The Agency Accelerator (Rob Da Costa)
Explore every episode of The Agency Accelerator
| Pub. Date | Title | Duration | |
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| 02 May 2024 | Unlocking the Power of the Inbox: 5 Essential Tactics to Transform Your Agency's Lead Generation with Email Marketing | 00:14:08 | |
Do your meticulously crafted email campaigns feel like they're vanishing into the ether, met with silence or a swift move to the 'trash' folder? Or maybe you know you should be using email as a lead generator but you’re not! In today's noisy landscape, grabbing the attention of your audience is more challenging than ever. Email marketing might not be sexy or trendy but it is still one of the best ways to build a 1-2-1 relationship with your ideal target customer. By listening to this episode of The Agency Accelerator podcast, you'll gain insights on how to: 1. Implement email marketing strategies that rise above the digital noise, ensuring your message reaches—and resonates—with your ideal audience. 2. Harness cost-effective techniques that turn your email list into an owned asset, creating a direct and powerful communication channel with prospects. 3. Examine the importance of tracking and refining your campaigns, transforming analytical data into newfound opportunities for growth and engagement. Discover the art of captivating your subscribers and converting them into loyal clients through email marketing. Questions answered in this episode Q: Why is email marketing still the best method for lead generation in the fast-paced digital era? Q: What are the fundamental advantages of using email marketing over other channels like social media or traditional advertising? Q: How does owning an email list offer more control and security compared to building a following on social media platforms? Q: Can you delve into the cost-effectiveness of email marketing for agencies of various sizes? Q: What metrics should be considered to accurately measure the success of an email marketing campaign? Q: What strategies are recommended for segmenting your email list to enhance campaign personalisation and impact? Q: Could you outline how automated email sequences benefit engagement and the sales process? Quotations "Remember, you own your email list, whereas you rent your social media audience. Build an asset that's yours, adding value to your business." - Rob Da Costa "By delivering personalised, valuable content through email, we're not just making one-time sales but nurturing long-term relationships that foster trust and loyalty." - Rob Da Costa "Get the 80/20 content balance right in your email marketing: 80% value-add, 20% sell. It's about creating emails that your audience looks forward to, not spam." - Rob Da Costa Rate, Review, & Subscribe on Apple Podcasts “I enjoy listening to The Agency Accelerator Podcast. I always learn something from every episode.” If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more people like you to move towards a Self-Running Agency. How to leave a review on Apple Podcasts Scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then, let me know what you loved most about the episode! Also, if you haven’t done so already, subscribe to the podcast. I’m adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the feed and, if you’re not subscribed, there’s a good chance you’ll miss out. Subscribe now! Useful links mentioned in this episode: | |||
| 22 Jul 2021 | Staying In Control Of The Direction Of Your Agency | 00:13:26 | |
Why do so many agency owners aspire to build an agency that is less dependent on them (i.e a self-running agency) but completely fail? They end up building a business that they work for (instead of working for them) with the worst boss in the world! So in this episode of The Agency Accelerator Podcast, I explore how to ensure you build an agency on your own terms: one that you stay in control of and one that ultimately could be running itself. Time Stamp [0:00] The 4-day work experiment from Amy Porterfield’s online marketing made easy podcast [0:45] The concept of running a self-running business [2:26] Staying connected with your mission and vision statement [3:18] What does real success look like? [3:53] How to reconnect with your ‘why’ in running an agency [4:29] Transitioning from face-to-face coaching to online meetings [6:00] Why I can spend my winters in South Africa [7:43] The importance of focusing on the journey and not just the destination [7:57] How I am moving towards becoming a ‘digital nomad’ [9:05] What are the technical equipment I need [9:59] Understanding how to best use a VA and the structures I use [11:47] What I am doing this year to take control of how I want to run my business Quotations “We are surrounded by stories of super successful entrepreneurs who make it sound so easy and have supposedly made their millions and are trying to tempt you to strive for the same thing - it’s almost as if - if we don’t aspire to that then we are failing.” - Rob DaCosta “..growth in a financial sense doesn’t always mean success.” - Rob DaCosta “..wait for some future point when everything will be better and forget to live my life within the constraints of what we are able to do now.” - Rob DaCosta Rate, Review, & Subscribe on Apple Podcasts “I enjoy listening to The Agency Accelerator Podcast. I always learn something from every episode.” If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more people — just like you — move towards a Self-Running Agency. Scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode! Also, if you haven’t done so already, subscribe to the podcast. I’m adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the feed and, if you’re not subscribed, there’s a good chance you’ll miss out. Subscribe now! Useful links mentioned in this episode:
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| 15 Feb 2024 | The Rise of AI Coaches in 2024: A Game Changer for Agencies | 00:23:31 | |
Welcome to The Agency Accelerator podcast, where we explore all things related to running and growing your agency in a profitable, sustainable, and enjoyable way. In today's episode, host Rob Da Costa delves into the fascinating world of AI coaching and its potential impact on agency owners. Rob shares his journey of developing his own AI coach, AskRobAnything, equipped with over 30 years of agency expertise. He discusses the concept of AI coaching, its applications, and the challenges and triumphs he encountered during the development process. Join us as we uncover the emerging world of AI coaching and its potential to revolutionise the way agency owners support and guide their clients in the future. Questions answered in this episode: Q: What are AI coaches and how do they work? Q: Explain the process of developing an AI coach and using it for tailored coaching and guidance. Q: How are AI coaches used to enhance client service and support, and how can they benefit team members? Q: How can AI coaches be integrated into daily routines to maximise their effectiveness? Q: What are your thoughts on the future of AI coaching? Q: How do you see AI coaches benefiting agencies and their clients? Quotations "AI coaching platforms provide a way forward for seasoned professionals to exponentially share our knowledge and better support our clients, our community and other people on their growth journeys." - Rob Da Costa "The opportunity to receive highly personalised, niched advice on demand already seems like science fiction, but AI coaching is making it a reality." - Rob Da Costa' Rate, Review, & Subscribe on Apple Podcasts “I enjoy listening to The Agency Accelerator Podcast. I always learn something from every episode.” If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more people like you to move towards a Self-Running Agency. How to leave a review on Apple Podcasts Scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then, let me know what you loved most about the episode! Also, if you haven’t done so already, subscribe to the podcast. I’m adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the feed and, if you’re not subscribed, there’s a good chance you’ll miss out. Subscribe now! Useful links mentioned in this episode:
Further questions: If you've got questions about anything we discussed in this episode, or if you've got questions about anything I've ever discussed on this podcast, head here and I will give you my best answer! | |||
| 09 Dec 2021 | LinkedIn Content Strategies with Tracey Burnett | 00:36:34 | |
What are the latest trends in creating compelling and engaging content on Linkedin? In this week's episode of The Agency Accelerator Podcast, I’m joined by one of my repeat and popular guests, Tracy Burnett. Tracey is a LinkedIn marketing expert, who helps business owners generate more business using LinkedIn. In this episode, Tracy shares the latest trends, ideas and tips in creating content strategies for LinkedIn. Make sure to grab a pen and paper for note-taking because this will be another action-packed episode. Time Stamp [02:15] Is it worth switching to Creator mode? [03:11] The key ‘new things’ in using LinkedIn [04:41] Why has LinkedIn limited the number of connection requests you can make each week? [06:09] How to publish newsletters on LinkedIn (new function) [07:36] The four (4) pillars in creating content [09:48] Understanding how to make the algorithm work for you [14:01] The importance of getting debates in your posts [15:03] Why are hashtags important and how many should you use? [15:38] How to research your hashtags [17:09] Why you should create your own hashtag [19:12 How many times a week should you post on LinkedIn? [21:10] Are Pods worthwhile? [24:58] The importance of creating high-quality content rather than any old content! [26:11] How to create content that your audience cares about [26:53] Being authentic & human in your posts [32:19] Tracey’s advice to her younger self Quotations “...every single, robust, deliverable business development strategy takes time.” - Tracey Burnett “I think that asking yourself this question when you're writing a post of ‘Will my audience care about this?’ is actually a really good benchmark to decide whether it’s a good post or interesting.” - Rob Da Costa “Don't feel you need to be everywhere... Keep your marketing simple.” - Tracey Burnett Rate, Review, & Subscribe on Apple Podcasts “I enjoy listening to The Agency Accelerator Podcast. I always learn something from every episode.” If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more people — just like you — move towards a Self-Running Agency. Scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode! Also, if you haven’t done so already, subscribe to the podcast. I’m adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the feed and, if you’re not subscribed, there’s a good chance you’ll miss out. Subscribe now! Useful links mentioned in this episode:
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| 12 Aug 2021 | How To Increase Your Prices | 00:12:43 | |
Why do so many agency owners struggle to increase their prices? Every January, I get a letter in the post from my utility companies telling me that their prices are increasing. We are used to receiving this kind of increase. In fact, we expect it, so we don't question it and we just move on. What can agencies learn from this? In this latest episode of The Agency Accelerated Podcast, I explore strategies to increase your prices in a way that you feel comfortable with and the client is more than happy to pay for (because they continue to see the value in what you're delivering). This applies to both existing clients and new clients. I explore the different pricing models agencies use as well as some tips and strategies to ensure your clients value what you do. Finally I discuss why mindset is the key to increasing your prices and charging a fair fee for the work you deliver. Time Stamp [1:13] Why should agencies increase their price every year? [2:02] The importance of having the right mindset in pricing [2:34] Different pricing models [3:08] Reasons why you shouldn’t sell your time to clients [4:06] Understanding transformation of pricing from being in pain to not being in pain [5:13] An overview of value-based pricing [5:43] Difference between value-based and time-based pricing [6:55] Tips in positioning yourself with clients [8:06] The importance of having a niche Quotations “You need to focus on the thing that the client really cares about - which is the outcome and the transformation from being in pain to not being in pain.” - Rob Da Costa “..you all know that a niched agency is always gonna be able to charge more than a generalist. So having a clear niche will also help you increase your prices because you will be seen as a specialist, not a generalist.” - Rob Da Costa “50% of getting your pricing right is getting your mindset right.” - Rob Da Costa Rate, Review, & Subscribe on Apple Podcasts “I enjoy listening to The Agency Accelerator Podcast. I always learn something from every episode.” If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more people — just like you — move towards a Self-Running Agency. Scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode! Also, if you haven’t done so already, subscribe to the podcast. I’m adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the feed and, if you’re not subscribed, there’s a good chance you’ll miss out. Subscribe now! Useful links mentioned in this episode:
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| 16 Nov 2023 | What Agency Model is Right for You with Jessica Lackey | 00:31:15 | |
In this episode of The Agency Accelerator, host Rob Da Costa dives into the crucial question - What Agency Model is Right for you? Joined by business and operations strategist, Jessica Lackey, they discuss the importance of reassessing one's role as a business owner and aligning personal and business visions. Jessica shares valuable insights on designing one's role, letting go of control, and shifting focus to higher-value tasks. We explore different agency personas/options and provide actionable steps for agency owners to determine their desired model and mindset for growth and delegation. Time Stamp [02:51] Recognise when your ambitions don't align with your desires. [03:40] 4 types of persona you can be when running your agency [05:40] How do you decide what role/persona you want to take in your agency? [09:15] At what stage should you start considering these questions? [10:40] Once I have decided on my persona, how do I start changing the agency to step into that new role? [12:08] How important is mindset in all this? [18:38] Taking steps to change your role [21:12] What to do if you feel stuck in your current role [25:34] How do agency owners continue to evolve their role? [27:57] Align your personal vision with your business vision. Start with your ‘why’. [28:50] If you could go back in time and give your younger self, a piece of advice, what would you say? Quotations "Every year you should step away, evaluate what you want for your life and business, and see how your role can evolve."— Jessica Lackey “50% of the success of your agency is getting the right mindset.” - Rob Da Costa "Your business trajectory should align with your personal goals. Saying 'not this year' doesn't mean 'never', just a decision for now that is based on everything going on in life." — Jessica Lackey Rate, Review, & Subscribe on Apple Podcasts “I enjoy listening to The Agency Accelerator Podcast. I always learn something from every episode.” If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more people like you to move towards a Self-Running Agency. How to leave a review on Apple Podcasts Scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then, let me know what you loved most about the episode! Also, if you haven’t done so already, subscribe to the podcast. I’m adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the feed and, if you’re not subscribed, there’s a good chance you’ll miss out. Subscribe now! Useful links mentioned in this episode: | |||
| 12 May 2021 | A pricing mistake we can all learn from | 00:14:51 | |
In this episode of The Agency Accelerator Podcast, I revisit the topic of pricing. So often agencies focus early sales conversations on time to complete a task or the output of a project (e.g., a website or some copy) rather than the outcome the client is looking for (e.g., improved online presence) This episode was inspired by a recent story a client shared with me so I share that with you in this episode. [01:37] Copywriter anecdote; how NOT to deal with a client when you feel you have gone the extra mile? I share the story of a client who tasked a copywriter to create a new report. They faced an impasse because the copywriter invested an additional ½ day of work from the original 3 days of what was agreed upon. She thought she was going the extra mile by not charging for this half-day whilst the client was disappointed with the quality of the copy! [04:11] Supplier vs partnership relationships Starting a relationship by focusing on the outcome of what the client is looking for will create a partnership relationship. Often the supplier might be focused on selling time while the client is focused on the quality of the work, no matter how long it takes to complete. Entering the relationship with a clear vision can then help you price accordingly. [04:55] The 4 things we sell to our clients: Inputs, outputs, outcomes, and the long-term impact we have on our client; are the four aspects that must be considered to form a lasting, happy relationship with a client. [06:23] Long term relationships with clients Creating long-term relationships with clients means having transparency from the beginning. Have a conversation on what the client is expecting and remember that you are not selling time to the client, you are selling outcomes. [08:50] Value selling and selling on outcomes Whilst you need to sell outcomes to clients you still need to manage capacity internally and that means measuring time and efficiency. [11:05] Why value pricing and value selling is important A simple message: Whether the time of a procedure takes 30 minutes or 3 hours, the value is contingent on the outcome, not the amount of time it takes to complete. Rate, Review, & Subscribe on Apple Podcasts “I enjoy listening to The Agency Accelerator Podcast. I always learn something from every episode” If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more people — just like you — move towards a Self-Running Agency. Scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode! Also, if you haven’t done so already, subscribe to the podcast. I’m adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the feed and, if you’re not subscribed, there’s a good chance you’ll miss out. Subscribe now! Useful links mentioned in this episode: | |||
| 15 Sep 2022 | 3 Habits of a Great Agency Leader with Simon Severino | 00:29:01 | |
Running an agency doesn't have to be complicated or difficult. In this week’s episode I am joined by Simon Severino to discuss how to step into the role of CEO in your agency and the 3 habits every successful owner needs to develop and some that you need to let go of. Simon also discusses why 90-day ‘sprints’ are the right length to plan, focus and deliver. Time Stamp [02:00] The typical journey of a founding agency owner - Phase 1 is up to £35k and the focus should be operations and sales (build a conversion machine), and phase 2 is beyond £35k where the focus switches to marketing and branding [03:55] Simon’s dream of having a TED Talk and why that was the wrong focus [04:45] Advice on getting through to phase 1 - there are two bottlenecks: 1. The ego of the founder. 2. Your sales approach (farming v hunting) [07:45] Recognise your clients don’t come for you but they come for the solution (to their problem) and the process you offer [10:00] The best sales strategy for phase 1. A simple strategy that never changes [11:00] The 4 parts of a business: marketing, sales, operations and managing these parts [12:50] Never charge for time at the end of a project but instead, for results upfront [14:50] Derisking a client picking you to work with [16:05] Why is 90-day the right length to plan for? [17:07] Keeping each sprint simple - there should be 1 vision and 3 goals in each 90-day sprint [18:07] What is the success rate of doubling your revenue in a 90-day sprint? [18:54] What could stop someone from hitting this goal? [22:15] The importance of keeping your plans agile and reacting to the data in the dashboard [23:15] The 3 habits that a successful CEO must have [25:54] If you could go back in time and give your younger self a piece of advice, what would it be? Quotations “You, the agency owner, becomes the bottleneck to growth because you are limited by your time.” - Simon Severino “For every skill, the owner brings to get their agency started they quickly become the roadblock unless they can get out of the way.” - Rob Da Costa “Focus on the 5% that is in your control and not the 95% that isn't!” - Simon Severino Rate, Review, & Subscribe on Apple Podcasts “I enjoy listening to The Agency Accelerator Podcast. I always learn something from every episode.” If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more people like you to move towards a Self-Running Agency. Scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode! How to leave a review on Apple Podcasts Also, if you haven’t done so already, subscribe to the podcast. I’m adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the feed and, if you’re not subscribed, there’s a good chance you’ll miss out. Subscribe now! Useful links mentioned in this episode: | |||
| 09 Nov 2023 | From Drowning To Delegating: How To Stop Working IN Your Agency So You Can Work ON Your Agency | 00:13:35 | |
In today's episode, we tackle a common problem faced by agency owners - being stuck in the day-to-day grind of client work. As your agency grows, it's easy to get caught up in the tactical details and lose sight of the bigger picture. But fear not, Rob is here to share some valuable tips on how to delegate and elevate your role, so you can focus on strategic growth and innovative thinking. Discover the consequences of staying stuck in the weeds, from missed opportunities to high employee turnover, and learn how to break free from this cycle by adopting a CEO mindset. So grab your notebook and get ready to transform your agency in today's episode of The Agency Accelerator Podcast. Time Stamp [00:00] Introduction to why agency owners get ‘stuck in the weeds’ [02:43] What is the problem in being stuck in the weeds and involved in all client work? [04:30] Missing opportunities with existing and new clients [06:11] The importance of delegation [06:48] Block out time in your diary to focus on strategy [07:46] Create clear scopes of work and keep focused on your core niche [09:10] If you don’t have a team, hire a VA and delegate all low-value tasks [09:55] Making the mindset shift [11:45] Summarising key changes to make in 2024 Quotations “It's really stressful to constantly be reactive to clients rather than proactive. You spend all your time putting out fires and it's you who eventually gets burned!” - Rob Da Costa “Being stuck in the weeds is unsustainable, to truly grow you need to elevate your role and change your mindset” - Rob Da Costa Rate, Review, & Subscribe on Apple Podcasts “I enjoy listening to The Agency Accelerator Podcast. I always learn something from every episode.” If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more people like you to move towards a Self-Running Agency. How to leave a review on Apple Podcasts Scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then, let me know what you loved most about the episode! Also, if you haven’t done so already, subscribe to the podcast. I’m adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the feed and, if you’re not subscribed, there’s a good chance you’ll miss out. Subscribe now! Useful links mentioned in this episode: | |||
| 25 Jun 2020 | Scaling and succession planning with Pietro Ranieri | 00:39:35 | |
Today’s guest just so happens to be the first EVER employee I hired in my agency CIT, many years ago! Pietro Ranieri worked at my agency for 9 years before leaving to set up on his own and I wanted to get him on the show to discuss his journey from freelancer to running and growing an agency, and to the point of selling his agency. He went on to buy his agency back (we discuss why!) and he now has a number of offices around the world! If you’re thinking of making the move from freelancer to agency owner, or if you’re thinking of scaling and maybe ultimately selling your agency, then this episode is for you. [05:26] What made Pietro make the switch from freelancer to agency owner? With most of his clients based in the US, Pietro had become somewhat of a night owl which lead to an unhealthy and lonely lifestyle… [09:37] Ranieri has a clear niche in consumer electronics, which has worked well for his agency as everyone knew they are the “go-to” experts. But what happened when he took on clients from outside of his area of expertise? [16:22] Are you running a proper agency, or do you just have a bunch of assistants working for you? If you want to scale, you need to be able to step away from doing the client work. [20:37] If you’re really looking to scale, it’s important you learn to distance yourself from the being the first point of contact, so the clients don’t become attached to you. Pietro and Rob delve into WHY this is so important and HOW to go about it. [25:59] The process of selling your agency can be a very long and draining process. If you want to sell your agency, you need to know what to expect and how to properly prepare for it. [35:15] if Pietro could go back in time and give himself some advice, what would it be? For more info on Pietro's agency, Ranieri Communications, visit the WEBSITE. Subscribe & Review Are you subscribed to my podcast yet? If you’re not, please do so to avoid missing out on any episodes! You can subscribe/ follow on iTunes, Spotify or directly from my website. I would be very grateful if you left me a review over on iTunes, too as they will help other people to find my podcasts and it's also great to read your comments! Thanks so much, Rob | |||
| 25 Jan 2024 | Why Agencies Are Not Profitable - The Pathway to 30%+ Net Profit with Robert Patin | 00:34:51 | |
Are you struggling to maximise your agency's profitability in today's competitive market? Discover the foolproof strategies for achieving 30%+ net profit with Robert Patin in this week’s Agency Accelerator podcast. In this episode, you'll learn how to shift from time-based selling to value-based selling, analyse client profitability, and make strategic business decisions that drive your agency's success. You'll gain insights into increasing your agency's profitability, building value-based client relationships, and making strategic decisions for long-term success. Tune in now to uncover the secrets of achieving 30%+ net profit and revolutionise your agency's profitability! Time Stamp [01:34] A definition of net profit [03:00] What are typical agency net profits? [05:00] Why are so many agencies at the lower end of net profit (10%)? [06:34] Stop measuring your hourly rates and start measuring average earnings or effective bill rate [09:00] Stop selling time to clients! [12:48] What are the first steps to increasing profit margins? [15:32] Are there alternative ways to measure capacity and efficiency besides using time recording? [17:55] Why you should increase your prices (taking a value-selling approach) [22:50] Steps to increasing profits [27:35] When we are in an investment phase, how long should it be and how do we know we are making the right investment? Quotations “The thing I want to do most is often right behind the thing I want to do the least!” - Robert Patin “When we sell time to clients we focus on the wrong thing and disregard our years of experience and our strategic insights” - Rob Da Costa “Make decisions that are not emotionally based - hence the importance of a plan” - Robert Patin Rate, Review, & Subscribe on Apple Podcasts “I enjoy listening to The Agency Accelerator Podcast. I always learn something from every episode.” If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more people like you to move towards a Self-Running Agency. How to leave a review on Apple Podcasts Scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then, let me know what you loved most about the episode! Also, if you haven’t done so already, subscribe to the podcast. I’m adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the feed and, if you’re not subscribed, there’s a good chance you’ll miss out. Subscribe now! Useful links mentioned in this episode: | |||
| 30 May 2024 | From Agency Owner to AI Entrepreneur: Jodie Cook's Journey | 00:37:45 | |
In this week’s episode, we have a truly inspiring journey to unpack. If you're navigating the challenges of entrepreneurship or intrigued by the intersection of technology and business, you're in for a treat. I sat down with the incredibly accomplished Jodie Cook. Known for her keen insights into entrepreneurship and AI, Jodie has a wealth of experience to share. From accidentally starting her social media agency to expertly scaling and eventually selling it, Jodie's story is filled with lessons on resilience, innovation, and meticulous planning. We'll delve into her transition from agency owner to AI entrepreneur, with the creation of Coachvox AI—a pioneering platform for AI coaching. Jodie shares the strategies she employed to run her business remotely, the process of preparing her agency for sale, and the significance of creating a self-sustaining business model. By listening to this episode of The Agency Accelerator podcast, you will learn how to: 1. Strategically prepare your agency for a sale that meets your financial and professional aspirations, ensuring a smooth transition and optimal outcomes. 2. Explore life after the sale of a business, finding new passions and opportunities that align with personal growth and professional expertise. 3. Successfully integrate technology, like AI, in your next venture to maximise efficiency and scale your impact without direct involvement in daily operations. Questions answered in this episode Q: Could you delve into how you stumbled upon starting your social media agency, and what propelled you to transition from a freelancer to an agency owner? Q: What were the initial challenges you faced while managing your agency remotely, and how did you overcome them using inspirations from "The 4-Hour Work Week" and "The E-Myth"? Q: Discuss the concept of making oneself redundant in order to enhance the saleability of an agency. How crucial is this step for agency owners contemplating a sale? Q: After selling your agency, you experimented with numerous activities. What inspired you to eventually choose AI in coaching as your next venture? Q: How does Coachbox AI differentiate itself in the burgeoning field of AI-driven solutions, particularly in coaching and personal development? Q: What advice would you give to young entrepreneurs, particularly women, aiming to make a mark in the tech and AI sectors? Quotations Jodie Cook: "When you align your personal ambitions with your professional endeavours, every setback morphs into an even greater comeback." Jodie Cook: "Freedom doesn't come from running a business; it comes from building a business that runs without you." "Rob Da Costa: "I am excited to be using Coachvox as the platform on which I have built AskRobAnything, and the potential impact it will have for my agency community" Rate, Review, & Subscribe on Apple Podcasts “I enjoy listening to The Agency Accelerator Podcast. I always learn something from every episode.” If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more people like you to move towards a Self-Running Agency. How to leave a review on Apple Podcasts Scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then, let me know what you loved most about the episode! Also, if you haven’t done so already, subscribe to the podcast. I’m adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the feed and, if you’re not subscribed, there’s a good chance you’ll miss out. Subscribe now! Useful links mentioned in this episode:
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| 28 Apr 2022 | Done Is Better Than Perfect | 00:11:50 | |
