Chats with Chip: Recent Episodes
Chip Griffin
In this episode, Chip is joined by Karen Swim and Michelle Kane of the That Solo Life Podcast for part one of a special crossover episode exploring the practical effects of AI on agencies, solos, and the communications industry.
Karen and Michelle share their view that AI is no longer optional. Practitioners who resist it risk falling behind, while those who embrace it can dramatically expand their capabilities. The conversation goes beyond basic content creation, exploring how AI can elevate strategy, reinvigorate professional skills, and free up time for deeper, more creative thinking.
Chip, Karen, and Michelle also discuss the importance of treating AI like a new employee — providing context, voice, and guidance to get the best results — and address common concerns around ethics, privacy, and copyright. They encourage communicators who haven’t revisited these tools recently to dive back in, as the technology has advanced rapidly and shows no signs of slowing down. [read the transcript]
The post CWC 113: How AI impacts PR agencies and solos (featuring Karen Swim and Michelle Kane) appeared first on FIR Podcast Network.
In this episode, host Chip speaks with Emily Allard, the founder of 24 Sports Marketing. Emily shares her journey from being a professional softball player to starting her own sports marketing agency focused on women’s athletics. She discusses the challenges and opportunities in promoting women’s sports, emphasizing the importance of storytelling and education in digital marketing.
They also delve into the growth of women’s sports, the impact of key personalities, and the need for strategic and integrity-driven business practices. Emily offers insights for aspiring agency owners and highlights the potential future directions for her business. [read the transcript]
The post CWC 112: Building a Passion-Driven Agency (featuring Emily Allard) appeared first on FIR Podcast Network.
In this episode, Chip speaks with Ken Jacobs, principal of Jacobs Consulting and Executive Coaching, about providing constructive feedback to team members.
They discuss the importance of leadership coaching in the PR and communication space and the challenges of becoming a good leader without formal training. Ken emphasizes the necessity of providing constructive feedback that builds trust and respect, as well as the importance of listening and asking open-ended questions.
Chip and Ken also highlight the continuous process of coaching and the significance of maintaining open communication with team members to encourage their growth and success. [read the transcript]
The post CWC 111: Providing your team with constructive feedback (featuring Ken Jacobs) appeared first on FIR Podcast Network.
In this episode, Chip speaks with agency advisor Tim Kilroy about the challenges and strategies for running a small agency. Tim shares his extensive experience in digital marketing and agency coaching, highlighting the importance of flexibility and adaptability in leadership.
They discuss the notion of many agency owners being ‘accidental’ and the necessity of creative problem-solving and rigorous operational procedures in today’s tough economic and technological landscapes. The conversation emphasizes fostering a supportive and clear environment for agency teams, allowing for autonomy and decentralized decision-making to drive success. [read the transcript]
The post CWC 110: Embracing change as an agency owner (featuring Tim Kilroy) appeared first on FIR Podcast Network.
In this episode, Chip talks with Melissa Vela-Williamson of MVW Communications about her unique journey in public relations and the importance of content creation. Melissa shares her background, highlighting her non-traditional path into PR and her passion for using public relations for social good.
They discuss her focus on helping nonprofits and education clients, her role as a content creator, and her work as a columnist for the Public Relations Society of America. Melissa also delves into the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on her business and the strategic approaches she took to maintain client relationships and grow her firm.
They explore the significance of writing books and producing various types of content, emphasizing the value of building relationships and demonstrating thought leadership in the communications industry. [read the transcript]
The post CWC 109: Thought leadership for agency growth (featuring Melissa Vela-Williamson) appeared first on FIR Podcast Network.
In this episode, Chip talks with Rachel Sales from the PR agency Enunciate about managing client communications in a chaotic world.
Rachel discusses the importance of empathy and strategy in addressing news and its impact on clients. They explore whether brand leaders should comment on current affairs, emphasizing the need for authenticity and aligning with business goals. Rachel shares a process for determining when and how clients should respond to news events.
The conversation also covers the evolving media landscape, the shift towards contributed content, LinkedIn strategies, and the importance of humanizing client messaging in turbulent times. [read the transcript]
The post CWC 108: Helping PR agency clients navigate a challenging communications climate (featuring Rachel Sales) appeared first on FIR Podcast Network.
In this episode, Chip discusses with Patrick Rogan of IgnitionHR the challenges small agency owners face in supporting stressed employees.
They delve into the impact of both work-related and external stressors on employee performance, noting the increased stress during and after COVID-19. Patrick shares strategies for addressing these issues, such as maintaining open communication, offering flexibility, and utilizing employee assistance programs.
They also discuss the balance between being supportive and maintaining business operations, emphasizing the importance of creative solutions and understanding regulatory requirements. [read the transcript]
The post CWC 107: How to support your team in times of stress (featuring Patrick Rogan) appeared first on FIR Podcast Network.
In this episode, Chip chats with Lee McKnight, Jr. from RSW/US about the findings from their latest survey on agency and marketer perspectives.
They discuss key topics such as the discrepancies between agencies’ efforts to productize services versus clients’ preference for customized solutions, the increasing trend towards fixed-fee pricing over hourly billing, and the importance of staying ahead of trends to meet client expectations.
