Shows
Business is BullshitQuitting Ain't Bullsh*t | Business is Bullsh*tIs quitting a sign of weakness, or is it the strongest move you can make? In this episode, James Hornick, Jared Gibson, and Jon Tsourakis dive headfirst into the taboo topic of quitting—and why it’s often the smartest, most self-aware decision in your career. From shady acquisitions and burnout to water scams and Walmart flashers, the guys share stories that’ll make you rethink your job. This isn’t just a highlight reel of bad bosses. It’s a raw look at why people really quit: misaligned values, underappreciation, burnout, boredom and the slow decay of good vi...2025-06-1046 minBusiness is BullshitGuest Appearance: The Get Shit Done Podcast with John MorrisThe Get Shit Done Experience asked to interview us. Word is, Jared’s got dirt on someone — or maybe John Morris just lost a bet. Either way, the host had his hands full. Watching the circus is one thing. Getting pelted with elephant shit is another. But John didn’t flinch. He juggled our three overly opinionated personalities like a seasoned Gibsonton carnival clown — and didn’t drop a single pin. Here’s the description ripped off directly from The...2025-05-061h 37Business is BullshitBusiness News is Bullsh*t | Business is Bullsh*tThis week, we're ripping apart the garbage fire that is business and financial news. James, Jared, and Jon are back (finally) to tear through the headlines that are designed to scare you, confuse you and keep you glued to bullshit. From the myth of stagflation making its annual comeback, to "falling satellites" that aren't actually falling on your head, we break down how most financial media is pure manipulation — and why you shouldn't let it mess with your money, your business or your sanity. They discuss how the media creates news out...2025-04-0740 minBusiness is BullshitH-1B Visas and Offshoring Jobs Bullsh*tThink all these layoffs are about AI? Think again. Jon Tsourakis, Jared Gibson, and James Hornick dive into the real story behind the latest corporate cost-cutting spree—how companies use H-1B visas and offshoring to drive down wages while pretending it’s all about "efficiency." Spoiler: it’s not. But before that, Jon has a bone to pick with a sneaky little 4% tax still showing up on some Chicago restaurant bills. Also, why are Jared and Jon getting flooded with ads featuring insanely jacked old dudes? Now, back to business. H-1B vi...2025-02-1933 minBusiness is BullshitPredictions Are BullshitIn Ep 6, we dig into humanity's obsession with predicting the future. From the psychological comfort it provides to the bad calls made by some of the world's most successful/powerful people, James, Jared and Jon break down why forecasting is a business expectation—and why it's often wrong. They also share some of the worst predictions they've heard recently. And since the clowns can’t help themselves, of course, they have their own predictions. And finally, they round out the final stretch with why the rise of AI might just make humans even worse at being...2024-12-2346 minBusiness is BullshitSales Are Bullshit v1Is it time to shred your perfectly crafted sales script? Do you find it difficult to breathe without spewing buzzwords? Join James Hornick, Jared Gibson, and Jon Tsourakis as they rip apart outdated sales methodologies, expose the absurdity of AI-generated spam pitches, and share war stories from the sales trenches. This episode? Sales tactics that should’ve died in 2003. From "loss of intuition" to "harmonizing with the buyer" (whatever that means), the crew tears down ridiculous jargon and explores why real connection still wins deals. Want to know how to turn that awkward cold...2024-12-1030 minBusiness is BullshitAI is Bullsh*tIn Episode 3 of Business is Bullshit, hosts James Hornick, Jared Gibson, and Jon Tsourakis cover everything from AI job scams to ADA loophole exploitation. Kicking off with Jared’s “Chasegate” fraud saga, they dive into how tech is reshaping the job market – for better or worse. Next, they tackle the dark side of AI in recruiting, where automation’s making it easier to game the hiring process, only to then question if we’re heading toward “model collapse,” where AI consumes its own junk data and drives everything downhill. The episode rounds off with two stark t...2024-11-0139 min
The ClimbEp #100 - Find a Product in Your Service with Sunir ShahEp #100 - Find a Product in Your Service with Sunir Shah - Join Jon Tsourakis and David McGraw on another production of The Climb by the Digital Mastermind Group. In today's talk, Jon speaks with the CEO at AppBind, Sunir Shah, about finding a product in your service and building a recent app to help other digital agencies. Be sure to tune in and subscribe!2022-08-1149 min
The ClimbEp #99 - Creating Events with Sarah Fejfar Ep #99 - Creating Events with Sarah Fejfar - Join Jon and David on another production of The Climb brought to you by the Digital Mastermind Group. In today's talk, Jon and David talk about the upcoming DMG event, and Jon speaks with Sarah Fejfar about helping online business owners leverage events to reach more dream clients. Tune in! 2022-07-2650 min