Procrastination and perfectionism are two negative traits of agency leaders that stop us from getting things done - we often tell ourselves stories that something isn’t good enough or we’re not sure about it or we need to know more before we can create some content or launch a new product or service, and that keeps us stuck. So in today’s podcast I want to talk about one of my favourite expressions ‘done is better than perfect’. Time Stamp [01:26] The origins of ‘done is better than perfect’ [02:00] Perfectionism is a fast track to failure [02:40] Getting something done is so much better than hanging on to it because you feel it isn't yet perfect [03:28] When is good enough, good enough? Your target audience will answer this question [04:15] 10 reasons why you should get things done and off your plate [0429] 1. You get results faster! [04:47] 2. Getting something done is overwhelmingly satisfying while perfection may keep us tweaking something forever. [5:00] 3. Remember done is not over, you can still develop your craft, your idea, and your project [05:16] 4. Done rather than perfect means you avoid paralysis [05:43] 5. You're more realistic [06:11] 6. You save time [06:38] 7. You are more productive [07:03] 8. You stop procrastinating [07:25] 9. You overwork [07:45] 10. Ultimately, you get burned out [08:30] If you get lost in the detail then stop, and remind yourself of the context [09:20] Understand your minimum standard and start there [09:45] An example of getting a PDF guide designed [1-:43] Write DONE IS BETTER THAN PERFECT on a post-it and remind yourself of it frequently Quotations “No one is going to get rich off an idea that stays an idea (because you feel it isn't perfect yet” - Rob Da Costa “Take off your perfectionist hat and remind yourself of the purpose of the task at hand and who the audience is” - Rob Da Costa Rate, Review, & Subscribe on Apple Podcasts “I enjoy listening to The Agency Accelerator Podcast. I always learn something from every episode.” If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more people — just like you — move towards a Self-Running Agency. Scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode! Also, if you haven’t done so already, subscribe to the podcast. I’m adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the feed and, if you’re not subscribed, there’s a good chance you’ll miss out. Subscribe now! Useful links mentioned in this episode: | |||
| 05 May 2021 | Human Centred Design with Piccia Neri | 00:34:46 | |
In this episode of The Agency Accelerator Podcast, I am joined by Piccia Neri, a UX expert focusing on human-centred design. Piccia's goal is to help agencies and developers find success on their website by putting their users at the centre of design. [00:15] Background on Piccia Neri [02:55] Mistakes agencies make in design and concept The first thing to remember is you are not the person you are serving. When you put the client first, you create an engaging experience. Secondly, accessibility. By catering to everyone’s needs and disabilities, you broaden your reach of who you can help. [04:47] What is human-centred design and what does it mean to be a web designer? Putting the people that use your products at the centre while humanising the user (i.e., who you are designing and building for). We tend to forget that our websites are the first point of contact with our prospects. You have less than 5 seconds to make a good impression, so make it count! [08:18] Second biggest mistake; not testing Seeing as we suffer from ‘proximity blindness’ when working on a project, it is imperative to test and get feedback from our target audience BEFORE we ‘go live’. [13:55] Using forms as the opportunity to interact with a customer Just like with websites, forms should be made with accessibility in mind. More often than not, we are excluding people from filling out forms and surveys. Accessibility is the epitome of user-centred design. [17:08] How to approach design so that it is user-centric To create a user-centric design, extensive research is required, especially in the beginning. Start by learning how you can help. Also, keep in mind that research is not a linear process, be prepared to go back and forth. Launch early, test, perfect and tweak. [21:37] What are the expectations of your website and where does it fit in your marketing strategy? Research needs to starts with asking as many questions as you can to your clients. Why do you need a website? What purpose will it serve? What action do you want the user to take? [25:34] Designs for Conversion Conference The purpose of this conference is to help people make fundamental transformations by putting the user at the centre of design. This is the only conference of its kind where designers get to interact with non-designers. Rate, Review, & Subscribe on Apple Podcasts “I enjoy listening to The Agency Accelerator Podcast. I always learn something from every episode” If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more people — just like you — move towards a Self-Running Agency. Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode! Also, if you haven’t done so already, subscribe to the podcast. I’m adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the feed and, if you’re not subscribed, there’s a good chance you’ll miss out. Subscribe now! Useful links mentioned in this episode: | |||
| 12 Jan 2023 | My Top 15 Favourite Tools & Apps of 2022/3 | 00:18:56 | |
It’s that time of year when I collate all of my favourite tools and apps into a handy guide (which you can download for free so check out the links below). In today’s episode, I am going to talk you through my favourite tools and explain why they made my top 15 list. I spent loads of time researching and playing with tools and I'm sharing my top 15 so you don't have to waste any time looking for best-to-breed tools and apps to help you run your business. Time Stamp [00:55] Let’s remove distractions and save time chasing shiny new objects. To help you achieve this I have put together my favourite tools and apps that support me to run my business to help you get laser focused in 2023. [02:00] Kartra - the all-in-one platform that supports me in running my business [04:30] WebinarJam and Everwebinar - to help you run live and on-demand webinars [06:00] Loom - cloud-based video - to help you build more engagement with your audience [07:12] FinalCutPro for more professional video editing software (with a steep learning curve!) [08:00] Canva - for creating designs such as social media posts, YouTube Thumbnails, PDFs etc. [08:50] ConvertKit for email automation/marketing [10:00] Waalaxy for LinkedIn automation [11:02] ReMarkable2 - eInk paper tablet to become paper-free. [12:20] Toby - Chrome app to organise my most frequently used websites/tabs [13:07] Amazing Marvin - for daily, weekly, and monthly planning [14:24] AddEvent - to make adding calendar bookings to your diary very simple [14:58] ASANA - project management tool [15:27] Thrive Architect for WordPress website management and design [16:20] SurferSEO - for SEO improvement advice for non-techies [16:57] Honourable mentions: Zoom, Google Drive, Xero [17:10] My top 5 tools from my 2023 list Quotations “Do you want to buy best-of-breed products or an all-in-one platform?” - Rob Da Costa “My reMarkable2 is a great example of a product doing just one thing but doing it really well.” - Rob Da Costa “The tools you use in your business should be seamless and help you run your business more effectively.” - Rob Da Costa Rate, Review, & Subscribe on Apple Podcasts “I enjoy listening to The Agency Accelerator Podcast. I always learn something from every episode.” If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more people like you to move towards a Self-Running Agency. How to leave a review on Apple Podcasts Scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then, let me know what you loved most about the episode! Also, if you haven’t done so already, subscribe to the podcast. I’m adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the feed and, if you’re not subscribed, there’s a good chance you’ll miss out. Subscribe now! Useful links mentioned in this episode: | |||
| 20 Oct 2022 | Should You Productise Your Agency? (with Julia Chanteray) | 00:28:55 | |
One of the best ways to scale your agency is to disconnect your time from the money you earn. There are several ways to do this (I’ve spoken about value pricing many times before, for example) and today we are going to be talking about productising your business: what this means, how to do it and the various steps along the journey. Timestamp 02:00 Introduction to today’s guest, Julia Chanteray 02:17 How Julia’s business is changing and starting Adventures IN Products 02:54 Let’s start with the typical journey a business owner goes on and the roadblocks they hit along the way, and how it can easily get out of control! 06:40 What are the 2nd set of stumbling blocks as the agency starts to grow? 08:40 The importance of the business owner ‘getting out of the way’ 10:18 Why have you decided to specialise to help businesses productise? 10:40 What does productising your business mean? 12:34 Can you give us some examples of a productised business? 15:50 You are either a PRODUCT business or a RELATIONSHIP business 16:54 Tell us about your programme and some of the members who have joined. 19:25 How do you work out what your product should be? 21:04 How to avoid shiny new object distractions 21:44 What are the biggest challenges people have on their productisation journey? 23:08 You can take a horse to water, but you can’t make it drink! 24:29 There is no such thing as passive income 25:30 A typical member who is part of Julia’s programme 26:45 If you could go back in time and give your younger self, just starting out in business, a piece of advice what would it be? Quotations “If you are clever, you start building some kind of product that breaks the relationship between how they spend their time and how they make their money” - Julia Chanteray “As a coach, you can take a horse to water but you can’t make it drink!” - Rob Da Costa Rate, Review, & Subscribe on Apple Podcasts “I enjoy listening to The Agency Accelerator Podcast. I always learn something from every episode.” If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more people — just like you — move towards a Self-Running Agency. Scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode! Also, if you haven’t done so already, subscribe to the podcast. I’m adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the feed and, if you’re not subscribed, there’s a good chance you’ll miss out. Subscribe now! Useful links mentioned in this episode: | |||
| 28 Jan 2021 | Interview with John Ashton Discussing The Kitchen Table Community Concept | 00:35:28 | |
In today’s episode of the agency accelerator podcast I’m extremely excited to have John Ashton with me. John is the founder of copywriting agency, ‘Write Arm’, he has written a book, ‘The Kitchen Table Method’, and is also the mastermind behind the ‘Kitchen Table Community’ concept. Time Stamp 01:05 John gives his thoughts on many people starting their freelance journey in 2020 07:24 John explains what the ‘Kitchen Table’ method is 11:06 Why culture is so important for your business 14:43 How to maintain your culture as your agency grows 19:42 Growing an agency solely with freelancers 24:50 What is ‘’The Kitchen Table Community’? 32:00 John’s piece of advice to his younger self Useful links: Sign up for my FREE live Masterclass Download The Self-Running Implementation Book Join my Facebook group ‘The Agency Accelerator’ Download the 'Creating A Sustainable & Profitable Agency' book John's copywriting and content writing agency: Write Arm Subscribe & Review Are you subscribed to my podcast yet? If you’re not, please do so to avoid missing out on any episodes! You can subscribe/follow on Apple, Spotify or directly from my website. I would be very grateful if you left me a review too as they will help other people to find my podcasts and it's also great to read your comments! Thanks so much. Rob | |||
| 30 Sep 2021 | Building Communities with Anthony Burke | 00:35:42 | |
How can building online communities help your agency’s marketing strategy? In this episode of The Agency Accelerator Podcast, I am joined by Anthony Burke, the Owner of “Brits in Dubai”, as he shares his journey building and monetising online communities as well as his story of living in Dubai and what inspired him to start his community. Brits in Dubai is a private Facebook Group that originated in 2014 and is dedicated to helping British expats settle and thrive in the UAE. A great place to get advice, support and network. Since then, the group has grown into the number one British expat group with more than 25,000 members and over half a million posts in the last six months alone! How can you apply what Anthony has learned and achieved in your agency business? That is what we set out to explore in this episode. Time Stamp [1:29] Anthony’s journey to building a number 1 Facebook community [6:00] Tips on how to build momentum in your group [9:11] How much time is needed to invest in managing an online community? [11:21] Why delivering great value is important in monetising a Facebook Group [13:55] What is the best and cost-effective way to build professional partnerships [15:44] Why you should ‘go unique’ [16:50] Building landing pages and searching the best keywords [18:37] How to find the balance in delivering the value and selling your products/ services [20:18] The importance of building your email list [21:20] Tips in marketing your products/services to the members of the group [26:50] The impact of Covid in business decision making [28:33] Living the ‘digital nomad lifestyle’ [31:44] What is Anthony’s advice to his younger self Quotations “The thing that I always tell my audience is that when you are creating outbound communications, whether it be through a Facebook group, email marketing, social media, videos or whatever, you need to get this balance of 80% providing value and only 20% selling. ” - Rob Da Costa “It's about being human, and it's about being real and authentic. If you have a community, listen to what your community needs, then you make sure you produce products and services that they want as opposed to thinking about what's better for them, and you're going to create something that nobody ever buys because they don't actually need it.” - Rob Da Costa “I'd always say, ‘go with your gut. If it works fantastic, if it doesn't, there are more options.’” - Anthony Burke Rate, Review, & Subscribe on Apple Podcasts “I enjoy listening to The Agency Accelerator Podcast. I always learn something from every episode.” If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more people — just like you — move towards a Self-Running Agency. Scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode! Also, if you haven’t done so already, subscribe to the podcast. I’m adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the feed and, if you’re not subscribed, there’s a good chance you’ll miss out. Subscribe now! Useful links mentioned in this episode:
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| 19 Aug 2021 | 6 Tips To Quickly Qualify New Enquiries | 00:14:53 | |
I was sitting with a client last month and we were discussing business development. They are in the fortunate position to be generating between 20 and 30 new inquiries each month because they've really worked on making their website generate new leads. However, whilst some of these inquiries looked promising at the start, they seem to follow a similar pattern that results in the client working long hours to get the proposals written and then the prospect disappears! So this week's episode of The Agency Accelerator Podcast focuses on the topic of qualifying leads BEFORE you spend a ton of time on them. This means that you're investing your limited time on the hot prospects and rooting out those enquiries that are just information gatherers. Also, you will learn six (6) tips and strategies that you can start applying immediately in your agency to implement a faster lead qualification process. Time Stamp [2:54] Funnel marketing activities [3:18] The consequence of focusing your time on the wrong prospects [6:45] #1 You must get a sense of a prospect’s budget and if they won’t give you that, then it’s a good indication that it’s early in their buying process and they might just be on a fact-finding expedition! [7:35] #2 There are some techniques you can use to ‘encourage’ them to give you a budget or at least an idea of their budget range (this is something I teach my Self-Running Agency Implementation Group Members how to do) [9:04] #3 How to know if it's time to walk away from a prospect [10:35] #4 For most of us, time is our most valuable commodity, so you want to invest as little time as possible in early discussions with prospects – use pre-written email templates to quickly follow-up leads to filter them ‘in’ or ‘out’ [10:44] #5 The further down the sales funnel the prospects go, the more time you should be willing to invest [11:54] #6 Once you agree to a meeting and then agree to write a proposal, get a date in the diary (during that meeting) for the follow-up conversation. This gives you the best chance of keeping momentum once you’ve sent the proposal Quotations “..there's nothing wrong with people who are in information-gathering mode, and they may well one day become your perfect client, and they're not ready now. But you should not be using your time to educate them.” - Rob Da Costa “..the secret here is to identify the hot prospects that you're going to invest your time in and get rid of those others as quickly as possible..” - Rob Da Costa “This is why having these pre-written email templates is a great idea because they may not be a fit for you today, but they may be the right kind of client for you in the future..”- Rob Da Costa Rate, Review, & Subscribe on Apple Podcasts “I enjoy listening to The Agency Accelerator Podcast. I always learn something from every episode.” If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more people — just like you — move towards a Self-Running Agency. Scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode! Also, if you haven’t done so already, subscribe to the podcast. I’m adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the feed and, if you’re not subscribed, there’s a good chance you’ll miss out. Subscribe now! Useful links mentioned in this episode:
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| 23 Sep 2021 | How To Generate Leads From Your Website | 00:18:45 | |
Let me ask you a question: What is your website for? Is it just ‘brochureware’ (a place to learn more about your business) or are you aiming for it to be something more, such as a way of generating a consistent pipeline of new leads? The answer is that it should be the latter. So in this episode of The Agency Accelerator Podcast, I share my thoughts around some of the fundamental do’s and don't about getting your website to work more effectively for you and also some key strategies to consistently generate leads from it. Time Stamp [1:09] Why you should make sure your website isn’t full of ‘we’!! [2:01] The importance of quickly building empathy with your readers [2:46] What is the anatomy of a successful website, what does a great website look like? [5:03] Tips on how to drive traffic to your website [8:58] How to convert leads [9:23] Four stages to drive traffic to your website [10:51] Tips in creating your ‘killer content’ [11:46] Killer content Myth #1: ‘I need lots of gated content on my website’ [12:14] Killer content Myth #2: ‘It needs to be long to deliver value.’ Quotations “..remember that your ultimate goal with your website is to generate leads. The way you're going to generate leads is by getting people to sign up to your email list, and then you're going to nurture them through the buyer's journey.” - Rob Da Costa “..drive traffic from all your different channels, where your target audience hangs out, to your website and then, once they are there, get them to take action, which means them giving you their email address (in return for your killer content).” - Rob Da Costa Rate, Review, & Subscribe on Apple Podcasts “I enjoy listening to The Agency Accelerator Podcast. I always learn something from every episode.” If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more people — just like you — move towards a Self-Running Agency. Scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode! Also, if you haven’t done so already, subscribe to the podcast. I’m adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the feed and, if you’re not subscribed, there’s a good chance you’ll miss out. Subscribe now! Useful links mentioned in this episode:
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| 10 Feb 2022 | Regional Agency Benchmarking with Rory Spence | 00:31:19 | |
In this episode of the podcast we are exploring the differences between rural and city-based agencies as well as regional differences generally across the UK. We dig into the WOW Company’s new regional Bench Press Reports with Rory Spence. Time Stamp [01:06] The advantages and disadvantages of city v rural agency and differences regionally [02:01] The value of 3rd party market research data (i.e. The Bench Press Reports) [03:09] Interesting findings from the regional research especially the pricing league table [03:53] The UK average hourly rate for agencies is £91 but how does it differ in different regions? Some surprising results! [05:15] Gross Profit Margin analysis by region - again more surprising results [07:44] Do you think the regional differences are caused because of mindset? [09:02] Everyone can now compete with London Agencies! [10:22] What are agencies planning to do with their offices in 2022? [12:02] Lead with value to be able to charge higher fees (and compete with London agency pricing) [14:11] Are agencies planning to recruit remotely? [16:08] 83% want to keep their office yet 78% will recruit remotely! [18:04] How do you embed culture with remote workforces? [22:36] Rory shares his views on using freelance staff v in-house employees [23:43] The impact of IR35 [25:15] External support to hiring people on your team [27:49] What advice would you give yourself, just starting out in the agency world? Quotations
Rate, Review, & Subscribe on Apple Podcasts “I enjoy listening to The Agency Accelerator Podcast. I always learn something from every episode.” If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more people — just like you — move towards a Self-Running Agency. Scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode! Also, if you haven’t done so already, subscribe to the podcast. I’m adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the feed and, if you’re not subscribed, there’s a good chance you’ll miss out. Subscribe now! Useful links mentioned in this episode:
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| 28 Mar 2024 | How AI is Crafting the Agency of Tomorrow: A Top Ten Breakdown | 00:35:22 | |
Are you ready to explore the AI revolution in the agency world and maximise your creative and operational potential? In an industry that is always evolving, agency owners and employees constantly seek ways to stay ahead of the curve, increase efficiency, and drive growth amidst fierce competition. The rise of artificial intelligence offers unprecedented opportunities to revolutionise how we run agencies, tackle common bottlenecks in project management, and exceed client expectations while fostering a stimulating work environment for employees. In today’s show, I outline 10 ways in which AI is and will be used. You will learn how to leverage AI for pinpointing and engaging with ideal prospects, gain insights into blending AI-assisted content creation without compromising on originality, and discover AI's role in optimising project and financial management to cut down on costs and burnout. Questions answered in this episode: Q: In what ways is AI reshaping the journey from lead generation to customer engagement? Q: What improvements in media efficiency can agencies expect from leveraging AI in paid advertising campaigns? Q: Can you outline the role of AI in providing clear insights through reporting dashboards and how this affects decision-making? Q: How is AI automating the more mundane aspects of project management and what impact does this have on team wellbeing and productivity? Q: How AI is streamlining agency finance management? Q: How is the AI coaching platform 'Ask Rob Anything' designed to personalise support for agency owners and their team members? Q: Could you share insights into the implementation of AI within agencies for optimising internal communications and employee development processes? Quotations "Imagine your agency where AI takes you from 0 to 60%, leaving your human creativity to race from 61 to 100%. That's not the future, that's now." — Rob Da Costa "Empowering every agency owner with a coach, and every team member with a mentor – that's the vision. AI isn't just changing the game; it's personalising it." — Rob Da Costa Rate, Review, & Subscribe on Apple Podcasts “I enjoy listening to The Agency Accelerator Podcast. I always learn something from every episode.” If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more people like you to move towards a Self-Running Agency. How to leave a review on Apple Podcasts Scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then, let me know what you loved most about the episode! Also, if you haven’t done so already, subscribe to the podcast. I’m adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the feed and, if you’re not subscribed, there’s a good chance you’ll miss out. Subscribe now! Useful links mentioned in this episode:
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| 13 Sep 2022 | Bonus Episode: Stop Bashing Your Head Against the Wall of Growth! | 00:05:57 | |
In this bonus episode, I am very excited to let you know that the doors for the 2022 cohort of The Self-Running Agency Implementation Group members is now open. Let's cast our minds back to the reason why we started our own agency - we wanted CONTROL, FLEXIBILITY and FREEDOM. All things we didn't have in our 9 to 5 job. Yet as we grow, the need for control ends up being at the expense of flexibility and freedom - indeed all of our clients want us to work on their accounts and our staff (if we have any) are dependent on us to make all the big decisions and often frustrate us because they lack initiative. No matter what you have tried you feel like you constantly take one step forwards and one back. It doesn’t have to be this way! And that's why I created The Self-Running Agency Group to support you to grow in a sustainable and profitable way and put the systems in place to ensure no more feast or famine. Click here to read more about the Group Listen to what some of the members have to say about their experience in the Group | |||
| 14 Oct 2021 | Business Development With Katie Street | 00:39:19 | |
How effective and efficient is your business development? Do you have a process in place that generates a consistent flow of ideal clients? If not, then listen to today’s podcast interview with my guest, Katie Street, the Founder and Managing Director of Street Agency. As you will hear, successful business development starts by getting your agency’s positioning clarified then building robust marketing plans that deliver outreach campaigns and leads Katie explains that we need to lead by solving our client’s problems and by providing value in our marketing (‘serve not sell’). Time Stamp [1:51] How Katie landed in the business development world [6:17] The key differences between successful and less successful agencies in the aspect of growth and new business [11:47] Reasons why sales and marketing are important for your agencies growth [14:14] Tips in developing easy, consistent and reusable content [20:24] How to learn the language of your target audience [23:48] The best practices in winning new business opportunities [28:15] How to attract high-quality leads [32:36] The biggest impact of the pandemic for new businesses [37:23] Katie’s advice to her younger self Quotations “ I think initially, most agencies go wrong because they don't actually reserve the time or give the new business the time, respect, and money that it needs to really flourish.” - Katie Street “Doing something is better than nothing. Do things that are going to be. You could say we're all different. Do something that's going to be easy for you and think about how you can reuse that content.” - Katie Street “The biggest piece of advice that I can give is to think about your audience and what their problems are (and you'll know this because your audience is your clients). If you're solving problems for your clients all the time, you'll start to see trends because that is what we agencies do. We do solve problems usually.” - Katie Street Rate, Review, & Subscribe on Apple Podcasts “I enjoy listening to The Agency Accelerator Podcast. I always learn something from every episode.” If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more people — just like you — move towards a Self-Running Agency. Scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode! Also, if you haven’t done so already, subscribe to the podcast. I’m adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the feed and, if you’re not subscribed, there’s a good chance you’ll miss out. Subscribe now! Useful links mentioned in this episode:
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| 08 Sep 2022 | The 4 Foundations of Building A Scalable Agency | 00:15:54 | |
We can easily get seduced by so many ideas from supposed 'experts' telling us how to scale our agency, and that can be really confusing. We end up being run ragged, pulled in 100 different directions implementing the latest idea or trendy strategy. But at the end of the day, there are only four foundational areas you need to focus on to build a robust agency that you can then start scaling using three advanced strategies. So that is what we are digging into today. Time Stamp [01:10] The dangers of chasing shiny new objects [01:56] The 4 agency foundations: [02:19] Foundation 1: Knowing your audience - the importance of having a clear niche [04:29] Foundation 2: Creating a clear living roadmap for your agency [06:27] Foundation 3: Build a repeatable marketing system to generate a consistent flow of new leads [07:45] Foundation 4: Convert your leads into loyal clients [09:48] Growth 5: Client retention: How to maximise the value of existing clients [10:15] Growth 6: Growing your team to get work off your plate [11:24] Growth 7: Getting work off your plate and make yourself redundant! [13:10] Join me on my FREE LIVE Masterclass: Elevate Your Role to CEO [15:00] Avoid being a busy fool and focus on the things that move the needle Quotations “In a recent poll I ran, 68% of respondents said they had one niche and 32% had several” - Rob Da Costa “Make sure you focus your limited time on the hot prospects and not the time wasters.” - Rob Da Costa Rate, Review, & Subscribe on Apple Podcasts “I enjoy listening to The Agency Accelerator Podcast. I always learn something from every episode.” If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more people — just like you — to move towards a Self-Running Agency. Scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode! Also, if you haven’t done so already, subscribe to the podcast. I’m adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the feed and, if you’re not subscribed, there’s a good chance you’ll miss out. Subscribe now! Useful links mentioned in this episode: | |||
| 16 Jun 2022 | Laser Focusing Your Niche With John Higginson | 00:24:11 | |
