Episode Title:

Riding the Entrepreneurial Rollercoaster: Insights from Tom Conlon

Episode 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 Conlon

The 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 times on team culture and leadership dynamics.

Financial Priorities Over Culture (00:20:14)  

He explains the necessity of prioritizing financial stability over cultural initiatives during crises.

Importance of Operating Systems (00:22:08)  

The conversation shifts to the benefits of having an operating system like EOS for business decisions.

Weekly Meetings and Accountability (00:24:00)  

Tom describes how structured meetings improved accountability and focus on larger business goals.

Setting Goals with EOS (00:25:47)  

He emphasizes the importance of setting and breaking down goals for effective team alignment.

Involvement of Team in Rocks (00:27:48)  

Tom shares how everyone on the team has individual "rocks" for personal and professional development.

Influential Magazines and Media (00:28:47)  

Tom reflects on his early influences from magazines and his current consumption of audiobooks.

Personal Reading Preferences (00:30:34)  

He discusses his interest in financial crime literature and influential business books.

Nostalgia for Print Media (00:32:02)  

Other speakers share their fond memories of magazines and the tactile experience of reading print.  

Closing Remarks and Episode Summary (00:34:22)  

The hosts thank Tom for sharing his insights and reflect on the episode's key takeaways.

“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-newsletter
• Digital Dollars and Cents: A Virtual CFO’s Playbook to help Digital Companies Create a Financial Roadmap to Success, is now an audio book! Download it here: https://vcfo.summitcpa.net/ddc
• Connect with Zaid here: linkedin.com/in/zaidammari
• Check out PPC Masterminds here: ppcmasterminds.com
• Free 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 retargeting can be one of the cheapest marketing methods.

Tracking Conversions (00:11:04)

Discussion on how to track conversions from retargeting ads.

Using Data Analytics (00:12:02)

Zaid emphasizes the importance of segmenting traffic for better insights.

Variability Among Companies (00:14:03)

Zaid discusses the vast differences in performance metrics across companies.

Click-Through Rate Misconceptions (00:15:58)

Zaid clarifies how high click-through rates can mislead about lead quality.

Ad Copy Strategies (00:16:59)

Zaid advises on including pricing in ad copy to filter out unqualified leads.

Google's Role in Advertising (00:18:51)

Zaid discusses how Google Ads operates and their profit motives.

Outsourcing vs. In-House Marketing (00:19:47)

Zaid shares insights on when companies should consider outsourcing their marketing.

Agency vs. Freelancers (00:21:16)

Discussion on the differences between hiring agencies and freelancers for marketing services.

Onboarding Process (00:22:25)

Overview of the onboarding process and its impact on effective marketing strategies.

Revenue Tracking Audit (00:22:49)

Importance of auditing revenue tracking for e-commerce and service companies.

Estimating Costs (00:23:59)

Using PPC calculators to estimate costs and expected sales conversions.

Budget Planning (00:26:26)

Advice on budgeting for marketing campaigns and managing client expectations.

Communication with Clients (00:27:00)

The significance of proactive communication in maintaining client relationships.

Retargeting Ads (00:27:59)

Discussion on the underutilization of retargeting ads in marketing strategies.

Voice Recognition Marketing (00:28:38)

Exploration of how voice recognition may influence targeted ads.

Prime Day Product Searches (00:30:00)

Personal anecdotes about product searches during Prime Day promotions.

Final Thoughts and Resources (00:34:16)

Wrap-up of the conversation and sharing of additional resources for listeners.

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

Navigating ESOP to M&A (00:18:01)

Jonathan shares the challenges and processes of transitioning from an ESOP to an M&A deal.

Preparing for M&A (00:19:11)

Advice on steps companies should take to prepare for a potential acquisition.

Importance of Accurate Financials (00:21:20)

Emphasis on maintaining clean financials to facilitate smoother due diligence during M&A.

Understanding Accrual Basis Accounting (00:22:01)

Importance of running financials on an accrual basis for effective M&A preparation.

Trends in M&A Post-COVID (00:22:57)

Discussion on inflated valuations post-COVID and current market dynamics affecting M&A.

Current Market Conditions for Sellers (00:24:24)

Analysis of the current M&A landscape and advice for potential sellers.

The COVID Boom and M&A Opportunities (00:24:49)

Reflections on the opportunities presented during the COVID boom for agencies.

Fun Question About Brewery Towns (00:25:17)

A light-hearted discussion on top microbrewery towns in the U.S.

Cultural Significance of Local Breweries (00:26:26)

Exploration of how local breweries reflect community identity and culture.

Contacting Jonathan for M&A Insights (00:27:54)

Information on how listeners can reach out for M&A advice and brewery recommendations.

Conclusion of the Episode (00:28:05)

Wrap-up of the episode and appreciation for Jonathan’s insights on 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-newsletter
• Digital Dollars and Cents: A Virtual CFO’s Playbook to help Digital Companies Create a Financial Roadmap to Success, is now an audio book! Download it here: https://vcfo.summitcpa.net/ddc
• Connect with 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 lengthy and complex nature of the M&A process for agency owners.

Private Equity Perspectives (00:17:18)

Phil shares insights on agency attitudes toward private equity investments and their implications.

Private Equity in Agency M&A (00:17:24)

Discussion on the impact of private equity in agency valuations and the changing landscape of M&A.

Understanding Buyer Types (00:18:09)

Exploring different types of buyers, including private equity, family offices, and strategic buyers, and their implications.

Owner Objectives and Planning (00:18:58)

The importance of understanding owner objectives when considering potential buyers and planning for agency sales.

