Creative Agency Success Show

The most profitable agencies do more than deliver great work.  In this episode, Sharon Toerek, Owner and Founder of Legal+Creative | Toerek Law, shares how legal foundations, intellectual property, agency contracts, AI risk management, marketing compliance, data privacy, value-based pricing, agency profitability, and business growth work together to strengthen your agency. You’ll learn why legal should be viewed as a profit generator, how agencies can manage AI-related risks, and what business owners need to do to protect and grow their firms in a rapidly changing market.Key takeaways:Legal foundation is a profit generator, not a cost center. Stop treating it as an expense.AI introduces new legal risks for agencies. Intellectual property ownership and data privacy require careful attention. Data privacy compliance is becoming more complex. Agencies must navigate varying state regulations. Contracts remain one of your most important business tools. Regular contract reviews help protect profitability.AI works best when paired with human expertise. Professional judgment still drives results.Learn how to turn legal strategy and smarter business decisions into a stronger, more profitable future. Tune in to the full episode of Legal Foundations That Actually Drive Agency Profit with Sharon Toerek.Find more podcast episodes on our website: anderscpa.com/learn/podcasts/  Episode resources:●       Anders Virtual CFO website: anderscpa.com  ●       Love our content? Sign up for our newsletter:  https://anderscpa.com/learn/    ●       Check out the Virtual CFO Playbook Course:  https://anderscpa.com/virtual-cfo-services/vcfo-playbook/     Quotes-Sharon Toerek: “Legal foundation for marketing service firms should be a profit generator, not a cost center.”-Jamie Nau: “The safest compliance strategy is often to follow the most conservative regulations.”-John C. Scott: “AI should handle repeatable tasks so professionals can focus on higher-value work.”Sharon Toerek is the Owner and Founder of Legal+Creative | Toerek Law, a law firm built exclusively for independent marketing and creative agencies. She specializes in intellectual property law, contract development and negotiation, marketing regulation compliance, and AI risk management for agency clients. Sharon is also the host of the Innovative Agency Podcast, a forward-looking resource for independent agency owners navigating innovation, business model evolution, and the future of the industry.Website: https://legalandcreative.com/ LI: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sharontoerek/?isSelfProfile=false  https://www.linkedin.com/company/legal-creative/  The Creative Agency Success Show helps service-based business owners master the financial side of growth. Hosted by Jamie Nau, Director of Virtual CFO Services/ Virtual CFO, and Jody Grunden, Partner and Virtual CFO Practice Leader at Anders, the podcast dives into essential financial strategies for scaling creative agencies.  Website: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2458889    FB: https://www.facebook.com/vcfobyanders    LI: https://www.linkedin.com/company/vcfobyanders/   IG: https://www.instagram.com/vcfobyanders    YT: https://www.youtube.com/@vcfobyanders     Jamie Nau, CPA, Director of Virtual CFO Services/ Virtual CFO, is a seasoned financial expert with a deep understanding of business growth stages.  Jamie has worked extensively with middle-market and large companies, providing key financial insights.  Website: https://anderscpa.com/     FB: https://www.facebook.com/vcfobyanders  LI: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamienau/  https://www.linkedin.com/company/vcfobyanders/  IG: https://www.instagram.com/vcfobyanders/  YT: https://www.youtube.com/@vcfobyanders  John C. Scott, CPA, AEP, is a Partner in Tax and a leader in legal industry financial strategy by Anders. He helps law firms win high-stakes cases with smart strategy by delivering clear financial insights, identifying key performance indicators, and strengthening decision-making at every level. With deep expertise in estate planning and financial analysis, John works closely with attorneys and firm leaders to align financial goals with long-term business success and case readiness. His approach brings scalability, flexibility, and data-driven clarity to complex legal environments, helping firms stay focused, prepared, and competitive.Connect with John C. Scott:LI: https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-c-scott-cpa/ X: https://x.com/JohnScottCPA

The rules of business growth are changing faster than ever. The businesses that adapt will find new opportunities. The ones that resist change risk falling behind.In this episode, Rachel Ody, Project Management Operations Consultant and Coach at Hello Rachel, talks about what it takes to grow a service-based business in today’s rapidly shifting environment. You’ll hear why the project management role is evolving beyond task execution, how AI and automation are squeezing project budgets and timelines, why value-based pricing, niching, and strategy are now the three non-negotiables for agency growth, and how businesses can close the growing talent gap when the traditional path to developing senior-level expertise no longer exists.  Key takeaways:Project management is no longer just about getting tasks done.  PMs now need to think and operate strategically.There is a real counter-argument to the strategy-first approach.  Some clients are overwhelmed by strategy and just need someone to execute well.Simplicity may be the next competitive edge. a return to simplicity — and businesses that can offer clarity, connection. AI needs a human operating system. Project managers are becoming the connective tissue of the business.Value-based pricing, niching, and strategy. The three things separating growing agencies from struggling ones.Your business is not going to grow by waiting for the market to stabilize. Tune in the full episode of ▶️Adapt or Fall Behind: The New Rules of Business Growth with Rachel Ody.Find more podcast episodes on our website: anderscpa.com/learn/podcasts/  Episode resources:●       Anders Virtual CFO website: anderscpa.com  ●       Love our content? Sign up for our newsletter:  https://anderscpa.com/learn/    ●       Check out the Virtual CFO Playbook Course:  https://anderscpa.com/virtual-cfo-services/vcfo-playbook/     Quotes-Rachel Ody: “You have to be able to read underneath the surface, not just the logical way to solve a business problem, but what you actually know to be true.”-Jamie Nau: “The three things that are going to separate you right now are value-based pricing, niching, and strategy.”Rachel Ody is a Project Management Operations Consultant and Coach at Hello Rachel. She is the co-founder of Louder Than Ten, a respected project management training company, and has spent years helping agencies and small businesses build operational systems that actually work. Rachel now focuses on supporting business owners through strategic change, operational clarity, and the kind of honest leadership thinking that drives real, sustainable growth.Website: https://hellorachel.ca/ LI: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rachel-ody-coach/?isSelfProfile=false IG: https://www.instagram.com/thestraymuse     The Creative Agency Success Show helps service-based business owners master the financial side of growth. Hosted by Jamie Nau, Director of Virtual CFO Services/ Virtual CFO, and Jody Grunden, Partner and Virtual CFO Practice Leader at Anders, the podcast dives into essential financial strategies for scaling creative agencies.  Website: https://anderscpa.com/learn/podcasts/the-creative-agency-success-show/ FB: https://www.facebook.com/vcfobyanders    LI: https://www.linkedin.com/company/vcfobyanders/   IG: https://www.instagram.com/vcfobyanders    YT: https://www.youtube.com/@vcfobyanders     Jamie Nau, CPA, Director of Virtual CFO Services/ Virtual CFO, is a seasoned financial expert with a deep understanding of business growth stages.  Jamie has worked extensively with middle-market and large companies, providing key financial insights.  Website: https://anderscpa.com/     FB: https://www.facebook.com/vcfobyanders  LI: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamienau/  https://www.linkedin.com/company/vcfobyanders/  IG: https://www.instagram.com/vcfobyanders/  YT: https://www.youtube.com/@vcfobyanders  

The future of agency growth is not just more automation. It is also a more human connection.In this episode, Jay Owen, CEO of Business Builders, joins Jamie Nau to talk about agency community, event strategy, thought leadership, organic growth, and the practical ways AI is changing how agency owners work. Jay shares the story behind Agency Builders Retreat, why in-person connection matters more in an AI-driven world, how he thinks about building events that people want to return to, and why consistent thought leadership can create opportunities long before a direct sales conversation begins.Key takeaways:• The future is both autonomous and human. AI can create leverage, but agency owners still need trust, relationships, and real connection.• Community can become a growth engine. Jay explains how Agency Builders grew through connection, referrals, and shared learning.• Events are a form of stage-building. Creating your own event, podcast, or platform can help agency owners build authority.• Thought leadership compounds over time. Consistent content around a real problem can create opportunities that direct outreach may not.• AI works best when it removes real friction. Jay shares how connected tools can support follow-up, email, research, and daily operations.If you are trying to grow an agency in a way that is profitable, sustainable, and ready for the future of AI, tune in to the full episode of ▶️The Future of Agency Growth Is Human and AI-Driven with Jay Owen.Find more podcast episodes on our website: anderscpa.com/learn/podcasts/Episode resources:●       Anders Virtual CFO website: anderscpa.com  ●       Love our content? Sign up for our newsletter:  https://anderscpa.com/learn/    ●       Check out the Virtual CFO Playbook Course:  https://anderscpa.com/virtual-cfo-services/vcfo-playbook/     Quotes- Jay Owen: "The future is two things at the same time, highly autonomous and AI driven, for sure, and deeply human."- Jay Owen: "The best way to grow a business is to do a great job for somebody, ask them to tell somebody else, and you will never run out of business."- Jamie Nau: "Sometimes it is a long tail, which is a hard thing for marketers to get their hands around sometimes."Jay Owen is the CEO of Business Builders. He helps businesses and organizations with clear messaging, website and video production, and online promotion. With more than 25 years of experience in web design, marketing communications, and creative direction, Jay also shares ideas with business leaders through events, podcasts, coaching, webinars, and workshops.Website: https://jayowenlive.com/aboutIG: https://www.instagram.com/jayowenFB: https://www.facebook.com/jayowenlive/X: https://x.com/owendesignLi: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jayowen/YT: https://www.youtube.com/@jayowenlivePodcast: https://buildingabusinessthatlasts.com/about/Business BuildersWebsite: https://businessbldrs.com/YT: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC3SN1I1FwktpF_lMqaZveIgIG: https://www.instagram.com/businessbldrs/Li: https://www.linkedin.com/company/businessbldrs/FB: https://www.facebook.com/businessbldrsThe Creative Agency Success Show helps service-based business owners master the financial side of growth. Hosted by Jamie Nau, Director of Virtual CFO Services/ Virtual CFO, and Jody Grunden, Partner and Virtual CFO Practice Leader at Anders, the podcast dives into essential financial strategies for scaling creative agencies.  Website: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2458889    FB: https://www.facebook.com/vcfobyanders    LI: https://www.linkedin.com/company/vcfobyanders/   IG: https://www.instagram.com/vcfobyanders    YT: https://www.youtube.com/@vcfobyanders     Jamie Nau, CPA, Director of Virtual CFO Services/ Virtual CFO, is a seasoned financial expert with a deep understanding of business growth stages.  Jamie has worked extensively with middle-market and large companies, providing key financial insights.  Website: https://anderscpa.com/     FB: https://www.facebook.com/vcfobyanders  LI: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamienau/  https://www.linkedin.com/company/vcfobyanders/  IG: https://www.instagram.com/vcfobyanders/  YT: https://www.youtube.com/@vcfobyanders  

