The Jason and Bart Show

Ben May from The Code Company - Understanding the Future of Web Development

Join us for a riveting conversation with Ben, founder and managing director of the Code Company. This globally recognized enterprise, WordPress agency, has been solving complex problems for prominent digital publishers in the Asia Pacific region and the U.S. Ben charts his journey from founding his company, weathering an economic downturn, and maneuvering the challenges brought about by the pandemic. We explore hybrid work, the current hiring landscape, and client's aversion to digital marketing. Listen in as we take a deep dive into the discipline and focus it takes to establish and run a niche enterprise in the WordPress space.

As we move along, we delve into the challenges of servicing clients across different time zones. The Code Company is unique in its approach, as it operates within certain time boundaries. Ben also shares his insights on how the company has had to adjust to a more educated and informed client base. With a surge in demand for data-driven solutions, it's fascinating to learn how the Code Company has been able to adapt and stay ahead of the curve.

We end our conversation discussing the future of the internet and web development. Ben shares his thoughts on the potential of chat bots, AI, and the future of domain names. We question whether the internet can exist without websites, and if a shift away from website-based content consumption is imminent. Join us as we ponder the future of AI, the rise of first party data and the martech industry, and even contemplate the idea of a chip implanted in the brain for internet access.

Join us as we journey through the business chronicles of visionary leader, Andi Graham, founder and CEO of Big Sea, a trailblazing marketing agency that uses the art of storytelling to empower mission-based organizations. We'll unravel the pivotal moments and milestones that have shaped Big Sea's prosperous journey over the span of two eventful decades. We'll unpack the multifaceted intricacies of leading a solo business and the enormous bravery it took to merge with another agency, all the while providing an intimate glimpse into Andi's entrepreneurial voyage.

We also lift the lid on Big Sea's revolutionary approaches to hiring and pricing, and their forward-thinking adoption of AI tools within their workflows. As we unravel the intricacies of their operations, you'll discover how the timeless skills of English majors are put to use in creating superior chatbot prompts. Andi also throws light on the unique leadership challenges encountered during the integration of two agencies, wading through an economic freeze, and the task of finding work for their new team members. Finally, we shine a light on the professional evolution of the Big Sea team amidst changing clientele and industries they serve. Tune in to draw insights from Andi's inspiring journey and

(0:00:01) - Founder Discusses Big Sea's Journey

(0:11:28) - Hiring and Pricing Challenges in Agency

(0:21:49) - Challenges and Growth in Leadership

Join us as we engage with Todd Ross Nienkerk, CEO of Four Kitchens, on his incredible growth story. We kick things off by retracing the transformational journey that began with Four Kitchens merging with Advomatic two years ago, an event that almost doubled the number of active client relationships. Todd guides us through the changes, growth strategies, and challenges that followed, offering insight into the dynamics of blending different business models.

As we progress, we delve into the critical aspects of managing rapid growth, cash flow, and integration. Todd shares the exhilarating experience of Four Kitchens' acquisition of Manatee, which led to a 50% increase in headcount overnight. We explore the challenges faced with their COO being on maternity leave at the same time and the emotional roller coaster that comes with such rapid expansion and the potential for new clients and verticals.

In the latter part of our chat, we turn to the more challenging side of business – downsizing. Todd discusses the tough decisions they had to make as the economy slowed down and how they strategized to keep the team intact. We then shift gears to discuss the future of content and imagination, drawing on Todd's thoughts on augmented reality, virtual reality, and algorithms' role in shaping our world. Listen in for a truly inspiring journey of growth, challenges, and transformation in the world of tech.

--------- EPISODE CHAPTERS ---------

(0:00:00) - Four Kitchens Transformation and Growth Journey

(0:11:41) - Cash, Marketing, Growth, and Integration

(0:15:40) - Challenges and Downsizing in Business

(0:21:03) - Approaching Downsizing and Business Development Challenges

(0:37:39) - Discussion About Meow Wolf Art Experience

(0:42:14) - The Future of Content and Imagination

(0:00:01) - Marketing Strategies and Small Business Clients

(0:09:13) - Meetings, Webflow, and AI in Marketing

(0:14:48) - Improving Writing and AI Technology

(0:20:37) - Using Stock Photography and Unsplashed Pictures

Uncover the secrets of digital marketing as we engage in an insightful conversation with Seth Goldstein from Goldstein Media, revealing how his agency supports clients in an array of services from curating websites and mastering WordPress to SEO and paid marketing. Come with us on this riveting journey, where we shine a light on Seth's podcast, Entrepreneurs Enigma, a collaborative platform where he assists clients with marketing and strategic needs. We also scrutinize the current marketing landscape, highlighting the curious trend of budgets pouring in for marketing, yet with projects being postponed.

