The Marketing Umbrella Podcast

Itamar Shafir
The Marketing Umbrella Podcast Podcast

The Marketing Umbrella Podcast with Itamar Shafir is for marketing agency owners and digital marketing entrepreneurs. Itamar Shafir is CEO of Umbrella, a technology platform and brand that powers thousands of marketing agencies.On The Marketing Umbrella Podcast, he interviews leading industry experts with proven business-building experience who will offer keen insight and practical advice. Tune in each week for a dynamic conversation about tried, tested, and fine-tuned ways to build and grow a marketing agency.For more information, visit https://www.umbrellaus.com/

  1. 094: Scaling Through Social Media Using AI with Bilal Ararou

    SEP 2

    094: Scaling Through Social Media Using AI with Bilal Ararou

    Bilal Ararou, a product designer turned entrepreneur from Morocco, shares his journey from early tech enthusiast to successful business founder. Beginning as a web developer in 2008, Bilal transitioned to product design and UX in 2009, collaborating with global clients as a freelancer. In 2016, he founded Kreatinc, a web design and development agency that has created SaaS products for industries including real estate, finance, eCommerce, and marketing. Kreatinc's work has reached millions of users and included projects for major companies like JP Morgan and Zurich. In 2022, Bilal launched Nuelink, a social media automation tool that has quickly grown to serve over 20,000 creators and businesses worldwide. Nuelink, which has earned recognition from G2 with seasonal badges, aims to enhance social media presence for its users. The tool leverages AI to automate and optimize content sharing, addressing the needs of businesses and creators in managing their social media strategies. Bilal's entrepreneurial path has included challenges, particularly in his early agency experience where he faced setbacks due to poor delegation. He credits influential books like "The E-Myth" with helping him reshape his approach to business, emphasizing the importance of effective delegation and team empowerment in scaling operations. Bilal's mission extends beyond his business success; he's committed to proving that global success can be achieved from Morocco and inspiring the next generation across Africa. With a background spanning web development, product design, and entrepreneurship, Bilal offers insights into the evolving landscape of digital business and marketing. His ultimate goal is ambitious: to build Morocco's first unicorn company. Through his work with Kreatinc and Nuelink, Bilal demonstrates his belief that significant technological and business achievements can originate from anywhere, including his home country of Morocco. His story provides a practical example for entrepreneurs looking to grow and scale their businesses in the digital age.   Learn from Failures: Empower your team. Bilal's agency initially failed due to poor delegation. Trust your team with important tasks to grow. Strong Social Media Presence: Use tools like Nuelink to boost credibility and attract talent. Consistent, quality content enhances brand image. AI in Marketing: Automate social media with AI. Nuelink uses AI for content sharing, multilingual captions, and scheduling, saving time and optimizing management. Act on Customer Feedback: Quickly implement user suggestions. Nuelink's rapid response to feedback gives it an edge over larger competitors. Scale Through Automation: Focus on automating processes and prioritizing customer needs. This approach helps businesses grow efficiently. Balance Personal and Professional: Pursue both personal and business goals. A well-rounded life can fuel entrepreneurial success.   As a closing thought, "Whether it's in business or personal life, success comes from a combination of passion, learning from failures, and being adaptable.”   Listen to the full conversation here: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@frintmedia Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-marketing-umbrella-podcast/id1564111428 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4CoiR10nazd9zVIStLkcjk   Connect with Bilal: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bilalararou/  Nuelink: https://nuelink.com/    Please leave us an honest rating on Spotify, YouTube, or Apple Podcasts. To learn more about Umbrella and to connect with CEO Itamar Shafir, go to ⁠https://umbrellaus.com

    40 min
  2. 093: Automating the Time Suck of Content Creation with Austin Armstrong

