Agency Blueprint

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...

Are you an agency owner struggling to decide where to focus your marketing efforts for reliable lead generation and scalable growth? 

In this episode of The Agency Blueprint, I discuss the power of being strategic and intentional in your marketing approach, focusing on where your ideal clients already spend their time. I share my personal journey from doing everything to focusing on one strategy and optimizing every funnel stage—resulting in consistent and meaningful lead generation. 

Don’t miss this episode to learn more on the importance of knowing how much time and money you can af...

Are you struggling to qualify leads quickly and efficiently, wasting time on unqualified prospects? Instead of immediately pitching services, the initial sales conversations should focus on evaluating the fit to save time and increase your chances of closing deals with the right clients. 

In this episode of The Agency Blueprint, we discuss strategies to qualify leads quickly and efficiently. We explain why asking the right questions, understanding a potential client’s needs, and knowing when to walk away from unqualified prospects can streamline your sales process and focus on the right opportunities. 

Don’t miss this e...

Are you ready to transform how your agency handles client feedback and elevates project delivery? To master agency workflows and create exceptional client experiences, you must streamline communication, reduce revisions, and deliver results. 

In this episode of The Agency Blueprint, I’m joined by Masud Hossain to discuss the art and science of managing client feedback while optimizing agency processes for efficiency and growth. Masud is the CEO of Queue, a platform designed to streamline agency operations. He’s a first-generation immigrant from Bangladesh and his entrepreneurial journey began with coding at age 12 to launching and selling his f...

Could it be that you’re not maximizing your agency’s true value? While many agencies focus solely on tangible outcomes, you can tap into your most valuable offerings by separating and monetizing strategy. 

In this episode of The Agency Blueprint, I discuss how to identify strategy as a high-value service and the role of strategy-only models in driving agency success. I explain why implementing structured strategy phases not only aligns client goals with execution but also ensures continuous improvement. 

Don’t miss this episode to learn about the different strategy delivery models and how to set c...

Are you making the right financial decisions to scale your business effectively? Financial decision-making for business owners can be complex but differentiating expenses from investments and focusing on risk assessment and ROI can make a difference. 

In this episode of The Agency Blueprint, I’m joined by Calvin Wilder to discuss the dos and don’ts of agency investments. Cal is the founder and CEO of SmartBooks, where their team empowers business owners to run financially healthy businesses through a mix of bookkeeping and accounting, financial reporting, and CFO advisory services. He started his career journey as an in...

How can balanced scorecards and KPIs transform your business success? Well-designed performance metrics bring transparency, align teams, and streamline decision-making processes. 

In this episode of The Agency Blueprint, we discuss the transformative potential of balanced scorecards and well-structured key performance indicators (KPIs) for businesses. We also explain how to break down long-term objectives into actionable department-specific goals. 

Listen in to learn how full transparency with your team helps build trust and drive the business vision forward. You will also learn the importance of clarity, timeliness, and focus in KPI tracking to avoid vanity metrics. 

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How can you elevate client delivery by harnessing the power of continuous feedback and improvement? Positive and negative client feedback is crucial and can inform strategies that boost retention, ROI, and long-term relationships. 

In this episode of The Agency Blueprint, I discuss the value of creating client feedback loops to uncover blind spots and enhance client experiences. I share effective methods to capture valuable client feedback, such as surveys, personalized check-ins, and exit interviews. 

Don’t miss this episode to learn how to use feedback to implement meaningful changes and enhance client satisfaction. 

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How can your creative agency thrive in an evolving industry? The current state of the industry demands creatives to learn strategies for growing a creative business and building stronger client relationships. 

In this episode of The Agency Blueprint, I’m joined by Emily Cohen and Hunter Vargas to discuss the state of the creative industry, the growing importance of transparency and collaboration, and more. Emily and Hunter, a mother-daughter duo behind Casa Davka, have over 30 years of combined experience. Emily's extensive background includes partnering with 500 top firms, while Hunter brings expertise in marketing and project management. 

Li...

How can understanding client behavior and refining your processes transform your approach to retention and growth? By identifying behavioral cues that indicate potential churn, agencies can take preemptive steps to retain clients. 

In this episode of The Agency Blueprint, I’m joined by Masud Hossain to discuss churn indicators in agencies and how to improve client retention. Masud is the CEO of Queue, a platform designed to streamline agency operations. He’s a first-generation immigrant from Bangladesh and his entrepreneurial journey began with coding at age 12 to launching and selling his first startup A Sense of Life for $...

