Creative Agency Success Show

“As you're building your business, you're building your agency, you're going to realize that there's some prospects that are just not right. You have to go through that Vegas buffet and get sick and food poisoning because you overate and you ate a lot of the bad shit and you tell yourself, ‘I'm not going to eat those raw craw legs anymore.’” -Jason Swenk

The finer details of this episode:

• Jason Swenk's journey from agency owner to consultant and mastermind leader
• Importance of knowing target audience and sales process for agency success
• Value of creating a community of like-minded individuals through masterminds
• Emphasis on maintaining a high-quality community over quantity in mastermind groups
• Importance of building strong client relationships and conducting thorough research
• Unique approach to hiring by setting specific instructions for applicants to follow
• Significance of qualifying leads early in the sales process
• Value of personal challenges and experiences in shaping one's perspective and approach to business

Episode resources:

• Summit Virtual CFO by Anders website: https://www.summitcpa.net/
• Love our content? Sign up for our newsletter: https://www.summitcpa.net/summit-newsletter
• Digital Dollars and Cents: A Virtual CFO’s Playbook to help Digital Companies Create a Financial Roadmap to Success, is now an audio book! Download it here: https://vcfo.summitcpa.net/ddc
• Connect with Jason here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasonswenk/
• Listen to Jason’s podcast here: https://www.agencymastery360.com/podcast
• Check out Agency Mastery 360 here: https://jasonswenk.com/
• Subscribe to Jason’s YouTube channel here: https://www.youtube.com/jasonswenk

Timestamps:

Accidental Agency Owner (00:00:00)

Jason's accidental entry into the agency world and his agency's growth and eventual sale.

Transition to Consulting (00:03:08)

Jason's transition from running an agency to helping other agency owners and the inspiration behind his consulting practice.

Mastermind Community (00:04:45)

Jason's approach to running a mastermind community, its structure, and the experiences it offers to its members.

Exclusive Mastermind (00:08:28)

Jason's encounter with an exclusive mastermind and his decision to create a more genuine and impactful community.

Client Relationships (00:11:51)

Jason's insights on maintaining client relationships and the importance of delivering exceptional service.

Attract, Convert, Scale Methodology (00:14:32)

Jason's methodology for agency growth, focusing on attracting ideal clients, converting leads, and scaling the business.

Interviewing and Hiring (00:20:27)

Jason's advice on the interviewing process and the importance of knowing oneself and researching the client or employer.

Research and Applications (00:21:34)

Discussion on the importance of research in job applications and disqualifying uninterested candidates.

Lack of Research in Agency Pitching (00:22:47)

Personal anecdotes about pitching without proper research and the consequences.

Budgeting and Sales Process (00:25:48)

Strategies for asking for a budget in the sales process and the importance of understanding the client's budget.

Personal Question: Epic Experiences (00:30:29)

Sharing personal epic experiences, including hang gliding, paragliding, and winter backpacking.

Agency Mastery 360 (00:35:52)

Information on accessing free resources and masterclasses for building the ultimate sales team and attracting the perfect client.

“Having a strong forecasting process really should make it easier to eliminate things—like knowing if the seventh project is really one of the top seven things we need to do to hit our goals.” – Tom Wadelton

“When you build a budget, you're creating a plan for the next year, and then things happen. No one really expects a pandemic to happen, but things do happen. The question is, how do you adjust?” – Jamie Nau

The finer details of this episode:

• Importance of dynamic forecasting over static budgeting
• Client's growth journey and challenges during the pandemic
• Centralized vs. decentralized decision-making in budgeting
• Regular conversations about forecasts for informed decision-making
• Adapting to new realities and aligning hiring with growth goals
• Changes in sales leadership and their impact on business development
• Role of pipeline meetings in assessing demand and resource allocation
• Transitioning from fractional CFO services to full-time financial leadership
• Strategies for prioritizing projects and initiatives
• Reflecting on achievements and the evolution of business practices over time

Episode resources:

• Summit Virtual CFO by Anders website: https://www.summitcpa.net/
• Email us with questions or if you’d like to be a guest on the show: [email protected]
• We’re hiring! Check out our open positions: https://www.summitcpa.net/career-opportunities
• Check out the 2019 episode here: https://www.summitcpa.net/blog/forecasting-for-growth

Timestamps:

Introduction to the Episode (00:00:00)

The host welcomes listeners to the Creative Agency Success Show and sets the context for the episode.

