Explore every episode of the podcast The Happy Clients Podcast
| Title | Pub. Date | Duration | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Your Agency Time Sheets Are Guesses. Your Margins Are Too, with Timeglass | 20 Jul 2026 | 00:13:38 | |
Every retainer price, staffing decision, and profitability call at your agency runs on time sheets filled out from memory on a Friday afternoon. The numbers look real. They're guesses, and that gap is quietly costing you money you don't even know you're losing.In this episode, we sit down with Adam Masonbrink from Timeglass, an AI tool that writes accurate time sheets for your team automatically, no stopwatch and no reconstruction required. They dig into what changes when an agency finally has real data behind client management, account management, and team profitability instead of guesswork.You will learn:-Why manual time sheets are functionally fiction, and what that actually costs your agency-How AI captures accurate work data without adding a single task to your team's day-What questions to ask your data to spot who's overworked and who's coasting-How to finally know which clients and projects are truly profitable-How agencies switch over without losing their existing tracking historyHappy Clients listeners get 50% off their first three months of Timeglass with code HAPPYCLIENTS at Timeglass.ai.
| |||
| How DOT & Co. Hires Account Managers For Marketing Agencies | 13 Jul 2026 | 00:15:19 | |
Finding a great client account manager is one of the hardest hiring challenges a growing agency faces. In this episode, we sit down to pull back the curtain on DOT & Company's account manager hiring process, a multi-round, assessment-heavy system that receives over 1,000 applications a month and only brings on one to three people. If you have ever wondered why great account managers are so hard to find, this episode will show you exactly what the bar actually looks like.Whether you are an agency owner trying to hire for this role yourself or considering partnering with DOT, this episode gives you the framework, the questions, and the mindset behind what separates a good account manager from a great one.What you will learn in this episode:-Why resume experience alone will never tell you if someone can survive in a client-facing account management role-The personality traits DOT screens for that matter more than 20 years of agency experience-How DOT's four-round interview process, CAM School, and Loom video assessments filter for emotional intelligence and communication confidence-Why agency owners who have been hiring this role themselves are almost always doing it the hard way-The single mindset shift that separates account managers who thrive from those who burn out fast If you need help with client management, visit www.dotandcompany.co | |||
| Account Management Is Not Overhead. It Is Your Most Overlooked Growth Lever | 06 Jul 2026 | 00:21:56 | |
Most agency owners think of account management as an expense. Taylor McMaster sits down with Sarah De Haas (Sales & Business Development) and Tiffany Molloy (Director of Operations) at DOT & Company for an honest conversation about why agency owners keep stalling on hiring client account management support, even when they know it is the right move, and what finally changes their minds. If you have been waiting for one more client, one more month, or one more reason to bring in an account manager, this episode will show you exactly what that delay is actually costing your agency. What you will learn in this episode:
🎙️ The Happy Clients Podcast is brought to you by DOT & Company, fractional Client Account Managers for digital marketing agencies. | |||
| He Built a 7-Person Agency Without a Single Marketing Campaign | 29 Jun 2026 | 00:21:49 | |
Jonathan Cogan built Sephrina Marketing Group from a solo consultancy into a seven-person agency in just three and a half years, without a single formal marketing campaign. In this episode of the Happy Clients Podcast, we sit down with Jonathan to talk about what actually drove his growth, the barriers that almost stopped him from starting, and how fractional account management became a core part of how Sephrina scales without losing client experience.If you are an agency owner navigating the jump from solo to team, or trying to figure out how to step back from day-to-day client management without things falling apart, this conversation is for you.What you will learn in this episode:-How Jonathan grew an agency entirely through relationships with zero formal lead generation-The mindset shift that took him from consultant to agency owner-Why fractional client account management became essential to Sephrina’s growth-How building the right team structure freed him from being the bottleneck-What advice he would give agency owners who are two years behind where he is now🎙️ The Happy Clients Podcast is brought to you by DOT & Company: fractional Client Account Managers for digital marketing agencies. We help agency owners improve client retention, streamline account management, and scale without burning out.
| |||
| AI Is Now a Full-Time Role | Vistara 2026 – Our View From the Booth | 22 Jun 2026 | 00:16:58 | |
Our DOT & Co team, Taylor McMaster (Founder), Sarah De Haas (Sales & Business Development), and Tiffany Molloy (Director of Operations) just got back from Vistara 2026, the biggest AI event for digital agencies, hosted by E2M in Austin, Texas. In this episode they share what agency owners were actually saying about AI, what surprised them most, and what we are doing differently because of it.If you've been feeling behind on AI, you're not alone. Every agency owner in that room felt the same way. Here's what you need to know.What you'll learn in this episode:-Why AI is no longer optional and is quickly becoming a full-time role inside agencies-How agentic AI is different from generative AI and why that distinction matters for your agency-How DOT cut their CAM matching time from 4 to 6 weeks down to 3 business days using a simple AI tool-What agency owners were getting wrong about AI at Vistara and how to shift your approach-Where DOT & Co is heading with AI for their account managers and the agencies they work with If you need help with client account management visit www.dotandcompany.co | |||
| 6 Things Every Agency Owner Worries About Before Outsourcing Account Management | 15 Jun 2026 | 00:11:31 | |
If you've ever thought "I should outsource client management, but...", this episode is for you.After eight years of discovery calls with agency owners, we have heard the same six concerns every single time. Today we answer all of them, including the one most people think but never say out loud.What you'll learn in this episode:-Why the real question isn't "can I afford this?", it's "can I afford to keep doing account management while trying to close deals?"-How fractional account management removes the ceiling between your sales velocity and delivery capacity-What to do when your strategist is spending 80% of her time on client emails instead of actual strategy-The real difference between a Client Account Manager and a Project Manager, and why they don't overlap the way you think-The exact transition process DOT uses so clients feel more supported, not passed offIf any of these hit close to home, that's probably a sign it's worth having a real conversation. If you need help with client account management, visit www.dotandcompany.co | |||
| A Day in the Life of a Client Account Manager (Hour by Hour in 2026) | 08 Jun 2026 | 00:13:42 | |
Curious about becoming a Client Account Manager but unsure what the day actually feels like? In this episode, we walk you through a real, unfiltered day in the life of a CAM in 2026: no glamour, no sugar-coating, just the honest rhythm of the role so you can decide if it's the right fit for you.We go hour by hour: morning inbox triage, client meetings, the control-tower afternoon of context-switching and unblocking your team, and the end-of-day rituals that keep great CAMs looking calm. Plus the honest stuff: what happens when projects go sideways, the emotional labor no one mentions, and the traits that mean you'll thrive (or burn out) in this role.Whether you're job hunting, pivoting careers, or just agency-curious, this is your behind-the-scenes look at what being a CAM actually feels like in the age of AI and hybrid work.If you need help with Client Account Management, go to www.dotandcompany.co
| |||
| Every Week Your Project Runs Late, You Lose 6% Net Profit - with Robert Patin from Creative Agency Success | 01 Jun 2026 | 00:37:19 | |