The conversation touches on the effectiveness of direct outreach and the role of AI and short-form video in modern agency practices. They also highlight the need for more meaningful client conversations and the diminishing popularity of RFPs as agencies focus on quality over quantity in their business development efforts. [read the transcript]
The post CWC 106: Client perspectives on agencies in 2025 (featuring Lee McKnight, Jr.) appeared first on FIR Podcast Network.
In this episode, Chip talks with Karen Swim of Solo PR Pro about the challenges faced by solos and small agency owners in the current chaotic environment. They discuss the impact of economic, political, and societal issues on public relations and communications, emphasizing the need for adaptability in business strategies.
They highlight the importance of diversifying communication tactics beyond traditional media relations, focusing on owned and internal communications, and the value of continuous business development. The conversation also covers managing anxiety among employees, clients, and agency owners themselves, and the importance of peer support and professional community engagement. [read the transcript]
The post CWC 105: Communicating in the face of chaos, confusion, and conflict (featuring Karen Swim) appeared first on FIR Podcast Network.
In this episode, Chip talks with Steve Guberman of Agency Outsight about coaching agency owners through problems that they universally face.
Steve shares insights into setting realistic expectations with clients, avoiding over-servicing, and adjusting scopes and pricing appropriately.
Key topics include continuous communication, team involvement in the sales process, and the value of postmortems to learn from both successes and failures.
Additionally, they discuss the benefits of asking questions, remaining curious, and leveraging referrals and testimonials for business growth. [read the transcript]
The post CWC 104: How agency owners can avoid scope creep (featuring Steve Guberman) appeared first on FIR Podcast Network.
In this episode, Chip talks with Jody Sutter of The Sutter Company, a frequent contributor. They discuss strategies for small agencies, emphasizing the importance of clear positioning and targeted messaging for effective business development.
They highlight the necessity for agency owners to identify their strengths and leverage them, using methods like 12-week sprints to achieve incremental progress. They also address the challenges agencies face when looking for quick revenue boosts and the significance of tapping into existing networks. [read the transcript]
The post CWC 103: Building Effective Business Development Systems (featuring Jody Sutter) appeared first on FIR Podcast Network.
In this episode, Chip discusses agency business development with regular guest and seasoned expert Lee McKnight Jr., of RSW/US. The conversation covers the challenges agencies have been facing in 2024, such as prolonged sales cycles and client budget constraints.
They discuss survey findings indicating optimism among agencies. The dialogue also explores the role of AI in business development, emphasizing its current limitations but potential in the future.
They advocate for a consistent, omnichannel approach, stressing the importance of referrals and content creation like podcasts and videos to foster expertise and client relationships. The episode concludes by highlighting the need for persistence in business development efforts and the benefits of continuously providing valuable resources to prospects. [read the transcript]
The post CWC 102: Content, consistency, and conversions for agency biz dev (featuring Lee McKnight Jr.) appeared first on FIR Podcast Network.
In this episode, Chip talks with David C. Baker, who has been dubbed “the expert’s expert.” He leads the advisory firm Punctuation, and has worked with more than 1,000 agencies to help them get better positioned for success.
The discussion focuses on improving agency management and scalability by emphasizing the importance of understanding business fundamentals and integrating them alongside the creative and strategic solutions.
Key topics include the benefits of proper positioning, effective client communication, strategic pricing, and the importance of sharing expertise. [read the transcript]
The post CWC 101: Expert advice on putting your agency in a position to succeed (featuring David C. Baker) appeared first on FIR Podcast Network.
Patrick Rogan of Ignition HR joins Chip to discuss the FTC’s new ruling on non-compete agreements and expected adjustments to overtime pay regulations.
They discuss strategies for managing overtime and compensation issues in small agencies, highlighting the importance of compliance, proactive planning, and seeking HR assistance when necessary. [read the transcript]
The post CWC 100: Practical HR advice on new overtime and non-compete rules (featuring Patrick Rogan) appeared first on FIR Podcast Network.
Meetings have evolved over the last few decades, so shouldn’t the agency owner’s role have changed?
In this episode, Chip and Brad Farris of Anchor Advisors discuss the importance of effective leadership and meetings in agencies, emphasizing the owner’s unique role in providing vision and direction.
They explore the need for well-structured meetings with agendas, purpose, and active participation from all members.
The conversation touches on techniques for better meetings, the role of leaders in encouraging participation, and the value of appreciating contributions and creating positive meeting experiences. [read the transcript]
The post CWC 99: Modernizing leadership in meetings (featuring Brad Farris) appeared first on FIR Podcast Network.
Author of Start with the Story: Brand-Building in a Narrative Economy, Kristian Alomá knows the value of brand storytelling for agencies and businesses.
In this episode, Kristian shares insights about his agency, Threadline, and the art of crafting a narrative that is relevant, meaningful, and inspiring to the audience. He and Chip cover the evolution of brand stories over time and the need for agencies to live their own brand stories.
Chip and Kristian also discuss the value of a helpfulness mindset for growing a thriving agency. The importance of building trust and evolving with customers is highlighted throughout the conversation.
