Independent agencies are thriving in a tough economy—but not for the reasons you might expect. Hosts Charlie Riley and Greg Wise sit down with Daniel Weiner from "You Should Talk To" to explore why nimbleness and speed give smaller agencies a real edge. Daniel shares sharp insights into what brands often misunderstand about agency relationships and the specific challenges marketers face when trying to communicate value to executives. This episode dives into the tension between full-service solutions and specialization, the return to brand storytelling, and why not every marketing effort needs to be a win to be worth it.

👤 Guest Bio

Daniel Weiner is the founder of "You Should Talk To," a service helping brands pair with agencies that match their specific needs. He focuses on connecting marketers with independent agencies based on relationship quality and expertise, not just reputation or size. Daniel brings deep knowledge from both the agency and brand sides, giving him a unique lens into what makes these partnerships work. LinkedIn

📌 What We Cover

• The current landscape for independent agencies in today’s economy
• Why nimbleness and speed are key advantages of independents
• The tension between specialization and full-service offerings
• Common misconceptions brands have about agencies
• What challenges brands face in today’s marketing landscape
• The shift back toward brand marketing and storytelling
• Accepting that not all agency work will succeed, and why that’s normal
• How marketers struggle to explain marketing realities to executives