The Innovative Agency

Sharon Toerek
  • 5.0 (32)
  • BUSINESS
  • UPDATED BIWEEKLY
The Innovative Agency

The Innovative Agency is a podcast that exists to help marketing agency leaders answer the question: “What’s Next?”. How are agencies staying on the cutting edge of marketing trends? How are they adapting their businesses to meet new business challenges in the agency world? Hosted by marketing law and intellectual property lawyer Sharon Toerek, we’ll talk with agencies who are at the cutting edge of innovation and industry experts who have a front row seat to the practice of innovation in today’s marketing, communications and creative agencies. The goal is to help listeners learn to look around the corner to spot their next opportunity. Sharon will share her expertise along the way about how to legally protect your agency’s assets, and how to turn your agency’s innovation into cash.

  1. 4 DAYS AGO

    270. Exploring the Journey from Agency to Product Development, with Davey Jones

    Intro In this episode of The Innovative Agency, we talk with Davey Jones, CEO of BDOW!, about his transition from running a marketing agency to developing digital products. Davey shares insights into how his experiences co-founding Davey & Krista and Till Agency shaped his journey toward creating tools that help designers and agencies convert clicks into customers. They discuss the importance of testing ideas, balancing client work with product development, and leveraging relationships for business growth.   What you will learn in this episode:    How Davey transitioned from agency ownership to building digital products. The importance of market research and beta testing in product development. Strategies for balancing client work with the development of new products. Insights into the lead generation process, both organic and paid. Why leveraging existing client relationships can help test new ideas. The critical role of having a profitability strategy in your core business. How to identify market opportunities through conversations with clients and prospects. Bio  Davey Jones is the CEO of BDOW! the pop-up and form tool that allows designers and agencies to turn clicks into customers. (It’s also the sound you make as you punch your fist into the air in excitement after doing something amazing BDOW!). Davey helps online businesses focus their marketing efforts by helping them answer one question: How can that work for someone like me?! Davey has extensive experience in the digital marketing world as former CEO of formilytics, and co-founder of both Davey & Krista, and Till Agency.    Resources:   Website: https://bdow.com/  Instagram Personal: https://www.instagram.com/daveytjonesy/  LinkedIn Personal: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-jones-714aa31b8/

    29 min

  2. OCT 16

    269. Setting Expectations and Enhancing Communication for Long-Term Success with Douglas Bradley

    Intro In this episode of The Innovative Agency, we welcome Douglas Bradley, Founder and CEO of Everest Legal Marketing. As we head toward the end of the year, Douglas and Sharon explore the critical conversations agency leaders need to have with clients and prospects. Douglas offers his expertise in setting clear expectations during business discussions, particularly with legal clients, and how doing so can improve long-term client relationships.   What you will learn in this episode:    Why it’s essential to address common client questions, like “Why does this cost so much?” and “Why is this taking so long?” Strategies for clearly communicating the value of your services to clients, especially in the legal marketing sector. The importance of setting realistic timelines for digital marketing services, including SEO, to manage client expectations effectively. How to tailor your explanations based on your clients' understanding of technical or non-technical processes. Ways to proactively communicate with clients throughout a project. Why understanding a client's internal processes, including lead intake and conversion strategies, is crucial to delivering effective results. How to confidently navigate difficult conversations about costs, timelines, and project progress.   Bio President & Founder – Everest Legal Marketing, LLC Resources:   Website: https://www.everestlegalmarketing.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/everest-legal-marketing/ Facebook Business: https://www.facebook.com/everestlegalmarketing/

