The Agency Hour

The Agency Hour

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The Agency Hour episodes

  • The Reason Your Agency Proposals Take Forever to Write

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    Welcome back to The Agency Hour, where we help web design and digital agency owners create abundance for themselves, their teams, and their communities.
    Ever wonder why some agencies have prospects lining up while others struggle to close deals? The secret isn't better talent or flashier portfolios, it's how you communicate your value. In this eye-opening episode, Troy Dean reveals why your prospects don't want to buy your services; they want the transformative results those services deliver.
    What you'll learn:
    Why describing services by features creates confusion instead of excitement
    How to position your offerings around client outcomes rather than agency activities
    The framework for creating a master services list with benefits
    Why your team needs consistent language when discussing your services
    How to cut proposal creation time in half
    Discover why saying "we help you dominate local search so customers find you first" is infinitely more powerful than "we do SEO." Transform your sales conversations from technical explanations into compelling visions of success.
    If you’re ready to scale your agency and reclaim your time, join our new community for just $1. Every week, Troy goes live with actionable strategies to help you build a business that works - for you
    Handy Links: 
    E2M Solutions - https://www.e2msolutions.com/agency-mavericksWP Remote - https://wpremote.com
    Get a Personalised Game Plan to Grow Your AgencyTake this online assessment and get recommendations based on more than 10 years of experience helping 4K+ agencies. This stuff works. Reduce the overwhelm and know exactly what to do next. Gameplan.agencymavericks.com
    Follow us on the socials:
    YouTube | Facebook | FB Group | Instagram | Twitter | Linkedin
    9 min
  • Transition from UGURUS Unexpected Shutdown to E2M's New CEO with Brent Weaver

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    Welcome back to The Agency Hour, where we help web design and digital agency owners create abundance for themselves, their teams, and their communities.
    In this episode, Troy Dean sits down with Brent Weaver, former founder of uGurus and now CEO of E2M Solutions, for a candid conversation about career transitions and the future of AI in agencies. Brent shares his journey from building a coaching empire to its unexpected shutdown by DigitalOcean, and how he found a new path leading a 330-person agency. They explore the challenges of stepping into a CEO role, managing international teams across time zones, and how E2M is positioning agencies to thrive in the AI revolution.
    If you're curious about how to integrate AI into your agency operations, looking to understand the leadership transition process, or simply want to hear how two former competitors became collaborators, this episode delivers valuable insights for agency owners at any stage. 
    Key Takeaways
    The Truth About Business Transitions - How to mentally separate yourself from your business when facing major changes
    Leading Remote Global Teams - Practical strategies for managing teams across 12-hour time zone differences
    AI Implementation for Agencies - Why process documentation must come before AI automation
    Fractional AI Services - How to leverage specialized AI talent without the full-time cost
    Effective Leadership Transfer - Methods for earning trust when stepping into an existing organization
    Community Building - The value of in-person events for agency growth and innovation
    The Future of Agency Services - How AI is transforming every aspect of agency operations
    Vistara AI for Agencies Event - Join Brent and the E2M team in Denver, Colorado from September 28-30 for an immersive three-day event focused on implementing AI in your agency.
    Use code maverick200 for $200 off your ticket at JoinVistara.com
    If you’re ready to scale your agency and reclaim your time, join our new community for just $1. Every week, Troy goes live with actionable strategies to help you build a business that works - for you
    Handy Links: 
    Vistara AI for Agencies Event - https://joinvistara.com/E2M Solutions - https://www.e2msolutions.com/agency-mavericksWP Remote - https://wpremote.com
     
    Get a Personalised Game Plan to Grow Your AgencyTake this online assessment and get recommendations based on more than 10 years of experience helping 4K+ agencies. This stuff works. Reduce the overwhelm and know exactly what to do next. Gameplan.agencymavericks.com
    Follow us on the socials:
    YouTube | Facebook | FB Group | Instagram |<...
    47 min
  • Why Top Agencies Sell Strategy Instead of Giving It Away