[read the transcript]
The post CWC 98: Storytelling and a helpfulness mindset for agency owners (featuring Kristian Alomá) appeared first on FIR Podcast Network.
In this episode, Chip talks with Nicholas Petroski, founder of Promethean Research.
Chip and Nick discuss digital agency salaries and the findings of a recent research report on the topic. They delve into the importance of balancing billable hours, the impact of pricing on agency profitability, and the role of benefits and stipends in attracting and retaining talent.
They also touch on the need for standardization of job titles in the agency industry.
[read the transcript]
The post CWC 97: Agency salary and compensation trends in 2024 (featuring Nicholas Petroski) appeared first on FIR Podcast Network.
Xaña Winans of Golden Proportions Marketing says that resiliency may be her superpower, and that’s a characteristic many agency owners needed to tap into as the pandemic upset existing business structures.
Like many owners, Xaña has kept her team remote. She shares some of her experience about how she made that transition and manages a team that is no longer full-time in the office. She talks about some of the challenges, as well as opportunities that creates.
In this conversation, Xaña also talks about how she started with a clear focus with the agency — which she has maintained — but also some of the evolution she has made along the way.[read the transcript]The post CWC 96: Resiliency and remote teams in an agency (featuring Xaña Winans) appeared first on FIR Podcast Network.
In this episode, Chip talks with Jason Swenk of Agency Mastery 360 about the intricate dynamics of agency growth, operations, and sales. The discussion touches upon multiple challenges that agency owners grapple with daily, offering a number of actionable insights.
- The Accidental Agency Owner: Jason himself began as an accidental agency owner at 22 when he designed a website poking fun at the pop band, NSYNC. From there, he scaled to an eight-figure agency with over 100 employees before selling. The “accidental” trajectory resonates with many in the agency world, leading to unique challenges and growth patterns.
- The Importance of Clarity: Jason emphasizes that clarity is paramount for agency success. Many agencies fall into the trap of accepting any client that comes their way, diluting their niche and expertise. By clearly understanding the direction they want to take, agencies can build a robust framework and delegate more efficiently.
- The Agency CEO Role: The transition from owner to CEO is vital for growth. A CEO needs to set the vision, coach the leadership team, be the organization’s face, build strategic relationships, and understand essential financial metrics.
- To Sell or Not to Sell: When contemplating selling their agency, owners need to assess the motivation behind this decision. Whether it’s discontentment, wanting a change, or a genuine need for cash, understanding the core reason can make the process more seamless. Jason sheds light on valuation nuances, stressing the importance of EBITDA and the pitfalls of earnouts.
- Enhancing Sales and Lead Generation: One of the primary pain points for agency owners is sales. Jason recommends a multi-channel approach, which includes inbound and outbound strategies.
Chip and Jason highlight the importance of evolving with the agency. Whether it’s adjusting the business model, understanding financial metrics, or pivoting strategies, staying proactive ensures sustained growth and success.
The post CWC 95: Evolving as your agency grows (featuring Jason Swenk) appeared first on FIR Podcast Network.
Few people in the agency world know more about the effective use of Wikipedia than Bill Beutler. As the founder of Beutler Ink, he and his team don’t just advise people about this popular platform, they also help clients communicate more effectively with infographics and other formats.
In this episode, Chip talks with Bill about the evolution of Wikipedia in recent years and how agencies can help their clients navigate the sometimes confusing editing ecosystem without getting themselves into trouble.
The pair also discuss how artificial intelligence impacts Wikipedia and communicators.[read the transcript]The post CWC 94: How agencies should think about Wikipedia in 2023 appeared first on FIR Podcast Network.
If you dread difficult conversations, Allyns Melendez of HR Transformed has some great tips to make them easier — or perhaps to head them off altogether with better communications.
In this episode, Chip and Allyns talk about ways that you can solicit ongoing feedback from agency employees and build a management structure that encourages meaningful two-way conversations.
Of course, difficult conversations can’t always be avoided. When you need to have them, Allyns suggests a framework for those meetings that will make them less painful and more productive.[read the transcript]The post CWC 93: How to make conversations with your agency employees less difficult (featuring Allyns Melendez) appeared first on FIR Podcast Network.
In this episode of Chats with Chip, Juliana Marulanda of ScaleTime explains why creating and documenting repeatable processes for your agency can make a big difference in outcomes for your business and your clients.
Continue Reading →
The post CWC 92: Process matters for agencies (featuring Juliana Marulanda) appeared first on FIR Podcast Network.
Have you ever thought about writing a book to leverage as a tool for demonstrating your expertise and building the profile of yourself and your agency?
Continue Reading →
The post CWC 91: Co-authoring a book with an all-star team (featuring Kami Huyse) appeared first on FIR Podcast Network.
In this episode of Chats with Chip, Ryan Watson of Upsourced discusses the critical role that financial planning has in growing a successful agency.
Continue Reading →
The post CWC 90: Building a strong financial foundation for your agency (featuring Ryan Watson) appeared first on FIR Podcast Network.