AI adoption gets risky when agency owners move faster than their teams can follow.In this episode, Rob Harr, co-founder and President of Sparkbox, joins Jamie Nau and Tom Wadelton to talk about AI, agency operations, leadership, team adoption, innovation, and business model change. You will hear why AI cannot stay trapped with the owner, how internal communities help teams experiment safely, and why agency leaders need to separate messy exploration from operational execution.You will also learn how Rob thinks about the three main ways agencies use AI, why teams need permission to share failures, and how agency owners can avoid selling AI-driven work before their teams are ready to deliver it.Key takeaways:AI adoption needs team momentum. When the owner gets too far ahead, the agency creates a delivery gap that can become risky.Community helps teams keep up. Internal communities give people a place to experiment, share wins, and learn together.Start with existing problems. Rob recommends using tomorrow’s tech to solve yesterday’s problems before chasing new service lines.Failure has to be safe. Teams need permission to share what did not work if they are going to innovate consistently.Exploration needs a different space. Sparkbox uses expedition-style thinking for open experimentation, then operationalizes ideas with business value.If your agency is trying to turn AI excitement into real adoption, listen to this episode of ▶️ How Agency Owners Can Make AI a Team Sport with Rob HarrFind more podcast episodes on our website: anderscpa.com/learn/podcasts/ Episode resources:●       Anders Virtual CFO website: anderscpa.com    ●       Love our content? Sign up for our newsletter:  https://anderscpa.com/learn/    ●       Check out the Virtual CFO Playbook Course:  https://anderscpa.com/virtual-cfo-services/vcfo-playbook/     Quotes- Rob Harr: "Step one is using tomorrow’s tech to solve yesterday’s problems."- Rob Harr: "Innovation can’t happen without failure."- Rob Harr: "Stop trying to guess where this is going to end up in three years because you’re wrong."Rob Harr is a developer, software consultant, co-founder, and President of Sparkbox, a web design and development studio focused on long-term client partnerships and creating a better Web through education. Rob has deep experience in agency operations, pricing, leadership, finance, software development, and helping agency teams build stronger businesses.IG: https://www.instagram.com/robert.harr/LI: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robertharr/SparkboxWebsite: https://sparkbox.com/The Creative Agency Success Show helps service-based business owners master the financial side of growth. Hosted by Jamie Nau, Director of Virtual CFO Services/ Virtual CFO, and Jody Grunden, Partner and Virtual CFO Practice Leader at Anders, the podcast dives into essential financial strategies for scaling creative agencies.  Website: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2458889    FB: https://www.facebook.com/vcfobyanders    LI: https://www.linkedin.com/company/vcfobyanders/   IG: https://www.instagram.com/vcfobyanders    YT: https://www.youtube.com/@vcfobyanders     Jamie Nau, CPA, Director of Virtual CFO Services/ Virtual CFO, is a seasoned financial expert with a deep understanding of business growth stages.  Jamie has worked extensively with middle-market and large companies, providing key financial insights.  Website: https://anderscpa.com/    FB: https://www.facebook.com/vcfobyanders   LI: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamienau/   https://www.linkedin.com/company/vcfobyanders/  IG: https://www.instagram.com/vcfobyanders/ YT: https://www.youtube.com/@vcfobyanders  Tom Wadelton is a Partner and Virtual CFO at Anders, bringing over 20 years of financial expertise from his tenure at a Fortune 500 company. He has extensive experience spanning financial management, accounting operations, and information technology integration. Tom specializes in delivering strategic Virtual CFO services, helping businesses optimize their financial performance through advanced accounting solutions.Website: https://anderscpa.com/about/your-anders-team/#thomas-d-wadelton LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tomwadelton/ 

When your messaging, positioning, and systems stay aligned, you create clarity, trust, and momentum for the next stage of growth.In this episode, Amy Maxwell, Founder and Creative Director at Maxwell Design Co, breaks down the hard truth about rebranding, business growth, brand strategy, thought leadership, positioning, operational systems, and scaling a service-based business. You’ll hear practical insights on how to know when your business has outgrown its current brand, how to align your identity with growth goals, and why brand systems, messaging consistency, and operational structure matter more than just a new logo. Key takeaways:A rebrand should support growth. Without systems and structure behind it, a rebrand becomes “an expensive mood board” instead of a growth tool.Your brand is bigger than your logo. Messaging, positioning, and client experience shape how people understand your business.Consistency builds trust. Inconsistent messaging across marketing, sales, and leadership creates friction that weakens growth.Growth often creates the need for rebranding. Your systems, identity, and positioning need to reflect where you are going.Brand audits reveal hidden problems. Reviewing collateral, messaging, and customer perception.If your brand no longer reflects who you are or where you’re headed, tune in to the full episode of ▶️The Pricing Strategy That Unlocks Real Profit Growth with Logan Lyles.Find more podcast episodes on our website: anderscpa.com/learn/podcasts/  Episode resources:●       Anders Virtual CFO website: anderscpa.com  ●       Love our content? Sign up for our newsletter:  https://anderscpa.com/learn/    ●       Check out the Virtual CFO Playbook Course:  https://anderscpa.com/virtual-cfo-services/vcfo-playbook/     Quotes-Amy Maxwell: "A successful rebrand starts with auditing what already works and what’s hurting the business."-Jody Grunden: "Business owners often struggle to separate their personal identity from their brand."-Jamie Nau: "Rebranding sounds exciting until you realize how much work and strategy it actually takes."Amy Maxwell is Founder and Creative Director at Maxwell Design Co, a lean, senior-led creative agency she launched in 2019. With 15 years of experience across agencies and in-house teams, Amy specializes in brand strategy, visual identity, and go-to-market systems for growing businesses. She helps companies at inflection points of growth align their brand, operations, and identity so they can scale with clarity and consistency.LI: https://www.linkedin.com/in/maxwelldesignco/?isSelfProfile=false IG: https://www.instagram.com/maxwelldesignco/ Maxwell Design CoWebsite: https://maxwelldesignco.com FB: https://www.facebook.com/MaxwellDesignCo/ LI: https://www.linkedin.com/company/maxwelldesignco/        The Creative Agency Success Show helps service-based business owners master the financial side of growth. Hosted by Jamie Nau, Director of Virtual CFO Services/ Virtual CFO, and Jody Grunden, Partner and Virtual CFO Practice Leader at Anders, the podcast dives into essential financial strategies for scaling creative agencies.  Website: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2458889    FB: https://www.facebook.com/vcfobyanders    LI: https://www.linkedin.com/company/vcfobyanders/   IG: https://www.instagram.com/vcfobyanders    YT: https://www.youtube.com/@vcfobyanders     Jamie Nau, CPA, Director of Virtual CFO Services/ Virtual CFO, is a seasoned financial expert with a deep understanding of business growth stages.  Jamie has worked extensively with middle-market and large companies, providing key financial insights.  Website: https://anderscpa.com/     FB: https://www.facebook.com/vcfobyanders  LI: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamienau/  https://www.linkedin.com/company/vcfobyanders/  IG: https://www.instagram.com/vcfobyanders/  YT: https://www.youtube.com/@vcfobyanders  Jody Grunden, CPA, is Partner and Virtual CFO Practice Leader at Anders. Jody revolutionized financial advisory by introducing remote CFO services, helping businesses scale with strategic financial insights. He specializes in guiding companies, especially creative agencies, through financial maturity.  Website: https://www.anderscpa.com/   FB: https://www.facebook.com/vcfobyanders    LI: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jodygrunden/    https://www.linkedin.com/company/vcfobyanders/    IG: https://www.instagram.com/vcfobyanders/      

You put in the work to plan a webinar and still walk away with no sales calls booked, no pipeline, and no clear path forward.In this episode, Logan Lyles, Founder of DemandShift, shares his proven webinar strategy for B2B service-based businesses that want to generate leads, book sales calls, and build pipelines without turning their webinars into a hard sell. You’ll learn how to fix the two biggest webinar mistakes, the registration rut and the conversion cliff, and how a two-step signup process helped Logan 5X his conversion rate from webinar registrants to booked sales calls. This episode gives you a clear, actionable framework for turning your next webinar into a real lead generation engine.Key takeaways:Avoid the two webinar killers. Knowing which problem you have is the first step to fixing your webinar strategy.Use the two-step signup process to capture leads before the event. The two-step signup process captures interest right at registration.Make your CTA outcome-based, not ask-based. Framing your call to action around a clear outcome dramatically improves results.Design your survey to qualify and disqualify leads. Post-registration survey separates your ideal clients from those who aren’t ready yet.Balance brand and demand in every webinar. Your webinar should educate and build trust, but it also needs to drive pipeline.Tune in now to ▶️The Pricing Strategy That Unlocks Real Profit Growth with Logan Lyles.Find more podcast episodes on our website: anderscpa.com/learn/podcasts/  Episode resources:●       Anders Virtual CFO website: anderscpa.com  ●       Love our content? Sign up for our newsletter:  https://anderscpa.com/learn/    ●       Check out the Virtual CFO Playbook Course:  https://anderscpa.com/virtual-cfo-services/vcfo-playbook/     Quotes-Logan Lyles: “If your CTA and the prompt you’re giving someone to take the next step is only during the live event, you’re missing 65% of your swings.”-Jody Grunden: "Webinars can educate your audience while also creating real opportunities for leads and clients."Logan Lyles is the Founder of DemandShift, where he helps B2B brands turn underperforming webinars into consistent revenue drivers. After struggling with low conversions early in his career, Logan rebuilt his approach and increased webinar-driven sales calls by 5X. Today, he specializes in aligning content, offers, and conversion strategy to drive real pipeline. His Webinar Fast Track framework focuses on creating clear next steps that translate attention into profit.Website: https://demandshift.co/ , https://demandshift.co/prompt LI: https://www.linkedin.com/in/loganlyles/  FB: https://www.facebook.com/logan.lyles.96/    DemandShiftLI: https://www.linkedin.com/company/demandshift/       The Creative Agency Success Show helps service-based business owners master the financial side of growth. Hosted by Jamie Nau, Director of Virtual CFO Services/

When your processes are structured and your team knows what to do next, you gain time and improve performance.In this episode, Kenny Harper, Growth Coach at Growth Amplifiers, shares how to systemize your business, simplify operations, and multiply impact using scalable systems, repeatable processes, and a proven framework. You’ll learn how to move from custom work to standardized workflows, shift from service provider to trusted advisor, improve client relationships, build a coaching culture, and scale your service-based business without losing control or quality. You’ll also hear how Jody was featured on the Growth Amplifiers podcast, where deeper insights on building and scaling a successful firm are shared.Key takeaways:Shift from service provider to advisor. Focusing on transformation increases value and improves client retention.Build a coaching culture inside your team. Encouraging questions and solutions reduces bottlenecks.Put the right people in the right roles. Aligning strengths with responsibilities leads to better performance.Follow a clear system for scaling. From vision to diagnosis, each step builds consistency and growth.Co-create solutions with clients. Working together to choose the best path leads to better decisions.Tune in the full episode of ▶️How to Systemize Your Business and Multiply Impact with Kenny Harper.Find more podcast episodes on our website: anderscpa.com/learn/podcasts/  Episode resources:●       Anders Virtual CFO website: anderscpa.com  ●       Love our content? Sign up for our newsletter:  https://anderscpa.com/learn/    ●       Check out the Virtual CFO Playbook Course:  https://anderscpa.com/virtual-cfo-services/vcfo-playbook/     Quotes-Kenny Harper: “A clear, documented plan strengthens both execution and client alignment."-Jody Grunden: "Scale comes from systemizing most of your work while keeping flexibility where it matters."Kenny Harper is a Growth Coach at Growth Amplifiers, helping service-based business owners systemize their operations and scale without burnout. Drawing from his experience building and running a marketing agency, Kenny now guides leaders to simplify complexity and focus on what truly drives impact. Through his Amplified Growth System, he helps firms align vision, team, and execution to create consistent, scalable results. Website: https://kennyharper.rocks/   LI: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kennyharper/  FB: https://www.facebook.com/kenny.w.harper/ IG: https://www.instagram.com/kennywharper/  X: https://x.com/KennywHarper Growth AmplifiersLI: https://www.linkedin.com/company/growthamplifiers/      The Creative Agency Success Show helps service-based business owners master the financial side of growth. Hosted by Jamie Nau, Director of Virtual CFO Services/ Virtual

