Speaking Engagements: Every Agency Owner’s Ace in the Hole
Stereotypically, speaking engagements may seem reserved for high-profile authors, nationally recognized experts, and former presidents. And while not as obvious, marketing professionals should seriously consider how securing the right speaking opportunities will not only elevate brands but they also hold [...]
Hey agency owner — are you noticing the signs?
I’m writing this note from South Africa, where I am on a photo safari vacation with my daughter. We’ve spent the better part of a week in the bush, coming face to face with prides of lions, serene giraffe, wild [...]
The Most Important Principle of New Business Pitching
I learned the most important lesson about new business pitching from an unlikely source for a man in my business: record producer Jimmy Iovine. In 2013 I was a proud dad sitting in the audience at the University of Southern [...]
4 Questions to Ask Before Calling Your Talent Recruiter
Planning for growth or adding new services to your agency inevitably leads to “we need more people!” Of course, having a dependable, hard-working staff at your business is key. A talent recruiter can be a great asset in the new [...]
Applying The Right ‘Golden Handcuffs’ To Retain Key Employees
If there is one universal problem facing agencies today, it’s talent recruitment and retention. Agencies of all sizes are experiencing more employee churn than they’ve seen in a long time. In fact, agencies report an average 20% turnover per year. Agencies want [...]
Can You Keep A Secret? Nondisclosure Agreements in the Agency-Client Relationship
Creative agencies such as marketing firms, website developers, and advertising and design groups can often be reluctant to approach the issues of confidentiality and intellectual property rights ownership with prospective business clients. Those who set agency policies may feel that [...]
Best books for marketers (client and agency side)
I was recently asked by CEO Library to share my thoughts about reading, specific books and how being a reader has changed the trajectory of my career. Which, no doubt it has. I've always loved to read and can't imagine [...]
8 Lessons For Entrepreneurs (That I May Have Learned the Hard Way)
Happy Anniversary to me. Yep, eight years and two months ago (May 1, 2010) I re-entered the world of entrepreneurship by starting Converse Digital with a mere two weeks notice, no money in the bank, no investors, no credit line, [...]
Clients Long for Brave Agencies: 3 Fears to Conquer
Launching an agency means challenges are bound to arise, and these challenges often revolve around money and perspective. When the two collide, that’s when most brave agencies stumble a bit. As soon as the words “revenue” and “loss” appear in [...]
How to Scale Your Agency — Overcome the Wizard Complex
At UGURUS, a business school for digital agencies, my team and I spend thousands of hours a year consulting and coaching owners in groups or one on one. Our aim is simple: To help you achieve freedom in your business [...]