In this episode of Chats with Chip, Simon Erskine Locke of CommunicationsMatch joins for a discussion about agencies and RFPs.
Continue Reading →
The post CWC 89: Should Chip stop blindly hating RFPs for agencies? appeared first on FIR Podcast Network.
Adam Graham, Founder of both Gray Matters and BD Matters, brings a wealth of agency business development expertise to the table in this episode of Chats with Chip.
Continue Reading →
The post CWC 88: Jumpstarting your agency’s business development (featuring Adam Graham) appeared first on FIR Podcast Network.
In this second part of a two-part series, Zach Hyder explains what it has been like to transition from agency coach to president of the agency founded by Ward Hubbell.
Continue Reading →
The post CWC 87: Going from agency coach to agency leader (Part 2 of 2) appeared first on FIR Podcast Network.
In this episode, Hubbell Communications founder Ward Hubbell talks about the agency he founded, and how he decided to approach the transition when he no longer wanted to manage the business day-to-day.
Continue Reading →
The post CWC 86: Transitioning your agency to new leadership (Part 1 of 2) appeared first on FIR Podcast Network.
In this episode of Chats with Chip, Dan Englander of Sales Schema explains how agencies can develop these relationships at scale — even with limited resources.
Continue Reading →
The post CWC 85: Grow your agency by developing relationships at scale (featuring Dan Englander) appeared first on FIR Podcast Network.
In this episode of the Chats with Chip Podcast, Noel Andrews of JobRack explains how talent from Eastern Europe and other parts of the world can supplement your workforce.
Continue Reading →
The post CWC 84: Leveraging overseas talent to grow your agency appeared first on FIR Podcast Network.
In this episode of Chats with Chip, Jon Morris of Ramsay Innovations shares his perspective as a former agency owner turned agency financial advisor.
Continue Reading →
The post CWC 83: Getting a handle on your agency’s finances appeared first on FIR Podcast Network.
Galen Low, co-founder of The Digital Project Manager, joined Chip on this episode to talk about how agencies can improve their project management skills to improve the results that they produce for clients while also contributing to the agency's bottom line.
Continue Reading →
The post CWC 82: How to manage agency projects for profitable results appeared first on FIR Podcast Network.
In this episode of Chats with Chip, Carl describes the journey and talks about what has worked — and what hasn't.
Continue Reading →
The post CWC 81: The evolution of agency events (featuring Carl Smith) appeared first on FIR Podcast Network.
In this episode of Chats with Chip, Jessica Phillips, CEO/Founder of The Social Standard, and that agency's Chief Revenue Officer, Dylan Conroy, discuss their approach to growing the business.
Continue Reading →
The post CWC 80: Growing an influencer marketing agency (featuring Jess Phillips and Dylan Conroy) appeared first on FIR Podcast Network.
In this episode of Chats with Chip, Shannyn Lee of Win Without Pitching joins to talk about how agencies can step up their business development game.
Continue Reading →
The post CWC 79: Creating winning new business strategies for your agency (featuring Shannyn Lee) appeared first on FIR Podcast Network.
Miles Everson, CEO of MBO Partners, joins Chip to talk about the challenges that agencies are facing in this new era of work — and how they can find success while mitigating risks.
Continue Reading →
The post CWC 78: How agencies can manage the new work landscape (featuring Miles Everson) appeared first on FIR Podcast Network.
Chris Hervochon, a CPA with extensive experience working with small agencies, shares his advice on how to manage your business more effectively by understanding and using your financial reports.
Continue Reading →
The post CWC 77: Managing your agency’s financials for better results (featuring Chris Hervochon) appeared first on FIR Podcast Network.
Ideas and insights for future success in the midst of this crisis
Continue Reading →
The post CWC 62: The power of creativity and community in difficult times (featuring Carl Smith) appeared first on FIR Podcast Network.
How to handle succession in the family business
Continue Reading →
The post CWC 61: Transitioning agency ownership to the next generation (featuring Jonathan and Erik Bernstein) appeared first on FIR Podcast Network.
What goes into the decision to give up an office in favor of remote work
Continue Reading →
The post CWC 60: Making the transition to become a virtual agency (featuring Todd Zeigler) appeared first on FIR Podcast Network.
Getting results for clients and growing your agency using the most talked about communications medium today.
Continue Reading →
The post CWC 59: How podcasts can help agencies and their clients (featuring Kelly Glover) appeared first on FIR Podcast Network.
Lessons for veteran agency owners and newcomers to the agency world from the experience of students
Continue Reading →
The post CWC 58: When students get a chance to run their own PR agency (featuring Amy Shanler) appeared first on FIR Podcast Network.
The benefits of joining together with peers to learn about the business side of agencies
Continue Reading →
The post CWC 57: How PRSA Counselors Academy helps agency owners (featuring Chuck Norman) appeared first on FIR Podcast Network.
Meeting the need for high quantities of high quality content
Continue Reading →
The post CWC 56: Leveraging freelance writers for your agency (featuring Gideon Stein) appeared first on FIR Podcast Network.
Focus on the right numbers for the right reasons to put more money in your pocket
Continue Reading →
The post CWC 55: Metrics and benchmarks to improve agency profits (featuring Marcel Petitpas) appeared first on FIR Podcast Network.