Growth can feel lighter when your business starts working with you, not against you.In this episode, Al Zdenek, Executive Chair of CakeClub, breaks down why most service-based businesses struggle with profitability, cash flow management, financial planning, and sustainable growth. You learn how to manage cash flow, build cash reserves, improve pricing, make better financial decisions, and align your business goals with your personal financial goals. The focus is on profit strategy, cash flow systems, financial clarity, business growth, and building a service business that supports your lifestyle and long-term wealth.Key takeaways:Cash flow is the foundation of survival. Most businesses fail because they do not track or manage cash flow properly.Breaking even is not enough. Break-even as covering expenses, paying yourself, and covering taxes.Build strong cash reserves and backup plans. Having 2 to 6 months access to lines of credit can protect your business during uncertainty.Pay yourself and diversify. Taking money out of your business reduces risk and increases long-term security.Use other people’s money strategically. Partnerships, private funding, and creative financing can support growth without draining your cash.Tune in to the full episode of ▶️ Why Most Service Businesses Struggle to Grow Profitably with Al Zdenek.Find more podcast episodes on our website: anderscpa.com/learn/podcasts/  Episode resources:●       Anders Virtual CFO website: anderscpa.com  ●       Love our content? Sign up for our newsletter:  https://anderscpa.com/learn/    ●       Check out the Virtual CFO Playbook Course:  https://anderscpa.com/virtual-cfo-services/vcfo-playbook/     Quotes-Al Zdenek: "Breaking even means covering expenses, paying yourself, handling taxes, and saving for the future."-Jamie Nau: "Cash is the first thing we look at. Understanding reserves is critical for every business."Al Zdenek is the Executive Chair of CakeClub and a seasoned entrepreneur with over 40 years of experience in wealth management and business growth. He is the bestselling author of Master Your Cash Flow and Master Your Business Cash Flow, where he teaches how to grow profitable businesses while living the life you want now. Website: https://alzdenek.com/ LI: https://www.linkedin.com/in/albertjzdenek/ FB: https://www.facebook.com/albertjzdenek/ X: https://x.com/alzdenek YT: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCXCYeD34e-PybZQHwIvmLCA     CakeClubWebsite: https://www.cakeclubapp.com/  FB: https://www.facebook.com/people/Cakeclub/61571930199558/  LI: https://www.linkedin.com/company/cakeclubapp/  IG:

Time is one of the most valuable assets in a service-based business. Yet many owners and teams spend most of their week searching for information, copying data, formatting documents.In this episode, Greg Boone, CEO at Walk West, explains how artificial intelligence, AI tools, automation, and agent workflows can give business owners back nearly 80% of their time. You learn how AI transforms marketing, consulting, operations, and knowledge work by reducing manual work, improving research, accelerating analysis, and helping teams move faster with better insights. The conversation focuses on AI adoption, AI strategy, productivity, marketing technology, data analysis, AI agents, and practical ways to integrate AI into everyday business workflows.Key takeaways:AI can eliminate massive time waste. Explains how knowledge workers spend 50–60% of their week searching for information.You can reclaim up to 80% of administrative work. AI can complete weeks of work in minutes by automating research and analysis.AI works best as a thinking partner. Using AI to instruct, analyze data, generate ideas, and support decision making.AI reveals insights hidden in your data. Businesses can analyze meeting transcripts, reports, and unstructured data.Training matters for AI adoption. Without guidance, employees may misuse tools or rely on basic features, leaving most of AI’s real value unused.Tune in to the full episode of ▶️How AI Can Give You Back 80% of Your Time with Greg Boone.Find more podcast episodes on our website: anderscpa.com/learn/podcasts/  Episode resources:●       Anders Virtual CFO by Anders website: anderscpa.com  ●       Love our content? Sign up for our newsletter:  https://anderscpa.com/learn/    ●       Check out the Virtual CFO Playbook Course:  https://anderscpa.com/virtual-cfo-services/vcfo-playbook/     Quotes-Greg Boone: "We get hyper-focused on the process of how we do things. AI doesn’t care about your process—it only cares about the outcome.”-Jody Grunden: "Most firms struggle with growth because they rely on habits that worked when the company was smaller."Greg Boone is the CEO of Walk West and a technology leader known for building high-performing teams that drive digital transformation. With decades of experience across leadership roles from director to CEO and advisor, Greg champions a people-first approach to business and innovation. His philosophy is simple: build great people first, and they will build a great company. Greg has led teams that served major brands including Charter, Panera Bread, Nascar, and Le Creuset while maintaining exceptional client loyalty. Today, he focuses on helping organizations leverage technology and AI to work smarter, unlock productivity, and give leaders back valuable time.LI: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gregboone/IG: https://www.instagram.com/greg.boone/  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@AIVoiceorVictim Walk WestWebsite: https://walkwest.com/ FB: https://www.facebook.com/WalkWestLI: https://www.linkedin.com/company/

When leads feel inconsistent and results do not match the spend, the problem is rarely effort. The problem is visibility, measurement, and knowing what actually drives growth.In this episode, Jeff Greenfield, CEO of Provalytics, breaks down why so many service-based businesses feel like half their marketing budget is wasted. You hear clear explanations around marketing measurement, attribution, GA4 limits, impressions versus clicks, full-funnel marketing, privacy-driven data loss, AI-driven buyer journeys, and how attention, awareness, and timing impact revenue. The focus stays on fixing what feels broken so your marketing spend works harder.Key takeaways:Clicks do not tell the full story. Last-click attribution hides the real impact of awareness, impressions, and upper-funnel marketing.Attention comes before conversion. You learn how marketing dollars first create attention and awareness before leads.GA4 shows behavior, not influence. Understanding what Google Analytics actually measures helps prevent bad budget decisions.Impressions matter more than most teams think. Tracking impressions over time reveals patterns that clicks alone will never show.Better measurement protects profit. Clear attribution helps you invest in the channels that truly move revenue.Tune in to the full episode of ▶️Why Half Your Marketing Budget Feels Wasted (And How to Fix It) with Jeff Greenfield.Find more podcast episodes on our website: anderscpa.com/learn/podcasts/  Episode resources:●       Anders Virtual CFO by Anders website: anderscpa.com  ●       Love our content? Sign up for our newsletter:  https://anderscpa.com/learn/    ●       Check out the Virtual CFO Playbook Course:  https://anderscpa.com/virtual-cfo-services/vcfo-playbook/     Quotes-Jeff Greenfield: "Most marketing decisions break because finance and marketing are looking at two different sets of numbers."-Jody Grunden: "Business owners worry that focusing on one offer might hurt their brand but clarity often matters more than variety."Jeff Greenfield is the CEO of Provalytics, a privacy-first attribution platform helping marketers prove impact in a post-cookie world. With over two decades in the industry, Jeff built one of the first multi-touch attribution (MTA) platforms, driving 15–25% ROI growth for major global brands. As shifting privacy laws upended traditional tracking, he saw the need for AI-driven, compliant solutions and launched Provalytics in 2022. Today, his team empowers marketers to make smarter budget decisions with accurate, future-proof insights. Website: https://provalytics.com/   LI: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffgreenfield/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/provalytics/ The Creative Agency Success Show helps service-based business owners master the financial side of growth. Hosted by Jamie Nau, Director of Virtual CFO Services/ Virtual CFO, and Jody Grunden, Partner and Virtual CFO Practice Leader at Anders CPAs + Advisors, the podcast dives into essential financial strategies for scaling creative agencies.  Website:

A well-built service business creates momentum instead of pressure. With the right systems in place, you allow growth to happen without burning out.In this episode, Steven Ness, founder of Lighting the Way Leadership, explains how business owners can stop carrying the weight alone by building leadership systems, operational structure, and clear processes. The focus stays on delegation, accountability, financial clarity, team alignment, and systems that save time, energy, and money while supporting sustainable growth.Key takeaways:Systems create freedom. Documented processes and repeatable systems give you back control of your time.Leadership starts with you. You learn why personal accountability at the top sets the tone for results across the entire business.Right people in the right seats. Seat ownership helps teams perform better without constant oversight.Delegation without abdication. Clear expectations allow you to step back without losing quality or momentum.Build a business that works without you. Systems reduce owner dependency so the company can grow.Find more podcast episodes on our website: anderscpa.com/learn/podcasts/  Episode resources:●       Anders Virtual CFO by Anders website: anderscpa.com  ●       Love our content? Sign up for our newsletter:  https://anderscpa.com/learn/    ●       Check out the Virtual CFO Playbook Course:  https://anderscpa.com/virtual-cfo-services/vcfo-playbook/     Quotes-Steven Ness: "Systems save sanity, time, energy, and money. When you use them well, you stop making desperate decisions."-Jody Grunden: "Most leaders brush it off until they’re asked to look at the impact they’re carrying home."Steven Ness is the founder of Lighting the Way Leadership, where he helps leaders cut through business chaos with faith, structure, and a dose of tough love. With deep expertise in operations, training, B2B, retail, and sales, Steven equips teams to lead with clarity and purpose. His approach blends practical systems with people-first values reimagining business as People to People, not Business to Business. As a seasoned consultant, Steven is known for empowering leaders to grow personally and professionally. He’s on a mission to help organizations thrive through authentic leadership and strategic alignment.Website: https://lightingthewayleadership.com/Email: [email protected] LI: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stevenness/IG: https://www.instagram.com/steven_ness_leadership/X: https://x.com/StevenNessCoach  FB: https://www.facebook.com/people/Lighting-the-Way-Leadership/61568990434856/The Creative Agency Success Show helps service-based business owners master the financial side of growth. Hosted by Jamie Nau, Director of Virtual CFO Services/ Virtual CFO, and Jody Grunden, Partner and Virtual CFO Practice Leader at Anders CPAs + Advisors, the podcast div

Many service-based business owners win deals, deliver great work, and still struggle with margins.In this episode, Albert Banks breaks down how service-based businesses can protect margins before work even starts. You get a clear look at pricing strategy, value-based pricing, project profitability, cost awareness, negotiation tactics, and sales frameworks that help agencies and professional services firms grow revenue without burning out their teams. The focus stays on setting every project up for success from day one.Key takeaways:Use floor, table, and ceiling pricing. Learn how to set a pricing range that protects profit while giving flexibility in sales conversations.Move beyond hourly billing. Value-based and fixed-fee pricing create better alignment with clients.Anchor pricing with options. Offering multiple pricing options reframes the decision.Sell expertise, not tasks. Leading with discovery and strategy positions you as the expert.Know your true costs. Understanding fully loaded costs is non-negotiable if you want predictable margins.Tune into the full episode of ▶️How to Protect Your Margins Before the Sale Begins.Find more podcast episodes on our website: anderscpa.com/learn/podcasts/  Episode resources:●       Anders Virtual CFO by Anders website: anderscpa.com  ●       Love our content? Sign up for our newsletter:  https://anderscpa.com/learn/    ●       Check out the Virtual CFO Playbook Course:  https://anderscpa.com/virtual-cfo-services/vcfo-playbook/     Quotes-Albert Banks: "Strong margins start before the project begins. Preventative decisions in pricing and scoping protect profitability."-Jody Grunden: "When you know your data, time, cost, and team mix, you can price consistently and still hit your margin targets."Albert Banks is a seasoned agency founder turned consultant, helping businesses boost profitability through strategic pricing, operations, and sales frameworks. With over two decades of experience—including growing, merging, and selling his own agency—Albert now coaches leaders on setting value-based pricing and uncovering hidden risks before a deal even starts. He champions a diagnostic-first approach, ensuring clients position themselves as trusted experts rather than vendors. Albert’s practical systems help agencies increase margins and close better-fit clients.LI: https://www.linkedin.com/in/albertbanks/ The Creative Agency Success Show helps service-based business owners master the financial side of growth. Hosted by Jamie Nau, Director of Virtual CFO Services/ Virtual CFO, and Jody Grunden, Partner and Virtual CFO Practice Leader at Anders CPAs + Advisors, the podcast dives into essential financial strategies for scaling creative agencies.  Website: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2458889    FB: https://www.facebook.com/vcfobyanders    LI: https://www.linkedin.com/company/vcfobyanders/   IG: https://www.

