can often feel like a fuzzy, abstract-oriented process. 

L...

How do you transform sales conversations into a client’s self-discovery journey? Selling agency services doesn’t have to be pushy, complicated, or overwhelming; it simply needs to be intentional. 

In this episode of The Agency Blueprint podcast, we share a repeatable four-step sales playbook that any agency owner can use to win more clients without relying on high-pressure tactics. We show you how to create excitement during the qualification call, build deep trust during the discovery call, rationalize the emotional decision during the proposal stage, and confidently manage objections in the follow-up.

Don't miss this...

Does running your agency feel like an endless cycle of choices? The constant weight of decision-making can drain your energy, slow down your team, and ultimately put a ceiling on your agency’s growth. 

In this episode of The Agency Blueprint, I discuss the real cost of decision fatigue and the dangerous habit of training your team to rely on you for every answer. I also explain how to categorize risk into low, medium, and high levels, allowing you to determine which decisions to delegate, collaborate on, or retain personally. 

Don’t miss this episode to lea...

How do you approach hiring even when you’re not ready and it feels financially uncomfortable? How do you know you’re making a calculated investment in your agency’s future versus just taking a reckless risk? 

In this episode of The Agency Blueprint, I discuss how hiring before you're ready can actually be a strategic growth move, not a reckless one. I explain whether your hiring decision is solving yesterday’s backlog, today’s bottlenecks, or tomorrow’s strategic gaps. 

Don’t miss this episode to learn how to determine whether your hiring need...

How do you move from taking whatever business you can get to building a purpose-driven, aligned client base? The right-fit client base fuels not only revenue but also passion and long-term fulfilment. 

In this episode of The Agency Blueprint, we discuss how agency owners can stop chasing clients and start choosing them. We also explain why it’s time to stop being a generalist trying to appeal to everyone and take a bold positioning, even if it means turning some people away. 

Don’t miss this episode to learn about the power of aut...

Have you learned to differentiate between keeping a team motivated and keeping them engaged without burnout? If your default is more meetings and perks without building the foundations of real alignment, consistent communication, and sustainable systems, you will lose great people. 

In this episode of The Agency Blueprint, I discuss how to build a thriving, purpose-driven team that doesn't just work for you but grows with you. I also explain how to create sustainable, high-performing teams through clarity, communication, and trust-building systems. 

Don’t miss this episode to learn more about how feed...

Do you still treat onboarding as an afterthought, even though it sets the tone for long-term success in your agency? It’s time to rethink your onboarding. 

In this episode of The Agency Blueprint, we discuss why rushed and inconsistent onboarding not only undermines team confidence but also becomes a bottleneck to scale. We also discuss the five non-negotiables framework, a repeatable, role-based onboarding strategy that ensures transparency, accountability, and competence. 

Don’t miss this episode to learn how intentional onboarding builds confidence, speeds ramp-up time, and creates a resilient team foundation! 

Are you struggling to make tough business decisions without second-guessing yourself? You’re not alone; many creatives struggle with balancing human connection with data-driven clarity. 

In this episode of The Agency Blueprint, I’m joined by Bill Coletti to discuss the interplay between fear and data in entrepreneurship, especially during pivotal decision-making moments. Bill is the founder of Kith.co and SCT Leadership, a seasoned entrepreneur, strategist, and author of Critical Moments. With decades of experience navigating global political campaigns and leading reputation management for brands like Target and American Airlines, Bill now dedicates his expertise to helpi...

Are you one of those entrepreneurs that obsess over routines like cold plunges, journaling hacks, and early morning rituals hoping to unlock clarity and energy? These surface-level habits aren’t the key to running a thriving agency, mastering foundational leadership principles is. 

In this episode of The Agency Blueprint, I discuss four foundational leadership principles that drive better decision-making and sustainable agency growth. I explain the power of prioritizing needle-moving work, having constraints, using long-term vision to guide daily decisions, and having consistency over intensity. 

Don’t miss this episode to learn more a...

Is revenue growth the dangerous illusion that could be silently sabotaging your agency? While many agency owners celebrate high revenue, few realize that without healthy profit margins and sustainable cash flow, their business could be bleeding money. 