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    Welcome back to The Agency Hour, where we help web design and digital agency owners create abundance for themselves, their teams, and their communities.
    In this episode, Troy Dean reveals the single biggest mistake that keeps agencies stuck in the feast-or-famine cycle: giving away their most valuable asset for free. Through compelling case studies of agency owners like Simon Kelly who tripled his revenue to $100K/month, Troy demonstrates how implementing a paid strategy model transforms not just income, but client relationships and team satisfaction.
    If you're tired of lengthy free consultations that lead nowhere and proposals that disappear into the void, this episode reveals the exact framework that's helping agencies convert 85% of prospects into long-term clients while working fewer hours and commanding premium rates.
    What You'll Learn
    Why Free Strategy Is Killing Your Agency – The hidden psychological damage of devaluing your expertise
    The Paid Strategy Model Revolution – How to get paid thousands before starting any client work
    Real-World Success Stories – How agencies like Simon's went from burnout to $100K+ months
    Client Psychology Transformation – Why paying clients show up differently and implement more
    Conversion Rate Secrets – How to achieve 85%+ conversion from roadmap to ongoing work
    Positioning as a Strategic Authority – Moving from vendor to trusted advisor status
    The Complete Implementation Framework – Practical steps to package, price and sell strategy
    If you’re ready to scale your agency and reclaim your time, join our new community for just $1. Every week, Troy goes live with actionable strategies to help you build a business that works - for you
    Handy Links: 
    E2M Solutions - https://www.e2msolutions.com/agency-mavericksWP Remote - https://wpremote.com
    Get a Personalised Game Plan to Grow Your AgencyTake this online assessment and get recommendations based on more than 10 years of experience helping 4K+ agencies. This stuff works. Reduce the overwhelm and know exactly what to do next. Gameplan.agencymavericks.com
    Follow us on the socials:
    YouTube | Facebook | FB Group | Instagram | Twitter | Linkedin
    10 min
  • Build an Authority Website That Actually Converts

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    Welcome back to The Agency Hour, where we help web design and digital agency owners create abundance for themselves, their teams, and their communities.
    In this special episode, Troy Dean takes you behind the scenes of one of Agency Mavericks' exclusive training workshops focused on building your "authority website." You'll discover the critical components every agency website needs to position you as the trusted expert in your field and convert more visitors into high-quality leads. Troy shares a comprehensive, step-by-step playbook for launching or optimizing your website to establish instant credibility with prospects before they ever speak with you.
    If you're tired of competing on price, explaining your value, or struggling to convert website visitors into clients, this episode reveals exactly how to transform your digital presence into a powerful business asset that works for you 24/7.
    What You'll Learn:
    Why Your Current Website Isn't Converting – The missing elements that cause prospects to leave without contacting you
    The Core Components of an Authority Website – Essential sections that build instant credibility and pre-qualify leads
    How to Create Benefit-Driven Headlines – Transform technical features into compelling outcomes clients actually care about
    The Perfect Case Study Formula – A proven structure that showcases specific, verifiable results
    A Complete 4-Week Website Launch Plan – Step-by-step actions to rebuild or optimize your site for maximum impact
    Powerful AI Prompts – Ready-to-use templates for creating compelling website copy without staring at a blank page
    How to Position Yourself as the Expert – Psychology-based strategies that make clients see you as the solution, not just another vendor
    If you’re ready to scale your agency and reclaim your time, join our new community for just $1. Every week, Troy goes live with actionable strategies to help you build a business that works - for you
    Handy Links: 
    E2M Solutions - https://www.e2msolutions.com/agency-mavericksWP Remote - https://wpremote.com
    Get a Personalised Game Plan to Grow Your AgencyTake this online assessment and get recommendations based on more than 10 years of experience helping 4K+ agencies. This stuff works. Reduce the overwhelm and know exactly what to do next. Gameplan.agencymavericks.com
    Follow us on the socials:
    YouTube | Facebook | FB Group | Instagram | Twitter | Linkedin
    36 min
  • 7 Key Takeaways from Mavcon Bali: Why Agency Owners Need Peers