Run your agency with clarity, confidence, and control. Many creative and marketing agency owners are closer to real growth than they realize.In this episode, Jesse Gilmore, CEO and founder of Niche in Control, breaks down the mindset and structure shifts that agency owners must make to achieve freedom, scalability, and financial success. He shares how to move from being the doer to being the leader, why perfectionism is holding you back, and how to build a business that thrives without you working 80-hour weeks. Key takeaways:The 80/20 rule for creativity. Learn how to systemize 80% of your operations so you can focus your creativity on the 20%.How to overcome perfectionism. Perfectionism keeps agency owners trapped. Power of time audits. Discover how tracking your time for just seven days can expose hidden inefficiencies.  Value-based pricing beats hourly billing. Learn how value-based pricing helps agencies earn more while working less.How to go upmarket strategically. Agencies must move toward strategy-based offers and premium clients to stay competitive.Tune into the episode of ▶️Stop Thinking Like a Freelancer—Start Earning Like a Founder.Find more podcast episodes on our website: anderscpa.com/learn/podcasts/  Episode resources:●       Anders Virtual CFO by Anders website: anderscpa.com  ●       Love our content? Sign up for our newsletter:  https://anderscpa.com/learn/    ●       Check out the Virtual CFO Playbook Course:  https://anderscpa.com/virtual-cfo-services/vcfo-playbook/     Quotes-Jesse Gilmore: "Tracking time reveals hidden inefficiencies. Once you see where time really goes, you can start eliminating, automating, and delegating effectively."-Jamie Nau: "An outside perspective helps agencies see what truly sets them apart, what you think is your strength might not be what clients value most."Jesse Gilmore is the CEO and founder of Niche in Control, where he helps full-service creative and marketing agency owners scale their businesses while reclaiming their time and freedom. Through his Leverage for Growth program, Jesse guides agency leaders from being hands-on hustlers to confident CEOs who build scalable systems, attract high-value clients, and lead empowered teams. His proven methods have helped countless agency owners double revenue, increase profit margins, and reduce work hours all without sacrificing quality or balance.  Website: https://www.nicheincontrol.com/     FB: https://www.facebook.com/NicheInControl    LI: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessepgilmore/https://www.linkedin.com/company/niche-in-control/     IG: https://www.instagram.com/niche.in.control/    X: https://x.com/ControlNiche  TitTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@nicheincontrol  &

As a business owner, you may trust your team, but that trust can blind you to the quiet financial risks inside your business.  In this episode of The Creative Agency Success Show, we talk with Clay Kniepmann, manager in Forensic and Litigation at Anders, to share practical tips on balancing trust and control and how you can use simple steps to strengthen your internal processes.Key Takeaways:Watch for Red Flags: Delayed reports and lifestyle mismatches are warning signs.Balance Trust and Controls: Small businesses need clear internal controls.Simple Steps Matter: You don’t need complex systems.  Technology Has Limits: Prevention still relies on human judgment.Owner Involvement is Key: Owners must stay engaged.Take practical steps to strengthen your business for lasting success. Tune into the episode of ▶️ Why Every Business Owner Should Think Like a Forensic Accountant with Clay Kniepmann.Find more podcast episodes on our website: anderscpa.com/learn/podcasts/    Episode resources:●       Anders Virtual CFO by Anders website: anderscpa.com  ●       Love our content? Sign up for our newsletter:  https://anderscpa.com/learn/  ●        Check out the Virtual CFO Playbook Course:  anderscpa.com/virtual-cfo-services/vcfo-playbook/  QuotesClay Kniepmann - "Forensic accounting is like piecing a puzzle together. Each case is unique and requires careful analysis and adaptability."Jamie Nau: "Understanding your operational processes helps identify potential fraud risks more effectively than generic controls."Clay Kniepmann is a manager in Forensic and Litigation at Anders, specializing in forensic accounting, fraud investigation, and litigation services. He’s known for making intricate financial issues easy to understand, giving leaders the clarity they need to make smarter decisions.   Website: https://anderscpa.com/  FB: https://www.facebook.com/AndersCPA  LI: https://www.linkedin.com/in/claykniepmann/  https://www.linkedin.com/company/anders-cpa/IG: https://www.instagram.com/anderscpa/ The Creative Agency Success Show helps service-based business owners master the financial side of growth. Hosted by Jamie Nau, Director of Virtual CFO Services/ Virtual CFO, and Jody Grunden, Partner and Virtual CFO Practice Leader at Anders CPAs + Advisors, the podcast dives into essential financial strategies for scaling creative agencies.  Website: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2458889    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/vcfobyanders   Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/vcfobyanders/  Instagram:

Imagine turning media attention into real business growth. For service-based small business owners, publicity is about turning visibility into profit.In this episode, Mickie Kennedy, founder of eReleases, shares exactly how you can use PR to grow your credibility and revenue. He explains how press releases, when done right, can open doors to media coverage, attract your ideal clients, and create long-term financial success.  Key takeaways:Why do most press releases fail? 97% of press releases generate no earned media and what separates the 3% that succeed.Press releases that actually work. Write story-based press releases that highlight real customer experiences.The difference between PR and ads. Ads push products, but PR builds trust.  How to define success. Success is generating real opportunities, partnerships, and revenue for your business.Practical PR strategies you can use. Proven tactics that small business owners can implement to stand out in their industry.Tune into the episode of ▶️ Turn Publicity Into Profit: The PR Strategy That Works.Find more podcast episodes on our website: anderscpa.com/learn/podcasts/  Episode resources:●       Anders Virtual CFO by Anders website: anderscpa.com  ●       Love our content? Sign up for our newsletter:  https://anderscpa.com/learn/    ●       Check out the Virtual CFO Playbook Course:  https://anderscpa.com/virtual-cfo-services/vcfo-playbook/     Quotes-Mickie Kennedy: ""Product and service launches are common, but they often miss the story. Add use cases and real client experiences to make it newsworthy."-Jody Grunden: "PR isn’t just ads in disguise. It’s about telling stories that uncover opportunities to generate revenue for your company."Mickie Kennedy is the founder of eReleases, a leading press release distribution service dedicated to helping small businesses, startups, and authors gain credibility and authority through strategic publicity. He has mastered the art of turning press releases into real profit and positioning brands as industry leaders.  Mickie’s proven system ensures businesses dominate the front page of Google and attract the recognition they deserve. Beyond PR, he is also a published poet, bringing creativity and perspective to every story he helps share.Website: https://www.ereleases.com/    FB: https://www.facebook.com/mickie.kennedy/https://www.facebook.com/ereleases.press.release.distribution   LI: https://www.linkedin.com/in/publicity/   IG: https://www.instagram.com/ereleasespr/?hl=en  X: https://x.com/ereleases/   The Creative Agency Success Show helps service-based business owners master the financial side of growth. Hosted by Jamie Nau, Director of Virtual CFO Services/ Virtual CFO, and Jody Grunden, Partner and Virtual CFO Practice Leader at Anders CPAs + Advisors, the podcas

If you’re invisible online, you’re losing clients before they even know you exist. In today’s competitive market, your digital presence is your storefront. In this episode, Agency Consultant & Executive Coach Karl Sakas of Sakas & Company explains why being invisible online is costing you clients and what you can do to fix it. He shares practical strategies on leadership, delegation, and long-term planning that help you attract more clients and strengthen your agency.Key takeaways:Delegation done right. Learn how letting go of low-value tasks helps you focus on client growth and financial results.Stop being the “answer person.” Growth stalls when every decision depends on you.   Visibility drives revenue. If you’re not visible, you’re handing over opportunities to competitors.Audit your meetings. Free up your time by identifying which meetings matter and can be delegated.Coaching and accountability matter. Having an outside advisor helps you avoid blind spots and stay accountable.Tune into the episode of ▶️ Improve as an Agency Leader and 'Calm the Chaos' with Karl Sakas.Find more podcast episodes on our website: anderscpa.com/learn/podcasts/ Episode resources:●       Anders Virtual CFO by Anders website: anderscpa.com ●       Love our content? Sign up for our newsletter:  https://anderscpa.com/learn/   ●        Check out the Virtual CFO Playbook Course:  anderscpa.com/virtual-cfo-services/vcfo-playbook/ QuotesKarl Sakas: "A meeting audit helps leaders reclaim time. Review your calendar, decide which meetings matter, and delegate or cut the rest."Jody Grunden: "Delegation is the cornerstone of growth. Protecting your team from failure keeps them from developing."Karl Sakas is an agency advisor and coach who helps agency owners work less, earn more, and build stronger teams. Known as the "agency therapist," Karl has supported 600+ agencies across 36 countries in navigating growth and scaling smartly. He specializes in guiding leaders toward building lifestyle agencies or positioning for multi-million dollar exits.  Website: https://sakasandcompany.com/ FB: https://web.facebook.com/SakasAndCompany?_rdc=1&_rdr#   LI: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karlsakas/ IG: https://www.instagram.com/SakasandCompanyTeam/  X: https://x.com/KarlSakas YT: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCOyb-o2ICYgIOzBzCBarrjQ The Creative Agency Success Show helps service-based business owners master the financial side of growth. Hosted by Jamie Nau, Director of Virtual CFO Services/ Virtual CFO, and Jody Grunden, Partner and Virtual CFO Practice Leader at Anders CPAs + Advisors, the podcast dives into essential financial strategies for scaling creative agencies.Website:

You don’t need more hands—you need better tools. For service-based small business owners, AI can lift the burden of repetitive tasks, helping your team do more of what moves the needle  In this episode of The Creative Agency Success Show, we sit down with Ed Krystosik, Co-Founder of RAC Projects AI, to unpack the real-world strategies for integrating AI into small businesses. From streamlining workflows to navigating compliance risks, Ed shares how AI can support your people, sharpen your processes, and fuel sustainable growth. Key Takeaways:Support Over Substitution: AI should enhance, not replace, your team.  Start Small, Think ROI: Target low-friction tasks first.  Fix the Process First: Map your workflows, then automate what makes sense.Win Team Buy-In: Assign a tech-savvy team member to lead the change. Make AI adoption a shared mission, not a top-down command.Play It Safe with Data: Learn how to protect sensitive info and avoid hallucinated outputs with smart model settings.Make Your Method Memorable: Create repeatable models that AI and humans can remember and recommend.Learn how to use AI to power smarter decisions, sharper content, and stronger results. Watch the episode of ▶️ Amplifying Human Potential In Your Business with AI Support.Find more podcast episodes on our website: http://www.summitcpa.net/podcasts 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  ●        Check out the Virtual CFO Playbook Course:  https://anderscpa.com/anderscpa.com/virtual-cfo-services/vcfo-playbook/   Quotes"If you're using AI to amplify the people you already have—or possibly replace the need for new hires—that's where you get tremendous ROI." - Ed Krystosik"When AI takes over parts of everyone’s tasks, it shifts job roles. The challenge becomes getting buy-in as responsibilities evolve." - Jamie NauEd Krystosik is the Co-Founder of RAC/AI, where he helps busy sales professionals amplify their impact through smart, AI-supported lead generation strategies. By automating follow-ups and systematizing referral pipelines, Ed empowers professionals to boost revenue without burning out. His approach focuses on maximizing quality leads, nurturing client relationships, and simplifying tech with practical workflows. With Ed's guidance, sales teams can focus less on chasing leads and more on closing deals. He's on a mission to help sales pros unlock human potential through strategic, AI-backed systems.Website: https://racprojects.ai/ Facebook: https://racprojects.ai/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ed-krystosik/ The Creative Agency Success Show helps service-based business owners master the financial side of growth. Hosted by Jamie Nau, Director of VCFO Services/ Virtual CFO, and Jody Grunden, Partner and Virtual CFO Practice Leader at Anders CPAs + Advisors, the podcast dives into essential

Creative Agency Success Show (Episode 144): “A maturity model isn't a report card, it's about understanding where your decision-making capabilities are.” - Jamie NauIn this episode of The Creative Agency Success Show, Jamie Nau and Jody Grunden pull back the curtain on how small business owners can move from just getting by to truly thriving. They’ve spent the last eight months crafting a maturity model designed to help you assess where your business stands in five key areas: cash management, forecasting, profitability, sales outlook, and financial reporting. But here’s the thing—it’s not about being perfect. It’s about having a clear path forward.Imagine being able to make decisions with confidence, knowing you’re moving in the right direction. That’s the power of understanding where your business currently stands and what small but impactful steps you can take next.So, what’s your next move? Tune in now and start building a business that works for you—not the other way around.▶️ What's a Maturity Model Anyway?Find more podcast episodes on our website: http://www.summitcpa.net/podcasts 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 Creative Agencies Create a Financial Roadmap to Success, is now an audiobook! Download it here: https://vcfo.summitcpa.net/ddc   _________________________________________________________________________________________The Creative Agency Success Show helps service-based business owners master the financial side of growth. Hosted by Jamie Nau, Director of VCFO Services/ Virtual CFO, and Jody Grunden, Partner and Virtual CFO Practice Leader at Anders CPAs + Advisors, the podcast dives into essential financial strategies for scaling creative agencies. With insights from industry experts and real-world experiences, episodes explore topics like cash flow management, forecasting, and financial maturity models. Backed by Summit Virtual CFO Services by Anders, this bi-weekly show provides actionable guidance for business owners navigating financial complexity. Join the conversation to build a stronger, more financially successful agency.Website: https://the-virtual-cpa-success-show-for-creative-agencies.simplecast.com/   Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/vcfobyanders   Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/vcfobyanders/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vcfobyanders  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@vcfobyanders   X: https://x.com/vcfobyanders ________________________________________________________________________________________Jamie Nau, CPA, Summit Virtual CF