How can your business stay resilient during potential economic downturns? How do you navigate both micro and macroeconomic shifts while safeguarding your business? Many businesses thrive during booms but fail due to poor adaptability when conditions change, and the only way to avoid this is by staying prepared. 

In this episode of The Agency Blueprint, we discuss strategies for agency owners to prepare for business sustainability during economic downturns. We explain how to build resilience through diversified revenue streams, effective cash flow management, and contingency planning. 

Listen in to learn how to maintain a balance wi...

How do you effectively engage potential clients in today’s crowded market? Have you heard of omnichannel marketing? This approach integrates multiple channels into a cohesive strategy that consistently engages prospects. 

In this episode of The Agency Blueprint, I discuss the power of mastering the omnichannel marketing strategy in a competitive landscape. I explain the psychology behind multiple touchpoints and how they help manage customer skepticism in a saturated market. 

Don’t miss this episode to learn more about building client personas and the importance of consistent messaging across all platforms. 

Key Q...

How are you harnessing the power of data analytics to achieve long-term success with your clients? Measurable business outcomes clarify performance, highlight areas for improvement, and drive sustainable client relationships. 

In this episode of The Agency Blueprint, we discuss the importance of harnessing data analytics as a key strategy for long-term success. We also explore the role of metrics in branding, illustrating how even creative efforts yield quantifiable benefits. 

Listen in to learn the importance of data collection at the start of a client relationship to enable strategic adjustments and drive client confidence. 

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Are your clients truly set up for long-term success? A well-crafted client onboarding process can make or break your partnerships. The first 90 days are critical; they either nurture client loyalty or risk early disengagement. 

In this episode of The Agency Blueprint, I discuss the importance of developing a comprehensive client onboarding process to shape long-term client relationships. I share actionable strategies to build trust and exceed client expectations, ensuring they feel confident about their decision to partner with you. 

Don’t miss this episode to learn how to prepare and structure successful internal and client kick...

How are you defining success for 2025? Are you setting clear, measurable goals that are ambitious yet realistic? The right planning involves aligning your team with a vision and mission and breaking goals into manageable quarterly milestones. 

In this episode of The Agency Blueprint, we share a comprehensive guide to strategically planning your creative agency's success in 2025. We discuss the importance of team alignment, transparency, and performing a SWOT analysis to address challenges as they arise when creating a plan. 

Listen in to learn how to be clear and consistent with leadership objectives and avoid the “shin...

Have you considered expanding your team globally? Leveraging the full potential of your remote workforce can transform your business from a small-scale operation to a multi-million-dollar success. How do you overcome the cultural and communication barriers to build a high-performing global team? 

In this episode of The Agency Blueprint, I’m joined by Philip Rivers to discuss how to hire and manage overseas talent effectively. Philip is an email marketing expert and founder of a $200M revenue-generating agency. His journey began designing niche t-shirts and grew to a thriving agency with over 50 employees leveraging global talent for out...

Are you looking to target mid-market to enterprise-level clients? If so, the Account-Based Marketing (ABM) strategy might be a good fit. Unlike traditional broad outreach strategies, ABM focuses on precision, personalization, and relationship-building. 

In this episode of The Agency Blueprint, I discuss the effectiveness of the ABM strategy when working with high-value clients and why it’s more impactful today. I also explain the importance of understanding your ideal client persona, building detailed outreach strategies, and consistently engaging with these clients through multi-channel efforts. 

Don’t miss this episode to learn how to balance email automa...

Are you fixated on the idea that working more is the key to success? What if we told you that the key to success is not the hours you put in but about focusing your attention? You achieve better results by dedicating just 8 to 12 hours a week to a singular goal, refining processes, and creating intentional focus. 

In this episode of The Agency Blueprint, we discuss how focused attention leads to real progress rather than putting in more hours. We explore where the hustle culture propaganda stems from and how it only leads to burnout and decreased p...

How are you prepared to evolve your SEO and organic search as a marketing channel in this age of AI? AI is transforming organic search marketing, so it’s important for businesses to provide high-value content to meet the personalized needs of today’s customers.   

In this episode of The Agency Blueprint, Greg Brooks joins me to explore SEO and organic search marketing and how AI is transforming organic search marketing. Greg is an author and partner at SearchTides, a hub for all things search and SEO, and in the AI era of searching online. His role is pivo...