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    Welcome back to The Agency Hour, where we help web design and digital agency owners create abundance for themselves, their teams, and their communities.
    In this episode, Troy Dean takes you behind the scenes of MAVCON Bali 2025, the 21st MAVCON event held at the luxurious Laguna Resort in Nusa Dua. Experience the highlights of this transformative event where agency owners gathered to share strategies, systems, and insights in a breathtaking tropical paradise. Troy unpacks the key presentations, workshops, and networking opportunities that made this event special – from the 7-11-4 customer journey framework to advanced hiring strategies in the age of AI. Discover why looking over another agency owner's shoulder and seeing their actual systems in action was the most valuable takeaway for attendees.
    If you're looking to elevate your agency, connect with like-minded owners, and experience the power of in-person collaboration in a world-class setting, this episode offers a compelling glimpse into what makes MAVCON a must-attend event.
    Key Takeaways
    The Ultimate Agency Asset: How to build a "click-to-close" automation experience using Google's 7-11-4 strategy
    Content Creation Frameworks: Practical approaches to overcome video production hesitation and create client-attracting content
    SEO in the AI Era: New strategies for ranking in large language models, AI overviews, and chatbots
    Employee Lifecycle Management: Honest insights on hiring and firing in today's agency environment
    Agency Acquisition Strategies: How to grow by acquiring smaller agencies with recurring revenue clients
    Collaborative Problem-Solving: The power of structured brains trust sessions to overcome your biggest challenges
    Networking Value: Why peer-to-peer knowledge sharing consistently delivers the highest ROI at in-person events
    If you’re ready to scale your agency and reclaim your time, join our new community for just $1. Every week, Troy goes live with actionable strategies to help you build a business that works - for you
    Handy Links: 
    MavCon - https://mvrx.link/mavconE2M Solutions - https://www.e2msolutions.com/agency-mavericksWP Remote - https://wpremote.com
    Get a Personalised Game Plan to Grow Your AgencyTake this online assessment and get recommendations based on more than 10 years of experience helping 4K+ agencies. This stuff works. Reduce the overwhelm and know exactly what to do next. Gameplan.agencymavericks.com
    Follow us on the socials:
    YouTube | Facebook | FB Group |
    28 min
  • The Agency GPS Model: Unlock More Money, Time & Control

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    Welcome back to The Agency Hour, the show that helps web design and digital agency owners create real abundance - for themselves, their teams, and the communities they serve.
    Tired of working endless hours in your agency without seeing the profits you deserve? Discover the exact framework successful agencies use to create sustainable growth, package their services into scalable products, and gain back precious time.
    In this special episode, I reveal the complete Agency GPS Model that's helped countless agency owners transform their businesses:
    Learn the three pillars of transformation: Grow your authority, Package your IP, and Scale your impact
    Discover the nine stepping stones that connect these pillars
    Understand how to create unlimited demand for your services
    See how to turn your knowledge into profitable, repeatable products
    Find out how to automate and delegate to reclaim your time
    Remember, this isn't about overnight success—it's a 3-5 year journey broken into manageable sprints. The most successful agency owners follow this roadmap to build businesses that deliver amazing profits while working just 3-4 hours a day.
    If you’re ready to scale your agency and reclaim your time, join our new community for just $1. Every week, Troy goes live with actionable strategies to help you build a business that works - for you
    Handy Links: 
    MavCon - https://mvrx.link/mavconE2M Solutions - https://www.e2msolutions.com/agency-mavericksWP Remote - https://wpremote.com
    Get a Personalised Game Plan to Grow Your AgencyTake this online assessment and get recommendations based on more than 10 years of experience helping 4K+ agencies. This stuff works. Reduce the overwhelm and know exactly what to do next. Gameplan.agencymavericks.com
    Follow us on the socials:
    YouTube | Facebook | FB Group | Instagram | Twitter | Linkedin
    17 min
  • Why Showing Up Still Matters (Even When You're Already Successful)

