🎙️ Welcome to another exciting episode of Operation Agency Freedom! 🎙️

In Episode 178, our host Chris sits down with the insightful and experienced Steve Guberman, founder of Agency Outside and host of the "Agency Bites" podcast. With over 25 years in the agency space, Steve brings a wealth of knowledge to our discussion, touching on the challenges and triumphs of self-taught design during the COVID era, the invaluable role of drive and passion in learning, and the essence of living a life of service.

Steve shares his journey from a soul-crushing stint in corporate America back to the creative agency world, where he thrived as an agency owner for a decade before turning to coaching. He speaks passionately about the crucial lessons he’s learned, the importance of mentorship, and the often-overlooked psychological hurdles agency owners face, such as "copycat goals" influenced by social media.

Our conversation dives deep into the practicalities of building a scalable, balanced business, and the significance of setting genuine, personal goals. Steve introduces us to his "magic paintbrush" exercise for visualizing and achieving these goals, and we explore the necessity of discipline, focus, and effective delegation in entrepreneurship. Additionally, the evolving landscape of technology and AI and its dual role as both a challenge and an opportunity for businesses is discussed.

Tune in as Steve offers invaluable advice, a free 45-minute consultation to agency owners, and shares strategies on overcoming the distractions of the entrepreneurial world. Whether you're a solo operator or manage a team of 75, this episode is packed with insights that can help you realign and propel your agency to new heights.

Don't forget to subscribe, share this episode with your network, and join us as we navigate the intricate world of running a profitable and fulfilling agency. Let's get started! 🚀

Welcome back to another exciting episode of "Operation Agency Freedom"! Today, we're thrilled to dive into the world of print and its strategic role in modern marketing with our special guest, Andy Buyting, the founder and CEO of Tulip Media Group. In episode 177, Andy shares how Managed Service Providers (MSPs) and various businesses leverage printed magazines to stand out in a saturated digital landscape. He discusses how print media, despite its challenges in direct ROI measurement, offers tangible value and boosts brand recognition, leading to increased client meetings and market presence.

Chris Martinez, our host and CEO of Bloom, is eager to explore integrating print into his agency's strategies as a cost-effective complement to rising digital ad costs. Andy walks us through his entrepreneurial journey, highlighting the importance of recognizing personal strengths, delegating operational tasks, and aligning business with personal goals for sustained growth and freedom. From the distinctive jacket that became a hallmark of his branding to the scalable approach of Tulip Media, Andy's insights are invaluable for any entrepreneur looking to make a memorable impact.

Join us as we navigate the resurgence of print in a digital-heavy world, uncover practical strategies for brand differentiation, and learn how to effectively balance strategic focus with operational efficiency. This is an episode packed with actionable advice and inspiring stories that you won't want to miss!

Welcome back to another exciting episode of Operation Agency Freedom! I'm your host, Chris Martinez, CEO and founder of Bloom, where we specialize in helping marketing agencies increase profits, maximize value, and achieve eight-figure exits. In today's episode, we're thrilled to have Valerie Morris, a digital marketing and book marketing expert, joining us all the way from Copenhagen. Valerie, founder of Tintero Creative, has an impressive track record of leveraging her extensive marketing experience to help authors successfully launch their books. We'll discuss everything from her journey in digital marketing to her top strategies for a successful book launch. Whether you're an aspiring author or a seasoned entrepreneur, you won't want to miss Valerie’s invaluable insights! Tune in as we explore how a well-launched book can elevate your personal brand and generate new business opportunities. Let's get started!

Welcome back to another episode of Operation Agency Freedom! In today's insightful chat, we're thrilled to have Josh Crouch from Relentless Digital joining us. In this milestone episode, Josh and I dive deep into the world of podcasting, highlighting the significant role of content quality over mere lead generation. We'll discuss the importance of consistency for long-term growth and explore how treating a podcast like a business can open up diverse opportunities beyond client acquisition.

Josh shares the exciting advancements and strategic shifts he's implemented, like hiring a podcast manager and leveraging video content for broader reach on platforms like YouTube, Instagram, and Facebook. We also dissect the impact of SEO and AI on marketing strategies, emphasizing how media exposure drives audience engagement and brand omnipresence.

From engaging in industry events and networking to managing sponsorships and content production, Josh offers valuable insights on building a successful podcasting business. We'll also touch on the organic growth of his new AI-focused business, the benefits of having a co-host, and the importance of unscripted, authentic conversations.

