Creative Agency Success Show Summit Virtual CFO by Anders

Don’t miss the episode as Jamie and Hannah Hood, Virtual CFO with Summit Virtual CFO by Anders, pull back the curtain on the pipeline meetings they conduct with clients. They discuss the current state of the agency industry, extended sales cycles, slower lead generation, and the challenge of clients wanting more for less. They give insight into advice they offer to clients, such as data analysis and strategic planning, including whitespace analysis to identify service gaps and potential areas of focus. They also talk about investing in the company during slow periods, such as using cash reserves to improve marketing strategies and processes. Additionally, they highlight the value of tapping into team members' hidden potential and ensuring cross-departmental communication for better client outcomes.

Karla Santi, CEO of Blend Interactive, joins Jamie and Jody to discuss her journey in web design and development since the 1990s and the growth of her agency since its founding in 2005. They explore the agency's focus on complex projects for sectors like healthcare and finance, and Karla's strategic business management, including seeking financial management help and integrating AI into web development. The conversation also covers the importance of empowering employees, Karla's role as a mentor, and the parallels between mentoring in business and sports. Additionally, the value of professional relationships, attending industry events, the evolution of accounting events, and the benefits of advisory boards are highlighted, emphasizing vulnerability, honesty, and the impact of diverse perspectives on success.

Jay Owen, Founder and CEO of Business Builders (also answers to Chief Visionary), joins this episode with insightful wisdom of agency ownership and the power of attending events. Jamie, Jody, and Jay discuss how they met through agency events, and Jay’s upcoming Agency Builders Retreat in St. Augustine, Florida this month. Whether you need the courage to attend your first agency event, get back into the events scene, or just simply need a reminder to get one on the calendar, this episode is for you!

Agency owners often get to a sticking point where their growth slows but it feels like they're working more than ever. Hosts Jamie Nau and Jody Grunden sit down and talk with agency consultant Karl Sakas to find out how he gets clients through that plateau. He starts by asking owners one question: Are you making a lifestyle agency or preparing for a sale? From there, he guides his clients through a process to streamline marketing agency operations so that owners are able to 'Work Less and Earn More,' (also the title of Sakas' new book).

In this episode of the Creative Agency Success Show, Jamie and Jody welcome Jack Skeels, CEO of Agency Agile and author of Unmanaged. Jack shares his deep expertise in agency management, offering nuggets on how to unmanage your agency and why layer cakes make a healthy organization. They discuss the complexities of marketing agency management within growing service-based agencies. Lastly, the conversation covers the problems of having too many managers, the shift from department to matrix management, and the importance of a flat organizational structure.

Jamie and Jody welcome Goran Kovacevic, Vice President of Business Development at Infinum, to discuss business development within a creative agency. He shares the journey of Infinum from a small company of 25 people to a large agency with more than 400 employees. Highlighting the importance of both technical expertise and soft skills in sales roles, Goran talks about the difficulty in hiring the right talent and the value of mentorship and training. The conversation also covers the significance of creating a unique personal brand, adapting to market changes, and implementing processes to measure growth.