    AUG 17

    093: Automating the Time Suck of Content Creation with Austin Armstrong

    Struggling to keep up with the demands of social media content creation? Imagine having a personal AI team at your fingertips. Austin Armstrong built the solution with Syllaby.io, and it's changing the game for solo creators and small businesses.  Austin's journey from MySpace enthusiast to AI innovator is a testament to the rapid evolution of digital marketing. In our chat, he shares how the pandemic became a turning point, pushing him to dive into TikTok and eventually create Syllaby, a tool that's bringing AI power to social media creation and scheduling. But it's not all about the tech. Austin digs into the human side of marketing too, emphasizing the value of collective decision-making in teams and addressing common challenges faced by marketing agencies. He offers insights on how AI tools can help solve issues like inconsistent content production from clients, while also looking ahead to future developments in AI-generated content, including longer-form videos and animated images. This conversation shows a glimpse into how AI is reshaping the marketing landscape. Whether you're a social media pro, a business owner, or just curious about where tech is heading, Austin's journey and insights provide food for thought on the practical applications and ethical considerations of AI in the world of digital marketing.   Bet on Yourself: Take bold risks and seize control of your destiny. One Bold Move: A single courageous action can transform your career and spark greater achievements. Pivot and Innovate: Turn adversity into opportunity through adaptability and creative problem-solving. Collaborative Leadership: Value every team member's voice to foster innovation in marketing. Embrace Change: Evolve with the world to transform challenges into opportunities. Break Self-Imposed Limits: With the right mindset, you can overcome obstacles and create resonant content. Innovate from the Mundane: Automating routine tasks frees your creativity for new explorations.   As a closing thought, "Success isn't always a straight path. It's a series of pivots, learning from setbacks, and continuously refining your approach to reach your ultimate goal.”   Listen to the full conversation here: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@frintmedia Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-marketing-umbrella-podcast/id1564111428 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4CoiR10nazd9zVIStLkcjk   Connect with Austin: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/austinarmstrong90/  Syllaby: www.syllaby.io  (Save 25% on Syllaby when you use the code Challenge)    Please leave us an honest rating on Spotify, YouTube, or Apple Podcasts. To learn more about Umbrella and to connect with CEO Itamar Shafir, go to ⁠https://umbrellaus.com

    40 min
  3. JUL 31

    092: Tech is Similar - The Difference is the Approach with Tomáš Blaťák

    Outreach without spam, is it completely possible? Our guest today will certainly clear this up.     Join Kevin Prewett, host of the Marketing Umbrella Podcast, and Outreach without spam, is it completely possible? Our guest today will certainly clear this up.     Join Kevin Prewett, host of the Marketing Umbrella Podcast, and Tomáš Blaťák, Chief Product Officer and COO of Leads Picker. Tomáš shares his journey from running a lead generation agency to creating a cutting-edge sales platform that prioritizes precision over volume.   In this episode, Tomáš shares insights on targeting the right leads at the right time, moving away from mass outreach methods. They discuss effective strategies for LinkedIn and email campaigns, focusing on using job postings and social media mentions to create meaningful connections.   Learn about the benefits of a multi-channel outreach strategy that uses both email and LinkedIn to stand out in a competitive market. Tomáš highlights the drawbacks of generic email blasts and stresses the importance of targeting curated leads. Discover how AI can analyze personal profiles and company websites to make your outreach efforts more relevant. We also explore how integrating LinkedIn Sales Navigator with AI can improve your lead generation and outreach, leading to higher response rates and better engagement.   Here are the key takeaways from the conversation:   Focus on targeting the right leads at the right time; use job posts and social media for connections Combine email and LinkedIn outreach to capture potential clients' attention, moving away from generic email blasts to highly curated leads. Use AI to analyze personal profiles and company websites for targeted, relevant outreach, integrating tools like LinkedIn Sales Navigator for higher response rates and engagement. Quality triggers for high-ticket sales: Larger companies focus on fewer, higher-quality leads, while smaller organizations may prioritize quantity over quality. LeadSpeaker, initially for internal use, is now a versatile tool for marketing agencies, managing multiple clients, combining LinkedIn and email outreach, and simplifying trigger-based campaigns.   As a closing thought, "In the digital marketing landscape, success hinges on precision and personalization—leveraging AI to ensure every outreach is timely and relevant can truly transform your engagement and response rates.”   Listen to the full conversation here: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@frintmedia Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-marketing-umbrella-podcast/id1564111428 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4CoiR10nazd9zVIStLkcjk   Connect with Tomáš: LinkedIn: https://cz.linkedin.com/in/tblatak Leader Spicker: https://leadspicker.com/   Please leave us an honest rating on Spotify, YouTube, or Apple Podcasts. To learn more about Umbrella and to connect with CEO Itamar Shafir, go to ⁠https://umbrellaus.com, Chief Product Officer and COO of Leads Picker. Tomáš shares his journey from running a lead generation agency to creating a cutting-edge sales platform that prioritizes precision over volume.   In this episode, Tomáš shares insights on targeting the right leads at the right time, moving away from mass outreach methods. They discuss effective strategies for LinkedIn and email campaigns, focusing on using job postings and social media mentions to create meaningful connections.   Learn about the benefits of a multi-channel outreach strategy that uses both email and LinkedIn to stand out in a competitive market. Tomáš highlights the drawbacks of generic email blasts and stresses the importance of targeting curated leads. Discover how AI can analyze personal profiles and company websites to make your outreach efforts more relevant. We also explore how integrating LinkedIn Sales Navigator with AI can improve your lead generation and outreach, leading to higher response rates and better engagement.   Here are the