How to maintain open dialogue, encourage growth, and enable graceful exits
Continue Reading →
The post CWC 54: Building a positive team culture at your agency (featuring Keith Scandone) appeared first on FIR Podcast Network.
Is your agency doing a good job of marketing itself? If you’re like most agencies, the chances are that you aren’t taking enough of the advice you give your own clients.
On this episode, Aaron Strout, CMO of W2O Group, shares his experience as an agency marketer. He talks about how you get more out of the whole team, and why marketing matters beyond new business — including recruiting, M&A, and more.
Continue Reading →
The post CWC 53: Eating your own dog food and marketing your agency (featuring Aaron Strout) appeared first on FIR Podcast Network.
For the past decade, Rohit Bhargava has written about non-obvious trends in an annual book series. He recently capped it off with a final volume: Non-Obvious Mega Trends. A self-described “reluctant futurist,” Rohit went from working in agencies to examining the trends that impact business and society.
In this episode, he and Chip discuss some of the observations, as well as an approach to looking at trends that may help agency leaders be more effective. One of the best pieces of advice he offers is this: “being more observant really is about paying attention to detail.” Sometimes it takes the realization of the obvious to discover the non-obvious.
Continue Reading →
The post CWC 52: Non-obvious trends and thinking for agency leaders (featuring Rohit Bhargava) appeared first on FIR Podcast Network.
Nobody likes to think about lawyers until they need one. Agency owners are no different, but planning ahead can make a world of difference in the outcome when it comes to legal matters.
Sharon Toerek, founder of Toerek Law and host of The Innovative Agency podcast brings a wealth of knowledge and experience on agency legal issues to the latest episode of Chats with Chip. She shares her experience and insight with listeners to help avoid common mistakes.
Continue Reading →
The post CWC 51: How agencies can avoid common legal mistakes (featuring Sharon Toerek) appeared first on FIR Podcast Network.
Have you ever wondered what it would be like to sell your agency to one of the big holding companies? How does the dream compare to reality? What should you know before you make that decision?
Mitch Joel shares the perspective of someone who has done just that. He and his partners sold Twist Image to WPP. After remaining with the firm for several years after the acquisition, Mitch is now a prolific writer, podcaster, speaker, and more.
Continue Reading →
The post CWC 50: What it is like to sell an agency to a holding company (featuring Mitch Joel) appeared first on FIR Podcast Network.
Most agencies are looking for any leg up that they can get in the business development process. That’s why some agencies should consider getting certified. No this isn’t a discussion about a seal of approval for the quality of your work, it is about certifying the ownership structure of your business in a category that some organizations prefer.
Dr. Sandra Wills Hannon of The Hannon Group discusses how getting certified has helped her agency win more business, both from government agencies and the private sector. She describes some of the available programs and what it takes to win the certification.
Continue Reading →
The post CWC 49: Dr. Sandra Wills Hannon on why to get your agency certified as a Small, Minority, Woman, or Veteran-Owned Business appeared first on FIR Podcast Network.
Scope creep and over-servicing clients erodes profitability and many — if not most — agencies. Keeping work within the agreed parameters will not only make projects better, it will ensure that they contribute to the financial health of the business.
As founder of The Digital Project Manager, Ben Aston knows all about successful agency project management. He joins Chip to discuss techniques to avoid scope creep — starting even before a prospect becomes a client.
Continue Reading →
The post CWC 48: How agencies can avoid scope creep with client projects (featuring Ben Aston) appeared first on FIR Podcast Network.
Most agency owners don’t bring prior business experience to the role — let alone formal business education. Paul Benson is an exception to that rule of thumb. He earned his MBA before he took the leap into agency ownership.
In this episode, Paul shares his experience running a digital marketing agency and how the business training he received at Babson College has impacted his success.
Continue Reading →
The post CWC 47: Starting an agency with an MBA in hand (featuring Paul Benson) appeared first on FIR Podcast Network.
Agency owners need to keep tabs on the financial health of their businesses, but many lack the backgrounds to know the numbers that matter most. Darryl Salerno’s long experience in advising agencies on financial matters makes him an excellent resource on this vital topic.
In this episode, Darryl explains which numbers agencies should be focused on and what benchmarks can help them evaluate their own success. He takes the mystery out of money matters and provides practical advice that any agency leader can put to work today.
Continue Reading →
The post CWC 46: Key financial metrics for agency owners (featuring Darryl Salerno) appeared first on FIR Podcast Network.
Ronn Torossian has built one of the largest independent PR agencies in the U.S., and in this episode he shares some of the lessons he has learned along the way. A prolific content creator, Ronn frequently writes and speaks about issues facing the industry, and he is passionate about finding ways to improve modern public relations.
Ronn’s agency, 5WPR, recently announced that they were looking for small agencies to acquire. He explains exactly what he’s looking for and why he wants to supplement his firm’s already strong organic growth.
Continue Reading →
The post CWC 45: Building a large independent PR agency (featuring Ronn Torossian) appeared first on FIR Podcast Network.
