In some ways, AI has changed how we work. If companies want to remain relevant, it’s crucial to keep up with the rapidly improving technology of today. So what do we utilize in our day-to-day at DayCloud? In this episode of the Agency Rocket Show, join hosts Liz and Chelsea as they reveal their modern tools of the trade. From generated captions and blog outlines to the audio/video services we utilize to edit this very podcast, it’s a jam-packed session on saving time, enhancing content, and maintaining a balance between robotic and human touch. Tune in to find out how AI can transform your agency’s game!  AI We ❤:  SocialPilot ChatGPT  PodSqueeze Deciphr Canva Opus Clip AutoPod

In the final part of the Agency Rocket Show Project Management Series, hosts Liz and Chelsea explore the intricacies of budget management in the creative agency world. Drawing from our own experiences at DayCloud, we share the hurdles we've faced and the strategies we've employed to manage our finances effectively; things have come a long way since the beginning! From hourly billing and master spreadsheets lump sum pricing and time tracking with Harvest, our process has evolved significantly over time. We also delve into new employee budget management, client transparency, scope creep, and the impact of client importance (and kindness) on budget leniency. If you're searching for effective tips on managing your own project budgets, this is the episode for you!

In Part 2 of the Agency Rocket Show Project Management Series, hosts Liz and Chelsea delve into the essentials of internal management of a creative agency. Drawing from 12 years of experience, they share the trials and triumphs of team management. How do you fully resource your team while maintaining clear and effective communication? What does it take to empower your team members and ensure they meet their goals? The truth is, it varies; every team is a different collection of personalities and work styles...  But Liz and Chelsea can help offer practical insights and real-world examples, from using tools like Slack and Teamwork to the critical role of discovery meetings in capturing client visions. They also highlight the importance of leadership alignment (which happens to be a lot like parenting, by the way) to foster a supportive and productive work environment. Tune in for a wealth of knowledge and valuable tips about what it takes to manage a team, and make sure to keep an eye out for Part 3: Managing your budget!

Welcome to our first episode in a new series on project management essentials! In this episode of the Agency Rocket show, hosts Liz and Chelsea tackle the perpetual challenge of client management in a creative agency. What practices make a project flow smoothly, for both the agency and the client? We learned the hard way, and we’re sharing our methods with you. From the art of communication and setting boundaries to milestone management and scope creep, join us as we lay down the fundamentals of exceeding expectations and ensuring a project meets its deadlines… as long as our clients meet theirs too. Get ready for insightful takeaways, valuable dialogue, and plenty of real-world wisdom to elevate your project management game!

On this episode of The Agency Rocket Show, hosts Liz and Chelsea are joined by Django Greenblatt-Seay, Marketing & Communications Director at Rabble Mill and The Bay, co-founder of Huge Creative, and a ninja behind the camera. Together, we recall tales of mentorship, the magic of collaboration, and how an abundance mindset keeps the industry thriving. Whether he’s mentoring up-and-coming talents, orchestrating the one-take wonders of his Love Drunk project, or petitioning General Motors to bring back the Chevy Astro, Django’s journey is a testament to the power of pushing boundaries and embracing the imperfect. From technological evolutions in videography to the art of storytelling, this episode is an inspiring blueprint for anyone ready to make their mark with a camera and a dream. Tune in to uncover how you, too, can transform passion into impactful content and why sometimes, involving a few friends in your projects might just be the key to creative success! 🔗 Connect with Django LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/djangogs IG: https://www.instagram.com/babyclient/ ⛰️ Huge Creative Website: https://thehugecreative.com/ IG: https://www.instagram.com/thehugecreative/ 🛹 Rabble Mill & The Bay Website: https://rabblemill.org/ IG: https://www.instagram.com/rabblemill/   △ Love Drunk: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@LoveDrunk Website: https://www.love-drunk.com/   🚐 #BringBackTheAstro Website: https://www.bringbacktheastro.com/ Show Notes: https://www.agency-rocket.com/blog-overview 🚀 https://www.agency-rocket.com/

