Agency Blueprint

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. 

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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. 

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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...

How do you leverage data in your agency to create effective marketing strategies? When appropriately leveraged, data in marketing can help you optimize audience targeting, campaign performance, and overall marketing outcomes. 

In this episode of The Agency Blueprint, I discuss how to base marketing decisions on data instead of making assumptions or shifting tactics too quickly. I also explain the importance of having a disciplined, long-term approach focused on continuous testing and small incremental improvements in various marketing funnel stages to double results over time. 

Listen in to learn the importance of un...

How are you harnessing the power of data to drive operational decisions in your creative agency? Leveraging data helps track agency performance and predict future outcomes, ensuring sustained growth. 

In this episode of The Agency Blueprint, we discuss how agencies can use data to streamline processes, enhance client satisfaction, and boost their bottom line. We also explain how to avoid data overload and enhance effective decision-making by focusing on fewer meaningful KPIs. 

Don’t miss this episode to learn more about asking the right questions, data transparency, and proper data management. 

What’s holding you back from delegating more in your agency? Trust issues and fear of handing over control are some challenges you might face when trying to delegate. But are you aware that effectively delegating gives you time to focus on growth and sustainability? 

In this episode of The Agency Blueprint, I’m joined by Ashley Berghoff to explore how effective operations can transform visionary businesses. Ashlee is an MBA and systems strategist with the mind of an architect and the heart of an entrepreneur. Her company works with visionary founders and agency owners stuck 'in' the b...

How can storytelling and visual models revolutionise your sales process? Rather than being a pushy salesperson, storytelling, visual models, and educating your clients can simplify complex ideas and build genuine client relationships. 

In this episode of The Agency Blueprint, I discuss the power of integrating stories and visual models for agency owners to position themselves as trusted partners. I further explain how educating clients empowers them to make informed decisions and sets realistic expectations. 

Don’t miss this episode to learn the importance of building trust and positioning yourself as a long-term partner rather than just...

What drives your agency forward—financial success or something deeper? Is your passion visible in your work? Aligning impact, purpose, and mission in your agency work is a key pillar that will support you in good and challenging times. 

In this episode of The Agency Blueprint, we discuss how passion differentiates you in the marketplace, builds trust with prospective clients, and improves team dynamics. We explain how embracing passion, excitement, and energy will help you achieve a fulfilling business experience. 

Listen in to learn more about the difference between financial motivation and genu...

Are you struggling to streamline client communication and content collaboration in your agency? Having clear communication, building trust, and optimizing workflows are some strategies that can help streamline day-to-day operations and manage client expectations. 

 In this episode of The Agency Blueprint, I’m joined by Xenia Muntean to discuss how to simplify agency operational and communication processes. Xenia is the CEO and Co-Founder of Planable, a content review and marketing collaboration platform used by over 15,000 creators behind iconic brands such as Hyundai, Christian Louboutin, Viber, and United Nations. She is a Forbes 30 Under 30 honoree, Techstars alumna, Webby Awar...

How do you handle price objections in your sales conversations? Mastering the art of addressing pricing concerns while safeguarding your profitability is essential whether you’re just starting or have years of experience. 

In this episode of The Agency Blueprint, I discuss actionable strategies to help you communicate the value of your agency to your clients during the sales conversation. I explain how to differentiate between marketing-qualified and sales-qualified leads in the sales process to avoid wasted efforts. 

Listen in to learn how to enhance agency-client relationships by building trust through demonstrated expertise, risk mitigation, and...

What if you reimagined your funnel from one with a wide top and a narrow bottom to one with small openings at both ends and a substantial middle?  The middle section of a funnel is where most leads reside and hold untapped potential. So, how can you maximize this crucial area of your funnel? 

In this episode of The Agency Blueprint, I discuss strategies for maximizing the middle funnel by nurturing leads through valuable content and tailored communication. I explain how to drive more conversions and business growth by transforming potential clients' apathy into engagement and motivation.  