Agency businesses have some challenges unique to the individual owners and circumstances. But many of the growing pains are predictable and follow patterns established by other similar businesses.
Leaders can take comfort in knowing that they are not likely the first to experience any particular challenge, nor are other agencies immune from the obstacles.
Brad Farris has spent decades advising businesses and helping them overcome these growing pains so that they can continue to thrive. In this episode of Chats with Chip, Brad shares his observations on each of the key stages that agencies experience, along with advice on how to forge ahead at every step.
Continue Reading →
The post CWC 44: Predictable growth stages for agencies (featuring Brad Farris) appeared first on FIR Podcast Network.
Katie Robbert never planned to be an expert in AI and analytics, but she says she likes “numbers to add up” even though she considers herself bad at math. As a self-professed planner, Katie found herself telling stories with data, first for a pharmaceutical company and later for a PR agency.
Today, Katie is the co-founder and CEO of Trust Insights, a consultancy dedicated to working with clients to uncover valuable nuggets in the data that often piles up unused in many businesses.
Chip talks with Katie about how agencies can leverage data on their own behalf, as well as for their clients.
Continue Reading →
The post CWC 43: How agencies should think about AI and analytics (featuring Katie Robbert) appeared first on FIR Podcast Network.
Just about every agency leader worries about where the next new client will come from and how to land that new business. Many aren’t natural-born salespeople, so the process itself can be uncomfortable and even intimidating.
Jody Sutter brings decades of experience in agency business development to help owners and executives put in place programs and processes that generate revenue. In this episode of the Chats with Chip podcast, Jody shares some of the most common mistakes she sees agencies make and offers practical solutions listeners can implement in their own businesses.
Continue Reading →
The post CWC 42: Business development mistakes agencies make and how to solve them (featuring Jody Sutter) appeared first on FIR Podcast Network.
When Sean Cassidy walked out of Tufts University in 1990, he graduated with a major in Cold War foreign policy — just as the Soviet Union was about to dissolve. He hadn’t aspired to a career in public relations, but it turned out he was a good writer and he caught the eye of a small agency owner.
Three decades later, Sean leads DKC, a prominent independent PR agency headquartered in New York. They recently rolled out a new tagline: “maximizing return on news.” In this episode, he explains why he believes PR agencies should be news-driven organizations and what skills that requires.
Continue Reading →
The post CWC 41: The PR agency as a news-driven organization (featuring Sean Cassidy) appeared first on FIR Podcast Network.
The challenges and opportunities when integrating two businesses while also introducing a new name.
Continue Reading →
The post CWC 40: Rebranding after an agency merger (featuring Trevor Francis) appeared first on FIR Podcast Network.
In this episode, Rachel Jacobs explains why case studies are critical to the scale and growth of agencies. Rachel, founder of Ecommerce Partnerships, reminds agency owners that their number one client is their own agency.
Step by step, you’ll learn how to integrate a case study opportunity before a client even signs the contract, who the audience should be, and the six key elements that make up a basic case study. Continue Reading →
The post CWC 39: Effective case studies for your agency (featuring Rachel Jacobs) appeared first on FIR Podcast Network.
In this episode, we go Down Under for a deep dive into the business of WebSavvy, a Melbourne-based digital marketing agency founded by Mike Rhodes. He explains why he chose agency life over being a helicopter pilot, advice for fellow agency owners, effective team training, and much more.
Continue Reading →
The post CWC 38: Professional development for agency owners and employees (featuring Mike Rhodes) appeared first on FIR Podcast Network.
Steve Parker, Jr. brings extensive digital marketing and business experience as CEO and co-founder of Levelwing. He is an industry leader, trendsetter, and occasional provocateur.
In this episode of Chats with Chip, Steve discusses his recent video Uncommon Transparency, and how internal and external transparency will benefit all agency relationships. He explores his own experiences and why he chose to produce a series of videos examining Levelwing’s values.
Continue Reading →
The post CWC 37: Transparency in the agency business (featuring Steve Parker, Jr.) appeared first on FIR Podcast Network.
On this episode of Chats with Chip, Karen Swim breaks down how changes to the workforce and agency culture have allowed independents and micro agencies more freedom and flexibility than ever before. She also advises how having a financial plan and advances in technology can help smooth the path for solo agency owners.
Continue Reading →
The post CWC 36: The role and impact of solo PR agencies today (featuring Karen Swim) appeared first on FIR Podcast Network.
In this episode of Chats with Chip, Matt Rizzetta, founder and CEO of N6A, discusses a new model he calls Outcome Relations, designed to provide measurable accountability to clients.
Matt explains the benefits of Outcome Relations, how the workforce has changed over his career, and how entrepreneurs need to make mistakes and innovate incrementally over time to be successful.
Continue Reading →
The post CWC 35: Is Outcome Relations the future of communications? (featuring Matt Rizzetta) appeared first on FIR Podcast Network.
Doug Simon is an expert in producing video for agencies and brands in both broadcast and social media. As CEO of the award-winning DS Simon Media, Doug has lengthy experience in getting clients’ spokespeople on television news. By arranging satellite media tours, providing behind the scenes video coverage, and servicing social media video production, Doug gets his clients’ positive stories out there.
