The Anti-Agency Podcast - Stories Of Doing Business Differently

Prepare to be whisked away on a journey through the niche world of food and beverage social media marketing with Duncan Alney, the maestro behind Fire Belly Marketing. Our fascinating discourse unpacks the seismic shift that occurs when an agency hones in on a specialty, changing the very fabric of competition and client dynamics. From the nostalgic days of social media's infancy to the pandemic's tumultuous waves, Duncan lays bare the triumphs and tribulations of catering to a particular palate. If you're toying with the idea of a niche pivot, your blueprint for success could very well be nestled within our exchange. When it comes to conjuring up lead generation spells and marketing stratagems, our episode is the veritable grimoire you've been seeking. Duncan and I examine the alchemy of targeted content and the metamorphosis from broad-based to pinpointed outreach that ensnares the most appetizing of leads. As we unravel the threads of outsourcing and in-house cultivation, you’ll glean wisdom on striking that elusive balance between your professional endeavors and the savory life you crave outside of work. Every marketer hungry for a feast of insights won't want to miss this banquet of knowledge. As the final course, we serve up hearty contemplations on the entrepreneurial spirit and what truly sustains an agency in the long run. Rather than chasing after the fabled big financial exit, we toast to the virtues of generosity, authenticity, and the allure of making a genuine impact. Dive into the deep end with us as we reflect on the ethical considerations and personal cost of agency life, and why prioritizing well-being isn’t just good manners—it's good business. For anyone with a taste for marketing wisdom and entrepreneurial grit, this is an episode to savor, one bite at a time. DUNCAN ALNEY FOUNDER, CEO www.firebellymarketing.com As CEO of Firebelly, Duncan sets the vision and values for the company, he also leads innovation and is the happiest problem-solving. Duncan is a big believer in continuous improvement, coaching, and making clients happy. Describe yourself in 280 characters or less: Dad, partner, son, friend & servant leader. Relentless, courageous, and a risk-taker. Cook, lifestyle vinyl DJ, photographer, a voracious consumer of content - music, podcasts, & news. Failure is a great teacher. I bring energy to the table. Favorite social network(s): Reddit KPI that matters: Reach, engagement, website traffic (and conversion across the board) Why I love social: It’s on the front line of communications. It’s constantly changing. I believe in content, conversation, community, and commerce - and it all happens on social. What do you do for fun: My daily fun is working out, listening to music, eating, cooking, enjoying a cocktail, and hanging with my family. I love learning new things, hanging out with my friends, and being lost in new places. Social Media Marketing Advice: Build programs around insights to be responsive, yet strategic. Follow Duncan On Twitter: @firebelly Learn more: www.socialistics.com www.jasonyormark.com www.antiagencybook.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Embark with us on a riveting entrepreneurial odyssey as David Nilssen, CEO of Doxa Talent, traces his path from teenage Subway franchise manager to real estate maven, and then to the vanguard of remote hiring innovation. David's candid tales of founding Guidant Financial and later Doxa Talent offer an insider's view of the entrepreneurial spirit, coupled with a dash of audacity and a keen eye for opportunities amidst challenges. Our conversation digs into the birth of Doxa Talent, a company that's breaking new ground by connecting small to medium-sized businesses with the rich vein of offshore talent in the Philippines, reshaping the hiring landscape. Shifting gears, we probe into the contemporary workforce's evolving psyche and the burgeoning trend towards embracing offshore staffing, a testament to the world's ever-tightening interconnectedness. As a host who has benefitted from such global collaborations, I can confirm the myths of offshore labor are just that—myths. Our discussion illuminates the Philippines' unique work culture, attuned to U.S. business rhythms, and the broader implications of remote hiring, from English fluency improvements worldwide to dispelling the scarcity of skilled labor. David and I dissect the intimate dance of work-life balance and productivity in this new, decentralized business world. In our final narrative stretch, we project our gaze onto the horizon, contemplating the future landscape of remote work and outsourcing, with COVID-19 as the unexpected catalyst. This segment unveils how businesses can flourish in remote or hybrid models by fostering a culture of purpose, leadership, and community. We delve into the exciting role AI and emerging technologies like AR and VR are playing in redefining the remote work environment. Through David's insights, we glean lessons on equality in remote workplaces and the pivotal shift in management from oversight to outcome focus—key strategies for anyone charting a course through the evolving seas of remote work. Join us for a dialogue brimming with actionable wisdom for entrepreneurs and business leaders steering their ships in the 21st-century workforce. David Nilssen's Bio: David Nilssen is the CEO of DOXA which partners with businesses to start and scale-up high-performing, borderless teams out of global locations like the Philippines and Vietnam. In 2007, the United States Small Business Administration (SBA) named him the National Young Entrepreneur of the Year and his businesses have been recognized as one of the “Best Places to Work” seven times. They have also been included on many Inc 5000 lists, including the Inc 500 in 2008. In 2012, David wrote Making the Jump into Small Business Ownership which is available on Amazon. As an investor, David has provided funding to companies in neuropharma, online travel, personal financial management, transportation, digital administration and more. He is a member of both the Entrepreneurs’ Organization (EO) and the Young President’s Organization (YPO) and serve on the Board of Directors of the Entrepreneurs’ Organization and Guidant Financial. Learn more about Doxa at: www.doxatalent.com Learn more: www.socialistics.com www.jasonyormark.com www.antiagencybook.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ever felt trapped in a cycle of endless meetings, watching the clock tick away precious productivity? Ashish Fernandez, co-founder and CEO of Meetrics, joins us to share his inspiring leap from chemical engineer to tech innovator, tackling the very issue that drives professionals to the brink. His story, a tapestry woven with threads of passion and persistence, guides us through the landscape of tech entrepreneurship, from the oil fields of Northern Canada to the bustling innovation hubs that now define his daily life. Crack open the playbook on revolutionizing meeting culture with Meetrics, as Ashish and I investigate how to transform the way we collaborate in a world where remote work has redrawn the boundaries of our office spaces. We chart the journey of Meetrics MVP launch and the critical user feedback that shapes the future of efficient, productive meetings. It's a tale of a committed team's dedication, the triumphs and tribulations of startup life, and a deep dive into the art of balancing the hectic scramble for funding with the thrill of innovation. Rounding out our conversation, we reflect on the unique challenges that greet those bold enough to step into the realm of startups. With candid musings on late-night entrepreneurial worries and the euphoria of shipping a product that could change the game, this episode is a heartfelt homage to the creators, builders, and dreamers. Whether you're already navigating your startup odyssey or just contemplating the first step, there's something in Ashish's journey for you - an affirmation that the most fulfilling paths are often the ones we forge ourselves. Ashish Fernandez, CEO, Meetrics Ashish Fernandez is the co-founder and COO of Meetrics - a platform designed to help you to brilliantly prepare and run meaningful meetings. He previously worked at Google and Shell across roles in engineering, operations, GTM, project management, and business development. He's passionate about cultivating respectful and motivational cultures, cognitive diversity, data-driven decision-making, and hiring the right people. Ashish values companies that balance innovation with solid business fundamentals -- both are needed to succeed and remain successful. Learn more about Meetrics at www.meetrics.ai Learn more: www.socialistics.com www.jasonyormark.com www.antiagencybook.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Embark on a journey with Joanna and me as we open the doors to the vibrant virtual halls of Socialistics and share the secrets to cultivating an online culture that's as rich and interactive as its brick-and-mortar counterpart. Miss those chance encounters by the watercooler and the buzz of office banter? We're right there with you. Tune in to hear how we've transformed longing for the physical workspace into pioneering a digital renaissance, complete with the unexpected perks of spontaneous virtual drop-ins and the nuanced evolution of tools like Slack that keep our conversations flowing. Step into the future with us as we paint a picture of the digital workspace revolution, where 3D environments and personalized virtual offices aren't just a distant dream but today's reality. Discover how our team has embraced custom elements, like virtual pets and snack options, to create a work atmosphere that's not just about tasks but about connection and camaraderie. Joanna brings her unique perspective to the table, discussing how these tailored environments reduce our Slack dependency and foster more organic interaction. Get inspired by the creative, cost-effective strategies we're employing in this remote working evolution and how they might just change the way you think about logging in for the day. Learn more: www.socialistics.com www.jasonyormark.com www.antiagencybook.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We're back and better than ever! In this episode I share some of the big things I learned in 2023 as a business and agency owner such as: Learn more: www.socialistics.com www.jasonyormark.com www.antiagencybook.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Do you ever wonder how building a personal brand on social media differs from that of a larger brand? In this episode, Jason and Joanna tackle this exact topic. They discuss the importance being passionate, authentic and consistent in your message. Learn more: www.socialistics.com www.jasonyormark.com www.antiagencybook.