    40 min
  4. JUL 16

    090: Well-Defined ICP is Crucial in Cold Outreach with Fabian Maume

    Growth hacking can truly transform your marketing strategy – Fabian Maume shares this and much more in our latest episode of the Marketing Umbrella Podcast.   Fabian Maume, a dedicated growth hacker and marketing automation expert since 2017, has an inspiring journey. He began with web scraping for lead generation, then moved on to automating LinkedIn activities, scaling his marketing agency, and even launching and selling his own SaaS product. Now, he helps B2B SaaS startups as a fractional CMO, guiding them to success with his expertise.   Fabian has been leading the way in developing creative marketing automation tools. His ability to integrate data-driven strategies with innovative tools has made him a sought-after consultant in the industry.   Tune in to hear Fabian's story, gather some warm, insightful tips on growth hacking, and learn how to apply these strategies to elevate your own marketing efforts.   Here are the key takeaways from the conversation:   Web scraping is one of the key foundations of growth hacking. It involves extracting data from websites to make informed marketing decisions or automate tasks. Growth hacking is about blending marketing and IT methodologies to scale marketing efforts cost-effectively. It's a specialized field that requires both technical and marketing skills. Understanding and leveraging Quora’s karma and upvote system can boost the visibility of your answers, and using promoted answers can strategically increase reach and engagement. Automation in email marketing is crucial for both top and bottom-of-funnel activities, with tools like Leadfeeder and Clearbit aiding in lead enrichment, pre-qualification, targeting, and segmentation. Email Segmentation: By segmenting the audience, marketers can ensure that their messages are more relevant and engaging to specific groups. Employing data analytics and segmentation in email marketing ensures higher deliverability and engagement rates. Regularly cleaning email lists and segmenting audiences can significantly improve results. Captivating subject lines and compelling copy are essential for increasing open rates. In SaaS businesses, focusing on retention through data-driven insights and personalized communication can often yield better results than constantly acquiring new leads. Intent-based targeting is key for effective cold outreach. It gives you a signal and an excuse to be contacting your leads.   As a closing thought, "Growth hacking is all about scaling marketing at the lowest possible budget while maintaining high efficiency.."   Listen to the full conversation here: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@frintmedia Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-marketing-umbrella-podcast/id1564111428 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4CoiR10nazd9zVIStLkcjk   Connect with Fabian: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/fabian-maume/ Tetriz.io: https://www.tetriz.io/fractional-cmo/ WarmupInbox: https://www.warmupinbox.com/ QApop: https://www.qapop.com/authors/fabian-maume/   Please leave us an honest rating on Spotify, YouTube, or Apple Podcasts. To learn more about Umbrella and to connect with CEO Itamar Shafir, go to ⁠https://umbrellaus.com