In this week's episode of the podcast, I'm joined by John Higginson from Higginson Strategy. We're discussing niching - but not just niching - laser focusing your niche and John will share how his agency has niched that has made it so much easier for them to win ideal clients. We also discuss a unique marketing strategy that they're using that is resulting in them winning more business and why John believes that owner-managed agencies will always perform better than agencies that are sold off. Time Stamp [01:01] Why broadening out your niche is a mistake [01:25] How Higginson found their niche (in the plastic-free market) [03:01] Concerns about being too niched [03:39] Working with me gave John the confidence to be niched and win more business! [04:39] What are the clear benefits of having such a clear niche? [05:49] What advice would you give to someone who is scared to niche down? [08:04] Were you able to increase your prices because of your niche? [09:34] Do you look for staff that have experience in your niche? What are the core attributes you look for? [10:53] Why did you launch your own magazine? [14:22] An example of persistence in your marketing to win business [15:19] The importance of taking a “value-first” approach in your marketing [15:43] What does the future hold for Higginson Strategy? [16:30] Why John never wants to sell his agency but rather build his own Self-Running Agency [18:00] The reality of trying to sell a service-based business [19:01] Why founder-led agencies are better agencies [21:46] What advice would John give his younger self, just starting out in business? Quotations “Receiving targetted inbound enquiries with clients saying ‘they want to work with you’ is a key benefit of having a clear niche” - John Higginson “You don’t need to fear losing clients if you niche down (you can still win clients outside of your niche)” - John Higginson “Everyone’s roadmap is their own roadmap - there is no right or wrong way to grow your agency” - Rob Da Costa Rate, Review, & Subscribe on Apple Podcasts “I enjoy listening to The Agency Accelerator Podcast. I always learn something from every episode.” If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more people — just like you — move towards a Self-Running Agency. Scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode! Also, if you haven’t done so already, subscribe to the podcast. I’m adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the feed and, if you’re not subscribed, there’s a good chance you’ll miss out. Subscribe now! Useful links mentioned in this episode: | |||
| 29 Jul 2021 | SEO & Backlink Strategies With Richard Kennedy | 00:31:54 | |
Does your agency have a robust SEO and backlink strategy in place? If not you should, and in this episode of The Agency Accelerator Podcast, I am joined by one of my clients and one of The Self-Running Agency Group members, Richard Kennedy, who explains why SEO and a backlink strategy is a must. Richard runs an e-commerce SEO agency, Arken Marketing. Arken helps SME e-commerce businesses grow and compete against the big players in the market, by utilising effective SEO. Richard shares how he started Arken Marketing and how he helps SME e-commerce businesses grow and compete using SEO and backlink strategies Time Stamp [1:11] Backstory in building an SEO agency and Richard’s future aspirations for Arken Marketing [4:24] How to figure out your niche when starting up an agency [6:36] Tips in niching down your business [9:17] Defining SEO in a broader context [10:37] What are the advantages of using SEO over PPC? [11:56] The importance of being ranked organically [12:24] Why SEO is an effective strategy for your business [13:05] Benefits of link building for your website [14:14] Understanding link building, domain authority rankings and backlinks [17:21] How to implement link building strategies [19:11] How to distinguish a good backlink from a bad backlink [22:21] What is the deciding factor if a link is worth pursuing or not? [22:50] Tips in creating SEO strategies for your business [24:11] What is the ‘dream 100’ system? [26:19] How to build good quality and trustworthy website [29:26] Why ‘focus’ is important for your business’ SEO strategy Quotations “I don't want to be too big, but I've always wanted it to fuel my other projects.” - Richard Kennedy “...not every business defines its success by how big it is or how fast it grows.” - Rob DaCosta “We only work with people that we want to work with and they want to work with us and it's made it a whole lot easier in the long run in the short term.” - Richard Kennedy “..the website needs to be trustworthy… approachable... Having good content makes everything so much easier.” - Richard Kennedy “..you just can't replicate success through copying.” - Richard Kennedy “..building your dream 100 list is actually one of the systems that we teach in The Self-Running Agency Group.” - Rob DaCosta Rate, Review, & Subscribe on Apple Podcasts “I enjoy listening to The Agency Accelerator Podcast. I always learn something from every episode.” If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more people — just like you — move towards a Self-Running Agency. Scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode! Also, if you haven’t done so already, subscribe to the podcast. I’m adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the feed and, if you’re not subscribed, there’s a good chance you’ll miss out. Subscribe now! Useful links mentioned in this episode:
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| 28 Apr 2021 | Should your agency launch a new product or service? | 00:18:43 | |
In this episode of The Agency Accelerator Podcast, I dive into everything you need to know when considering developing and launching a new product or service. From knowing your market to research and product validation, I share all the tools needed to launch a successful product. Here’s a glance at this episode… [01:33] Launching a new product or service Before diving into launching a new product/service it’s important to recognise your reason for doing so. If it’s just to increase revenues, chances are this product will not meet your expectations and you should double down on your existing core services. [02:36] Two steps to follow when launching a new product: 1. Make sure you are clear about your core product. It is crucial that you must be seen as an expert with your current product before releasing a second one. 2. Make sure you know your market wants it! There’s a big difference between knowing that your market wants something versus thinking they need it. Expanding on your product portfolio directly correlates to meeting market demands. [05:37] Talking to your marketplace The only way to understand what your market needs is by researching and speaking with people. A good note to keep in mind is to record all conversations so you can utilise the language being used and identify key pain points that your product can solve. [08:02] Outlining your minimum viable product/offer Pre-selling a product before you formally launching is a sure way to discover if people are truly interested, before investing time and effort in developing and launching the full product. [11:38] Doing your research; two steps 1. Form focus groups to get feedback. From there you can refine the proposition. 2. After the proposition is refined, the 2nd step is to introduce this to your second audience. [13:02] After going through the research and validations phase: 1. Get the product service ready. After you’ve done your research and have validated, now is the time to fully develop the product or service. 2. Think about how you will market and sell. Strategise by going to your existing clients and letting them know this product exists, explain what it does and how it can help you solve any of their pain points. Even if the client is not ready to buy at the moment, email nurturing is a great way to keep in touch with people until they are ready to buy the product. Rate, Review, & Subscribe on Apple Podcasts “I really enjoy listening to The Agency Accelerator Podcast. I always learn something from every episode”<– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more people — just like you — move towards a Self-Running Agency. Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode! Also, if you haven’t done so already, subscribe to the podcast. I’m adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the feed and, if you’re not subscribed, there’s a good chance you’ll miss out. Subscribe now! Links mentioned in this episode: | |||
| 05 Sep 2024 | 7 Critical Reasons Marketing Agencies Fail Without A Strong 2nd Tier Of Leaders (And How to Fix It) | 00:13:09 | |
Are You Drowning in Daily Tasks Instead of Steering Your Agency Toward Growth? Do you find yourself constantly putting out fires, feeling overwhelmed despite having a team? If so, you're not alone. In today’s fast-paced business environment, having a strong second tier of leadership isn't just helpful—it's essential. Without it, you risk burnout and stunted growth for your agency. In this episode of *The Agency Accelerator* podcast, we're diving deep into why building a competent second tier of leadership is crucial for your agency's success—and how to do it effectively. Here’s What You’ll Learn: - Effective Delegation: How to build a solid leadership team that takes the weight off your shoulders, so you can focus on what truly matters. - Boosting Team Morale: Learn how empowering your leaders can lead to a more positive and productive work environment. - Strategic Growth: Discover how freeing yourself from daily operations allows you to concentrate on innovation and sustainable scaling. It’s time to stop spinning your wheels and start steering your agency toward long-term success. So grab your favourite cup of coffee, and let’s jump in! Key Questions We’ll Answer: - How can you identify potential leaders within your team who can step up and support your vision? - What common mistakes do agency owners make when they don't have a strong second tier of leadership? - Why does micromanagement harm both your agency's performance and your well-being? - What practical steps can you take to shift from being a 'doer' to becoming a visionary leader? - How can investing in leadership development now save you from bigger problems down the road? Memorable Quotes: “Without a strong second tier of leadership, you're left trying to steer the ship, manage the crew, and keep an eye on the horizon—all at once. It's overwhelming, and eventually, something will slip through the cracks.” - Rob Da Costa “Building a strong second tier of leadership isn't just about solving today's problems. It's about setting your agency up for long-term success.” - Rob Da Costa Don’t Miss Out—Subscribe and Stay Ahead! “I enjoy listening to The Agency Accelerator Podcast. I always learn something from every episode.” If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more people — just like you — move towards a Self-Running Agency. Scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode! And if you found this episode valuable, please take a moment to rate and review the show. Your feedback helps us reach more agency owners like you who are ready to scale their businesses! Useful links mentioned in this episode:
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| 14 Jun 2023 | The Emergence of AI: How It Will Impact the Future of Marketing Agencies | 00:19:10 | |
Introduction In this episode of The Agency Accelerator Podcast, Rob Da Costa explores how artificial intelligence (AI) can enhance work and team productivity. He highlights examples of AI tools such as Chat GPT and Bard to improve writing skills and how analytical tools can extract valuable data for customer insights and targeting. Rob predicts key trends in AI integration, including the collaboration between humans and AI to improve efficiency. He also addresses ownership and plagiarism concerns for AI-generated content. Finally, he discusses what lies in the future for agencies and AI. Topics Covered In This Episode:
Quotes The Rise of AI: "The one thing is for sure, you should be embracing AI." - Rob Da Costa We need to make sure we are elevating what we do and having a clear point of differentiation. But we absolutely need to be embracing tools to help us with creativity and content creation, whether that be written text, images or video - because AI is going to make that much, much easier." — Rob Da Costa Useful links: Here are the top AI tools for marketing agencies, mentioned in this episode: 1. ChatGPT 2. Adobe Sensei 4. IBM Watson 10. Marketo Engage Save your seat for my next Agency Accelerator LIVE series of FREE agency workshops | |||
| 21 Jan 2021 | Planning for a successful year ahead | 00:16:38 | |
Good riddance to 2020, I am looking forward to a happier and more balanced 2021. Let’s not take for granted all the freedoms that we had pre-2020, once we start getting them back this year – fingers crossed! In today’s episode, I talk about having a plan for the year, as well as putting a robust business development strategy in place so you can get a consistent pipeline of leads, prospects and new clients – and you don’t need to rely on word-of-mouth and referrals. Time Stamp 01:34 Two key areas to have in place in order to take back control and get a better work-life balance 02:00 How to get a plan in place for the year ahead 04:40 The 7 areas that your plan should incorporate 07:00 How to break down your plan into quarters 08:03 Breaking your quarterly strategies into a monthly plan 08:49 The importance of your plans being dynamic 10:00 Why you need a consistent pipeline of leads, prospects and new customers for your plan to work 11:05 The foundations of creating your pipeline Useful links: Sign up for my FREE live Masterclass Download The Self-Running Implementation Book Join my Facebook group ‘The Agency Accelerator’ Download the 'Creating A Sustainable & Profitable Agency' book Subscribe & Review Are you subscribed to my podcast yet? If you’re not, please do so to avoid missing out on any episodes! You can subscribe/follow on Apple, Spotify or directly from my website. I would be very grateful if you left me a review too as they will help other people to find my podcasts and it's also great to read your comments! Thanks so much. Rob | |||
| 21 Jul 2022 | 4 Strategies to Start Bringing Consistent Sales into Your Agency | 00:15:10 | |
The 2 most common questions that marketing agency owners ask me never really change. They are about finding a consistent flow of new business and hiring & retaining great talent. Now, admittedly, those two priorities have switched because as I record this episode there is a huge global skills shortage which the agency sector is not immune from. But new business is never far from people's minds because they want to avoid feast or famine in their agencies. So that's what we're digging into today by discussing 4 strategies that the agency owner (even if you are a freelancer) must focus on to deliver a consistent pipeline of ideal new clients. Time Stamp [01:14] The 2 biggest challenges for agency owners right now [01:48] 2 key reasons agencies lurch from feast to famine - a story of the wrong focus! [02:46] What happens when your agency is in a place of famine? [04:07] 4 tasks that YOU must focus on to avoid lurching from feast to famine [04:41] Focus area 1: Building your brand with passion [05:55] Focus area 2: You are the best person to be heading up your new business strategy (because you see the bigger picture, understand your business and will be passionate about it). Remember that the best new business strategies deliver in the medium to long term so get started today if you want to see a return! [07:15] Beware of Shing New Objects! [09:02] Focus area 3: Planning for the future. You are the captain of your ship so make sure you are steering your ship in the right direction and make sure you allocate time to do this every month. [10:11] Focus area 4: Running your agency to ensure your well-oiled machine operates efficiently (which means managing the team, admin, finance, systems & processes etc.) [11:00] What happens if you agree with the above but are completely stuck in ‘client service mode’? [11:10] Get better boundaries and work on your mindset [13:00] Apply the above to avoid being in ‘famine’ - it's not a great place to be! [13:44] Challenge your thinking to apply today’s podcast advice Quotations “You must focus on your SUPERPOWERS - the tasks that only you can do” - Rob Da Costa “It doesn't matter about the great work you do if no one knows about you!” - Rob Da Costa “The best new business strategies deliver in the medium to long term - so get started today!” - Rob Da Costa Rate, Review, & Subscribe on Apple Podcasts “I enjoy listening to The Agency Accelerator Podcast. I always learn something from every episode.” If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more people — just like you — move towards a Self-Running Agency. Scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode! Also, if you haven’t done so already, subscribe to the podcast. I’m adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the feed and, if you’re not subscribed, there’s a good chance you’ll miss out. Subscribe now! Useful links mentioned in this episode: | |||
| 31 Oct 2024 | 5 Game-Changing Strategies to Escape the Client Service Hamster Wheel for Marketing Agency Owners | 00:16:56 | |
Are you feeling overwhelmed by constant client demands that keep you stuck on the client service hamster wheel and disrupt your strategic planning? In a world where balancing client needs with agency goals is key to sustainable growth, mastering client service is essential to avoid burnout and maintain profitability. For many agency owners, the daily grind of juggling client requests can drain resources and prevent them from achieving their long-term vision. in today's episode you’ll discover how to:
Ready to regain control and transform your client management approach? Grab a coffee and let’s dive in! Timestamp: [00:00] Introduction [00:36] The Client Service Hamster Wheel [01:59] Rob's Early Agency Life [03:04] The Importance of Client Management [05:27] Strategy 1: Client Psychology [ 07:04] Strategy 2: Effective Communication [08:35] Strategy 3: Value-Based Pricing [10:01] Strategy 4: Handling Scope Creep [10:33] Strategy 5: Long-Term Relationships [12:07] Recap and Final Thoughts Rate, Review, & Subscribe on Apple Podcasts “I enjoy listening to The Agency Accelerator Podcast. I always learn something from every episode.” If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more people like you to move towards a Self-Running Agency. How to leave a review on Apple Podcasts Scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then, let me know what you loved most about the episode! Also, if you haven’t done so already, subscribe to the podcast. I’m adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the feed and, if you’re not subscribed, there’s a good chance you’ll miss out. Subscribe now! Useful links mentioned in this episode: | |||
| 05 Dec 2024 | Clash of Minds: An Agency Expert Interviews His AI Clone | 00:16:52 | |
Welcome to the Agency Accelerator podcast. This week's episode is something truly unique and a bit experimental! I'm your host, Rob Da Costa, and today, I had the unique opportunity to interview my digital coach clone, AskRobAnything. Slightly surreal talking to myself! In this episode, I dive into uncharted territory by asking a series of spontaneous questions about the future of agency management, the role of AI in business growth, and how agency owners can prevent common pitfalls. What's fascinating is that I hadn't prepped my AI clone on these questions. So, much like you, I had no idea how AskRobAnything would respond! Join me as I uncover the potential of AI in agency coaching and see if this innovative interaction format can provide valuable insights for all agency owners out there. It was a fun and enlightening experience to record, and it might just be the first of several episodes in this experimental format. Could this be the future of expert interviews? Tune in to find out! Time Stamp [00:00] Introduction and Experiment Setup [01:26] Meet AskRobAnything [02:47] Top Three Mistakes to Avoid [04:14] Actionable Insights for Agencies [05:36] Tackling Delegation Without a Team [07:09] Redesigning the Agency Model [08:52] AI Transforming the Agency Landscape [10:16] Skills Needed for AI Era [11:33] Becoming Strategic Partners [13:10] One Key Piece of Advice Quotations "It's crucial to become comfortable with data. AI thrives on data, and understanding how to interpret and leverage it will be a game changer." - AskRobAnything "Focus relentlessly on your client's success. When you align your goals with theirs and make their success your top priority, you'll naturally build stronger relationships and become irreplaceable." - AskRobAnything Rate, Review, & Subscribe on Apple Podcasts “I enjoy listening to The Agency Accelerator Podcast. I always learn something from every episode.” If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more people like you to move towards a Self-Running Agency. How to leave a review on Apple Podcasts Scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then, let me know what you loved most about the episode! Also, if you haven’t done so already, subscribe to the podcast. I’m adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the feed and, if you’re not subscribed, there’s a good chance you’ll miss out. Subscribe now! Useful links mentioned in this episode: | |||
| 01 Jun 2023 | REWIND: The 4 Foundations of Building A Scalable Agency | 00:15:43 | |
It's worth revisiting one of our more popular podcast episodes because we all want to build our agency in a sustainable and profitable way and there are 4 foundations we need to focus on to achieve this. We dig into them in this actionable episode. We can get seduced by so many ideas about how to build our agency because there are a lot of people out there telling you what you should be doing and that can be really confusing. We can end up being run ragged, pulled in 100 different directions implementing the latest idea or trendy strategy. But at the end of the day, there are only four foundational areas you need to focus on to build a robust agency that you can then start scaling using three advanced strategies. So that is what we are digging into today. Time Stamp [00:00] Introduction [01:12] The dangers of chasing shiny new objects [01:51] The 4 agency foundations: [02:17] Foundation 1: Knowing your audience - the importance of having a clear niche [04:28] Foundation 2: Creating a clear living roadmap for your agency [06:26] Foundation 3: Build a repeatable marketing system to generate a consistent flow of new leads [07:45] Foundation 4: Convert your leads into loyal clients [09:42] Growth 5: Client retention: How to maximise the value of existing clients [10:13] Growth 6: Growing your team to get work off your plate [11:21] Growth 7: Getting work off your plate and make yourself redundant! [11:38] Grow [13:20] Join me on my FREE LIVE Masterclass: Elevate Your Role to CEO (dacostacoaching.co.uk/masterclass-CEO-2022) [14:58] Avoid being a busy fool and focus on the things that move the needle Quotations “In a recent poll I ran, 68% of respondents said they had one niche and 32% had several” - Rob Da Costa “Make sure you focus your limited time on the hot prospects and not the time wasters.” - Rob Da Costa Rate, Review, & Subscribe on Apple Podcasts “I enjoy listening to The Agency Accelerator Podcast. I always learn something from every episode.” If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more people like you to move towards a Self-Running Agency. How to leave a review on Apple Podcasts Scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then, let me know what you loved most about the episode! Also, if you haven’t done so already, subscribe to the podcast. I’m adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the feed and, if you’re not subscribed, there’s a good chance you’ll miss out. Subscribe now! Useful links mentioned in this episode: | |||
| 07 Oct 2021 | How Committed Are You To Your Niche? | 00:16:48 | |
How niche is too niche? And, how niche are you? I know that's a lot of niches in one sentence! But it’s such an important topic that it deserves that many ‘niches’! Any of you who listen to my podcast regularly or read my content will know that I am a massive fan of niching. But it strikes me that a lot of people think they have a clear niche, but when I check them out, they don't. They tell me about their niche but when I check their website or social media content, they don’t show up as clearly focused on the niche they claim to be in. Why is this? Well, I think they are hedging their bets. So, let me remind you why I think having and committing to your niche is so important. Time Stamp [1:01] What does it mean to have a clear niche? [1:54] Why understanding your niche is important [2:46] Advantages of having a clearly defined niche [4:06] Tips in figuring out your niche [5:26] How to stand out from the crowd to more easily reach your target audience [7:09] Reasons why you must stay committed to your niche [7:37] The impact of broadening or narrowing down a niche [8:40] The difference between a generalist and a specialist [9:52] How my niche has ebbed and flowed over the years [11:49] Four ways you can segment your niche Quotations “When you have a clear niche. It means you can produce products and services that you know your audience wants, rather than making a huge mistake of selling products that you think they need.” - Rob Da Costa “When you have a clearly defined niche, you can also REALLY understand your ideal target customer and their specific needs, challenges, pains that your product or service can solve.” - Rob Da Costa “..niching is definitely one of the ways where you can minimise the pool of your competition and get much more laser-focused on who your ideal target customer is.” - Rob Da Costa Rate, Review, & Subscribe on Apple Podcasts “I enjoy listening to The Agency Accelerator Podcast. I always learn something from every episode.” If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more people — just like you — move towards a Self-Running Agency. Scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode! Also, if you haven’t done so already, subscribe to the podcast. I’m adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the feed and, if you’re not subscribed, there’s a good chance you’ll miss out. Subscribe now! Useful links mentioned in this episode: | |||
| 07 Dec 2023 | Step Up Your Productivity Game: My Top 16 Tools for Running a High-Performing Agency in 2024 | 00:17:53 | |
Today's episode is all about my favourite tools and apps that have helped me run my business more efficiently and effectively. I'll be sharing 16 productivity tool recommendations across various categories, including AI tools, podcast production, all-in-one tools, communication tools, video production, LinkedIn management, and planning and productivity. These tools have been game-changers for me, and I hope they inspire you to discover new tools to optimise your agency operations. So, grab a pen and paper or head to the show notes to download the accompanying PDF guide, as we dive into my top tool recommendations for 2024. Let's get started! Time Stamp [01:12] Introduction to my top 16 tools of 2023 [01:50] My choice of AI tools [04:56] Podcast production tools [06:25] All-In-One Tools [09:00] Communication Tools [10:30] Video Production [11:30] LinkedIn Management [13:21] Planning and Productivity [16:50] Conclusion Download your free guide: Top 17 Tools & Apps To Help You Become More Productive Links to the tools I mentioned in this episode Quotations “Tools & Apps should free up your time to focus on higher value tasks” - Rob Da Costa Rate, Review, & Subscribe on Apple Podcasts “I enjoy listening to The Agency Accelerator Podcast. I always learn something from every episode.” If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more people like you to move towards a Self-Running Agency. How to leave a review on Apple Podcasts Scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then, let me know what you loved most about the episode! Also, if you haven’t done so already, subscribe to the podcast. I’m adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the feed and, if you’re not subscribed, there’s a good chance you’ll miss out. Subscribe now! | |||
| 08 Jun 2023 | The Four Levels of Client Value in Account Management with Jenny Plant | 00:32:42 | |
In this week’s podcast, Rob talks to Jenny Plant from Account Management Skills about effective account management. They discuss the importance of building respectful relationships with clients and the value of sales training for account managers. They also delve into when and if you should be splitting account management and project management roles in your agency, touching on the benefits and challenges of doing so. Key takeaways include the four levels of client value, the different DISC profiles of account managers and project managers, and the importance of acknowledging the different skill sets in agency roles. Time Stamp [01:58] Jenny outlines the importance of sales training for account managers and notes the missed opportunity for agencies without investing in this skill. [07:27] 4 Levels of Client Value: Tips for Growth: Level 1 is excellent service, Level 2 is delivering a fantastic customer experience. Level 3 is focusing on an outcome and Level 4 is discussing the future and upselling additional services. [11:14] Account managers should prioritise delivering outcomes, being strategic partners, and proactively informing clients of additional services. [18:37] Importance of considering natural behaviors and skill sets of different agency roles like project managers and account managers. Differences highlighted based on profiling data, with account managers focused on communication, presentation, and relationship building. [23:21] Struggle of account managers with business development leads to hiring business development professionals who may not be successful. Splitting into account manager and project manager roles might alleviate it, but effective collaboration between the two is crucial. [28:51] Good account managers recognise a respectful and balanced relationship with clients, step out of their comfort zones, identify opportunities, retain and grow clients. Final question to guest: what advice would you give your younger self starting out in business? Quotations “When they ask clients the question, would you like your agency to leverage the understanding they have working with other clients and share it with you? 100% of clients say yes, but less than 20% of agencies actually do that." — Jenny Plant "Don't assume that as your career develops, you will naturally be a full, rounded account manager. Those skills need to be taught." — Rob Da Costa "The Zone of Wasted Effort": "There's a point that you reach in the client relationship where you need to be bringing new ideas and painting a picture of the future, being critical, getting involved in their business and helping them develop further. But instead, you're just stuck in this retentive account retention loop."— Jenny Plant Rate, Review, & Subscribe on Apple Podcasts “I enjoy listening to The Agency Accelerator Podcast. I always learn something from every episode.” If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more people like you to move towards a Self-Running Agency. How to leave a review on Apple Podcasts Scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then, let me know what you loved most about the episode! Also, if you haven’t done so already, subscribe to the podcast. I’m adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the feed and, if you’re not subscribed, there’s a good chance you’ll miss out. Subscribe now! Useful links mentioned in this episode: | |||
| 23 Apr 2020 | Surviving & thriving in these challenging times | 00:31:14 | |
The Coronavirus has disrupted the entire world in ways we haven’t seen since WWII. Chances are your own business has been affected, whether it’s the amount of clients you now have or the fact you and your whole team are now working remotely. In this episode I want to discuss 5 key areas that you need to work on in order to not just survive the virus, but thrive. They are; mind-set, serving your audience, pivoting where necessary, sales and marketing and the importance of having a strategy. [1:45] You need to make sure you have the right mind-set if your agency is going to survive this pandemic. Remember, people are still spending money. It’s your own self-limiting beliefs that tell you otherwise. Identify your priorities for the week and write them down. When you have a plan you have a sense of control.