In this episode of the Agency Rocket Show, join hosts Liz and Chelsea as they welcome Keaton, Marketing Coordinator at DayCloud Studios, for a deep dive into the pervasive challenge of imposter syndrome. This phenomenon often leaves talented individuals doubting their accomplishments and fearing exposure as frauds, despite clear evidence of their capabilities. Our discussion explores personal stories and insights on how imposter syndrome affects various aspects of life—from professional environments to personal relationships. We examine the pressures of gender dynamics and societal expectations, and discuss how maturity and self-awareness can lessen these doubts. The episode also highlights the importance of praise and recognition in creative industries, where feedback is crucial yet double-edged. Through candid conversations and shared experiences, Liz, Chelsea, and Keaton underscore the transformative power of authenticity and self-acceptance in overcoming imposter syndrome, inviting listeners to embrace their true selves and recognize their undeniable value.   Show Notes: https://www.agency-rocket.com/blog-overview   https://www.agency-rocket.com/

What happens when a marketer rediscovers her hometown? In this episode of the Agency Rocket Show, Liz and Chelsea are joined by Morgan Chicchelly, digital marketer and PR expert. After moving back to Des Moines from the big city, Morgan identified a gap in her locale and launched Des Moines Girl. Beginning as a small platform designed to uplift local businesses, communities, and events, Des Moines Girl experienced exponential growth in the past three years and continues to spread its reach. Fans of Schitt’s Creek will want to tune in and listen to the story of Des Moines Girl’s “Pitch a Friend” event series, which offers a refreshing twist to traditional dating events inspired by the Singles Week episode. This conversation not only explores the steady growth and innovative monetization strategies of Des Moines Girl, but also delves into Morgan’s vision for expanding the brand locally and beyond. Packed with valuable insights on consistency, having fun in your work, and the art of delegation, this story is a must-listen for anyone interested in the power of niche marketing and community building.   Show Notes: https://www.agency-rocket.com/post/how-did-des-moines-girl-build-a-community-of-18-000-followers-in-just-three-years   References:  • Des Moines Girl 5K   Guest Info: Morgan Chiccelly Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/desmoines_girl/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/desmoinesgirl Email: hello@desmoinesgirl.comWebsite: www.desmoinesgirl.com https://www.agency-rocket.com/

This week on the Agency Rocket Show: the red hot chili explosion that changed the trajectory of an entrepreneur’s life. In this episode, Liz and Chelsea are joined by Ryan Snaadt, owner of video marketing agency Snaadt Media Group and host of the Rhymes with Odd podcast. The trio discusses Ryan’s journey from freelancer to full-time business owner, dishing out sage advice on all things entrepreneurship. From time-management tactics with a new family to the challenge of delegation when transitioning to a leadership role, we’ll chat about the growing pains of business and how to stay driven (and sane!) when juggling it all. So whether you’re a video virtuoso, podcast pioneer, or aspiring business owner, tune in and join a conversation full of growth, community, and the personal fulfillment that comes from chasing your dreams.   Show Notes: https://www.agency-rocket.com/post/chili-explosions-and-career-revelations-a-spicy-journey-with-ryan-snaadt   Guest Info: Ryan Snaadt InstagramFacebook LinkedInWebsite https://www.agency-rocket.com/

Take a stroll down memory lane in this week’s episode of the Agency Rocket Show, where hosts Liz and Chelsea turn back the clock to examine childhood and its critical role in laying the foundation for success. Join us as we navigate the complexities of family, emphasizing the power of understanding, forgiveness, and the importance of difficult conversations to foster personal growth and resilience. Through nostalgic recollections, we’ll highlight how embracing discomfort, appreciating diverse personalities, and supporting each other in challenging times strengthens family bonds and shapes an individual's approach toward life and relationships. It’s an enlightening discussion exploring the significance of communication in any dynamic; tune in and discover the profound ways in which our beginnings influence our journeys toward success.