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Your client calls you every day asking about results. Or maybe they are completely unresponsive during their time with you. There are so many red flags in client relationships that you often don't notice until you're deep in it. Jason and Joanna discuss red flags and green flags in client relationships this week in an attempt to save you some grief. Check it out and learn from their trials and tribulations with all sorts of clients! Learn more: www.socialistics.com www.jasonyormark.com www.antiagencybook.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Are you interested in learning more about the current state of social media advertising? Join Jason and Joanna as they discuss the rewards, challenges, and realities of this ever-evolving profession. From strategizing the best campaigns to successfully dealing with the unpredictable comment sections, this episode will provide an informed look at both sides of the story. Tune in to hear their always candid perspective on the state of social media advertising. Learn more: www.socialistics.com www.jasonyormark.com www.antiagencybook.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Join Jason and Joanna as they explore the future of Artificial Intelligence in Social Media. Find out how AI is impacting our use of social media platforms, and what potential impacts will be made in the upcoming years. Learn more: www.socialistics.com www.jasonyormark.com www.antiagencybook.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Are you curious about the rewards and challenges of working in social media? Join Jason and Joanna as they explore the realities of the profession. From navigating client relationships to dealing with unpredictable comment sections, this episode will provide you with an honest look at both sides of the story. Learn more: www.socialistics.com www.jasonyormark.com www.antiagencybook.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Have you ever wondered what makes influencers so powerful for brands? Join Jason and Joanna as they discuss the importance of influencers in today's society. From how they reach an audience, to the impact they can have, this episode will help you understand why influencers are so influential and how you can make the most of them. Learn more: www.socialistics.com www.jasonyormark.com www.antiagencybook.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

If you're online, more than likely you've experienced haters and trolls. Jason and Joanna break down some strategies to deal with the hate that brands often receive. Learn more: www.socialistics.com www.jasonyormark.com www.antiagencybook.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jason and Joanna double down on what it really takes to measure social media efforts including seeing beyond the vanity metrics, and how they have found the right formula for success to earn their clients' confidence when it comes to managing their social media. Learn more: www.socialistics.com www.jasonyormark.com www.antiagencybook.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

There's not shortage of clickbait articles titled 'Is Social Media Dying?'. We'll save you a click and then some. Jason and Joanna discuss the reason why these articles make their rounds from time to time. Learn more: www.socialistics.com www.jasonyormark.com www.antiagencybook.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week, Jason and Joanna talk about the culture of agency and do's and don'ts for a stellar culture. They've learned by trial & error and share their discoveries. Learn more: www.socialistics.com www.jasonyormark.com www.antiagencybook.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Lysa Miller is the founder and CEO of Ladybugz, an Interactive agency based out of Boston, MA and we sat down to talk about how she has been able to build a unique agency model powered primarily by a team of freelancers that she’s been able to scale the business with. It’s a new day and age of workforce, and Lysa has capitalized on this with some great tactics and strategies we discuss in depth. About: Lysa Miller is the founder and CEO at the award-winning web design + digital growth agency, Ladybugz Interactive in Boston, MA. Miller and her talented team found an industry niche serving early growth biotech companies across the country. The agency also works with growing nonprofits, B2B companies, legacy brands and independent schools. Lysa is also the founder of the MetroWest Women's Network online networking and referral group of 5000 local women. Her goal, to empower and help local women grow using the power of each other. Recent accomplishments include being featured on the cover of Boston Business Journal’s 2020 Annual Book of Lists and named “Top Women Owned Marketing Agencies to Watch” by Agency Vista. She has also been featured for her agency expertise in Entrepreneur/Fortune.com, Cloudways.com, CIO, and Business Insider. Lysa regularly contributes thought leadership content locally and to Agency Publications + Podcasts. Follow her on Twitter or IG @lysapreneur Learn more about Lysa at www.ladybugz.com Learn more about Socialistics at www.socialistics.com Learn more: www.socialistics.com www.jasonyormark.com www.antiagencybook.