Creative Agency Success Show

You put in the work to plan a webinar and still walk away with no sales calls booked, no pipeline, and no clear path forward. In this episode, Logan Lyles, Founder of DemandShift, shares his proven webinar strategy for B2B service-based businesses that want to generate leads, book sales calls, and build pipelines without turning their webinars into a hard sell. You’ll learn how to fix the two biggest webinar mistakes, the registration rut and the conversion cliff, and how a two-step signup process helped Logan 5X his conversion rate from webinar registrants to booked sales calls. This episode gives you a clear, actionable framework for turning your next webinar into a real lead generation engine. Key takeaways: Avoid the two webinar killers. Knowing which problem you have is the first step to fixing your webinar strategy.Use the two-step signup process to capture leads before the event. The two-step signup process captures interest right at registration.Make your CTA outcome-based, not ask-based. Framing your call to action around a clear outcome dramatically improves results.Design your survey to qualify and disqualify leads. Post-registration survey separates your ideal clients from those who aren’t ready yet.Balance brand and demand in every webinar. Your webinar should educate and build trust, but it also needs to drive pipeline.Tune in now to ▶️The Pricing Strategy That Unlocks Real Profit Growth with Logan Lyles. Find more podcast episodes on our website: anderscpa.com/learn/podcasts/ Episode resources: ● Anders Virtual CFO website: anderscpa.com ● Love our content? Sign up for our newsletter: https://anderscpa.com/learn/ ● Check out the Virtual CFO Playbook Course: https://anderscpa.com/virtual-cfo-services/vcfo-playbook/ Quotes -Logan Lyles: “If your CTA and the prompt you’re giving someone to take the next step is only during the live event, you’re missing 65% of your swings.” -Jody Grunden: "Webinars can educate your audience while also creating real opportunities for leads and clients." Logan Lyles is the Founder of DemandShift, where he helps B2B brands turn underperforming webinars into consistent revenue drivers. After struggling with low conversions early in his career, Logan rebuilt his approach and increased webinar-driven sales calls by 5X. Today, he specializes in aligning content, offers, and conversion strategy to drive real pipeline. His Webinar Fast Track framework focuses on creating clear next steps that translate attention into profit. Website: https://demandshift.co/ , https://demandshift.co/prompt LI: https://www.linkedin.com/in/loganlyles/ FB: https://www.facebook.com/logan.lyles.96/ DemandShift LI: https://www.linkedin.com/company/demandshift/ The Creative Agency Success Show helps service-based business owners master the financial side of growth. Hosted by Jamie Nau, Director of Virtual CFO Services/

When your processes are structured and your team knows what to do next, you gain time and improve performance. In this episode, Kenny Harper, Growth Coach at Growth Amplifiers, shares how to systemize your business, simplify operations, and multiply impact using scalable systems, repeatable processes, and a proven framework. You’ll learn how to move from custom work to standardized workflows, shift from service provider to trusted advisor, improve client relationships, build a coaching culture, and scale your service-based business without losing control or quality. You’ll also hear how Jody was featured on the Growth Amplifiers podcast, where deeper insights on building and scaling a successful firm are shared. Key takeaways: Shift from service provider to advisor. Focusing on transformation increases value and improves client retention.Build a coaching culture inside your team. Encouraging questions and solutions reduces bottlenecks.Put the right people in the right roles. Aligning strengths with responsibilities leads to better performance.Follow a clear system for scaling. From vision to diagnosis, each step builds consistency and growth.Co-create solutions with clients. Working together to choose the best path leads to better decisions.Tune in the full episode of ▶️How to Systemize Your Business and Multiply Impact with Kenny Harper. Find more podcast episodes on our website: anderscpa.com/learn/podcasts/ Episode resources: ● Anders Virtual CFO website: anderscpa.com ● Love our content? Sign up for our newsletter: https://anderscpa.com/learn/ ● Check out the Virtual CFO Playbook Course: https://anderscpa.com/virtual-cfo-services/vcfo-playbook/ Quotes -Kenny Harper: “A clear, documented plan strengthens both execution and client alignment." -Jody Grunden: "Scale comes from systemizing most of your work while keeping flexibility where it matters." Kenny Harper is a Growth Coach at Growth Amplifiers, helping service-based business owners systemize their operations and scale without burnout. Drawing from his experience building and running a marketing agency, Kenny now guides leaders to simplify complexity and focus on what truly drives impact. Through his Amplified Growth System, he helps firms align vision, team, and execution to create consistent, scalable results. Website: https://kennyharper.rocks/ LI: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kennyharper/ FB: https://www.facebook.com/kenny.w.harper/ IG: https://www.instagram.com/kennywharper/ X: https://x.com/KennywHarper Growth Amplifiers LI: https://www.linkedin.com/company/growthamplifiers/ The Creative Agency Success Show helps service-based business owners master the financial side of growth. Hosted by Jamie Nau, Director of Virtual CFO Services/ Virtual

