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 Do you need to get yourself out of agency operations so you can work ON the agency rather than in it? Are you stuck in processes and fulfillment when you should be looking at growth? It might be time to hire for the role of COO to ensure your agency's success. A Chief Operating Officer plays a pivotal role in an agency's development, significantly reducing the CEO's operational burden. However, timing is crucial – agencies should carefully consider their growth stage before initiating the search for a COO, and thoroughly understand the position's complexities to ensure an ideal match. Our featured guest brings a unique perspective to this discussion. Having served as both COO and now CEO at her current agency, she offers valuable insights into the essential qualities needed for the role. Her experience illuminates the delicate balance required between the visionary (CEO) and the executor (COO), demonst

Would you like access to our advanced agency training for FREE? https://www.agencymastery360.com/training Is artificial intelligence revolutionizing business operations or threatening the carefully crafted storytelling techniques developed over decades? As many businesses struggle with integrating AI while maintaining authentic connections, today's featured guest offers valuable insights from his perspective as both an agency leader and AI advocate as well as someone who can see some of the fatigue caused by the ever-growing demand for constant information that has been aided by AI and the availability to create content faster and efficiently. He shares the ways he is integrating AI technology into his own agency, and why he believes it won’t work when it comes to replacing the human touch. Learn about his vision for AI use in business, the trends he sees changing in consumer preferences in social media, and how agencies can adapt to AI. Marc Beckman is the co-founder and CEO of DMA United, a New York City

Would you like access to our advanced agency training for FREE? https://www.agencymastery360.com/training Are you leveraging public speaking to grow your brand? Have you considered expanding your reach by having team members represent your company at events or interviews? Today’s featured guest has transformed public speaking from a marketing tactic into a primary source of new business leads. In just three years, he went from getting most of his business from webinars to getting most of his leads from his speaking engagements. In this episode, learn the common fears that keep agency owners from speaking at more events, the type of speaker you should be to attract more business, and why you should consider building a team willing to share their expertise and promote your agency at events or interviews. Dale Bertrand is the founder of Fire & Spark, a Boston-based SEO agency with a team of 25. He shares his journey from being a software developer to diving into the world of digital marketing. He also sha

Would you like access to our advanced agency training for FREE? https://www.agencymastery360.com/training Have you dedicated time to ensure the health of your email list? If you've built a 15,000-person email list for your business—that's a huge accomplishment! But what if that list isn't performing? If your open rates are as low, that number becomes meaningless. It's not about the quantity of subscribers, but the quality of your engagement. Moreover, if you’re not consistently delivering valuable content that keeps you top-of-mind as a problem-solver, then you're not maximizing the potential of your list. Today's featured guest shares his insights on effective email marketing strategies, including optimal content delivery frequency, list maintenance best practices, and how his agency has evolved over the past decade. Drawing from his experience, he advocates for email marketing as a reliable channel that doesn't depend on unpredictable social media algorithms. He believes many companies are overlooking a

Would you like access to our advanced agency training for FREE? https://www.agencymastery360.com/training Do you face a lot of skepticism from clients who have been disappointed by agencies before? How do you go about gaining their trust? After seven years running his agency, today’s featured guest still lists that mistrust as one of his primary challenges and talks about his strategic approach to overcoming this hurdle: combining client education with precise problem identification to deliver time-saving solutions that truly impact their businesses. This approach not only helps rebuild trust damaged by previous agency experiences but also positions marketing as a genuine catalyst for business growth. Join us as we explore how agencies can move beyond surface-level marketing solutions to become trusted partners in their clients' success stories. James Loomstein is the managing partner of Rogue Marketing, a digital agency based in Dallas that serves mostly mid-market B2B companies across various sectors. Th

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