Revisiting 2019 (00:00:14)

Jamie introduces the "fast forward" episode, referencing a previous discussion about a client's growth in 2019.

Client's Growth Overview (00:01:03)

Tom provides a recap of the client's financial growth goals and challenges faced in 2019.

Impact of the Pandemic (00:02:16)

Discussion on how the pandemic affected the client's growth trajectory and forecasting adjustments.

Forecasting vs. Budgeting (00:02:31)

Jamie emphasizes the importance of dynamic forecasting over static budgeting in uncertain times.

Decentralization Mistakes (00:03:16)

Tom shares how decentralizing budgeting decisions led to frustration during the pandemic.

Importance of Regular Forecast Updates (00:04:02)

Discussion on how frequent updates to forecasts can guide business decisions amidst unexpected changes.

Centralized Forecasting Lessons (00:05:35)

Tom explains the shift to centralized forecasting for better management of growth and hiring.

Sales Leadership Changes (00:06:28)

The introduction of a new sales leader and their impact on the company's growth strategy.

Pipeline Meetings and Forecasting (00:10:02)

Jamie discusses the connection between pipeline meetings and forecasting for effective decision-making.

Current Status of the Client (00:10:49)

Tom provides an update on the client's growth, reaching $23 million by late 2023.

Triggers for Hiring a Full-Time CFO (00:11:48)

Discussion on indicators that suggest a business needs to transition from fractional to full-time financial leadership.

Complexity in Business Decisions (00:12:43)

Jamie highlights how increasing complexity in business operations signals the need for dedicated financial expertise.

Key Takeaways for Business Owners (00:14:17)

Tom shares two crucial lessons from the client's journey: the importance of dynamic forecasting and identifying barriers to growth.

The Importance of Focus (00:17:16)

Discussion on prioritizing key tasks over numerous less impactful ones for better productivity.

Reflecting on Accomplishments (00:17:45)

Emphasis on reviewing past achievements to understand growth and progress made over the year.

The Elephant Analogy (00:18:15)

Using the metaphor of "eating an elephant" to illustrate the need for incremental progress in projects.

Challenges in Prioritization (00:18:23)

Struggles in limiting focus to essential tasks during planning meetings, despite wanting to add more.

Role of Strong Forecasting (00:18:42)

How effective forecasting aids in prioritizing projects aligned with top goals, simplifying decision-making.

Celebrating Five Years of Podcasting (00:19:01)

Reflection on the journey of podcasting over five years and the growth experienced during that time.

N...

• Importance of podcasting for business owners
• Enhancing visibility and credibility through podcast appearances
• Networking opportunities provided by podcasting
• Role of podcast guest booking agencies in facilitating appearances
• Content repurposing strategies for maximizing podcast impact
• Overcoming imposter syndrome in podcasting
• Engaging team members in podcasting for brand representation
• Process of working with a podcast guest booking agency
• Personal anecdotes and experiences related to travel and confidence
• Resources for preparing to be an effective podcast guest

Episode resources:

• Summit Virtual CFO by Anders website: https://www.summitcpa.net/
• Love our content? Sign up for our newsletter: https://www.summitcpa.net/summit-newsletter
• Digital Dollars and Cents: A Virtual CFO’s Playbook to help Digital Companies Create a Financial Roadmap to Success, is now an audio book! Download it here: https://vcfo.summitcpa.net/ddc
• Connect with Julie here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/fryjulie/
• Check out Your Expert Guest here: https://yourexpertguest.com/

Timestamps:

Introduction to the Episode (00:00:00)

Overview of the Creative Agency Success Show and its purpose for agency owners.

Guest Introduction (00:00:15)

Jamie introduces Julie Fry and shares his experience of missing part of the interview.

Interview Context (00:00:45)

Hannah reflects on the fun interview with Julie and her background.

Podcasting as a Meta Topic (00:01:29)

Discussion about the episode being focused on podcasting and its benefits.

Hannah's Passion for Podcasting (00:02:03)

Hannah expresses her excitement about podcasting and its advantages for business owners.

Julie's Background (00:03:02)

Julie shares her journey and the founding of her podcast guest booking agency.

