[Top Agency Series] Maximizing Your Digital Presence in a Franchising World With Kirk Allen

Kirk Allen is the COO and Co-founder of Reshift Media, a Toronto-based digital marketing agency specializing in social media, search engine marketing, and website development for franchises. Under his leadership, Reshift Media has grown from a startup with no clients to an international success story with around 200 clients. Kirk has over three decades of experience in cross-platform media sales within Canada’s largest media companies. With a passion for building long-standing relationships and driving digital innovation, he has also served on many industry boards, including CFA, IAB Canada, INMA, and NADbank. In this episode… Have you ever considered the shift from traditional industry expertise to launching your own business in a dynamic, digital landscape? Mastering the art of navigating through these complexities with remarkable prowess is key to success. Digital marketing expert Kirk Allen delves into his unique journey from the newspaper business to digital marketing and the founding of his successful agency. He discusses the strategic risks he and his partner took in the early days of Reshift Media, including starting with zero clients and relying on initial seed capital to secure their first big customer. With a focus on the ever-growing franchise sector, Kirk reveals the industry trends and how service-based businesses thrive. He shares the pivotal role that the Canadian Franchise Association played in Reshift Media's growth and the importance of reputation and personal branding in building a sustainable business. In this episode of Inspired Insider Podcast, Dr. Jeremy Weisz interviews Kirk Allen, Co-founder and COO of Reshift Media, about transitioning from traditional media to digital marketing entrepreneurship. Kirk talks about Reshift Media's inception and the services it offers, its client acquisition process, trends in the franchising space, and the Brand Amplifier platform for agency owners.

Behdad Jamshidi is the Founder and CEO of CJAM Marketing, providing access to digital marketing partners ideal for your brand's current and future goals. His unique background in marketing, engineering, consulting, leadership, sales, and strategy makes him the perfect intermediary for connecting business owners with vetted marketing teams that fit their objectives. Behdad's work has been featured in several publications, including MarketWatch, Bloomberg, National Post, and Financial Post.  In this episode… Many companies find it challenging to choose the right agency that aligns with their specific needs, often resulting in mismatches and unmet expectations. What is the secret to effectively bridging the gap between businesses and marketing agencies in a way that fosters efficient business growth? Behdad Jamshidi, a marketing super connector, has mastered matching businesses with marketing agencies by vetting and working closely with over 850 partners. He shares his process of assessing businesses to ensure they are paired with agencies that can meet their unique needs and facilitate their growth journey. Behdad emphasizes the importance of communication and specialization, ensuring that agencies focus on their core strengths to deliver optimal results. By focusing on human interaction as a fundamental aspect of his matchmaking process, he has curated a network of specialized and high-performing partners who will take your firm to the next level. In this episode of Inspired Insider Podcast, Dr. Jeremy Weisz interviews Behdad Jamshidi, Founder and CEO of CJAM Marketing, about the nuances of selecting and working with marketing agencies. Behdad talks about the services CJAM Marketing offers, its evolution, criteria for when to work with an agency over in-house teams, tips for choosing your ideal agency partner, and the common mistakes marketing agencies make.

David Pisarek is the CEO and Founder of Wow Digital, a Toronto-based web agency dedicated to serving nonprofit organizations, charities, and NGOs with top-tier digital marketing and website design. With expertise honed since the early days of the internet, David is committed to helping these organizations enhance their impact through innovative and strategic digital solutions. Beyond his agency, David actively contributes to the nonprofit sector by coaching other agencies and sharing his insights as a speaker and workshop host. In this episode… When it comes to making a difference, technology and digital solutions are often at the forefront. But is your online presence truly aiding your mission, or could it be holding you back? How can you leverage digital tools to maximize your impact and outreach effectively? Digital guru David Pisarek explains how web design, branding, and marketing can be tailored to ensure that nonprofits not only reach their goals, but exceed them. With a focus on common pitfalls to avoid and simple, powerful changes that can increase engagement and donations, David emphasizes the importance of a well-structured website, mobile optimization, and expressing gratitude to supporters. He also shares insights on choosing the right niche, building a team that aligns with your organization's culture, and the mutual benefits of collaboration between businesses and nonprofits. In this episode of the Inspired Insider Podcast, Dr. Jeremy Weisz interviews David Pisarek, CEO and Founder of Wow Digital, about leveraging technology and digital solutions for nonprofit organizations. David delves into detailed strategies to improve digital outreach and discusses the role of technology in expanding the scope of nonprofit work. He emphasizes why it is crucial for nonprofits to adopt a business mindset when it comes to their operations and how to efficiently communicate your value to potential partners and donors.