    34 min
  5. JUL 16

    091: Gamify Your Marketing Through Influencers with Ashley Stanford

    Can you really apply game strategies to marketing?    This question and many more are answered in our recent podcast chat with Ashley Stanford, Executive Vice President of Client Strategy at TicketSocket and Vice President and Co-Founder of Ice Cream Social. From her early days in search engine optimization to creating Ice Cream Social, Ashley has always turned challenges into opportunities. She shared how she found creative ways to boost event ticket sales without spending extra on ads, demonstrating her innovative approach.   Ashley discussed her unique marketing approach, drawing connections between marketing and gaming. Her passion for optimization led to the success of Ice Cream Social, which helps increase event ticket sales without spending more on ads. With years of experience in strategic marketing and optimizing tactics, Ashley focuses on the events and entertainment sectors but also has expertise in medical devices, healthcare, and finance tech. As the Executive Vice President of Client Strategy at TicketSocket and Co-Founder of Ice Cream Social, Ashley's wide-ranging experience in customer acquisition, email, search, and content marketing showcases her versatility. In her spare time, she loves biohacking and staying active with her Peloton. Tune in to hear Ashley Stanford's inspiring story and discover how game strategies can transform your marketing approach.   Here are the key takeaways from the conversation:   Gamification in Marketing: Applying video game principles to marketing emphasizes the importance of optimization and problem-solving. AI and Modern Marketing: AI is transforming marketing with predictive writing and ad optimization, and inclusive, word-of-mouth marketing can outperform traditional influencer models. Foundational Strength and Communication: A strong foundation in product development and clear team communication are vital for long-term success. Rigorous reporting and analytics drive informed decisions and continuous improvement. Shared Vision: Everyone in the company must understand and be excited about the big vision. Without this, the quality of work will suffer. Importance of Measurement: What gets measured truly matters. Agencies that prioritize reporting are the ones that see their budgets increase year after year.   As a closing thought, "Every single person is an influencer, even if they don't have social media. We all have friends and family we interact with daily, and word-of-mouth marketing can be powerful."   Listen to the full conversation here: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@frintmedia Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-marketing-umbrella-podcast/id1564111428 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4CoiR10nazd9zVIStLkcjk   Connect with Ashley: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashcline/ Website: https://ashleyncline.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AshNCline/ X: https://twitter.com/AshleyCline Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ashleycline/    Please leave us an honest rating on Spotify, YouTube, or Apple Podcasts. To learn more about Umbrella and to connect with CEO Itamar Shafir, go to ⁠https://umbrellaus.com