Genesis of Julie's Business (00:04:51)

Julie explains how her business idea emerged during the early COVID-19 pandemic.

Benefits of Podcast Guesting (00:06:57)

Discussion on how podcast guesting can enhance visibility and referrals for service providers.

Content Repurposing Importance (00:09:19)

Julie highlights the value of repurposing podcast content for marketing.

Overcoming Stage Fright (00:12:04)

Advice for individuals feeling anxious about speaking on podcasts.

Mindset Shift for Podcasters (00:12:18)

Julie encourages focusing on the value of sharing knowledge during podcast interviews.

Building Confidence Through Affirmations (00:14:16)

Discussion on using testimonials to boost confidence before podcasting.

Team Involvement in Podcasting (00:15:28)

Exploration of how organizations can involve team members in podcasting efforts.

Developing Personal Brands (00:18:43)

Discussion on the benefits of employees building personal brands through podcasting.

Client Engagement Process (00:19:41)

Julie outlines the typical engagement process with her clients for podcast guesting.

Podcast Guesting Benefits (00:22:14)

Discussion on how delegating tasks can save time and increase efficiency for business owners.

Favorite Vacation Stories (00:23:01)

Julie shares her favorite vacation experiences, highlighting confidence gained from solo travel and family trips.

Connecting with Julie (00:25:31)

Julie provides information on how listeners can connect with her and access helpful resources for podcast guesting.

“If you sit down and really make sure that your profile resonates and is truly you, it feels good, and you smile. Ultimately, you become a person who doesn't have to look for a job. Jobs find you. You become a person whose phone rings because there are opportunities, because people know you, remember you, have worked with you, and they want to work with you again.”

—Donna Serdula

The finer details of this episode:

• Importance of personal branding on LinkedIn
• Shift in perception of the platform
• Challenges of creating and maintaining a professional presence on social media
• Controlling one's personal brand and its impact on career opportunities
• Showcasing values, actions, and descriptions to create a strong and memorable brand
• Balancing professionalism with personal authenticity on LinkedIn
• Importance of consistency and cadence in posting content on LinkedIn

Episode resources:

• Summit Virtual CFO by Anders website: https://www.summitcpa.net/
• Love our content? Sign up for our newsletter: https://www.summitcpa.net/summit-newsletter
• Digital Dollars and Cents: A Virtual CFO’s Playbook to help Digital Companies Create a Financial Roadmap to Success, is now an audio book! Download it here: https://vcfo.summitcpa.net/ddc
• https://Donnanaserdula.com/
• https://www.linkedin.com/in/toDonnana/

Timestamps:

The importance of personal branding on LinkedIn (00:01:13)

Discussion on the psychology behind personal branding and deliberate control of perception.

The shift in perception of LinkedIn (00:02:07)

The change from a passive networking platform to a more active and personal branding platform.

The challenges of maintaining a professional presence on social media (00:02:44)

Struggles with the perception of LinkedIn as a purely professional platform and the fear of being too personal.

The evolving concept of professionalism on LinkedIn (00:04:25)

Debunking the traditional image of professionalism and the need to move away from the concept of a suit and tie.

The importance of personal branding for career growth (00:08:08)

Emphasizing the significance of personal branding for career development and the need to control one's brand.

Strategies for personal branding on LinkedIn (00:09:49)

Discussion on the vision, mission, and consistent portrayal of oneself to create a strong personal brand.

The value of personal connection in professional work (00:12:49)

The significance of bringing one's whole self to work and the impact of personal connections in professional settings.

The time and effort required for effective LinkedIn utilization (00:15:49)

The need for strategic planning, time investment, and iterative work to create a strong LinkedIn profile.

Overcoming psychological barriers to posting on LinkedIn (00:18:16)

Dealing with the negative psychology and vulnerability associated with posting on LinkedIn.

The positivity of LinkedIn (00:19:08)

Discussion about the positive and professional atmosphere of LinkedIn compared to other social media platforms.

Building a professional network (00:20:08)

The importance of surrounding oneself with positive and empowering connections on LinkedIn.

Creating an authentic LinkedIn profile (00:21:06)

Encouragement to take control of one's image on LinkedIn, making the profile authentic and aligned with personal goals.

Utilizing LinkedIn for professional relationships (00:22:00)

The significance of researching and checking out profiles on LinkedIn for business interactions.

