Episodios

  • The Control Paradox: Why Letting Go Grows Your Agency Faster

    The Control Paradox: Why Letting Go Grows Your Agency Faster
    Sep 5 2025
    Every agency owner knows the feeling – that pit in your stomach when you hand off an important client project to a team member. What if they miss something crucial? What if the client isn't happy? What if this reflects poorly on the reputation you've worked years to build? So you hover, you revise, you redo work that was perfectly fine, and you convince yourself that "it's just easier if I do it myself." But here's the brutal truth: this need for control isn't protecting your agency – it's strangling it. When you're the bottleneck for every decision, every deliverable, and every client interaction, you're not running an agency; you're running an expensive freelance operation with overhead. That's where our guest today comes in to help. Amy Rosenberg is the president of Veracity, a marketing and PR agency she founded in 2008, and she's been recognized as a "Top Woman in PR" by PR News. Amy learned PR from the ground up – working her way from intern to management before starting her own firm – so she understands both sides of this equation intimately. She's the author of two award-winning books including "A Practical Guide to Public Relations for Businesses, Nonprofits and PR Leaders," and more importantly for our conversation today, she's mastered the art of building a team she can trust with her reputation and her clients' success. Social Pulse Podcast host Mike Allton asked Amy Rosenberg about: ⭐ Control is the enemy of scale – Agency owners must recognize that their need to personally touch every project creates an artificial ceiling on growth and team development. ⭐ Trust is built through systems, not hope – Successful delegation requires establishing clear processes, quality checkpoints, and communication frameworks before letting go of direct oversight. ⭐ The right team changes everything – Hiring people who genuinely care about quality and client success makes the transition from control to trust not just possible, but profitable. Learn more about Amy Rosenberg Connect with Amy Rosenberg on LinkedIn Resources & Brands mentioned in this episode Veracity Learn more about Agorapulse with a free demo Use code PODCAST, or this link, on Amy's Shopify page to get $5 off the print version of A Practical Guide to Public Relations. Even with shipping fees, your total is still less than the Amazon price — and buying direct supports an indie author and small business. Amy Rosenberg Named One of PR News’ “Top Women in PR” A Practical Guide to Public Relations for Businesses, Nonprofits and PR Leaders: Including: SEO, AI, Content Marketing, Social Media & Thought Leadership The 4-Hour Workweek: Escape 9-5, Live Anywhere, and Join the New Rich Upwork Google Docs Stephen King Gong Muck Rack New York Times Fiverr Connect with Paschal James if you’re looking for an experienced VA (podcast support, digital tasks, and more) Show Notes & Transcript: https://www.agorapulse.com/blog/podcasts/agency-edition/the-control-paradox-why-letting-go-grows-your-agency-faster Brought to you by Agorapulse: the #1 rated social media management solution. Follow Agorapulse on LinkedIn. Produced and Hosted by Mike Allton, Chief Storyteller at Agorapulse. If you’re interested in being featured on an upcoming episode, reach out to Mike.
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    35 m
  • The Brutal Truth About Leaving Your Job to Start an Agency (What I Wish Someone Had Told Me)

    The Brutal Truth About Leaving Your Job to Start an Agency (What I Wish Someone Had Told Me)
    Aug 21 2025
    Making the leap from a stable full-time job to starting your own marketing agency sounds like the ultimate dream – being your own boss, setting your own rates, choosing your clients. But here's what most people don't talk about: the transition is brutal, and agency life is nothing like having a job. The sleepless nights wondering if you'll make payroll, the feast-or-famine cycle that becomes your new normal, the crushing weight of being responsible for everything from client delivery to keeping the lights on. One day, you're celebrating landing a dream client, the next you're dealing with scope creep that's eating your profit margins alive. The mental shift from employee to entrepreneur isn't just challenging – it's a complete rewiring of how you think about work, money, and success. Today's guest knows this reality all too well. Jeff Tormey is the founder of SEO Guru Atlanta, LLC and Bariatric Audience, where he's built a thriving digital marketing agency specializing in SEO and lead generation for the bariatric surgery industry. But his journey to agency ownership wasn't the smooth success story you might expect. Jeff made the bold decision to leave his secure full-time position to strike out on his own, and he's here to share the unfiltered truth about what that transition really looks like – the good, the bad, and everything they don't tell you in the entrepreneurship books. Social Pulse Podcast host Mike Allton asked Jeff Tormey about: ⭐ The Financial Reality Check - Understanding the true financial implications of leaving steady employment, including the feast-or-famine cycle and how to prepare for income uncertainty. ⭐ The Mental Game of Agency Ownership - Strategies for managing the psychological shift from employee to entrepreneur and dealing with the isolation and pressure that comes with being responsible for everything. ⭐ Building Systems vs. Creating a Job - Practical approaches to structuring your agency from day one to ensure you're building a scalable business rather than just an expensive position for yourself. Learn more about Jeff Tormey Connect with Jeff Tormey on LinkedIn Resources & Brands mentioned in this episode SEO Guru Atlanta, LLC Bariatric Audience Learn more about Agorapulse with a free demo Andrew Davis Monday Teamwork Teams Show Notes & Transcript: https://www.agorapulse.com/blog/podcasts/agency-edition/the-brutal-truth-about-leaving-your-job-to-start-an-agency-what-i-wish-someone-had-told-me Brought to you by Agorapulse: the #1 rated social media management solution. Follow Agorapulse on LinkedIn. Produced and Hosted by Mike Allton, Chief Storyteller at Agorapulse. If you’re interested in being featured on an upcoming episode, reach out to Mike.
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    28 m
  • The Multi-Industry Advantage: Scaling Your Agency Through Strategic Expansion

