137 episodes

Do you own, run, or work in a marketing agency of any kind? Find honest answers to the questions you’ve been afraid to ask.

In the marketing and advertising world, agencies consistently proclaim that they are perfect experts at what they do. Spoiler alert: This image is just as curated as their #relevant Instagram feeds and trendy office spaces. The truth is, everyone struggles with similar questions and conflicts, but they wouldn’t dare talk about them.

Hosted by three agency owners with a combined 40 years of experience, Agency Exposed is here to cut through the perfect facade and reveal honest, applicable agency advice for your business. Listen to us discuss what’s working, what isn’t, what we know, and what we don’t - holding nothing back. These thought leaders have generated over $1 billion in revenue for brands of all sizes— and they’re not afraid to ask the tough questions and discuss the answers together.

Pull up a chair and listen in as Agency Exposed reveals valuable insights for what’s working and what’s not in agency life today. They’re pulling back the facade of a fancy espresso machines, craft beers on tap, and office dogs to expose the real issues agencies wrestle with on a daily basis. This is the podcast these guys wish they had when they first started, and the podcast everyone in this space needs today.

Join the discussion.

Marketing Agency Exposed Podcast Bob Hutchins, Brad Ayres & Ken Ott

    • Business
    • 5.0 • 22 Ratings

Do you own, run, or work in a marketing agency of any kind? Find honest answers to the questions you’ve been afraid to ask.

In the marketing and advertising world, agencies consistently proclaim that they are perfect experts at what they do. Spoiler alert: This image is just as curated as their #relevant Instagram feeds and trendy office spaces. The truth is, everyone struggles with similar questions and conflicts, but they wouldn’t dare talk about them.

Hosted by three agency owners with a combined 40 years of experience, Agency Exposed is here to cut through the perfect facade and reveal honest, applicable agency advice for your business. Listen to us discuss what’s working, what isn’t, what we know, and what we don’t - holding nothing back. These thought leaders have generated over $1 billion in revenue for brands of all sizes— and they’re not afraid to ask the tough questions and discuss the answers together.

Pull up a chair and listen in as Agency Exposed reveals valuable insights for what’s working and what’s not in agency life today. They’re pulling back the facade of a fancy espresso machines, craft beers on tap, and office dogs to expose the real issues agencies wrestle with on a daily basis. This is the podcast these guys wish they had when they first started, and the podcast everyone in this space needs today.

Join the discussion.

    How to LEAD Client Expectations

    How to LEAD Client Expectations

    Navigating the promises and pitfalls of the agency-client relationship. Discover strategies for aligning expectations, establishing boundaries, and crafting clarity around goals, metrics, and shared vision. The key to success? Honest communication, mutual understanding, and a relationship built on trust and partnership.
    Summary: In this week's episode, the guys delve into the nuances of managing client expectations and optimizing the agency-client relationship. Bob kicks things off by highlighting the disconnect that can occur when clients request general awareness and agencies deliver specific metrics. Ken emphasizes that agencies can only control their expertise, not guaranteed outcomes, since external factors also influence results. Brad shares an example where a client disregarded research recommendations, then blamed the agency when their gut instinct didn't pan out. Bob advocates for an immersion day to align on goals and strategy before engagement. Ken argues that clients should view agencies more like employees, carefully vetting values and vision. He notes that in successful past relationships, mutual philosophy and respect were key. Brad stresses empathy for clients' high-stakes position while hiring agencies. Bob recommends using tools like HumanIK to analyze clients' psychological profiles and craft tailored communication. In closing, the guys encourage honest, ongoing dialogue to establish shared expectations and boundaries. Keeping clients' ultimate aims top of mind, whether fame or fortune, can help agencies LEAD expectations by forging trust, partnership and clarity.
    Top 3 Curtain Pulls in this episode: Agencies: Guide, Don't Guarantee. Agencies should view themselves as experts and guides, not miracle workers promising guaranteed outcomes. While skilled advisors can absolutely influence results, many external factors also contribute to an agency's impact. Establish reasonable expectations by being upfront about what your expertise can and cannot control. Guide clients to success without overpromising uncontrollable results.
    Clients: Seek Shared Values, Not Just Skills. When hiring an agency, look beyond just skills to carefully assess if their values, vision and problem-solving philosophy align with yours, as you would with a new employee. Shared principles and mutual respect create the foundation for successful relationships, not just temporary wins. Avoid viewing agencies as interchangeable vendors to be swapped out. Seek out an agency that is a true fit.
    Both: Define Success in Their Language. Switchtracking wastes time and fractures trust. Make sure you're speaking the same language when defining goals and metrics for success. Agencies: Interpret marketing-speak into practical business aims clients care about. Clients: Articulate your ultimate definitions of victory. Laser focus on shared communication pays dividends.
    For more tips, discussion, and behind the scenes: Follow us on Instagram @AgencyPodcast
    Join our closed Facebook community for agency leaders
    About The Guys: Bob Hutchins: Founder of BuzzPlant, a digital agency that he ran from 2000-2017. He is also the author of 3 books. More on Bob:
    Bob on LinkedIn
    Bob on Twitter
    Bob on Instagram
    Bob on Facebook
     