Ever wondered how to optimize your time by scheduling multiple meetings in one location? Or ever been intrigued by the complexities of website hosting and maintenance? We're here to satisfy your curiosity and more! We also venture into the exhilarating realm of AI and its game-changing impact on marketing. Listen to our personal experiences, as we discuss AI's transformational potential in areas like writing and video editing. Seth opens up about his use of tools like Lexpage, Grammarly, and Superhuman, emphasizing the importance of infusing personal flavor into work and harnessing AI to streamline processes.

As we draw to a close, we ponder over the role of stock photography in crafting a professional look for websites and the significance of crediting photographers. The conversation takes an exciting turn as we investigate how AI can turbocharge production and efficiency. Don't miss out on this episode jam-packed with insights, anecdotes, and expert advice that will guide you through the intricate world of digital marketing and beyond!

Dan Maccarone is the part owner of Fools Gold, a bar in New York City, and the founder of Charming Robot, a product design company. He has over 15 years of experience in the industry and specializes in creating great user experiences that generate revenue for his clients. Summary: Dan Maccarone, part owner of Fools Gold and founder of Charming Robot, discusses the importance of strategy in the agency world. He emphasizes the need for collaboration between clients and agencies, where the client brings their vision and the agency brings their expertise to create something wonderful. Dan also shares his obsession with travel and his excitement about using AI tools like Chat GPT to plan his trips and generate ideas for his clients. Key Takeaways: Collaboration between clients and agencies is crucial for creating successful projects. Strategy should be a priority in the agency world, as it helps generate revenue for clients. Using AI tools like Chat GPT can save time and generate new ideas for travel planning and client projects. 0:00:17 Introduction to the episode 0:00:49 Dan Maccarone introduces himself and his work 0:02:21 Discussion about the importance of making money for clients 0:04:43 Favorite kind of project and client 0:06:51 Difference between boss mentality and leader mentality 0:08:45 Negative connotation of the word "strategy" 0:11:36 Importance of strategy in agency work 0:14:16 Negative experiences with consultants and strategists 0:18:56 The role of account management in agencies 0:25:29 Discussion about the use of Chat GPT and AI in travel planning

How has the pandemic impacted the digital agency landscape, and what can businesses do to adapt and thrive during these uncertain times? Join us as we explore the effects of the current economic climate on the digital industry, including how tech and SaaS companies have managed to rebound amidst the chaos. This episode is packed with insights on how to harness the ebb and flow of business operations to become more efficient and client-focused.

We also dive into the complexities of managing teams through changing workflows and the importance of having an efficient cost structure to navigate downturns and influxes of work. Discover the crucial role of consistent HR work in ensuring success, and indulge in our current obsessions, from the US Open Golf Championship to the thrilling world of NASCAR car alarms. Don't miss this lively conversation that covers a wide range of topics, from the digital agency landscape to the excitement of motor sports!

0:02:40 - Recovery of Tech and SaaS Companies (74 Seconds)

0:08:55 - Indicators in Uncertain Times (80 Seconds)

0:13:19 - Managing Team Capacity and Workflow (73 Seconds)

0:19:17 - NASCAR Car Promotes Lamont Race (102 Seconds)

Discover the secrets to successfully navigating mentorship and professional development in today's remote work environments. We guarantee that you'll gain valuable insights on aligning team growth with business goals and overcoming the unique challenges faced by young employees in a predominantly virtual setting.

Join us as we debunk common misconceptions startups and small businesses make when hiring young talent and explore the critical role mentorship plays within corporate America. Learn how to empower your workforce by creating personalized development plans, investing in management teams, and understanding generational differences. Don't miss this enlightening conversation that uncovers the intersection of mentorship, remote work, and business success.

(0:00:00) - Challenges of Mentorship in Remote Work

(0:11:16) - Workplace Empowerment

(0:16:26) - Investing in Management Teams

The conversation between Jason and Bart revolves around the use of the term 'resources' to refer to employees. Bart argues that the term dehumanizes employees and implies that they are merely bodies to do work. Jason, on the other hand, contends that it is only a word and its meaning depends on the context and how people treat their employees. This conversation then shifts to the issue of misaligned expectations between agency owners and their teams, with a particular focus on empathetic or servant leadership without accountability.

0:00:00A Transcript of a Discussion on the Use of the Term "Resources" for Employees in the Corporate World0:01:56"Discussion on Empathetic Leadership and Misaligned Expectations in Agency Ownership"0:04:08The Transactional Nature of Employer-Employee Relationships: Managing Expectations and Accountability.0:05:39Accountability and Respect in the Workplace: A Discussion on Managing People and Resources.0:07:49A Discussion on the Human Side of Layoffs and the Responsibility of Employers towards their Employees0:15:53"Discussion on the Importance of Balancing Data and Personnel in Business Management"0:17:27A Discussion on Frustration and Approaching Situations from Different Angles

0:02:15 - Becoming a Partner at the Bureau (77 Seconds)

0:06:15 - Leadership and Organizational Goals (49 Seconds)

0:12:38 - Optimizing the Bureau's Value (88 Seconds)

0:22:22 - Balancing Sentimentality and Client Needs (71 Seconds)

0:28:15 - Current Obsessions and Elevating Conversations (68 Seconds)

Discover the fascinating journey of Carl Smith, from Ngine Works to the Bureau of Digital, as he shares his unique perspective on the ever-changing landscape of digital agencies. Learn how his team of four grew to a whopping 40 members, adopted the Jellyfish Model, and transformed the Bureau's focus from craft-oriented services to business-oriented services. Join us for an eye-opening conversation that reveals how the Bureau has evolved since Carl took over in 2016, concentrating on helping others and fostering a strong sense of community within the digital world.