    The Multi-Industry Advantage: Scaling Your Agency Through Strategic Expansion
    Aug 7 2025
    Many agency owners find themselves trapped in a single industry niche, constantly fighting for the same clients and struggling to break through growth plateaus. You've developed expertise in one vertical, but the market is getting saturated, competition is driving down prices, and you're vulnerable to industry-specific downturns. What if expanding into multiple industries could be the key to sustainable growth? Is diversification the answer to building a more resilient agency, or will it just dilute your focus and reputation? Today, we're joined by David Neff, founder and president of Neff, an award-winning full-service advertising and public relations agency. With over 35 years of experience, David has transformed his agency from a local player into a regional and national powerhouse serving the real estate, restaurant, hospitality, and retail industries. His strategic approach to expansion across multiple sectors offers a blueprint for agencies looking to scale beyond their original niche. Social Pulse Podcast host Mike Allton asked David Neff about: ⭐ Practical strategies for identifying and entering new industries that complement your agency's existing strengths and expertise. ⭐ Organizational approaches to managing multi-industry expertise without diluting your brand or overwhelming your team. ⭐ How to leverage cross-industry knowledge to create unique competitive advantages and deliver superior client outcomes. Learn more about David Neff Connect with David Neff on LinkedIn Resources & Brands mentioned in this episode Neff Learn more about Agorapulse with a free demo AT&T Philadelphia Inquirer GoPuff Starbucks Show Notes & Transcript: https://www.agorapulse.com/blog/podcasts/agency-edition/the-multi-industry-advantage-scaling-your-agency-through-strategic-expansion Brought to you by Agorapulse: the #1 rated social media management solution. Follow Agorapulse on LinkedIn.Produced and Hosted by Mike Allton, Chief Storyteller at Agorapulse. If you’re interested in being featured on an upcoming episode, reach out to Mike.
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    22 m
  • From MySpace to AI - Building an Agency That Thrives Through Transformation

    From MySpace to AI - Building an Agency That Thrives Through Transformation
    Jul 24 2025
    Running a marketing agency today means constantly adapting to a never-ending stream of platform changes, algorithm updates, and emerging technologies. Just when you've mastered Facebook Ads, suddenly TikTok demands attention. You finally understand SEO, then Google changes everything overnight. Each pivot requires new skills, different team members, and updated client strategies—all while maintaining profitability and keeping clients happy with results. The pressure to stay relevant while delivering ROI has never been more intense. Today, we're fortunate to have Darwin Liu, Founder and CEO of X Agency, a digital marketing firm that has not just survived but thrived through 15+ years of industry transformation. Darwin leads a powerful team of growth hackers, engineers, writers, and storytellers dedicated to driving profitability for their clients. His agency culture emphasizes excellence, curiosity, and integrity—qualities that have helped X Agency navigate the evolution from early social platforms to today's AI revolution while consistently delivering results. Social Pulse Podcast host Mike Allton asked Darwin Liu about: ⭐ A framework for evaluating industry changes and determining which require immediate adaptation versus which can be monitored or ignored. ⭐ Practical strategies for managing the financial aspects of agency transformation while maintaining profitability through transitional periods. ⭐ Insights on building a flexible, adaptable team structure that can pivot quickly as digital marketing continues to evolve. Learn more about Darwin Liu Connect with Darwin Liu on LinkedIn Resources & Brands mentioned in this episode X Agency Learn more about Agorapulse with a free demo Warrior Forums Cambridge Analytica ClickUp Zoom Connected TV Netflix Hulus HBO Max Mountain GA4 Pearson Correlation Moores Law Clubhouse AI for Business, Marketing & Sales: The AI Hat Podcast Gemini Show Notes & Transcript: https://www.agorapulse.com/blog/podcasts/agency-edition/from-myspace-to-ai-building-an-agency-that-thrives-through-transformation Brought to you by Agorapulse: the #1 rated social media management solution. Follow Agorapulse on LinkedIn.Produced and Hosted by Mike Allton, Chief Storyteller at Agorapulse. If you’re interested in being featured on an upcoming episode, reach out to Mike.
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    27 m
  • Building Your Agency Machine: How to Scale from 10 to 100 Clients Without Breaking