Episode Title:Mastering the Art of Agency Growth: Lessons from Brad FerrisEpisode Summary:In this episode of "The Creative Agency Success Show," hosts engage with Brad Farris from Anchor Advisors, a seasoned expert with over 20 years in the marketing and creative agency space. The discussion centers on scaling agency businesses, highlighting the importance of strategic hiring, financial planning, and maintaining cash reserves. Brad shares insights on the differences between consulting and coaching, emphasizing the empowerment of agency owners to find their own solutions. Success stories and challenges are discussed, offering practical advice on navigating growth stages and making informed decisions. The episode concludes with actionable steps for agency owners to achieve sustainable growth.Episode Notes:"I truly believe that a lot of visionaries and entrepreneurs think they can outsell anything, but they need to be intentional and build up that cash reserve to dive into the next level." -Brad FarrisThe finer details of this episode:Focus on strategies for agency owners to scale their businesses.Discussion of the challenges faced by agency owners during growth.Importance of hiring the right people for agency success.Distinction between consulting and coaching in the agency context.The role of cash reserves in supporting growth initiatives.Insights on navigating different stages of agency growth.The significance of revisiting goals and aspirations regularly.Addressing conservative mindsets and encouraging calculated risks.The value of external perspectives in identifying areas for improvement.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 Timestamps:Introduction to the Show (00:00:00)  Overview of "The Creative Agency Success Show" and its focus on helping agency owners. Discussion on Growth Strategies (00:00:15)  Brad Ferris shares insights on achieving the next stage of agency growth. Importance of Coaching (00:00:40)  Speaker 3 highlights Brad's extensive experience and the value of coaching for agencies. Hiring Considerations for Growth (00:01:21)  Discussion on when to hire and which roles to prioritize for agency success. Consulting vs. Coaching (00:02:32)  Brad explains the differences between consulting and coaching in agency settings. Success Story: Navigating Crisis (00:03:35)  Brad shares a client's turnaround story after a significant revenue drop. Engagement Structure (00:05:58)  Brad describes his coaching engagement model and its impact on client awareness. Contingency Planning (00:07:15)  Importance of building contingency time into a CEO's schedule to handle crises. Creative Outlets for Agency Owners (00:09:03)  Helping clients find creative outlets outside work to maintain passion and energy. Hiring Key Team Members (00:09:59)  Discussion on the importance of hiring for growth and the challenges faced. Bottlenecks in Growth (00:10:40)  Identifying the owner as a bottleneck and the need to delegate responsibilities. Sales Role Transition (00:12:02)  The importance of trans

Episode Title: 2024 Year in ReviewEpisode Notes:In our year end wrap up: Jody, Brett, Tom, Hannah, and Jamie share favorite moments from the show, podcasting resolutions and holiday gift wishes. the hosts reflect on personal anecdotes and provide their aspirations for the upcoming year. They also introduce a new behind-the-scenes team member."It’s super common for us to go into a conference and have someone say, "Hey, I love that podcast you’re on." It’s really cool, and we really enjoy it." – Jody GrundenThe finer details of this episode:Reflection on the past year in podcastingPersonal podcasting resolutions for the upcoming yearHighlights of memorable podcast episodes and guest contributionsEpisode resources:● Summit Virtual CFO by Anders website: https://www.summitcpa.net/● If you have questions or would like to be a guest on the show, email us at [email protected]● Check out the Virtual CFO Playbook Course: https://vcfoplaybook.summitcpa.net/Timestamps:Introduction to the Episode (00:00:00)The host welcomes listeners to the Creative Agency Success Show, highlighting its value for agency owners.Productivity in One Room (00:00:14)Jodi humorously comments on the team's low productivity due to everyone being together, setting a light-hearted tone.Congratulations to Indiana University (00:00:41)Brett congratulates Indiana University on a sports victory and transitions into a discussion about online gambling.Online Gambling Discussion (00:01:05)The speakers engage in a light banter about online gambling's legality in Indiana and personal stakes in upcoming games.Introducing Christine (00:01:31)Jodi introduces Christine, acknowledging her contributions to the team and welcoming her to the show.Christine's Favorite Podcast (00:02:08)Christine shares her favorite podcast episode, highlighting the Young CPA as relatable for her college experience.Introducing Mina (00:04:04)Mina, a new team member, shares her background in agricultural tech and politics, expressing excitement for her role.Podcast Ranking Discussion (00:04:41)Brett mentions the podcast's ranking, humorously clarifying its position within the United States.Mina's Podcasting Resolution (00:05:39)Mina discusses her goal of maintaining organized scheduling for the podcast, emphasizing the importance of planning ahead.Favorite Podcast Moments (00:06:33)The team discusses their favorite moments and guests from their respective podcasts, starting with Brett's insights.Brett's Podcast Insights (00:07:06)Brett reflects on the educational value of his guests in the cannabis space, highlighting their expertise and fascinating discussions.Christine's Support (00:09:22)Brett thanks Christine for her behind-the-scenes support during a recent conference, showcasing teamwork.Hannah's Favorite Episodes (00:10:00)Hannah shares her favorite episode featuring guests from analytics, discussing their innovative contributions to the accounting space.Tom's Podcast Experience (00:11:33)Tom recounts a humorous incident where he was mistakenly recognized for another podcast, showcasing the dynamics of audience recognition.Storytelling in Podcasts (00:13:36)Tom highlights the importance of storytelling in consulting, referencing insights from guests about the hero's journey.Jodi's Favorite Moments (00:16:04)Jodi expresses appreciation

Episode Title:Riding the Entrepreneurial Rollercoaster: Insights from Tom ConlonEpisode Summary:In this episode, the hosts engage with Tom Conlon, founder of North Street Creative, to discuss his entrepreneurial journey and the cyclical nature of business. Tom shares insights on the challenges of running a creative agency, emphasizing the importance of adaptability and timely decision-making. He recounts the impact of economic cycles on business operations and the significance of maintaining strong banking relationships. The conversation also covers the role of structured operating systems like EOS in achieving strategic goals and the necessity of financial visibility. The episode concludes with reflections on media influences and the enduring value of print publications.Episode Notes:"I didn't even have a line of credit until COVID. When it started happening, I realized how crucial it was to have that financial safety net." Tom ConlonThe finer details of this episode:Entrepreneurial journey and background of the guest.The cyclical nature of business and its impact on creative agencies.Challenges faced while running a creative agency, including financial and cultural impacts.Importance of adaptability and making timely decisions in business.Strategies for surviving economic downturns, including financial planning and having a safety net.The role of structured operating systems in enhancing business operations.Financial visibility and its significance in strategic planning.Engaging team members in the goal-setting process for personal and professional development.Influence of media and publications on personal and professional growth.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 Timestamps: (00:00:00)  Introduction to the podcast and its focus on helping agency owners scale their businesses. Appreciation for Insights (00:00:14)  Discussion on the value of insights brought by co-host Hannah compared to previous co-hosts. Conversation with Tom (00:00:23)  Hannah shares her positive experience speaking with guest Tom about his entrepreneurial journey. Tom's Background (00:02:14)  Tom Conlon introduces himself and his branding agency, North Street Creative, and its focus areas. Agency Evolution (00:02:36)  Tom discusses the evolution of his agency and how they adapted during the pandemic. Entrepreneurial Journey (00:04:15)  Tom reflects on his unexpected entry into entrepreneurship and the transition from freelance work. Lessons from Experience (00:08:45)  Tom shares key lessons learned throughout his 14 years in business, emphasizing cyclical trends. Surviving Down Cycles (00:12:24)  Discussion on strategies to navigate low cycles in business and the importance of timely decisions. Financial Preparedness (00:15:54)  Tom emphasizes the significance of having savings and a line of credit for business stability. Proactive Planning (00:16:52)  Tom outlines how he prepares for future cycles with scenario planning and projections. Culture Challenges During Tough Times (00:18:42)  Tom discusses the impact of difficult

“The good thing about retargeting is that most of the sales don't actually come from people clicking on the ad. They come from people seeing the ad and then either Googling the company or typing in the URL in the browser.” – Zaid Ammari The finer details of this episode:Marketing strategies focused on paid advertising and retargeting.The significance of understanding data analytics in marketing.Explanation of retargeting and its psychological impact on consumers.Common mistakes businesses make in retargeting campaigns.The importance of lead quality over quantity in marketing efforts.The role of Google Analytics 4 (GA4) in optimizing marketing strategies.Differences between hiring freelancers and agencies for marketing services.Effective communication and client management in marketing.The onboarding process for new clients and setting realistic expectations.Practical applications of retargeting across various platforms. 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-newsletterDigital 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/ddcConnect with Zaid here: linkedin.com/in/zaidammariCheck out PPC Masterminds here: ppcmasterminds.comFree audit:  https://ppcmasterminds.com/free-google-ads-audit/Studio report mentioned in the show:https://lookerstudio.google.com/reporting/cc7472bf-0d0e-40d4-b275-22f1996ca339/page/VAzeB. Timestamps:Introduction to the Episode (00:00:00)Overview of the Creative Agency Success Show and its purpose for agency owners. Discussion of Different Mindsets (00:00:14)Jamie and Jody reflect on their different perspectives during the episode with Zaid. Topics Covered in the Episode (00:00:42)Jody highlights the focus on retargeting and its common mistakes discussed with Zaid. Guest Introduction (00:01:38)Jamie introduces Zaid Ammari, a marketing expert from PPC Masterminds. Zaid's Background (00:02:07)Zaid shares his journey from banking to becoming a paid marketing specialist. Client Targeting in Marketing (00:04:42)Jody asks about Zaid's target clients and his focus on paid search. Industries of Focus (00:05:28)Zaid discusses his typical clients, primarily in e-commerce and service industries. Introduction to Retargeting (00:06:24)Zaid explains retargeting and its psychological impact on potential customers. Cookies and Ad Competition (00:08:13)Discussion on how cookies compete in ad placements and auction dynamics. Dynamic Retargeting (00:09:10)Zaid describes how dynamic retargeting can tailor ads based on user behavior. Common Retargeting Mistakes (00:09:37)Zaid identifies mistakes businesses make by using the same ads repeatedly. Cost-Effectiveness of Retargeting (00:10:20)Zaid explains how retargetin

“We try to help the sellers understand what the buyer's long-term vision is, what changes they expect to make, and over what period of time, because all of these things have implications on the business but also on emotions.” – Jonathan Baker The finer details of this episode:Overview of mergers and acquisitions (M&A) in the creative agency sector.Importance of preparation for agency owners considering M&A.Insights on valuation factors influencing agency sales.Discussion on the current M&A landscape and market trends.The significance of maintaining clean financial records for M&A readiness.Exploration of deal structures and their implications, including Employee Stock Ownership Plans (ESOPs).The role of agency owners post-acquisition and the need for clear communication with buyers.Timing considerations for initiating the M&A process.The impact of economic changes on agency valuations and buyer interest.Recommendations for agency owners to proactively prepare for potential sales. 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-newsletterDigital 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/ddcConnect with Jonathan here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathandavidbaker/Check out Punctuation here: https://punctuation.com/ Timestamps: Welcome to the Creative Agency Success Show (00:00:00)Introduction to the podcast's purpose and focus on agency owners looking to scale. Discussion on M&A Preparation (00:00:15)Insights from Jonathan Baker about the importance of preparation for mergers and acquisitions. M&A Landscape Insights (00:00:39)Hannah reflects on the evolving trends in the M&A landscape and its implications for clients. Importance of Understanding M&A (00:01:13)Discussion on how understanding the M&A process can aid clients in their decision-making. Preparation Equals Easier Transition (00:01:39)Jimmy emphasizes that being well-prepared leads to a smoother M&A process and better outcomes. Introduction of Jonathan Baker (00:02:52)Jonathan Baker shares his background and expertise in helping firms prepare for M&A. Jonathan's M&A Journey (00:04:07)Jonathan recounts his personal experience with M&A, highlighting its complexities and emotional aspects. Valuation Nuances in M&A (00:06:19)Discussion on non-financial factors influencing valuation in the M&A process. Timing for M&A Conversations (00:07:51)Jonathan advises when clients should start preparing for M&A, ideally 3-4 years in advance. Post-Sale Involvement (00:09:22)Exploration of the buyer's perspective on post-sale involvement and its implications for sellers. Preventative Maintenance in M&A (00:11:33)Strategies to help owners navigate the transition and maintain business integrity post-acquisition. Deal Structure Non-Negotiables (00:14:01)Jonathan outlines his strong recommendations against certain deal structures, particularly ESOPs. Understanding ESOP Risks (00:15:07)Discussion on the potential pitfalls of employee stock ownership plans (ESOPs) in M&A. 