Stay ahead of the curve as we discuss the significant shift in digital agencies' needs and the concept of scaling intimacy. Carl emphasizes the importance of financial literacy and the delicate balance businesses must maintain between their own culture and the demands of their clients. Explore the challenges faced by organizations as they strive to keep up with rapid technological advancements, and learn the value of human beings and technology in providing faster, cheaper deliverables.

Lastly, fasten your seatbelts as we dive into a thought-provoking conversation on the future of technology and jobs. Delve into the potential of AI, biotechnology, and other cutting-edge developments, and understand how crucial adaptability is in the face of relentless innovation. Don't miss this exciting episode with Carl Smith, where we explore the exhilarating and sometimes daunting world of digital agencies and technology.

Get ready for a deep dive into the final Owner Summit with our dear friend Carl Smith, as we explore the evolution of this fantastic event and the impact it has had on the agency owner community. We reminisce on memorable moments, including discussions on transparency and the importance of health and wellness for entrepreneurs. This event has truly been a game changer for many, and we're excited to see what the future holds for its members.

As agency owners ourselves, we've learned the power of putting pen to paper - or fingers to keyboard - and how it can provide insights into a CEO's mindset, as well as playing a role in attracting top talent. Join us as Peter shares his personal writing journey and how it has become a cathartic and essential part of his work-life balance. We also touch on the concept of the four-hour workweek and the importance of staying customer-focused while growing our businesses.

But what about the future of AI and our potential resistance to its integration into our workflows? Fear not, as we tackle this subject head-on and explore the exciting possibilities that AI brings to the table. With tools like Excel, Microsoft Office, and Prompt Engineering, we believe AI will become a natural and essential part of the job market. Stay ahead of the curve and join us as we discuss the importance of staying educated on AI's potential and its impact on our ever-evolving world.

How did a chef at the age of sixteen end up becoming the CEO of a successful marketing firm? Join us for an exciting conversation with Mark O'Brien, CEO of Newfangled, as he shares his incredible journey from the culinary world to the realm of web development and marketing. We discuss Mark's unique career path and how his passion for cooking led him to eventually switch gears and enter the fast-paced world of web development.

During our chat, Mark dives into the development of the MRR (monthly recurring revenue) model at Newfangled and how it has been a game-changer for their success. Learn how they evolved over the years, taking on more of their clients' tasks to guarantee success with their marketing efforts. If you're looking to grow your marketing firm, this episode is jam-packed with valuable insights and strategies for achieving a cash flow-positive business.

Finally, Mark offers an in-depth look at the complexities of the MRR model, explaining why firms pay a set amount of money each month and the importance of positioning services correctly. He also shares his plans to visit our studio and discuss his passion for what he does. Don't miss this fascinating conversation with Mark O'Brien, CEO of Newfangled, as he shares his expertise and experience in growing a marketing firm with MRR.

0:02:35 - MRR and CEO Journey (91 Seconds)

0:11:32 - Career Growth and Relocation (26 Seconds)

0:16:28 - The Importance of MRR (41 Seconds)

0:23:54 - Tracking MRR for Bootstrapped Agency (66 Seconds)

0:30:35 - Benefits of MRR for Business (40 Seconds)

0:36:52 - Transitioning to MRR With Intentional Positioning (48 Seconds)

0:41:13 - Pattern Matching and Risk Reduction (19 Seconds)

0:47:18 - Cancellation and Flexibility in Services (26 Seconds)

0:50:38 - Passion and Honesty in Discussion (45 Seconds)

Note: We are not tax experts and you should always consult your tax professional

Taxes - the inevitable but often bewildering aspect of business and personal finance. In this episode, we unravel the complexities of American and European tax systems and examine the influence of companies like QuickBooks and TurboTax. Listen in as we explore the challenges faced by small businesses and agencies during tax time, and share various ways to manage tax liabilities responsibly.

In the second half, we shift our focus to understanding liability and its impact on your business and personal finances. Discover the differences between LLCs, S Corps, and C Corps, and their effects on tax liability. Learn the importance of working with tax professionals to manage your business's taxes, including quarterly estimated tax payments and planning for the upcoming fiscal year. Don't miss out on valuable insights and common mistakes made when filing taxes, and understand the value of having a tax professional to assist you throughout the process.