Growth can feel lighter when your business starts working with you, not against you. In this episode, Al Zdenek, Executive Chair of CakeClub, breaks down why most service-based businesses struggle with profitability, cash flow management, financial planning, and sustainable growth. You learn how to manage cash flow, build cash reserves, improve pricing, make better financial decisions, and align your business goals with your personal financial goals. The focus is on profit strategy, cash flow systems, financial clarity, business growth, and building a service business that supports your lifestyle and long-term wealth. Key takeaways: Cash flow is the foundation of survival. Most businesses fail because they do not track or manage cash flow properly.Breaking even is not enough. Break-even as covering expenses, paying yourself, and covering taxes.Build strong cash reserves and backup plans. Having 2 to 6 months access to lines of credit can protect your business during uncertainty.Pay yourself and diversify. Taking money out of your business reduces risk and increases long-term security.Use other people’s money strategically. Partnerships, private funding, and creative financing can support growth without draining your cash.Tune in to the full episode of ▶️ Why Most Service Businesses Struggle to Grow Profitably with Al Zdenek. Find more podcast episodes on our website: anderscpa.com/learn/podcasts/ Episode resources: ● Anders Virtual CFO website: anderscpa.com ● Love our content? Sign up for our newsletter: https://anderscpa.com/learn/ ● Check out the Virtual CFO Playbook Course: https://anderscpa.com/virtual-cfo-services/vcfo-playbook/ Quotes -Al Zdenek: "Breaking even means covering expenses, paying yourself, handling taxes, and saving for the future." -Jamie Nau: "Cash is the first thing we look at. Understanding reserves is critical for every business." Al Zdenek is the Executive Chair of CakeClub and a seasoned entrepreneur with over 40 years of experience in wealth management and business growth. He is the bestselling author of Master Your Cash Flow and Master Your Business Cash Flow, where he teaches how to grow profitable businesses while living the life you want now. Website: https://alzdenek.com/ LI: https://www.linkedin.com/in/albertjzdenek/ FB: https://www.facebook.com/albertjzdenek/ X: https://x.com/alzdenek YT: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCXCYeD34e-PybZQHwIvmLCA CakeClub Website: https://www.cakeclubapp.com/ FB: https://www.facebook.com/people/Cakeclub/61571930199558/ LI: https://www.linkedin.com/company/cakeclubapp/ IG:

Time is one of the most valuable assets in a service-based business. Yet many owners and teams spend most of their week searching for information, copying data, formatting documents. In this episode, Greg Boone, CEO at Walk West, explains how artificial intelligence, AI tools, automation, and agent workflows can give business owners back nearly 80% of their time. You learn how AI transforms marketing, consulting, operations, and knowledge work by reducing manual work, improving research, accelerating analysis, and helping teams move faster with better insights. The conversation focuses on AI adoption, AI strategy, productivity, marketing technology, data analysis, AI agents, and practical ways to integrate AI into everyday business workflows. Key takeaways: AI can eliminate massive time waste. Explains how knowledge workers spend 50–60% of their week searching for information.You can reclaim up to 80% of administrative work. AI can complete weeks of work in minutes by automating research and analysis.AI works best as a thinking partner. Using AI to instruct, analyze data, generate ideas, and support decision making.AI reveals insights hidden in your data. Businesses can analyze meeting transcripts, reports, and unstructured data.Training matters for AI adoption. Without guidance, employees may misuse tools or rely on basic features, leaving most of AI’s real value unused.Tune in to the full episode of ▶️How AI Can Give You Back 80% of Your Time with Greg Boone. Find more podcast episodes on our website: anderscpa.com/learn/podcasts/ Episode resources: ● Anders Virtual CFO by Anders website: anderscpa.com ● Love our content? Sign up for our newsletter: https://anderscpa.com/learn/ ● Check out the Virtual CFO Playbook Course: https://anderscpa.com/virtual-cfo-services/vcfo-playbook/ Quotes -Greg Boone: "We get hyper-focused on the process of how we do things. AI doesn’t care about your process—it only cares about the outcome.” -Jody Grunden: "Most firms struggle with growth because they rely on habits that worked when the company was smaller." Greg Boone is the CEO of Walk West and a technology leader known for building high-performing teams that drive digital transformation. With decades of experience across leadership roles from director to CEO and advisor, Greg champions a people-first approach to business and innovation. His philosophy is simple: build great people first, and they will build a great company. Greg has led teams that served major brands including Charter, Panera Bread, Nascar, and Le Creuset while maintaining exceptional client loyalty. Today, he focuses on helping organizations leverage technology and AI to work smarter, unlock productivity, and give leaders back valuable time. LI: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gregboone/ IG: https://www.instagram.com/greg.boone/ Walk West Website: https://walkwest.com/ FB: https://www.facebook.com/WalkWest LI: https://www.linkedin.com/company/

When leads feel inconsistent and results do not match the spend, the problem is rarely effort. The problem is visibility, measurement, and knowing what actually drives growth. In this episode, Jeff Greenfield, CEO of Provalytics, breaks down why so many service-based businesses feel like half their marketing budget is wasted. You hear clear explanations around marketing measurement, attribution, GA4 limits, impressions versus clicks, full-funnel marketing, privacy-driven data loss, AI-driven buyer journeys, and how attention, awareness, and timing impact revenue. The focus stays on fixing what feels broken so your marketing spend works harder. Key takeaways: Clicks do not tell the full story. Last-click attribution hides the real impact of awareness, impressions, and upper-funnel marketing.Attention comes before conversion. You learn how marketing dollars first create attention and awareness before leads.GA4 shows behavior, not influence. Understanding what Google Analytics actually measures helps prevent bad budget decisions.Impressions matter more than most teams think. Tracking impressions over time reveals patterns that clicks alone will never show.Better measurement protects profit. Clear attribution helps you invest in the channels that truly move revenue.Tune in to the full episode of ▶️Why Half Your Marketing Budget Feels Wasted (And How to Fix It) with Jeff Greenfield. Find more podcast episodes on our website: anderscpa.com/learn/podcasts/ Episode resources: ● Anders Virtual CFO by Anders website: anderscpa.com ● Love our content? Sign up for our newsletter: https://anderscpa.com/learn/ ● Check out the Virtual CFO Playbook Course: https://anderscpa.com/virtual-cfo-services/vcfo-playbook/ Quotes -Jeff Greenfield: "Most marketing decisions break because finance and marketing are looking at two different sets of numbers." -Jody Grunden: "Business owners worry that focusing on one offer might hurt their brand but clarity often matters more than variety." Jeff Greenfield is the CEO of Provalytics, a privacy-first attribution platform helping marketers prove impact in a post-cookie world. With over two decades in the industry, Jeff built one of the first multi-touch attribution (MTA) platforms, driving 15–25% ROI growth for major global brands. As shifting privacy laws upended traditional tracking, he saw the need for AI-driven, compliant solutions and launched Provalytics in 2022. Today, his team empowers marketers to make smarter budget decisions with accurate, future-proof insights. Website: https://provalytics.com/ LI: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffgreenfield/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/provalytics/ The Creative Agency Success Show helps service-based business owners master the financial side of growth. Hosted by Jamie Nau, Director of Virtual CFO Services/ Virtual CFO, and Jody Grunden, Partner and Virtual CFO Practice Leader at Anders CPAs + Advisors, the podcast dives into essential financial strategies for scaling creative agencies. Website:

A well-built service business creates momentum instead of pressure. With the right systems in place, you allow growth to happen without burning out. In this episode, Steven Ness, founder of Lighting the Way Leadership, explains how business owners can stop carrying the weight alone by building leadership systems, operational structure, and clear processes. The focus stays on delegation, accountability, financial clarity, team alignment, and systems that save time, energy, and money while supporting sustainable growth. Key takeaways: Systems create freedom. Documented processes and repeatable systems give you back control of your time.Leadership starts with you. You learn why personal accountability at the top sets the tone for results across the entire business.Right people in the right seats. Seat ownership helps teams perform better without constant oversight.Delegation without abdication. Clear expectations allow you to step back without losing quality or momentum.Build a business that works without you. Systems reduce owner dependency so the company can grow.Find more podcast episodes on our website: anderscpa.com/learn/podcasts/ Episode resources: ● Anders Virtual CFO by Anders website: anderscpa.com ● Love our content? Sign up for our newsletter: https://anderscpa.com/learn/ ● Check out the Virtual CFO Playbook Course: https://anderscpa.com/virtual-cfo-services/vcfo-playbook/ Quotes -Steven Ness: "Systems save sanity, time, energy, and money. When you use them well, you stop making desperate decisions." -Jody Grunden: "Most leaders brush it off until they’re asked to look at the impact they’re carrying home." Steven Ness is the founder of Lighting the Way Leadership, where he helps leaders cut through business chaos with faith, structure, and a dose of tough love. With deep expertise in operations, training, B2B, retail, and sales, Steven equips teams to lead with clarity and purpose. His approach blends practical systems with people-first values reimagining business as People to People, not Business to Business. As a seasoned consultant, Steven is known for empowering leaders to grow personally and professionally. He’s on a mission to help organizations thrive through authentic leadership and strategic alignment. Website: https://lightingthewayleadership.com/ Email: Steven@lightingthewayleadership.com LI: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stevenness/ IG: https://www.instagram.com/steven_ness_leadership/ X: https://x.com/StevenNessCoach FB: https://www.facebook.com/people/Lighting-the-Way-Leadership/61568990434856/ The Creative Agency Success Show helps service-based business owners master the financial side of growth. Hosted by Jamie Nau, Director of Virtual CFO Services/ Virtual CFO, and Jody Grunden, Partner and Virtual CFO Practice Leader at Anders CPAs + Advisors, the podcast div

Many service-based business owners win deals, deliver great work, and still struggle with margins. In this episode, Albert Banks breaks down how service-based businesses can protect margins before work even starts. You get a clear look at pricing strategy, value-based pricing, project profitability, cost awareness, negotiation tactics, and sales frameworks that help agencies and professional services firms grow revenue without burning out their teams. The focus stays on setting every project up for success from day one. Key takeaways: Use floor, table, and ceiling pricing. Learn how to set a pricing range that protects profit while giving flexibility in sales conversations.Move beyond hourly billing. Value-based and fixed-fee pricing create better alignment with clients.Anchor pricing with options. Offering multiple pricing options reframes the decision.Sell expertise, not tasks. Leading with discovery and strategy positions you as the expert.Know your true costs. Understanding fully loaded costs is non-negotiable if you want predictable margins.Tune into the full episode of ▶️How to Protect Your Margins Before the Sale Begins. Find more podcast episodes on our website: anderscpa.com/learn/podcasts/ Episode resources: ● Anders Virtual CFO by Anders website: anderscpa.com ● Love our content? Sign up for our newsletter: https://anderscpa.com/learn/ ● Check out the Virtual CFO Playbook Course: https://anderscpa.com/virtual-cfo-services/vcfo-playbook/ Quotes -Albert Banks: "Strong margins start before the project begins. Preventative decisions in pricing and scoping protect profitability." -Jody Grunden: "When you know your data, time, cost, and team mix, you can price consistently and still hit your margin targets." Albert Banks is a seasoned agency founder turned consultant, helping businesses boost profitability through strategic pricing, operations, and sales frameworks. With over two decades of experience—including growing, merging, and selling his own agency—Albert now coaches leaders on setting value-based pricing and uncovering hidden risks before a deal even starts. He champions a diagnostic-first approach, ensuring clients position themselves as trusted experts rather than vendors. Albert’s practical systems help agencies increase margins and close better-fit clients. LI: https://www.linkedin.com/in/albertbanks/ The Creative Agency Success Show helps service-based business owners master the financial side of growth. Hosted by Jamie Nau, Director of Virtual CFO Services/ Virtual CFO, and Jody Grunden, Partner and Virtual CFO Practice Leader at Anders CPAs + Advisors, the podcast dives into essential financial strategies for scaling creative agencies. Website: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2458889 FB: https://www.facebook.com/vcfobyanders LI: https://www.linkedin.com/company/vcfobyanders/ IG: https://www.