The ClimbEp #98 - Shiny Things with John RossmanEp #98 - Shiny Things with John Rossman - Join Jon and David on another production of the The Climb brought to you by the Digital Mastermind Group. In today's talk Jon speaks with John Rossman about his book The Amazon Way and about Jon favorite past time of chasing Shiny things.2022-07-2143 min
The ClimbEp #97 - Developing a Product with Taylor TrustyEp #97 - Developing a Product with Taylor Trusty - Jon and David are back with another production of The Climb, a Digital Mastermind production, speaking with Taylor Trusty on if an Agency should focus on building their own product, maybe some shouldn't? Join us.2022-07-1154 min
The ClimbEp #96 - Sales Development with Walter CrosbyEp #96 - Sales Development with Walter Crosby - The Climb is back with another Digital Mastermind production, Jon speaks with Walter Crosby of Helix Sales Development to talk about creating sales systems that work. 2022-06-1538 min
The ClimbEp #95 - Fractional Expertise with Casey StantonEp #95 - Fractional Expertise with Casey Stanton - It's another episode of The Climb brought to you by the Digital Mastermind Group. Today Jon speaks with Casey Stanton on what it's like to be a fractional CMO.2022-06-141h 10
The ClimbEp #94 - Relationships at Scale with Dan EnglanderEp #94 - Relationships at Scale with Dan Englander - Join us for another edition of The Climb brought to you by The Digital Mastermind Group. Today Jon speaks with Dan Englander author of the book Relationships at Scale, and David and Jon discuss how they have approached the topic. 2022-06-0647 min
The ClimbEp #93 - Sales with Gary BarkerEp #93 - Jon Tsourakis and David McGraw are back with another episode of The Climb, Episode 93. Jon speaks with author Gary Barker about the power of sales.2022-06-0254 min
The ClimbEp #92 - Buyable with Steve PredaEp #92 - Buyable with Steve Preda - Jon speaks with author Steve Preda about making your business buyable. In another production of The Climb produced by The Digital Mastermind, Jon and Dave discuss goals and aligning your business in order to be buyable, join us!2022-04-2049 min
The ClimbEp #91 - Adding Value with Philippe KwiatkowskiEp #91 - Adding Value with Philippe Kwiatkowski - The Climb is back with another Digital Mastermind Group Production, Jon speaks with Philippe Kwiatkowski about adding value through cold emailing.2022-03-2434 min
The ClimbEp #90 - Managing Relationships with Michelle Calcote KingEp #90 - Managing Relationships with Michelle Calcote King - In another production of The Climb brought to you by the Digital Mastermind Group, Jon and David speak with Michelle Calcote King of Reputation Ink about her journey of launching her agency and managing the relationships in her life through the process.2022-03-1856 min
The ClimbEp #88 - Mental Health with Jennifer DenneyEp #88 - Mental Health with Jennifer Denney - Join Jon and David in another edition of The Climb brought to you by the Digital Mastermind Group. In today's episode we talk with Jennifer Denney about the importance of taking care of your own mental health as someone running an agency.2022-02-0754 min
The ClimbEp #86 - Rising with Eric BermanEp #86 - Rising with Eric Berman - In another episode of The Climb brought to you by the Digital Mastermind Group Jon and David speak with Eric Berman of Branditize out of San Diego. Eric encountered challenges in his early career to emerge with a successful agency today. Jon digs in to what it takes to rise from those challenges.2021-12-071h 14
The ClimbEp #85 - Biz Dev with Chris McGuireEp #85 - Biz Dev with Chris McGuire - Want to learn how to develop business post Covid? Jon and David on The Climb speak with Chris McGuire about what it takes to land sales in today's environment. In another Digital Mastermind production, join us!2021-11-151h 05
The ClimbEp #84 - Great Resignation with Inbar YagurEp #84 - Great Resignation with Inbar Yagur - In another Digital Mastermind production of The Climb, Jon and David speak with Inbar Yagur about the great resignation, as well as working in Martech as a parent. Join us for tips, tricks, and insights into the world of Digital Marketing.2021-11-121h 17
The ClimbEp #83 - Mark SmithEp #84 - Mark Smith - Jon and David speak to Mark Smith of Ventana Research about market research. Another Digital Mastermind production of The Climb, join us and the learn more insights in the technology and digital marketing space.2021-10-281h 14
The ClimbEp #82 - Aligned with Purpose with David BaldwinEp #82 - Aligned with Purpose with David Baldwin - In another instalment of The Climb, brought to you by The Digital Mastermind Group, Jon and David speak with David Baldwin about knowing yourself and putting yourself into your work. Join us for another exciting interview with leaders in the digital space.2021-10-191h 03