Every week a project runs late, your agency loses 6% net profit.Not because your team isn't working hard. Not because your clients are impossible. But because of quiet, invisible leaks inside your delivery process that most agency owners never stop to measure.In this episode of the Happy Clients Podcast, we sit down with Robert Patin of Creative Agency Success to break down the real financial cost of client delivery, and why some of your highest-revenue clients might actually be your least profitable.What you'll learn in this episode:-Why timeline slippage is silently destroying your margins (and the math that proves it)-The difference between scope creep and expectation creep, and why one of them is your fault-How an agency was losing $3–4 per hour on a client that made up 80% of their revenue-Why anchor clients give away your leverage without you even realizing it-How one agency went from 8 client revisions to zero, and the simple shift that made it happen-Why leading your clients confidently is the most profitable thing you can do-The 3–5 numbers every agency owner and account manager should be trackingIf you've ever had a client that looked great on paper but felt expensive in every other way, this episode is for you.If you need help with Client Management, visit: www.dotandcompany.co
| |||
| The First 30 Days as a Client Account Manager (Full Playbook) | 25 May 2026 | 00:14:09 | |
The first 30 days with a new client can make or break the relationship.In this episode of the Happy Clients Podcast, we’re breaking down exactly what a Client Account Manager (CAM) should be doing after a client signs with an agency, from the handoff process to onboarding, communication rhythms, team alignment, and relationship-building.If you’re an agency owner, account manager, or someone stepping into a CAM role for the first time, this episode is your practical playbook for creating smoother client experiences and stronger retention.Inside this episode:• What a Client Account Manager actually owns inside an agency• What a clean client handoff should look like• The biggest onboarding mistakes agencies make• How to build trust in the first 30 days• What week 1, 2, 3, and 4 should look like• How AI is changing account management in 2026• The real skills great account managers develop over time• Why great CAMs are becoming some of the most valuable people in agenciesIf you’ve ever felt overwhelmed in account management or struggled to transition clients smoothly after the sales process, this episode is for you. | |||
| What a Client Account Manager Actually Does in an Agency | 19 May 2026 | 00:16:43 | |
What does a client account manager actually do?In this episode of The Happy Clients Podcast, we’re breaking down one of the most misunderstood roles in agency life: the client account manager.It’s not just project management.It’s not sales.It’s not customer service.A great client account manager is the bridge between the client and the agency team. They keep communication clear, protect the relationship, spot issues before they become bigger problems, and make sure the work can actually move forward.We’ll cover:-What a client account manager is-What CAMs are responsible for day to day-What account managers should not be responsible for-Why AI is changing the role-Why remote and hybrid agencies need stronger account management-How CAMs can talk about their value with more confidenceIf you’ve ever struggled to explain what you do as an account manager, or you’re wondering what this role should look like inside your agency, this episode is for you.Because client account management is not invisible work.It’s the work that makes everything else possible. If you need help with client account management, visit www.dotandcompany.co | |||
| The 5 Daily Habits of Successful Account Managers | 11 May 2026 | 00:13:02 | |
Most account managers don’t lose clients because they don’t care.They lose clients because things start slipping through the cracks.In this episode, Taylor breaks down the 5 daily habits that help great account managers stay organized, build trust, and create a better client experience as agencies grow.We talk about:-Why “just remembering things” stops working-The hidden cost of poor follow-up-How strong communication builds client confidence-Why AI and tools can’t replace operational clarity-Simple habits that make teams more reliable-How to prevent client chaos before it startsIf you manage clients, lead projects, or run an agency, this episode will help you build systems that keep everything moving without relying on memory or constant firefighting.Subscribe for more conversations on agency operations, systems, communication, and sustainable growth. ---------------------- Visit www.dotandcompany.co if you need expert help with client account management. | |||
| You’re the Bottleneck: How Founders Stall Growth, with Mari Ellefson | 04 May 2026 | 00:40:02 | |
If your agency can’t grow without you… this is why. In this episode, Mari Ellefson explains the real reason founders get stuck, and why hiring more people doesn’t fix it. We cover:
This is for founders who feel stretched, stuck, or constantly in the middle. Watch if you want to grow without burning out. Visit www.dotandcompany.co if you need expert help with client account management. | |||
| The Account Manager Mindset That Actually Grows Agencies, with Albert Banks from Apertus | 30 Apr 2026 | 00:19:24 | |
Most account managers think their job is to keep clients happy. That’s the problem. In this episode, we break down why that mindset turns you into an order-taker, and what to do instead. Because the best account managers don’t just react. They diagnose, lead, and drive results. In this episode: -Why “keeping clients happy” is the wrong goal -The real reason clients leave -How to think like a doctor, not a vendor -What great account managers do differently If you want stronger client relationships, and longer retention, this shift changes everything. ------------- ---------Welcome to the Happy Clients Podcast, brought to you by DOT and Company-- the world's best and only team of client account managers for digital marketing agencies. Whether you're a virtual assistant, an agency owner, or a client-facing account manager, we all deal with clients. Lucky for you. client management is what we do best. On the happy client's podcast, we won't shy away from the ups and downs of managing clients in the agency world, but we'll be right there alongside you to learn together and share the real juicy stuff we'll undoubtedly face when it comes to client management. Now, let's dig in, chat CAM life and have some fun along the way.Cheers, to happy clients! | |||
| Why Hiring Account Managers Is So Hard | 27 Apr 2026 | 00:12:47 | |
Hiring great account managers is harder than it looks.Most candidates sound good.They’ve worked at agencies.They say the right things.But that’s not what makes someone great at the role.In this episode, we break down:Why “good with clients” isn’t enoughThe real skill most people missWhat to actually look for when hiringHow strong client relationships are built (not just felt)If you’ve ever made a hire that looked right on paper, but didn’t work, this is for you. | |||
| What No One Tells You About Managing Clients Without Burning Out | 22 Apr 2026 | 00:12:01 | |
You’re not burnt out because of the work.You’re burnt out because of everything around it.In this episode, we unpack what’s really driving burnout for account managers—and why most agencies are setting their teams up to fail (without realizing it).If your days feel reactive, chaotic, and never-ending… this will hit.We cover:Why burnout isn’t about “too many clients”The hidden expectations killing your teamWhat clients actually feel when communication breaks downHow to fix the root problem (not just the symptoms)If you manage clients, or manage people who do, this episode will change how you think about the role.--------------------Welcome to the Happy Clients Podcast, brought to you by DOT and Company-- the world's best and only team of client account managers for digital marketing agencies. Whether you're a virtual assistant, an agency owner, or a client-facing account manager, we all deal with clients. Lucky for you. client management is what we do best. On the happy client's podcast, we won't shy away from the ups and downs of managing clients in the agency world, but we'll be right there alongside you to learn together and share the real juicy stuff we'll undoubtedly face when it comes to client management. Now, let's dig in, chat CAM life and have some fun along the way.Cheers, to happy clients!