In this episode of The Agency Blueprint, we discuss how agencies become revenue-rich but profit-poor. We explain why mispriced services, long client payment terms, and unchecked operational costs quietly destroy profits. 

Don’t miss this episode to learn more about why running an agency requires smart, sustainable business models that go beyond vanity metrics like reve...

Are you in the messy middle of growth, struggling to scale sustainably, or just craving more freedom without dropping balls? 

In this episode of The Agency Blueprint, I’m joined by Taylor Frame, co-owner and CRO of Best Practice Media, to discuss everything from systems building and team autonomy to the emotional rollercoaster of entrepreneurship. He opens up about what it takes to scale a successful digital agency from launching over 100 e-commerce brands to six-figure months to building a team of 30+ full-time staff. 

Listen in to learn the importance of time tracking, SOPs...

Are you the bottleneck in your business without even realizing it? Not because of a lack of trust or effort, but simply because you've been involved in everything for too long, and now every decision flows through you. 

In this episode of The Agency Blueprint, I discuss the critical hats every agency owner wears—the technician, the manager, and the CEO—and when each hat should be worn or retired. I also explain why delegation is about moving from control to leadership and not just about removing yourself from the grind. 

Don’t miss t...

Do you often find it hard to say no, even when you know you shouldn’t say yes? While it’s tempting to always say yes, especially when scaling an agency, pleasing clients, or chasing new opportunities, every yes carries a hidden cost. 

In this episode of The Agency Blueprint, we discuss the transformative power of saying no and redefining success in your own terms. We explain why saying yes too freely can slowly erode the foundation of your business and well-being. 

Listen in to learn how constantly operating outside of that zone can lead to bur...

Is print marketing still relevant in today’s digital world? Believe it or not, there are real-world examples of how businesses are building credibility, driving engagement, and standing out from competitors using print advertising. 

In this episode of The Agency Blueprint, I’m joined by Jesicca Embree to dissect the biggest misconceptions surrounding print media marketing. Jessica is the Creative Director at Tulip Media Group and co-author of the Amazon bestseller Double Sales/ Zero Sales People. She has over a decade of experience in both print and digital marketing. 

Listen in to learn...

Are you aware that being a bottleneck is a hidden addiction for many agency founders, driven by a subconscious need to feel important or irreplaceable?

In this episode of The Agency Blueprint, I explain why burnout doesn’t stem from effort alone, but from a lack of systems, delegation, and process structure. I also explain how to implement simple yet effective systems that allow your agency to grow without your constant input.

Don’t miss this episode to learn more about the power of systems and checklists for agency owners and teams looking to avoid erro...

Can you identify repetitive tasks in your agency that can be automated, delegated, or eliminated? When done correctly, automation can help you overcome overwhelm and scale your businesses effectively. 

In this episode of The Agency Blueprint, I’m joined by William Christensen to discuss the importance of automation, delegation, and elimination in scaling creative agencies. Will is the founder of Entrepreneurs Apprentice and the co-founder of Data Automation. He is known for his automate, delegate, eliminate framework and unique 15-1-1-5 rule, which identifies key tasks to automate or delegate. He is also a Zapier-certified expert wit...

What strategies for increasing profitability can you utilize without raising rates? While raising rates is a straightforward way to boost margins, it’s not always feasible due to market limitations or client resistance. 

In this episode of the Agency Blueprint podcast, we discuss actionable strategies for improving agency profitability without raising client rates. We further discuss the importance of having clean, organized financial statements as the foundation for making informed decisions. 

Listen in to learn how to leverage resource management tools to better allocate team resources, reduce inefficiencies, and ensure that every doll...

Did you know that proposals are not the primary tool for selling services? A proposal is meant to seal the deal, not sell it, real selling happens long before the proposal is ever presented. 

In this episode of the Agency Blueprint podcast, I discuss the science of crafting high-performing proposals and bids. I further break down the critical steps to creating proposals that reinforce trust, articulate value, and ultimately close deals. 