Run your agency with clarity, confidence, and control. Many creative and marketing agency owners are closer to real growth than they realize. In this episode, Jesse Gilmore, CEO and founder of Niche in Control, breaks down the mindset and structure shifts that agency owners must make to achieve freedom, scalability, and financial success. He shares how to move from being the doer to being the leader, why perfectionism is holding you back, and how to build a business that thrives without you working 80-hour weeks. Key takeaways: The 80/20 rule for creativity. Learn how to systemize 80% of your operations so you can focus your creativity on the 20%.How to overcome perfectionism. Perfectionism keeps agency owners trapped. Power of time audits. Discover how tracking your time for just seven days can expose hidden inefficiencies. Value-based pricing beats hourly billing. Learn how value-based pricing helps agencies earn more while working less.How to go upmarket strategically. Agencies must move toward strategy-based offers and premium clients to stay competitive.Tune into the episode of ▶️Stop Thinking Like a Freelancer—Start Earning Like a Founder. Find more podcast episodes on our website: anderscpa.com/learn/podcasts/ Episode resources: ● Anders Virtual CFO by Anders website: anderscpa.com ● Love our content? Sign up for our newsletter: https://anderscpa.com/learn/ ● Check out the Virtual CFO Playbook Course: https://anderscpa.com/virtual-cfo-services/vcfo-playbook/ Quotes -Jesse Gilmore: "Tracking time reveals hidden inefficiencies. Once you see where time really goes, you can start eliminating, automating, and delegating effectively." -Jamie Nau: "An outside perspective helps agencies see what truly sets them apart, what you think is your strength might not be what clients value most." Jesse Gilmore is the CEO and founder of Niche in Control, where he helps full-service creative and marketing agency owners scale their businesses while reclaiming their time and freedom. Through his Leverage for Growth program, Jesse guides agency leaders from being hands-on hustlers to confident CEOs who build scalable systems, attract high-value clients, and lead empowered teams. His proven methods have helped countless agency owners double revenue, increase profit margins, and reduce work hours all without sacrificing quality or balance. Website: https://www.nicheincontrol.com/ FB: https://www.facebook.com/NicheInControl LI: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessepgilmore/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/niche-in-control/ IG: https://www.instagram.com/niche.in.control/ X: https://x.com/ControlNiche TitTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@nicheincontrol &

As a business owner, you may trust your team, but that trust can blind you to the quiet financial risks inside your business. In this episode of The Creative Agency Success Show, we talk with Clay Kniepmann, manager in Forensic and Litigation at Anders, to share practical tips on balancing trust and control and how you can use simple steps to strengthen your internal processes. Key Takeaways: Watch for Red Flags: Delayed reports and lifestyle mismatches are warning signs.Balance Trust and Controls: Small businesses need clear internal controls.Simple Steps Matter: You don’t need complex systems. Technology Has Limits: Prevention still relies on human judgment.Owner Involvement is Key: Owners must stay engaged.Take practical steps to strengthen your business for lasting success. Tune into the episode of ▶️ Why Every Business Owner Should Think Like a Forensic Accountant with Clay Kniepmann. Find more podcast episodes on our website: anderscpa.com/learn/podcasts/ Episode resources: ● Anders Virtual CFO by Anders website: anderscpa.com ● Love our content? Sign up for our newsletter: https://anderscpa.com/learn/ ● Check out the Virtual CFO Playbook Course: anderscpa.com/virtual-cfo-services/vcfo-playbook/ Quotes Clay Kniepmann - "Forensic accounting is like piecing a puzzle together. Each case is unique and requires careful analysis and adaptability."Jamie Nau: "Understanding your operational processes helps identify potential fraud risks more effectively than generic controls."Clay Kniepmann is a manager in Forensic and Litigation at Anders, specializing in forensic accounting, fraud investigation, and litigation services. He’s known for making intricate financial issues easy to understand, giving leaders the clarity they need to make smarter decisions. Website: https://anderscpa.com/ FB: https://www.facebook.com/AndersCPA LI: https://www.linkedin.com/in/claykniepmann/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/anders-cpa/ IG: https://www.instagram.com/anderscpa/ The Creative Agency Success Show helps service-based business owners master the financial side of growth. Hosted by Jamie Nau, Director of Virtual CFO Services/ Virtual CFO, and Jody Grunden, Partner and Virtual CFO Practice Leader at Anders CPAs + Advisors, the podcast dives into essential financial strategies for scaling creative agencies. Website: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2458889 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/vcfobyanders Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/vcfobyanders/ Instagram:

Imagine turning media attention into real business growth. For service-based small business owners, publicity is about turning visibility into profit. In this episode, Mickie Kennedy, founder of eReleases, shares exactly how you can use PR to grow your credibility and revenue. He explains how press releases, when done right, can open doors to media coverage, attract your ideal clients, and create long-term financial success. Key takeaways: Why do most press releases fail? 97% of press releases generate no earned media and what separates the 3% that succeed.Press releases that actually work. Write story-based press releases that highlight real customer experiences.The difference between PR and ads. Ads push products, but PR builds trust. How to define success. Success is generating real opportunities, partnerships, and revenue for your business.Practical PR strategies you can use. Proven tactics that small business owners can implement to stand out in their industry.Tune into the episode of ▶️ Turn Publicity Into Profit: The PR Strategy That Works. Find more podcast episodes on our website: anderscpa.com/learn/podcasts/ Episode resources: ● Anders Virtual CFO by Anders website: anderscpa.com ● Love our content? Sign up for our newsletter: https://anderscpa.com/learn/ ● Check out the Virtual CFO Playbook Course: https://anderscpa.com/virtual-cfo-services/vcfo-playbook/ Quotes -Mickie Kennedy: ""Product and service launches are common, but they often miss the story. Add use cases and real client experiences to make it newsworthy." -Jody Grunden: "PR isn’t just ads in disguise. It’s about telling stories that uncover opportunities to generate revenue for your company." Mickie Kennedy is the founder of eReleases, a leading press release distribution service dedicated to helping small businesses, startups, and authors gain credibility and authority through strategic publicity. He has mastered the art of turning press releases into real profit and positioning brands as industry leaders. Mickie’s proven system ensures businesses dominate the front page of Google and attract the recognition they deserve. Beyond PR, he is also a published poet, bringing creativity and perspective to every story he helps share. Website: https://www.ereleases.com/ FB: https://www.facebook.com/mickie.kennedy/ https://www.facebook.com/ereleases.press.release.distribution LI: https://www.linkedin.com/in/publicity/ IG: https://www.instagram.com/ereleasespr/?hl=en X: https://x.com/ereleases/ The Creative Agency Success Show helps service-based business owners master the financial side of growth. Hosted by Jamie Nau, Director of Virtual CFO Services/ Virtual CFO, and Jody Grunden, Partner and Virtual CFO Practice Leader at Anders CPAs + Advisors, the podcas