    Brad Ayres: Founder of Anthem Republic, an award-winning ad agency. Brad’s knowledge has led some of the biggest brands in the world. Originally from Detroit, Brad is an OG in the ad agency world and has the wisdom and scars to prove it. Currently that knowledge is being applied to his boutique agency. More on Brad:
    Brad on LinkedIn
    Anthem Republic
    Brad on Twitter
    Brad on Instagram
    Brad on Facebook
     
    Ken Ott: Co-Founder and Chief Growth Rebel of Metacake, an Ecommerce Growth Team for some of the world’s most influential brands with a mission to Grow Brands That Matter. Ken is also an author, speaker, and was nominated for an Emmy for his acting on the Metacake Youtube Channel (not r

    • 43 min
    How to Invest Your Time and Money Like a Boss

    How to Invest Your Time and Money Like a Boss

    Learn how to get the highest returns on your time and money investments. The guys provide actionable tips on becoming a "time multiplier," maximizing conference experiences, starting a podcast, and aligning your efforts with principles that create exponential growth. Discover how to build assets that compound over time.
    Summary: In this episode, the guys discuss strategies for investing time and money wisely to achieve optimal returns. They talk about the concept of becoming a "time multiplier" by investing time upfront into tasks that eliminate repetitive work and create compounding returns. For example, spending time to automate processes saves ongoing effort in the future. They emphasize the importance of focusing on high-impact activities versus low-value repetitive tasks. Regarding conferences, the guys debate their value, with mixed opinions. Conferences can offer opportunities to connect and gain insights, but often lack real ROI. More curated events like TED provide better educational experiences. Interactive workshops and pre-recorded talks can also enhance conferences. Ultimately, investing in a mastermind group or coach provides higher returns than conferences for many. Starting a podcast is highlighted as a worthwhile investment; it enables access to high-profile individuals and provides a platform to share valuable insights. The guys stress the power of aligning efforts with universal success principles that compound over time, whether in business or personal contexts. Rather than scarcity, adopting an abundance mindset is key. Overall, the episode provides pragmatic tips for becoming a wise steward of time and money, creating assets that continue to pay dividends into the future.
    Top 3 Curtain Pulls from this episode: Become a time multiplier. Dramatically increase your productivity by identifying tasks that eliminate repetitive work. Invest time upfront into efforts that create exponential returns in the future. Automating processes is a simple example that saves huge amounts of time long-term. Become a wise steward of your most precious asset.
    Conferences have mixed value. Conferences offer networking but often lack real ROI compared to other investments like masterminds or coaches. Look for events with genuine educational experiences like TED. Interactive workshops and pre-recorded talks can also enhance conferences.
    Adopt abundance and success principles. Shift to an abundance mindset regarding time and money. Align efforts with universal success principles that compound over time. Start a podcast to share your own insights. Keep learning and growing through the ups and downs.
      About The Guys:  Ken Ott: Co-Founder and Chief Growth Rebel of Metacake, an Ecommerce Growth Team for some of the world’s most influential brands with a mission to Grow Brands That Matter. Ken is also an author, speaker, and was nominated for an Emmy for his acting on the Metacake Youtube Channel (not really). More on Ken: 
    LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/kennethott/ 
    Metacake - An Ecommerce Growth Team - https://metacake.com/ 
    Growth Rebel TV - https://mtck.co/YouTube-2Y5GUQ9 
    Twitter - https://twitter.com/iamkenott?lang=en
    Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/iamkenott/ 
    Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/iamKenOtt/
     
    Bob Hutchins: Founder of BuzzPlant, a digital agency that he ran from 2000 -2017. He is also the author of 3 books. More on Bob: 
    LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/bobhutchins-cmo-chief-marketing-officer-growth-hacker-digital-marketing-executive/ 
    Twitter - https://twitter.com/bobhutchins?lang=en 
    Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/bwhutchins/?hl=en 
    Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100039351973426 
     
    Brad Ayres: Founder of Anthem Republic, an award-winning ad agency. Brad’s knowledge has led some of the biggest brands in the world. Originally from Detroit, Brad is an OG in the ad agency world and has the wisdom

    • 45 min
    More rest, more value, more profit = better life

    More rest, more value, more profit = better life

    Subtitle: 
    Dive into a world where business insights blend with the rhythm of excellence, as we unpack the essence of the "Messi Effect." Just as a catchy jingle sticks in your mind, on today’s episode, we explore how aligning strengths and impeccable timing can revolutionize success. Join the guys as they discuss how to simplify the complex, fine-tune your abilities, and conduct your own symphony of achievement. 
     