    Building Your Agency Machine: How to Scale from 10 to 100 Clients Without Breaking
    Jul 10 2025
    Does your agency feel like it's held together with duct tape and prayer? Every new client brings both excitement and dread as you wonder how your team will manage yet another account. Your processes - if you can call them that - are stretched thin, and what worked for 10 clients is crumbling under the weight of 20, 30, or more. The constant juggling act leaves you exhausted, your team stressed, and your growth potential limited. Today's guest knows exactly how to transform that chaos into a well-oiled machine. Haydn Fleming, CMO of 2POINT Agency and Managing Partner of their Dallas branch, has built systems that successfully manage hundreds of client programs simultaneously. As someone who's plugged into countless marketing programs at any given time, Haydn brings practical, proven strategies for creating sustainable systems that scale. He's here to share how you can build an agency machine that runs smoothly whether you're handling 10 clients or 100. Social Pulse Podcast host Mike Allton asked Haydn Fleming about: ⭐ The critical systems and processes needed to scale an agency from 10 to 100 clients ⭐ Practical strategies for automating routine tasks while maintaining service quality ⭐ How to identify and fix process breakpoints before they become critical issues Learn more about Haydn Fleming Connect with Haydn Fleming on LinkedIn Resources & Brands mentioned in this episode 2POINT Learn more about Agorapulse with a free demo Claude Who Not How: The Formula to Achieve Bigger Goals Through Accelerating Teamwork Dan Sullivan How to Structure Your Agency to Win Using EOS ChatGPT Perplexity, Gemini Gets Personal, Proactive, and Powerful Loom Video Icon.me Motion Capcut Facebook ad library Ad Spy Meta Zapier Google Drive SEM Rush Ahref Slack Show Notes & Transcript: https://www.agorapulse.com/blog/podcasts/agency-edition/building-your-agency-machine-how-to-scale-from-10-to-100-clients-without-breaking Brought to you by Agorapulse: the #1 rated social media management solution. Follow Agorapulse on LinkedIn.Produced and Hosted by Mike Allton, Chief Storyteller at Agorapulse. If you’re interested in being featured on an upcoming episode, reach out to Mike.
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    44 m
  • Search in the Age of AI: Website Strategies That Still Win Clients Results

    Search in the Age of AI: Website Strategies That Still Win Clients Results
    Jun 24 2025
    Every agency owner today is confronting a new reality: AI has fundamentally altered how search engines evaluate and rank websites. What worked yesterday suddenly seems outdated, leaving many scrambling to understand new rules while clients demand the same level of performance. The ground beneath our feet is shifting rapidly, with algorithm updates, AI-generated content flooding the internet, and traditional SEO metrics being redefined. Many agency owners feel like they're playing a game where the rules keep changing without notice, risking client retention and struggling to articulate their value proposition in this new landscape. Today we welcome Joshua Jacoby, owner of My Favorite Web Designs, a Mesa-based digital marketing agency that's successfully guided over 200 local clients through evolving search landscapes. Joshua brings a unique perspective having transformed his agency through personal adversity—surviving COVID, overcoming significant injuries, and shifting from technical practitioner to strategic innovator. His expertise in SEO and web design, combined with his adaptability in crisis, positions him perfectly to help us navigate the AI revolution reshaping search. Social Pulse Podcast host Mike Allton asked Joshua Jacoby about: ⭐ Practical website design principles that remain effective despite AI's growing influence on search algorithms ⭐ Content strategy adaptations that help agency clients maintain visibility in AI-powered search results ⭐ Future-proofing techniques that help agencies demonstrate continued value as search continues to evolve Learn more about Joshua Jacoby Connect with Joshua Jacoby on LinkedIn Resources & Brands mentioned in this episode My Favorite Web Designs Learn more about Agorapulse with a free demo ChatGPT Perplexity Gemini ChatGPT detector QuillBot Google Search's guidance about AI-generated content Yelp Yellow Pages Manta Hot Frog Google Maps OpenAI Magai FluxPro ChatGPT Gemini Claude New ways AI helps keep business information trustworthy OpenAI Introduces Operator Feature: What You Need to Know Google Analytics Moz SemRush BrightLocal Google Blog GMB SubReddit Local Search Subreddit Ads Search Reddit Google AdWords Click Cease Traffic Guard CloudFlare Reddit User Generated Content The Moz Blog The Search Engine Land Blog Artificial Intelligence Show by the Marketing AI Institute with Paul Roetzer and Mike Kaput The AI Hat Podcast Google's Deep Mind Podcast, hosted by Hannah Fry Show Notes & Transcript: https://www.agorapulse.com/blog/podcasts/agency-edition/search-in-the-age-of-ai-website-strategies-that-still-win-clients-results Brought to you by Agorapulse: the #1 rated social media management solution. Follow Agorapulse on LinkedIn.Produced and Hosted by Mike Allton, Chief Storyteller at Agorapulse. If you’re interested in being featured on an upcoming episode, reach out to Mike.
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    26 m
  • Stop Being the Hero: Why Great Agency Leaders Don't Need All the Answers