| |||
| What Is an Account Manager... And Why Agencies Hire The Wrong Person | 20 Apr 2026 | 00:13:01 | |
Most agencies think they need an account manager.But what they actually hire… is an admin.And that’s where things start to break.In this episode, we unpack what an account manager really is, and why this role requires ownership, not just organization.Because when no one truly owns the client relationship, things slip:-Communication slows down-Details get missed-Clients start to question their decisionAnd eventually… they leave.We also break down:-Why a VA or EA isn’t the same as an account manager-What great account managers actually do day-to-day-The hiring mistake most agency owners don’t realize they’re makingIf you’ve ever hired for this role (or are about to), this will save you time, money, and a lot of frustration..------------ Welcome to the Happy Clients Podcast, brought to you by DOT and Company-- the world's best and only team of client account managers for digital marketing agencies. Whether you're a virtual assistant, an agency owner, or a client-facing account manager, we all deal with clients. Lucky for you. client management is what we do best. On the happy client's podcast, we won't shy away from the ups and downs of managing clients in the agency world, but we'll be right there alongside you to learn together and share the real juicy stuff we'll undoubtedly face when it comes to client management. Now, let's dig in, chat CAM life and have some fun along the way.Cheers, to happy clients!
| |||
| The Hidden Revenue Sitting Inside Your Existing Clients - with Cory Jackson | 13 Apr 2026 | 00:25:11 | |
There’s more revenue in your current clients than you think.In this episode, we sit down with Cory Jackson to unpack how agencies can grow faster by focusing on upsells, client relationships, and smarter conversations.We cover:-The biggest mistake account managers make around sales-Why clients want you to bring new ideas-How to reduce sales resistance and build trust-A practical upsell framework you can use right awayPerfect for agency owners and account managers looking to increase retention and revenue. ------------ Welcome to the Happy Clients Podcast, brought to you by DOT and Company-- the world's best and only team of client account managers for digital marketing agencies. Whether you're a virtual assistant, an agency owner, or a client-facing account manager, we all deal with clients. Lucky for you. client management is what we do best. On the happy client's podcast, we won't shy away from the ups and downs of managing clients in the agency world, but we'll be right there alongside you to learn together and share the real juicy stuff we'll undoubtedly face when it comes to client management. Now, let's dig in, chat CAM life and have some fun along the way. Cheers, to happy clients! | |||
| The New Account Manager: AI-Powered, Not Replaced | 06 Apr 2026 | 00:30:02 | |
Most agencies think AI will replace account managers.It won’t.In this episode, we break down how one agency saved 300–400 hours per month using AI, without cutting their team.You’ll learn how AI is actually:-Reducing manual work (reporting, emails, coordination)-Increasing team output by 3–4x-Helping account managers become more strategic, not obsoleteWe also get into real workflows:AI-powered email + Slack triageAutomated meeting notes and action itemsClient dashboards that surface upsell opportunitiesHow to connect tools for a smarter, faster workflowIf you're running an agency or managing clients, this is a practical look at what AI actually changes, and what it doesn’t.---------------- Welcome to the Happy Clients Podcast, brought to you by DOT and Company-- the world's best and only team of client account managers for digital marketing agencies. Whether you're a virtual assistant, an agency owner, or a client-facing account manager, we all deal with clients. Lucky for you. client management is what we do best. On the happy client's podcast, we won't shy away from the ups and downs of managing clients in the agency world, but we'll be right there alongside you to learn together and share the real juicy stuff we'll undoubtedly face when it comes to client management. Now, let's dig in, chat CAM life and have some fun along the way.Cheers, to happy clients!
| |||
| If One Person Leaving Shakes Your Agency, This Is the Problem | 24 Mar 2026 | 00:23:59 | |
What happens when your account manager leaves?For most agency owners… it feels like everything might fall apart.In this episode, we break down why that fear exists, and what’s actually happening behind the scenes. From client relationships to SOPs to team structure, this is a real look at how strong agencies handle transitions without losing trust or momentum.If your agency depends on one “irreplaceable” person, this conversation will shift how you think about growth.In this episode:-Why account manager transitions feel so risky-What clients actually care about (it’s not what you think)-How to build systems that protect your agency------------ Welcome to the Happy Clients Podcast, brought to you by DOT and Company-- the world's best and only team of client account managers for digital marketing agencies. Whether you're a virtual assistant, an agency owner, or a client-facing account manager, we all deal with clients. Lucky for you. client management is what we do best. On the happy client's podcast, we won't shy away from the ups and downs of managing clients in the agency world, but we'll be right there alongside you to learn together and share the real juicy stuff we'll undoubtedly face when it comes to client management. Now, let's dig in, chat CAM life and have some fun along the way.Cheers, to happy clients!
| |||
| The Agency Trap: Big Clients, Busy Teams, No Profit, with Marcel Petitpas | 16 Mar 2026 | 00:34:06 | |
Many agencies believe landing bigger clients is the key to growth. But what if those clients are actually the reason your agency isn’t profitable? In this episode of the Happy Clients Podcast, Taylor sits down with Marcel Petitpas to talk about one of the most common traps agencies fall into: growing revenue while profit stays flat. Marcel breaks down why some of the largest clients can also be the least profitable, how teams get stuck over-servicing accounts, and why agencies often end up with busy teams, constant hiring, and tight cash flow despite increasing revenue. If you run a marketing agency or manage client accounts, this conversation will change how you think about growth, client relationships, and the real drivers behind a profitable agency. ----------- [ABOUT THIS PODCAST] Welcome to the Happy Clients Podcast, brought to you by DOT and Company-- the world's best and only team of client account managers for digital marketing agencies. Whether you're a virtual assistant, an agency owner, or a client-facing account manager, we all deal with clients. Lucky for you. client management is what we do best. On the happy client's podcast, we won't shy away from the ups and downs of managing clients in the agency world, but we'll be right there alongside you to learn together and share the real juicy stuff we'll undoubtedly face when it comes to client management. Now, let's dig in, chat CAM life and have some fun along the way.Cheers, to happy clients! | |||
| Exit Ready or Exhausted? Why Agency Owners Are Rethinking the Future With Karl Sakas | 17 Feb 2026 | 00:31:29 | |
Running an agency is hard. And right now, more owners than ever are asking the same question: Should I sell… or keep going?In this episode of the Happy Clients Podcast, Taylor sits down with agency advisor Carl Sakas to talk about what it really means to be exit ready, and why 90% of agencies reaching out to him are thinking about selling.We cover:• The 30-day sabbatical test• Why delegating client relationships impacts valuation• The real reason buyers walk away• How AI is changing agency demand• What makes you optional vs. indispensable• The financial clean-up most owners ignore• What life actually looks like after you sell ----------- [ABOUT THIS PODCAST] Welcome to the Happy Clients Podcast, brought to you by DOT and Company-- the world's best and only team of client account managers for digital marketing agencies. Whether you're a virtual assistant, an agency owner, or a client-facing account manager, we all deal with clients. Lucky for you. client management is what we do best. On the happy client's podcast, we won't shy away from the ups and downs of managing clients in the agency world, but we'll be right there alongside you to learn together and share the real juicy stuff we'll undoubtedly face when it comes to client management. Now, let's dig in, chat CAM life and have some fun along the way. Cheers, to happy clients! | |||