Chapters:

(0:00:01) - Small Business Tax & Cash Management

(0:13:16) - Tax Strategies for Small Businesses

(0:19:49) - Tax Talk

In this episode, We had the pleasure of speaking with Ernesto Tagwerker, founder and CTO of Ombulabs, about scaling a software agency and the benefits of productized services. We discussed the importance of paying off technical debt and how Ombulabs focuses on upgrading JavaScript, React JS, Node JS, Rails, and Ruby to help clients maintain their software. We also explored how to maintain consistent quality and delivery for productized services while avoiding technical laziness, and the role of project management in ensuring that deadlines are met. Additionally, we touched on the challenges of pitching to public companies and the need to adjust pricing and value to be taken seriously by larger clients. We delved into the methodology behind iterating on productized services as client and business needs change over time, and how utilizing templates for processes, blind estimation tools, and continuously learning from experience can improve service offerings. We also discussed the impact of productized services on profitability, revealing how higher margins can be achieved through these offerings. Lastly, we discussed business development strategies to increase profitability, such as specializing in a specific vertical and becoming an authority in the field, and how this can lead to higher rates and increased profitability for a software development company. Throughout the conversation, Ernesto shared valuable insights from his experience in scaling Ombulabs and the growth strategies they have experimented with to adapt and maintain a successful business.

Chapters:

(0:00:00) - Scaling a Software Agency

(0:13:54) - Productized Services Quality Delivery

(0:24:06) - Maximizing Profitability With Productized Services

(0:31:03) - Business Development Strategies to Increase Profitability

(0:36:57) - Experimenting With Growth Strategies

This episode of Jason the Bart Show discusses the importance of having friends when struggling with mental health. The current global climate is causing a lot of uncertainty, which can be unsettling and drive people crazy. The pandemic has been going on for almost three years, causing people to become burned out. It is important to have friends to lean on in times of need, both inside and outside of work. Jason and the guest talk about the pressures of the current situation, and how having support systems can help. The conversation centers around the difficulties of being a leader and having to manage chaos. Both parties agree that it is difficult to manage and control the craziness and disruption that comes with being a leader and that it can be mentally exhausting. They also agree that it is important to try and control the pendulum from swinging too far in one direction and to try to control disruption. The discussion also touches on the importance of being system, data and metric driven, in order to help manage the chaos. This conversation is about the importance of having a work environment that promotes positive mental health. The conversation touched on the importance of communication and how it can help level and smooth out volatile and disruptive situations. The speaker also discussed the challenge of being an owner and trying to provide a work environment that promotes positive mental health while also recognizing that they cannot be responsible for someone's health when they are not in the work environment. The speaker suggested that emotional intelligence is important when recognizing if something is going on and that it is necessary to ask the question without expecting someone to tell them. The conversation between the two speakers focuses on how to create a positive mental health culture in the workplace. They emphasize the importance of having an open door policy and providing an understanding environment for employees. They also discuss the importance of realistic expectations when it comes to employees and owners, as well as the need for communication and transparency. Additionally, they talk about the need to watch employees and their behavior to identify any red flags that could indicate issues related to mental health. Finally, they emphasize that while they are not mental health professionals, they can still provide a safe and positive environment for their team.

Episode Summary:

In this episode, we dive into the recent events in the banking world and how they're affecting those in the digital agency space. We discuss the impact of banks like Silicon Valley Bank on vendors and clients, and the potential risk exposure on the receivable side. We also explore the role of social media in creating a "run" on these banks and how quickly the situation was rectified. Later, we delve deeper into the banking crisis and its impact on businesses and startups. We discuss the importance of understanding how banks use deposits for arbitrage and the need for businesses to be more vigilant in managing their cash. We also touch upon potential regulatory changes in the banking industry and how they may affect operations and risk management for businesses. Additionally, we share our thoughts on an interesting book on leadership and culture, as well as a unique animated sports broadcast. Don't miss out on this insightful and timely conversation about the evolving landscape of banking and its impact on the digital agency space.

Chapters:

(0:00:02) - Social Media Pump & Dump

(0:09:04) - Banking Crisis Impact

Chapter Summaries:

(0:00:02) - Social Media Pump & Dump (9 Minutes)

In this episode, we discuss the recent events in the banking world and how it affects those in the digital agency space. We talk about the impact of banks like Silicon Valley Bank and others on vendors and clients, and the potential risk exposure on the receivable side. We also explore the role of social media in creating a "run" on these banks and how quickly the situation was rectified. Additionally, we touch on the impact on e-commerce platforms like Shopify and Etsy, as well as the reactions of venture capital firms and other large players in the industry.