    Summary:
    In this week's episode, the guys talk about their summer experiences, rest, value, profit, simplicity, and more. Ken shares his family's annual trip to upstate New York, emphasizing the significance of establishing deep familial connections in the Adirondacks. Brad delves into his newfound intentional rhythm for managing tasks and avoiding feeling overwhelmed. Bob describes his Florida vacation and the highlight of his summer – witnessing Lionel Messi's debut in MLS. He extrapolates important life and business lessons from Messi's approach, highlighting the value of understanding one's strengths, staying focused, and delivering when the time is right. The discussion shifts to business matters. Ken outlines positive changes his business has made, underlining the importance of proper pricing and recommending reframing the term "agency" to bring about transformative shifts. Ken introduces a tool called Harpa for analyzing longer texts and segues into the "Messi Effect," advising businesses to focus on their core strengths and remain within their expertise. The conversation touches on the tendency to overlook simple solutions and the value of practicing intentional simplicity. Brad observes that relentless busyness doesn't necessarily drive business growth, while Bob introduces the effort justification bias as it relates to focusing on strengths. Brad advocates for setting aside personal time to enhance creative flow and cognitive capabilities. Bob concludes the episode by stressing the need to balance and nurture both sides of the brain, preventing burnout and cognitive overload by renewing, resting, and reviving mental capacities.
     
    Top 3 Curtain Pulls in this episode: 
     
    Maximize the Messi Effect. By concentrating on unique strengths, mastering expertise, and delivering value strategically, you can achieve remarkable results. This approach prioritizes focus over dispersion, encouraging alignment with core competencies and seizing timely opportunities for impactful outcomes. “He knows his lane. He knows what he's good at. And he doesn't try to be anything. But when it’s time for him to stand up, he delivers. He doesn't try to be all things and doesn't try to defend. His timing is impeccable. He's always passing, he's unselfish.”
    Seek out the simple. In the realm of business, valuing simplicity is a potent yet often overlooked strategy. Embracing simplicity cuts through the noise, unveiling efficient solutions. “It took me a long time to realize that we as humans are conditioned to think that the simple solution is not the right solution…The thing that you are really good at, just do a lot of that thing. So don't jump to the other side.”
    Create a rhythm to optimize your abilities. Establishing a consistent routine enhances efficiency and minimizes overwhelm. By aligning actions with energy levels, you unlock cognitive and creative potential. This rhythm becomes a reliable guide, smoothing the path to your goals. Take time to rest, enjoy nature, and use the other half of your brain. “In the creative space, the flow is what gets your juices going, but you have to shut everything out. Allow your brain to maximize its capability. It's soothing and healing.”
     
    For more tips, discussion, and behind the scenes:
    Follow us on Instagram @AgencyPodcast
    Join our closed Facebook community for agency leaders
     
    About The Guys: 
    Bob Hutchins: Founder of BuzzPlant, a digital agency that he ran from from 2000 -2017. He is also the author of 3 books. More on Bob: 

    • 50 min
    The secret to being the best in the world

    The secret to being the best in the world

    Subtitle: 
    Though the title may sound suspiciously too good to be true, trust us, it’s easier than you think to become the best in the world. Today, the guys dive into topics surrounding the challenges of agencies recently as well as commodity agencies, superpowers, being the best, cheapest, or only, profit, mindset, creativity, and more. 
     
