Agency Journey

Struggling to get your team aligned on goals and metrics? Wish your company culture was more productive and humane? Mark Abbott, founder and CEO of Ninety, shares how and the importance to implement tools to empower employees and build a resilient organization. In this episode, Mark discusses the specifics of designing effective scorecards, setting targets vs goals, and getting team member buy-in and so much more.Episode Insights: Why companies are complex adaptive systems. The best ones are explicit, coherent and resonant with all stakeholders. What mastery means being able to teach it to others - true understanding goes deeper than just reading a book. How to have Leadership through agreements is better than old school "command and control." Scorecards set targets to avoid micromanaging. Why having 3-5 KPIs per person (quality, quantity, process, show up) provides guardrails and autonomy. The importance on having a quality, quantity, process and show up element that can be measured in any role. Why focus on

In this episode, Kuba shares his vision for ZenPilot Marketing. He details his strategy to transition ZenPilot's perception from merely a ClickUp implementation partner to a team of agency operations experts. Kuba emphasizes the importance of promoting the ZenPilot team and using platforms like YouTube and LinkedIn to highlight their expertise and unique personalities, fostering a more connected audience.Kuba also offers valuable insights into "low-hanging marketing fruit" for agencies. He discusses the importance of investing in team development and leveraging their individual personalities to build a loyal audience. He highlights the value of using AI tools like ChatGPT for content repurposing, and encourages agencies to focus on creating high-quality content around crucial keywords.In this episode, you'll learn: Vision for ZenPilot Marketing Low-Hanging Marketing Fruit for Agencies The importance focus on creating one or a few pieces of high-quality content around important keywords. Why you need to invest

Do you struggle to create work that truly resonates with your audience? The ability to craft stories and messages that forge meaningful connections is what separates good creators from great ones. In today’s episode, host Gray MacKenzie sits down with storytelling expert Jay Acunzo.Jay Acunzo, The founder of the Creator Kitchen, a membership program helping you push yourself creatively. He's also an author, speaker, and host of the award-winning podcast Unthinkable, where creative people take us inside the unconventional choices they made to break from best practices.In this episode, you'll learn: How to resonate with your audience by crafting memorable stories Learn about posture and practice and what it means as an creative. The four ways to communicate with your audience. What stories should be focused on. How to practice crafting stories and work on developing your own narrative style. What does the Creator Kitchen community look like Jay's recommended people to follow The Unthinkable Podcast Process Pres

In this episode, Erika Zeigyte, CEO of a consulting & recruitment agency called Prosana. joins Gray Mackenzie to discuss the intricacies of hiring an A+ talent for your agency.Erika also shares her insights into what makes for great agency candidates, how to build an effective hiring process, the benefits of using a recruiting agency, interview techniques, and recommended tools for recruiting.In this episode, you'll learn: What makes someone a good fit for an agency? How to vet candidates for agency roles How to balance candidate experience with thoroughly vetting candidates The common positions recruited in an agency Hiring challenges with junior candidates The elements of a first-class hiring process Prosana's hiring process How to source and qualify candidates effectively Ways to do an effective outreach to candidate prospects Recruitment agency tech stack When to consider using an outside recruiting agency (pros and cons) Effective interview questions to ask a talent during interview Presenting Sponso

Misti Ferris holds the “Integrator” seat at digital marketing agency Roger West Creative & Code, which means she ensures that everyone is dancing to the same beat called EOS (even the creatives). In addition to the Integrator role, Misti serves as Vice President of Operations, where her “3 M” mantra: marketer, minimalist and mom (of 4 daughters) is the driving force behind all things requiring structure, process and a firm yet loving nudge.In this episode, you'll learn: How EOS provides structure and discipline that still allows for creativity in agencies and marketing firms. Why providing transparency into the company's vision and goals builds trust and helps employees understand the purpose behind operational changes. How bi-directional feedback between managers and employees improves communication and relationships but takes time to implement fully. What tools are available for managing EOS, so companies should evaluate options based on their needs and preferences. Best practices on continuously docume