(0:09:04) - Banking Crisis Impact (13 Minutes)

In this chapter, we delve into the banking crisis and its impact on businesses and startups. We discuss the importance of understanding how banks use deposits for arbitrage and the need for businesses to be more vigilant in managing their cash. The conversation also touches upon the potential regulatory changes in the banking industry and how it may affect operations and risk management for businesses. Additionally, we highlight an interesting book on leadership and culture, and share our thoughts on a unique animated sports broadcast'

In this episode, we had the pleasure of speaking with Leslie Camacho, a professional EOS Implementer, about the Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS). We discussed the importance of leadership, management, and accountability in business, the challenges of implementing EOS, the importance of core values, leadership and management, and connecting with Leslie on social media. We also discussed the need for open and honest self-evaluation of the leadership team and the importance of role resolution when multiple people believe they should be in the same role.

Chapters:

(0:00:02) - Leadership, Management, and Accountability in Business

(0:05:50) - The Challenges of Implementing EOS

(0:18:58) - Core Values, Leadership, and Management

(0:28:02) - Invisible Out in Open

(0:34:38) - Connecting With Leslie on Social Media

In an ironic twist, The Jason and Bart Show explore how time tracking can benefit their team, not just their clients, as they strive to create an optimized, data-driven work environment and maximize their team's efficiency and profit.
I learned about Time Tracking from an episode of The Jason and Bart Show, which discussed the importance of tracking time for an agency. Time tracking is important for an agency to be able to track profitability, competency level, and estimate more accurately. It is not about Big Brother, but rather optimizing the work environment to make better data-driven decisions. Time tracking is important for both TNM, fixed bid, and retainer based work. Incentivizing time tracking is unnecessary since the incentive should be obvious as to why it is important. Time tracking is about optimizing the work environment to make better data-driven decisions for the overall good of the team.

"It's our job to work faster to make the profit. Right? So that's sort of the way I look at it is it is our job to make sure we're more efficient and faster working with that sacrifice, it's still making that money."

In this episode, you will learn the following:
1. How can time tracking help optimize a digital services company's working environment?
2. What are the financial and operational benefits of tracking time internally?
3. How can leadership effectively communicate the importance of time tracking to their team?

Jason and Bart discuss how they have made it through the first month of 2023, and how the year has started off for agency owners. They talk about how some of the delays were predictable but some were not. They then discuss a client of theirs that has a market cap of a few hundred billion dollars and how they pulled back a contract for less than $10,000 a month of spend. This led to a conversation where they concluded that they should reach out to the CFO more often to have conversations.

The conversation discussed how CFOs are an important part of IT procurement and how strategies should be directed towards them due to the lack of discretionary spending. The speakers agreed that pipelines for closing deals have become more difficult due to people being skittish about taking risks. To prove the value of technology solutions, it is necessary to prove the value across the leadership landscape in a way that it was not before when it was just a matter of investing in digitization. The conversation concluded with the speakers discussing how they have been building solutions for clients for the last few years, even through the pandemic.

The conversation centered around digital transformation, and how C suites are taking a more intentional approach to their tech spending. Budgets are still there, but there is less leverage for digital agencies and value based pricing is taking a backseat to proving ROI. There is a reduction in tech staff, but the percentage of those let go compared to those hired is minimal. The takeaway is that investment in digital transformation is here to stay, as the people being let go are not in the AI and metaverse departments.

This conversation between two people discusses the layoffs of marketing and HR employees from large companies such as FedEx. They argue that engineers are also being laid off, but that the most experienced engineers are not being fired. The conversation then shifts to the digital agency space, and the two agree that there have not been as many layoffs in that space yet. They then move to discuss the CEO of Rivian, who is the second highest paid CEO in the world, and the other top earners including Elon Musk and Tim Cook. The conversation ends with the observation that Tim Cook still deserves his salary because he is good at his job.

Jason and Bart welcomed their first guest, Adam Kurzawa, to their show. Adam is the director of business development at Expand the Room, a small digital agency in New York City. They started the conversation by discussing how the sales cycles for digital agencies have been changing. Adam shared his background and experience with sales tactics and strategies. He mentioned that a call he had just finished was about sales tactics, and he was asked what he does. Adam then briefly summarized his career and how he got to his current role at Expand the Room. They discussed how going old school with sales strategies can be beneficial in the current environment. Jason and Bart then encouraged their YouTube viewers to leave their comments and thoughts on the conversation.

The conversation is between two individuals who work in a remote digital marketing agency, Expand the Room. They discuss how the pandemic has changed their business and the sales cycle. They note that after the initial drop in business in mid-May, it was quiet for several months until October when it suddenly became busy for the end of the year. They attribute this to the fact that Q4 is now bigger than it had been in years before. They also discuss the importance of relationship-building in sales and how their music and entertainment experience has informed how they approach it.

The conversation discussed the current economic situation and its impact on the industry. It was noted that January was an odd month but that things are starting to shake loose. It was suggested that clients return to the office, which allowed people to flex some muscle memory and do things they haven't done in a while. Whether the current situation is a six-month or twelve-month recession or inflation was raised. The conclusion was that it doesn't really matter and that it's important to keep selling and not let the outside noise get you down. It was also suggested that the market is right-sizing itself and that a lot of money is floating around, and people are getting paid more than usual.