In this episode of Chats with Chip, he addresses what the trends in both broadcast and social media mean for the future, as well as changes he is seeing in how clients and agencies work with firms like his own.
Continue Reading →
The post CWC 34: Advice for agencies on better use of video for clients (featuring Doug Simon) appeared first on FIR Podcast Network.
Chuck Hester is a senior integrated marketing executive with deep experience in B2B and technology. He has worked in-house and on the agency side, so he brings a strong understanding and great perspective to this episode of Chats with Chip. As the author of Linking In to Pay It Forward, Chuck provides advice to communicators on... Continue Reading →
The post CWC 33: How agencies can get the most out of LinkedIn (Chuck Hester) appeared first on FIR Podcast Network.
Mark McClennan hosts a weekly podcast where he explores ethical questions with public relations industry experts and agency leaders. He brings a wealth of his own experience to the mix, as a longtime senior agency executive and former National Chair of the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA). Mark joined Chip on this episode to talk about... Continue Reading →
The post CWC 32: Leading an ethical agency (Mark McClennan) appeared first on FIR Podcast Network.
Many of us think of lawyers like we do doctors: someone to go to for a fix when something goes wrong. Just as seeing your doctor when you are healthy helps improve outcomes, so does building a relationship with the attorney you use for your agency business.
In this episode, Chip speaks with Matt Benson of Cook Little Rosenblatt & Manson of Manchester, New Hampshire.
Matt has decades of experience in working with business owners on challenges ranging from the formation of the business to its eventual sale. He discusses why — and how — you should leverage your lawyer for more than just legal advice.
Continue Reading →
The post CWC 31: Using your lawyer as a business advisor with Matt Benson appeared first on FIR Podcast Network.
Robert Udowitz and Steve Drake of RFP Associates partner with organizations seeking to retain PR and public affairs agencies. They take years of their own experience on the agency side to help clients navigate the process more effectively.
On this episode of Chats with Chip, Robert and Steve offer helpful advice and useful tips for agencies as they respond to requests for proposals.
Continue Reading →
The post CWC 30: RFP advice for agencies from Robert Udowitz and Steve Drake appeared first on FIR Podcast Network.
In this episode of the Chats with Chip podcast, Rick Gould of Gould+Partners, an agency mergers and acquisitions advisory firm based in New York, provides useful insights for agency owners on the process of selling their agencies — including perspective on current trends in M&A.
Continue Reading →
The post CWC 29: Practical M&A advice for agency owners with Rick Gould of Gould+Partners appeared first on FIR Podcast Network.
Brent Lightner of Taoti Creative in Washington, DC joins the podcast to talk about how he became an accidental — but quite successful — agency owner.
At the dawn of the Netscape era, Brent took on a web development challenge in search of scholarship funds. Two decades later, he leads an award-winning creative firm.
Continue Reading →
The post CWC 28: Brent Lightner of Taoti Creative appeared first on FIR Podcast Network.
James Papiano joins the podcast to talk about the importance of leadership and culture in an agency environment, including how to change a weakened culture to improve performance.
Continue Reading →
The post CWC 27: James Papiano on Leadership & Culture in Agencies appeared first on FIR Podcast Network.
Nick Petroski of Promethean Research joined to talk about the outlook for digital marketing agencies in 2019 and beyond.
Continue Reading →
The post CWC 26: Nick Petroski of Promethean Research appeared first on FIR Podcast Network.
Patrick Rogan of Ignition HR joins to discuss how small and midsize agencies can meet their human resources needs with a combination of vendors, consultants, and in-house staff.
Continue Reading →
The post CWC 25: Patrick Rogan on HR for small-to-midsize agencies appeared first on FIR Podcast Network.
Johna Burke, Global Managing Director of the International Association for Measurement and Evaluation of Communication (AMEC), joined to discuss Measurement Month and the challenges and opportunities for communicators.
Continue Reading →
The post CWC 24: Johna Burke of AMEC appeared first on FIR Podcast Network.
John Wall, co-host of Marketing Over Coffee with Christopher S. Penn and partner at Trust Insights, joined this episode of Chats with Chip to talk about podcasting, marketing technology, and more.
Continue Reading →
The post CWC 23: John Wall of Marketing Over Coffee appeared first on FIR Podcast Network.
Tim Hayden of Brain+Trust Partners joined Chip to talk about business transformation through the use of data and digital innovation.
Continue Reading →
The post CWC 22: Tim Hayden of Brain+Trust Partners appeared first on FIR Podcast Network.
This episode of the Chats with Chip podcast features CC Chapman, an expert storyteller, passionate explorer, and committed humanitarian. CC currently serves as a Visiting Instructor of Business and Management at Wheaton College in Massachusetts.
Continue Reading →
The post CWC 21: CC Chapman, Storyteller appeared first on FIR Podcast Network.
Gordon Platt of Gotham Media Strategies joined Chip to discuss how he came to start his own agency, including the impact of his previous experience in broadcast journalism.