William Ferreira is the founder of Social Buff, a full-service digital agency that builds and scales direct-to-consumer (DTC) e-commerce brands. Since its launch in 2019, the business has taken countless companies to multi-million pounds in revenue.In this episode, William and Gray discussed the tools and strategies Social Buff uses to operate efficiently while providing high-impact results, including a focus on metrics, process, and hiring the right talent.In this episode, you'll learn: Overview of Social Buff and their growth over the past few years The key marketing channels Social Buff focuses on The sales process and how Social Buff finds and onboards new clients Tips for effective cold email outreach and positioning your agency How Social Buff competes against larger agencies and freelancers Identifying the point where e-commerce brands make the transition to hiring an agency like Social Buff The tools that power Social Buff’s operations The most important tips William would offer to other agency owners

In this power-packed episode, we are joined by JJ Rusell, Partner and Director at Best Damn Agency Mastermind. Together with Gray, they delve into the importance of having a clear vision for mastermind groups, the value of strong connections within the community, and overcoming self-limiting beliefs. They also discuss strategies for building a successful agency and fostering an entrepreneurial mindset in children. Tune in for an insightful conversation that's sure to leave you inspired and motivated to take your agency and personal growth to the next level.In this episode, you'll learn: The importance of having a clear vision and purpose for mastermind groups How to build a strong community with meaningful connections Strategies to overcome self-limiting beliefs in agency owners and leaders Key elements for building a successful agency, including niching and operational efficiency The benefits of a mixed staffing model with contractors and full-time employees Ways to instill an entrepreneurial mindset in chil

In this episode, Karl Sakas, Author, Speaker, Agency Consultant and Founder of Sakas & Company, joins Gray MacKenzie to discuss strategies & key metrics that agency owners should start tracking, and how it contributes to achieve sustainable growth and increased profits. Karl Sakas helps people at agencies make smarter decisions for smoother growth. Drawing on his background in agency operations, Karl has personally advised hundreds of agencies on every inhabited continent. He is the author of Made to Lead, The In-Demand Marketing Agency, and more than 400 articles on agency management. When he’s not helping clients, Karl volunteers as a bartender on an antique train.In this episode, you'll learn: How to focus on aligning incentives between your agency and clients to build a true partnership.  Why transparency and communication are key to maintaining client relationships.  Why frameworks like the Entrepreneurial Operating System to your agency's unique culture and goals and what not to do. How content

In this episode, Andrew Stern, Partner, and COO at Pilothouse, a full-service digital marketing agency that helps DTC brands scale through performance marketing. Andrew shares insights into Pilothouse's unique partnership model with clients, how they've scaled to over 170 employees in just a few years, and the key sales and marketing strategies that have fueled their growth.In this episode, you'll learn: How to Focus on true alignment of incentives between the agency, clients, and internal team. How Pilothouse Brings clients into the process as true partners with transparent and ongoing communication.  Why implementing frameworks like EOS to improve processes but adapt them to suit your unique culture and goals. How to build authority and generate new opportunities through content like newsletters, podcasts, and thought leadership.  How to empower your teams, streamline work with the right tools, and continually look for new tools that can help improve productivity and collaboration. Key lessons and insights

In this episode, Mike Rose, Founder and CEO of Return On Energy, is a highly successful entrepreneur who has built multiple profitable agencies that can run without him. With a track record of accolades, including being named INC Best Places in America and a 3X Inc 5000 Fastest Growing Private Company, Mike shares his insights and strategies for creating a sustainable agency that can thrive even when the founder steps back. As a HubSpot Diamond-Certified Partner and DFW American Marketing Association (AMA) Marketer of the Year, Mike's experience and expertise make for a valuable conversation on building a successful and scalable business.In this episode, you'll learn: Three factors mike considered before selling Mojo Media Labs to Gravity Global 2:15 The acquisition timeline and exit process 3:44 An overview of Mojo Media Labs and Gravity Global 7:05 How Mike empowered the Mojo Makers to make better business decisions 9:30 The importance of training your team on how business works 12:20 Mike's strategies to h