| Selling Your Digital Agency: How E2M Acquired DOT & Company - With Brent Weaver | 09 Feb 2026 | 00:36:46 | |
What does it actually look like to sell a digital agency?In this episode of the Happy Clients Podcast, Taylor McMaster sits down with Brent Weaver, CEO of E2M, to break down the real story behind E2M’s acquisition of DOT & Company. From the first conversation to due diligence, timing, and closing the deal, this is an honest look at how agency acquisitions really work.If you’re a digital agency owner thinking about selling, or just curious how these deals happen, this episode pulls back the curtain. --------------------------------- [ABOUT THIS PODCAST] Welcome to the Happy Clients Podcast, brought to you by DOT and Company-- the world's best and only team of client account managers for digital marketing agencies. Whether you're a virtual assistant, an agency owner, or a client-facing account manager, we all deal with clients. Lucky for you. client management is what we do best. On the happy client's podcast, we won't shy away from the ups and downs of managing clients in the agency world, but we'll be right there alongside you to learn together and share the real juicy stuff we'll undoubtedly face when it comes to client management. Now, let's dig in, chat CAM life and have some fun along the way.Cheers, to happy clients! | |||
| The Trust First Agency Model Explained, with Alex Schlinsky | 02 Feb 2026 | 00:21:33 | |
What actually keeps agency clients long-term? In this episode, Alex Schlinsky breaks down the Trust-First Agency Model, and why transparency, communication, and integrity matter more than perfect results. Alex shares real stories from running and scaling his own agency, including:
If you’re an agency owner focused on growth, retention, and building a business that lasts, this conversation will shift how you think about clients, and how you show up for them. [ABOUT THIS PODCAST] Welcome to the Happy Clients Podcast, brought to you by DOT and Company-- the world's best and only team of client account managers for digital marketing agencies. Whether you're a virtual assistant, an agency owner, or a client-facing account manager, we all deal with clients. Lucky for you. client management is what we do best. On the happy client's podcast, we won't shy away from the ups and downs of managing clients in the agency world, but we'll be right there alongside you to learn together and share the real juicy stuff we'll undoubtedly face when it comes to client management. Now, let's dig in, chat CAM life and have some fun along the way.Cheers, to happy clients! | |||
| Why Most Agency Owners Get Stuck at $30k–$80k/Month (And How to Break Through) with Chris Rudolph | 26 Jan 2026 | 00:26:35 | |
Most agency owners don’t stall because they’re bad at marketing. They stall because they’re stuck in the business instead of running it. In this episode, Chris Rudolph breaks down why so many agencies hit a ceiling around $30k–$80k/month, and what actually needs to change to break through it. We cover: Why agencies stall at predictable revenue plateaus The hidden “operator trap” keeping owners stuck in the day-to-day What changes when you shift from freelancer → CEO The systems and mindset required to scale past $100k/monthIf you’ve ever felt like: You’re doing everything in your agency Growth slows the harder you work Adding more clients just adds more stress This conversation will hit home. You can contact Chris Rudolph here: https://freedomagencycoach.com/ [ABOUT THIS PODCAST] Welcome to the Happy Clients Podcast, brought to you by DOT and Company-- the world's best and only team of client account managers for digital marketing agencies. Whether you're a virtual assistant, an agency owner, or a client-facing account manager, we all deal with clients. Lucky for you. client management is what we do best. On the happy client's podcast, we won't shy away from the ups and downs of managing clients in the agency world, but we'll be right there alongside you to learn together and share the real juicy stuff we'll undoubtedly face when it comes to client management. Now, let's dig in, chat CAM life and have some fun along the way. Cheers, to happy clients! | |||
| Why So Many Agency Owners Are Panic Selling... And What to Do Instead, with Steve Guberman | 19 Jan 2026 | 00:47:29 | |
In this episode, we sit down with Steve Guberman to talk about what’s really happening inside agencies right now. From panic selling and fear-driven exits to AI, layoffs, and shifting deal timelines, Steve shares what he’s seeing across the agency landscape, and why rushing to sell often leaves money and opportunity on the table. We cover:
If you’re an agency owner thinking about your next move, this conversation offers clarity without the panic. ----------------------------- [HELPFUL LINKS] Onboarding Checklist: Grab our onboarding checklist here. [ABOUT THIS PODCAST] Welcome to the Happy Clients Podcast, brought to you by DOT and Company-- the world's best and only team of client account managers for digital marketing agencies. Whether you're a virtual assistant, an agency owner, or a client-facing account manager, we all deal with clients. Lucky for you. client management is what we do best. On the happy client's podcast, we won't shy away from the ups and downs of managing clients in the agency world, but we'll be right there alongside you to learn together and share the real juicy stuff we'll undoubtedly face when it comes to client management. Now, let's dig in, chat CAM life and have some fun along the way. Cheers, to happy clients! | |||
| Why Agencies Are Being Fired in 2026 and The Post Scope Era with Raul Hernandez Ochoa | 12 Jan 2026 | 00:44:27 | |
Why are agencies getting fired more often in 2026, even when they’re doing “good work”? In this episode of The Happy Clients Podcast, I sit down with Raul Hernandez to break down what’s really changing in the agency world, and why traditional scopes, services, and delivery models aren’t enough anymore. In this episode, we cover:
This episode is for agency owners who want to retain clients, increase lifetime value, and build relationships that last, not just close deals. ----------------------------- [HELPFUL LINKS] Onboarding Checklist: Grab our onboarding checklist here. [ABOUT THIS PODCAST] Welcome to the Happy Clients Podcast, brought to you by DOT and Company-- the world's best and only team of client account managers for digital marketing agencies. Whether you're a virtual assistant, an agency owner, or a client-facing account manager, we all deal with clients. Lucky for you. client management is what we do best. On the happy client's podcast, we won't shy away from the ups and downs of managing clients in the agency world, but we'll be right there alongside you to learn together and share the real juicy stuff we'll undoubtedly face when it comes to client management. Now, let's dig in, chat CAM life and have some fun along the way. Cheers, to happy clients! | |||
| Agency Trends 2026 AI, Smarter Scaling & Client Strategy with Drew McLellan | 05 Jan 2026 | 00:43:45 | |
What does it really take to scale an agency in 2026? In this episode, Drew McLellan breaks down the biggest trends shaping agencies right now, from how AI is actually being used, to why smarter scaling has less to do with tools and more to do with leadership. We talk about: How agencies are using AI beyond content creation Why agency owners become the biggest scaling bottleneck The shift from account management to client strategy What it takes to get out of the day-to-day without losing control If you’re an agency owner trying to scale smarter, protect client relationships, and step into a more strategic role, this conversation is for you. 🎧 Tune in and get ahead of what’s next for agencies in 2026. ----------------------------- [HELPFUL LINKS] Onboarding Checklist: Grab our onboarding checklist here. [ABOUT THIS PODCAST] Welcome to the Happy Clients Podcast, brought to you by DOT and Company-- the world's best and only team of client account managers for digital marketing agencies. Whether you're a virtual assistant, an agency owner, or a client-facing account manager, we all deal with clients. Lucky for you. client management is what we do best. On the happy client's podcast, we won't shy away from the ups and downs of managing clients in the agency world, but we'll be right there alongside you to learn together and share the real juicy stuff we'll undoubtedly face when it comes to client management. Now, let's dig in, chat CAM life and have some fun along the way. Cheers, to happy clients! | |||