The ClimbEp #81 - Measuring Success with Guy PowellEp #81 - Measuring Success with Guy Powell - Do you have your systems in place to truly measure your marketing spend? Guy talks with Jon and David about setting up your ROI the right way and to scale. Another Digital Mastermind Group production of the The Climb, join us.2021-09-211h 07
The ClimbEp #80 - Story of Selling with Jody SutterEp #80 - Story of Selling with Jody Sutter - Jon and David speak to Jody Sutter of The Sutter Company about selling and telling your story. In another episode of The Climb brought to you by The Digital Mastermind. Free 45-min consultation to agency leaders who can schedule time here: https://www.thesuttercompany.com/start-here Martha's recipe for delicious lasagne bolognese: https://www.marthastewart.com/344188/lasagna-bolognese 2021-09-201h 04
The ClimbEP #79 - Movie Time with Adam WaldmanEP #79 - Movie Time with Adam Waldman - In another episode of The Climb brought to you by The Digital Mastermind Group, Jon and David speak with Adam Waldman about what it's like working as an agency working for Hollywood. Jon admits his love for trailers and David gets called out for only liking movies with good actors noted, it's another great episode, let us know what you think!2021-09-101h 16
The ClimbEp #78 - Growth Coaching with Robert CravenEp #78 - Growth Coaching with Robert Craven - It's another episode of The Climb by The Digital Mastermind. In this episode Jon speaks about growth in an agency and how coaching can help that. David joins Jon for the pre-show but missed this episode where Jon and Robert go for a long in depth look into growing an Agency. 2021-08-051h 12
The ClimbEp #78 - Growth Coaching with Robert CravenEp #78 - Growth Coaching with Robert Craven - It's another episode of The Climb by The Digital Mastermind. In this episode Jon speaks about growth in an agency and how coaching can help that. David joins Jon for the pre-show but missed this episode where Jon and Robert go for a long in depth look into growing an Agency.2021-08-051h 13
The ClimbEp #77 - Building the Agency you want with Lee GoffEp #77 - Building the Agency you want with Lee Goff - In another episode of The Climb, Jon and David speak with Lee Goff of Marketing Agency Coach about building the agency you want and how to get there. Lots to unpack in this great episode brought to you by the Digital Mastermind.2021-07-291h 01
The ClimbEp #77 - Building the Agency you want with Lee GoffEp #77 - Building the Agency you want with Lee Goff - In another episode of The Climb, Jon and David speak with Lee Goff of Marketing Agency Coach about building the agency you want and how to get there. Lots to unpack in this great episode brought to you by the Digital Mastermind.2021-07-291h 01
The ClimbEp #76 - Selling your Agency with Lorraine BallEp #76 - Selling your Agency with Lorraine Ball - It's another Digital Mastermind production of The Climb where Jon and David speak with Lorraine Ball a long time DMG member. We get into motivation of selling, knowing what you want and what not to accept and all things marketing.2021-07-2257 min
The ClimbEp #76 - Selling your Agency with Lorraine BallEp #76 - Selling your Agency with Lorraine Ball - It's another Digital Mastermind production of The Climb where Jon and David speak with Lorraine Ball a long time DMG member. We get into motivation of selling, knowing what you want and what not to accept and all things marketing.2021-07-2257 min
The ClimbEp #75 - Working with Agencies with Chris MartinezEp #75 - Working with Agencies with Chris Martinez - In another edition of The Climb, Jon and David speak with Chris Martinez, CEO of Dude Agency, about working with Agency owners, their challenges and what works. A Digital Mastermind Production, Join us!2021-07-151h 19
The ClimbEp #74 - Dashboards with Steph HermansonEp #74 - Dashboards with Steph Hermanson - In another Digital Mastermind Group Production, Jon and David speak with Steph, Advisor at Atomic Revenue out of St. Louis, about dashboards and tracking the your clients key performance indicators, and how adding dashboards to your client engagements can increase your agency revenue.2021-07-0858 min
The ClimbEp #74 - Dashboards with Steph HermansonEp #74 - Dashboards with Steph Hermanson - In another Digital Mastermind Group Production, Jon and David speak with Steph, Advisor at Atomic Revenue out of St. Louis, about dashboards and tracking the your clients key performance indicators, and how adding dashboards to your client engagements can increase your agency revenue.2021-07-0859 min
The ClimbEp #73 - Live Streaming with Katie FawkesEp #73 - Live Streaming with Katie Fawkes - In another episode of The Climb Jon and David speak with Katie Fawkes of Ecamm, a Live streaming product that helps content creators make better and more professional content. Discussing tips and tricks and steps where you as an Agency can step into the world of provide streaming content for your clients. Ecamm Live - www.ecamm.live Ecamm Live Community - www.facebook.com/groups/ecammlive Showrunner: https://www.ecamm.club/showrunner (you can download the pricing calculator there)2021-07-0155 min