[09:20] How can you best keep serving your audience? If your business is genuinely helping people, then they need to hear about it! [11:59] You can pivot your business in three ways; offering, price and message. Which one is best for your business? [20:52] Should you be marketing your services at the moment or is this in bad taste? [24:15] You need to have a strategy, and this is probably going to look different to what it did a couple of months ago. Subscribe & Review Are you subscribed to my podcast yet? If you’re not, please do so to avoid missing out on any episodes! You can subscribe/ follow on iTunes, Spotify or directly from my website. I would be very grateful if you left me a review over on iTunes, too as they will help other people to find my podcasts and it's also great to read your comments! Thanks so much, Rob
Links mentioned: | |||
| 06 Jan 2022 | 15 Tools & Apps to Help You Be More Productive | 00:22:20 | |
Happy New Year! It’s that time of the year when I record one of the more popular episodes of The Agency Accelerator Podcast, So in this week’s episode, I'm sharing with you the top 15 tools that have helped me run my business more efficiently, get more organised, and provide a professional image to the world. I share with you which platforms I use to host webinars, manage my marketing campaigns, my email list, organise my calendar, and more. These tools have made my life so much easier and managing my business less stressful, so I hope you will find this useful. I’m curious to know which are your favourite tools and if they made a difference in your business? Time Stamp [0:55] #1 Go paperless with reMarkable 2 [2:32] #2 Kartra: all-in-one platform [4:57] #3 WebinarJam to host your webinars [5:53] #4 EverWebinar for on-demand webinars [7:33] #5 Master your email marketing with ConvertKit [8:50] #6 Amazing Marvin will make prioritising your days easier [11:04] #7 Zoom: the go-to for remote meetings [11:29] #8 Create screen recordings with Loom [13:05] #9 Finances made simple with Xero [13:47] #10 Don’t forget to upload your receipts on Dext [14:52] #11 Google Drive: my number 1 tool for document sharing [15:54] #12 Organise your most popular links with Toby [16:58] #13 Final Cut Pro takes your video editing skills to the next level [18:19] #14 Create professional-looking documents, social media posts and graphics on Canva [19:46] #15 vidIQ to improve and track your YouTube channel performance Quotations “A good tactic when you're running live webinars is to do them several times to refine them: improve the pacing and hone the content. When you've had the webinar live for a while and it's proven to work, then you can turn it into an on-demand webinar so that people can watch it at their leisure.” - Rob Da Costa “..my goal is to plan my day and make sure by the end of the day that every single thing is crossed off.” - Rob Da Costa Rate, Review, & Subscribe on Apple Podcasts “I enjoy listening to The Agency Accelerator Podcast. I always learn something from every episode.” If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more people — just like you — move towards a Self-Running Agency. Scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode! Also, if you haven’t done so already, subscribe to the podcast. I’m adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the feed and, if you’re not subscribed, there’s a good chance you’ll miss out. Subscribe now! Useful links:
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| 22 Sep 2022 | It's Lonely at The Top - The Importance Of Community | 00:10:07 | |
One of the biggest mistakes we make when we start our agency is not surrounding ourselves with a group of other agency owners, experts and mentors who can guide us and help us avoid some of the common pitfalls so that we make the journey, especially in the first few years, so much smoother than it will otherwise be. In today’s podcast, we dig into the phrase “it's lonely at the top” and explore what we can do to ensure we, as agency owners, do not feel isolated or alone. Time Stamp [01:20] Why is it lonely and isolating for agency owners? [03:00] The value of The Self-Running Agency Implementation Group [05:06] The severe consequences of going it alone [05:43] Putting a senior leadership team in place [06:11] The impact of negative feelings and thoughts [06:45] Do not compare yourself to others it is not healthy! [07:50] Surround yourself with smarter people than you! [08:11] You don’t have a point to prove and you don't need to be ‘superman’ or ‘superwoman’ - so ask for help! Quotations “You are not admitting defeat if you ask for help, but rather, showing strength” - Rob Da Costa “People join a group coaching programme for the content but stay for the community” - Rob Da Costa Rate, Review, & Subscribe on Apple Podcasts “I enjoy listening to The Agency Accelerator Podcast. I always learn something from every episode.” If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more people — just like you — to move towards a Self-Running Agency. Scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode! Also, if you haven’t done so already, subscribe to the podcast. I’m adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the feed and, if you’re not subscribed, there’s a good chance you’ll miss out. Subscribe now! Useful links mentioned in this episode: | |||
| 16 Jul 2020 | What is your "notional hourly rate"? | 00:12:04 | |
Why on earth are we talking about hourly rates?! If you know me, you’ll know I HATE it when agencies charge by the hour. After all, your clients are buying outcomes, not time. That said, you should at least have an idea of what your own notional hourly rate is (i.e what an hour of your time is worth) so you’re able to figure out if you should be spending your time on certain tasks or not. So, let’s get on with today’s short but very important show! [02:23] What do you think a fair price for an hour of your time is? [02:55] Let’s say you’re worth £150 an hour. Is the current task that you’re working on worth £150 an hour or less? If the task is worth less, why are you doing it? You need to apply one of the four Ds! [04:24] If you’re serious about not being a bottleneck to your agency’s growth, you need to slow down to speed up! [05:56] Is your agency self-running? Most aren’t… [07:11] There are always ways of outsourcing tasks whether it be with a VA or software, or both! [09:42] If you’re doing tasks below your hourly rate, you could be missing out on doing tasks at or above your hourly rate. Don’t make this mistake! Subscribe & Review Are you subscribed to my podcast yet? If you’re not, please do so to avoid missing out on any episodes! You can subscribe/ follow on iTunes, Spotify or directly from my website. I would be very grateful if you left me a review over on iTunes, too as they will help other people to find my podcasts and it's also great to read your comments! Thanks so much, Rob | |||
| 15 Oct 2020 | Virtualising Your Agency With Jim James | 00:27:55 | |
Welcome to today’s episode of The Agency Accelerator Podcast. I was really excited to have a chance to sit down and talk with Jim James from EastWest PR and learn all about how he runs an agency that is based in the UK yet serves clients in Asia we discuss how to set up the systems and processes how to recruit and manage staff when they are dispersed around the world. Now I always tell my clients that it is very difficult to build an agency using freelance staff because it’s like building a business on quicksand however Jim shares a very different perspective to this and outlines exactly what he has done to build his agency using freelance and contract staff. Time stamp 2.10 Why did you move around from the UK to Singapore and China? 3.25 In the current environment we can work remotely but if you are working internationally how do you build relationships and overcome cultural differences? 5.05 How do you build relationships with journalists when you are based in a different country? 8.50 The fundamental difference between Western media and Asian media 9.52 What does virtualisation of agencies and moving to the ‘UBER model’ mean? 14.09. The importance of building a platform to work with remote team members 14.54 The importance of the relationship between the owner and the external consultant and how you work out the financial splits 17.05. The advantages of adopting the UBER model in an agency 17.25 The flip side of how I advise my agency clients ‘that it’s difficult to build an agency with freelancers’ 18.10 How do you find enough good freelancers that can deliver to the quality levels you and your client’s expect? 20.51 The importance of finding consultants with credibility and experience 22.19 The importance of having processes that are constantly and consistently used 24.00. Matching consultant’s contracts to client’s contracts 24.46 Jim believes it’s easier to find freelancers than it is to find high quality in-house staff 25.36 If you could go back in time and give your younger self one piece of advice, what would it be? This answer is one I haven’t had before!! 26.43 Where can people find out more about you? Useful links: You can contact Jim by visiting his website: www.eastwestpr.com Come and join us in The Self-Running Implementation Group Download The Self-Running Implementation Book Subscribe & Review Are you subscribed to my podcast yet? If you’re not, please do so to avoid missing out on any episodes! You can subscribe/follow on Apple, Spotify or directly from my website. I would be very grateful if you left me a review too as they will help other people to find my podcasts and it's also great to read your comments! Thanks so much. | |||
| 11 May 2023 | The Importance Of Utilisation In Agency Profitability - With Ryan Watson | 00:32:00 | |
In this episode of The Agency Accelerator, we focus on staff utilisation. My guest, Ryan Watson from Upsourced, shares his experiences and advice to help agencies grow profitably by focusing on utilisation. The goal is to avoid being busy but not profitable! Ryan categorises agencies into growth stages, discussing when utilisation becomes a priority. He also emphasises the importance of time tracking for creating a feedback loop to determine gross and project profits. The target utilisation rate for each team member should be approximately 80%. The episode shares insights on how agencies can achieve this to create sustainable & profitable growth. Time Stamp [01:53] The importance of measuring utilisation to maximise agency profit [04:25] The misconception of capacity in agencies [06:16] Breaking down agency growth stages: From 'create' to 'build' [09:03] Margins matter: Navigating profitable business strategies [11:04] How to measure utilisation and billable hours [15:47] Optimal service utilisation for maximum profitability [18:20] The downside of aiming for 100% workforce utilisation [22:31] Monthly feedback loops are crucial for profit growth [26:06] Balancing time-tracking and cultural resistance [29:21] Advice to Ryan's younger self - No one really knows what they're doing! Useful Quotes "Utilisation becomes a priority as a business heads towards a million dollars in revenue." Ryan Watson "Utilisation is one of the two key diagnostic metrics to improve profitability." Ryan Watson "I don't believe there is a more effective way of measuring utilisation than implementing time tracking" Rob Da Costa Useful Links
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| 26 Jan 2023 | 11 Tips To Give Yourself The Best Chance of Winning A Pitch Or Proposal | 00:11:08 | |
What can you do to give yourself the best chance of winning a pitch or proposal you write. This was a question that was recently asked in one of my monthly group coaching calls. We had some great answers so I thought I would dig into this in today’s podcast. Time Stamp [00:00] Intro [01:20] We are all time poor so we need to use our business development time carefully and be selective about what proposals you should agree to write [02:04] Start by qualifying your leads carefully (which means having a clear niche and knowing who your ideal target customer is) [02:56] The Sales Funnel - and where you should invest your time [03:35] The 3-5 non-negotiable questions that must be answered before you agree to invest more time [04:25] Use education based marketing content (rather than your time) to educate your audience [05:22] The importance of building a relationship with the prospect before responding to the brief [06:05] Find out who the decision-makers are [06:50] Get a date in the diary for a follow-up call BEFORE you send the proposal [07:30] Get the audience involved in a pitch and bring the team who will work on the account [08:17] Start your proposal by making it all about the client (not your agency!) [09:17] SLOW DOWN TO SPEED UP! Quotations “Slow down to speed up - get your 3-5 non-negotiable questions answered BEFORE agreeing to pitch or write a proposal” - Rob Da Costa “Use content on your website (rather than your time) to educate your audience.” - Rob Da Costa “In order to not be ghosted, get a date in the diary for a follow-up call BEFORE you send the proposal” - name Rate, Review, & Subscribe on Apple Podcasts “I enjoy listening to The Agency Accelerator Podcast. I always learn something from every episode.” If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more people like you to move towards a Self-Running Agency. How to leave a review on Apple Podcasts Scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then, let me know what you loved most about the episode! Also, if you haven’t done so already, subscribe to the podcast. I’m adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the feed and, if you’re not subscribed, there’s a good chance you’ll miss out. Subscribe now! Useful links mentioned in this episode: | |||
| 10 Sep 2020 | Remote working - what's next? | 00:11:07 | |
As we come out of the pandemic, is working from home going to continue to be the norm and if so, how do we continue to focus & motivate staff? COVID-19 has brought about a change in the work culture, with people having to adapt to remote working. Some of us have thrived while others have struggled. In this short episode of The Agency Accelerator Podcast, I discuss how this pandemic has impacted our work (with some surprising stats) & share some ideas that my clients are using to keep their teams focused, energised and accountable. [1:16] Working from home: Has it been a benefit or curse? [2:21] Some interesting stats about remote working. [3:28] Tips to help your team thrive while working from home. [6:36] I share some great ideas that members of my The Self-Running Agency Implementation Group have implemented. [7:14] Tips to keep your team motivated whilst working remotely. Subscribe & Review Interested in joining the next cohort of The Self-Running Agency Implementation Group? Learn more here: https://www.dacostacoaching.co.uk/the-self-running-agency/ Are you subscribed to my podcast yet? If you’re not, please do so to avoid missing out on any episodes! You can subscribe/ follow on Apple, Spotify or directly from my website. I would be very grateful if you left me a review too as they will help other people to find my podcasts and it's also great to read your comments! Thanks so much. | |||
| 14 May 2020 | Using video in social media with Ian Laurie | 00:33:44 | |
Standing out from the crowd when it comes to marketing your business is getting harder and harder these days and posting the odd blog just isn’t enough anymore. So, in this episode I’m joined by Ian Laurie of Snow Digital Media and we are going to be looking at the importance of adding video into your marketing strategy, in particular using it on LinkedIn. [02:50] Ian shares his journey of running his own business and discusses the dos and don’ts of running your own agency. It can be “lonely at the top”. Ian shares his experiences of working with business partners. You obviously have to have shared values and make sure you’re on the same page otherwise it won’t work, so how did Ian find the experience? [08:24] Ian remembers what it was like to experience the peaks and troughs of running your own business, especially near the beginning. [11:00] Why should video be part of a marketing agency’s strategy and why is LinkedIn the platform we should be focusing on right now? [15:08] Is it ok to post video content using a third party app or should we only post natively? [17:01] Ian discusses the ideal length and content for a video on LinkedIn and he reminds us why we need to make sure we grab the audience’s attention within the first 5 seconds. [24:00] Ian loves video podcasts. They are the perfect for creating lots of small pieces of content from one big piece of content. [27:24] So… that‘s all good and well talking about how to do videos, but how do you get BETTER at doing them? [29:53] Rob asks Ian what advice would he give his younger business self?
Subscribe & Review Are you subscribed to my podcast yet? If you’re not, please do so to avoid missing out on any episodes! You can subscribe/ follow on iTunes, Spotify or directly from my website. I would be very grateful if you left me a review over on iTunes, too as they will help other people to find my podcasts and it's also great to read your comments! Thanks so much, Rob | |||
| 29 Feb 2024 | Mastering Agency Sales: Ben Potter's 3 Pillars of Success | 00:40:16 | |
Are you ready to turn leads into loyal clients by transforming your agency's sales strategy? In the hyper-competitive agency landscape, breaking through the noise and winning a consistent flow of new ideal target clients is a challenge many face. Our latest episode with Ben Potter throws a lifeline to agencies stuck in a cycle of unproductive sales tactics or overreliance on referrals and word of mouth. In this episode you will learn: 1. Strategies to drill down to what potential clients truly need, which goes beyond their initial briefs, delivering a more impactful and personalised service proposition. 2. The importance of why a clear positioning of your agency can drastically cut through competition and how a niche focus can attract more qualified leads. 3. Actionable advice on crafting a sales process that's both consultative and relationship-driven, ensuring your agency doesn't just chase opportunities but builds them from a foundation of trust and expertise. Another super practical episode so let’s dig in and let insider knowledge from Ben Potter reshape the way you think about agency sales. Questions answered in this episode: Q: Could you dissect the concept of not taking a client brief at face value and the significance of understanding individual challenges within it? Q: Why is a marketing plan pivotal, and could you outline the components of a robust sales process for an agency? Q: Could you explain what social selling is and why is it gaining preference over traditional cold outreach methods? Q: In what ways can the approach of buying cold lists for email marketing backfire and tarnish an agency's reputation? Q: How does the correct positioning influence lead generation quality, and why is a measured stance in pursuing opportunities beneficial? Q: Why is a slower and more consultative sales process advocated over a quick proposal-writing approach? Quotations Ben Potter: "Peeling back the layers of a client brief is critical; it's about solving their challenges, not just fulfilling a list of requirements. Dive deep to deliver real value." Rob Da Costa: "When it comes to sales and marketing, in all you do, foster relationships first, sell second." Rate, Review, & Subscribe on Apple Podcasts “I enjoy listening to The Agency Accelerator Podcast. I always learn something from every episode.” If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more people like you to move towards a Self-Running Agency. How to leave a review on Apple Podcasts Scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then, let me know what you loved most about the episode! Also, if you haven’t done so already, subscribe to the podcast. I’m adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the feed and, if you’re not subscribed, there’s a good chance you’ll miss out. Subscribe now! Useful links mentioned in this episode: | |||
| 12 Oct 2023 | The View From The Top: What Climbing Snowdon Taught Me About Business & Community | 00:12:54 | |
Today we have a slightly different and more personal episode. Earlier this month, I had the incredible experience of climbing Mount Snowdon, the highest mountain in England and Wales. This challenging endeavour not only pushed me to my limits physically but also provided valuable insights and lessons applicable to running a business. So in this episode, I'll share with you why I was there, the parallels between mountain climbing and entrepreneurship, as well as practical strategies to implement in your own business. So whether you've climbed Snowdon before or not, get ready for an inspiring and insightful discussion. Time Stamp [00:00] Introduction to climbing Mount Snowdon and its relevance to business [02:02] The importance of being part of a supportive community in business [03:00] Why I was in Wales, climbing Snowdon [03:55] The climb was way harder than I thought but it also reminded me of the importance of enjoying the journey [05:05] Highlighting the importance of teamwork and collaboration in business [05:59] Personal accomplishment and the lesson of reconnecting with your vision [07:25] Importance of celebrating wins along the entrepreneurial journey [08:03] Reminder of the need for proper planning and preparation in business Quotations “Having a community around you pushes you to achieve more than you think you could. When your brain is saying STOP, having a community around you who are supporting you and willing you on is so absolutely important.” - Rob Da Costa “It's really important that we stop and enjoy the journey and don't just focus on the destination. This was true when climbing Snowdon and is true when running an agency” - Rob Da Costa Rate, Review, & Subscribe on Apple Podcasts “I enjoy listening to The Agency Accelerator Podcast. I always learn something from every episode.” If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more people like you to move towards a Self-Running Agency. How to leave a review on Apple Podcasts Scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then, let me know what you loved most about the episode! Also, if you haven’t done so already, subscribe to the podcast. I’m adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the feed and, if you’re not subscribed, there’s a good chance you’ll miss out. Subscribe now! Useful links mentioned in this episode: | |||
| 14 Apr 2022 | Are You Speaking Your Customer's Language? | 00:10:30 | |
A simple way to ensure your marketing hits home and resonates with your target audience is to use your customer’s language in all outbound comms. Sounds simple right? It is but it isn’t and so many get this wrong because they focus too much on their product or service. They do this because they don’t understand their client's pain points enough, so this is what we are digging into this week and I want to give you some pointers to help you get this right. Time Stamp [01:16] There is a time and a place to talk about your product and service in your marketing, but it isn't right at the start! [01:40] This issue typically starts with your website. Is your website full of ‘we’?!! [2:55] Think of your marketing like going on a date - you wouldn’t start by telling them all about yourself (and if you did they would run a mile!). [3:30] Do some research: Jobs to be done interviews [4:34] A story about MacDonald’s milkshakes [6:14] Record the client interviews so you can use their specific language in your marketing [7:02] Your research should uncover what matters to your clients and what keeps them awake at night [7:30] You want your messaging to hit a nerve with your customer and make them feel you really understand them [7:55] The importance of building KNOW, LIKE and TRUST [08:50] Don’t use jargon in your marketing [09:30] Understand what transformation your client is looking for [09:50] Now, go back and check all this against your website! Quotations “Your reader isn’t interested in your product or service until you have proven you can help them” - Rob Da Costa “Don’t use jargon in your marketing. You won’t impress your client you will just lose them!” - Rob Da Costa Rate, Review, & Subscribe on Apple Podcasts “I enjoy listening to The Agency Accelerator Podcast. I always learn something from every episode.” If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more people — just like you — to move towards a Self-Running Agency. Scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode! Also, if you haven’t done so already, subscribe to the podcast. I’m adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the feed and, if you’re not subscribed, there’s a good chance you’ll miss out. Subscribe now! Useful links mentioned in this episode:
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| 06 Jul 2023 | The Burnout Epidemic: Take Charge of Your Well-Being | 00:16:33 | |
Welcome back to another episode of The Agency Accelerator. Today we're diving into a topic that is all too familiar for many marketing agency owners - the burnout epidemic. As agency owners, we often find ourselves overwhelmed, exhausted, and struggling to manage our well-being amidst the demands of running a business. So in this episode, we're going to explore strategies to take charge of our well-being and prevent burnout. So grab your favourite beverage, sit back, and let's get started on this journey towards a healthier and more sustainable agency life! Time Stamp [00:00] Introduction to episode topic: The Burnout Epidemic: Taking Charge of Your Well-Being [01:12] Strategy 1: Create and maintain a clear vision for your agency [02:45] Strategy 2: Set clear expectations with clients from the beginning [04:17] Strategy 3: Focus on one task at a time to increase productivity [05:38] Strategy 4: Plan your day and overestimating time for tasks [07:03] Strategy 5: Delegate tasks to free up time and prevent burnout [09:02] Strategy 6: Implement morning and evening rituals for structure [10:27] Strategy 7: Establish a supportive network to avoid burnout [12:01] Bonus Strategy: Maintain a healthy work-life balance Quotations “When you're going through stressful or busy times, make sure you hang on to your WHY to help you get through the times of craziness” - Rob Da Costa Setting Boundaries with Clients: "It's much easier to get your boundaries with clients right from the beginning than it is to put them in place retrospectively. After all, if a client is used to you responding as soon as they send an email, then, of course, they expect you to respond immediately every time they send an email!" — Rob Da Costa Rate, Review, & Subscribe on Apple Podcasts “I enjoy listening to The Agency Accelerator Podcast. I always learn something from every episode.” If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more people like you to move towards a Self-Running Agency. How to leave a review on Apple Podcasts Scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then, let me know what you loved most about the episode! Also, if you haven’t done so already, subscribe to the podcast. I’m adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the feed and, if you’re not subscribed, there’s a good chance you’ll miss out. Subscribe now! Useful links mentioned in this episode: | |||
| 06 Apr 2023 | Navigating the Buyer's Journey: Insights for Agencies | 00:15:12 | |
In this episode, Rob Da Costa dives into the importance of agencies understanding the buyer's journey. Rob breaks down the three stages of the buyer's journey - awareness, consideration, and decision - and explains the common mistakes agencies make with their marketing. In the first stage, awareness, Rob suggests creating short-form marketing content to get people to know more about your agency. In the second stage, consideration, education-based marketing is used to provide more detailed content to nurture leads. Finally, in the decision-making stage, the agency needs to gain the trust of the leads by proving that they can solve their pain points. Tune in for more insights on understanding the buyer's journey. Time Stamp 00:00 Introduction Rob introduces the topic of understanding the buyer's journey and the 3 key stages. 01:34 Importance of understanding the buyer's journey for agencies Rob stresses the importance of understanding the buyer's journey and how it impacts how agencies market themselves and communicate with potential clients. 03:18 The stages of the buyer's journey Rob breaks down the three stages of the buyer's journey: awareness, consideration, and decision. 04:51 Overlaying marketing communication across the three stages Rob discusses the mistake agencies often make by not overlaying their marketing communication across the three stages of know, like, and trust. 06:58 First stage: Awareness Rob explains the first stage of the buyer's journey, awareness, where short-form marketing content is created to get people to learn more about your agency and how you can help them. 09:21 Second stage: Consideration Rob dives into the second stage of the buyer's journey, consideration, where education-based marketing is used to provide more detailed content to nurture leads and build like. 12:41 Third stage: Decision Rob concludes the episode by discussing the third stage of the buyer's journey, decision-making, where the agency needs to gain the trust of the leads and prove that they can solve their pain points. Quotations “If you're not considering the buyer's journey when creating your agency's marketing content, you're likely missing out on potential leads and sales." Rob Da Costa "In the consideration stage, educate your leads with more detailed content that helps them recognise your agency as THE experts." Rob Da Costa "When it comes to the decision-making stage, gaining trust is key - focus on demonstrating that your agency has a proven track record of solving pain points for clients." Rob Da Costa Rate, Review, & Subscribe on Apple Podcasts “I enjoy listening to The Agency Accelerator Podcast. I always learn something from every episode.” If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more people like you to move towards a Self-Running Agency. How to leave a review on Apple Podcasts Scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then, let me know what you loved most about the episode! Also, if you haven’t done so already, subscribe to the podcast. I’m adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the feed and, if you’re not subscribed, there’s a good chance you’ll miss out. Subscribe now! Further reading | |||