Starting and maintaining a LinkedIn profile (00:24:43)

Encouragement for individuals to start their LinkedIn journey and the emotional component of personal branding.

Success on LinkedIn and real-world relationships (00:26:23)

Emphasizing the importance of moving beyond LinkedIn to build real-world relationships for professional success.

Consistency and storytelling on LinkedIn (00:33:42)

The importance of consistency in posting and sharing on LinkedIn, drawing parallels with a story from "The Little Prince."

Balancing positivity and authenticity on LinkedIn (00:37:01)

Encouragement to not overthink posting on LinkedIn and to share authentic experiences without worrying about being too cringey.

Personal Branding on LinkedIn (00:37:50)

Donna discusses the importance of posting on LinkedIn to develop personal branding and shares tips for creating engaging content.

"Alignment is going in the same direction, fighting for the same things, and looking at the same big picture together.” – Rachel Gertz

The finer details of this episode:

● Importance of project management and operations in digital agencies and creative studios

● Challenges in project management and the need for alignment between sales and project management

● Solutions to improve communication and alignment between departments

● Importance of understanding client goals and business objectives during the sales process

● Concept of time in the sales process and optimizing operations for long-term efficiency

● The three questions of project management: "Where are we? Where are we going? Are we okay?"

● Importance of ongoing alignment, regular check-ins, and alignment exercises for client satisfaction and project success

Episode resources:

● Summit Virtual CFO by Anders website: https://www.summitcpa.net/

● Love our content? Sign up for our newsletter: https://www.summitcpa.net/summit-newsletter

● Digital Dollars and Cents: A Virtual CFO’s Playbook to help Digital Companies Create a Financial Roadmap to Success, is now an audio book! Download it here: https://vcfo.summitcpa.net/ddc

• Connect with Rachel here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rachel-gertz-trainer/
• Check out Louder than Ten here: https://louderthanten.com

Timestamps:

Welcome to the Creative Agency Success Show (00:00:00)

Introduction to the podcast and anticipation of the upcoming discussion with Rachel Gertz.

Insights from Rachel Gertz's Interview (00:00:14)

Discussion about the valuable tips and insights shared by Rachel Gertz in the podcast episode.

Improving Client Onboarding Process (00:00:36)

The importance of implementing new client onboarding strategies and the potential impact on client efficiency and improvements.

Implementing Advice from Rachel Gertz (00:01:11)

Encouragement to implement the advice shared by Rachel Gertz and the anticipation of positive outcomes from the episode.

Introduction of Rachel Gertz and Hannah (00:02:10)

Introduction of Rachel Gertz as the guest and Hannah as the special guest host for the episode.

Rachel Gertz's Background and Passion (00:02:35)

Insight into Rachel Gertz's background, passion for project management, and the focus of Louder Than Ten.

Rachel Gertz's Transition to Project Management (00:03:15)

Rachel Gertz's transition to project management, her background in teaching and education, and her passion for the softer side of project management.

Common Ailments in Project Management (00:05:14)

Identification of common challenges in project management and the impact of misalignment between sales and project management.

Improving Communication Between Departments (00:06:50)

The significance of communication between departments and the need for solutions to ensure effective communication among all departments.

Sales Process and Project Management Handover (00:07:43)

The impact of rushed sales processes and the importance of aligning project goals with business goals for successful project delivery.

Optimizing Sales Process (00:09:00)

Strategies for optimizing the sales process, including vetting criteria, involving subject matter experts, and aligning project goals with business goals.

Project Management Alignment Exercise (00:15:36)

Recommendation to use a client fit matrix for alignment exercises and the importance of regular check-ins to maintain alignment throughout the project.

Weekly Team Check-Ins (00:17:57)

Flexible approaches for weekly team check-ins, including the format, cadence, and the incorporation of project-related health questions.

Guiding Conversations and Asking the Right Questions (00:19:33)

The importance of framing questions to guide conversations and ensure the right answers during check-in meetings.

Each topic title is followed by the starting time of the segment in the podcast episode.

Project Management and Change Management (00:19:48)

Discussion about handling changes in project scope, involving project managers, account managers, and sales.

Flexibility in Project Scoping (00:21:46)

Exploring the idea of designing projects with flexibility and adaptability, and the impact on pricing and project direction.

Believability and Billability of Project Management (00:24:19)