    Summary:
    In this week's episode the guys have a conversation about the challenges faced by agencies in the current business landscape. Bob highlights the conflicting reports he has heard recently: some agencies claim to be thriving, while others are struggling to retain talent. This sets the stage for a discussion on how agencies can create value and improve their offerings. Brad emphasizes the concept of finding a "pure play," a specific area of expertise that distinguishes an agency from being perceived as a generic service provider. He also mentions the business strategy principle of being the only, the best, or the cheapest to succeed. He points out the unique challenges faced by agencies that fall between being the best and the cheapest, often resulting in mediocrity. Switching gears, Bob asks the participants to discuss what agencies can do to prepare for the future and make necessary adjustments. Brad shares his goal of diversifying revenue streams by aiming for 20% of their income to come from their own products in the next five years. He talks about forming alliances with like-minded agencies to create a larger community and broader offerings. Brad expands on his goals, expressing his desire to utilize their products to assist other businesses, engage in acquisitions, and serve clients while also being a significant customer themselves. Ken emphasizes the benefits of launching one's own products, highlighting the opportunities for innovation, balance, and freedom it provides. He stresses the importance of achieving profitability to invest in research and development and to continually showcase innovation. He adds that discovering and leveraging one's superpower, accurately pricing the value offered, and maximizing profit are crucial for building a successful business.  delves into the critical factor for project success, attributing it to the mindset of agency leaders and teams, who must commit to achieving success regardless of the obstacles. To wrap up, Bob asks the guys to share the most important focus or action that solopreneurs and agencies of all sizes should undertake for the remainder of the year. Brad emphasizes the need for business owners to take time off and reflect on personal values before returning to run their businesses, as this can provide valuable insights. Ken highlights the significance of making significant investments in one's business, including purchasing items that expand capabilities and raise the bar for service offerings. In closing, Bob encourages agencies to identify their unique strengths, become recognized experts in their respective fields, and dedicate the next six months to honing their expertise in those areas.
     
    Top 3 Curtain Pulls in this episode: 
     
    Superpower all the way. Embracing your superpower empowers you to create a meaningful impact and achieve success in the competitive business world. It represents your unique strengths, sets you apart from competitors, and positions you as an expert. By focusing on your superpower, you attract the right audience, deliver exceptional value, and enhance your reputation. “It's essential to be good at whatever you do.”
    Profit helps everyone, so make sure you’re getting enough. Profit is beneficial to everyone involved in a business. It fuels innovation and growth, enhances employee opportunities, and enables businesses to contribute to the community. Ultimately, a healthy profit ensures long-term sustainability and prosperity, benefiting customers, employees, stakeholders, and the wider community. “Let's say you make a million dollars a year, I believe you should have

    • 42 min
    Don’t build a prison; build a business

    Don’t build a prison; build a business

    Subtitle: 
    It’s a freestyle Friday so you know some secrets to success are about to be dropped. The guys dive deep into the importance of building a business that serves you first, the secret recipe to the foundation of a successful business, insightful books and psychological principles, the idea of practitioners v.s. owners, and more on this exciting episode!
     
    Summary:
    This week’s episode is a freestyle Friday! The guys discuss their recent endeavors. Ken shares that he is actively pursuing his vision and leveraging his abilities to align his life and business with what he truly desires. He specifically talks about the challenges of pursuing personal vision in a service-oriented business, where one can often prioritize clients' needs over their own aspirations. Brad contributes to the conversation by highlighting how personal vision and desires change over time. He explains that as individuals age, their businesses may no longer fulfill them, prompting them to question their motivations and purpose. Bob adds to the discussion by emphasizing the roles of self-awareness and crystallized intelligence in shaping one's interests and vision. He suggests that these factors play a significant role in the shift of personal goals and interests. Ken takes the conversation further by discussing the notion of a midlife crisis, suggesting that individuals may feel trapped in what they have built, leading to a sense of confinement and dissatisfaction. He emphasizes the importance of ensuring that one's business serves them first, similar to the concept of putting on your own oxygen mask before assisting others. The idea of having a calling or mission in life is introduced by Ken, who believes that certain talents within him need to be expressed better. He asserts that if his business does not align with this calling, it is not serving him adequately. The guys delve into the foundation and core of a business, debating whether it is based on people, the balance sheet, the idea, or the vision. They explore the distinction between being business practitioners and being business owners who possess a broader understanding of business principles and can apply them across different industries. They also discuss the significance of values, mission, and culture in establishing a strong foundation for a business. Bob argues that lacking this foundation can lead to becoming enslaved by the business rather than serving a greater cause. Ken introduces the book "Who Moved My Cheese," drawing psychological principles from it to emphasize the importance of being intentional about having a business that serves oneself first in order to provide better service to clients. The conversation touches upon the idea that true enjoyment cannot be derived from tasks performed solely for survival or necessity. They discuss the importance of investing in culture and foundational principles for long-term success and fulfillment. Each participant reflects on their personal visions, plans, and goals. Ken acknowledges that he is still in pursuit of his desired reality, emphasizing the need to leverage one's talents in the right ways. Brad shares his recent realization about the importance of contentment and being present in the journey. Bob concludes the conversation by emphasizing that individuals are doing their best with the resources they have and that a shift in internal perspective is necessary to move forward effectively.
     