If you’re invisible online, you’re losing clients before they even know you exist. In today’s competitive market, your digital presence is your storefront. In this episode, Agency Consultant & Executive Coach Karl Sakas of Sakas & Company explains why being invisible online is costing you clients and what you can do to fix it. He shares practical strategies on leadership, delegation, and long-term planning that help you attract more clients and strengthen your agency. Key takeaways: Delegation done right. Learn how letting go of low-value tasks helps you focus on client growth and financial results.Stop being the “answer person.” Growth stalls when every decision depends on you. Visibility drives revenue. If you’re not visible, you’re handing over opportunities to competitors.Audit your meetings. Free up your time by identifying which meetings matter and can be delegated.Coaching and accountability matter. Having an outside advisor helps you avoid blind spots and stay accountable.Tune into the episode of ▶️ Improve as an Agency Leader and 'Calm the Chaos' with Karl Sakas. Find more podcast episodes on our website: anderscpa.com/learn/podcasts/ Episode resources: ● Anders Virtual CFO by Anders website: anderscpa.com ● Love our content? Sign up for our newsletter: https://anderscpa.com/learn/ ● Check out the Virtual CFO Playbook Course: anderscpa.com/virtual-cfo-services/vcfo-playbook/ Quotes Karl Sakas: "A meeting audit helps leaders reclaim time. Review your calendar, decide which meetings matter, and delegate or cut the rest."Jody Grunden: "Delegation is the cornerstone of growth. Protecting your team from failure keeps them from developing."Karl Sakas is an agency advisor and coach who helps agency owners work less, earn more, and build stronger teams. Known as the "agency therapist," Karl has supported 600+ agencies across 36 countries in navigating growth and scaling smartly. He specializes in guiding leaders toward building lifestyle agencies or positioning for multi-million dollar exits. Website: https://sakasandcompany.com/ FB: https://web.facebook.com/SakasAndCompany?_rdc=1&_rdr# LI: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karlsakas/ IG: https://www.instagram.com/SakasandCompanyTeam/ X: https://x.com/KarlSakas YT: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCOyb-o2ICYgIOzBzCBarrjQ The Creative Agency Success Show helps service-based business owners master the financial side of growth. Hosted by Jamie Nau, Director of Virtual CFO Services/ Virtual CFO, and Jody Grunden, Partner and Virtual CFO Practice Leader at Anders CPAs + Advisors, the podcast dives into essential financial strategies for scaling creative agencies. Website:

You don’t need more hands—you need better tools. For service-based small business owners, AI can lift the burden of repetitive tasks, helping your team do more of what moves the needle In this episode of The Creative Agency Success Show, we sit down with Ed Krystosik, Co-Founder of RAC Projects AI, to unpack the real-world strategies for integrating AI into small businesses. From streamlining workflows to navigating compliance risks, Ed shares how AI can support your people, sharpen your processes, and fuel sustainable growth. Key Takeaways: Support Over Substitution: AI should enhance, not replace, your team. Start Small, Think ROI: Target low-friction tasks first. Fix the Process First: Map your workflows, then automate what makes sense.Win Team Buy-In: Assign a tech-savvy team member to lead the change. Make AI adoption a shared mission, not a top-down command.Play It Safe with Data: Learn how to protect sensitive info and avoid hallucinated outputs with smart model settings.Make Your Method Memorable: Create repeatable models that AI and humans can remember and recommend.Learn how to use AI to power smarter decisions, sharper content, and stronger results. Watch the episode of ▶️ Amplifying Human Potential In Your Business with AI Support. Find more podcast episodes on our website: http://www.summitcpa.net/podcasts Episode resources: ● Summit Virtual CFO by Anders website: https://www.summitcpa.net/ ● Love our content? Sign up for our newsletter: https://www.summitcpa.net/summit-newsletter ● Check out the Virtual CFO Playbook Course: https://anderscpa.com/ anderscpa.com/virtual-cfo-services/vcfo-playbook/ Quotes "If you're using AI to amplify the people you already have—or possibly replace the need for new hires—that's where you get tremendous ROI." - Ed Krystosik"When AI takes over parts of everyone’s tasks, it shifts job roles. The challenge becomes getting buy-in as responsibilities evolve." - Jamie NauEd Krystosik is the Co-Founder of RAC/AI, where he helps busy sales professionals amplify their impact through smart, AI-supported lead generation strategies. By automating follow-ups and systematizing referral pipelines, Ed empowers professionals to boost revenue without burning out. His approach focuses on maximizing quality leads, nurturing client relationships, and simplifying tech with practical workflows. With Ed's guidance, sales teams can focus less on chasing leads and more on closing deals. He's on a mission to help sales pros unlock human potential through strategic, AI-backed systems. Website: https://racprojects.ai/ Facebook: https://racprojects.ai/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ed-krystosik/ The Creative Agency Success Show helps service-based business owners master the financial side of growth. Hosted by Jamie Nau, Director of VCFO Services/ Virtual CFO, and Jody Grunden, Partner and Virtual CFO Practice Leader at Anders CPAs + Advisors, the podcast dives into essential