    36 min
  6. JUN 15

    089: AI-Powered Sales Agents...The Future of Sales with Yoni Belson

    Curious about how AI can revolutionize your business? In this episode of the Marketing Umbrella Podcast, Yoni Belson, the co-founder of DreamCrew, shares his journey. From his time at UCLA to developing innovative AI solutions for sales and content production, Yoni's story is an inspiration to all of us.    DreamCrew started by helping small businesses with project documentation. Today, they have created a state-of-the-art AI sales representative that engages website users in a personalized, real-time manner. This intelligent agent not only increases engagement but also boosts conversion rates by mimicking the personalized sales experience of a physical store.   Originally from Los Angeles, Yoni began his entrepreneurial journey by founding a company that guaranteed admissions to prestigious universities. Realizing that traditional college education wasn't the best path for everyone, he decided to pivot. At 22, he was recruited by the CEO of a leading commercial real estate debt broker to help start their equity division, giving him his first startup experience within a larger corporation.   Yoni's career then shifted towards the startup ecosystem, with roles in real estate and Web3 startups. Eventually, he partnered with his father to launch DreamCrew, an AI sales agent platform.    Join us as Yoni shares the challenges and successes of developing an AI system that offers a personalized sales experience and its potential for various industries.   Here are the key takeaways from the conversation:   AI technology can enhance business communication and sales efficiency by using AI-driven sales agents. These agents provide personalized, real-time interactions with website visitors, increasing engagement and conversion rates. AI sales agents must focus on selling, avoid irrelevant topics, and deliver accurate information to ensure their success. Future AI advancements will incorporate voice capabilities and personalized avatars to enhance human-like interactions with customers through text, images, or voice. Partnerships and reseller feedback have significantly improved product development, streamlined onboarding processes, and enhanced content agents' SEO and business profile management capabilities. A demo tool is being developed to improve the reselling experience by allowing resellers to showcase AI salespeople on potential clients' websites, offering real-time ROI calculations. AI sales agents are versatile and can be integrated into various businesses, particularly those requiring consultation before purchase, including service-based industries and home services.   As a closing thought, "Leveraging AI to personalize and streamline business processes is the future of sales and content creation.”   Listen to the full conversation here: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@frintmedia Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-marketing-umbrella-podcast/id1564111428 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4CoiR10nazd9zVIStLkcjk   Connect with Yoni: LinkedIn: https://il.linkedin.com/in/yoni-belson Dreamcrew AI: https://dreamcrew.ai/   Please leave us an honest rating on Spotify, YouTube, or Apple Podcasts. To learn more about Umbrella and to connect with CEO Itamar Shafir, go to ⁠https://umbrellaus.com

    49 min
  7. MAY 31

    088: How to Exit the "Time for Money World" with Sujan Patel

    What if you could scale your business without burning out? Sujan Patel, a marketing veteran with two decades of experience and a former collaborator with industry giants like Salesforce and Mint, shares his riveting journey from launching his first digital marketing agency to mastering the SaaS space. Learn firsthand about the difficulty of early success, the risks of heavily relying on projections, and how to manage the uncertain waters of sustainable growth. Sujan's honest insights on managing profitability in a cost-heavy agency environment are a treasure trove for anyone aiming to scale their business effectively.   Sujan Patel is a seasoned marketing expert, recognized for his instrumental role in shaping the digital strategies of major corporations. Transitioning from the agency world due to challenges in sustainable growth, Sujan ventured into the SaaS sector where he co-founded Mailshake, a sales automation tool that revolutionized sales efficiency. Throughout his career, he has not only consulted for numerous companies but also cultivated his own SaaS businesses including Mailshake and Right Inbox. With a focus on scaling businesses, managing work-life balance, and aligning personal passions with professional ventures, Sujan offers invaluable insights and guidance to entrepreneurs and industry professionals alike.   Here are the key takeaways from the conversation:   Early success may not always indicate sustainable growth. It's important to manage profitability and be wary of projections. Implementing tools like Mailshake can significantly improve sales efficiency and effectiveness, leading to better conversion rates. SaaS companies and sales professionals should target customers with a budget for long-term investments and set realistic timelines to manage expectations effectively. Aligning your business with your personal passions can help prevent burnout and ensure that you're investing your energy in fulfilling work. A business that provides excellent service is likely to receive referrals, which are a strong growth lever. Not receiving referrals may indicate a need to improve the product or service, or a failure to actively ask for referrals. Focusing on areas of excellence and rejecting others can lead to exceptional service, retention, expansion, and referrals while narrowing down offerings and market targets can enhance profitability. Build a business that can operate without your constant presence to achieve true scalability and personal freedom.   As a closing thought, “The insights serve as a reminder that the journey to success involves more than just financial gain—it's about creating a balance that sustains both professional growth and personal well-being.”   Listen to the full conversation here: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@frintmedia Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-marketing-umbrella-podcast/id1564111428 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4CoiR10nazd9zVIStLkcjk   Connect with Sujan: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sujanpatel/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/patel_sujan/ Sujan Patel: https://sujanpatel.com/ Mailshake: https://mailshake.com/   Please leave us an honest rating on Spotify, YouTube, or Apple Podcasts.   To learn more about Umbrella and to connect with CEO Itamar Shafir, go to ⁠https://umbrellaus.com