“It's never too early to start planning because you never know when that end is going to be. Operate with optimism. There's a lot of activity that's really unprecedented in the industry right now, and I think for the years ahead, it's going to be very good for agency owners who build really solid, predictable, nice operating practices.” – Phil Daniels  The finer details of this episode:Overview of mergers and acquisitions (M&A) in the agency sector.Insights on exit readiness for agency owners.Discussion of motivations for agency owners considering a sale.Current trends in the M&A market and their implications.Importance of a strong management team in enhancing agency value.Evolving dynamics of purchase agreements and deal structures.The role of private equity in the agency landscape and common misconceptions.Strategies for presenting a compelling narrative to potential buyers.Importance of early planning and preparation for agency sales.Common pitfalls during the due diligence process and how to avoid them. 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-newsletterDigital 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/ddcConnect with Phil here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/phillipdaniels/Check out Season Advisors here: https://seasonadvisors.com/ Timestamps:Welcome to the Show (00:00:00)Introduction to the "Creative Agency Success Show" and its focus on helping agency owners. Discussion of Topics (00:00:14)Overview of the episode's topics: mergers & acquisitions and basketball, highlighting guest Phil Daniels. Phil Daniels Introduction (00:01:20)Phil shares his background in M&A and agency ownership, setting the stage for his insights. Early Career in M&A (00:01:35)Phil discusses starting his career at JP Morgan, focusing on acquiring and integrating businesses. Transition to Agency Ownership (00:02:20)Phil recounts his journey to starting his own agency, motivated by low barriers to entry. Agency Sales Experience (00:03:22)Phil explains his experience with agency sales, emphasizing the emotional aspects of selling. Motivations for Selling (00:04:46)Phil explores various reasons agency owners consider selling, including burnout and lack of succession planning. Exit Readiness Concept (00:07:18)Phil introduces the idea of exit readiness, emphasizing the importance of preparation before selling. Trends in Purchase Agreements (00:09:34)Discussion on recent trends in M&A agreements, including structure and incentives for sellers. Incentivized Buyouts (00:10:57)Phil talks about the common structure of incentivized buyouts and the importance of owner involvement post-sale. Valuation Gaps in Sales (00:12:19)Challenges in aligning seller expectations with buyer valuations, and strategies to bridge gaps. Timing for Cleaning Up Books (00:15:11)Phil advises on the optimal timeline for preparing financials before selling an agency. M&A as a Marathon (00:16:39)Discussion on the

In this special episode of The Creative Agency Success Show, four speakers with Halloween-themed personas—Jamie Nightmare, Hannah Hexed Hood, Adam Haunted Hale, and Joey Killing Kenny—engage in a lively draft-style discussion about their favorite Halloween movies. Jamie, the enthusiastic host, sets the stage and outlines the draft rules. Hannah humorously admits her limited horror movie experience, while Adam and Joey share their deep knowledge and personal anecdotes. The conversation is filled with playful banter and passionate debates as they each select and defend their top horror film picks, creating an engaging and entertaining Halloween-themed episode.

”When I think about sales, it's really nurturing relationships and manufacturing opportunities. That is your job all day, every day.” - Adam KurzawaThe finer details of this episode:Insights on business development strategies for creative agencies.Emphasis on nurturing existing client relationships for agency growth.Discussion on effective outreach efforts and relationship-building in sales.Importance of hiring for business development roles, focusing on soft skills and industry knowledge.Strategies for identifying growth opportunities within current clients.Challenges and considerations in the hiring process for sales positions.The significance of maintaining personal connections in 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-newsletterDigital 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/ddcConnect with Adam here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamkurzawaCheck out Infinum here: https://infinum.com/Timestamps:Introduction to the Show (00:00:00)Jamie and Jody welcome listeners to "The Creative Agency Success Show," highlighting its purpose for agency owners.Friendship and Professional Journey (00:00:35)Jody discusses his long friendship with Adam and Adam's professional growth in business development.Practical Business Development Insights (00:01:14)Jamie emphasizes the practicality of Adam's insights for agencies struggling with business development and sales.Discussion on Pipeline and Biz Dev (00:03:33)The conversation shifts to building a sales pipeline and strategies to enhance business development.The Importance of Existing Clients (00:04:14)Adam stresses focusing on upselling and nurturing relationships with existing clients for growth.Outbound Marketing Strategies (00:07:41)Discussion on effective outbound marketing tactics, emphasizing personalized approaches over traditional methods.Manufacturing Opportunities (00:10:37)Adam shares ideas on creating memorable events to foster connections and generate new business opportunities.Building Relationships for Biz Dev (00:13:09)Adam discusses the importance of having advocates within client organizations to facilitate business development.Hiring for Growth Roles (00:16:25)The speakers discuss key qualities to look for when hiring a strategic growth director for business development.Complementary Roles in Sales Teams (00:21:07)The idea of having two types of salespeople: hunters and facilitators, to enhance business development.Monitoring Sales Performance (00:21:45)Importance of regular check-ins and analyzing funnel activity to assess sales performance.Referrals and Trust in Sales (00:26:30)Discussing how referrals enhance credibility and ease the sales conversation.The Ineffectiveness of Cold Calling (00:26:40)Critique of cold calling as a sales strategy, emphasizing its challenges and ineffectiveness.Text Communication in Sales (00:28:10)Advocating for transitioning leads from LinkedIn to more personal communication methods like text.Patience in Sales Conversations (00:31:52)The importance of patience in conversation

“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 budgetingClient's growth journey and challenges during the pandemicCentralized vs. decentralized decision-making in budgetingRegular conversations about forecasts for informed decision-makingAdapting to new realities and aligning hiring with growth goalsChanges in sales leadership and their impact on business developmentRole of pipeline meetings in assessing demand and resource allocationTransitioning from fractional CFO services to full-time financial leadershipStrategies for prioritizing projects and initiativesReflecting 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]’re hiring! Check out our open positions: https://www.summitcpa.net/career-opportunitiesCheck 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. <

Importance of podcasting for business ownersEnhancing visibility and credibility through podcast appearancesNetworking opportunities provided by podcastingRole of podcast guest booking agencies in facilitating appearancesContent repurposing strategies for maximizing podcast impactOvercoming imposter syndrome in podcastingEngaging team members in podcasting for brand representationProcess of working with a podcast guest booking agencyPersonal anecdotes and experiences related to travel and confidenceResources 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-newsletterDigital 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/ddcConnect 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

“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 LinkedInShift in perception of the platformChallenges of creating and maintaining a professional presence on social mediaControlling one's personal brand and its impact on career opportunitiesShowcasing values, actions, and descriptions to create a strong and memorable brandBalancing professionalism with personal authenticity on LinkedInImportance 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-newsletterDigital 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/ddchttps://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. Utilizin

"Alignment is going in the same direction, fighting for the same things, and looking at the same big picture together.” – Rachel GertzThe 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 successEpisode 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/ddcConnect with Rachel here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rachel-gertz-trainer/Check out Louder than Ten here: https://louderthanten.comTimestamps: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 exerci

“Standing out is great, but conversion is crucial.” – Jason Swenk It’s hard to build a business if you don’t invest in systems.” – Jason Swenk The finer details of this episode:Analysis and insights on building a strong email listSales cycle and close percentageUnique marketing strategiesImportance of systems in building a successful businessConcept of "land and expand"Effectiveness of email marketing campaignsProviding quick financial statements with industry comparisonImportance of creativity and innovation in marketing strategies 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-newsletterDigital 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/ddcCatch the full episode of What All Successful Agencies Have in Common: How to Separate from the Pack, with Tim Condon here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/what-all-successful-agencies-have-in-common-how-to/id870206013?i=1000653823029Check out Jason here: https://jasonswenk.com/ Timestamps:The welcome (00:00:00)Introduction to the show "Creative Agency Success Show" and its purpose.Discussing Jason Swank's podcast (00:00:15)Introduction to the podcast "The Smart Agency Podcast" and its relevance to the speakers.Analyzing the podcast episode (00:00:43)Introducing the episode featuring Tim Condon and discussing its potential impact on the audience.Building a strong email list (00:02:20)Discussion on the importance of building a strong email list and the shift in the agency's marketing strategy.The importance of conversion (00:04:52)Emphasizing the importance of conversion in marketing efforts and its relevance to the audience.Sales cycle and close percentage (00:06:11)Analyzing the sales cycle and close percentage, comparing industry standards, and sharing insights on reducing the sales cycle.Unique marketing strategy (00:11:15)Exploring a unique marketing strategy involving leveraging established brands to generate leads and its implications.Best piece of advice for leaders (00:12:30)Discussing the best piece of advice for leaders, focusing on utilizing assets and generating what is needed.Using current assets for sales process (00:14:03)Sharing an example of using current assets to establish credibility and aid the sales process.Campaign carnival (00:16:53)Discussing a unique marketing campaign involving giving away free pizza to generate leads and its success in achieving lead opportunities.Building a Business with Hefty Systems (00:18:08)Discussion on the importance of investing in systems for scaling and duplication in marketing and sales.Developing a Sales Process (00:19:13)Insight on creating a sales process and thought leadership approach for client acquisition.Effective Email Marketing Campaign (00:26:44)The effectiveness of targeted email marketing and the innovation of using a pizza giveaway program for email acquisition.Land and Expand Sales Strategy (00:29:00)The concept of quick sales to establish trust and expand client relationships, with a focus on providing a low-cost financial stateme

“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 leaderImportance of knowing target audience and sales process for agency successValue of creating a community of like-minded individuals through mastermindsEmphasis on maintaining a high-quality community over quantity in mastermind groupsImportance of building strong client relationships and conducting thorough researchUnique approach to hiring by setting specific instructions for applicants to followSignificance of qualifying leads early in the sales processValue 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-newsletterDigital 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/ddcConnect with Jason here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasonswenk/Listen to Jason’s podcast here: https://www.agencymastery360.com/podcastCheck 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