The ClimbEp #73 - Live Streaming with Katie FawkesEp #73 - Live Streaming with Katie Fawkes - In another episode of The Climb Jon and David speak with Katie Fawkes of Ecamm, a Live streaming product that helps content creators make better and more professional content. Discussing tips and tricks and steps where you as an Agency can step into the world of provide streaming content for your clients. Ecamm Live - www.ecamm.live Ecamm Live Community - www.facebook.com/groups/ecammlive Showrunner: https://www.ecamm.club/showrunner (you can download the pricing calculator there)2021-07-0155 min
The ClimbEp #72 - Transfluence with Walt RakowichEp #72 - Transfluence with Walt Rakowich - Jon and David dig deep with Walt on how to be a thoughtful leader with another episode of The Climb, a Digital Mastermind group production. Leadership and trusting your team is more important than ever, in this episode we find out how Walt applied his perspective while faced with a serious challenge in his business.2021-06-241h 02
The ClimbEp #72 - Transfluence with Walt RakowichEp #72 - Transfluence with Walt Rakowich - Jon and David dig deep with Walt on how to be a thoughtful leader with another episode of The Climb, a Digital Mastermind group production. Leadership and trusting your team is more important than ever, in this episode we find out how Walt applied his perspective while faced with a serious challenge in his business.2021-06-241h 02
The ClimbEp #70 - Leadership with Jonathan Bowman-PerksEp #70 - Leadership with Jonathan Bowman-Perks - In another production of The Climb by The Digital Mastermind Group, Jon and David discuss what it takes to be a leader in today's world and talk with Jonathan about his approach to it.2021-06-101h 20
The ClimbEp #69 - Mergers, EOS, and more with Kevin HouriganEp #69 - Mergers, EOS, and more with Kevin Hourigan - Jon and David speak with Kevin Hourigan of Spinutech about his previous merger, EOS, and how to scale your business into the next level. Join us for another Digital Masterminds Production!2021-05-201h 17
The ClimbEp #68 - Bio-Hacking with Justin RoethlingshoeferEp #68 - Bio-Hacking with Justin Roethlingshoefer - Jon and David speak with Justin of OWN IT about what is Bio Hacking, and how to treat your body like a business to get the most out of it.2021-05-131h 25
The ClimbEp #67 - Review and Reputation Management with Chelsea CraigEp #67 - Review and Reputation Management with Chelsea Craig - Jon and David talk about the importance of reviews for your agency using sites like Clutch.co and G2 with Chelsea of Rhine Reviews, they dig into the process and what it takes to keep your agencies reviews looking good and driving in business. 2021-05-061h 18
The ClimbEp #66 - Social Selling with Jonathan BaldockEp #66 - Social Selling with Jonathan Baldock - Jon and David talk with Jonathan of SocialHP about using social media to increase sales. Jon gets his LinkedIn profile critiqued live during the interview for sales effectiveness.2021-04-271h 12
The ClimbEp #66 - Social Selling with Jonathan BaldockEp #66 - Social Selling with Jonathan Baldock - Jon and David talk with Jonathan of SocialHP about using social media to increase sales. Jon gets his LinkedIn profile critiqued live during the interview for sales effectiveness.2021-04-271h 12
The ClimbEp #65 Business Coaching with Jeff NischwitzEp #65 Business Coaching with Jeff Nischwitz - Jon and David switch up their format once again to speak with Jeff about Coaching and Leadership. Jeff has seen it all from being a lawyer to a business owner and he now coaches others on how to be effective leaders.2021-04-201h 24The ClimbEp #64 - Sales Outreach for Agencies with Dan EnglanderEp #64 - Sales Outreach for Agencies with Dan Englander - It's another Digital Mastermind Production where Jon and Dave discuss sales outreach and go over tips and tricks to increase your response rate. Jon interviews Dan Englander and they delve deep into how to up your sales game.2021-03-1055 min
The ClimbEp #64 - Sales Outreach for Agencies with Dan EnglanderEp #64 - Sales Outreach for Agencies with Dan Englander - It's another Digital Mastermind Production where Jon and Dave discuss sales outreach and go over tips and tricks to increase your response rate. Jon interviews Dan Englander and they delve deep into how to up your sales game.2021-03-1055 minThe ClimbEp #63 - Legal advice for Agency owners with Sharon ToerekEp #63 - Legal advice for Agency owners with Sharon Toerek - Jon and David discuss Jon's interview with Sharon about how Agency owners need to approach their legal documents such as Master Service Agreements and Proposals and more.2021-02-241h 10The ClimbEp #62 - Agency Match Making with Robin BoehlerEp #62 - Agency Match Making with Robin Boehler - Jon and David discuss match making. No, not about dating, but what search companies like Robin Boehler look for when hired to match an agency to a company's need. Another Digital Mastermind Production!2021-02-1850 minThe ClimbEp #62 - Agency