What happens when a substantial portion of your agency’s income comes from just a handful of clients? Revenue concentration poses significant risks, especially if a major client leaves or market conditions change.  

In this episode of The Agency Blueprint, we discuss the critical issue of revenue concentration that affects many agencies. We emphasize the importance of diversifying revenue streams to ensure financial stability and sustainability.  

Listen in to learn strategies for reducing revenue concentration, such as leveraging existing client relationships, developing new business partnerships, and focusing on current and potential clients.  

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Are you afraid of the risk of being replaced by AI as a creative? What if you learned that AI is far from replacing creativity and can instead be leveraged to enhance your work? The inherent AI predictability means it can assist with routine tasks, but the unique human ability to push creative boundaries remains irreplaceable. 

In this episode of The Agency Blueprint, I’m joined by Ana Santhosh to discuss artificial intelligence (AI) and its implications for creative professionals. Ana is the founder of Kraft AI and is passionate about demystifying AI for leaders and organizations. She...

Are you making accurate financial projections and budgets to guide your business toward sustainable growth? Agency owners often overlook or avoid their financials, but understanding and managing these numbers is essential for long-term success and stability. 

In this episode of The Agency Blueprint, we discuss how business owners can better manage their finances without needing a degree in accounting or finance. We explain the importance of accurate financial projections, budgeting, and the use of financial benchmarks to ensure a sustainable and profitable business. 

Listen in to learn the significance of regularly reviewing financial statements, understanding ke...

Do you show up authentically? What does it mean to be truly authentic in business? How can you ensure your actions reflect your deepest values? When you align authentically with your values, you find renewed energy for growth and other aspects of business. 

In this episode of The Agency Blueprint, Guillaume Wiatr joins me to discuss the critical importance of authenticity in entrepreneurship. Guillaume is the creator of Strategic Narrative, the business strategy consulting and coaching methodology for entrepreneurial leaders and professional service firms. Through his company, MetaHelm, he steers experts, CEOs, and leadership teams to build a...

How often do you question the options in front of you and seek out creative solutions? By challenging the status quo and choosing 'Option C ', you can unlock your true potential and lead to a more fulfilling life.  

In this episode of The Agency Blueprint, I challenge the belief that life only gives us two undesirable options and explain the power of choosing option C. I also explain the value of charting unique pathways that align with your personal values and aspirations. 

Don’t miss this episode to hear real-life examples of individuals who chall...

Are you focusing on the right financial strategies to benefit your agency? How do you mitigate financial risks and secure financial stability? A lack of financial planning can negatively impact your agency’s success. An agency generating revenue for its own sake is pointless; the ultimate goal should be maximizing profit. 

In this episode of The Agency Blueprint, we delve into the financial risks that often arise in creative project management, such as underpricing services, mismanaging cash flow, and failing to plan for future expenses. We explain the importance of maintaining a healthy cash reserve and carefully pla...

Is selling your agency the right move for you? What personal goals and circumstances might influence your decision? Your unique goals and circumstances should influence the decision to sell your agency or hand it over to a successor.  

In this episode of The Agency Blueprint, Jonathan Baker joins me to discuss the misconceptions and realities surrounding the sale of an agency. Jonathan is the head of the M&A practice at Punctuation, a small advertising practice that works exclusively with small—to mid-size independent marketing service firms on various facets of business management and growth. 

Don’t...

What are your marketing and lead generation strategies? Where are you concentrating your marketing efforts? A well-balanced marketing and lead generation approach will help you manage resources effectively, build a sustainable pipeline, and steady growth.  

In this episode of The Agency Blueprint, I share various tactics to ensure your marketing and lead generation strategies balance your short-term, mid-term, and long-term goals. I explain when to focus on short-term goals and when to shift the balance to more mid-term and long-term strategies. 

Listen in to learn about some mid-term and long-term lead generation methods, how to eva...