Strategic Buyers vs. Financial Buyers (00:20:10)

Ranking the desirability of strategic buyers over financial buyers in agency sales.

Management Team Retention Strategies (00:21:39)

Ways to incentivize management teams to stay through the transition during an agency sale.

Common Due Diligence Pitfalls (00:22:50)

Identifying key reasons why due diligence fails, focusing on net working capital and owner dependency.

Phil's Experience as an NBA Ballboy (00:24:39)

Phil shares memorable experiences from his time as a ballboy for the Indiana Pacers.

Michael Jordan's Comeback Game (00:26:47)

Phil recounts witnessing Michael Jordan's return to the NBA and the unforgettable moments that followed.

Final Thoughts on M&A (00:33:30)

Phil emphasizes optimism in the current M&A landscape for agency owners and shares contact information.

Planning for Agency Sales (00:34:22)

Phil emphasizes the importance of early planning for agency sales, as circumstances can change unexpectedly.

Eliminating Add Backs (00:35:10)

The discussion highlights the negative perception of add backs by investors and the benefits of clean financials.

Importance of Due Diligence (00:35:15)

Being prepared for due diligence can significantly impact sale outcomes and buyer confidence, according to the speakers.

Long-term Selling Strategy (00:35:52)

The speakers stress the need for a strategic approach to selling, rather than a rushed decision, to maximize value.

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 Kurzawa

The 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-newsletter
• Digital Dollars and Cents: A Virtual CFO’s Playbook to help Digital Companies Create a Financial Roadmap to Success, is now an audio book! Download it here: https://vcfo.summitcpa.net/ddc
• Connect with Adam here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamkurzawa
• Check 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 conversations and planting seeds for future business opportunities.

Importance of Business Development (00:40:16)

Speakers emphasize the need for proactive steps in business development for 2025.

Contacting Adam (00:40:21)

Adam shares how listeners can reach him for business discussions.

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

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

The finer details of this episode:

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

Episode resources:

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

Timestamps:

Introduction to the Episode (00:00:00)

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

Revisiting 2019 (00:00:14)

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

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

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

Impact of the Pandemic (00:02:16)

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

Forecasting vs. Budgeting (00:02:31)

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

Decentralization Mistakes (00:03:16)

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

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

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

Centralized Forecasting Lessons (00:05:35)

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

Sales Leadership Changes (00:06:28)

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

Pipeline Meetings and Forecasting (00:10:02)

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

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

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

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

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

Complexity in Business Decisions (00:12:43)

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

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

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

The Importance of Focus (00:17:16)

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

Reflecting on Accomplishments (00:17:45)

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

The Elephant Analogy (00:18:15)

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

Challenges in Prioritization (00:18:23)

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

Role of Strong Forecasting (00:18:42)

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

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

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

Nostalgia and Reflection (00:19:18)

Revisiting past discussions to appreciate how perspectives and insights have evolved over the years.

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

Episode resources:

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

Timestamps:

Introduction to the Episode (00:00:00)

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

Guest Introduction (00:00:15)

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

Interview Context (00:00:45)

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

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

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

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

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

Julie's Background (00:03:02)

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

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

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

Benefits of Podcast Guesting (00:06:57)

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

Content Repurposing Importance (00:09:19)

Julie highlights the value of repurposing podcast content for marketing.

Overcoming Stage Fright (00:12:04)

Advice for individuals feeling anxious about speaking on podcasts.

Mindset Shift for Podcasters (00:12:18)

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

Building Confidence Through Affirmations (00:14:16)

Discussion on using testimonials to boost confidence before podcasting.

Team Involvement in Podcasting (00:15:28)

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

Developing Personal Brands (00:18:43)

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

Client Engagement Process (00:19:41)

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

Podcast Guesting Benefits (00:22:14)

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

Favorite Vacation Stories (00:23:01)

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

Connecting with Julie (00:25:31)

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

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

—Donna Serdula

The finer details of this episode:

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

Episode resources:

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

Timestamps:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The positivity of LinkedIn (00:19:08)

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

Building a professional network (00:20:08)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Personal Branding on LinkedIn (00:37:50)

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

Encouragement and Personal Growth (00:40:43)

The hosts and Donna share personal experiences and offer encouragement for those feeling behind in their professional journey.

Expanding Your Network on LinkedIn (00:43:08)

Donna advises expanding the LinkedIn network to gain diverse perspectives and avoid feeling stuck in comparison.

Investing in Personal Branding (00:45:18)

Donna emphasizes the value of investing in personal branding and recommends utilizing free resources for self-improvement.

Personal Life and Interests (00:46:38)

Donna shares personal insights about being a mother and having a son with special needs, offering a broader perspective for her work.

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

The finer details of this episode:

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

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

●       Solutions to improve communication and alignment between departments

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

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

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

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

Episode resources:

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

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

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

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

Timestamps:

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

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

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

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

Improving Client Onboarding Process (00:00:36)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Improving Communication Between Departments (00:06:50)

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

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

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

Optimizing Sales Process (00:09:00)

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

Project Management Alignment Exercise (00:15:36)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Flexibility in Project Scoping (00:21:46)

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

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

Addressing the struggle of getting project managers and account managers billable, and their role in the project's success.

Post Project Evaluation and Continuous Improvement (00:26:28)

Importance and process of post-project evaluation, including setting a window for project closure and conducting lessons learned sessions.

Favorite Concerts (00:32:38)

Casual discussion about the hosts' favorite concerts and musical interests.

Final Thoughts and Contact Information (00:35:28)

Guest's final thoughts on project management, operations, and the importance of slowing down, and sharing contact information for further resources and support.