| 31 Aug 2023 | Progress Over Perfection | 00:12:44 | |
Procrastination and perfectionism can hold agency leaders back from taking action and making progress. We often tell ourselves stories that our work isn’t good enough yet or that we need to know more before launching something new or completing a project. But these limiting beliefs keep us stuck. The expression "progress over perfection" reminds us to focus on moving forward rather than endlessly 'polishing'! Delivering an imperfect product is better than never launching at all. Taking small steps creates momentum while waiting for things to be flawless causes paralysis. In today's episode, we'll discuss strategies for overcoming perfectionist tendencies. How can we challenge our inner critic? What mindset shifts help us value iteration and growth over chasing perfection? What practices help us deliver work, launch new offerings, and make continuous progress? By taking action over aiming for perfection, we build momentum and bring our ideas to life. Progress fuels motivation, while the endless pursuit of perfection is demoralising. Let's explore ways agency leaders can move from paralysis to traction by embracing "progress over perfection”. Time Stamp [00:00] Intro [02:21] The origins of ‘done is better than perfect’ [03:00] Perfectionism is a fast track to failure [03:40] Getting something done is so much better than hanging on to it because you feel it isn't yet perfect [04:28] When is good enough, good enough? Your target audience will answer this question [05:15] 10 reasons why you should get things done and off your plate [05:27] 1. You get results faster! [05:45] 2. Getting something done is overwhelmingly satisfying while perfection may keep us tweaking something forever. [05:58] 3. Remember done is not over, you can still develop your craft, your idea, and your project [06:16] 4. Done rather than perfect means you avoid paralysis [09:27] If you get lost in the detail then stop, and remind yourself of the context [10:20] Understand your minimum standard and start there [10:45] An example of getting a PDF guide designed [11:43] Write PROGRESS OVER PERFECTION on a post-it and remind yourself of it frequently! Quotations “No one is going to get rich off an idea that stays an idea.” - Rob Da Costa “Take off your perfectionist hat and remind yourself of the purpose of the task at hand and who the audience is.” - Rob Da Costa Rate, Review, & Subscribe on Apple Podcasts “I enjoy listening to The Agency Accelerator Podcast. I always learn something from every episode.” If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more people — just like you — move towards a Self-Running Agency. Scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode! Also, if you haven’t done so already, subscribe to the podcast. I’m adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the feed and, if you’re not subscribed, there’s a good chance you’ll miss out. Subscribe now! Useful links mentioned in this episode: | |||
| 02 Mar 2023 | Agency Trends & The Agency Growth Book With Baris Onay | 00:29:38 | |
There is a new player in the agency education space and today I am chatting with Dr. Baris Onay from Agency Growth Events. We discuss some of the agency trends we can expect to see in 2023 and learn more about the Agency Growth Book and future planned events. Time Stamp [00:00] Introduction [01:37] How did Agency Events come about? [03:31] Why create a new event and write a book focused on the agency world? [06:40] Key themes covered in the 115-page book:
[09:21] Why being an entrepreneur and managing a team don’t always mix well [12:00] What does succession planning mean? Not just selling your business [14:55] Trends Baris spotted during the event and in his network [19:48] Plans for additional agency books and agency events in 2023 [22:20] If you could back in time and give your younger self a piece of advice, what would it be? Quotations “Selling your business is not always the fairy tale you hoped for.” - Dr. Baris Onay “The answers are not in the room you are in right now so get out and talk to people” Dr. Baris Onay “Let’s not talk ourselves into a recession - it will cause your agency to make bad decisions” - Rob Da Costa Rate, Review, & Subscribe on Apple Podcasts “I enjoy listening to The Agency Accelerator Podcast. I always learn something from every episode.” If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more people like you to move towards a Self-Running Agency. How to leave a review on Apple Podcasts Scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then, let me know what you loved most about the episode! Also, if you haven’t done so already, subscribe to the podcast. I’m adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the feed and, if you’re not subscribed, there’s a good chance you’ll miss out. Subscribe now! Useful links mentioned in this episode: | |||
| 17 Aug 2023 | Hook, Line and Sinker: Creating Lead Magnets That Reel in Clients! | 00:14:19 | |
Grab a pen and paper, because in today's episode, we're revealing the secrets behind creating high-converting lead magnets that attract and nurture new clients for your agency. You'll discover proven lead magnet strategies to capture emails, nurture leads, and grow your agency. We'll explore the anatomy of effective lead magnets—from irresistible titles to delivering quick value. You'll learn how to promote lead magnets through social media, email, and other key channels to drive opt-ins. We'll debunk common myths and misconceptions about lead magnets. Whether you're just starting out or looking to improve your lead gen, this episode will give you a step-by-step blueprint for leveraging lead magnet magic. Get ready to transform leads into loyal, high-paying clients with specialised lead magnets tailored for your ideal avatar. Let's dive in and unlock the true potential of lead magnets for your agency! Time Stamp [00:00] We start by discussing one mistake agencies make: not building trust before asking for sales. We explore how a lead magnet can be used to show expertise and nurture prospects along the buyer’s journey. [04:21] Some misconceptions: you don’t need lots of lead magnets and they don't have to be long; focus on one good one and market it consistently [08:42] Create a form for visitors to input their name and email and use an email marketing system to trigger an automation for follow-up. [10:25] Once they have downloaded a lead magnet, offer the next step on their buyer's journey, such as a workshop or one-to-one call. This is the next micro-commitment and is rarely the sale Quotations “No one is gonna ever buy from you until they know you, they like you and they trust you." — Rob Da Costa “Any lead magnet you create needs to provide excellent value, give a really quick win to your audience, and it, of course, needs to solve a problem that keeps your audience awake at night." — Rob Da Costa Rate, Review, & Subscribe on Apple Podcasts “I enjoy listening to The Agency Accelerator Podcast. I always learn something from every episode.” If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more people like you to move towards a Self-Running Agency. How to leave a review on Apple Podcasts Scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then, let me know what you loved most about the episode! Also, if you haven’t done so already, subscribe to the podcast. I’m adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the feed and, if you’re not subscribed, there’s a good chance you’ll miss out. Subscribe now! Useful links mentioned in this episode: | |||
| 01 Feb 2024 | The Power of Simplification: Achieving More by Doing Less in Your Agency | 00:15:31 | |
Struggling to juggle numerous tasks and tools in your agency, leading to decision fatigue and diluted quality of service? Imagine achieving more by doing less. In this episode, Rob discusses the power of simplifying your agency's operations, from service offerings to marketing strategies, and the profound impact it can have on your business and your stress levels. With practical strategies and personal experiences, Rob provides valuable insights on how to streamline marketing, business development, and service delivery to achieve greater profitability and client satisfaction. Tune in to gain a fresh perspective on doing less to achieve more, and discover the power of simplification in growing a successful agency. Time Stamp [00:00] Introduction to the concept of simplifying business goals for the new year. [04:01] Observations of resistance towards simplification from clients. [05:02] Benefits of simplification in terms of focus and excellence. [06:09] Communicating core differentiation through simplicity. [07:55] Increased profitability through specialisation. [10:31] Simplification in marketing and business development strategies. [14:26] Encouragement to do less and do it better, while resisting the temptation to do more. Quotations “Do less and do it better, rather than being tempted to do more and spreading ourselves too thin." - Rob Da Costa "Simplify your services and be seen as the expert, not the generalist, to achieve greater excellence and profitability." - Rob Da Costa Rate, Review, & Subscribe on Apple Podcasts “I enjoy listening to The Agency Accelerator Podcast. I always learn something from every episode.” If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more people like you to move towards a Self-Running Agency. How to leave a review on Apple Podcasts Scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then, let me know what you loved most about the episode! Also, if you haven’t done so already, subscribe to the podcast. I’m adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the feed and, if you’re not subscribed, there’s a good chance you’ll miss out. Subscribe now! Useful links mentioned in this episode:
Further questions (AskRob): If you've got questions about anything we discussed in this episode, or if you've got questions about anything I've ever discussed on this podcast, head here and I will give you my best answer! | |||
| 08 Jul 2021 | How To Be Productive With Your Limited Time | 00:19:52 | |
One of the things that all agency owners, freelancers, and indeed any kind of business owner is short of is time. But how do we separate being a busy fool from using our time productively? In this episode of The Agency Accelerator Podcast, I want to share with you five (5) ideas and strategies that will help you become more productive. Now, these are ideas that I use in my own business, and I also teach my clients so I know that they will work, and I know where they will work for you. Time Stamp [1:57] How to be successful in running a business [3:01] The importance of having a plan for your business [3:56] 5 tips to becoming more productive [3:59] #1 Create a daily schedule [6:13] #2 Delegate, delegate, and delegate! [9:38] #3 Limit your email checking – ideally twice or 3 times a day [12:42] #4 Use technology to aid your productivity [15:46] #5 Create space for ‘thinking time' Quotations “..remember, if you want to make a difference to how efficient you are, you've got to do something different.” - Rob Da Costa “The golden rule is to make sure at the end of the day you have ticked off every item in your to-do list rather than just creating a longer list which feels very dispiriting and is a really typical scenario.” - Rob Da Costa “..my favourite expression which is, ‘Slow down to speed up.’” - Rob Da Costa “At the start, you really need to think about how you can make these ideas work for you rather than sitting there thinking why they won't work for you. You also need to be disciplined in implementing these ideas because, after all, it takes 21 days to change a behaviour. So, be determined to stick with your new strategies, and find a way of holding yourself to a count.”- Rob Da Costa Rate, Review, & Subscribe on Apple Podcasts “I enjoy listening to The Agency Accelerator Podcast. I always learn something from every episode.” If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more people — just like you — move towards a Self-Running Agency. Scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode! Also, if you haven’t done so already, subscribe to the podcast. I’m adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the feed and, if you’re not subscribed, there’s a good chance you’ll miss out. Subscribe now! Useful links mentioned in this episode:
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| 24 Nov 2022 | How To Stop Juggling So Many Tasks And Become Laser-Focused | 00:12:54 | |
We can all be ‘busy fools’ by not planning effectively and instead reacting to whatever is presented to us or ‘he who shouts loudest’! So today I am going to help you juggle fewer balls and become laser-focused. Time Stamp [01:38] How to break your year plan into daily calendar entries [02:45] When planning your day put times by each task rather than just work through your list from A-Z [03:37] Prioritise your day by doing the hardest things first (not last!) [04:30] Plan your day in 30-minute chunks and don't underestimate how long tasks will take! [05:19] Overestimate how long tasks will take (to cope with the unknowns that will invariably happen) [06:20] Block out time in your diary that is uninterruptible [08:30] Physically cross out tasks as you complete them [08:55] Your daily goal should be to cross off all tasks [09:40] Aim to start and end your day in the same way every day - your morning and evening rituals [10:50] Set your big goals for the week (by looking at your monthly plan) Quotations “When planning your day, always strive to do the hardest things first” - name “Your daily goal should be to cross off all tasks rather than carry any over.” - name “We overestimate what we can do in the short term and underestimate what we can do in the long term” - Bill Gates Rate, Review, & Subscribe on Apple Podcasts “I enjoy listening to The Agency Accelerator Podcast. I always learn something from every episode.” If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more people like you to move towards a Self-Running Agency. How to leave a review on Apple Podcasts Scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then, let me know what you loved most about the episode! Also, if you haven’t done so already, subscribe to the podcast. I’m adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the feed and, if you’re not subscribed, there’s a good chance you’ll miss out. Subscribe now! Useful links mentioned in this episode: | |||
| 18 Jan 2024 | Celebrating Episode 200: Milestones and Insights from the Agency Accelerator Podcast Journey | 00:10:14 | |
Welcome to a special episode of The Agency Accelerator podcast, where we celebrate a significant milestone - our 200th episode. When I first started the podcast I never dreamed we would reach episode 200 and build a community of loyal listeners. Fast forward 3 years and here we are! In this special episode, I share lessons learned: quality over quantity, fostering a dedicated community, and harnessing the power of authentic storytelling to create a lasting impact. Please join me to celebrate what’s come before and what’s to come this year. We are only just getting started! Time Stamp [00:00] - Introduction to the monumental 200th episode of The Agency Accelerator podcast [00:55] - Thanking the listeners and reflecting on the impact of the podcast [01:58] - Introduction to the Agency Accelerator podcast and the journey from the first episodes in December 2019 [02:31] - Reflecting on the progress from the first episodes to reaching 200 episodes [03:36] - Sharing insights on the early days, statistics, and determination to continue with the podcast [04:27] - Highlighting show stats, top listening countries, and popular episodes [05:25] - Sharing key learnings from over 200 episodes [06:12] - Discussing goals for the next 200 episodes and the impact of community and feedback [08:05] - Outlining specific goals for the next 200 episodes and personal commitment to improvement [09:12] - Request for reviews to celebrate the milestone and the impact on podcast growth and audience reach Quotations “Authentic storytelling and transparent insights resonate most with the audience. It's about being honest and real, connecting through shared experiences and learnings." - Rob Da Costa Rate, Review, & Subscribe on Apple Podcasts “I enjoy listening to The Agency Accelerator Podcast. I always learn something from every episode.” If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more people like you to move towards a Self-Running Agency. How to leave a review on Apple Podcasts Scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then, let me know what you loved most about the episode! Also, if you haven’t done so already, subscribe to the podcast. I’m adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the feed and, if you’re not subscribed, there’s a good chance you’ll miss out. Subscribe now! Useful links mentioned in this episode: Further questions (AskRobAnything): If you've got questions about anything we discussed in this episode, or if you've got questions about anything I've ever discussed on this podcast, head here and I will give you my best answer! | |||
| 18 Mar 2021 | Recruiting Your First Member of Staff | 00:17:49 | |
Ready to hire your first member of staff and expand your agency? Read on… In today’s episode of The Agency Accelerator Podcast, I am talking all about hiring your first member of staff. I have seen the 'good, the bad, and the ugly' of recruiting: how not to do this, make this a very expensive mistake and how to find the perfect fit candidate. So today we will be exploring:
How To Recruit Your First Member Of Staff 02:00 Feeling like you need an extra pair of hands for your agency? You need a documented vision outlining where you want your agency to head, and the triggers to hiring team members. 02:51 Hiring freelancers comes with pros and cons. Can they fit into the culture of your business and do they see your vision? 05:36 Wondering if hiring a freelancer is the right move for you? There are two times where you might need to use freelance staff. 07:18 Create clear roles and responsibilities in order to find the right person for your agency. 11:18 Once you’ve hired someone that isn’t the end of the problem, but the start of the journey. Are you prepared to spend time getting your new member of staff up to speed and embedded into your agency? 14:30 You need to set smart time-bound objectives, as well as giving feedback to make sure that your new member of staff develops in their role. Useful links: Download the Recruitment app & Retention Book ***BRAND NEW AGENCY TRAINING*** 3 strategies to fill your pipeline with ideal leads in just 90-days Save Your Seat here: https://buff.ly/3p6lmeG Download The Self-Running Implementation Book Subscribe & Review Are you subscribed to my podcast yet? If you’re not, please do so to avoid missing out on any episodes! You can subscribe/follow on Apple, Spotify or directly from my website. I would be very grateful if you left me a review too as they will help other people to find my podcasts and it's also great to read your comments! Thanks so much and see you next week! Rob | |||
| 08 Aug 2024 | Unlock the Secret to 50% Margins: Pricing Strategies Every Agency Needs! | 00:33:23 | |
Are you struggling to set prices that reflect your agency's true value whilst at the same time, staying competitive? In today's challenging business climate, many agency owners face the tough task of balancing fair pricing with higher client expectations, all while ensuring profitability and sustaining growth. Whether it's overcoming the legacy of outdated pricing models or navigating the intricacies of value-based pricing, getting this balance right is crucial for long-term success. By tuning into this episode of The Agency Accelerator podcast, you’ll discover how to: 1. Use anchoring techniques in your pricing strategy to shift client focus from cost to value, helping you secure better deals. 2. Implement time tracking and gross profit margin measures to accurately assess team efficiency and overall agency performance. 3. Transition your agency to value-based pricing, offering multiple pricing options that enhance client perception and satisfaction. Take a step towards transforming your agency's pricing strategy for growth and profit! So grab a coffee and let’s get started. Questions Answered in this Episode Q: How does the concept of anchoring impact the way agencies set their pricing strategies? Q: Can you elaborate on the benefits of tracking gross profit margin as opposed to solely focusing on revenue? Q: Why is it essential for agencies to aim for a 45-50% gross profit margin, and how can they achieve this target? Q: What significance does having a clearly defined niche hold when transitioning to value-based pricing? Q: What are the advantages of offering three pricing options to clients, and why should the highest option anchor the price? Q: How should agencies approach the delicate task of discussing price increases with their existing clients? Q: Could you share insights on transitioning from time-based pricing to value-based pricing and its potential impact on agency growth and client relationships? Quotations “Stop obsessing over industry averages. Instead, aim for a 45-50% gross profit margin and watch your agency thrive.” - Rory Spence “Present three pricing options to your clients, let the highest price anchor their perception, and make the middle option irresistible.” - Rory Spence “When you focus on value-based pricing rather than selling time, you can transform not just your profits, but your client relationships too.” - Rob Da Costa Rate, Review, & Subscribe on Apple Podcasts “I enjoy listening to The Agency Accelerator Podcast. I always learn something from every episode.” If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more people — just like you — move towards a Self-Running Agency. Scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode! Also, if you haven’t done so already, subscribe to the podcast. I’m adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the feed and, if you’re not subscribed, there’s a good chance you’ll miss out. Subscribe now! Useful links mentioned in this episode:
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| 30 Jul 2020 | Business development strategies | 00:15:23 | |
Are you struggling to convert leads into prospects, and prospects into customers? Have you depended on referrals & word of mouth as your only source of generating new business? It might seem like an easy way to win clients, but there are some major flaws to it too (as have been highlighted during this pandemic!). In this week's episode of the Agency Accelerator Podcast, I talk about why relying on referrals & word of mouth as your major business development strategy can be a fatal mistake, and talk about some key proactive marketing & business development strategies you should always be focusing on. [1:58] The two major flaws about relying on just referrals or word of mouth [3:19] Understanding Your Target Niche [3:54] Identifying your Ideal Target Customers [4:19] Marketing advice to agency owners [6:32] Moving your audience through 3 stages of getting to know, like and trust you to buy from you [7:39} Recognising that the Sales Cycle rarely very short [8:27] Creating Value-Added Content [9:35] Taking a Value Selling Approach [10:11] Converting Leads to Customers [11:51] An idea for a re-engagement campaign with past clients to generate some immediate business [13:13] Using LinkedIn as an outreach platform [14:39] Interviewing Dan Englander in the next week's podcast Subscribe & Review Are you subscribed to my podcast yet? If you’re not, please do so to avoid missing out on any episodes! You can subscribe/ follow on iTunes, Spotify or directly from my website. I would be very grateful if you left me a review over on iTunes, too as they will help other people to find my podcasts and it's also great to read your comments! Thanks so much, Rob | |||
| 11 Jun 2020 | Video Production with Laura Evans | 00:35:35 | |
Video content is dominating the world right now, but for so many of us (myself included for a long time!) the thought of getting in front of the camera can put us into a cold sweat! Laura Evans runs a video and podcasting company called Let’s talk Video Production and I was super excited to have her as my latest guest on the Agency Accelerator Podcast. We are going to be talking all things video and podcasting and why you should seriously think about adding these into your marketing strategy, if you haven’t already done so. [3:49] Me and Laura both have experience of being made redundant but this can sometimes be the best thing to happen to you! [6:20] Laura explains why businesses ought to be using video as part of their marketing strategy. Many of us are still fearful of this, but both videos and podcasts can be a great way of building a relationship with your audience, so it’s important to try and overcome this fear. Remember, it’s not all about you, it’s about your audience and the value you can bring them! [11:25] Different methods work for different people when recording videos. Whether you use an autocue, post-it notes or you just wing it, do what works best for YOU. [13:17] Laura gives some great tips for someone planning on recording a 2-3minute video on their own (without a production company!) including some awesome affordable gear suggestions. [20:40] What is the ideal video length can how can video content help with your SEO? [25:54] Podcasting is great for visibility but can it help you get more clients? [32:50] If you could go back in time and give your younger self some business advice, what would it be? To find out more about Let’s Talk Video Production and their services, visit their website or email Laura at laura@letstalkvideoproduction.com Links Mentioned In The Ep: Starting video production with low costs Microphones for starting your podcast Subscribe & Review Are you subscribed to my podcast yet? If you’re not, please do so to avoid missing out on any episodes! You can subscribe/ follow on iTunes, Spotify or directly from my website. I would be very grateful if you left me a review over on iTunes, too as they will help other people to find my podcasts and it's also great to read your comments! Thanks so much, Rob | |||
| 21 Sep 2023 | The Over-servicing Epidemic: How To Push Back Without Losing Clients | 00:15:18 | |
In today's episode, Rob dives deep into the over-servicing epidemic that plagues many agencies. We all want to please our clients, but at what cost? Rob discusses the hidden costs of over-servicing, shares strategies for establishing better boundaries, and offers ideas on how to refocus on high-value work to accelerate agency growth. Over-servicing can drain resources, lower margins, and create disconnects between busyness and profitability. Join Rob as he explores how to push back without losing clients and maintain your margin goals. So grab your headphones and get ready to learn valuable tips on managing over-servicing in this value-packed episode of The Agency Accelerator! Time Stamp [00:00] Introduction: Exploring the hidden costs of over-servicing clients. [02:40] A definition of over-servicing [03:50] The fear of saying NO! [05:03] What is an acceptable level of over-servicing? [06:11] A different way of looking at over-servicing [06:50] The hidden costs of over-servicing [08:30] Tips on how to stop over-servicing [10:26] Five ways to say ‘YES’ or ‘NO’ to a client request [11:30] Tips for changing your over-service levels Quotations “None of us want to be busy fools: working super hard to keep clients happy no matter what it takes." Rob Da Costa “Make sure you find the right clients in the first place... that fit your ideal target customer avatar... understands and values the work that you do, understands their part in the whole process and is willing to pay a fair fee." Rob Da Costa Rate, Review, & Subscribe on Apple Podcasts “I enjoy listening to The Agency Accelerator Podcast. I always learn something from every episode.” If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more people like you to move towards a Self-Running Agency. How to leave a review on Apple Podcasts Scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then, let me know what you loved most about the episode! Also, if you haven’t done so already, subscribe to the podcast. I’m adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the feed and, if you’re not subscribed, there’s a good chance you’ll miss out. Subscribe now! Useful links mentioned in this episode: | |||
| 08 Oct 2020 | Getting off the Client Service Hamster Wheel Of Doom! | 00:14:31 | |
Do you want to avoid CSHWOD in your agency? It’s my new favourite term! Many agencies tell me that they just don't have enough hours in the day because they are so run ragged, serving the demands of their clients, and they fear if they say NO they will lose the client. They end up stuck on the Client Service Hamster Wheel Of Doom (CSHWOD!). Let’s dig into this and explore some solutions. Timestamp 02:09 Consider that when you say YES you are saying NO to something else 03.05 The first steps to changing this 3.15 Two kinds of change you need to make 4.06 Getting clear about your scope of work 4.37 Getting clear about service levels 6.13 Ring-fencing time to work ON your agency 7.32 Get stronger boundaries with clients and staff 9.33 Working with ideal target customers 10.23 Allocating time every week to work on your agency and support your team 12.05 Having respectful relationships with clients Useful links:
Subscribe & Review Are you subscribed to my podcast yet? If you’re not, please do so to avoid missing out on any episodes! You can subscribe/follow on Apple, Spotify or directly from my website. I would be very grateful if you left me a review too as they will help other people to find my podcasts and it's also great to read your comments! Thanks so much. | |||