Match Making with Robin BoehlerEp #62 - Agency Match Making with Robin Boehler - Jon and David discuss match making. No, not about dating, but what search companies like Robin Boehler look for when hired to match an agency to a company's need. Another Digital Mastermind Production!2021-02-1850 minThe ClimbEp #61 - Investing and Finance talk with Adam CarrollEp #61 - Investing and Finance talk with Adam Carroll - In another edition of The Climb Jon and David talk with author Adam Carroll about investing, finance and more. Another Digital Masterminds Group production about running, expanding and investing in your Agency.2021-02-101h 21The ClimbEp #61 - Investing and Finance talk with Adam CarrollEp #61 - Investing and Finance talk with Adam Carroll - In another edition of The Climb Jon and David talk with author Adam Carroll about investing, finance and more. Another Digital Masterminds Group production about running, expanding and investing in your Agency.2021-02-101h 21The ClimbEp #60 - Tax Planning for Agencies with Craig CodyEp #60 - Tax Planning for Agencies with Craig Cody - It's another episode of The Climb with Jon and David, in this show were speaking with Craig Cody of Craig Cody & Company - CPA, Tax Consultant & Tax Planning. Tax season is coming up and we discuss strategies and deductions to save you as much as possible from Uncle Sam!2021-02-0352 minThe ClimbEp #60 - Tax Planning for Agencies with Craig Cody Ep #60 - Tax Planning for Agencies with Craig Cody - It's another episode of The Climb with Jon and David, in this show were speaking with Craig Cody of Craig Cody & Company - CPA, Tax Consultant & Tax Planning. Tax season is coming up and we discuss strategies and deductions to save you as much as possible from Uncle Sam! 2021-02-0352 minThe ClimbEP #54 - Interview with Drew MeclellenEP #54 - Interview with Drew Meclellen - It's another episode of The Climb with Jon and David, a Digital Mastermind Group production. In this episode Jon interviews Drew Meclellen of the Agency Management Institute (AMI).2021-01-1845 minThe ClimbEP #54 - Interview with Drew MeclellenEP #54 - Interview with Drew Meclellen - It's another episode of The Climb with Jon and David, a Digital Mastermind Group production. In this episode Jon interviews Drew Meclellen of the Agency Management Institute (AMI).2021-01-1845 minThe ClimbEp #53 - Interview Series with Phil LockwoodEp #53 - Interview Series with Phil Lockwood - Jon interviews Phil Lockwood of Distill Agency where they dig into how to get the account you want, partnerships and how do you know your a good boss? It's another Digital Mastermind Group production of The Climb, join us!2020-11-1858 minThe ClimbEp #53 - Interview Series with Phil LockwoodEp #53 - Interview Series with Phil Lockwood - Jon interviews Phil Lockwood of Distill Agency where they dig into how to get the account you want, partnerships and how do you know your a good boss? It's another Digital Mastermind Group production of The Climb, join us!2020-11-1858 minThe ClimbEp #52 - Free Talk Friday - 11/13/2020Ep #52 - FTF - 11/13/2020 - Jon and David talk buying out clients, direct communication, PPP Loan Update and review of the weekly DMG call and more, welcome to The Climb.2020-11-1329 minThe ClimbEp #51 - Scaling Pains Or Scaling NimblyEp #51 - Scaling Pains Or Scaling Nimbly - Today Jon and Dave discuss how to scale without losing the company's identity, plus tips and tricks to avoid common mistakes. Tune in for another Digital Mastermind production of The Climb.2020-11-1348 minThe ClimbEp #51 - Scaling Pains Or Scaling NimblyEp #51 - Scaling Pains Or Scaling Nimbly - Today Jon and Dave discuss how to scale without losing the company's identity, plus tips and tricks to avoid common mistakes. Tune in for another Digital Mastermind production of The Climb.2020-11-1348 minThe ClimbEp #50 - Do you Want to Work Less & Earn More?Ep #50 - Do you Want to Work Less & Earn More? - Jon and Dave have pondered this question for some time. Luckily the well sought after agency consultant Karl Sakas joins them to provide some answers so you can get the most out of your business.2020-11-0647 minThe ClimbEp #49 - How to Zen Up Your Agency Ep #49 - How to Zen Up Your Agency - Want to learn How to Zen Up Your Agency? Stay tuned as another episode of The Climb is coming where Jon and David discuss an interview Jon had with Keith Roberts of Zenman this past week.2020-10-3039 minThe ClimbEp #48 - Free Talk Friday - 10/23/2020Ep #48 - Free Talk Friday - 10/23/2020 - It's a Free talk Friday episode of The Climb brought to you by The Digital Mastermind Group. Your going to want to turn into this one, Jon and David discuss taking political stances in your business among other topics, bring your questions and comments!2020-10-2353 minThe ClimbEp #47 - How to Save Employees and Let Go of the Bad OnesEp #47 - How to Save Employees and Let Go of the Bad Ones - Jon and David are back with another episode of The Climb brought to you by The Digital Mastermind Group. In this episode we're going to