Managing Agencies - Operationally Up Podcast

Most consumer products and services business owners I’ve spoken with have had a bad experience with an agency or marketing vendor. I’ve been there too, and I want to help.

I recently joined Erica Dill of Operationally Up on the Building Up Your Business podcast to talk about how to manage sales and marketing agencies effectively so you’re not wasting time, money, or opportunities. Here are three key takeaways from our conversation.

1. Trust sets the stage.

A good agency should make your life easier, not harder. If something feels off, trust your gut. Avoid agencies that pressure you or dismiss your concerns. And demand clarity. If they can’t explain their work in simple terms, how will you make informed decisions?

1. Data is key.

Good decisions come from good data. Review reports regularly and look for trends. Share insights across teams so sales, marketing, and product are aligned. And don’t take surface-level numbers at face value. Dig deeper to understand what’s really happening. This takes time and consistency. You won’t see something unusual until you get used to seeing the usual

1. Even the best recommendations need internal support.

Your agency can only take you so far. Your internal team has to execute. Make sure your systems and processes can support agency recommendations. Assign someone internally to oversee agency collaboration or bring in a fractional Chief Operating Officer to help.

For founders and CEOs who say, “I know I should, but I’m too busy,” the reality is that you can’t afford not to. Without knowing what’s working, it’s impossible to align your team and maximize return on investment. The good news is that much of this can be automated or delegated.

To hear the full conversation and get more actionable insights (and some fun anecdotes), check out the full interview on YouTube or Spotify