| The Account Manager Hiring Checklist Every Agency Owner Should Use | 29 Dec 2025 | 00:16:54 | |
If you’re wondering whether it’s finally time to hire an Account Manager, this episode is for you. In this episode of the Happy Clients Podcast, we walk through the exact checklist we use with agency owners to decide when (and if) it’s time to offload client management. We cover:
If you’re stuck managing clients, drowning in emails, or putting off growth because you “don’t have time to onboard someone,” this episode will give you clarity. ----------------------------- [HELPFUL LINKS] Onboarding Checklist: Grab our onboarding checklist here. [ABOUT THIS PODCAST] Welcome to the Happy Clients Podcast, brought to you by DOT and Company-- the world's best and only team of client account managers for digital marketing agencies. Whether you're a virtual assistant, an agency owner, or a client-facing account manager, we all deal with clients. Lucky for you. client management is what we do best. On the happy client's podcast, we won't shy away from the ups and downs of managing clients in the agency world, but we'll be right there alongside you to learn together and share the real juicy stuff we'll undoubtedly face when it comes to client management. Now, let's dig in, chat CAM life and have some fun along the way. Cheers, to happy clients! | |||
| When It’s Time to Hire an Account Manager (And When It’s Not) | 22 Dec 2025 | 00:26:28 | |
Many agency owners struggle to let go of client relationships, and that fear often becomes the biggest growth bottleneck.In this episode of the Happy Clients Podcast by DOT & Company, we break down how to transition client relationships from the founder to an account manager without losing trust, control, or retention. We talk about why clients texting you keeps you stuck in the day to day, how to position your account manager as the best point of contact, and what actually works when clients say “I’m only here because of you.”If you want more freedom, less burnout, and an agency that can scale beyond you, this episode is for you.Topics covered:• Founder to account manager transitions• Client trust and authority• Scaling without losing relationships• Reducing owner involvement in client communication [HELPFUL LINKS] Onboarding Checklist: Grab our onboarding checklist here. [ABOUT THIS PODCAST] Welcome to the Happy Clients Podcast, brought to you by DOT and Company-- the world's best and only team of client account managers for digital marketing agencies. Whether you're a virtual assistant, an agency owner, or a client-facing account manager, we all deal with clients. Lucky for you. client management is what we do best. On the happy client's podcast, we won't shy away from the ups and downs of managing clients in the agency world, but we'll be right there alongside you to learn together and share the real juicy stuff we'll undoubtedly face when it comes to client management. Now, let's dig in, chat CAM life and have some fun along the way. Cheers, to happy clients! | |||
| How To Transition Client Relationships To Your Account Manager | 15 Dec 2025 | 00:15:27 | |
Many agency owners struggle to let go of client relationships, and that fear often becomes the biggest growth bottleneck.In this episode of the Happy Clients Podcast by DOT & Company, we break down how to transition client relationships from the founder to an account manager without losing trust, control, or retention. We talk about why clients texting you keeps you stuck in the day to day, how to position your account manager as the best point of contact, and what actually works when clients say “I’m only here because of you.”If you want more freedom, less burnout, and an agency that can scale beyond you, this episode is for you. [HELPFUL LINKS] Onboarding Checklist: Grab our onboarding checklist here. [ABOUT THIS PODCAST] Welcome to the Happy Clients Podcast, brought to you by DOT and Company-- the world's best and only team of client account managers for digital marketing agencies. Whether you're a virtual assistant, an agency owner, or a client-facing account manager, we all deal with clients. Lucky for you. client management is what we do best. On the happy client's podcast, we won't shy away from the ups and downs of managing clients in the agency world, but we'll be right there alongside you to learn together and share the real juicy stuff we'll undoubtedly face when it comes to client management. Now, let's dig in, chat CAM life and have some fun along the way. Cheers, to happy clients! | |||
| How To Get The Most Out Of Your Account Manager | 08 Dec 2025 | 00:22:30 | |
How do you actually get the most out of your Account Manager, without falling into scope creep, burnout, or blurred boundaries? In this episode, we dig into the real role of an Account Manager, how to set expectations, and the red flags agency owners should watch for. Jill and Jenna share what they see across dozens of agencies and how to build a partnership that supports retention, communication, and agency growth. [HELPFUL LINKS] Onboarding Checklist: Grab our onboarding checklist here. [ABOUT THIS PODCAST] Welcome to the Happy Clients Podcast, brought to you by DOT and Company-- the world's best and only team of client account managers for digital marketing agencies. Whether you're a virtual assistant, an agency owner, or a client-facing account manager, we all deal with clients. Lucky for you. client management is what we do best. On the happy client's podcast, we won't shy away from the ups and downs of managing clients in the agency world, but we'll be right there alongside you to learn together and share the real juicy stuff we'll undoubtedly face when it comes to client management. Now, let's dig in, chat CAM life and have some fun along the way. Cheers, to happy clients! | |||
| Clients Don't Fire Agencies... They Fire Communication Gaps | 01 Dec 2025 | 00:09:21 | |
🎙️ Happy Clients Podcast : Clients Don't Fire Agencies... They Fire Communication Gaps Communication—not performance—is the real reason most clients leave their agency. In this episode of the Happy Clients Podcast, we break down why strong results aren’t enough to keep clients around and why proactive communication matters more than ever. You’ll hear a real story about a mid-sized performance marketing agency doing everything right on paper: high ROAS, lower CPA, and month-over-month revenue growth. Yet their client still left… not because of the numbers, but because they didn’t feel supported. Inside this episode, we unpack: If you’re an agency owner or account manager looking to improve retention, elevate client experience, and strengthen relationships, this episode is for you. [HELPFUL LINKS] Onboarding Checklist: Grab our onboarding checklist here. [ABOUT THIS PODCAST] Welcome to the Happy Clients Podcast, brought to you by DOT and Company-- the world's best and only team of client account managers for digital marketing agencies. Whether you're a virtual assistant, an agency owner, or a client-facing account manager, we all deal with clients. Lucky for you. client management is what we do best. On the happy client's podcast, we won't shy away from the ups and downs of managing clients in the agency world, but we'll be right there alongside you to learn together and share the real juicy stuff we'll undoubtedly face when it comes to client management. Now, let's dig in, chat CAM life and have some fun along the way. Cheers, to happy clients! | |||
| Will AI Replace Client Account Managers? | 24 Nov 2025 | 00:13:26 | |