Mikael Dia is the Founder and CEO of Funnelytics, a leading analytics and funnel mapping platform. The platform helps businesses plan and portray their marketing funnels and measures and optimizes customer journeys using data-driven strategies. Mikael has successfully launched three seven-figure businesses, including Funnelytics, White Coat Digital, and IIFYM, showcasing his entrepreneurial understanding and innovative approach to digital marketing. He is also the author of The Funnelytics Chronicles. In this episode… In today's fast-paced digital marketing landscape, the ability to transform vague assumptions into data-driven decisions is crucial for businesses looking to propel customer acquisitions. Imagine having a tool that enables you to visually plan out your entire marketing strategy and overlay actual performance data to help you determine what is effective and what is not. Wouldn't this be incredibly valuable? Digital marketing expert Mikael Dia shares how he saw the potential of a digital whiteboard that could plan customer acquisition strategies and overlay analytical data for making informed decisions. He discusses the limitations in his digital marketing agency, where disparate data from various platforms made it difficult to measure and optimize client results effectively. Mikael dives deep into his innovative canvas-based analytics platform, explaining how he flipped the script on traditional marketing analytics, enabling businesses to make faster, data-driven decisions. He also shares eye-opening insights about raising capital and the pressures of venture-backed growth. In this episode of the Inspired Insider Podcast, Dr. Jeremy Weisz hosts Mikael Dia, Founder and CEO of Funnelytics, about transforming marketing funnels with data-driven strategies. Mikael shares how Funnelytics transforms visual strategies into actionable analytics, identifying and reducing customer churn, funding challenges, and the difference between Funnelytics and traditional analytic tools.

Sam Tejada is the Founder and CEO of Liquivida, a leading wellness company offering vitamin IV therapy, medical aesthetics, and weight loss solutions across the US. Under his leadership, Liquivida has grown into a multi-million dollar enterprise. Sam is also a former firefighter and the author of How To Win In Modern Wellness, a collaborative effort with the top CEOs and leaders in the wellness industry educating readers about the benefits of preventative therapies. In this episode… What is it about transformative wellness that draws people in? Could it be the allure of personalized health solutions that cater to individual needs — or perhaps the promise of a better life? In a world where stress and unhealthy lifestyles seem to reign supreme, how can a brand turn the tide in favor of holistic well-being? A former paramedic firefighter, Sam Tejada, tackled these pressing concerns by embracing a unique approach to modern wellness. He uncovers how he founded Liquivida, a multi-million dollar wellness franchise offering personalized health services. Sam reveals his strategic approach to developing his business by seamlessly integrating Liquivida within an existing wellness center and cultivating profound partnerships. He shares his innovative solution to create safe and standardized IV therapy products, now used by physicians nationwide. In this episode of the Inspired Insider Podcast, Dr. Jeremy Weisz interviews Sam Tejada, Founder and CEO of Liquivida, about the evolution of modern wellness. Sam discusses Liquivida’s inception, how cultivating strong relationships is key to growing wellness business partnerships, and explains how Liquivida developed a proprietary, safe, and convenient IV therapy product.

Kim Scott is an esteemed author, leader, and coach specializing in optimal workplace communication strategies. With her bestselling books Radical Candor and Radical Respect, Kim revolutionizes leadership approaches, emphasizing the balance between personal care and direct challenges. She is Co-founder of Radical Candor and a member of faculties at many companies, including Dropbox, Twitter, Apple University, and Google, where she offers insights into creating collaborative and respectful corporate cultures. In this episode… What if negative feedback could actually be a springboard for growth rather than a setback? Could the manner in which we challenge others actually be stifling potential? Is there a way to deliver criticism that empowers rather than deflates? Kim Scott, the acclaimed author of Radical Candor and Radical Respect, provides actionable insights into evolving beyond traditional command-and-control leadership structures. By emphasizing a balance between genuine care and direct challenge, Kim has developed frameworks that help leaders foster environments of collaboration and respect. From her experiences at Google to managing a pediatric clinic in Kosovo, Kim offers a rich perspective on human interactions within leadership settings. She delves into her unique approach, which is centered on optimizing individual strengths within a team while upholding a culture of honest feedback. In this episode of the Inspired Insider Podcast, Dr. Jeremy Weisz interviews Kim Scott, esteemed author and Co-founder of Radical Candor LLC, about nurturing a climate of candid feedback and respect in the workplace. Kim dissects her radical candor and respect frameworks, sharing stories and examples that will resonate with anyone looking to improve their approach to leadership.

Johnny Page is the CEO of SaaS Academy, where he helps B2B SaaS founders overcome challenges and grow their companies. Under his leadership, SaaS Academy has coached over 3,000 founders, significantly impacting the SaaS landscape. Johnny's journey from being a client of SaaS Academy to its CEO is a testament to his dedication and expertise. He previously held key positions at Silvertrac and Trackforce Valiant, accumulating expertise in customer success, sales, and strategic operations. In this episode… Have you ever wondered how a company can quickly outgrow its competitors in the cutthroat SaaS world? Imagine a community where SaaS founders meet, sharing insights and strategies to propel each other toward success. Wouldn't you want to be a part of that? Johnny Page, a B2B SaaS expert, shares his journey from a family security business to leading a premier coaching company for SaaS founders. He recounts his early career steps, pivotal decisions, and the critical support and advice that made him thrive. Johnny emphasizes the importance of customer success in sales and the impact of community and mentorship. He sheds light on the strategies that drive SaaS success. In this episode of Inspired Insider Podcast, Dr. Jeremy Weisz interviews Johnny Page, CEO of SaaS Academy, about maximizing SaaS business growth. Johnny talks about the services SaaS Academy offers, common pitfalls in conducting SaaS product demos and strategies to improve them, why a customer-success-focused approach in sales can significantly impact growth, and his journey at SaaS Academy.