Individuals with soulful character approach leadership with tremendous fervor. They possess a deep understanding of their organization's structure and prioritize bottom-up motivation over top-down. They recognize the importance of all team members. These leaders also value open communication with all employees, recognizing that each person plays a crucial role in the organization and is equally valuable.In this episode, Kenny Lange, CEO of Kenny Lange Coaching, Kenny helps agency owners and their leadership teams find clarity and engineer their culture using proven frameworks. Kenny joins Gray MacKenzie to discuss the impact of being a purpose-driven, people-centric leader and how System & Soul differs from The EOS framework.In this episode, you'll learn: Why it is important to have the right framework for your agency What is S2 in The System & Soul Framework The differences and similarities between System & Soul and The EOS framework What System & Soul's S2 focuses on The importance of having

In this episode, Charles "Charlie" Gaudet II, CEO of Predictable Profits. He is also the author of “The Predictable Profits Playbook" and host of The Beyond 7-Figures Podcast, joins Gray MacKenzie to explore the strategies and best practices for building successful and profitable agency partnerships.In this episode, you'll learn: Why it is important to understand the benefits of agency partnerships How to identify the right partners for your agency How to establish clear expectations and goals The best methods to maintain open communication and fostering trust Ways to measure the success of your agency partnerships and continuously improving the process. Presenting Sponsor: ZenPilotCheck out ZenPilot, where we help agencies optimize their operations using our proven systems and processes.ZenPilot knows that you are tired of wasting time on trial and error — that's why we provide tried-and-true solutions that will help you grow and scale quickly and sustainably.So, what are you waiting for?Go to zenpilot.com t

In this episode, Anne Shenton, CEO of Ascend Strategy & Design, a HubSpot Diamond and Advanced CMS Implementation certified solutions partner, joins Gray MacKenzie to dig deeper into the impact of implementing EOS. Whether it's self-implementation or with a professional implementer, you will learn how an agency quantifies the impact of implementing EOS.Topics discussed in the episode: How Ascend balances using ninety.io and ClickUp and their approach on how to leverage using both tools Ascend's quick background story and how they first discovered EOS Anne's career journey, her passion for websites, and how she navigated her career growth How Ascend Pivoted from being just a department to being its own agency The Impact of EOS on culture development and the downside of self-implementation How Ascend's screening process involves its core values. One of the unusual metrics that Ascend has is "Employee NPS." Anne's own tech stack and tool recommendation Presenting Sponsor: ZenPilotCheck out ZenPilot, where we

Kevin Barber is the Head of Growth at Lean Labs, focused on helping innovative companies make their marketing profitable so they can scale. Father of 3, lives in Tampa, FL, and loves bikes, boats, and building brands.Chris DuBois is the CEO at Lean Labs, helping build growth teams and websites for brands that deserve to win. Father of 2, and husband of 1. Lives in Portland, Maine, and enjoys exploring the outdoors, and reading a good book.In this episode, Chris DuBois, CEO at Lean Labs, and Kevin Barber, Head of Growth at Lean Labs, joins Gray to discuss the challenges and opportunities and the nitty gritty of transitioning from one role to another and the importance of having the right role for each team member. Topics discussed in the episode: How agencies are adjusting to the shifts brought about by the pandemic. The criticality of having the appropriate chief executive officer for Lean Labs. Chris's journey to becoming the CEO of Lean Labs. The effect of the transition to Kevin's leadership. The responsib

John Heritage is the President at Evenbound, A Diamond-level HubSpot Solutions Partner, in 2012. Evenbound specializes in growth marketing and technical consulting. John discusses the benefits of professional EOS implementation and the importance of aligning your organization's goals and processes. Topics discussed in the episode: Evenbound's journey Evenbound's team and expectations How covid changed the way agencies work John's story on discovering EOS Their journey to self-implementation and some realizations along the way The pros of hiring a professional implementer The challenges with implementing EOS The benefits of having EOS implemented at Evenbound The process of finding your EOS implementor John's process for determining who to choose as their implementor at their agency Evenbound's plans for the future John's advice to leaders wanting to implement EOS. Presenting Sponsor: ZenPilotCheck out ZenPilot, where we help agencies optimize their operations using our proven systems and processes.ZenPilot kn