The conversation is about the changing job market for developers and other technology professionals. Last year, a huge demand for tech workers led to engineers asking for two to three times their salary. However, by the end of the year, the market had shifted, and there was a surplus of developers and other tech workers due to layoffs. The conversation then turned to the idea of the tech session, which is when the pendulum swings back after having swung too far in the other direction. The group discussed how different industries and sectors will be affected differently by the current situation and how understanding the life cycle of each client and their industry is important for service providers.

Jason and Bart are discussing reputation management, a key component of running a successful company. They point out that it is important to hire the right people, as they are a huge part of any company. They also mention their respective football teams, the Giants and Eagles, and how they manage their friendship when the two teams play each other. They also mention the Rangers and Devils, and how they found a common enemy in the Devils when Jason brought Bart to a game. They end the conversation by noting the importance of reputation management in a successful company.

This conversation is about the importance of pay attention to public comments about a company's reputation. The speaker believes that more attention should be given to what is written in articles and other public spaces, rather than rely on Glassdoor as it is seen as a joke. They believe that companies should pay more attention to what is being said in the public, rather than focus on rebuttals. They also mention that the public may have a strong opinion about the company due to layoffs that may have been poorly handled. In conclusion, it is important to pay attention to public comments in order to manage the company's reputation.

This conversation is about the usefulness of Glassdoor when researching a potential employer. The speaker believes that Glassdoor is overhyped and often used as a joke, and he wonders if it can be used to research larger companies. The other speaker agrees, stating that it is important to do your due diligence and research a company before applying. They both agree that if the reviews on Glassdoor are all one-sided, then it is an indication that something is going on. However, they also agree that there is an opportunity to further vet candidates based on their experiences from Glassdoor reviews.

The conversation is about how conflict resolution and expectation alignment are important components of professional and client services. The speaker mentions the three truths theory where there are three perspectives on any given situation and the actual truth is likely somewhere in the middle. They discuss how user reviews and ratings on sites like Yelp and Glassdoor can be subjective and skewed, and provide no context for the situation in which the comment was made. The speaker advises to not spend too much emotional energy on managing online reputation and to focus on living the company's values. Lastly, they mention that they like it when job applicants ask more questions of the company than the company has for them.

Jason and Bart had a conversation about running an agency and the importance of human resources. They discussed the labor market and the current period as it pertains to HR. They also talked about their experience in New York and waiting in line for pizza. They concluded that conversations about HR come up often, and that the most important resource is people, whether they are clients or employees. They discussed the evolution of the HR industry and the importance of hiring and firing.

This conversation is about the current labor market, where people are getting paid high salaries by large companies. Small companies are unable to match the salaries of the larger companies and this has caused low unemployment. However, some of the big companies have had to begin laying off people and those people are finding jobs the next day. Inflation has also been increasing, making it difficult for people to cover their costs. A partner in Europe pointed out that inflation is even higher in their country and employees are asking for raises to counter the costs.

**Timestamps**

**0:00:02**

**Conversation on Human Resources and Agency Management**

**0:02:53**

**Exploring the Impact of the Pandemic on Labor Costs and Profitability**

**0:04:11**

**Heading: Navigating the HR Wilderness: Managing Cost and Operating Efficiently in the Post-Pandemic Labor Market**

**0:05:47**

**Heading: Analysis of the Labor Market and Inflation in the US and Europe**

**0:07:16**

**Heading: The Impact of Hybrid Work on HR Investment**

**0:09:21**

**"The Benefits of Investing in Talent Acquisition and Retention"**

**0:12:59**

**Discussion on Recruiting and Benefits for Growing Companies**

**0:16:54**

**Heading: Managing a Changing Labor Market in 2021 and Beyond**

**0:19:59**

**Heading: Hiring and Firing in 2021: A Discussion on Quality Assurance and Employee Leverage**

**0:22:04**

**Heading: The Challenges of Making Difficult Decisions as a Business Owner**

**0:23:36**

**Discussion on Investing in People and Resources for Business Success**

**Highlights**

**And so it is important to invest in your people. Right to your point, you don't like to call them resources. That said, there's a cost to that. There's an emotional cost to it.**

**And again, I think there's some residual scar tissue for a lot of owners between sort of the over empathetic owner who really wanted to guide their team through this really difficult time and an employee base that really took advantage of having leverage there for a period of time.**

**But, yeah, as we see sort of a changing labor market. This is sometimes hard to say to owners, but patience at this point, if you can, I think is going to be a virtue.**

**So would you say that giving them back more time to focus on sales, for example, or bringing in revenue might offset that kind of investment in $80 to $100,000 a year person internally?.**

**And you start having those kind of value based conversations around the value that your employees are bringing back as opposed to their cost, and having maybe somebody dedicated to that role internally can reap some benefits for owners.**

Misaligned project budgets: Why clients don't understand the cost, and how to educate them

SUMMARY

The client may not understand how much a project may cost, and this is because the decision-makers are not the ones interfacing with the agencies. Oftentimes, the client goes off of price without realizing the total cost of ownership.