| 03 Aug 2023 | Get Comfortable With Discomfort: Pushing Beyond Your Limits As An Agency Owner | 00:14:50 | |
In this week’s episode, we are digging into expanding your comfort zone and getting comfortable with discomfort for personal and professional growth. I discuss the four stages of learning and share strategies to expand your comfort zone. Ultimately, the goal is to continually push beyond your limits and achieve sustainable growth in a manageable and incremental way. Beyond your comfort zone lies excitement and development! Time Stamp [00:00] Introduction: Getting comfortable with discomfort [01:18] Why do we stick to what we know, instead of leaving our comfort zone? [02;50] My story of sticking in my comfort zone [03:36] The benefits of stepping into discomfort [04:00] The 4 levels of learning and comfort, learning and fear zones [08:15] The way to expand your comfort zone [10:18] Reframe discomfort as growth, focus on developing yourself (rather than focusing on results), celebrate wins and get support [13:43] Learn more in my fortnightly value-packed live Agency Accelerator LIVE Workshops Quotations “While it's comfortable to stay in your comfort zone, it's not a place where you are going to grow as a person and as a business owner." - Rob Da Costa “Turn off that internal self-talk that will discourage you from doing anything slightly scary and just get on and do it!” - Rob Da Costa Rate, Review, & Subscribe on Apple Podcasts “I enjoy listening to The Agency Accelerator Podcast. I always learn something from every episode.” If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more people like you to move towards a Self-Running Agency. How to leave a review on Apple Podcasts Scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then, let me know what you loved most about the episode! Also, if you haven’t done so already, subscribe to the podcast. I’m adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the feed and, if you’re not subscribed, there’s a good chance you’ll miss out. Subscribe now! Useful links mentioned in this episode: | |||
| 18 Feb 2021 | The do's and don'ts of using email marketing to generate new business | 00:17:56 | |
In today’s episode of ‘The Agency Accelerator Podcast,’ I am revisiting a topic which I spoke about at the beginning of last year; email marketing. If you want a robust business development strategy that delivers a continuous source of ideal leads, then email marketing should be at the top of your agenda. Time Stamp 01:22 The importance of email marketing 03:02 The importance of building your social media profiles and moving your followers into your email list 04:54 The 8 do’s of email marketing 10:11 The 8 don’ts of email marketing 15:40 Focussing on the growth of your email list Useful links: ***BRAND NEW AGENCY TRAINING*** 3 Sales Strategies That Work! How to fill your pipeline with ideal leads in just 90-days Save Your Seat here: https://buff.ly/3p6lmeG Download The Lead Generation System Book Download The Strategic Email Marketing That Gets Results Book Download The Self-Running Implementation Book Join my Facebook group ‘The Agency Accelerator’ Download the 'Creating A Sustainable & Profitable Agency' book Subscribe & Review Are you subscribed to my podcast yet? If you’re not, please do so to avoid missing out on any episodes! You can subscribe/follow on Apple, Spotify or directly from my website. I would be very grateful if you left me a review too as they will help other people to find my podcasts and it's also great to read your comments! Thanks so much and see you next week! Rob | |||
| 21 Apr 2022 | Using Storytelling To Build Your Brand With Parul Banka | 00:33:12 | |
We are talking all about storytelling in today’s podcast and I am excited to be joined by Parul Banka from Caramel Coaching, who shares her personal story as a great example of the power of storytelling. Why is using storytelling in your marketing so much more engaging and how is it going to make your messaging 22 times more powerful? Find out in today’s episode. Time Stamp [01:55] Parul’s powerful story about surviving cancer [04:00] Integrating work with joy and meaning [04:56] All we have is today [5:56[ The meaning of Go Further, Faster [7:03] How do you make sure you always live by this philosophy - even in your darkest days? [7:45] Ask yourself - is it really important and aligned to your vision? [8:50] You need to know your WHY [9:00] Money is rarely the key reason WHY you do what you do [9:44] What is storytelling? [10:20] The difference between a CV intro and a storytelling introduction [11:05] Research shows that when you use stories, your ability to be remembered increases by 22 times to standard messaging [12:46] Why are businesses scared of using storytelling? [13:55] Be willing to be vulnerable [14:35] How can an agency use storytelling in its messaging? [18:11] How do people find their stories? [21:40] How do I practically use my story? [23:10] How to make your story work in written content [26:13] Parul has changed her niche - why and how did she do it? [31:25] If you could go back in time and give your younger self one piece of advice, what would it be? Quotations “All we have is today. Which brings a sense of urgency to get on and live your best life” - Parul Banka “If you can understand your WHY you can stay connected to the important stuff” - Rob Da Costa “When you use stories, your ability to be remembered shoots up exponentially” - Parul Banka Rate, Review, & Subscribe on Apple Podcasts “I enjoy listening to The Agency Accelerator Podcast. I always learn something from every episode.” If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more people — just like you — to move towards a Self-Running Agency. Scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode! Also, if you haven’t done so already, subscribe to the podcast. I’m adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the feed and, if you’re not subscribed, there’s a good chance you’ll miss out. Subscribe now! Useful links mentioned in this episode:
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| 10 Oct 2024 | The Game-Changing Power of AI Coaching – Hosted by a Surprise Guest | 00:12:58 | |
Are you struggling to keep up with the rapid evolution of AI and wondering how it can truly benefit your agency? In today's business landscape, where time is limited and maintaining a competitive edge is critical, understanding the game-changing potential of AI is more relevant than ever. For agency owners, juggling client relationships, strategising growth, and improving efficiency remains a daunting task that AI can remarkably simplify and enhance. By tuning into this episode of The Agency Accelerator podcast, you'll discover how to: 1. Save invaluable time by accessing instant, tailored advice from an AI coach anytime you need it, avoiding the delays of traditional coaching. 2. Manage your budget more effectively with cost-efficient AI coaching that offers ongoing, customised support without the hefty fees. 3. Seamlessly integrate AI into your daily workflow, making smarter, faster decisions to propel your agency forward. Discover the future of coaching today and see how AI can revolutionise your agency — tune in now! Timestamps: [00:00] Welcome and Introduction [01:34] Why should you pay attention to AI right now? [02:24] How does AI coaching save you time? [03:39] How does AI coaching compare in cost to traditional coaching? [04:51] What makes 'Ask Rob Anything' different from other AI tools? [05:28] How can AI coaching fit seamlessly into your existing workflow? [06:30] How can you use voice or video to connect with AI coaching? [07:26] Is the impact of AI coaching a futuristic concept, or is it happening now? [08:13] What can we expect from the future of AI coaching? [09:33] How will AI coaching become a core part of agency operations? [10:04] Who was today's surprise host? [11:34] How did you perceive the AI-hosted episode and what's coming next? Quotations “AI coaching is no longer just a futuristic dream; it's a current reality that can revolutionise how agency owners make decisions, streamline workflows, and grow their businesses." "Imagine having a business mentor available 24/7, providing you with bespoke advice instantly, without the hefty price tag of traditional coaching. That's the game-changing power of AI." Rate, Review, & Subscribe on Apple Podcasts “I enjoy listening to The Agency Accelerator Podcast. I always learn something from every episode.” If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more people — just like you — move towards a Self-Running Agency. Scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode! Also, if you haven’t done so already, subscribe to the podcast. I’m adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the feed and, if you’re not subscribed, there’s a good chance you’ll miss out. Subscribe now! Useful links mentioned in this episode:
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| 18 Jun 2020 | The Self-Managed Agency | 00:18:08 | |
Imagine having an agency that runs itself. No more slogging over client work day in, day out. No more 15-hour days to ensure you meet the next deadline. No more dealing with multiple clients all wanting to speak only to YOU. This is something many agency owners dream of yet fail to achieve. However, if you really want an agency that runs itself, it most certainly is possible and I’m going to show you how to do it: [02:01] If your hourly rate is £150 and you’re doing tasks below that level, you need to start delegating these and focusing only on the tasks that at level of your hourly rate or higher. [03:51] You need to build your brand to be your agency not just “you”. [06:23] Why you absolutely must hire the very best people you can afford, and not just a bunch of assistants. [07:49] How building a management team as soon as possible will make it easier to move your agency forward. [08:55] There is an art behind being a super effective delegator and learning this is so important if you want your agency to grow to the point of not needing you! Make sure you download my free e-book on delegation HERE. [10:37] Do you have a plan that you visit every day to ensure you’re always moving your agency forward? [13:00] You can’t build an extension on your house without foundations as the extension will fall down. Similarly, you can’t grow an agency without getting the fundamentals right. Subscribe & Review Are you subscribed to my podcast yet? If you’re not, please do so to avoid missing out on any episodes! You can subscribe/ follow on iTunes, Spotify or directly from my website. I would be very grateful if you left me a review over on iTunes, too as they will help other people to find my podcasts and it's also great to read your comments! Thanks so much, Rob | |||
| 04 May 2023 | From Leads to Conversions: Effective Middle of Funnel Strategies | 00:12:26 | |
On this episode of The Agency Accelerator, host Rob Da Costa dives into the crucial topic of middle-of-funnel marketing. He explains why agencies should focus on educating potential clients and providing genuine value that helps them move closer to making a purchase decision. Tune in to discover how to master the middle of the funnel and build customer trust, authority, and loyalty. Time Stamp [00:00] Introduction: In this episode of Agency Accelerator, we will discuss the importance of focusing marketing efforts on middle-of-funnel activities. [00:42] What is the middle of the funnel? Rob explains that the middle of the funnel is where you nurture new leads, educate them, and provide genuine value to bring them closer to purchasing. [01:15] Why is the middle of the funnel important? Rob explains that agencies tend to generate new leads coming into their business, but they are not good at the next stage, which is the middle of the funnel. He says effective middle-of-the-funnel marketing activities can help businesses build trust, establish authority, and increase customer loyalty. [02:12] Examples of middle-of-the-funnel marketing activities. Rob explains that examples could include email nurturing campaigns, webinars, free trainings, detailed case studies, free trials, strategy calls or free consultations. [03:30] Providing genuine value. Rob talks about how providing genuine value can help to build trust, establish authority, and increase loyalty with prospects, which may ultimately lead to a conversion. [04:20] Starting with a clear niche and understanding the customer. Rob emphasises the importance of having a clear niche and really understanding the customer. He suggests agencies address specific challenges or concerns that potential customers may have that keep them awake at night and then start to provide solutions to those problems. [05:22] Personalise your messaging. Rob talks about the importance of personalising messaging as much as possible to ensure relevance and effectiveness. [06:05] Offer free trials or consultations. Rob recommends offering free trials, free demos, or free consultations to your potential customers as a way of building trust and demonstrating value. [06:45] Engage with your audience. Rob emphasises the importance of engaging with your audience, whether it's through social media, webinars, or other channels. [07:12] In conclusion, middle-of-the-funnel marketing activities are essential to building and scaling a successful agency. By providing genuine value to potential customers, agencies can build trust, establish authority, and increase customer loyalty, ultimately leading to more conversions and greater success. Useful quotes 1. "The middle of the funnel is where you really build trust with your potential customers, and ultimately, that's what's going to lead to conversions." - Rob Da Costa 2. "Middle-of-the-funnel marketing is all about providing genuine value to potential customers, rather than just pushing sales pitches onto them." - Rob Da Costa 3. "If you're only focusing on top-of-the-funnel marketing, you're missing out on a massive opportunity to really connect with your audience and build lasting relationships." - Rob Da Costa Useful links mentioned in the episode | |||
| 07 Apr 2022 | Creating Your Own Podcast As A Marketing Strategy For Agency With Harry Morton | 00:28:30 | |
In the 3rd and final part of my mini-series on podcasting, we explore how to start a podcast and why you should consider starting your own. I’m joined by Harry Morton, CEO & Founder of podcast production company, Lower Street. This episode is full of insightful advice including the systems and tech needed, how to record a podcast, how to stand out from the crowd, the ideal length, how to market your podcast and how to measure its impact. Time Stamp [02:14] Why should a marketing agency consider starting a podcast as a core part of their marketing strategy? A great way to reach your target customers [03:55] How do you ensure you always provide value to your audience? (clue: don’t have guests that just try and sell!) [5:20] “I am thinking about starting a podcast, where do I start and how do I create a podcast that is different?” [07:30] The importance of having a clear niche for your podcast [07:55] The details: format and length of a podcast, branding & packaging, and the tech needed to start a podcast [10:57] The importance of knowing who your ideal listener is [11:18] The ideal frequency and length of a podcast [14:20] How to market your podcast (hint: social media is not the best place to promote your podcast) [16:53] Partnering with other podcast creators [17:45] How do you measure the impact and effectiveness of your podcast? And what are the best metrics? [22:10] How do you monetise your podcast? And should you? [24:15] Be brave with your podcast - don’t be scared to be different! [26:28] If you could go back in time and give your younger self 1 piece of advice, what would it be? Quotations “Your podcast should be as long as it needs to be and not a minute longer” - Harry Morton “The average number of podcasts people create before they give up is 7!” - Rob Da Costa “Podcasting is still in its early days, the ‘wild west' of marketing strategies” - Harry Morton Rate, Review, & Subscribe on Apple Podcasts “I enjoy listening to The Agency Accelerator Podcast. I always learn something from every episode.” If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more people — just like you — to move towards a Self-Running Agency. Scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode! Also, if you haven’t done so already, subscribe to the podcast. I’m adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the feed and, if you’re not subscribed, there’s a good chance you’ll miss out. Subscribe now! Useful links mentioned in this episode: Harry’s contact details
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| 05 Oct 2023 | 5 Email Marketing Mistakes Derailing Your Agency's Growth | 00:11:25 | |
In today's episode, we dive into the world of email marketing and how it can be a game-changer for your agency's growth. Rob shares five common mistakes that agencies make when it comes to their email marketing strategy, from not building their email lists organically to not segmenting their audience effectively. Join me as I uncover these mistakes and discover the keys to generating leads and converting them into loyal clients through email marketing. So grab your headphones and let's jump into the show! Time Stamp [00:00] Intro [01:45] 5 mistakes agencies make with their email marketing [01:55] Mistake 1: Not organically building your email list [03:25] Mistake 2: Trying to cover too many topics in one email [05:31] Mistake 3: Sending too many promotional emails [07:10] Mistake 4: Not segmenting your email list [08:19] Mistake 5: Not emailing frequently enough Quotations “You are building a 1-2-1 relationship with your audience in your email marketing” - Rob Da Costa “Emailing quality content weekly is like watching your favourite weekly Netflix show” - Rob Da Costa Rate, Review, & Subscribe on Apple Podcasts “I enjoy listening to The Agency Accelerator Podcast. I always learn something from every episode.” If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more people like you to move towards a Self-Running Agency. How to leave a review on Apple Podcasts Scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then, let me know what you loved most about the episode! Also, if you haven’t done so already, subscribe to the podcast. I’m adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the feed and, if you’re not subscribed, there’s a good chance you’ll miss out. Subscribe now! Useful links mentioned in this episode: | |||
| 15 Jul 2021 | Creating An Online Programme With David Miles | 00:37:45 | |
Have you ever dreamt about earning passive income, (i.e. earning money that isn't directly connected to selling your time)? Have you ever thought about taking what you deliver for your clients and turning it into an online programme, a course, or a membership site? A number of my clients have so I thought it would be a great topic for a podcast. In this episode of The Agency Accelerator Podcast, I am joined by David Miles, CEO of The PPC Machine. The PPC Machine is an agency that helps mortgage brokers generate high-quality leads from their website using PPC and website optimisation. David shares how he's taken his PPC services and developed an online membership programme. We explore why he choose a membership programme over other online models, we look at some of the tech he has in place to run his membership, and the challenges and pitfalls he experienced as he developed his programme. Time Stamp [2:37] What was the catalyst to begin exploring and creating an online programme? [4:43] How to explore different online models - from membership programmes to one-off courses. [5:37] The reasons for choosing membership model over a standard course [8:05] Understanding the structure of an overall online programme [13:04] How to encourage members to take action for online learning success [14:04] What is the current status of David Miles’ PPC online programme? [14:50] The biggest challenge in creating an online programme [17:40] The component parts and tech tools that best work for The PPC Machine [21:06] Tips in selling membership programme [23:38] What advice to give to the listeners who plan to take their business online? [27:21] Tips in pre-selling an online programme [29:20] What are the things that David Miles would have done differently if he were to start over again? [30:41] How to determine the pricing for an online programme [34:16] What would David Miles’ advice be to his younger self? Quotations “Moving your 1-2-1 services to an online programme makes your business more scalable. You can reach more people.” - David Miles “I think a really good bit of advice that you don't need to have everything ready at launch. In fact, if you're launching a programme yourself, you need to create a minimum viable offer..“ - Rob DaCosta “..no one is going to judge how good your programme is by the quantity of content. You don't need content about everything. You just need to have good quality content.” - Rob DaCosta “Launch with a minimum viable product so that don't don't feel you've got to spend six months or a year creating something huge before you launch, because the big risk if you do that you might be creating something that nobody wants and then you've wasted a year of your life, so decide what your minimum viable product is.” - David Miles Rate, Review, & Subscribe on Apple Podcasts “I enjoy listening to The Agency Accelerator Podcast. I always learn something from every episode.” If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more people — just like you — move towards a Self-Running Agency. Scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode! Also, if you haven’t done so already, subscribe to the podcast. I’m adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the feed and, if you’re not subscribed, there’s a good chance you’ll miss out. Subscribe now! Useful links mentioned in this episode:
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| 01 Aug 2024 | Why You Need to Start Planning for Succession NOW | 00:14:38 | |
What would happen to your agency if you had to step away for a month due to an unexpected circumstance? In the dynamic world of agency life, where the whirlwind of client deadlines and team management is the norm, it can be easy to neglect planning for the future stability of your business. For any agency owner who dreams of a sustainable, scalable business that continues to thrive with or without their constant presence, understanding succession planning is crucial. By tuning into this episode of The Agency Accelerator podcast, you’ll discover how to: 1. Document processes and clearly define roles to ensure continuity and consistency even when you’re not there. 2. Build and train a leadership team that can confidently handle day-to-day operations, allowing you to focus on strategic growth or personal time. 3. Develop a succession plan that maximises your agency's value and sets it up for long-term success, whether you're planning to sell, retire, or simply take a step back. Start building a self-running agency today! So grab a coffee and let’s get started. Questions answered in this episode Q: Why should agency owners start thinking about succession planning even if they are not planning to exit anytime soon? Q: How can succession planning contribute to building a sustainable and scalable agency that can thrive without the owner's constant involvement? Q: What are the four key scenarios where succession planning becomes crucial in an agency’s journey? Q: In what ways can documenting processes and developing a leadership pipeline help in the succession planning process? Q: How can setting clear goals and KPIs support the agency’s performance without direct involvement from the owner? Q: How does succession planning align with achieving the financial freedom, flexibility, and control that most agency owners desire? Quotations "Imagine your agency running smoothly while you take a month-long holiday. That's the magic of good succession planning." - Rob Da Costa "Succession planning isn't just a distant concern; it's the key to ensuring your agency thrives with or without you." - Rob Da Costa "The most valuable agencies are those that operate successfully without the owner's constant involvement. That’s what succession planning is all about." - Rob Da Costa Rate, Review, & Subscribe on Apple Podcasts “I enjoy listening to The Agency Accelerator Podcast. I always learn something from every episode.” If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more people like you to move towards a Self-Running Agency. How to leave a review on Apple Podcasts Scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then, let me know what you loved most about the episode! Also, if you haven’t done so already, subscribe to the podcast. I’m adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the feed and, if you’re not subscribed, there’s a good chance you’ll miss out. Subscribe now! Useful links mentioned in this episode:
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| 19 Mar 2020 | Business & life lessons from my month in South Africa | 00:17:36 | |
Hello from South Africa! I have been fortunate enough to have spent the last month here and I’m recording this podcast from Cape Town, during my last week in this stunning country. I’ve learnt some really great lessons during my time here and I wanted to share my thoughts about Cape Town and South Africa in general and how they can relate to the way that we run our agencies (and our lives!):
[1:37] The Importance of Branding - “yes but Rob, is it safe?” is exactly what so many people asked me before I came here. This is my 4th trip to South Africa and to be honest, in my opinion it’s as safe as any big city I have been to! It’s clear that South Africa needs to do some serious rebranding to shake off its past reputation and this highlights just how important branding really is to your business. Once you are known for one thing, you have to work super hard to rebrand to become known for something else. [5:12] Living In The Present - We seem to be a lot more present and ‘in the moment’ when we’re on holiday, which is a shame because most of us only tend to spend a few weeks of the year away (if we’re lucky enough), and the rest of it is spent working. Stop wishing time away. Life is too short and if you hate your job, try to find something you love doing because before you know it, 20 years would have flown by and you’ll never get that back. [8:00] Be Efficient With Your Time – Know what your goals are and organise your time properly. During my last two weeks here, I made a plan to work from 7am-3pm each day. Knowing I could be exploring the beautiful sunny Cape Town at the end of each day meant I didn’t waste any time throughout the day, and I achieved so much because of this. Giving yourself a reward, (even something small like a cup of tea or a nice 30-minute walk) can help you get super focused throughout your day. [10:39] Morning/ Evening Routines – Following on from the last point, having a consistent morning and evening routine helps me to be really efficient with my time during the day. I highly recommend you check out Free to Focus by Michael Hyatt if this is something you’d like to work on. [11:39] We All Have Choices – I’ve been told by various people that I’m so lucky to be able to go on trips like this, but to be honest it has nothing to do with luck. It was all simply in the planning and this is something you could do too, if you really wanted to! Stop constraining yourself. Stop telling yourself stories that you believe as facts. Step outside of your comfort zone and into your learning zone, and remember, it’s all about choices and planning. Listen to my episode Starting the Year With A Positive Mindset for help with this. [13:51] Sun Is So Good For The Soul! - Seriously, doesn’t everyone seem so much happier when the weather is beautiful? [15:06] It’s A Small World - So much of business operates on a “who you know” basis, so always make sure to keep networking and making sure the world knows who you are. [15:43] Practise Gratitude - There is a lot of poverty in South Africa and it reminds me just how lucky most of us really are. We need to remember to be grateful for what we have and stop moaning about such small things. Subscribe & Review Are you subscribed to my podcast yet? If you’re not, please do so to avoid missing out on any episodes! You can subscribe/ follow on iTunes, Spotify or directly from my website. I would be very grateful if you left me a review over on iTunes, too as they will help other people to find my podcasts and it's also great to read your comments! Thanks so much, Rob | |||
| 21 Nov 2024 | Why Account-Based Marketing Is Your Agency's Secret Weapon | 00:14:39 | |
Are you tired of the uncertain feast or famine cycle that comes from relying solely on client referrals? In today's competitive market, agency owners need more than just word-of-mouth to sustain growth and ensure long-term success. If you've ever felt the pressure of unpredictable client pipelines or been forced to take on less-than-ideal clients because you needed the business, this episode is tailor-made for you. By tuning into this episode of The Agency Accelerator podcast, you’ll discover how to:
Let's harness the power of account-based marketing to revolutionise your business! So grab a coffee and let’s dive in. Timestamps: [00:00] Introduction [01:00] Sarah's Referral Reliance Issue [02:03] Pitfalls of Relying on Referrals [05:46] Introduction to Account-Based Marketing [07:23] Defining Your Dream50List [09:56] Multi-Channel Outreach Tactics [10:43] Practical ABM Implementation [12:45] Success Stories and Results [13:16] Key Takeaways and Wrap-Up Quotations "Building your entire growth strategy on referrals is like betting your entire retirement fund on a single stock. It might work out, but it's incredibly risky." — Rob Da Costa "With account-based marketing, think of it as fishing with a spear instead of a net. It's about targeting your dream clients with precision and personalization." — Rob Da Costa Rate, Review, & Subscribe on Apple Podcasts “I enjoy listening to The Agency Accelerator Podcast. I always learn something from every episode.” If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more people like you to move towards a Self-Running Agency. How to leave a review on Apple Podcasts Scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then, let me know what you loved most about the episode! Also, if you haven’t done so already, subscribe to the podcast. I’m adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the feed and, if you’re not subscribed, there’s a good chance you’ll miss out. Subscribe now! Useful links mentioned in this episode:
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| 11 Feb 2021 | Business Development with Lucy Snell | 00:37:54 | |
In today's episode of the Agency Accelerator Podcast, I’m really excited to have this week's guest, Lucy Snell with me. We’re talking everything to do with business development and some of the dos and don'ts of things you should and shouldn't be doing in your agency in 2021. Time Stamp 01:05 Lucy introduces herself and her background 05:22 Why business development is a longterm game 09:42 Trends that happened for agencies in 2020 12:31 The difference between an agency that really succeeded last year and an agency that has stumbled or even failed 16:34 Using email as a tool for business development 20:46 The ‘Client Service Hamster Wheel of Doom’ 22:17 What agencies should be doing this year from a business development perspective 25:27 Finding things that work and engage with your target audience 27:50 Things that agencies should not be doing this year from a business development perspective 32:30 The ‘Mastermind Group Coaching’ programme Useful links: ***BRAND NEW AGENCY TRAINING*** 3 Sales Strategies That Work! How to fill your pipeline with ideal leads in just 90-days Save Your Seat here: https://buff.ly/3p6lmeG Download The Self-Running Implementation Book Join my Facebook group ‘The Agency Accelerator’ Download the 'Creating A Sustainable & Profitable Agency' book Subscribe & Review Are you subscribed to my podcast yet? If you’re not, please do so to avoid missing out on any episodes! You can subscribe/follow on Apple, Spotify or directly from my website. I would be very grateful if you left me a review too as they will help other people to find my podcasts and it's also great to read your comments! Thanks so much and see you next week! Rob | |||
| 30 Mar 2023 | How To Resource Your Agency With Remote Workers With David Wain-Heapy And Bachir Smahi | 00:37:09 | |
Resourcing continues to be a challenge for most agencies. Should you hire in-house full-time staff, remote workers or can you build your agency using freelancers? To answer these questions and more I am joined by David Wain-Heapy And Bachir Smahi, former agency owners and now running a remote resourcing agency, Prodigi. Time Stamp [00:36] Introduction [00:54] Running and selling your eCommerce marketing agency, Best Response Media [02:08] When you started your agency, did you always plan to sell the agency one day? [03:05] Where did the idea for Prodigi come from? [05:40] What led you to sell, how did it come about? [12:28] Tell us more about the clients you work for today and the challenges they have. [13:56] What objections do people have to hiring remote workers (and how do you overcome them)? [18:10] Can remote workers work for all roles (e.g. writers, account managers etc.)? [21:20] How do you go about finding the ideal candidate for a client? [23:30] How do I manage a remote worker and keep them engaged? [26:40] How can we build our agency using freelance staff? [30:17] Is there a point to switch from a freelancer to a full-time employee? [32:44] If you could go back in time and give your younger self one piece of advice, what would it be? Quotations “Focus on building a great business and everything else will follow.” - David Wain-Heapy “Stop micromanaging and instead, focus on outputs.” - Bachir Smahi Rate, Review, & Subscribe on Apple Podcasts “I enjoy listening to The Agency Accelerator Podcast. I always learn something from every episode.” If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more people like you to move towards a Self-Running Agency. How to leave a review on Apple Podcasts Scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then, let me know what you loved most about the episode! Also, if you haven’t done so already, subscribe to the podcast. I’m adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the feed and, if you’re not subscribed, there’s a good chance you’ll miss out. Subscribe now! Useful links mentioned in this episode: | |||
| 29 Sep 2022 | Ensuring Your Agency Thrives in a Recession | 00:29:34 | |
There is lots of talk of a looming recession so what should you do and what should you be focusing on right now to ensure that your agency is recession-proof? What is the difference between an agency that thrives in a recession and one that just scraps by? These questions and more are answered in this broad-ranging discussion in today's video. And I'm really excited to have with me, Ollie Duffy-Lee, who is the founder of the Authority Agency, the growth agency company that supports agencies with their business development strategies. Time Stamp [01:45] What should agencies be focused on right now as we are heading towards a recession? [02:35] Why you should never rely on referrals for new business - especially in a recession [03:55] Focus on client retention and stop expecting instant gratification [07:43] What are some of the smart non-negotiable strategies an agency must put in place? [09:02] Build a personal brand around you, the founder [10:00] If we are not focused on lead gen how does the sales funnel look? [12:50] The importance of building and nurturing your email list [15:25] How to manage clients and your business during a recession [17:40] Don’t talk yourself into a recession! [19:00] Ask yourself “does my client see us as a safe pair of hands (a brief taker) or a strategic partner (a brief maker?)” [19:45] What does an agency need to do to be seen as a strategic partner by its clients? [21:06] What internal changes should an agency make in a recession? [22:23] The importance of knowing your data and metrics [23:43] How big a financial buffer should you aim for? [26:35] Ollie’s business advice to his younger self Quotations “If you want to retain your clients be a ‘brief maker’ not a ‘brief taker’” - Ollie Duffy-Lee “If someone says NO to buying from you TODAY, it doesn't mean they won’t buy from you TOMORROW” - Rob Da Costa “I am a big believer on BRAND over LEAD GEN - focus on being in ATTRACT mode rather than CHASING mode” - Ollie Duffy-Lee Rate, Review, & Subscribe on Apple Podcasts “I enjoy listening to The Agency Accelerator Podcast. I always learn something from every episode.” If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more people — just like you — to move towards a Self-Running Agency. Scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode! How to leave a review on Apple Podcasts Also, if you haven’t done so already, subscribe to the podcast. I’m adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the feed and, if you’re not subscribed, there’s a good chance you’ll miss out. Subscribe now! Useful links mentioned in this episode: | |||
| 23 Mar 2023 | 7 Tips To Manage Your Time More Effectively When You Get Really Busy | 00:15:55 | |
As an agency owner, managing your time effectively is crucial to ensure that you can accomplish everything that needs to be done. But sometimes we get really busy focusing on client work and all our best-laid plans go out the window. So in today's podcast episode, I share with you some tips to help you manage your time when you get really busy. Time Stamp [00:55] introduction to 7 tips to manage your time more effectively [01:31] Prioritise your tasks: Determine which tasks are most important and need to be done immediately, and which ones can wait. [05:27] Set realistic goals: Be realistic about what you can accomplish in a day or week, and set goals accordingly. [06:30] Create a schedule: Create a schedule for yourself that includes all of the tasks you need to accomplish, as well as any appointments or meetings you have. [08:48] Delegate tasks: If possible, delegate some of the less critical tasks to employees or freelancers. [10:34] Use technology to your advantage: There are many tools and apps available that can help you manage your time more effectively, such as calendar apps, to-do list apps, and project management software. [11:12] Take breaks: It's important to take breaks throughout the day to avoid burnout and maintain productivity. Make sure to schedule breaks into your schedule so that you have time to recharge. [12:08] Develop good boundaries and learn to say no: remember when you say YES to something you are saying NO to something else. Quotations “Remember when you say YES to something you are saying NO to something else.” - Rob Da Costa “There are just 3 pots of time you should focus on: REVENUE, STRATEGY and ADMIN” - Rob Da Costa “Don’t be a busy fool focusing on tasks that don’t move your agency forwards” - name Rate, Review, & Subscribe on Apple Podcasts “I enjoy listening to The Agency Accelerator Podcast. I always learn something from every episode.” If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more people like you to move towards a Self-Running Agency. How to leave a review on Apple Podcasts Scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then, let me know what you loved most about the episode! Also, if you haven’t done so already, subscribe to the podcast. I’m adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the feed and, if you’re not subscribed, there’s a good chance you’ll miss out. Subscribe now! Useful links mentioned in this episode:
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| 04 Jun 2020 | Growing Your Agency in These Challenging Times | 00:23:49 | |
It’s been a few months now since the virus knocked us all for 6 and threw out all our plans, and we are now adjusting to what has become the “new normal”. In today’s episode, I discuss how you can continue to grow your agency even during these crazy times, because you should not just be running on a “survival mode’ mind set right now. Your agency has the opportunity to thrive, so let’s get on with the show! [02:11] You should be using this time to talk to your clients, listen to them and serve them but how well do you REALLY know your target customers? Right now, there has never been a better time to learn more about them. [05:39] Do you have a plan? You should still have your usual short, medium and long term plans but you might also need weekly plans, especially with the way everything keeps changing right now. [08:01] Pivot where necessary! Find new ways to serve your existing audience or find a new audience but remember to test and validate your ideas first! [10:49] Be a good listener! Listen to your audience and identify their needs. [12:14] Make sure you’re splitting your time effectively across revenue, strategy and admin. How much of your time should you be allocating to each of these three pots? [17:09] Is it in bad taste to carry on marketing during a pandemic? Links:
Subscribe & Review Are you subscribed to my podcast yet? If you’re not, please do so to avoid missing out on any episodes! You can subscribe/ follow on iTunes, Spotify or directly from my website. I would be very grateful if you left me a review over on iTunes, too as they will help other people to find my podcasts and it's also great to read your comments! Thanks so much, Rob | |||
| 09 Sep 2021 | How to Achieve Flexibility and Freedom in Your Agency, Without Losing Control | 00:17:09 | |
Let's face it, many of us started our own business because we're control freaks - we want to be in control! We may have worked for a business before where we didn't like the way they ran things or thought we could do it better. And that's often the catalyst to start our own business. But what happens when control comes at the expense of the flexibility and freedom that we hoped we would get when we started out on our own? In today's episode of The Agency Accelerator Podcast, I share my thoughts about achieving flexibility, freedom AND control, why creating a plan is so important and some of my own personal successes and failures in my entrepreneurial journey. Also, I talk about the importance of efficiency in how you use your time, my future aspirations to work a 4-day work week, and how I am achieving this by hiring the right team. Time Stamp [1:56] Early struggles and challenges in my marketing career [2:37] How to be in control of your own destiny [3:01] What’s my belief about success and failure? [3:55] Tips in achieving flexibility, control, and freedom as an agency owner [4:43] The importance of creating a plan [5:11] Why you should start hiring (the right) people [6:19] Three (3) ways on how you can spend your time [7:25] The importance of having solid foundations in place [8:01] How to focus on your marketing strategy [8:34] Why I believe creating a succession plan is important [9:59] What are my future aspirations [12:26] How to work a 4-day quality work [13:21] How the pandemic removes roadblocks from our plans and stories [14:05] Importance of delegation and having the right team [15:15] Why you should always keep going back to the reason you started your business Quotations “I still believe that my successes are my successes, and my failures are my failures, and that's one of the reasons why I love running my own business.” - Rob Da Costa “..If you're very intentional about your direction, you have much more chance of retaining control but also getting the flexibility and freedom in place as well.” - Rob Da Costa “You have to put the infrastructure of the foundations in place to grow to the next level and then put the next set of foundations to grow to the next level again.” - Rob Da Costa Rate, Review, & Subscribe on Apple Podcasts “I enjoy listening to The Agency Accelerator Podcast. I always learn something from every episode.” If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more people — just like you — move towards a Self-Running Agency. Scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode! Also, if you haven’t done so already, subscribe to the podcast. I’m adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the feed and, if you’re not subscribed, there’s a good chance you’ll miss out. Subscribe now! Useful links mentioned in this episode: | |||
| 17 May 2023 | The Four Key Factors Affecting Your Agency's Profits | 00:21:35 | |
In this episode of the Agency Accelerator Podcast, host Rob Da Costa delves into the topic of profitability. He provides advice on ideal profit margins and four key areas that can impact the bottom line: undercharging, over-servicing, not using time efficiently, and high client turnover. [00:32] Introduction [01:13[ Overview of the episode: Rob talks about the focus on profitability in this episode [03:21] Ideal profit margins: Rob discusses gross profit and net profit targets for agencies [06:10] Impact of undercharging: Rob talks about charging a fair price and understanding client outcomes [08:25] Impact of over-servicing: Rob advises against giving away too much for free [09:55] Impact of high client turnover: Rob stresses the importance of retaining clients [11:39] Impact of not using time efficiently: Rob discusses how to create more efficient processes [16:05] Recap and invitation: Rob summarizes the key points of the episode and invites listeners to join Agency Accelerator Live Quotes "Focus your pricing based on the value that the client will receive not the time it will take!" Rob Da Costa "If you're not making enough money, four on four areas - undercharging, over-servicing, poor time management and high client turnover." Rob Da Costa "The more value you can add, the more you can differentiate yourself in the marketplace and the more you can move away from just being a commodity based on price." Rob Da Costa Useful links | |||
| 28 Sep 2023 | Scaling Your Agency Through Outsourcing With Brian Gerstner | 00:26:15 | |
In today's episode, Brian Gerstner, founder of White Label IQ, joins Rob to share his expertise on how marketing agencies can leverage outsourcing to enhance their capabilities and fuel growth. We delve into the pros and cons of outsourcing versus in-house hiring when is the right time to consider it, how agencies can find reliable partners and the systems required to make outsourcing work smoothly. Brian also touches on the impact of AI in the industry, making this episode a must-listen for agency owners looking to scale their businesses. Time Stamp [00:00] Introduction to the episode: Brian Gertser, shares expertise on incorporating outsourced labor and finding reliable partners. [01:47] Why Brian started an outsourcing agency [03:35] Where do you start when considering outsourcing? Learn from your partners before you bring in fixed costs (such as staff) [03:54] Tips on what tasks to outsource v what should be in-house? [05:49] What systems & processes do you need in place to make outsourcing successful? [07:40] How do you find the right partner? [10:25] What risks are there with outsourcing? [13:56] Examples of projects you can outsource [16:15] The importance of finding partners now [17:33] How do I integrate partners into my in-house team? [19:53] How is AI impacting the future of the marketing landscape? [23:20] What advice would you give your younger self? Quotations If you really want outsourcing to work, you have to invest in the front end: treat them like an employee."— Brian Gerstner “We all need to build our pool of freelancers and outsource partners, so they're there when we need them. Don’t start looking for one when you need them now!”— Rob Da Costa Rate, Review, & Subscribe on Apple Podcasts “I enjoy listening to The Agency Accelerator Podcast. I always learn something from every episode.” If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more people like you to move towards a Self-Running Agency. How to leave a review on Apple Podcasts Scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then, let me know what you loved most about the episode! Also, if you haven’t done so already, subscribe to the podcast. I’m adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the feed and, if you’re not subscribed, there’s a good chance you’ll miss out. Subscribe now! Useful links mentioned in this episode: | |||
| 06 Feb 2020 | The importance of building your mailing list - Email Marketing & Email Automation | 00:26:11 | |
Welcome to another episode of the Agency Accelerator podcast, hosted by business coach and mentor, Rob Da Costa. Email marketing (when done correctly) is one of the most effective, if not THE most effective way of delivering new sales for your agency. If you don’t have a list, this should be at the top of your marketing priorities this year. In this episode I am going to cover a lot with you including: WHY you need a mailing list, WHERE to build your mailing list and HOW to build and keep your audience. The ROI on email marketing can be unbelievable if you do it correctly, so make sure you tune in and don’t forget to subscribe! [0:31] Why you should absolutely be using email marketing within your business [2:15] Email marketing is effective in every single stage of the sales funnel and the best bit….you can automate the entire process. Remember, it is incredibly important that you keep your sand-timer filled, so that your audience don’t forget you and go elsewhere, when they are ready to buy. Consistent, relevant email marketing will help to ensure that you stay in your audience’s minds. [6:28] What platform should you use for your email marketing? [9:30] How can you use your website as the entry point into your sales funnel? Drive more traffic to your website using what I like to call “education-based marketing.” [12:38] How do you BUILD your list? Remember, you must make sure it’s permission-based! [15:47] First impressions really do count so you want to make sure you absolutely nail your Welcome Email. Here are my 6 tops tips to do just that: 1. Don’t forget to say thank you 2. If they signed up to receive something in return (e.g. a free e-book) give them easy access 3. Set expectations for future emails – what sort of emails can they expect? How often will you be emailing them etc? 4. Tell them a little but more about you to build your credibility even more 5. Ask them to whitelist your emails so they don’t go into spam! 6. Provide further contact details so they can easily get in touch and follow you on other social platforms [18:21] The value of creating a content calendar so you know what you’re going to send ahead of time. [19:27] How frequently should you be sending your emails? [20:54] Why I am not a fan of newsletter-style emails [22:13] Don’t forget about your existing clients! [23:53] Let’s recap this episode Subscribe & Review Are you subscribed to my podcast yet? If you’re not, please do so to avoid missing out on any episodes! You can subscribe/ follow on iTunes, Spotify or directly from my website. I would be very grateful if you left me a review over on iTunes, too as they will help other people to find my podcasts and it's also great to read your comments! Thanks so much, Rob My free email template SWIPEFILE Download | |||
| 13 Jan 2022 | 40 Agency Experts Share Their Best Business Advice | 00:37:06 | |
Welcome to the 100th episode of The Agency Accelerator Podcast! This is a huge milestone & I am super excited we got this far. And we have only just begun! When I started this channel 2 years ago, I promised myself that I would commit week in & week out to record episodes, and it’s amazing how far we got. For this episode, I wanted to come up with something special. During this journey over the past 2 years, I've had over 40 guests on the podcast and, at the end of our conversation, I always ask them what piece of advice they would give to their younger selves starting out their business. So I decided to collate 40 of the best answers and give you an episode full of expert & valuable advice. Enjoy the episode and don't forget you can also download this as a free book here. Time Stamp [1:01] My idea for the 100th episode [3:09] Don’t be intimidated when you go to meetings. Sally Alexander (EP4) [3:52] Focus on your niche. David Miles (EP6) [4:31] Charge what you're worth. Sophie Walton (EP8) [5:15] Be yourself & know your identity. Lee Jackson (EP10) [5:57] Commit to a niche immediately. Roland Gurney (EP12) [6:28] Focus on what you’re good at & have fun. Steve Bustin (EP15) [7:29] Be clear about the outcome & be honest with yourself. Ian Laurie (EP17) [8:28] Develop a healthy relationship with failure. Miha Matlievski (EP19) [8:44] Learn from your mistakes. Laura Evans (EP21) [9:10] Speak to someone who has done it already. Pietro Ranieri (EP23) [9:42] Invest in learning how to run a business. Susan Boles (EP25) [10:40] Believe in yourself & listen to other people who have gone before you. Jez Kay (EP27) [11:02] Be patient. Dan Englander (EP29) [11:22] Remember that people are at the core of any good business. Grant Jennings (EP31) [12:14] Don’t be too regimented in your thinking. Chico Chakravorty (EP33) [13:33] Be as informed as possible: knowledge is power. Marc Convey (EP35) [14:21] Have enough capital to get through the first 6 months. Tracey Burnett (EP37) [15:31] Get a customer first. Jim James (EP39) [15:58] Start earlier. Brad Smith (EP41) [16:42] Focus your efforts on the things that only you can do. Darryl Sparey (EP43) [17:46] Be more strategic from the start. Lindsey Pickles (EP45) [18:03] Focus on what you love & what you are good at. Remeny Armitage (EP47) [18:46] Know what sets you apart from the competition. John Ashton (EP52) [20:22] Just do it, go for it! Lucy Snell (EP54) [21:08] Good enough is good enough. Miranda Birch (EP56) [22:07] Don’t procrastinate. Steve Slotow (EP58) [23:19] A good job doesn’t always speak for itself. Don’t wait to be tapped on the shoulder. Melanie Coeshott (EP60) [24:40] Find some people that you look up to & follow them. Sam Wright (EP62) [25:23] It’s okay to say NO to things. Brent Weaver (EP64) [26:23] You can be or do absolutely anything you want. Piccia Neri (EP66) [26:41] Everything is going to be alright. Romans Ivanovs (EP68) [27:20] Say YES to things that scare you. Marcel Petitpas (EP70) [27:52] Keep up with tech & know that it’s ok to seek help from others. Michelle & Christian Ewen (EP72) [30:22] Trust your employees more. Ugis Balmaks (EP74) [31:18] Niche your business & start building your email list. David Miles (EP76) [32:08] Focus on one thing at a time. Richard Kennedy (EP78) [32:42] ‘Try fast & fail fast’. Adam O'Leary (EP82) [33:35] Go with your gut feeling. If it doesn’t work, there are always other options. Anthony Burke (EP87) [34:42] Be braver, take action. Katie Street (EP89) [35:21] Be more confident. John Horn (EP91) Useful links:
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| 12 May 2022 | 5 Easy Strategies to Implement Value Pricing & Selling in Your Agency | 00:09:17 | |
Everyone talks about the concepts of value-pricing and value-selling and it sounds really good in theory. But in reality, a lot of agencies don't know how to apply it or are too scared to start taking a value pricing approach. So they go back to their tried and tested ways of pricing on fixed project fees or selling on time. So in today’s podcast, I want to give you five tips and strategies that you can begin using right away to start moving towards a value-based pricing and a value-based selling approach. Time Stamp [01:08] Today’s episode is sponsored by my free masterclass: “3 ways to raise your agency's prices and profits without losing clients”. I'm running this workshop 4 times this month (if you're listening live) or you'll be able to watch a replay. So check out the link below and invest 60 minutes of your time to learn some practical strategies that you can start implementing straight away. [01:33] A story of toothache to explain value-pricing [02:34] A definition of value-based selling [02:56] An example of quoting for a web design project [03:29] 5 strategies to move towards a value-based pricing and selling approach that will enable you to charge higher fees and create strong relationships with your clients [03:50] Strategy 1: From the first conversation you have with a prospect focus on the outcomes they are looking for and how they tie back to their business goals [05:45] Strategy 2: Make sure you understand how the wider business will assess the success of your campaign, not just the marketing resource that you might be dealing with. [6:19] Strategy 3: When you agree to write a proposal make sure you’re constantly referencing the outcomes that the client is seeking from your work. [06:38] Strategy 4: Price on the outcomes. This doesn’t mean you’re making any kind of guarantees or offering ‘payment by results’, it just means that you are getting everyone’s mind focused on the transformation the client is looking for from being in pain to not being in pain. [07:23] Strategy 5: Don’t discount! If they want a lower fee and discuss which aspects of the project they don’t want to include! [07:55] Pricing is 50% mindset and 50% application Quotations “Getting your pricing right is 50% mindset and 50% application” - Rob Da Costa “Brave agencies will spend 90% of their time in a prospect meeting in fact-find mode and 10% presenting their agency” - Rob Da Costa Rate, Review, & Subscribe on Apple Podcasts “I enjoy listening to The Agency Accelerator Podcast. I always learn something from every episode.” If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more people — just like you — move towards a Self-Running Agency. Scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode! Also, if you haven’t done so already, subscribe to the podcast. I’m adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the feed and, if you’re not subscribed, there’s a good chance you’ll miss out. Subscribe now! Useful links mentioned in this episode: | |||
| 06 Oct 2022 | Improving Your Profitability By Focusing on Stuff That Matters! | 00:16:50 | |
If you wish you were more profitable, then make sure you listen to this episode! My most read blog is called ‘Being a Busy Fool'. It clearly resonates with a lot of people, and it's also obviously a search term that a lot of business owners are typing into Google! After all, we can all be really busy run ragged servicing clients, trying to catch our breath whilst recognising that we are not doing many of those ‘running the agency’ type tasks such as planning for the future, focusing on business development and so on because we are so stuck on the client service hamster wheel, just trying to keep up with client demands. Sadly this results in us being busy fools and, quite frankly, staying poor. In today’s podcast, I dig into the cause of this and give you some ideas to start solving it. Time Stamp [01:27] There should be a direct correlation between how busy you are and how profitable you are. If not, here are some reasons why [02:17] Over-servicing: an agency pandemic! [03:06] The importance of measuring time internally (which is different to selling time to clients!) [04:10] Putting the right systems in place to measure capacity and efficiency [05:06] Translating a brief into internal allocated time [05:50] Getting your team members to self-manage using RAG [07:22] Taking a strategic view on over servicing [07:45] Say YES or NO to a client when they ask for more [08:28] When time recording falls [09:56] Explaining WHY to your team [10:33] Don’t use an ‘admin other’ task in your time recording system [11:29] The cultural implementation of not overservicing by implementing time recording [12:26] Identifying skills gaps and training needs [13:45] The sooner you implement this the easier your journey of growth will be Quotations “You have to track time internally to measure efficiency, capacity and profitability.” - Rob Da Costa “You will never know if you are profitable with a client unless you track your time.” - Rob Da Costa “The sooner you implement time recording, the easier your journey of growth will be” - Rob Da Costa Rate, Review, & Subscribe on Apple Podcasts (How to leave a review on Apple Podcasts) “I enjoy listening to The Agency Accelerator Podcast. I always learn something from every episode.” If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more people — just like you — to move towards a Self-Running Agency. Scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode! Also, if you haven’t done so already, subscribe to the podcast. I’m adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the feed and, if you’re not subscribed, there’s a good chance you’ll miss out. Subscribe now! Useful links mentioned in this episode:
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| 09 Jan 2020 | Starting The Year With A Positive Mindset | 00:29:03 | |
In this first podcast of the year, I talk about the power of a positive (and negative) mindset and how this can, quite literally, make or break your business. Mindset is not just some wishy-washy trend that comes and goes like a lot of the health and wellness fads these days because I guarantee you, behind every successful business is an entrepreneur with a winning positive mindset. I’ll be discussing exactly what mindset is and how your thoughts directly influence your actions and behaviours. I will also be teaching you 8 amazing strategies to grow your business with a positive mindset. So tune in, because you’re going to come away from this episode with a lot of incredibly important tools and tips to implement into your own growth and development. [02:15] Thoughts lead to feelings that lead to actions or behaviours. This is known as the cognitive triangle. If you want to change your behaviour, you have to change your thoughts. [03:28] The law of attraction isn’t just as simple as sticking a picture of your dream car on your fridge and it magically appearing. However, positive thoughts really do influence positive behaviours that in turn, attract positive outcomes (and vice versa). The law of attraction is very real! [4:53] Mindset and growth - You must learn to stretch yourself outside of your comfort zone in order to grow. There are three areas of your comfort zone (comfort zone, fear zone and learning zone). If you can learn to step outside of your comfort zone and into your learning zone, this is where you will start to acquire new skills and deal with challenges head on. [6:44] Play small, stay small – If you think you’re not good enough to get better clients, you won’t. [8:30] Mindset in your marketplace – Why confidence in yourself and the service you offer is key. [9:54] Mindset and pricing – If you have the right mindset, you will learn how to confidently charge what you know you’re really worth. [11:30] Mindset and teams – A leader with a strong, positive mindset is not threatened by recruiting the very best staff that they can afford. [12:33] Mindset and learning – Having a positive mindset will enable you to quickly react to changes in the market and efficiently deal with any curveballs that are thrown your way. [14:15] 8 strategies to grow your business with a positive mindset [14:20] 1. Keep learning and learn from your mistakes [17:22] 2. Get someone to coach you who has “been there, done that” [18:16] 3. See failure as an opportunity to learn [20:13] 4. Ensure you maintain a good work/life balance. [21:41] 5. Start and end your day in a consistent manner [22:57] 6. Learn to listen to your instincts [24:29] 7. Keep reinventing and evolving yourself [25:10] 8. Keep revisiting your vision to stay connected to it If you would like to grab free mindset guide outlining these points in more detail, simply click here. Finally, make sure you download these great resources to help you achieve the winning mindset: TedTalk: Linking positive brains to performance TedTalk: The Power of belief - mindset & success If you enjoyed this podcast, please share it and consider leaving a review. | |||
| 23 May 2024 | 5 Types of Lead Magnet: The Secrets to Tripling Your Agency's Email List | 00:20:54 | |
Are you struggling to expand your email list with genuinely interested prospects? In today's marketing world, the challenge to continuously feed your sales funnel with qualified leads is a common yet critical problem. Creating a dependable system to attract and convert high-quality leads is essential for sustainable growth if you want to avoid the dreaded feet or famine cycle that agencies who rely on referrals or word-of-mouth invariably find themselves in. Dive into this episode of The Agency Accelerator podcast, and you will learn how to: 1. Craft irresistible lead magnets that capture the attention of your ideal audience, ensuring that you grow your prospect database every single day. 2. Integrate these lead magnets seamlessly with your email marketing strategies to maintain engagement and nurture your leads effectively. 3. Employ proven promotional techniques that amplify your reach, ensuring your lead magnets get in front of the right people at the right time. Join me today and discover the strategies that will boost your lead generation and nurture your prospects into loyal customers. Questions answered in this episode Q: What precisely is a lead magnet, and how does it function to gather email addresses? Q: What types of lead magnets are there and which are particularly effective for engaging an audience? Q: What should the format of a successful lead magnet be? Q: Could you share some examples? Q: How do I integrate a lead magnet with my email automation system to optimise lead nurturing? Q: What are the key performance metrics that should be monitored to assess the effectiveness of a lead magnet? Q: How crucial is A/B testing in refining lead magnets, and what specific elements should be tested? Q: What are some optimisation strategies for enhancing the conversion rates of lead magnets? Quotations "Don't be afraid of giving away genuine value in your lead magnet. Prospects will buy from you because they want 1-2-1 guidance and not because the content is already available somewhere on the web!" – Rob Da Costa "A well-crafted lead magnet not only helps you build your email list but also positions your agency as the trusted authority in your industry." – Rob Da Costa "Embrace a mindset of continuous improvement and iteration. Regularly analyse your performance data, identify areas for optimisation, and implement changes based on these findings." – Rob Da Costa Rate, Review, & Subscribe on Apple Podcasts “I enjoy listening to The Agency Accelerator Podcast. I always learn something from every episode.” If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more people like you to move towards a Self-Running Agency. How to leave a review on Apple Podcasts Scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then, let me know what you loved most about the episode! Also, if you haven’t done so already, subscribe to the podcast. I’m adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the feed and, if you’re not subscribed, there’s a good chance you’ll miss out. Subscribe now! Useful links mentioned in this episode:
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| 20 Jun 2024 | The Power Of Living In The Present | 00:13:12 | |
Did you know that a holiday in nature could teach you a vital lesson about running your agency? I recently returned from exploring the stunning fjords of Norway, and it was a stark reminder of the power of living in the moment. In the fast-paced world of agency life, where every second is packed with emails, meetings, and deadlines, it's easy to forget the value of presence. But translating that sense of mindfulness from a holiday to our daily work can significantly improve focus, productivity, and overall well-being. By tuning into this episode of The Agency Accelerator podcast, you’ll discover how to: 1. Enhance your focus and increase productivity by truly immersing yourself in the task at hand, free from distractions. 2. Improve decision-making and problem-solving abilities through a mindful approach, allowing for clearer and more effective solutions. 3. Strengthen client relationships and communication by practising active listening and being fully present in interactions. Let's explore how living in the moment can transform your agency's performance! So grab a coffee and let’s get started. Questions answered in this episode Q: How does being present improve productivity and overall well-being in agency life? Q: How can single-tasking and the Pomodoro technique enhance focus and productivity? Q: What strategies can agency owners use to eliminate digital distractions effectively? Q: How does practising active listening strengthen client relationships and team collaboration? Q: Why is it important to reward oneself when trying to cultivate mindfulness practices? Quotations “Mindfulness isn't just a trendy buzzword; it's a powerful tool that agency owners can use to enhance creativity, improve decision-making, and reduce stress." - Rob Da Costa “By fully inhabiting the present without constant worry about the past or the future, you'll unlock a sense of freedom and clarity that serves you well as an agency owner." - Rob Da Costa Rate, Review, & Subscribe on Apple Podcasts “I enjoy listening to The Agency Accelerator Podcast. I always learn something from every episode.” If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more people like you to move towards a Self-Running Agency. How to leave a review on Apple Podcasts Scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then, let me know what you loved most about the episode! Also, if you haven’t done so already, subscribe to the podcast. I’m adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the feed and, if you’re not subscribed, there’s a good chance you’ll miss out. Subscribe now! Useful links mentioned in this episode:
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| 14 Jul 2022 | Your HR Questions Answered With Lynda Goncalves | 00:31:42 | |
Today we are talking about the most important asset in your business: your people. I am excited to be joined by Lynda Goncalves from Sussex HR as she shares her advice on recruitment and retention. Time Stamp [01:12] What are the biggest challenges you see in HR right now? [03:15] How do we replicate an office environment/team/culture for remote workers? [06:10] Are there any tools or software to help with remote working? [08:30] Key considerations when recruiting new staff [10:55] What are your views on using recruitment agencies? [14:34] The importance of doing your research on candidates before the 1st interview [15:20] What are the base line legal responsibilities an employer needs to put in place for an employee? [17:09] What should an employer put in place for a freelancer? [17:55] The risks of IR35 [19:29] Where do I get contracts and legal docs? [20:37] Advice on dealing with performance management issues and probation periods [23:36] Address issues way before the 2 year mark (when employee rights kick in) [24:40] The risk of a ‘family’ culture [24:51] What is your view on extending an employee’s probation? [26:46] The risks of keeping an underperforming member of staff [27:18] What advice would you give your younger self just starting out in business? Quotations “You must ensure that marketing and HR are aligned” - Lynda Goncalves “When it comes to recruitment, you either have TIME or MONEY - so consider carefully about how you go about recruiting” - Rob Da Costa “Document everything - if it isn't written down it didn't happen!” - Lynda Goncalves Rate, Review, & Subscribe on Apple Podcasts “I enjoy listening to The Agency Accelerator Podcast. I always learn something from every episode.” If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more people — just like you — move towards a Self-Running Agency. Scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode! Also, if you haven’t done so already, subscribe to the podcast. I’m adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the feed and, if you’re not subscribed, there’s a good chance you’ll miss out. Subscribe now! Useful links mentioned in this episode: | |||
| 28 Jul 2022 | 3 Marketing Strategies Every Agency Needs To Implement With Tim Fitzpatrick | 00:27:22 | |
I am joined by Tim Fitzpatrick from Rialto Marketing to discuss the key marketing strategies that every marketing agency needs to be implementing. We talk about why agencies are not great at doing their own marketing, why your marketing plan should not be a 12-month plan and why you must find a clear niche. Time Stamp [01:40] Why are so many marketing agencies so bad at their own marketing? It’s the ‘cobbler’s shoes’ and they are so busy in the day-to-day that their own marketing goes by the wayside [03:16] The consequences of not focusing on marketing consistently [04:20] The fundamentals: understanding your target market, your message and your plan to get that message in front of your audience [05:40] The dangers of shiny new objects [06:05] What is your advice to someone who is targeting a very broad audience and trying to be a generalist? [08:30] How would you advise someone to establish their own niche? The 3 questions to ask [11:39] How do you get your messaging right so it resonates with your target customer? [14:07] Features, advantages and benefits [14:45] Focus on the OUTCOMES, not the TACTICS [15:20] Building a plan to get in front of your ideal target audience - use a 90-day sprint rather than a year-long plan [17:25] Ensure you know how to measure the success of each marketing strategy [19:40] The system of word-of-mouth and referrals [20:50] The mistakes so many agency websites make [23:20] What types of tactics work today? [25:06] What is the one piece of advice you would give your younger self? Quotations “In the absence of a plan, everything looks like an opportunity” - Tim Fitzpatrick “The more niched you are the easier it is for your to find your ideal target customer but perhaps more importantly, for them to find you” - Rob Da Costa “The fundamentals lay the foundation but they are so easy to overlook” - Tim Fitzpatrick Rate, Review, & Subscribe on Apple Podcasts “I enjoy listening to The Agency Accelerator Podcast. I always learn something from every episode.” If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more people — just like you — move towards a Self-Running Agency. Scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode! Also, if you haven’t done so already, subscribe to the podcast. I’m adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the feed and, if you’re not subscribed, there’s a good chance you’ll miss out. Subscribe now! Useful links mentioned in this episode: | |||
| 07 Mar 2024 | Staying in Love with Your Agency: A Guide to Sustainable Growth | 00:14:05 | |
Feeling disconnected from your agency and struggling to reignite your passion? In this episode of The Agency Accelerator, you'll uncover the warning signs of falling out of love with your agency, gain insights into staying in control of your agency's growth trajectory, and explore the power of strategic planning in redefining success. If you're ready to reclaim your agency's passion and sustainably grow, then tune in and discover actionable strategies to reignite your drive for your agency. Questions answered in this episode: Q: What are the warning signs that indicate falling out of love with your agency? Q: How important is it to maintain the passion for running your agency every day? Q: How can a well-crafted plan empower agency owners to stay focused and on track amidst challenges? Q: What does success mean for agency owners, and how can they redefine it on their own terms? Q: What practical strategies can agency owners use to stay in control and maintain passion for their agency? Q: Why is it important to rethink success beyond just financial metrics and embrace the journey of agency ownership? Q: How can agency owners balance ambition and contentment to achieve sustainable growth and find joy in their work? Quotations “Your agency’s success is defined by finding fulfilment, enjoying what you do and being profitable, not just chasing bigger numbers year on year! “ Rob Da Costa Rate, Review, & Subscribe on Apple Podcasts “I enjoy listening to The Agency Accelerator Podcast. I always learn something from every episode.” If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more people like you to move towards a Self-Running Agency. How to leave a review on Apple Podcasts Scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then, let me know what you loved most about the episode! Also, if you haven’t done so already, subscribe to the podcast. I’m adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the feed and, if you’re not subscribed, there’s a good chance you’ll miss out. Subscribe now! Useful links mentioned in this episode: | |||
| 30 Apr 2020 | Why are we all so scared of public speaking? Interview with Steve Bustin | 00:48:16 | |
Fear of public speaking is an incredibly common phobia and affects around 75% of the population. As business owners, many of us (no matter how much we hate it) are unable to avoid public speaking situations thanks to meetings or presentations – in fact it’s a crucial part of building our agency. So wouldn’t it be a lot easier if we could learn to cope with it a bit better, or even crazier….learn to enjoy it? In this episode of The Agency Accelerator, I am joined by award-winning keynote conference speaker Steve Bustin, who is going to be sharing some great tips and advice on how we can improve our own public speaking, better prepare for it and ultimately, not be so terrified by it! [1:14] Steve has a very colourful business background and his passions and focus have evolved over the years. Starting as a BBC journalist, he then went into PR before realising what his true passion was: speaking and training others how to do it well. [7:10] Let’s unpack some of the interesting points Steve just mentioned about his past experiences including being led by opportunity and the effects that losing a big client can have on your business. [9:36] Steve discusses the Sunday night blues and how life is too short – and what to do about it [11:23] There is a trend of people moving away from the retainer model within agencies. Could this be a good thing? [13:35] Rob asks Steve why he thinks public speaking is the second biggest fear after death! Why do we care so much what people think of us? Steve also explains why we need to train our staff with the skills to be great leaders and that includes learning how to be a great speaker. [20:41] Steve shares how he helps people overcome their fears of public speaking and he explains why you’ve got to have passion for whatever your talking about, otherwise how do you expect your clients to be passionate about it? And we must remember, we all present differently and that’s a good thing! [23:18] Rob takes us back to a workshop he hosted and the importance of managing your ‘internal dialog’. Also, why do so many of us never rehearse our presentations before the big day? Surely this will help to get rid of so much of the anxiety we feel before speaking?! [27:31] What is the perfect structure of a presentation? Why does great structure tend to revolve around just 3 main arguments? And how can you grab the audiences’ attention? [34:00] Rob asks Steve what happens if you can see people yawning in the audience during your presentation? Does this mean you’re too boring and should stop right now?! [37:40] Steve gives 3 brilliant top tips for improving your own public speaking [44:56] Rob asks Steve: “if you could go back in time and give your younger self some business advice what would it be?” Subscribe & Review Are you subscribed to my podcast yet? If you’re not, please do so to avoid missing out on any episodes! You can subscribe/ follow on iTunes, Spotify or directly from my website. I would be very grateful if you left me a review over on iTunes, too as they will help other people to find my podcasts and it's also great to read your comments! Thanks so much, Rob | |||
| 17 Feb 2022 | Moving Your Prospects Along The Buyer's Journey | 00:11:56 | |
I want to start today's episode of the podcast with a bit of a rant: Why is it that many businesses think that they can do a little ad-hoc marketing and then get frustrated when they don't get enough leads or convert those leads into customers? So, in today's episode, I want to talk all about understanding and plotting your buyer’s journey and consequently being able to connect your sales & marketing functions together more effectively and generate & convert more leads. Time Stamp [0:57] This episode is sponsored by my new FREE email marketing masterclass that outlines 7 strategies to build, nurture and convert leads into loyal customers. You can save your seat here [1:41] ‘Jane’ is frustrated that her agency’s website isn’t converting more leads [2:06] The typical mistakes most agency websites make [2:55] The importance of providing value to your audience [3:35] Connecting your marketing function to your sales function [4:00] The 7 steps in the buyer’s journey [4:40] ‘Contact us’ buttons and forms on websites don’t work! [5:35] The importance of building KNOW, LIKE & TRUST before prospects will buy [6:15] Nurturing your leads with more value-added content (e.g., this podcast) [7:29] How might you change your website to support the buyer’s journey? [8:44] Plotting out your audience’s buyer’s journey – esp. steps 2,3 & 4 [9:32] The importance of getting your audience to make micro-commitments [10:40] Avoid jumping into sales too quickly! Quotations “The middle of the funnel is where you do your education-based marketing.” - Rob Da Costa “This podcast is a good example of education-based marketing.” - Rob Da Costa “It’s crucial to give your audience some quick wins.” - Rob Da Costa Rate, Review, & Subscribe on Apple Podcasts “I enjoy listening to The Agency Accelerator Podcast. I always learn something from every episode.” If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more people — just like you — move towards a Self-Running Agency. Scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode! Also, if you haven’t done so already, subscribe to the podcast. I’m adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the feed and, if you’re not subscribed, there’s a good chance you’ll miss out. Subscribe now! Useful links mentioned in this episode:
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| 23 Jun 2022 | My Journey Into The Online World | 00:14:35 | |
I've recently had several clients discuss with me about taking what they teach and creating some kind of online mentorship or online programme. So, I thought in today's episode, we do something a little bit different, and that is for me to the ups and downs of my own adventures in the online world and share with you the many mistakes I’ve made and the lessons I have learned. Time Stamp [02:00] 2012 - my first adventure into the online world - and rude awakening! [02:39] The first course I created (and it was a complete flop!) [03:17] My 2nd course on sales and marketing (which also flopped) [03:55] The 2 key lessons I learned after 2 flops (get clear on my niche and validate first) [04:33] The importance of pre-selling your course or ideas before you start developing it [05:03] The first course that (accidentally) was successful [05:54] There is no such thing as passive income! [06:26] Why I created my first online Mastermind programme [08:06] Online content opens up an audience that I couldn't reach before [08:26] Using Jobs to Be Done interviews to really understand your target audience’s needs [09:08] The concepts behind The Self-Running Agency [09:42] How the Self-Running Agency has morphed into a membership programme [10:46] The time and money I wasted learning my lessons [11:00] Why I use Kartra for hosting my programmes [11:35] The number 1 way I market and sell my online programmes [11:35] Focus on going deep with one or 2 courses, don’t go wide with lots of courses! Quotations “For anyone wanting to launch into the online world, go and talk to your audience and validate your idea first before you invest any time in developing your idea” - name “There is no such thing as passive income - for every sale you make there is a ton of work needed behind the scenes” - name Rate, Review, & Subscribe on Apple Podcasts “I enjoy listening to The Agency Accelerator Podcast. I always learn something from every episode.” If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more people — just like you — move towards a Self-Running Agency. Scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode! Also, if you haven’t done so already, subscribe to the podcast. I’m adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the feed and, if you’re not subscribed, there’s a good chance you’ll miss out. Subscribe now! Useful links mentioned in this episode:
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| 23 Nov 2023 | The Delegation Dilemma: Tips for Agency Owners to Let Go and Level Up | 00:14:53 | |
Welcome to the latest episode of the Agency Accelerator podcast. Today we are delving into the challenges that agency owners face when it comes to letting go and stepping up in their businesses. Drawing from his own experience of running an agency, Rob discusses the importance of delegation, the benefits it brings, and the mindset shifts required to make it successful. He shares practical tips and strategies for starting to delegate tasks effectively, including calculating the value of your time, creating standard operating procedures, and challenging your perfectionist tendencies. Whether you're just starting out or have been running an agency for years, this episode is packed with insights to help you level up and achieve a better work-life balance. Time Stamp [0:15] Introduction and my experience of running my agency [01:40] Black Friday offer to Join The Self-Running Agency Implementation Group [03:14] Why do agency owners get stuck in the weeds, what is the issue with this? [04:53] Your notional hourly rate - what is an hour of your time worth? [06:28] Why is it so hard for agency owners to delegate? [08:00] The benefits of delegation [09:29] How do you start delegating tasks? [12:00] Focus on the things that you can truly only do Quotations “Assess your tasks by your notional hourly rate, if the task is worth less, then you need to get it off your plate” - Rob Da Costa “50% of running a successful agency is a mindset” - Rob Da Costa Rate, Review, & Subscribe on Apple Podcasts “I enjoy listening to The Agency Accelerator Podcast. I always learn something from every episode.” If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more people like you to move towards a Self-Running Agency. How to leave a review on Apple Podcasts Scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then, let me know what you loved most about the episode! Also, if you haven’t done so already, subscribe to the podcast. I’m adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the feed and, if you’re not subscribed, there’s a good chance you’ll miss out. Subscribe now! Useful links mentioned in this episode: | |||
| 23 Jan 2020 | How Ambleglow became a full service marketing agency | 00:24:59 | |
Welcome to another episode of the Agency Accelerator podcast. In this episode, we are joined by my very first guest and a client of mine, Sally Alexander. Sally is currently the Client Services Director but soon to be Managing Director of education-focused marketing agency, Ambleglow. We discuss how Ambleglow has repositioned itself from an education focused ad agency to a full service marketing agency. Sally gives some brilliant tips and advice so if you run a marketing agency (no matter what niche is), make sure you tune in as you will take away a lot from this episode! [0:58] Sally discusses Ambleglow’s background. Ambleglow’s main focus in education was always within recruitment marketing. You may be aware that there is a huge teacher shortage here in the UK, meaning it’s more important than ever for schools to get their recruitment marketing right. However, with the rise of employment-related search engines such as Indeed, a lot of schools now decide to simply recruit new staff themselves, without the need for agencies. Ambleglow have therefore broadened out their niche to include additional services for their education audience where there is still a big demand. [5:40] I talk about the value of being a niched agency and why Ambleglow were right to broaden out their services whilst still remaining within their niche. Sally discusses all of the core services Ambleglow now offer and how they go about actually selling their business to potential clients. [9:30] Many businesses might be great at what they do but so many of them are still poor at marketing themselves. Ambleglow were aware of this and so made a great decision when they decided to invest in bringing in a marketer to work on their outbound marketing with them. Sally shares some more tips that have helped their company remain a successful player, even in these challenging times. [11:31] Sally discusses the mistakes they made within Ambleglow’s marketing and the key learnings they took away from these. [13:45] What does the future hold for Ambleglow? [15:06] Sally discusses some of the outbound marketing strategies that work well for Ambleglow, including LinkedIn and creating more value-added content to build more awareness and trust. Remember, when your audience KNOW, LIKE and TRUST you, they will be much more likely to buy from you. [19:00] Sally gives her final bits of advice to give to other marketing agencies to help them grow. [20:45] I ask Sally, “if you could give your old self some advice what would it be?” [22:15] Let’s look at the 5-key takeaways from this episode. If you’d like to find out more about Ambleglow and their services, check out their website or follow them on: LinkedIn, Twitter and Facebook. Subscribe & Review Are you subscribed to my podcast yet? If you’re not, please do so to avoid missing out on any episodes! You can subscribe/ follow on iTunes, Spotify or directly from my website. I would be very grateful if you left me a review over on iTunes, too as they will help other people to find my podcasts and it's also great to read your comments! Thanks so much, Rob | |||