Creative Agency Success Show (Episode 144): “A maturity model isn't a report card, it's about understanding where your decision-making capabilities are.” - Jamie Nau In this episode of The Creative Agency Success Show, Jamie Nau and Jody Grunden pull back the curtain on how small business owners can move from just getting by to truly thriving. They’ve spent the last eight months crafting a maturity model designed to help you assess where your business stands in five key areas: cash management, forecasting, profitability, sales outlook, and financial reporting. But here’s the thing—it’s not about being perfect. It’s about having a clear path forward. Imagine being able to make decisions with confidence, knowing you’re moving in the right direction. That’s the power of understanding where your business currently stands and what small but impactful steps you can take next. So, what’s your next move? Tune in now and start building a business that works for you—not the other way around. ▶️ What's a Maturity Model Anyway? Find more podcast episodes on our website: http://www.summitcpa.net/podcasts Episode resources: ● Summit Virtual CFO by Anders website: https://www.summitcpa.net/ ● Love our content? Sign up for our newsletter: https://www.summitcpa.net/summit-news. ● Digital Dollars and Cents: A Virtual CFO’s Playbook to help Digital Companies Create a Financial Roadmap to Success, is now an audiobook! Download it here: https://vcfo.summitcpa.net/ddc _________________________________________________________________________________________ The Creative Agency Success Show helps service-based business owners master the financial side of growth. Hosted by Jamie Nau, Virtual CFO, and Jody Grunden, Partner at Anders CPAs + Advisors, the podcast dives into essential financial strategies for scaling creative agencies. With insights from industry experts and real-world experiences, episodes explore topics like cash flow management, forecasting, and financial maturity models. Backed by Summit Virtual CFO Services by Anders, this bi-weekly show provides actionable guidance for business owners navigating financial complexity. Join the conversation to build a stronger, more financially successful agency. Website: https://the-virtual-cpa-success-show-for-creative-agencies.simplecast.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/vcfobyanders Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/vcfobyanders/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vcfobyanders YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@vcfobyanders X: https://x.com/vcfobyanders ________________________________________________________________________________________ Jamie Nau, Summit Virtual CFO, is a seasoned financial expert with a deep understanding of business growth sta

Episode Title: Mastering the Art of Agency Growth: Lessons from Brad Ferris Episode Summary: In this episode of "The Creative Agency Success Show," hosts engage with Brad Farris from Anchor Advisors, a seasoned expert with over 20 years in the marketing and creative agency space. The discussion centers on scaling agency businesses, highlighting the importance of strategic hiring, financial planning, and maintaining cash reserves. Brad shares insights on the differences between consulting and coaching, emphasizing the empowerment of agency owners to find their own solutions. Success stories and challenges are discussed, offering practical advice on navigating growth stages and making informed decisions. The episode concludes with actionable steps for agency owners to achieve sustainable growth. Episode Notes: "I truly believe that a lot of visionaries and entrepreneurs think they can outsell anything, but they need to be intentional and build up that cash reserve to dive into the next level." -Brad Farris The finer details of this episode: Episode resources: ● Summit Virtual CFO by Anders website: https://www.summitcpa.net/ ● Love our content? Sign up for our newsletter: https://www.summitcpa.net/summit-newsletter ● Digital Dollars and Cents: A Virtual CFO’s Playbook to help Digital Companies Create a Financial Roadmap to Success, is now an audio book! Download it here: https://vcfo.summitcpa.net/ddc Timestamps: Introduction to the Show (00:00:00) Overview of "The Creative Agency Success Show" and its focus on helping agency owners. Discussion on Growth Strategies (00:00:15) Brad Ferris shares insights on achieving the next stage of agency growth. Importance of Coaching (00:00:40) Speaker 3 highlights Brad's extensive experience and the value of coaching for agencies. Hiring Considerations for Growth (00:01:21) Discussion on when to hire and which roles to prioritize for agency success. Consulting vs. Coaching (00:02:32) Brad explains the differences between consulting and coaching in agency settings. Success Story: Navigating Crisis (00:03:35) Brad shares a client's turnaround story after a significant revenue drop. Engagement Structure (00:05:58) Brad describes his coaching engagement model and its impact on client awareness. Contingency Planning (00:07:15) Importance of building contingency time into a CEO's schedule to handle crises. Creative Outlets for Agency Owners (00:09:03) Helping clients find creative outlets outside work to maintain passion and energy. Hiring Key Team Members (00:09:59) Discussion on the importance of hiring for growth and the challenges faced. Bottlenecks in Growth (00:10:40) Identifying the owner as a bottleneck and the need to delegate responsibilities. Sales Role Transition (00:12:02) The importance of trans