Jason and Bart discuss the importance of experience when estimating the cost of a project. They say that clients often go for the lowest estimate without considering all the work that needs to be done. This can lead to problems down the road. The speakers also mentioned that clients who are not technologists or developers often have no idea what it takes to deliver a digital solution.

The importance of delivering value to clients, rather than focusing on the initial project budget. They argue that the initial budget is not as crucial as the lifetime value of the project and that agencies should not put too much weight on it. They advise agencies to put together the most value-intensive program they can and not to worry about the price.

They discuss the importance of price when choosing a vendor partner for a project. They mention that while the price is essential, it should not be the only deciding factor. Otherwise, the project may not be successful.

TIMESTAMPS

0:00:01  Budgeting for a Project: Clients Not Understanding How Much Stuff Costs

0:02:13  The Arbitrary Nature of Project Budgets

0:04:17  The Importance of Project Budgeting

0:05:47  The Cost of Working with an Agency

0:07:09  Budgeting for Web Development Projects

0:08:46  The Impact of Misaligned Budgets in the Sales Process

0:12:31  The Impact of a Client's Budget on a Freelancer's Decision

0:14:00  The Benefits of Breaking Down a Project's Cost

0:16:11  The Importance of Realistic Expectations in Agency-Client Relationships

0:18:28  The Importance of Comfort in the Sales Process

0:19:48  Kaleidoscope: A New Show on Netflix

0:21:26  Episode #1: What We're Reading and Watching

HIGHLIGHTS

I'm on a plane for the next couple of days. So I'll knock most of that out, I hope, on the plane. And I'm looking forward to that. That was given to me by one of our developers for Secret Santa.

But at the end of the show, we're going to do, like, what we're watching, what we're reading, what we're binging, what we're into, like, what's going on, like kind of pop culture kind of stuff.

And again, to reiterate, sorry, but get away from the coldness of the numbers and get into the warmth of the human beings and building the relationship, because that's the best way to sort of thaw that out and get and get to the numbers you want and the numbers you need.

That's a defense mechanism for them. It's a way they can maintain control because they've had a bad experience in the past. This all goes into the human experience of this thing, where you get away from numbers and requirements and scope and get into who the client is and who you are and do you align as people, right?

If you think it's a million-dollar project and you wind up accepting to do it for a lot less than that, I guarantee your expectations between your team and the client are not going to be aligned the entire way through the actual production process.

Jason and Bart discuss Jason's holiday experiences, including taking a trip around New York City with a partner from work. They then transition into discussing Jason's topic for the day, which he got from a LinkedIn post. The topic is effective communication in the workplace. Jason and Bart discuss the various ways in which communication can break down in the workplace and offer tips for avoiding these communication breakdowns.

TIMESTAMPS 

0:00:02   Jason and Bart's Professional Conversation for the New Year

0:02:14   Communication on the Team: Promoting Communication

0:04:03   The Use of Tools for Communication in a Remote Work Environment

0:06:49   The Importance of Communication in a Remote Work Environment

0:08:25   The Importance of Communication in the Workplace

0:10:33   The Importance of Good Communication in the Workplace

0:14:02   Leadership in a Remote Environment

0:15:26   Leadership Communication: The Importance of Listening

0:20:14   The Importance of Hiring Employees Who Can Solve Problems

0:21:42   Crowd Favorite CEO Talks Promoting Communication in the Workplace

0:25:08   Hiring for Communication Fit

0:27:05   The Snarky Culture of [Company Name]

HIGHLIGHTS 

Communication stuff is part of your branding. It's part of your marketing strategy. I think finding communication fit in the hiring process, that's true culture fit. When you really think about it, it's more important than whether you like the same IPA or the same football team or the same whatever, same car, same movies.

I'm not always involved in the hiring process for everybody, and in that meeting, I usually share notes with the management team about people about that meeting. Hey, this is what I found out about the onboarding process, what they liked, what they didn't, what we could do better.

I think we've got a lot of children of the financial crisis coming into the job market. I think you've got a lot of people who were born after 911 coming into the job market in the next few years as well, which is kind of crazy.

I'm hiring my employees to solve those problems. The idea is that they need to or solve my problems. I had this in my head and I looked at it.

And I think one of the ways that you can stifle communication as opposed to promoting it is be the know it all leader. Even if you know the answer honestly, it's better for your business sometimes to see if the team can get to the result.

Jason and Bart discuss the end of the year and how it is a time where people are trying to get things done and plan for the future. They also talk about how clients can be fun and how it is a good time to work.