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    Welcome back to The Agency Hour, the show that helps web design and digital agency owners create real abundance - for themselves, their teams, and the communities they serve.
    Ever wonder if attending industry events is actually worth your time and money? In this eye-opening episode, we dive into the surprising ROI of in-person connections that you simply can't replicate online.
    Join Troy Dean and Simon Kelly (CEO of Seriously Good Design) as they explore the hidden value of those unstructured, organic conversations that happen between sessions at events - the ones that often create the biggest breakthroughs.
    Here’s what you’ll learn:
    How to engineer a 10X return from attending live events
    Why the conversations between sessions matter more than the presentations
    The surprising power of shifting your mindset from "this is difficult" to "I love this"
    How to determine if something truly deserves space in your calendar
    Why mentors help you see blind spots that are invisible to you
    Simon shares a personal story about how a single off-hand comment from Troy completely transformed his approach to client work, proving that sometimes the most valuable insights come from casual interactions, not formal teaching.
    Ready to maximize your next industry event? This episode gives you the mindset shift you need to turn your next conference from just another business expense into a genuine catalyst for growth.
    If you’re ready to scale your agency and reclaim your time, join our new community for just $1. Every week, Troy goes live with actionable strategies to help you build a business that works - for you
    Handy Links: 
    MavCon - https://mvrx.link/mavconSimon’s Web Design Process - https://sgd.com.au/our-web-design-process/Simon’s Paid Discovery Page - https://sgd.com.au/digital-strategy-workshop/E2M Solutions - https://www.e2msolutions.com/agency-mavericksWP Remote - https://wpremote.com
    Get a Personalised Game Plan to Grow Your AgencyTake this online assessment and get recommendations based on more than 10 years of experience helping 4K+ agencies. This stuff works. Reduce the overwhelm and know exactly what to do next. Gameplan.agencymavericks.com...
    41 min
  • The Winning Mindset: AI, Beliefs & Agency Team Success

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    Welcome back to The Agency Hour, the show that helps web design and digital agency owners create real abundance - for themselves, their teams, and the communities they serve.
    In this episode, Troy Dean and Simon Kelly, CEO and Head of Growth at Seriously Good Design, dive deep into the mindset that builds winning teams. They explore how beliefs shape behaviors, why most job ads fall flat, and how to use AI tools like Claude to develop powerful team member profiles. The conversation cuts through the fluff, challenging agency owners to examine whether they're unknowingly teaching their teams to lose or win.
    Troy shares his recent revelation about the power of Claude AI compared to ChatGPT, demonstrating how two simple prompts helped him create a comprehensive ideal client profile that transformed his workshop delivery. This practical application reveals how agency owners can use AI not just for client work, but for internal team building and recruitment.
    If you're looking to understand what truly drives autonomy and connection inside high-performing agencies, and how to cultivate a team culture built on shared beliefs rather than just shared goals, this episode is essential listening.
    Here’s what you’ll learn:
    Why Most Job Ads Fail – How to flip the script and talk to candidates about their journey instead of your company
    The AI Revolution in Team Building – Using Claude AI to create comprehensive ideal team member profiles with minimal prompting
    The Belief-Action-Results Framework – How your team's beliefs influence their behaviors and ultimately your agency's success
    Why Service Differentiation Is a Myth – The only true differentiator is your culture and how much your team cares
    The Three Pillars of Team Engagement – Autonomy, connection, and respected leadership
    Overcoming the "I Can't Do It" Mindset – Strategies for cultivating a growth mindset in your team
    The Power of Focus and Consistency – Why playing the long game is essential for sustainable agency growth
    This thought-provoking episode challenges agency owners to look beyond tactical "how-to" advice and focus on the philosophical foundations that truly drive team performance. As Troy and Simon conclude, "If you don't have the right beliefs and the right thinking and the right mindset, the how-to is irrelevant."
    If you’re ready to scale your agency and reclaim your time, join our new community for just $1. Every week, Troy goes live with actionable strategies to help you build a business that works - for you
    Handy Links: 
    MavCon - https://mvrx.link/mavconSimon’s Web Design Process - https://sgd.com.au/our-web-design-process/Simon’s Paid Discovery Page -...
    42 min
  • Hustle Is NOT the Answer: Stop Doing the Work You Hate