Don’t miss this episode to learn how to avoid overloading proposals with unnecessary details or focusing too much on your agency rather than the...

Do you practice true transparency or are you one of those leaders who claim to promote openness while operating behind a veil of secrecy? Opaque leadership is damaging and often leads to mistrust, instability, and high employee turnover. 

In this episode of The Agency Blueprint, we discuss why authentic transparency in leadership is vital for building a cohesive, high-performing agency culture. Unlike opaque leadership, transparency builds trust, fosters alignment, and empowers teams to contribute to growth in meaningful ways. 

Don’t miss this episode to learn more about practical strategies for implementing transparency to create a mo...

Is your business suffering from the Underpants Gnome Syndrome or do you have a step-by-step strategy for business growth and scaling?  

In this episode of The Agency Blueprint, I’m joined by TJ Slattery to discuss the common flaw of small business owners who have grand ideas without a clear roadmap to profitability. We further discuss the importance of understanding and clarifying one's goals and motivations as an entrepreneur. TJ is the owner and founder of Crow's Nest Consulting, a lifetime entrepreneur, and a strategic advisor. TJ harnesses his decades of experience to create clarity and stability for...

How do you track and present measurable outcomes your agency delivers to clients? Results are the backbone of client satisfaction, business growth, and long-term partnerships. 

In this episode of The Agency Blueprint, we discuss how to track and present measurable outcomes to clients. We explain the importance of understanding what to measure, how to encourage clients to share their successes, and the significance of highlighting these results in sales conversations. 

Don’t miss this episode to learn more about the critical importance of collecting and analyzing data in client-agency relationships! 

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Does your team feel disconnected from the agency’s success? Are incentive programs what’s going to keep your team engaged and invested in your agency’s long-term success? 

In this episode of The Agency Blueprint, I discuss how to create effective team incentive structures that foster collaboration, boost morale, and drive high performance. I explain how to structure incentives to balance personal achievement with teamwork, rewarding high performers without undermining collaboration.   

Don’t miss this episode to learn more about practical examples of incentive programs that go beyond financial rewards! 

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Do you find hiring top creative design talent an overwhelming process, especially when relying on polished portfolios that don’t always reveal a candidate’s true abilities? 

In this episode of The Agency Blueprint, I’m joined by Fletcher Wimbush to discuss actionable strategies for making smarter, more confident hiring decisions. Fletcher is the CEO and founder of Discovered Performance Hiring Software and has dedicated a decade to tackling hiring's hardest problems. As an ethical AI proponent, he's focused on pioneering AI-powered initiatives for talent selection. 

Listen in to learn how to assess a candidate’s critical...

Client onboarding is more than just paperwork—it’s about setting the tone for a lasting partnership. How then do you streamline the process without losing the human touch that makes clients feel valued? 

In this episode of The Agency Blueprint, I discuss how automation can help streamline the client onboarding process while maintaining a personal touch. I explain the benefits of a positive onboarding experience and how bad onboarding can lead to micromanagement and dissatisfaction.   

Don’t miss this episode to learn how consistency in the onboarding process helps identify potential problems a...

Do you often feel overwhelmed by constant client demands, unpredictable schedules, and the pressure to always be available? Establishing clear boundaries can help you regain control of your time and improve your client relationships. 

In this episode of The Agency Blueprint, we discuss how to regain freedom by setting professional boundaries in a respectful, structured way with clients. We explain the importance of clearly defining expectations around scope of work, communication tools, and response times to avoid burnout and maintain a healthy work-life balance. 

Don’t miss this episode to learn from a ca...

Why stick to a static budget when you could proactively predict your financial future with rolling projections? Continuously updating financial projections allows businesses to reflect actual performance and adjust to changing conditions. 

In this episode of The Agency Blueprint, I’m joined by Dan DeGolier to discuss valuable insights on financial forecasting, budgeting, and cash flow management for small and medium-sized businesses. Dan is the founder of Ascent CFO Solutions, has extensive experience as a CPA, and is now a fractional CFO. He is passionate about helping entrepreneurs understand their finances and cash flows so they can obt...