    31 min
  8. MAY 15

    087: Marketing is a Function of Revenue, not Communication with Ryan Deiss

    Digital marketing maven Ryan Deiss lights up this episode with insights learned in necessity-driven entrepreneurship, from his dorm-room launch to his current post at Scalable.co. Ryan's journey exemplifies dynamic marketing expertise with operational savviness, offering a blueprint for success that breaks down the complexities between generating demand and delivering on your brand promise. This episode of Marketing Umbrella Podcast is a masterclass in effective marketing and business scaling, as we explore the customer acquisition process, the importance of 'power stages,' constructing SOPs, and establishing strategic direction. For those grappling with growth, our discussion on debunking scaling myths and developing strategies to alleviate bottlenecks offers pragmatic solutions.   Ryan Deiss - influential entrepreneur, author, and investor in digital marketing, with companies described by Daymond John as "practically owning the internet." Now the Founder and CEO of The Scalable Company, DigitalMarketer.com, Recess.io, and a Founding Partner at Scalable Equity, LLC, Ryan created the "Customer Value Optimization" methodology and pioneered key digital selling strategies. DigitalMarketer, his training company, has over 15,000 paid members and half a million subscribers. He also founded the Traffic & Conversion Summit, North America's largest digital marketing conference, and has shared stages with leaders like Sir Richard Branson, Gary Vaynerchuk, Sarah Blakely, Martha Stewart, Tim Ferris, Daymond John, and Dave Ramsey.   Here are the key takeaways from the conversation:   Marketing and Scaling is a strategic approach to sustainable business growth by combining marketing expertise with operational efficiency, creating revenue-generating marketing systems and operational systems that ensure quality and customer experience during expansion. Mapping the Customer Journey Framework is a process of outlining and understanding the various stages a customer goes through from the initial awareness of a product or service to the final purchase and beyond. Here are the steps for Mapping the Customer Journey Framework:Identify initial customer awareness strategies. Chart the customer's journey to a closed sale visually.  Identify critical 'power stages' prone to errors and develop playbooks, checklists, and SOPs. Assign team responsibilities and establish scorecards for process stage efficacy. Align business strategy with core goals, mission, values, and competitive advantages. Building scalable businesses with effective systems requires addressing core system issues before considering expansion and recognizing that personal productivity tools alone won't guarantee success. Entrepreneurs should aim to create businesses that operate efficiently even in their absence. Growth alone does not solve all problems. Robust systems are essential for sustainable growth. To achieve long-term success and sustainable and scalable businesses, entrepreneurs must prioritize building effective systems  Effective and strong operating systems ensure efficiency, prevent burnout, and enable independence from constant founder presence. Dispelled Scaling Business Myths:More People as a Solution: The belief that hiring more staff solves core issues is a myth; broken systems can overwhelm even capable individuals, highlighting the fallacy of relying solely on manpower to fix structural problems. Personal Efficiency as a Savior: Despite the belief that an entrepreneur's personal productivity can save a business, the reality is that successful entrepreneurs rely on independent operational systems, emphasizing that personal efficiency alone cannot ensure a business's success. Growth as a Cure-All: Confronting the notion that growth solves all, the narrative underscores the peril of rapid expansion without robust infrastructures, highlighting the risk of failure in the absence of proper systems. The 'Magical Unicorn Integrator': The belief in a single i

    38 min
5
out of 5
13 Ratings

About

The Marketing Umbrella Podcast with Itamar Shafir is for marketing agency owners and digital marketing entrepreneurs. Itamar Shafir is CEO of Umbrella, a technology platform and brand that powers thousands of marketing agencies.On The Marketing Umbrella Podcast, he interviews leading industry experts with proven business-building experience who will offer keen insight and practical advice. Tune in each week for a dynamic conversation about tried, tested, and fine-tuned ways to build and grow a marketing agency.For more information, visit https://www.umbrellaus.com/

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