Continue Reading →
The post CWC 20: Gordon Platt of Gotham Media Strategies appeared first on FIR Podcast Network.
Craig Carroll, Executive Director of the OCR Network, joins Chip to discuss corporate reputation and the measurement and evaluation of corporate communications.
Continue Reading →
The post CWC 19: Craig Carroll on corporate reputation and measurement appeared first on FIR Podcast Network.
The newest episode of Chats with Chip welcomes Jason Booms, Managing Director for Market and Influencer Research with CARMA North America.
Continue Reading →
The post CWC #18: Jason Booms on How Primary Research can Help Communicators appeared first on FIR Podcast Network.
This week’s episode of Chats with Chip featured a conversation with Patrick Rogan, founder of IgnitionHR, about talent acquisition and retention in the PR industry. Their discussion covers strategies to find and keep talent, the changing workplace and hiring trends, and challenges facing PR agencies.
Continue Reading →
The post CWC #16: Patrick Rogan on Strategies to Hire and Retain Talent in the PR Industry appeared first on FIR Podcast Network.
The newest episode of Chats with Chip featured a conversation with Joe Thornley, the CEO of Thornley Fallis Communications. Chip and Joe discussed the business side of communications, as well as how the changing landscape of digital transformation and workplace trends affects the communications industry.
Continue Reading →
The post CWC #15: Joe Thornley on Evolution of the PR Business appeared first on FIR Podcast Network.
The most recent episode of Chats with Chip featured a conversation about consultancy and collaborative work to manage digital transformation with Scott Monty, CEO and co-managing partner of Brain+Trust Partners. Scott has a broad range of experience in the field of digital communication, including working as the head of social media for Ford Motor Company.
Continue Reading →
The post CWC #14: Scott Monty on Building a Consultancy to Help Navigate Digital Transformation appeared first on FIR Podcast Network.
The most recent episode of Chats with Chip featured a conversation about internal communications and measurement with Ryan Williams, a partner with Tekara Effectiveness. Ryan, who has 20 years of experience in this field, illuminated trends, difficulties, and advantages of formulating a regular plan to measure and implement internal communication tactics.
Check out the full recording to hear more about the specific trends and changes in the field, how to schedule and implement surveys, examples of successful internal engagement, and what every organization wants from their internal communications strategies.
Continue Reading →
The post CWC #13: Ryan Williams on Internal Communications and Measurement appeared first on FIR Podcast Network.
On the most recent episode of Chats with Chip, Terry Flannery, Vice President for Communication at American University, joined Chip to discuss communication and marketing departments in higher education. With 20 years of experience in her field, Terry has had a front row seat to the ways digital innovation changed the higher education system and its departments.
Tune in to hear about the importance and challenges of content strategy, audience targeted brand strategy, the future of communication and marketing at universities, and more.
Continue Reading →
The post CWC #12: Terry Flannery on Higher Ed Communications and Marketing appeared first on FIR Podcast Network.
On the latest episode of Chats with Chip, I am joined by Doug Haslam of Stone Temple Consulting who discusses his firsthand experience with social identity theft.
Have you ever thought about what it might be like to lose control of your social network accounts to a hacker or miscreant? Do you know what it takes to regain control of something that you have spent years building?
Doug’s experience has some important lessons for all of us.
Continue Reading →
The post CWC #11: Doug Haslam on Social Identity Theft appeared first on FIR Podcast Network.
On the latest episode of Chats with Chip, I'm joined by Neville Hobson to talk about the role artificial intelligence and machine learning will have in the public relations industry.
Neville is the co-founder of the FIR Podcast Network and currently works for IBM -- home of Watson.
We talk about everything from the automated creation of news stories by computers to the role that big data plays in communications -- with a digression or two along the way, of course.
Continue Reading →
The post CWC #10: Neville Hobson on AI and Machine Learning in PR appeared first on FIR Podcast Network.
In this episode of Chats with Chip, I am joined by Gini Dietrich of Arment Dietrich and the Spin Sucksblog to talk about the business of public relations.
We cover lots of ground, including the five reasons that Gini believes public relations firms fail to scale:
- You Don’t Have a Business Plan
- You Can’t Break Free from Client Work
- Operating In Chaos
- Freakin’ Technology! Who Can Keep Up?
- Not Understanding the Whole “Measurement” Thing
Continue Reading →
The post CWC #9: Gini Dietrich and the business side of PR appeared first on FIR Podcast Network.
Shonali Burke educates and trains public relations pros to use modern media more effectively. Later this week, she will be hosting an online boot camp for communicators. In this episode of Chats with Chip, we discuss her Social PR Launchpad event, where she promises to help "unleash your inner superhero."
Continue Reading →
The post #7: Shonali Burke on Social PR, Measurement, & More appeared first on FIR Podcast Network.
Gini Dietrich is the founder and CEO of Arment Dietrich, a successful and growing PR agency based in Chicago. She has two books to her credit, and runs the very popular Spin Sucks blog. In this conversation, we explore everything from the business of PR to writing books, building an online community and more.
Continue Reading →
The post #6: Gini Dietrich of Arment Dietrich (and Spin Sucks) appeared first on FIR Podcast Network.