    Stop Being the Hero: Why Great Agency Leaders Don't Need All the Answers
    Jun 10 2025
    Every agency owner has been there – staying up late to fix that client emergency, jumping in to handle the important tasks because "no one can do it quite like you can," and feeling the weight of needing to have all the answers. It's exhausting, unsustainable, and secretly undermining your agency's potential. If you're caught in this cycle of being the agency hero, constantly swooping in to save the day, you might be the biggest obstacle to your own growth. Today's guest knows this challenge intimately. Igor Avidon, founder and CEO of Avidon Marketing Group, has built a thriving agency by doing the opposite of what many agency owners do – he stopped trying to be the hero. Instead of having all the answers, he's created a culture where his team leads, innovates, and drives results. His approach to leadership and agency growth has transformed not just his business, but the way his clients view what's possible with their marketing. Social Pulse Podcast host Mike Allton asked Igor Avidon about: ⭐ The counter-intuitive truth that stepping back and empowering your team leads to better client outcomes and agency growth ⭐ Practical strategies for transitioning from tactical expert to strategic leader ⭐ How to build a culture of distributed leadership while maintaining quality and consistency Learn more about Igor Avidon Connect with Igor Avidon on LinkedIn Resources & Brands mentioned in this episode Avidon Marketing Group Learn more about Agorapulse with a free demo How to Structure Your Agency to Win Using EOS Trello Google Chat Google Suites Show Notes & Transcript: https://www.agorapulse.com/blog/podcasts/agency-edition/stop-being-the-hero-why-great-agency-leaders-dont-need-all-the-answers Brought to you by Agorapulse: the #1 rated social media management solution. Follow Agorapulse on LinkedIn. Produced and Hosted by Mike Allton, Chief Storyteller at Agorapulse. If you’re interested in being featured on an upcoming episode, reach out to Mike.
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    18 m
  • Building Predictable Client Success With 90-Day Marketing Sprints

    Building Predictable Client Success With 90-Day Marketing Sprints
    May 27 2025
    Managing multiple client campaigns feels like juggling chainsaws while riding a unicycle. Your team is drowning in tasks, metrics are all over the place, and just when you think you've got one client's success figured out, another starts slipping. Every agency owner knows this pain - the constant pressure to deliver consistent results across different channels, the endless status updates, and the gnawing feeling that there must be a better way to run things. Today we're joined by a true innovator in agency operations - Hal Smith, founder of H Street Digital and the architect behind a game-changing 90-day sprint system that's revolutionizing how agencies deliver results. Having managed over $100 million in advertising campaigns for everyone from startups to Fortune 50 companies, Hal has mastered the art of turning complex marketing chaos into predictable success. He's here to share exactly how he's transformed traditionally messy processes like media buying, creative testing, and attribution into a systematic approach that's changing the game for agencies everywhere. Social Pulse Podcast host Mike Allton asked Hal Smith about: ⭐ A structured 90-day sprint system can transform chaotic agency operations into predictable, scalable success. ⭐ Proper framework implementation leads to better client retention through improved communication and consistent results. ⭐ Systematic approaches to media buying and creative testing can be broken down into manageable, repeatable processes that drive predictable outcomes. Learn more about Hal Smith Connect with Hal Smith on LinkedIn Resources & Brands mentioned in this episode H Street Digital Learn more about Agorapulse with a free demo Traction: Get a Grip on Your Business The EOS MODEL® How to Structure Your Agency to Win Using EOS The Eisenhower Matrix: How to prioritize your to-do list MoSCoW method Lean Startup Notion Triple Whale North Beam Fairing Replo Shoplift Ninety Show Notes & Transcript: http://www.agorapulse.com/blog/podcasts/agency-edition/build-predictable-client-success-with-90-day-marketing-sprints Brought to you by Agorapulse: the #1 rated social media management solution. Follow Agorapulse on LinkedIn.Produced and Hosted by Mike Allton, Chief Storyteller at Agorapulse. If you’re interested in being featured on an upcoming episode, reach out to Mike.
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    32 m