talk about how save that struggling employee worth keeping and and ensure your team is as efficient as possible.2020-10-2145 minThe ClimbEp #46 - Free Talk Friday - 10/16/2020Ep #46 - Free Talk Friday - 10/16/2020 - In this episode of The Climb, it's another Free Talk Friday where Jon and David discuss what's happening in the day to day agency world. Discussions include: Start of new Quarters, Ransom Attacks, and Insurance coverage and more. Join us, and bring your questions!2020-10-1658 minThe ClimbEp #45 - Closing out the Quarter Ep #45 - Closing out the Quarter - In another episode of The Climb, Jon and David talk about closing out the Quarter, Oyova operates in 4 seasons with each quarter having their own struggles, and successes. In this Episode they'll talk how they process a quarter and what that process looks like.2020-10-1453 minThe ClimbEp #44 - How to Fill Your PipelineEp #44 - How to Fill Your Pipeline - Want to learn more about keeping your pipeline full? Catch Jon and David with another Digital Mastermind production of The Climb where they reveal insight on how they run their digital agency in hopes it helps you grow yours.2020-09-231h 00The ClimbEp #41 - Free Talk Friday - Sept 11th 2020Ep #41 - Free Talk Friday - Sept 11th 2020 - It's another Free Talk Friday edition of The Climb. Jon and David talk about what is going on with Oyova this week, take questions from the Live audience and more. Join us and bring your Digital Agency questions.2020-09-111h 01The ClimbEp #40 - Build a reporting structure to manage and scale your agencyEp #40 - Build a reporting structure to manage and scale your agency - In this episode of The Climb, Jon and David delve into the world of reporting and scalability. Are you working in your business, or on it? Do you have the systems in place to grow, what are your KPIs and do you know your numbers?2020-09-0957 minThe ClimbEp #37 - Free Talk Friday - 08/28/2020Ep #37 - Free Talk Friday - 08/28/2020 - Jon and David are back with another installment of Free Talk Friday where they are going to discuss the latest happenings in Digital Agency life. Have a question? Ask us live!2020-08-2859 minThe ClimbEp #36 - Recruiting and Hiring TalentEp #36 - Recruiting and Hiring Talent - Ever wanted to know how to build the best team, is it always just hiring A level people, do you know how to develop talent? Are you invested in growing your team organically, or do you not value the human element and just want results? Jon and David go deep into HR of Agency Life.2020-08-261h 11The ClimbEp #35 - The Pillars of Agency GrowthEp #35 - The Pillars of Agency Growth - Jon dives deep into his list of things that will be foundational to agency growth. David brings a By The Numbers segment that showcases local first purchasing. Tune in, challenge us, comment and subscribe to The Climb.2020-08-1955 minThe ClimbEp #34 - Free Talk FridayEp #34 - Free Talk Friday - In this second edition of Free Talk Friday, Jon and David are going to discuss the latest that's going on in their world, Awards, Press Releases and Recognition.2020-08-141h 06The ClimbEp #33 - Annual PlanningEp #33 - Annual Planning - Are you ready for the upcoming year? Do you make a forward looking plan? Is it 3 months, 6 months or do you go full 12 months? Jon and David discuss the ins and outs of planning to plan!2020-08-1254 minThe ClimbEp #32 - Free Talk Friday - August 7th 2020Ep #32 - Free Talk Friday - August 7th 2020 - It's a Free Talk Friday episode where Jon and David are going to discuss whatever comes up, answer audience questions, and talk about topics that happened this week. Join us Live and challenge us with a good question. It's a Digital Mastermind Production and were here to build your agency!2020-08-071h 00The ClimbEp #31 - Account Management vs. Project ManagementEp #31 - Account Management vs. Project Management - Jon and David discuss the differences between Account management vs Project Management, which actions, and traits fall under which and why you might have your roles mixed up.2020-08-051h 06The ClimbEp #29 - Agency Pricing ModelsEp #29 - Agency Pricing Models - Jon and David delve deep into how to approach pricing with both retainers and project work. Should you go value based, or stick with fixed bid? Or maybe simply hourly work? Find out2020-07-301h 03The ClimbEp #28 - How to be a good clientEp #28 - How to be a decent client - Jon and Dave are back with The Digital Mastermind for a break down on what it means to be a good client. What to look for and what not to tolerate.2020-07-2457 minThe ClimbThe Climb - Ep #27 - Building and Fostering a NetworkDigital Masterminds delve into building your network, tips on how to cultivate that value added relationships to drive more business. Jon and Dave are joined by Lee Wochner of Counter Intuity, to answer the age old question, how do you develop meaningful business relationships?2020-07-221h 10The ClimbEp 26 - How to get out of a Sales SlumpJon shares his 12 point plan on how to dig your self out of a sales slump.2020-07-171h 21The ClimbEp 25 - How to Prevent Burnout & How to Reenergize Your AgencyJon and David discuss ways to avoid burn out and when you hit that phase, how to get out of it. Every agency owner hits that burn out wall, and breaking through that matters. Plus Jon goes All American with his Tsourakis Topic and David talks job numbers in By The Numbers.2020-07-091h 06