HIGHLIGHTS 

What's going on with all the spending of the money and what's going on there, right, is that here's the CFO of a cybersecurity company, right?. So this person is not going to be overly nuanced when it comes to the value of web development and system integration work and stuff like that, right.

So we have a client in the cybersecurity space who spent a good amount of money, just started with us in July and half a year. They spent multiple six figures with us.

You and I think a lot of our clients are corporate clients. And I think what goes on on wall street and what goes on on Main Street are two very different things.

And I'm going to kind of challenge you because it is part of what we're talking about, ownership, because that directly relates to our work, the things we develop for clients.

And I think that's a lot of what the market is right now. It's so much momentum up and down. There are companies out there who are perfectly good, valid companies, but only because of sentiment they are getting.

Summary/Abstract

The Jason and Bart Show discusses the end of the year and how it is a chaotic and pressured time for agencies. They mention how the production team is under pressure to get things done before Christmas. They also talk about how having access to clients is difficult during this time.

Timestamps

0:00:03

The Jason and Bart Show: Episode #1

0:02:36

The Challenges of Q4 for Businesses

0:03:58

Forecasting Growth in Q4: A Conversation with an Entrepreneur

0:07:39

Forecasting Business Growth: A High-Level Overview

0:09:02

Forecasting Revenue and Growth for Your Business

0:12:50

The Importance of Financial Literacy in Business

0:14:42

End of Year Planning for Your Business

0:15:53

Delaying Receivables and the Impact on Cash Flow

0:18:05

End of Year Company Reflection

0:19:47

Highlights

If you've had a successful year, maybe you're implementing your profit sharing or your bonus program here at the end of the year. This is something else that I think can be leveraged and remind the team that we all don't necessarily work.

I think there are opportunities at the end of the year to take stock a little bit. I usually don't burden the team with a big end-of-the-year like finance and Ops report or a health check.

Even if we did bill on December 1, I assume most of the receivables will come in January anyway because the due date is December 31. To your point, AP isn't at work the last week of the year.

It seems like there's been this trend where a lot of work invoicing receivables have come more weighted, has come due in a more weighted fashion in Q Four than earlier in the year.

So this is, of course, feeding the targets of your pipeline for your marketing team, your HR team, your sales teams, your production teams, and your project management teams.

Listen to the Jason and Bart show to learn about agencies and how to be a more successful agency owner. In the episode, Jason talks about his trip to Costa Rica for the Bureau of Digital. He stayed at an all-inclusive resort and talked about the rain, the monkeys, and the raccoons. The conference was good, and he was impressed by the sophistication of the agency owners. The podcast discusses the idea of growth for growth

-How growth can be damaging to an organization
-The importance of being selective when choosing opportunities to work on
-The importance of considering the budget of a project
-The importance of who a client is
-The pros and cons of working with large clients as a small agency

Keypoints 

The ownership level is when you need to be most careful about taking on projects that could potentially do more damage than good. You don't want to just be growing for the sake of growth with nothing left over.

When taking on a new client, it's important to consider why you're doing so and if the project aligns with your company's goals. Taking on a project just for the sake of money or growth can be detrimental to your team's morale and bottom line.

The best way to avoid blowing your goals out of the water when landing a big project is to have a clear and defined process that you can sell to the client. This way, you can avoid stressful and inefficient delivery, and keep your bottom line in check.

The balancing act of working with big clients vs smaller clients can be difficult, but it's important to figure out how to leverage the relationship.

If you want to grow your business, you need to be intentional about the projects and clients you bring in. Define what growth means to you and your team, and be prepared to handle any disruptions that come from that growth.

Growth for growth sake is a topic that is often debated among business owners. Some believe that growth for the sake of growth is a necessary component for success, while others believe that it can be detrimental to a business.

#bad #good #Bart #Camp #Jason #agency #growth #CostaRica #agencyowners #BureauofDigital #digitalownercampers

This video discusses the importance of managing receivables and cash flow for businesses in order to ensure that payroll is not in jeopardy. Strategies discussed include having standard expectations of when payments should be made, as well as building relationships with clients in order to make sure payments are received on time. It is emphasized that managing receivables are part of doing business and that sometimes it is worth chasing after a payment. Finally, it is suggested that having systems in place for when payments are delinquent is essential for when the situation arises.

Outline

Cash flow is a good topic, especially in these crazy times. 0:04

Cash flow and negotiating with clients. 2:41

Why getting paid ahead of time helps keep taxes down. 5:02

How do you know when you’re ready to pay your clients? 6:37

How do you manage delinquency in your business? 10:00

You have to make the call -.11:45 

What happens when there’s a delinquent account? 13:53

Current and Money-Based Delinquency Markers. 16:16

Jason Rosenbaum and Bart Mroz spent an afternoon at Universal Studios and instead of riding on the rides, they talked about business. This is the first episode of chatting about agency business.