The conversation of diversity, equity, and inclusion and DEI policy creation is something on the minds of many agency owners. How to tackle such a delicate and complicated topic can be overwhelming and confusing. The fear of getting it wrong or not doing enough can lead to no action at all, which we can all agree does nothing to further the cause. But how exactly do we begin and how do we get it right?
Nikki McCord returns to expand upon the conversation we started in Episode 304 (“The ROI of DEI). Nikki consults people and companies on how to make committed changes, in both policy and behavior, surrounding the topic of DEI. She’s a passionate expert on the subject and the discussion is sure to inspire ideas and action.
In this episode of Build a Better Agency, Nikki McCord and I talk specifically about the concept of DEI policies and how to best approach them. Beyond that, we look at the way tiny shifts can make a big impact and why we need to give ourselves permission to make mistakes along the way. Beyond our own agencies, we also discuss how to incorporate these challenging conversations into our work with clients and vendors.
A big thank you to our podcast’s presenting sponsor, White Label IQ. They’re an amazing resource for agencies who want to outsource their design, dev, or PPC work at wholesale prices. Check out their special offer (10 free hours!) for podcast listeners here.
What You Will Learn in This Episode:
- What should be included in a good DEI policy
- The difference between a policy and a statement
- How to rethink your approach to a DEI policy
- Tiny shifts that make a big impact
- The importance of authenticity
- How to guide clients through DEI conversations
- How to get through the fear of making mistakes surrounding DEI
Ways to contact Nikki McCord:
- Websites: http://mcconsultgroup.com
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/McCordConsult/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nikki-mccord/
- Twitter: @McCordConsult
Tools & Resources:
Laurence Lameche is a London-based real estate investor and coach who has mastered the art of buying properties through creative terms-based deals and cutting banks out of the equation. In this episode of the Smart Real Estate Coach podcast, Laurence shares how he was able to purchase three valuable properties in London for just the price of a football ticket, and he explains how to build a powerful network of connections in the real estate business even if you’re a shy introvert.
Resources:
- Website: www.ZeroToPropertyHero.com
- Website: www.PropertyRentalSecrets.co.uk
- Website: www.PropertyBookSecrets.com
- Website: www.InnerHeroSecrets.com
- Website: www.NetworkingSecretsOnline.com
- Website: www.TicketsOnDemand.live
- LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/laurencelameche/
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/LaurenceLamecheTV/
- Instagram: @laurencelameche
- Twitter: @LaurenceLameche
Additional resources:
- Follow Chris and Zach on Club House to learn even more about deal structures and how to get 3 paydays from your real estate investments.
- If looking to secure some lines of credit for your business, check out Fund and Grow – Visit our Resource page at https://www.smartrealestatecoach.com/resources
- Schedule a FREE Strategy Call: SmartRealEstateCoach.com/action
- Register for our free masterclass: www.SmartRealEstateCoach.com/mastersclass
- Real Estate on Your Terms by Chris Prefontaine
- SmartRealEstateCoachPodcast.com/webinar
- SmartRealEstateCoachPodcast.com/ebook
- SmartRealEstateCoach.com/QLS
Smart Real Estate Coach Podcast Sponsor:
At Agency Management Institute, we are often called upon to help agency owners plan their next steps when it comes time to sell. This may lead to the owner wanting to hand the reins to a current employee that has proven to be the right person to take over owning and running the agency. There are challenges that the seller has to contend with, but there are just as many challenges, and mistakes, the potential buyer needs to keep in mind.
As an employee presented with the chance to take over ownership of the agency, it can be a daunting undertaking. To try and offer some guidance, I’ve identified the five most common mistakes that I’ve seen made by employees who are buying the agency from the current owner. We’ll look at the importance of pushing for a clear process and plan for the owner’s exit strategy and how to avoid miscalculating the risks. I’ll share some of the emotional challenges to expect, as well as the importance of tough conversations. Finally, I’ll explain why it’s not only helpful but necessary to put together a team that can help guide you through the transition period, and beyond.
Agency ownership is a thrilling undertaking. If the opportunity presents itself, you should absolutely give it serious consideration. Just be smart about the steps you take. AMI is here to welcome you to the adventure.
A big thank you to our podcast’s presenting sponsor, White Label IQ. They’re an amazing resource for agencies who want to outsource their design, dev, or PPC work at wholesale prices. Check out their special offer (10 free hours!) for podcast listeners here.
What You Will Learn in This Episode:
- The need to push for a process and plan when buying an agency
- The error in miscalculating the risks
- The emotional challenges of agency ownership
- The missed opportunity in tough conversations
- The need to put together a support team
“Culture” and “Brand” are two concepts that are often thought about and discussed as completely different topics. We don’t often consider how one might not only affect but define the other. But the truth is, they are very much the opposite sides of the same coin, if that coin represents the calling card for your agency or your client’s company.
Agency owners and authors Mark Miller and Ted Vaughn have literally written the book on the connection between culture and brand. In examining the challenges and successes of both their own clients and research into other companies, they defined six patterns that define culture and the traits that make these patterns successful.
In this episode of Build a Better Agency, Mark, Ted, and I take a deep dive into these six patterns – or “layers” – and how come to define an agency’s success. We explore everything from different kinds of trust to the need to sometimes fire a rockstar employee. We look at ways to inspire an invitation to difficult conversations and why it’s so important for creatives to advocate for themselves. We even define the first step an agency can take on the quest to improve, fix, or define a company’s culture in a way that leads to a winning brand.
A big thank you to our podcast’s presenting sponsor, White Label IQ. They’re an amazing resource for agencies who want to outsource their design, dev, or PPC work at wholesale prices. Check out their special offer (10 free hours!) for podcast listeners here.
What You Will Learn in This Episode:
- The links between a winning culture and brand
- Why culture is so important in a conversation about brand
- Functional vs. relational trust
- 6 layers of marque culture
- How to tell if a problem is caused by a system or a person
- Why creatives need to advocate for themselves
- How agency owners can inspire a truth-telling environment
- Where to begin on the journey to fix culture
There is no shortage of advice on how to be a better agency leader, but much of the advice out there is esoteric or theoretical. The ideas are grand, but a solid, tangible game plan is rare. Without clear steps to take, old habits and behaviors easily return before these new ideas have a chance to create lasting change.
Author Jonathan Raymond’s diversified background led to an interest in figuring out how leaders could grow their business in a way that was in alignment with their values. He has developed some interesting ideas and action plans for how to inspire your team to want to follow you.
In this episode of Build a Better Agency, Jonathan and I take a pragmatic approach to leadership. We examine how to recognize when you’re undermining the team and how to create clear expectations. We explore a 5-step method for managing performance. And we discuss the link between personal and professional development. Becoming a better leader starts with a desire, but requires a plan of action. Hopefully, this conversation offers a bit of both.
A big thank you to our podcast’s presenting sponsor, White Label IQ. They’re an amazing resource for agencies who want to outsource their design, dev, or PPC work at wholesale prices. Check out their special offer (10 free hours!) for podcast listeners here.
What You Will Learn in This Episode:
- How to recognize when you’re disempowering your team
- The need to set clear expectations
- A 5-step method for managing performance
- Understanding the time limit on feedback
- Why pattern recognition is important in agency leadership
- The power of uncomfortable silence
- Why personal and professional development aren’t different
- 3 reasons why poor behavior isn’t called out