    31 min

  3. OCT 9

    268. Building a Global Talent Pipeline, with Phillip Rivers

    Intro   In this episode of The Innovative Agency, host Sharon Toerek sits down with Phillip Rivers, co-founder of Talent HQ and an experienced agency leader, to discuss one of the most crucial issues facing agency owners today: talent acquisition. From the challenges of onboarding remote teams to the importance of maintaining a proactive talent pipeline, this conversation is packed with actionable strategies for agency leaders looking to attract top talent and achieve sustainable growth.   What you will learn in this episode:    Why structured onboarding is critical to successfully integrating remote and global teams. How to develop Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) that streamline onboarding and enhance productivity. Key mistakes agencies make in sourcing overseas talent and how to avoid them. How to create a proactive talent pipeline that keeps your agency prepared for growth. The importance of embracing cultural differences and fostering a sense of community among global teams. How to implement a comprehensive vetting process, including assessments, group interviews, and pilot projects. Why agencies should balance cost with quality when sourcing overseas talent.   Bio   I started selling products on obscure message boards and building email lists. I got really good at building and monetizing lists. That company grew to a million in sales, but I was young and didn't know what I was doing and it fizzled out. I had people around me (parents, etc) telling me to get a job, but it conflicted with my character/make up. I sold all my stuff and moved to NYC with hardly any money and no connections. After a few years of working at startups, I just couldn't do it anymore. I was unfulfilled and just going through the motions. I left and went back to the thing I knew I could do really well, and I started a marketing agency specializing in email marketing. The agency grew to nearly 50 global employees and 7-figures in sales and recently sold. Now I take all my systems and processes for finding and vetting global marketing talent and do it for agencies and other companies.   Resources:   Website: https://www.talenthq.net/ LinkedIn Personal: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thephilrivers/ LinkedIn Business: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-talenthq/ Twitter Personal: https://x.com/thePhilRivers

    36 min

  4. OCT 2

    267. The Art and Science of Press Release Distribution, with Mickie Kennedy

    Intro   This week, host Sharon Toerek sits down with Mickie Kennedy, the founder and CEO of eReleases, to dive deep into the art and science of press releases. With over 25 years of experience in helping small businesses, authors, and startups gain visibility and credibility through effective press release distribution, Mickie shares actionable strategies that agencies can implement to amplify their clients' stories, making this conversation a masterclass in using press releases as a tool for marketing success.   What you will learn in this episode:    Why storytelling is the key to creating press releases that capture attention. How to use industry surveys and case studies to craft newsworthy press releases. The impact of AI on industries like graphic design and how it ties into media strategy. Why local media and social media influencers are often underutilized for press outreach. How to incorporate compelling quotes to make press releases stand out to journalists. The evolving role of video and multimedia in press releases and media pitches. Key tips for targeting and engaging with journalists and media outlets effectively.   Bio   Mickie Kennedy founded eReleases 25 years ago to help small businesses, authors, and startups increase their visibility and credibility through tier-1 press release distribution. He lives in the Baltimore area.   Resources:   Website: https://www.ereleases.com/ LinkedIn Personal: https://www.linkedin.com/in/publicity/ Facebook Business: https://www.facebook.com/ereleases.press.release.distribution Twitter: https://x.com/ereleases

    33 min

  5. SEP 25

    266. Empowering Women Agency Owners, with Christy Hiler and Jean Freeman266. Empowering Women Agency Owners, with Christy Hiler and Jean Freeman

    Intro   In this episode of The Innovative Agency, host Sharon Toerek welcomes two influential agency owners, Christy Hiler from Cornett and Jean Freeman from Zambezi, to discuss the importance of female leadership in the advertising industry. They dive into the alarming underrepresentation of women agency owners and the impact of initiatives like "Own It" in fostering support and growth for female-led agencies.   What you will learn in this episode:    The stark underrepresentation of female agency owners in the industry. How the "Own It" initiative is working to support and track women agency owners. The challenges and barriers women face in transitioning to agency ownership. The importance of community and mentorship for female leaders in advertising. Why independent agencies have unique opportunities in the current market landscape. The role of AI and new technologies as tools for independent agencies. How women leaders can effectively drive change and inspire their teams.   Bio   Christy Hiler is the CEO and owner of Cornett, an independent, full-service advertising  agency located in Lexington, KY. Recognized as one of the best in the nation, Cornett is a 3X Ad Age Small Agency of the Year Awards winner. Christy’s journey from Strategist to CEO and owner reflects her commitment and passion to Cornett.    Her efforts have helped the agency achieve remarkable milestones, including earning two Shorty Awards, a Clio Award, a Gold National Addy Award, consecutive "Best Places to Work'' recognitions, and a client roster featuring brands such as Busch Light, A&W Restaurants, LEGOLAND, Keeneland, University of Kentucky and VisitLEX. Beyond driving business, Christy has worked tirelessly to diversify the advertising industry by co-founding Own It, a community empowering women and non-binary individuals to become ad agency owners. Jean Freeman is Principal + CEO of Zambezi, an integrated & independent creative communications agency. Jean has successfully grown Zambezi from a startup to what it is today – a thriving agency twice named Small Agency of the Year by AdAge and one of the fastest-growing businesses by the Los Angeles Business Journal.   Resources:   Website: http://www.teamcornett.com/  Website: http://www.zambezi-la.com/  Christy's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christyhiler/  Jean's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeanfreeman/