Episode Title: 2024 Year in Review Episode Notes: In our year end wrap up: Jody, Brett, Tom, Hannah, and Jamie share favorite moments from the show, podcasting resolutions and holiday gift wishes. the hosts reflect on personal anecdotes and provide their aspirations for the upcoming year. They also introduce a new behind-the-scenes team member. "It’s super common for us to go into a conference and have someone say, "Hey, I love that podcast you’re on." It’s really cool, and we really enjoy it." – Jody Grunden The finer details of this episode: Episode resources: ● Summit Virtual CFO by Anders website: https://www.summitcpa.net/ ● If you have questions or would like to be a guest on the show, email us at mcpasuccessshow@anderscpa.com ● Check out the Virtual CFO Playbook Course: https://vcfoplaybook.summitcpa.net/ Timestamps: Introduction to the Episode (00:00:00) The host welcomes listeners to the Creative Agency Success Show, highlighting its value for agency owners. Productivity in One Room (00:00:14) Jodi humorously comments on the team's low productivity due to everyone being together, setting a light-hearted tone. Congratulations to Indiana University (00:00:41) Brett congratulates Indiana University on a sports victory and transitions into a discussion about online gambling. Online Gambling Discussion (00:01:05) The speakers engage in a light banter about online gambling's legality in Indiana and personal stakes in upcoming games. Introducing Christine (00:01:31) Jodi introduces Christine, acknowledging her contributions to the team and welcoming her to the show. Christine's Favorite Podcast (00:02:08) Christine shares her favorite podcast episode, highlighting the Young CPA as relatable for her college experience. Introducing Mina (00:04:04) Mina, a new team member, shares her background in agricultural tech and politics, expressing excitement for her role. Podcast Ranking Discussion (00:04:41) Brett mentions the podcast's ranking, humorously clarifying its position within the United States. Mina's Podcasting Resolution (00:05:39) Mina discusses her goal of maintaining organized scheduling for the podcast, emphasizing the importance of planning ahead. Favorite Podcast Moments (00:06:33) The team discusses their favorite moments and guests from their respective podcasts, starting with Brett's insights. Brett's Podcast Insights (00:07:06) Brett reflects on the educational value of his guests in the cannabis space, highlighting their expertise and fascinating discussions. Christine's Support (00:09:22) Brett thanks Christine for her behind-the-scenes support during a recent conference, showcasing teamwork. Hannah's Favorite Episodes (00:10:00) Hannah shares her favorite episode featuring guests from analytics, discussing their innovative contributions to the accounting space. Tom's Podcast Experience (00:11:33) Tom recounts a humorous incident where he was mistakenly recognized for another podcast, showcasing the dynamics of audience recognition. Storytelling in Podcasts (00:13:36) Tom highlights the importance of storytelling in consulting, referencing insights from guests about the hero's journey. Jodi's Favorite Moments (00:16:04) Jodi expresses appreciation

Episode Title: Riding the Entrepreneurial Rollercoaster: Insights from Tom Conlon Episode Summary: In this episode, the hosts engage with Tom Conlon, founder of North Street Creative, to discuss his entrepreneurial journey and the cyclical nature of business. Tom shares insights on the challenges of running a creative agency, emphasizing the importance of adaptability and timely decision-making. He recounts the impact of economic cycles on business operations and the significance of maintaining strong banking relationships. The conversation also covers the role of structured operating systems like EOS in achieving strategic goals and the necessity of financial visibility. The episode concludes with reflections on media influences and the enduring value of print publications. Episode Notes: "I didn't even have a line of credit until COVID. When it started happening, I realized how crucial it was to have that financial safety net." Tom Conlon The finer details of this episode: Episode resources: ● Summit Virtual CFO by Anders website: https://www.summitcpa.net/ ● Love our content? Sign up for our newsletter: https://www.summitcpa.net/summit-newsletter ● Digital Dollars and Cents: A Virtual CFO’s Playbook to help Digital Companies Create a Financial Roadmap to Success, is now an audio book! Download it here: https://vcfo.summitcpa.net/ddc Timestamps: (00:00:00) Introduction to the podcast and its focus on helping agency owners scale their businesses. Appreciation for Insights (00:00:14) Discussion on the value of insights brought by co-host Hannah compared to previous co-hosts. Conversation with Tom (00:00:23) Hannah shares her positive experience speaking with guest Tom about his entrepreneurial journey. Tom's Background (00:02:14) Tom Conlon introduces himself and his branding agency, North Street Creative, and its focus areas. Agency Evolution (00:02:36) Tom discusses the evolution of his agency and how they adapted during the pandemic. Entrepreneurial Journey (00:04:15) Tom reflects on his unexpected entry into entrepreneurship and the transition from freelance work. Lessons from Experience (00:08:45) Tom shares key lessons learned throughout his 14 years in business, emphasizing cyclical trends. Surviving Down Cycles (00:12:24) Discussion on strategies to navigate low cycles in business and the importance of timely decisions. Financial Preparedness (00:15:54) Tom emphasizes the significance of having savings and a line of credit for business stability. Proactive Planning (00:16:52) Tom outlines how he prepares for future cycles with scenario planning and projections. Culture Challenges During Tough Times (00:18:42) Tom discusses the impact of difficult

“The good thing about retargeting is that most of the sales don't actually come from people clicking on the ad. They come from people seeing the ad and then either Googling the company or typing in the URL in the browser.” – Zaid Ammari The finer details of this episode: Episode resources: https://www.summitcpa.net/https://www.summitcpa.net/summit-newsletterDigital Dollars and Cents: A Virtual CFO’s Playbook to help Digital Companies Create a Financial Roadmap to Successhttps://vcfo.summitcpa.net/ddclinkedin.com/in/zaidammarippcmasterminds.comhttps://ppcmasterminds.com/free-google-ads-audit/https://lookerstudio.google.com/reporting/cc7472bf-0d0e-40d4-b275-22f1996ca339/page/VAzeB. Timestamps: Introduction to the Episode (00:00:00) Overview of the Creative Agency Success Show and its purpose for agency owners. Discussion of Different Mindsets (00:00:14) Jamie and Jody reflect on their different perspectives during the episode with Zaid. Topics Covered in the Episode (00:00:42) Jody highlights the focus on retargeting and its common mistakes discussed with Zaid. Guest Introduction (00:01:38) Jamie introduces Zaid Ammari, a marketing expert from PPC Masterminds. Zaid's Background (00:02:07) Zaid shares his journey from banking to becoming a paid marketing specialist. Client Targeting in Marketing (00:04:42) Jody asks about Zaid's target clients and his focus on paid search. Industries of Focus (00:05:28) Zaid discusses his typical clients, primarily in e-commerce and service industries. Introduction to Retargeting (00:06:24) Zaid explains retargeting and its psychological impact on potential customers. Cookies and Ad Competition (00:08:13) Discussion on how cookies compete in ad placements and auction dynamics. Dynamic Retargeting (00:09:10) Zaid describes how dynamic retargeting can tailor ads based on user behavior. Common Retargeting Mistakes (00:09:37) Zaid identifies mistakes businesses make by using the same ads repeatedly. Cost-Effectiveness of Retargeting (00:10:20) Zaid explains how retargetin