    Top 3 Curtain Pulls in this episode: 
     
    Don’t build a prison; build a business that serves you first. In entrepreneurship, prioritize building a business that serves you first, avoiding the creation of a prison. By aligning your business with your personal aspirations and values, you empower yourself to thrive and achieve both professional success and personal fulfillment. “If my business does not serve me first, how could I possibly be healthy enough to serve you? It's the oxygen mask concept.”
    Strong culture + st

    • 48 min
    Charge more than ever before

    Charge more than ever before

    Subtitle: 
    Unlocking the Secrets to Success: Discover the transformative power of creativity, differentiation, and strategic pricing as the guys delve deeper into the concept of "10x-ing" prices. From the link between creativity and income generation to the art of effective communication and leveraging unique labels, this episode unveils the keys to delivering exceptional value and achieving unparalleled success in business. Get ready to revolutionize your approach and create happier, more satisfied customers along the way. The guys break down the role of creativity, AI, the power of labels, time, your unique superpower, and more on this week’s episode. 
     
    Summary:
    In this episode, Bob starts by reviewing the previous discussion about the importance of "10x-ing" prices and reveals that they will explore this concept further. Ken connects creativity to price increases, referencing the book "The Science of Getting Rich" and emphasizing creativity as a means to generate income. Bob adds to this by mentioning a study by the World Economic Forum, highlighting creative thinking as the top skill needed in the future. Brad explores the role of AI in creativity, concluding that human creativity and experience are necessary to fine-tune AI-generated outputs. Bob asks the guys if they believe that raising prices significantly while offering the same services is feasible. Ken discusses the power of labels, highlighting the need to differentiate oneself and avoid being categorized based on common expectations. The importance of finding one's superpower and leveraging it for differentiation, creativity, and increased prices is emphasized. Ken shares insights on increasing prices without increasing expenses, particularly in terms of time. Brad explains how his company implements the "10x" method by assessing client satisfaction and excitement rankings. Bob differentiates himself by presenting a larger scope of services and leading with his expertise and experience. Ken adds to this by emphasizing the importance of effective communication of a unique label and highlighting how businesses can provide value in distinct ways. The uncertainty in the business world and economy is discussed in relation to raising prices, with Ken noting that money is infinite while time is finite. Brad discusses leveraging opportunities during recessions and relates them to raising prices. Ken provides tips for preparing for price increases, including believing in their possibility and necessity, and ensuring that costs remain a fraction of the price charged. Bob concludes by emphasizing that charging more money enables businesses to deliver exceptional results and create happier customers. Overall, the discussion revolves around the importance of creativity, differentiation, effective communication, and the benefits of raising prices in delivering exceptional value and success in business.



    Top 3 Curtain Pulls in this episode: 
     
    Embrace the boundless potential of creativity. Unlock the transformative power of creativity and witness its profound impact on business success. According to the renowned World Economic Forum, creative thinking reigns as the foremost skill crucial for the coming years, emphasizing the immense value of nurturing and embracing creativity in the pursuit of innovation and growth. By cultivating a culture of creative thinking, businesses can develop groundbreaking solutions, confidently raise prices, and achieve unprecedented levels of success. “Creativity is how you get anything. It's an unlimited well to generate income. I would venture to say that thinking about how to 10x your prices is an example of using creativity, not anything else, to generate more income.”
    Widen your label scope. The guys emphasize the power of labels and the importance of defining a unique identity that sets your business apart from competitors. By doing so, you can attract the right clientele and charge higher prices. Stand out and th

    • 40 min

Customer Reviews

5.0 out of 5
22 Ratings

22 Ratings

chillshorts ,

Fire

Great concept and delivery.

BradAyres ,

It’s always therapeutic

As one of the host, I find that being able to openly share both my wins and losses has been therapeutic for me. I know agency owners can often feel alone, and I’m no exception, but It’s great to have friends like Bob and Ken who understand the challenges we all face and always bring some unique insight to every topic. Hopefully you will get as much out of this podcast as we do making it.

Gator68 ,

Awesomely beyond “Agency”.......

This is not just about “Agency Success” - this is about business success and honestly personal success. These guys are really opening up into spaces that those of us beyond agency don’t open up about either. As an aging executive with Scripps Networks, AOL, EMI and a decade of executive consulting....Bob, Ken and Brad are still reminding me there is much more to do....and let’s do it a new way. This was and is time well spent! Thanks guys....

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