So, get ready to learn from one of the top names in business management podcasting as we uncover the secrets to growing a podcast into a powerful business tool. Subscribe, share, and connect with us on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and YouTube, and let's dive into the fascinating world of podcasting with Josh Crouch!

Welcome back to another exciting episode of Operation Agency Freedom! In today's episode, your host Chris Martinez, CEO, and founder of Bloom, dives deep into the world of mortgage industry marketing with the legendary Nick Carpenter. Nick, the founder of the Legion of Loan Officers and a renowned trainer in the mortgage sector, shares his journey from navy brat to Air Force veteran, eventually becoming a top-tier marketing expert for loan officers.

Discover how Nick's innovative strategies for lead generation, including his "local celebrity builder" concept and live event tactics, help loan officers gain more control over their business and secure valuable realtor partnerships. We also explore Nick's unique approach to creating fast results and building lasting relationships in the ever-evolving marketing landscape. If you're looking for actionable insights and scalable strategies to optimize your agency's operations, this episode is a must-listen. So, grab your notepads and get ready to transform your marketing game!

Welcome back to another exciting episode of "Operation Agency Freedom!" Today, we sit down with Kenn Kelly, the CEO and founder of Never Settle, a globally awarded creative marketing and tech agency that prioritizes high performance without compromising ethical standards. Kenn's journey from a tumultuous upbringing to leading a successful agency is nothing short of inspiring. We'll dive deep into his daily routines, the mental and physical benefits of structured habits, and the challenges he faced in the world of entrepreneurship.

Kenn shares his transition from management consulting to running his own agency and discusses his commitment to employee well-being, such as capping work hours to prevent burnout. We also explore the innovative policies at Never Settle, their approach to managing client expectations, and how they navigate the fine line between profitability and ethical stewardship. Plus, get insights into Kenn's unique take on cold therapy, deep work, and the importance of faith and community in his personal and professional life.

Kenn Kelly has shared incredible insights with us today. If you’re ready to see how his agency, Never Settle, is making waves, check out neversettle.it for more!

Don't miss this conversation packed with actionable advice and profound reflections. Tune in now

Welcome to another insightful episode of Operation Agency Freedom! I'm your host, Chris Martinez, CEO and founder of Bloom, where we empower marketing agencies to maximize their potential and achieve stellar growth. Today, we're delighted to have Carrolee Lee Drummonds, CEO and founder of Carrolee Moore Consulting Group, joining us from Frisco, Texas. Carrolee Lee has a fascinating journey from being a freelance graphic designer to building a successful agency, navigating the complexities of partnerships, and ultimately selling her business.

In this episode, Carrolee Lee shares her entrepreneurial story, including the highs and lows of running an agency, the challenges of rapid growth, and the personal toll it can take. She opens up about the epiphanies she had along the way, the importance of self-care, and the critical mistakes to avoid in agency management. Plus, she introduces us to her new venture in content marketing, focused on helping B2B founders build genuine authority beyond social media.

Get ready for an honest and inspiring conversation packed with valuable lessons for agency owners and entrepreneurs alike. Let's dive in!

Welcome to another episode of Operation Agency Freedom, the podcast where we share the stories, strategies, and insights of agency owners from around the world. I'm your host, Chris Martinez, CEO and founder of Bloom. Today, we're thrilled to have Lucas Sommer on the show. Lucas is a serial entrepreneur and the CEO and founder of Ad Apt, a cutting-edge marketing agency. Growing up in a small town outside of Portland, Lucas's journey from valedictorian in high school to scholarship student at the University of Miami is nothing short of inspiring.

In this episode, Lucas opens up about moving from a rural, predominantly white town to the culturally rich and diverse city of Miami. We discuss the impact of his college experience on his entrepreneurial aspirations and dive deep into his early ventures in the music industry, where he learned the ropes of marketing by promoting artists. Transitioning from music to digital marketing, Lucas eventually founded Ad Apt, where he continues to succeed by focusing on performance marketing and building sustainable client relationships.

Tune in as we explore Lucas's path from a small-town kid playing with sticks to a successful agency owner collaborating with big names like Netflix and Payless. Plus, we'll hear about his balanced work-life approach, managing multiple business ventures, and his mission to be a happy dad. Don't miss this fascinating conversation packed with valuable insights for entrepreneurs and agency owners alike.