The ClimbSymptoms & Solutions for an Agency That Can't GrowJon Tsourakis and David McGraw discuss breaking through in this episode of The Climb. Looking for tips and tricks to get your agency past it's current Plateau, how to leverage interns vs full time and protecting your agency with a gem you should have in all your contracts. Be sure to like and follow The Digital Mastermind Group! ▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬ Join Digital Mastermind: Website ► https://www.digitalmastermind.com ▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬ Connect w/Digital Mastermind Group Facebook ► https://www.facebook.com/digmastermindgroup Instagram ► https://www.instagram.com/digitalmastermindgroup/ LinkedIn ► https://www.linkedin.com/company/digital-mastermind-group/ Twitter ► https://twitter.com/d...2020-06-1747 minThe ClimbSeason 1 FinaleThe season finale. 20 episodes. So much learned. So many episodes. This started as an experiment. I’ve come to enjoy and based on feedback, so are a lot of you. In this episode, Dave and I reflect on what we learned over the last six-month podcasting as well as what we took away from our favorite guests. Check it out. And stay tuned for season 2— we’re going live, baby. ▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬ Join Digital Mastermind: Website ► https://www.digitalmastermind.com ▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬ Connect w/Digital Mastermind Group Facebook ► https://www.facebook.com/digmastermindgroup Instagram ► https://www.instagram.com/dig...2020-06-071h 14The ClimbAmy FoleyAmy’s one of the nicest people you’ll ever meet. She’s also humble. She’s built a 60+ person company that helps agencies and she’s growing. If you asked her at the beginning of her career if she thought she’d be where she is today, deep down, I think she knew. Although you can’t discount that. She’s worked hard, gained experience and put her detail-oriented, process-centric style of work to building a scalable company. Join us as we chat about her climb, outsourcing, managing expectations and the cultural challenges of a...2020-05-131h 21The ClimbRick Carlson: Marketing AutomationI love entrepreneurs. Guys and gals that see a gap and take a chance. I especially like them when they’re marketers and work in sales. Rick’s one of those guys. That’s what lead him to found SharpSpring, a marketing automation platform focused on agencies. Join us as we talk to Rick about his company's success and what the most successful agencies are doing with marketing automation. Be sure to subscribe! Do it here ► https://bit.ly/theclimbyoutube ▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬ Show Notes: Rick's company ► www.sharpspring.com ▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬ Join Digital Mastermi...2020-05-0639 minThe ClimbJim HarrisonJim’s a creative guy. He directs, consults, speaks and teaches on creativity. He can’t get enough it. That’s why I wanted him on the show. I wanted to talk about how agencies can be more creative and how they can nurture it. We did that. And we also had a chance to discuss how you can take time out (or step away during a crisis) to work on your creativity. Have a listen as we sit down with Jim Harrison from MetaVisual design studio. Be sure to sub...2020-04-291h 10The ClimbBrett Cohen & Bill Gadless: How to Survive & Then Thrive as a Digital AgencyWhat do you do in the good times? Are you prepped, ready to go and able to make it through a downturn? If not, you’re in for a rude awakening. Sure, you may have been one of the lucky ones to receive the first round of funding from the government. But depending on how long you’ve been in business, you want to look to the companies that have made it through the ups and downs. You want to know what to look at in your clients and your niche to gauge your...2020-04-221h 36The ClimbBrad Ebenhoeh: How to Get Out of This & Future Proof Your Agency from CrisisBrad’s a numbers guy. He’s also a process guy. When you mix the two, the output is a powerhouse company designed to help digital agencies propel their growth. It’s called Accountfully. This is where he and his team manage clients’ books and act as a CFO, helping with financial decisions of shapes and sizes. And he’s also a quick study. In a matter of days, many were calling him a PPL and EIDL expert. In any event, he was kind enough to come on the podcast and tell us what we ca...2020-04-191h 12The ClimbJason Rosenbaum: How to Create & Manage a Remote Digital AgencyI love changing my mind. It means someone produced a piece of data or such a compelling argument that I’ve taken a new position. In other words, I learned something new. Before this