In this episode of Agency Journey, Paul joins Gray to discuss what EOS is and how it significantly contributed to Fuelius' growth.Paul Earnden is the Managing Director at Fuelius, an agency that works with scaling companies to provide end-to-end customer journey solutions. Fuelius offers a full suite of services, including CRM enablement, inbound marketing, and web development, designed to help scaling companies grow. Topics discussed in the episode: How Fuelius started and why it is a sub-brand of Prodo. Fuelius' journey as a sub-brand and the challenges they faced as an agency. Paul's role at Fuelius as a Managing Director and Integrator. The difference between a visionary and an integrator and the importance of each role. The story of how Paul was first introduced to the EOS at the HubSpot Inbound Conference. A brief explanation of what is EOS? Their experience with the EOS survey and the start of their journey implementing EOS for their agency. Fuelius' implementation timeline, mistakes from implementing

On this episode of Agency Journey, Shama Hyder, CEO of Zen Media, joins Gray to discuss what dark social is, the impact of dark social on your agency's buyer journey, and why it is important to pay attention to it.Topics discussed in the episode: The story behind Zen Media's and ZenPilot's name Zen Media's journey What is dark social? How dark social works and  How dark social impacts your buyers' journey What the b2b buying journey looks like Presenting Sponsor: ZenPilotBe sure to check out ZenPilot, where we help agencies optimize their operations using our proven systems and processes.ZenPilot knows that you are tired of wasting time on trial-and-error — that’s why we provide tried-and-true solutions that will help you grow and scale quickly and sustainably.So, what are you waiting for?Go to zenpilot.com to learn more.Resources mentioned in this episode: Zen Media Website Shama Hyder Website Shama Hyder's LinkedIn The Zen of Social Media Marketing Free 47-page Guide to Implementing ClickUp:This guide is

After every project, we collect feedback, brainstorm ideas, and discuss how we can improve our services. Back at the beginning of 2021, we transformed our client journey and added in a discovery project called "The Blueprint".Why did we do this?The Blueprint is the discovery project that allows us to fully understand the agency's pains, frustrations, challenges, and goals for the project. We've received a lot of amazing feedback, and many agencies have even reverse-engineered our process and implemented it at their agency. On this episode of Agency Journey, Gray joins Andrew Dymski, CoFounder at ZenPilot, to discuss our Blueprint process and what agencies have learned from it and implemented it in their organization.Topics discussed in the episode: ZenPilots Client Journey - Blueprint, Implementation, Optimize The ZenPilot's promise - "Move from chaos to clarity" 3 core systems every agency needs - technical, procedural and behavioral The purpose of the Blueprint and why agencies need to implement a discovery

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, demand for labor is at an all-time high. Earlier this year, there were on average 40 more jobs available than unemployed workers.And to make matters worse, most agency owners don't even begin the hiring process until they are well beyond capacity. They wait until their employees start to feel overwhelmed before they even write the job description. Hence the reason why burnout has become an even bigger factor in today's work environment. This leads to current talent leaving, and now adding an additional replacement hire that needs to be made.JobRack is a company that helps agency owners through this process. Their mission is to help online business owners hire amazing remote team members from Eastern Europe.On this episode of Agency Journey, Gray sat down with Noel Andrews, Owner and Founder at JobRack, to discuss how agencies can improve their hiring process to bring better team members on board and keep them around for longer.Topics discussed in the episode: Noel'

They take ownership of: The system's design Habits and behaviors of the team inside the system Being a ClickUp expert to answer the team's questions Regardless of the platform you run on. You need to have an internal champion - Monday champion, Asana champion, Teamwork champion, etc. So, are you... A, an agency operator that has claimed the throne of [fill in the blank] champion? Or B, looking to hire or promote within to champion your project management platform? On this episode of Agency Journey, Gray joins Andrew Dymski, CoFounder at ZenPilot, to discuss the who, what, why, and how behind ClickUp Champions.Topics discussed in the episode: Purpose behind having a ClickUp Champion Roles and responsibilities of a ClickUp Champion Experiences and traits they should have should have Selection criteria for finding a ClickUp Champion Not an owner or leadership team members Thick enough skin to be a referee Comfort managing up General understanding of the teams processes Capacity  Analytical minded Innovative and