🎙️ Happy Clients Podcast : Will AI Replace Client Account Managers? In this episode of the Happy Clients Podcast, we’re clearing up one of the biggest fears in agency life: 👉 “Is AI going to replace the client account manager role?” Short answer: No.Long answer: AI is powerful, but it can’t replace empathy, connection, or the human element clients crave more than ever.Inside the episode, you’ll learn: Where AI actually helps account managersWhat agencies risk when they automate too much Why clients still need human connectionHow to use AI to remove admin (not relationships) The human-led approach we use here at DOTIf you want to work smarter, protect your client experience, and use AI without losing the personal touch, this one’s for you.🎙️ Tune in and let’s rethink AI in account management. [HELPFUL LINKS] Onboarding Checklist: Grab our onboarding checklist here. [ABOUT THIS PODCAST] Welcome to the Happy Clients Podcast, brought to you by DOT and Company-- the world's best and only team of client account managers for digital marketing agencies. Whether you're a virtual assistant, an agency owner, or a client-facing account manager, we all deal with clients. Lucky for you. client management is what we do best. On the happy client's podcast, we won't shy away from the ups and downs of managing clients in the agency world, but we'll be right there alongside you to learn together and share the real juicy stuff we'll undoubtedly face when it comes to client management. Now, let's dig in, chat CAM life and have some fun along the way. Cheers, to happy clients! | |||
| I Took 6 Months Off My Agency (It Ran Smoothly) - What Agency Owners and Account Managers Must Know | 17 Nov 2025 | 00:15:02 | |
🎙️ Happy Clients Podcast : I Took 6 Months Off My Agency (It Ran Smoothly) - What Agency Owners and Account Managers Must Know If you’ve ever dreamed of stepping away from your agency, whether for a week, a month, or six whole months, this episode is for you.I just came back from taking six intentional, fully unplugged months away from my agency.No Asana.No Slack.No email.Nothing.Inside this episode, I’m walking you through how it happened, what made it possible, and what you need to know if you’re an agency owner or an account manager supporting one.Whether your goal is a real vacation, a future maternity leave, or simply removing yourself from the day-to-day, I’m breaking down the mindset shifts, team structure, and ownership your agency needs to actually run without you. [HELPFUL LINKS] Onboarding Checklist: Grab our onboarding checklist here. [ABOUT THIS PODCAST] Welcome to the Happy Clients Podcast, brought to you by DOT and Company-- the world's best and only team of client account managers for digital marketing agencies. Whether you're a virtual assistant, an agency owner, or a client-facing account manager, we all deal with clients. Lucky for you. client management is what we do best. On the happy client's podcast, we won't shy away from the ups and downs of managing clients in the agency world, but we'll be right there alongside you to learn together and share the real juicy stuff we'll undoubtedly face when it comes to client management. Now, let's dig in, chat CAM life and have some fun along the way. Cheers, to happy clients! | |||
| How We Run Client Meetings Like a Well-Oiled Machine (Step-by-Step Process) | 25 Aug 2025 | 00:19:56 | |
🎙️ Happy Clients Podcast Recap: How We Run Client Meetings Like a Well-Oiled Machine (Step-by-Step Process) Losing clients doesn’t always come down to poor results, it’s often about poor communication. At DOT & Co., after managing hundreds of agencies over the past seven years, we’ve learned that successful client meetings are the cornerstone of long-term relationships. Here’s our step-by-step framework for running client meetings that build trust, clarity, and client loyalty. [HELPFUL LINKS] Onboarding Checklist: Grab our onboarding checklist here. [ABOUT THIS PODCAST] Welcome to the Happy Clients Podcast, brought to you by DOT and Company-- the world's best and only team of client account managers for digital marketing agencies. Whether you're a virtual assistant, an agency owner, or a client-facing account manager, we all deal with clients. Lucky for you. client management is what we do best. On the happy client's podcast, we won't shy away from the ups and downs of managing clients in the agency world, but we'll be right there alongside you to learn together and share the real juicy stuff we'll undoubtedly face when it comes to client management. Now, let's dig in, chat CAM life and have some fun along the way. Cheers, to happy clients! | |||
| How Operational Gaps Eat Away at Your Profit, with Jhana Li from Spyglass Ops | 11 Aug 2025 | 00:25:54 | |
🎙️ Happy Clients Podcast Recap: How Operational Gaps Eat Away at Your Profit, with Jhana Li from Spyglass Ops Most agency owners think they need a unicorn.What do they actually need? A solid operator who can plug the cracks, stop the leaks, and protect their profit.On this week’s episode of the Happy Clients Podcast, I sat down with Jhana Li, fractional COO, founder of Spyglass Ops, and queen of agency operations. [HELPFUL LINKS] Onboarding Checklist: Grab our onboarding checklist here. [ABOUT THIS PODCAST] Welcome to the Happy Clients Podcast, brought to you by DOT and Company-- the world's best and only team of client account managers for digital marketing agencies. Whether you're a virtual assistant, an agency owner, or a client-facing account manager, we all deal with clients. Lucky for you. client management is what we do best. On the happy client's podcast, we won't shy away from the ups and downs of managing clients in the agency world, but we'll be right there alongside you to learn together and share the real juicy stuff we'll undoubtedly face when it comes to client management. Now, let's dig in, chat CAM life and have some fun along the way. Cheers, to happy clients! | |||
| Outbound Sales Tips That Don’t Feel Cringe with Dan Englander from Sales Schema | 04 Aug 2025 | 00:20:26 | |
🎙️ Happy Clients Podcast Recap: Outbound Sales Tips That Don’t Feel Cringe with Dan Englander from Sales Schema Tired of sales advice that feels sleazy, outdated, or just not built for your agency? In this episode of The Happy Clients Podcast, we’re joined by Dan Englander — founder of Sales Schema — to talk all things outbound sales… without the cringe.Dan brings two decades of experience helping agencies ditch the rollercoaster of referrals and build reliable, scalable sales systems. From identifying your ideal client profile to creating referral engines and managing biz dev in-house (without burning out your account managers), this conversation is packed with insights for growing agency owners. [HELPFUL LINKS] Onboarding Checklist: Grab our onboarding checklist here. [ABOUT THIS PODCAST] Welcome to the Happy Clients Podcast, brought to you by DOT and Company-- the world's best and only team of client account managers for digital marketing agencies. Whether you're a virtual assistant, an agency owner, or a client-facing account manager, we all deal with clients. Lucky for you. client management is what we do best. On the happy client's podcast, we won't shy away from the ups and downs of managing clients in the agency world, but we'll be right there alongside you to learn together and share the real juicy stuff we'll undoubtedly face when it comes to client management. Now, let's dig in, chat CAM life and have some fun along the way. Cheers, to happy clients! | |||
| Your Agency’s Growth Problem Might Be… Your Books - With Brandon Kordower from AURA | 29 Jul 2025 | 00:23:00 | |
🎙️ Happy Clients Podcast Recap: Your Agency’s Growth Problem Might Be… Your Books - With Brandon Kordower from AURA Wondering why you feel stuck with you agency and can't find the reason? The problem might be in your books. Brandon Kordower from AURA is our guest today, and we will discuss the importance of getting the right numbers within the agency and how these can guide us to the grow we need. [HELPFUL LINKS] Onboarding Checklist: Grab our onboarding checklist here. [ABOUT THIS PODCAST]Welcome to the Happy Clients Podcast, brought to you by DOT and Company-- the world's best and only team of client account managers for digital marketing agencies. Whether you're a virtual assistant, an agency owner, or a client-facing account manager, we all deal with clients. Lucky for you. client management is what we do best. On the happy client's podcast, we won't shy away from the ups and downs of managing clients in the agency world, but we'll be right there alongside you to learn together and share the real juicy stuff we'll undoubtedly face when it comes to client management. Now, let's dig in, chat CAM life and have some fun along the way. Cheers, to happy clients! | |||