“After almost 20 years of doing that nonstop, I started to lose myself a little bit. I started to wonder, is this what I want to do for the next chapter of my life? Is there something else out there for me? When I looked around in corporate America, what I realized and what I saw was that there were a lot of people like me. I really wanted to get off autopilot. I felt like nobody in my life was getting the best part of me.” – Traci Barrett  The finer details of this episode:Review and analysis of The Root of All Success with The Real Jason Duncan’s Beyond HGTV Success Featuring Traci BarrettEmphasis on the unique thought of the episodeExploration of success and life transitionsImportance of identifying the right client fit and company cultureImpact of generosity on business relationships and company cultureTransformational impact of Traci's strategic life mapping processAppreciation for diverse perspectives on success from Jason Duncan's podcast 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-newsletterDigital 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/ddcConnect with Traci here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tracischubertbarrett/Check out Navigate the Journey here: https://www.navigatethejourney.com/Check out Traci’s website here: https://www.tracischubertbarrett.com/Catch the full episode here: https://www.therealjasonduncan.com/podcasts/the-root-of-all-success-with-the-real-jason-duncan/episodes/2148159261 Timestamps: The unicorn (00:04:05)Discussion on the most unique thought of the episode, focusing on success beyond money and titles. Traci's journey (00:05:28)Traci's transition from corporate world to entrepreneurship, and the realization of wanting more from life. Defining success (00:08:03)Traci's personal definition of success and the importance of using unique talents to have a positive impact. Visionary vantage (00:13:12)Discussion on identifying what one wants and why, and the journey to create a different and entrepreneurial company culture. The client relationship dilemma (00:18:15)Discussion on deciding whether to take on a lucrative project that doesn't align with company values. Identifying the right client (00:19:44)Exploring the importance of understanding if a client is the right fit for the team and the impact of a mismatched client-team relationship. Learning from mistakes (00:21:29)Reflecting on the consequences of trying to retain a client who mistreats the team and the importance of addressing such situations promptly. Generosity and company culture (00:24:12)Exploring the role of generosity in shaping company culture, fostering relationships, and creating a positive work environment. The mic drop moment (00:34:55)Reflecting on the significance of identifying personal motivations and goals, as well as the impact of building meaningful relationships in business. The strategic life map (00:35

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-newsletterDigital 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 Timestamps:The podcasting journey (00:00:14)Jamie recounts the evolution of the podcast, from its humble beginnings to its current loyal listener base. Introduction of the new podcast format (00:01:04)Jamie introduces the new format, inspired by the "Rewatchable" podcast, and discusses the idea of discussing existing material through 11 topics. The 11 topics of the new format (00:02:49)Jamie explains the 11 topics that will be used to discuss existing material, ranging from financial advice to marketing and pipeline strategies. Excitement for the new format (00:08:28)Jamie expresses excitement and anticipation for the new format, emphasizing the importance of being excited about the podcast's content.

“Shifting from advocacy to inquiry is really important, and I think most leaders today are probably advocacy heavy because it's the model that we see most.” – J. Scott The finer details of this episode:Importance of leading the way in marketing and working with clientsTransforming high-potential individuals into high-functioning teamsRationalizing tasks and initiatives to align with customer satisfaction, team member satisfaction, and profitabilityChange management and involving stakeholders in driving changeApproach to problem-solving and decision-making in leadershipBalancing advocacy and inquiry in leadership and marketingInvolving team members in leadership meetings and problem-solving process 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-newsletterDigital 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/ddcConnect with Jason here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasonscott120vc/Check out 120Vc here: https://www.120vc.com/ Timestamps:Leadership and Change Implementation (00:00:14)Discussion on leadership, change implementation, and project management with J Scott from 120 VC. Marketing and Thought Leadership (00:00:29)Transition from thought leadership to marketing strategies and leading teams in marketing efforts. Creating High Performing Teams (00:01:32)Introduction to the topic of creating high performing teams with J. Scott from 120 VC. Transforming Cost Centers to Profit Centers (00:02:32)Discussion on transforming groups from cost centers to profit centers and focusing on customer satisfaction, team member satisfaction, and profitability. Working with Fortune 1000 Clients (00:02:58)Details about working with Fortune 1000 clients and the process of transforming various teams within those businesses. Shifting Mindsets and Canceling Initiatives (00:04:23)Insights into shifting mindsets, rationalizing initiatives, and repurposing existing team members to create growth. Impact on Smaller Teams (00:06:17)Exploration of how smaller teams can contribute to the three pillars of customer satisfaction, team member satisfaction, and profitability. Applying Marketing Principles to Business (00:08:06)Comparison of marketing and leadership principles, emphasizing the importance of understanding the underlying business problems. Creating Demand and Stakeholder Engagement (00:13:27)Explanation of creating demand for initiatives and engaging stakeholders through experience sharing and shifting mindsets. Improving Customer Satisfaction through Tools (00:15:59)Discussion on improving customer satisfaction through the implementation of tools, focusing on the impact on call center operations. Empowering Teams and Overcoming Obstacles (00:17:37)Insights into empowering teams, addressing obstacles, and ensuring alignment with day-to-day responsibilities during project implementation. Crowdsourcing Requirements and Demand (00:18:25)J. Scott discusses the importance of crowdsourcing requirements and demand from employees to improve business solutions. Effective Group Problem-Solving (00:20:39)<

“Clients don’t want to ask us for new ideas; they want us to come to them with new ideas.” Hannah HoodThe finer details of this episode:●       Shortening of the sales cycle indicating a positive shift in the industry●       Trend of clients seeking specialized services from agencies●       Emphasis on the need for agencies to specialize and market their expertise effectively●       Importance of being proactive in presenting new ideas to clients and pricing services based on value●       Significance of building trust with clients and maintaining long-term relationships●       Communication of the value of agency services effectively●       Strategies for navigating the evolving landscape of the agency industryEpisode 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://www.linkedin.com/in/hannahchood/Timestamps:The welcome (00:00:00)Introduction and purpose of the podcast episode.Hannah's agency events (00:00:14)Discussion about Hannah's experiences at agency events and their importance.The Build Better Agency Summit (00:00:53)Highlights from the Build Better Agency Summit and the value of attending such events.Impact of COVID on the industry (00:01:52)Discussion on the industry's recovery from the impact of COVID-19 and changes in client behavior.Shift in client needs and agency specialization (00:05:22)Insights into the evolving client needs and the importance of agency specialization.Value-based pricing and client relationships (00:08:20)Importance of value-based pricing, building client trust, and maintaining long-term relationships.Pricing strategies and advice (00:12:22)Insights into pricing strategies, price pressure, and the importance of building trust with clients.Post-event reflection and team communication (00:16:10)Recommendations for post-event reflection and team communication to share insights and implement learnings.Denver Experience (00:17:55)Discussion about the food, weather, and environment in Denver, and the impact of altitude on the speaker's health.Effects of Altitude (00:18:30)The speaker's experience with altitude sickness and the importance of drinking water at high altitudes.Dryness and Humidity (00:18:54)The impact of dryness and high altitude on the body, and the need to stay hydrated in such conditions.Future Plans (00:19:43)Plans to visit Denver again, and the possibility of meeting up with the hosts for dinner during the next visit.Appreciation and Conclusion (00:20:00)Thanking the guest for sharing information and experiences and expressing gratitude for the opportunity to participate in events.

Episode Notes:“Delegation is challenging; it requires a lot of thought process and a lot of preparation. But you shouldn’t try to do everything on your own; use your team. Delegation is about giving them enough information so that they know what the end goal is.” Vicky BrownThe finer details of this episode:Importance of supporting managers and helping them grow their leadership skillsChallenges of delegation and setting boundaries in leadership rolesEmphasis on teamwork and collaboration within a businessCreating a culture of trust and open communication within the organizationUnderstanding implications of being a multi-state employerEpisode resources:Summit Virtual CFO by Anders website: https://www.summitcpa.net/Love our content? Sign up for our newsletter: https://www.summitcpa.net/summit-newsletterDigital 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/ddcwww.idomeneoinc.comhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/vicky-brown-4160061Morehumanmoreresources.info/podcastgift Time stamps:HR conversation (00:00:14)The conversation covers the broad scope of HR, including coaching, delegation, and more.Introduction of Vicky Brown (00:01:42)Vicky Brown introduces herself as an HR professional and shares her background in opera singing.Vicky's company and clients (00:02:24)Vicky talks about her HR consulting company, Dominion Enterprises, and her range of clients.Transition from opera singing to HR (00:04:24)Vicky shares her transition from an opera singer to an HR professional and the challenges she faced.Services provided by Vicky's company (00:07:32)Vicky explains the comprehensive services her company offers, including regulatory compliance, benefits, and payroll administration.Employee relations and manager coaching (00:08:27)Vicky emphasizes the importance of employee relations and coaching managers to enhance leadership skills.Delegation challenges (00:10:30)Vicky discusses the challenges of delegation and the need for proper training and trust in the delegation process.Setting boundaries for delegation (00:14:08)The discussion addresses the need for clear boundaries and healthy communication in delegation, especially between leaders and team members.Preparation for effective delegation (00:18:15)Vicky emphasizes the importance of preparation and effective communication in the delegation process.The importance of team collaboration (00:20:28)Discussing the value of incorporating the team's input and perspective into decision-making processes.Delegating responsibilities in a leadership team (00:21:22)Exploring the role of a leader in delegating tasks and allowing team members to contribute their expertise.Creating a culture of trust and collaboration (00:22:43)Emphasizing the significance of fostering an environment of trust and open communication within the team to create a positive work culture.Strategies for effective collaboration (00:23:21)Discussing the approach of setting goals and strategies, and the importance of open communication and feedback in the collaboration process.The role of leadership in shaping organizational culture (00:25:34)Exploring how leadership

Sales is the engine of any agency, but oftentimes it's the hardest part to grow and scale when you move from a founder-centric shop to a full marketing organization. The clips in this episode offer some of the best pieces of advice our hosts of the Creative Agency Success Show have gathered, provided to you in bite-sized form, so that you can digest and try your favorites. The finer details of this episode:Who makes a good salesperson? -- with Diane HelbigHow to warm up your cold calls -- with Nikki RauschWhat to do when owners hate sales? -- with Karl Sakas9 steps to speedier sales -- with Simon SeverinoHow a product catalogue helps the sales process -- with Joe ArdeeserEpisode resources:Summit Virtual CFO by Anders website: https://www.summitcpa.net/Love our content? Sign up for our newsletter: https://www.summitcpa.net/summit-newsletterDigital 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/ddcFull episodes included in the podcast:RETHINK YOUR SALES APPROACH with Diane HelbigSELLING FOR ACCOUNTANTS with Nikki RauschHOW AGENCY OWNERS CAN WORK LESS AND EARN MORE with Karl SakasSTRATEGIES FOR MANAGING LONGER SALES PIPELINES with Simon SeverinoSTREAMLINING THE AGENCY PROPOSAL PROCESS AND MANAGING SCOPE with Joe Ardeeser

“As a little bit of contextual background for our listeners, if you don't already know, as a part of the suite of meetings and services that we offer our clients, we are in what we call our pipeline meeting. During these meetings and throughout our client relationship, we stress the importance of knowing your data. At the end of the day, you absolutely need to be looking at your data and understanding the story that it tells you about where your agency currently is. Having conversations with my clients so that I can really dive into what the data is telling me is crucial.” –Hannah Hood The finer details of this episode:Challenges and trends in the agency industryExtended sales cycles and delays in closing dealsSlower lead generation and new client acquisitionStrategies for managing low utilizationWhitespace analysis for evaluating services provided to clientsImpact of the current economic state on client decisions Episode resources:Summit Virtual CFO by Anders website: https://www.summitcpa.net/Love our content? Sign up for our newsletter: https://vcfo.summitcpa.net/ddc https://www.summitcpa.net/summit-newsletterDigital 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/ddchttps://www.linkedin.com/in/hannahchood/Love hearing insight from Hannah? Check her out on the Young CPA Success Show: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLHIPahPXE1HhfZO1Ig5pGiB-eHA4hrFzQ Timestamps:The state of the industry (00:00:00)Introduction to the episode and discussion about the agency industry's challenges and trends. Extended sales cycle (00:01:25)Analysis of the extended sales cycle, identifying the pain points and strategies for improving the sales process. Slower lead generation and new client acquisition (00:05:56)Discussion on tracking lead sources and making informed decisions based on lead metrics to improve client acquisition. Whitespace analysis (00:06:34)Explanation of the whitespace analysis tool to identify opportunities for service expansion and niche specialization. Companies wanting more for less (00:10:23)Exploration of the challenge of clients seeking more services for reduced costs and strategies for communicating and evaluating the value of services. Evaluation of team utilization and business size (00:13:53)Strategies for evaluating team size, performance, and business goals during slow times, including considerations for right-sizing the team and utilizing contractors. Planning for the future (00:17:28)Discussion on reevaluating business goals and creating a plan for the future based on current challenges and opportunities. Evaluating Weaknesses and Planning for Change (00:18:49)Discussion on evaluating weaknesses, improving processes, and investing in marketing strategies during a lull in business. Tapping into Hidden Potential within the Team (00:20:40)Exploring the importance of evaluating team members' hidden potential and tapping into their skills and ideas. Bringing Operations and Sales Teams Together (00:22:59)Emphasizing the significance of communication between operations and sales teams for better client outcomes and sales strategies. Fa