Ever wonder what’s really behind those glossy influencer posts and paid partnerships popping up on your feed? On this episode of the Agency Rocket Show, hosts Liz and Chelsea are joined by industry expert and longtime friend Elizabeth Petersen. As Associate Director of Account Management at Influential, Elizabeth pulls back the curtain to reveal the magnetic world of influencer marketing. What are influencers? How do they acquire brand deals? How do they fulfill the terms of their contracts? From strategic matchmaking tips to advice on how to grow a following, Elizabeth packs this episode full of insider knowledge. Whether you’re a brand on the lookout, a marketer crafting your next big campaign, or an aspiring influencer ready to take the world by storm, this episode is your backstage pass to mastering the game. You won’t want to miss out!   Show Notes: https://www.agency-rocket.com/post/the-most-effective-strategies-for-influencer-marketing-in-the-creative-agency-industry

In this week’s episode of The Agency Rocket Show, hosts Liz and Chelsea chat with Cameron Ramaekers, founder of Open Caret and longstanding custom WordPress developer for DayCloud. Sharing his evolution from MySpace user to entrepreneurial powerhouse, Cameron unpacks the transformation of web development practices over the years, shedding light on shifting trends, practices, and user perception. What’s the difference between working with agencies versus direct clients? How does one balance the demands of business ownership with family life? What’s skeuomorphism anyway? We answer all these questions and more as we recount Cameron's journey of continuous learning, adaptation, and the joy found in wearing multiple hats. He offers golden nuggets of advice to aspiring web developers, emphasizing the power of specialization and the critical role of fostering genuine client relationships. This episode is a treasure trove of inspiration, laden with laughs, lessons, and invaluable insights for anyone navigating the world of web development and entrepreneurship.   Show Notes: https://www.agency-rocket.com/post/mastering-the-art-of-wordpress-custom-development

In this week’s episode of The Agency Rocket Show, hosts Liz and Chelsea welcome DayCloud's seasoned copywriter, Molly Garriott, for an in-depth exploration into the evolution of her career. As a wordsmith whose journey began in the world of academia, Molly spills the beans on what makes the pen mightier than… well, almost everything. Together, Liz and Molly reflect on their enduring working relationship and dive deep into their past, sharing tales from their favorite projects and discussing the process of spinning client dreams into compelling copy. Discover the significance of adaptability, continuous learning, and the magic that unfolds when friendship fuels collaboration. From insights on leadership to the art of weaving passion into every word, this episode is packed with valuable takeaways for anyone looking to thrive in the creative industry. Join us for an episode of heartwarming anecdotes, professional wisdom, and the kind of camaraderie that transforms workplaces into hubs of innovation and success.   Show Notes: https://www.agency-rocket.com/post/women-in-business-copywriting-tutoring-mom-life

This week on the Agency Rocket Show, hosts Liz and Chelsea plug into the future of business with special guest Jeremiah O’Brian. As a professor at USC, TED Talk coach, NIL consultant, and AI enthusiast, Jeremiah wears many hats and is driven by a relentless thirst for knowledge. He’s an academic through and through… but make no mistake, you won’t be nodding off in this episode; Jeremiah is a goldmine of tips and tricks for turbocharging productivity. From unraveling the mysteries of chatGPT to exploring the perks and pitfalls of AI’s potential, Jeremiah serves up enthusiastic insights on project management tools, time management, and the benefits of training AI to mimic personalities– maybe even your own! Tune in for some solid machine learning, peppered with sage advice and eye-opening recommendations; we learned a lot, and we can’t wait to share with you! Recommended Reads:  Atomic Habits by James Clear$100M Leads: How to Get Strangers to Want to Buy Your Stuff by Alex Hormozi$100M Offers: How to Make Offers So Good People Feel Stupid Saying No by Alex HormoziLeaders Eat Last by Simon SinekThe One Thing by Gary W. Keller and Jay PapasanUltralearning by Scott H. Young Tools of the Trade: AsanaCanvaClickUpClozeFireflies.aiHubSpot Show Notes:  https://www.agency-rocket.com/post/from-goals-to-ai-tools-empowering-athletes-and-businesses-with-project-management