    34 min

  6. SEP 18

    265. The Power and Evolution of Email Marketing, with Scott Cohen

    Intro In this episode of The Innovative Agency, we sit down with Scott Cohen, President and CEO of Inbox Army. Scott shares his expertise on the evolution of email marketing and its power as an enduring tool for customer engagement. We also explore the key strategies agencies should focus on to maximize their clients' email marketing success in a fast-changing digital landscape.   What you will learn in this episode:    The core purpose of email marketing remains unchanged, but tools and tactics have evolved. How Apple's iOS 15 shifts focus from open rates to clicks and conversions. Why email marketing is undervalued despite driving first-time and repeat purchases. Strategies to improve email marketing, from automation to post-purchase emails. Balancing design and accessibility for more effective email campaigns. The limits of AI in email marketing and the need for human oversight. The importance of integrating email with other marketing channels for cohesive strategies.   Bio Having begun life as a copywriter, Scott's been a stalwart in the email marketing industry since his boss came to him and said, "Hey, you write the newsletters... why don't you do them?" He has worked on both sides of the aisle, as a brand-side marketer running the email marketing programs at Purple, 1-800 Contacts, and Western Governors University as well as agency side working with clients ranging from small businesses to enterprise companies across multiple industries.   Scott won the 2021 Stefan Pollard Email Marketer of the Year Award from the ANA Email Experience Council for his work during his time at Purple. He's a sought-after speaker, webinar and podcast guest, having spoken at events like the Email Insider Summit, Email Evolution Conference, Email Innovations Summit, eTail West, and more. (He also won a Bronze Telly Award for the very first TV ad he ever wrote, so "it's been downhill ever since.")   Given his unique experience, Scott knows enough "to be dangerous" about email marketing, SMS, and many things CRM and retention marketing. He's built and managed larger CRM and retention teams, sent millions of emails (and a few million SMS, too), and written more than a few ads, blog posts, brochures, websites, and many other content pieces over the course of his 20-year marketing career. He's pressed the "Send" button a few thousand too many times to be anything other than frank about what email marketers need to do! Resources:   Website: https://www.inboxarmy.com/    LinkedIn Personal: https://www.linkedin.com/in/scottcohen13/    Facebook Business: https://www.facebook.com/InboxArmy/    Twitter: https://twitter.com/scottcohen13