interview, I was pretty deadset in my opinion on working remotely. I believed something was lost when humans are not in the same building. I know. It’s old school. And times are changing. But that’s why my guest was the perfect person to chat with about a distributed workforce. Jason’s agency is born and bred out...2020-04-121h 25The ClimbMichael Gass: Agency Social Media & Positioning During CoronavirusMichael Gass. He’s been doing this for a bit. We wanted to talk about Coronavirus, specifically how agencies should communicate and how they should position themselves. First off, what I have to say is he’s a professional. He’s got family directly affected by the crisis. But he still came on the show. And his advice during the crisis— don’t sell or prospect. Prepare for new business. Help others and add value. Support them in any way you can. Sure this goes without saying, but it’s worth saying again. He also offe...2020-04-051h 25The ClimbNicholas Petroski: Agency Survival Amidst Coronavirus PandemicNavigating a crisis is tough in any industry. But when you’re a marketing agency, it can be even tougher. For instance, how many months of capital do you have on hand? Hopefully more than 1-3 months. According to our guest Nick, that’s the average. And based on what he’s saying, you need 6 months or more. He’s a researcher and a strategist with a financial background who happens to work with agencies. I thought he would be a good guest to speak to about the Coronavirus pandemic and he didn’t disappoi...2020-03-261h 27The ClimbCharlie Flax: Authenticity, Differentiation, & PonyCyclesCharlie’s authentic. No one can argue this. He’s always hustling. He’s a hustler. But not in the conman type of way. Rather, in the “lots of action” kind of way. Although he thinks it can be a problem. I’d argue this. But then again, maybe I think too much. ;) Over the last 14 years, he’s honed the actions that built his agency, into a strategic powerhouse with 40+ people. In fact, some could argue he owns the digital health care marketing niche. He’s accomplished this by delivering wo...2020-03-221h 24The ClimbGeoff Wilson: Managing Growth, Leadership and Hawking CardsGeoff is a through and through entrepreneur. He started his first business in high school. He started his agency when in college. And he’s owned multiple businesses since then, including some ice cream shops. He’s still starting businesses. He won’t stop. Why would he? He’s not a set it and forget it guy. He’s an innovator. Hence why his agency was one of the first to convert to agile only development. He’s always looking for a competitive advantage and differentiator. Now his agency is on the bleeding...2020-03-151h 04The ClimbJeb Banner: Purpose, Products and Real PresenceWhat’s your purpose? Does it align with your agency’s purpose? Here's another thing to consider, are you trying to make your agency something it’s not? These are questions Jeb Banner kept asking himself. He was the CEO of his agency, kept hitting walls and got burned out. Although while he was still running it, he spent the last 5 years trying to find a product, trying to find something with recurring revenue. From this, he discovered what happens when DNA clashes. His agency wanted to be an agency. He wanted to build a...2020-03-081h 17The ClimbNikole & Mike Rose: Acquisitions, Management and CultureSometimes you meet couples that compliment each other in every way. Sometimes they marry. And sometimes they decide to run a business together. This kind of teamwork isn’t ordinary. And I mean real teamwork. And when it starts at the top and trickles through your business down to the newest employees, you have a solid culture. And when you have a solid culture, anything is achievable. I had the honor to interview Nikole & Mike Rose, the two people I’m attempting to describe here. The company they’ve built embodies the inbound marketing agency many asc...2020-02-181h 21
The ClimbShannon Prager: Women Empowerment, Role Models and Demand GenerationMentors are important. To Shannon, it’s important to have one and to be one. Don’t get me wrong, Shannon’s not a preacher. She’s more than that. Shes’ a teacher, a role model. She’s built a successful, growing marketing agency with a team of women that she empowers by telling her story and being transparent about her life. (And before you ask, it’s not that she won’t hire a man, this is just the way it’s worked out so far.) But Shannon’s the real deal. She lives “women emp...2020-02-101h 19
The ClimbCameron Madill: Aligning Values, Agency work and PeopleWhat good have you done lately? This is a question Cameron Madill thinks about a lot. With that thought, he’s built an agency that oozes with corporate good. But this wasn’t at a cost. Not in the longterm anyway. In fact, since then, he’s doubled his business. Is this what you get when you take a kid from Portland, send him to Stanford to get a degree in physics and have him start an agency with his dad? Nah. It’s more complex than that. Cameron Madill’s a deep thinker. A l...2020-01-031h 03