Chantelle Little is the Founder and CEO of Tiller Digital, a design and development agency helping B2B SaaS founders and marketers scale with conversion-focused web, brand, and product design. Under her leadership, Tiller has grown into a multi-million-dollar agency focusing on B2B software brands across Canada and the US. Chantelle's dedication to her vision and her team has made her recognized as an Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year finalist. At Tiller, she emphasizes a no-ego culture and the power of intergenerational cooperation, fostering innovation and mentorship among her diverse team.  In this episode… Starting a business can be a treacherous path filled with financial constraints, relentless competition, and the daunting task of building a reliable team. Can a young entrepreneur navigate these waters and emerge victorious in the high-stakes world of B2B software agencies? Thriving entrepreneur Chantelle Little delves into the intricacies of sparking agency growth, the benefits of focusing on a niche market, and the significance of intergenerational collaboration within her team. She shares how she transformed her passion for storytelling and web design into a thriving agency that serves B2B SaaS brands. She recalls early challenges, including financial struggles and the constraints of her limiting beliefs, and discusses the revolutionary mindset shift that resulted in dreaming bigger and achieving more. Chantelle also offers insights into strategic hires and the importance of a growth mindset in the hiring process. In this episode of Inspired Insider Podcast, Dr. Jeremy Weisz interviews Chantelle Little, Founder and CEO of Tiller Digital, about building and growing a B2B SaaS-focused digital agency. Chantelle discusses how Tiller Digital started and evolved into a B2B SaaS-focused agency, the transformational impact of finding the right niche for your business, how dreaming bigger and recognizing limiting beliefs can propel personal and business growth, and tips for building a leadership team and culture.

Carol Levine is the CEO and Co-founder of energi PR, a Canadian public relations and marketing communications company with a nearly 35-year history. An APR, Fellow of the Canadian Public Relations Society, and Past Chair of the Canadian Council of Public Relations Firms, Carol was the first PR professional inducted into the Canadian Healthcare Marketing Hall of Fame. Her extensive experience spans a range of consumer, wellness, and pharmaceutical clients and brands, including creating many award-winning public education, advocacy, and adherence programs. In this episode… Building a successful public relations agency from the ground up in an industry dominated by multinational giants is both exhilarating and challenging. The key lies in the ability to forge and maintain meaningful relationships that sustain the business and propel it to collaborate with major global brands. But how can you do it effectively and efficiently? Carol Levine, a strategic and seasoned PR professional, shares her journey of establishing a formidable presence in the Canadian PR industry. She began with an innovative vision alongside her partner Esther, proving that a national agency could operate effectively even without offices countrywide. Carol emphasizes the importance of cultivating relationships and committing to meaningful causes, which has helped energi PR carve a niche in the healthcare sector. In this episode of Inspired Insider Podcast, Dr. Jeremy Weisz interviews Carol Levine, CEO and Co-founder of energi PR, about the evolution of PR strategies and their impact on health awareness. Carol discusses the origin and evolution of energi PR, its strategic approach to securing early clients, the benefits of social listening in understanding and engaging with stakeholders online, and critical elements of crisis communications and media training.

Taylor McMaster is the Founder of DOT & Company, a firm that offers full-service client account management services to digital marketing agencies. With a background in marketing and a knack for relationship building, she has grown her company to a robust team of 50 dedicated account managers. Taylor is an “accidental agency owner” who transformed her love for client interaction into a thriving business. She hosts The Happy Clients Podcast, engaging with top industry experts to explore what brings client satisfaction. Through DOT & Company, Taylor has helped countless agency owners free up precious time to focus on scaling their businesses effectively. In this episode… Have you ever wondered what it really takes to keep your clients happy and retain them long-term? What’s the secret sauce behind delivering exceptional account management that ensures satisfaction at every step? Account management expert Taylor McMaster shares the intricacies of how her team supports digital marketing agencies and keeps clients happy. She recalls her journey from feeling disconnected with agency life to becoming a champion of client happiness. She delves into the art of hiring and training account managers, emphasizing the importance of personalization and setting proper expectations. Taylor also shares valuable insights on reducing churn, maintaining solid communication, and implementing feedback mechanisms to continually elevate client experiences. In this episode of the Inspired Insider Podcast, Dr. Jeremy Weisz hosts Taylor McMaster, Founder of DOT & Company, to discuss the subject of account management. Taylor shares professional tips and best practices pivotal in maintaining and fostering happy client relationships. From proactive communication strategies to the thoughtful art of client gifting, Taylor discusses various approaches that enhance the client experience. She also touches on working alongside her spouse and achieving a balance between professional and personal life.