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    Are you stuck in the grind, hiding behind “hustle culture” to justify the constant overtime? You’re not alone—and you don’t have to keep sacrificing your relationships, health, or freedom to build a successful agency.
    Welcome back to The Agency Hour, the show that helps web design and digital agency owners create real abundance—for themselves, their teams, and the communities they serve.
    In this episode, host Troy Dean sits down with Simon Kelly, CEO and Head of Growth at Seriously Good Design, to explore what it really takes to step into your role as a business owner—and finally stop doing everything yourself.
    Here’s what you’ll learn:
    Why you’ll never be completely satisfied with your team’s work—and why that’s actually a good thing
    How to stop doing tasks that drain your time without losing revenue
    The key mindset shift that moves you from technician to true business owner
    Why obsessing over perfect processes may be keeping your business small
    What overworking is actually helping you avoid (and how to break the cycle)
    “Your job is to think—not to do everything yourself,” Troy reminds us. Leadership is about defining the outcome, not controlling every step.
    If you’re ready to scale your agency and reclaim your time, join our new community for just $1. Every week, Troy goes live with actionable strategies to help you build a business that works—for you.
    Handy Links: 
    MavCon - https://mvrx.link/mavconSimon’s Web Design Process - https://sgd.com.au/our-web-design-process/Simon’s Paid Discovery Page - https://sgd.com.au/digital-strategy-workshop/E2M Solutions - https://www.e2msolutions.com/agency-mavericksWP Remote - https://wpremote.com
    Get a Personalised Game Plan to Grow Your AgencyTake this online assessment and get recommendations based on more than 10 years of experience helping 4K+ agencies. This stuff works. Reduce the overwhelm and know exactly what to do next. Gameplan.agencymavericks.com
    Follow us on the socials:
    YouTube | Facebook | FB Group |
    47 min
  • Honest Talk About Agency Leadership: Are You The Problem?

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    Ever felt like your team is underperforming despite your best efforts?
    Welcome back to The Agency Hour, where we help web design and digital agency owners create abundance for themselves, their teams, and their communities.
    In this episode, Troy Dean and Simon Kelly, CEO and Head of Growth at Seriously Good Design, dive deep into the challenges of team leadership. They explore why most agencies struggle to grow beyond the founder, how to motivate team members beyond financial incentives, and the power of vulnerability as a leadership strength. You'll discover practical frameworks for accountability, the importance of clear outcomes over micromanagement, and why you should stop being the solution to all your team's problems.
    What You'll Learn:
    Why One-Time Projects Keep You Stuck – The hidden danger of unpredictable revenue and how to escape it
    The Three Motivators of Human Behavior – Understanding what truly
    How to Create Accountability Without Micromanagement – Simple systems for tracking progress and results
    The Power of Vulnerability in Leadership – Why showing weakness actually demonstrates courage
    Why You Should Stop Solving Your Team's Problems – How to break the dependency cycle
    The Secret to Building a Self-Managing Team – Focus on outcomes, not processes
    How to Align Your Team Around a Compelling Vision – Techniques for creating buy-in and engagement
    This conversation goes beyond theory, offering actionable strategies to transform your leadership approach. Simon's candid admission about his own ego getting in the way ("Give other people a chance to be successful") provides a powerful moment of reflection for any leader.
    Handy Links: 
    MavCon - https://mvrx.link/mavconSimon’s Web Design Process - https://sgd.com.au/our-web-design-process/Simon’s Paid Discovery Page - https://sgd.com.au/digital-strategy-workshop/E2M Solutions - https://www.e2msolutions.com/agency-mavericksWP Remote - https://wpremote.com
    Get a Personalised Game Plan to Grow Your AgencyTake this online assessment and get recommendations based on more than 10 years of experience helping 4K+ agencies. This stuff works. Reduce the overwhelm and know exactly what to do next. Gameplan.agencymavericks.com
    Follow us on the socials:
    49 min

About The Agency Hour

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The Agency Hour is for digital agency owners like you who want to start, grow and scale their businesses. It’s like hanging out with friends while getting a masterclass in how to tackle the most…

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