| Think Hosting Doesn’t Matter? Think Again—with Tom Fanelli of Convesio | 21 Jul 2025 | 00:23:05 | |
🎙️ Happy Clients Podcast Recap: How Convesio Helps Agencies Host, Convert & Get Paid (Without the Tech Headaches) Ever wish you had a done-for-you dream team when it comes to hosting, email marketing, and payments for your clients' websites—without all the tech overwhelm? In this episode of the Happy Clients Podcast, Taylor chats with Tom Fanelli, founder of Convesio, about how agencies can scale smarter with less stress. [HELPFUL LINKS] Onboarding Checklist: Grab our onboarding checklist here. [ABOUT THIS PODCAST]Welcome to the Happy Clients Podcast, brought to you by DOT and Company-- the world's best and only team of client account managers for digital marketing agencies. Whether you're a virtual assistant, an agency owner, or a client-facing account manager, we all deal with clients. Lucky for you. client management is what we do best. On the happy client's podcast, we won't shy away from the ups and downs of managing clients in the agency world, but we'll be right there alongside you to learn together and share the real juicy stuff we'll undoubtedly face when it comes to client management. Now, let's dig in, chat CAM life and have some fun along the way. Cheers, to happy clients! | |||
| How to Show ROI, Set Expectations & Simplify Funnels with Funnelytics' Mikael Dia | 16 Jul 2025 | 00:20:47 | |
The Visual Strategy Secret Agencies Are Loving: How Funnelytics is Transforming Client Conversations Ever wished you could make your clients see the magic behind your marketing strategy—without handing them a crash course in Google Analytics? In this episode of The Happy Clients Podcast, we sit down with Mikael Dia, founder of Funnelytics, to unpack how this brilliant tool is giving agency owners and account managers a serious edge when it comes to presenting strategy, proving ROI, and—let's be real—keeping clients happy. Funnelytics isn’t just another data dashboard. It’s a visual storytelling platform that maps your marketing funnels and overlays real-time data, helping you say goodbye to spreadsheets and hello to simple, stunning client communication. [HELPFUL LINKS] Onboarding Checklist: Grab our onboarding checklist here. [ABOUT THIS PODCAST]Welcome to the Happy Clients Podcast, brought to you by DOT and Company-- the world's best and only team of client account managers for digital marketing agencies. Whether you're a virtual assistant, an agency owner, or a client-facing account manager, we all deal with clients. Lucky for you. client management is what we do best. On the happy client's podcast, we won't shy away from the ups and downs of managing clients in the agency world, but we'll be right there alongside you to learn together and share the real juicy stuff we'll undoubtedly face when it comes to client management. Now, let's dig in, chat CAM life and have some fun along the way. Cheers, to happy clients! | |||
| Avoid These Mistakes: Agency Growth Advice from Jason Swenk | 12 May 2025 | 00:19:19 | |
If you're an agency owner who's ever felt the “I built this thing but now it’s running my life” burnout creeping in—this one's for you. In this episode, Taylor sits down with Jason Swenk, the OG agency advisor and exit strategist, to talk about what it really takes to build an agency that works for you, not the other way around. Jason’s been in the agency trenches—scaling, selling, and now coaching others to do the same—and his insight is a goldmine for any founder craving freedom, not just more figures on a spreadsheet. [HELPFUL LINKS] Onboarding Checklist: Grab our onboarding checklist here. [ABOUT THIS PODCAST]Welcome to the Happy Clients Podcast, brought to you by DOT and Company-- the world's best and only team of client account managers for digital marketing agencies. Whether you're a virtual assistant, an agency owner, or a client-facing account manager, we all deal with clients. Lucky for you. client management is what we do best. On the happy client's podcast, we won't shy away from the ups and downs of managing clients in the agency world, but we'll be right there alongside you to learn together and share the real juicy stuff we'll undoubtedly face when it comes to client management. Now, let's dig in, chat CAM life and have some fun along the way. Cheers, to happy clients! | |||
| How Many Clients Should My Account Manager Be Managing? | 28 Apr 2025 | 00:08:04 | |
How Many Clients Should Your Account Manager Handle? Let’s Break It Down. If you’ve ever caught yourself wondering, “How many clients is too many for my account manager?”—you’re not alone, friend. This week on The Happy Clients Podcast, we sat down with Jenna to pull back the curtain on that very question—and the answer? It’s not one-size-fits-all. From digging into internal meeting cadences to evaluating the weight of client deliverables, we chat through what it really takes to calculate account manager capacity (hint: it involves more than just the number of client calls). Jenna walks us through everything from onboarding bandwidth to using capacity calculators that actually work, so you can make data-informed decisions—not gut guesses. [HELPFUL LINKS] Onboarding Checklist: Grab our onboarding checklist here. [ABOUT THIS PODCAST]Welcome to the Happy Clients Podcast, brought to you by DOT and Company-- the world's best and only team of client account managers for digital marketing agencies. Whether you're a virtual assistant, an agency owner, or a client-facing account manager, we all deal with clients. Lucky for you. client management is what we do best. On the happy client's podcast, we won't shy away from the ups and downs of managing clients in the agency world, but we'll be right there alongside you to learn together and share the real juicy stuff we'll undoubtedly face when it comes to client management. Now, let's dig in, chat CAM life and have some fun along the way. Cheers, to happy clients! | |||
| Why Spreadsheets Are Killing Your Agency’s Growth (and How Copper Fixes It) | 21 Apr 2025 | 00:33:31 | |
Why Agencies are Ditching Spreadsheets (and Falling in Love with Copper Instead) If you’ve ever felt like your agency’s backend is being held together with duct tape, Google Sheets, and a prayer—this one’s for you. In this episode, Taylor sits down with Perry Langenbahn from Copper (a CRM that actually gets agencies) to chat about how teams are moving from clunky, cobbled-together systems to sleek, streamlined operations—and finally getting their time (and sanity) back. [HELPFUL LINKS] Onboarding Checklist: Grab our onboarding checklist here. [ABOUT THIS PODCAST]Welcome to the Happy Clients Podcast, brought to you by DOT and Company-- the world's best and only team of client account managers for digital marketing agencies. Whether you're a virtual assistant, an agency owner, or a client-facing account manager, we all deal with clients. Lucky for you. client management is what we do best. On the happy client's podcast, we won't shy away from the ups and downs of managing clients in the agency world, but we'll be right there alongside you to learn together and share the real juicy stuff we'll undoubtedly face when it comes to client management. Now, let's dig in, chat CAM life and have some fun along the way. Cheers, to happy clients! | |||
| Steal Our Onboarding System: The Step-by-Step Process Behind Seamless Client Management | 14 Apr 2025 | 00:56:45 | |