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week I sit down with Melissa Mellor, the CEO at Hey U Human, a mental health and human wellness company. We dig in to the power of emotional intelligence and how mental health for you and your team can set you up for incredible success personally and professionally. About: Melissa Mellor is the CEO of Hey U Human globally recognized mental health and human wellness company. They serve corporations and individuals in over 80 countries around the world and within over 15 different applications. Hey U Human truly does business differently – in every aspect of the meaning. From hiring + pay to how they sell and lead their team and support their human development in a vastly different way. Most notably, Melissa + the Hey U Human Founder, Sara Longoria, recently walked away from a business model that acted like a ‘cash machine’ and did a massive pivot in how they conducted business. One day, they realized how their marketing efforts hijacked people's dopamine and created a “FOMO” and lack addiction that forces them to spend money. They were communicating only to people who had the luxury of disposable income and wanted their work to get into the hands of the masses. So they launched Hey U Human and changed everything about how they do business. When you think of the ‘workplace of the future’ Hey U Human is the epitome of it. Through Hey U Human, Melissa is revolutionizing leadership and how businesses conduct work and lead their staff. Melissa is passionate about igniting humanity, waking humans up, and helping infrastructures and institutions understand mental health and human wellness through a completely different lens. A lens through which the company is no longer reacting to mental health issues and pandering to personnel complaints. One that proactively engages the whole human to create an unstoppable workforce. If you are a human with emotions, or you interact with other humans with emotions, you will want to tune into this podcast. Learn more about Melissa at www.heyuhuman.com Learn more about Socialistics at www.socialistics.com Learn more: www.socialistics.com www.jasonyormark.com www.antiagencybook.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

I had the pleasure of sitting down with Austin & Monica from A&M Digital Design who run their own web and brand design agency and do it in style by traveling the world. We discuss the advantages and challenges of running an agency while on the road, and what to think about before considering the lifestyle. About Austin & Monica: Austin and Monica are college sweethearts who built a design business centered around helping creative online business owners and couples find the confidence to show up authentically through strategic branding and websites. To them there is something magical about building a brand. Once you have a brand and a website that represents your business correctly, nothing can stop you. They love watching business owners bask in the newfound confidence their brand and website provides. Austin and Monica always joke that they are hard to keep track of because when they aren’t designing, they're traveling the world in constant search of adventure, good food, and new friends. Learn more about Austin & Monica at: https://aandmdigitaldesign.com/ Learn more about Socialistics at www.socialistics.com Learn more: www.socialistics.com www.jasonyormark.com www.antiagencybook.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today I sat down with Jeff Gargas from Teach Better Team who co-owns a very different business than most we’ve talked to over the years, but shares very similar tactics and strategies that can help you grow a sustainable business. We discuss the art and science of incorporating an educational approach to your sales and marketing efforts and how that can lead to a healthy pipeline of opportunities for your business. About Jeff: Jeff Gargas is the COO and Co-founder of the Teach Better Team (Creators of Teach Better, The Grid Method, and Teach Further) and co-author of the book, “Teach Better.” He works with educators to increase student engagement and improve student success. He also offers 1-on-1 coaching for teachers who have a product or idea they want to share with others to better education. Learn more about Jeff at: www.teachbetter.com Learn more about Socialistics at www.socialistics.com Learn more: www.socialistics.com www.jasonyormark.com www.antiagencybook.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Tai Goodwin is the owner and founder of That Marketing Team and we sat down and talked about her journey to entrepreneurship and specifically how bringing her daughter into the mix not only helped grow the business, but give her daughter the life experiences that most can only dream of. About Tai: Tai Goodwin is a marketing strategist and the CEO of That Marketing Team, plus the creator of the Liberated CEO Accelerator. She's an award-winning instructional designer with 20+ years of experience creating learning experiences and content for Fortune 500 companies like Barnes & Noble and tech start-ups like Leadpages. Learn more about Tai at: www.thatmarketingteam.com Learn more about Socialistics at www.socialistics.com Learn more: www.socialistics.com www.jasonyormark.com www.antiagencybook.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.