What’s in a brand? Is it a name? A logo? In this episode of the Agency Rocket Show, hosts Liz and Chelsea unpack the essence of branding, revealing that the brands we love are far more complex below the surface. As veterans of the marketing industry, we take you behind the curtain and explore the multi-faceted traits that make up a brand… and how we facilitate the discovery of those traits within our own clientele. Every detail matters here: tune in for a journey through all five senses as we demonstrate how effective branding strategies evoke emotions and cultivate lasting connections.   Show Notes:  https://www.agency-rocket.com/post/branding-more-than-just-a-pretty-logo---its-a-whole-personality-makeover

In the world of entrepreneurship, the convergence of personal values and business endeavors is what shapes the essence of true success. Join hosts Liz and Chelsea this week on the Agency Rocket Show as we tackle the minefield of client selection. From navigating the ethics of casinos and alcohol to the messy potential of politics, we carefully consider each industry, assessing how our principles and expertise align before deciding whether to sign on or steer clear. Why don’t we work with nonprofits? What’s the difference between one-off personal branding gigs and ongoing marketing collaborations? Buckle up for our answers as we explore the fine art of saying 'no' and the importance of setting clear boundaries in client partnerships.   Show Notes:  https://www.agency-rocket.com/post/the-most-challenging-clients-navigating-controversial-industries

In this episode of The Agency Rocket Show, Liz and Chelsea sit down with an extra special guest: Liz’s husband and CFP extraordinaire, Andrew Hunt! As CFO of DayCloud and partner at financial advisory firm Hiley Hunt Wealth Management, Andrew brings a wealth of valuable insights to the table. Join us as we delve into Andrew’s pivotal role in the formative days of DayCloud, reminiscing on the agency’s humble beginnings and examining the challenges and triumphs along the way. From maintaining a scrappy mindset and attracting top-tier talent to the intricacies of cash flow management and weathering lean times, Andrew unpacks some essential strategies that have led to DayCloud’s success. Tune in for solid expertise, accounting jokes, and a ledger full of wisdom!    Show Notes:  • https://www.agency-rocket.com/post/the-most-valuable-lessons-learned-from-building-a-creative-agency

Running a creative business is tough; resilience, stress management, and self-care are crucial to survive and thrive in the industry. This week on the Agency Rocket Show, Liz and Chelsea dig deep into their own methods of conquering the chaos. From faith, journaling, and exercise to travel, spending time with loved ones, and being of service to others, we explore a diverse range of coping mechanisms that can empower individuals to navigate the everyday challenges of agency work. Don’t miss out on this insightful episode filled with valuable life tips, sassy banter, and a generous dose of authenticity.   Show Notes: https://www.agency-rocket.com/post/how-do-successful-entrepreneurs-cope-with-stress References:  • Acupuncture Pillow

Welcome to the latest episode of the Agency Rocket Show! This week hosts Liz and Chelsea are joined by special guests Katie Kemerling and Heidi Mausbach, business partners and powerhouse executive duo at Two Hawks. Join the conversation as these fantastic four dive into all things entrepreneurship: how to get started, the paths a new business owner can take, and the profound impact of self-belief and familial support throughout the journey. Discover firsthand what it’s like to work closely with a business partner and unravel the mysterious realm of employer branding. This episode is packed with wisdom, wit, and, of course, a strong dose of leadership power– when you bring together four trailblazing women for a discussion, magic is bound to happen! Show Notes: https://www.agency-rocket.com/post/exploring-the-evolution-of-two-hawks

This week on the Agency Rocket Show, join Liz and Chelsea as they tackle an important question for any growing business: should you utilize an agency or a freelancer for your projects? Uncover the benefits and drawbacks of each as we discuss cost, timeline, deliverables, and overall value, plus bonus anecdotes about basketball coaching and Liz’s old business partner, Bill. Don’t miss out– our aim is to equip you with the tools you need to make your next branding decision!   Show Notes: https://www.agency-rocket.com/post/freelance-vs-agency

This week on the Agency Rocket Show, hosts Liz and Chelsea discuss client retention strategies– how do you ensure they stick around for more? Spoiler alert: it’s not just about the final product. Join us as we reflect on our own experiences and discover how excellent customer service, tailored experiences, and effective communication throughout the design process can create lasting client relationships.   Show Notes: https://www.agency-rocket.com/post/how-to-keep-clients-coming-back