    37 min

  7. SEP 11

    264. Cultivating Courage and Empathy Through Agency Leadership, with Ken Jacobs

    Intro In this episode, we engaged with leadership expert Ken Jacobs, principal of Jacobs Consulting and Executive Coaching. Ken shares his invaluable insights on the key leadership traits that are essential for agency success. Drawing from his extensive experience in PR and executive coaching, Ken emphasizes the importance of emotional intelligence, empathy, and courage in navigating the complex landscape of agency leadership.   What you will learn in this episode:   How emotional intelligence can improve your leadership effectiveness. Understanding and using empathy to connect with your team. Building trust through consistent, honest actions. The importance of respect in fostering a positive work environment. Why courage is essential for making tough decisions. Developing self-awareness for better leadership alignment. Enhancing communication skills to lead more effectively.   Bio Ken Jacobs is the principal of Jacobs Consulting & Executive Coaching, which helps empower PR and communications leaders and executives to become more inspired, inspiring, and effective leaders. It does so via executive coaching.   His company also helps agencies grow business, manage for profitability, improve client service, and enhance team performance, communications and leadership skills. It does these via consulting and training.   Prior to launching his companies, Ken spent 25 years in management and leadership positions with a number of PR agencies, including Ogilvy & Mather PR, Marina Maher (pronounced “Mar” like “Star!”) Communications, Maloney & Fox, and Lippe Taylor.   Ken discusses leadership with some of the PR and communications industry’s most respected leaders via “Taking the Lead,” his quarterly leadership column in PRSA’s Strategies & Tactics, and the similarly named video podcast on his website and YouTube channel.   He's been a regular presenter at Counselors Academy since 2008, as well as PRSA ICON, ICON Leadership Rally, and at various PRSA district conference and chapters. He serves on the Board of PRSA Tri-State District. Resources:   Website: www.jacobscomm.com LinkedIn Personal: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacobsconsultingcoaching/ Facebook Business: https://www.facebook.com/JacobsConsultingAndExecutiveCoaching/ Twitter: https://x.com/i/flow/login?redirect_after_login=%2Fkensviews%2F

    37 min

  8. SEP 4

    263. The Intersection of Agency Growth and Profitability, with Melissa Morris

    Intro   In this episode of The Innovative Agency, host Sharon Toerek engages with Melissa Morris, founder of Agency Authority, to discuss the operational challenges that agency owners face while aiming for growth. Melissa, an expert in streamlining agency processes, offers her insights on improving workflows, effective time management, and making strategic decisions about service offerings and client relationships.    What you will learn in this episode:    The importance of analyzing and optimizing your agency’s workflows for improved efficiency and client satisfaction. How to select and implement the right tools to boost productivity and reduce manual errors in your agency. Strategies for understanding and leveraging your team’s strengths to improve service delivery. Why accurate time tracking is essential for identifying scope creep and informing pricing decisions. Steps to transition to higher-value service offerings while maintaining strong client relationships. Practical tips for managing client expectations and aligning them with your agency’s goals. How to factor in administrative tasks when determining pricing to ensure agency profitability.   Bio   As the founder of Agency Authority, an operations consultancy for agency owners, Melissa Morris uses her 10 years of agency experience to help business owners maximize their team, increase their productivity, and grow their profits. Firmly committed to breaking the ‘long hours and bad pay’ stigma that plagues the agency world, Melissa and her team help business owners and their team members do the work they love without sacrificing client satisfaction, the bottom line, or their own sanity.   Resources:   Website: https://www.youragencyauthority.com/learnmore/  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/melissavmorris/  Facebook Business: https://www.facebook.com/agencyauthority  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/youragencyauthority/

    35 min
See All (278)

Trailer

5
out of 5
32 Ratings

About

The Innovative Agency is a podcast that exists to help marketing agency leaders answer the question: “What’s Next?”. How are agencies staying on the cutting edge of marketing trends? How are they adapting their businesses to meet new business challenges in the agency world? Hosted by marketing law and intellectual property lawyer Sharon Toerek, we’ll talk with agencies who are at the cutting edge of innovation and industry experts who have a front row seat to the practice of innovation in today’s marketing, communications and creative agencies. The goal is to help listeners learn to look around the corner to spot their next opportunity. Sharon will share her expertise along the way about how to legally protect your agency’s assets, and how to turn your agency’s innovation into cash.

Information

  • Creator
    Sharon Toerek
  • Years Active
    2018 - 2024
  • Episodes
    278
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © All rights reserved.
  • Show Website
    The Innovative Agency

You Might Also Like

To listen to explicit episodes, sign in.

Stay up to date with this show

Sign in or sign up to follow shows, save episodes, and get the latest updates.
Select a country or region

Africa, Middle East, and India

Asia Pacific

Europe

Latin America and the Caribbean

The United States and Canada