“We try to help the sellers understand what the buyer's long-term vision is, what changes they expect to make, and over what period of time, because all of these things have implications on the business but also on emotions.” – Jonathan Baker The finer details of this episode: Episode resources: https://www.summitcpa.net/https://www.summitcpa.net/summit-newsletterDigital Dollars and Cents: A Virtual CFO’s Playbook to help Digital Companies Create a Financial Roadmap to Successhttps://vcfo.summitcpa.net/ddchttps://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathandavidbaker/https://punctuation.com/ Timestamps: Welcome to the Creative Agency Success Show (00:00:00) Introduction to the podcast's purpose and focus on agency owners looking to scale. Discussion on M&A Preparation (00:00:15) Insights from Jonathan Baker about the importance of preparation for mergers and acquisitions. M&A Landscape Insights (00:00:39) Hannah reflects on the evolving trends in the M&A landscape and its implications for clients. Importance of Understanding M&A (00:01:13) Discussion on how understanding the M&A process can aid clients in their decision-making. Preparation Equals Easier Transition (00:01:39) Jimmy emphasizes that being well-prepared leads to a smoother M&A process and better outcomes. Introduction of Jonathan Baker (00:02:52) Jonathan Baker shares his background and expertise in helping firms prepare for M&A. Jonathan's M&A Journey (00:04:07) Jonathan recounts his personal experience with M&A, highlighting its complexities and emotional aspects. Valuation Nuances in M&A (00:06:19) Discussion on non-financial factors influencing valuation in the M&A process. Timing for M&A Conversations (00:07:51) Jonathan advises when clients should start preparing for M&A, ideally 3-4 years in advance. Post-Sale Involvement (00:09:22) Exploration of the buyer's perspective on post-sale involvement and its implications for sellers. Preventative Maintenance in M&A (00:11:33) Strategies to help owners navigate the transition and maintain business integrity post-acquisition. Deal Structure Non-Negotiables (00:14:01) Jonathan outlines his strong recommendations against certain deal structures, particularly ESOPs. Understanding ESOP Risks (00:15:07) Discussion on the potential pitfalls of employee stock ownership plans (ESOPs) in M&A.

“It's never too early to start planning because you never know when that end is going to be. Operate with optimism. There's a lot of activity that's really unprecedented in the industry right now, and I think for the years ahead, it's going to be very good for agency owners who build really solid, predictable, nice operating practices.” – Phil Daniels The finer details of this episode: Episode resources: https://www.summitcpa.net/https://www.summitcpa.net/summit-newsletterDigital Dollars and Cents: A Virtual CFO’s Playbook to help Digital Companies Create a Financial Roadmap to Successhttps://vcfo.summitcpa.net/ddchttps://www.linkedin.com/in/phillipdaniels/https://seasonadvisors.com/ Timestamps: Welcome to the Show (00:00:00) Introduction to the "Creative Agency Success Show" and its focus on helping agency owners. Discussion of Topics (00:00:14) Overview of the episode's topics: mergers & acquisitions and basketball, highlighting guest Phil Daniels. Phil Daniels Introduction (00:01:20) Phil shares his background in M&A and agency ownership, setting the stage for his insights. Early Career in M&A (00:01:35) Phil discusses starting his career at JP Morgan, focusing on acquiring and integrating businesses. Transition to Agency Ownership (00:02:20) Phil recounts his journey to starting his own agency, motivated by low barriers to entry. Agency Sales Experience (00:03:22) Phil explains his experience with agency sales, emphasizing the emotional aspects of selling. Motivations for Selling (00:04:46) Phil explores various reasons agency owners consider selling, including burnout and lack of succession planning. Exit Readiness Concept (00:07:18) Phil introduces the idea of exit readiness, emphasizing the importance of preparation before selling. Trends in Purchase Agreements (00:09:34) Discussion on recent trends in M&A agreements, including structure and incentives for sellers. Incentivized Buyouts (00:10:57) Phil talks about the common structure of incentivized buyouts and the importance of owner involvement post-sale. Valuation Gaps in Sales (00:12:19) Challenges in aligning seller expectations with buyer valuations, and strategies to bridge gaps. Timing for Cleaning Up Books (00:15:11) Phil advises on the optimal timeline for preparing financials before selling an agency. M&A as a Marathon (00:16:39) Discussion on the

In this special episode of The Creative Agency Success Show, four speakers with Halloween-themed personas—Jamie Nightmare, Hannah Hexed Hood, Adam Haunted Hale, and Joey Killing Kenny—engage in a lively draft-style discussion about their favorite Halloween movies. Jamie, the enthusiastic host, sets the stage and outlines the draft rules. Hannah humorously admits her limited horror movie experience, while Adam and Joey share their deep knowledge and personal anecdotes. The conversation is filled with playful banter and passionate debates as they each select and defend their top horror film picks, creating an engaging and entertaining Halloween-themed episode.