“I'm the CEO. I'm not a CFO, but I was acting as one. It was not my favorite part of running a company because math doesn't excite me like it does some of you. I can do it, and I think I did it pretty well. But it was invaluable to be able to have your firm come in and take a look at how we've been running the company and just to get the reassurance of, 'You guys are good, you're not doing things wrong.' You've been able to come in and tweak things and make it even better. It's been quite the journey from first meeting you, in 2015.” -Karla Santi The finer details of this episode:●       Importance of mentoring in personal and professional growth●       Value of finding a mentor or coach in the professional world●       Significance of advisory boards and diverse perspectives in decision-makingEpisode resources:●       Summit Virtual CFO by Anders website: https://www.summitcpa.net/●       Love our content? Sign up for our newsletter: https://vcfo.summitcpa.net/ddc 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://www.blendinteractive.com/ Timestamps:Karla's Background and Agency (00:00:15)Discussion about Karla's impressive background and her agency, Blend Interactive.Karla's Journey and Agency Evolution (00:01:51)Karla shares her personal journey and how her agency has evolved since its founding in 2005.Long-time Friendship and Events (00:03:25)Discussion about the long-time friendship between Karla and the hosts, as well as their shared experiences at various events.Karla's Decision to Seek Financial Help (00:07:03)Karla discusses the triggering event that led her to seek financial help and the decision to commit to working with a financial team.Adoption of AI and Employee Development (00:10:45)Karla talks about the adoption of AI in web development and the focus on employee development within her agency.Empowering Leadership Team and Future Plans (00:12:24)Discussion about empowering the leadership team to make decisions and future plans for the agency.Karla's Role as a Mentor (00:15:26)Karla's role as a mentor and the importance of personal connections in mentoring relationships.Influence of Sports on Mentoring (00:20:01)Karla reflects on the influence of ballet and tennis on her leadership style and team collaboration.Finding the Right Mentor (00:21:53)Discussion on the importance of finding a mentor who connects with you and fosters a meaningful relationship.Transparency and Trust in Relationships (00:23:02)Importance of transparency and trust in professional relationships, including the mentor-mentee dynamic.Takeaways from Conferences (00:24:11)The value of attending conferences and the key insights gained from them.Learning from Others (00:33:19)The significance of learning from others and seeking guidance to improve professional development and business success.

“You want to be around people who are better than you – more talented, more experienced; go and soak it in. The places where I find the most growth for myself and my agency is where I’m around other people, and we’re just sharing ideas.” – Jay Owen The finer details of this episode:●       Jay’s journey of agency ownership and hosting events●       Why attending events is good for networking, business growth, and personal growth  ●       Building a successful agency without sacrificing self and family 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://businessbldrs.com/●       https://www.agencybuildersretreat.com/●       https://www.linkedin.com/in/jayowen/●      https://GetJaysBook.com/

“When you start the agency, everyone expects you to be the contact. But you probably don't want to do that forever. Maybe initially you delegate implementation work, the subject matter expert stuff, or project management. Then you probably want to delegate account management stuff. Usually you're still doing client strategy, at least in the early to mid-days.The idea here is you're like, ‘Hey, so-and-so is great. They are your account manager. They're your day-to-day contact.’ They're running the, say, the monthly call or every other call. But you're still the client strategist. You're involved at the beginning of the engagement, and then things pass over to the account manger. Maybe you're making a quarterly or a semi-annual or annual appearance with those higher-level insights that only you could provide. But importantly, you are not the client’s day-to-day contact. You're not the one getting every single email or call. You just show up and share the magic. Your team is taking it from there.” – Karl Sakas The finer details of this episode:Delegation and streamlining processes Understanding time management within an agencyMarketing agency operationsPreparing for an agency owner exit strategy  Episode resources:Summit Virtual CFO by Anders website: https://www.summitcpa.net/Love our content? Sign up for our newsletter: https://vcfo.summitcpa.net/ddc https://www.summitcpa.net/summit-newsletterDigital 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/ddchttps://sakasandcompany.com/https://www.linkedin.com/in/karlsakas/  Timestamps:The Creative Agency Success Show (00:00:00)Introduction to the podcast and its purpose. The title of the book (00:00:14)Discussion about the book "Work Less, Earn More" by Karl Sakas and its relevance to agency owners. Workshop during team retreat (00:00:36)Praise for the workshop conducted by Karl Sakas during a team retreat and its impact on the team's perspective on creative agencies. Introduction of Karl Sakas (00:01:30)Introduction of Karl Sakas as a guest on the show and a brief overview of his background and expertise. Starting point of reading the book (00:04:03)Discussion on the reasons why people tend to read the book "Work Less, Earn More" and the relevance of the concepts in the book to agency owners. Equity vs. Lifestyle continuum (00:05:45)Exploration of the continuum between running a lifestyle agency and an equity agency, and the importance of knowing where one wants to go in their business. Financial considerations for business owners (00:10:31)Discussion on the financial aspects of running an agency, including the importance of earning a certain amount as a business owner and the considerations for selling the business. Dealing with day-to-day tasks and responsibilities (00:13:53)Exploration of how agency owners spend their time, their preferences, and strategies for delegating tasks to improve efficiency and effectiveness. Impact of team members on the selling process (00:15:54)Discussion on the role of team members in the selling process and their influence on potential buyers. The buyer's perspective (00:16:26)Discussion about the role of an owner in the sales process and the impact

“Managers are far more costly than we realize. The more managing you have going on, the lower the overall productivity of the organization. Leadership matters, don't get me wrong, but agencies are managed to success.” – Jake Skeels The finer details of this episode:Challenges of managing a growing agency or service-based businessImpact of management structures on productivityConcept of matrix managing and its effects on innovation and productivityImportance of financial management and productivity in achieving higher profit margins for agencies Episode resources:Summit Virtual CFO by Anders website: https://www.summitcpa.net/Love our content? Sign up for our newsletter: https://vcfo.summitcpa.net/ddc https://www.summitcpa.net/summit-newsletterDigital 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/ddchttps://agencyagile.com/https://www.linkedin.com/in/jackaskeels/

“When you are doing business development, you need to build your own identity. You need to have something that somebody will remember you for.” - Goran Kovacevic The finer details of this episode:Transition of individuals from production roles to business development in creative agenciesImportance of building a strong brand identity in sales and business developmentChanging dynamics of business development as companies growSignificance of processes in supporting growth and measuring key metrics  Episode resources:Summit Virtual CFO by Anders website: https://www.summitcpa.net/This Quiz Will Tell You What Financial Help Your Business Needs:https://rxkebp5191f.typeform.com/summitquiz?typeform-source=statics.teams.cdn.office.nethttps://infinum.com/https://www.linkedin.com/in/goran-kovacevic-621b351a/ 

"Certainly, from an accountability perspective, that's the biggest benefit in coaching. The coach is going to help you follow through on the plan, and if you deviate, they'll ask why and what's the next mission as a result." – Russ Sorrells The finer details of this episode:Importance of strategy, communication, financial oversight, and sales focus in businessesThe role of a coach in holding business leaders accountableThe impact of not having a forecast or plan in place for small businessesValue of understanding financial statements and having a clear financial strategy 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] Quiz Will Tell You What Financial Help Your Business Needs: https://rxkebp5191f.typeform.com/summitquiz?typeform-source=statics.teams.cdn.office.nethttps://www.ownyourcategory.com/

"Two or three days of delay, because it takes you so long to create a scope of work or proposal, could be the difference between a potential client engaging with one of your competitors and building a lot of rapport." – Joe ArdeeserThe finer details of this episode:Importance of proposal and pricing process in agency-client interactionsCreating a product catalog for streamlining the proposal processStrategies to avoid scope creep and maintain clear pricing conversations with clientsImportance of a well-structured pricing toolEpisode 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] Quiz Will Tell You What Financial Help Your Business Needs: https://rxkebp5191f.typeform.com/summitquiz?typeform-source=statics.teams.cdn.office.netsmartpricingtable.comhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/joeardeeser/

"For companies that have been around for a long time, often they get very disconnected from their actual client, and then they wonder why their growth just sort of flatlines." – Michael JohnsonThe finer details of this episode:Distinguishing between coaching, consulting, and agency rolesMaintaining control and alignment as a CEO or ownerUnderstanding and improving customer experience 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] Quiz Will Tell You What Financial Help Your Business Needs: https://rxkebp5191f.typeform.com/summitquiz?typeform-source=statics.teams.cdn.office.nethttp://BizChoreo.comhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-johnson-3149151ab/Business Choreography: Changing the Way People Look at Accounting with Jody Grunden: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/changing-the-way-people-look-at-accounting-with/id1543832214?i=1000636780953 

 Important Financial Metrics for Creative Agencies with David C. Baker https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/important-financial-metrics-for-creative-agencies-with/id1481877575?i=1000621344461Business Coaching, Staying Relevant, Achieving Success: Insight from Pinnacle Business Guides Founder Greg Cleary https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/business-coaching-staying-relevant-achieving-success/id1481877575?i=1000618300601The Future of AI: Balancing Innovation and Ethical Considerations with Shanif Dhanani https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-future-of-ai-balancing-innovation/id1481877575?i=1000627415283"What if There's More?" with Traci Barrett https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/what-if-theres-more-with-traci-barrett/id1481877575?i=1000603865819Rebranding Your Agency for Success with Todd Nienkerk https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/rebranding-your-agency-for-success-with-todd-nienkerk/id1481877575?i=1000623632381Building an Enduring Business: The Three Pillars of Success with Natalie Eckdahl https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/building-an-enduring-business-the-three-pillars/id1481877575?i=1000615656509Forecasting as a Team Sport with Tom O’Neil https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/forecasting-as-a-team-sport-with-tom-oneil/id1481877575?i=1000620425413Adapting to a Hybrid Work Environment with Tammy Bjelland https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/adapting-to-a-hybrid-work-environment-with-tammy-bjelland/id1481877575?i=1000619084869Finding Balance in Life as an Entrepreneur with Coach Bob Shenefelt https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/finding-balance-in-life-as-an-entrepreneur-with-coach/id1481877575?i=1000638924357 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] Quiz Will Tell You What Financial Help Your Business Needs: https://rxkebp5191f.typeform.com/summitquiz?typeform-source=statics.teams.cdn.office.net 

 “I went through life going through the motions. Around 30, I accomplished everything I set out to do. It was then that I realized it was time to work on my life, rather than doing things I thought I was supposed to do. I hit the delete button and everything in my life started fresh, realizing what matters most and clarifying who I am.” – Bob Shenefelt The finer details of this episode:●Finding the right group of people for business success●Defining your vision and self-actualization in pursuing happiness and fulfillment●Importance of trust, open communication, and positive culture in organizations 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]●       This Quiz Will Tell You What Financial Help Your Business Needs:https://rxkebp5191f.typeform.com/summitquiz?typeform-source=statics.teams.cdn.office.nethttps://www.imatter.com/(12) Bob Shenefelt | LinkedIn

“The first piece of advice that I give a client is ‘stop selling.’ And what I mean about that is, sales in the traditional sense of the word don’t work; people are engaging in behaviors that don’t work for most small business owners. It’s much more natural to engage in building relationships.” – Diane Helbig  The finer details of this episode: Discussion on the ineffectiveness of traditional sales techniquesHiring salespeople with industry-specific knowledge and curiosity Shift toward educating potential clients and being a trusted sourceUncovering reasons for clients not being a good fit 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] Quiz Will Tell You What Financial Help Your Business Needs: https://rxkebp5191f.typeform.com/summitquiz?typeform-source=statics.teams.cdn.office.nethttps://www.helbigenterprises.com/https://www.linkedin.com/in/dhelbig/