The Agency Owner’s Secret Weapon? A Knockout Client Onboarding Process Well, hey there, friend. Pull up a chair and grab that oat milk latte, because this one’s a game-changer. In this Onboarding Series of The Happy Clients Podcast, we’re pulling back the curtain on one of the most make-or-break pieces of agency client work: onboarding. Yep, that dreamy, red-carpet welcome moment where client relationships are either built to last (or left scrambling from the get-go). You’ll hear the full audio from our CAM School onboarding module (our signature in-house training for client account managers), where we walk you through the exact steps we use at DOT & Co. to roll out the white-glove treatment every single time. [HELPFUL LINKS] Onboarding Checklist: Grab our onboarding checklist here. [ABOUT THIS PODCAST]Welcome to the Happy Clients Podcast, brought to you by DOT and Company-- the world's best and only team of client account managers for digital marketing agencies. Whether you're a virtual assistant, an agency owner, or a client-facing account manager, we all deal with clients. Lucky for you. client management is what we do best. On the happy client's podcast, we won't shy away from the ups and downs of managing clients in the agency world, but we'll be right there alongside you to learn together and share the real juicy stuff we'll undoubtedly face when it comes to client management. Now, let's dig in, chat CAM life and have some fun along the way. Cheers, to happy clients! | |||
| How to Recruit Account Managers (meet our full-time recruiter, Adelaide!) | 31 Mar 2025 | 00:22:07 | |
Hiring an Account Manager: Our Recruitment Process Today’s episode is a must-listen if you’re an agency owner looking to hire an account manager for your agency. We’re peeling back the curtain on THE hiring process we've developed after hiring tons and tons of account managers for agencies—with insights from Adelaide, our recruiter at DOT—so you can hire with confidence. Here’s the deal: hiring the right account manager isn’t just about filling a seat. It’s about finding someone who can own client relationships, protect your reputation, and give you back the time you need to actually scale. Adelaide breaks down why trust is the biggest hurdle (and how to overcome it), plus the seven-step hiring process DOT uses to make sure only the best of the best make it through. ✨ Spoiler alert: This isn’t a “post a job and cross your fingers” situation. Adelaide shares why agencies that plan ahead win big—and why skipping steps in hiring can cost you way more in the long run. If you’ve been putting off hiring because it feels overwhelming, this episode will give you the clarity (and strategy!) you need to do it right. Tune in now! 🎧 [HELPFUL LINKS] Onboarding Checklist: Grab our onboarding checklist here. [ABOUT THIS PODCAST]Welcome to the Happy Clients Podcast, brought to you by DOT and Company-- the world's best and only team of client account managers for digital marketing agencies. Whether you're a virtual assistant, an agency owner, or a client-facing account manager, we all deal with clients. Lucky for you. client management is what we do best. On the happy client's podcast, we won't shy away from the ups and downs of managing clients in the agency world, but we'll be right there alongside you to learn together and share the real juicy stuff we'll undoubtedly face when it comes to client management. Now, let's dig in, chat CAM life and have some fun along the way. Cheers, to happy clients! | |||
| Mastering Systems for Agency Success with Melissa Morris from Agency Authority | 24 Mar 2025 | 00:20:28 | |
What’s the secret sauce to running a thriving agency? In this episode of The Happy Clients Podcast, we’re peeling back the curtain on scaling with systems, landing high-ticket clients, agency growth hacks with Melissa Morris from Your Agency Authority. From battle-tested strategies to "wish I knew this sooner" lessons, this convo is packed with gold. Tune in as we chat about: ✅ The #1 mistake agency owners make when pricing services ✅ The client onboarding tweak that skyrocketed retention ✅ How to build a rockstar team without burnout If you’re looking for real, no-fluff strategies to take your agency to the next level, this one’s for you. Press play, and let’s dive in! [HELPFUL LINKS] Onboarding Checklist: Grab our onboarding checklist here. [ABOUT THIS PODCAST]Welcome to the Happy Clients Podcast, brought to you by DOT and Company-- the world's best and only team of client account managers for digital marketing agencies. Whether you're a virtual assistant, an agency owner, or a client-facing account manager, we all deal with clients. Lucky for you. client management is what we do best. On the happy client's podcast, we won't shy away from the ups and downs of managing clients in the agency world, but we'll be right there alongside you to learn together and share the real juicy stuff we'll undoubtedly face when it comes to client management. Now, let's dig in, chat CAM life and have some fun along the way. Cheers, to happy clients! | |||
| "Too Much" on Your Account Managers' Plate? Managing Capacity to Ensure Success | 17 Mar 2025 | 00:23:52 | |
How Much Is Too Much? The Account Manager Capacity Question Welcome back to The Happy Clients Podcast! Today, we’re tackling one of the most frequently asked questions from agency owners and account managers alike: What is too much for an account manager? To help answer this, I’m joined by Jenna Meldrum, who manages a team of account managers here at DOT & Co., and has a unique behind-the-scenes look at how different agencies operate. [HELPFUL LINKS] Onboarding Checklist: Grab our onboarding checklist here. [ABOUT THIS PODCAST]Welcome to the Happy Clients Podcast, brought to you by DOT and Company-- the world's best and only team of client account managers for digital marketing agencies. Whether you're a virtual assistant, an agency owner, or a client-facing account manager, we all deal with clients. Lucky for you. client management is what we do best. On the happy client's podcast, we won't shy away from the ups and downs of managing clients in the agency world, but we'll be right there alongside you to learn together and share the real juicy stuff we'll undoubtedly face when it comes to client management. Now, let's dig in, chat CAM life and have some fun along the way. Cheers, to happy clients! | |||
| Is Your Agency Dropping The Ball? Here’s How to Fix It (Client Experience Best Practices) | 03 Mar 2025 | 00:15:07 | |
The First Step to Fixing Your Agency’s Account Management Process Let’s be real—account management can feel like juggling flaming swords while blindfolded. Agency owners often find themselves buried in client emails, chasing down project updates, and wondering, “Where the heck do we even start fixing this?” In this episode of The Happy Clients Podcast, we pull back the curtain on the very first step we take when working with agencies: the account management audit. And trust us, it’s a game-changer. 🚀 [HELPFUL LINKS] Onboarding Checklist: Grab our onboarding checklist here. [ABOUT THIS PODCAST]Welcome to the Happy Clients Podcast, brought to you by DOT and Company-- the world's best and only team of client account managers for digital marketing agencies. Whether you're a virtual assistant, an agency owner, or a client-facing account manager, we all deal with clients. Lucky for you. client management is what we do best. On the happy client's podcast, we won't shy away from the ups and downs of managing clients in the agency world, but we'll be right there alongside you to learn together and share the real juicy stuff we'll undoubtedly face when it comes to client management. Now, let's dig in, chat CAM life and have some fun along the way. Cheers, to happy clients! | |||
| Revealing Our Gold Standard Account Management Playbook | 17 Feb 2025 | 00:20:39 | |
The Gold Standard of Account Management: Five Years in the Making Welcome back toThe Happy Clients Podcast! Today, we’re rolling up our sleeves and getting tactical with what we callThe Gold Standard of Account Management. If you’re an agency owner or account manager, this is the episode youcan’t afford to skip. I’ve invited back Jillian, one of our senior department managers, who played a key role in shaping this standard into what it is today. But let’s rewind a bit—this didn’t happen overnight. The Gold Standard is the result of five years of refinement, learning, and putting pen to paper to define exactlywhat makes an exceptional account manager. Spoiler: It’s not fluff—it’s tactical, tangible, and game-changing. [HELPFUL LINKS]Onboarding Checklist: Grab ouronboarding checklist here. [ABOUT THIS PODCAST]Welcome to the Happy Clients Podcast, brought to you by DOT and Company-- the world's best and only team of client account managers for digital marketing agencies. Whether you're a virtual assistant, an agency owner, or a client-facing account manager, we all deal with clients. Lucky for you. client management is what we do best. On the happy client's podcast, we won't shy away from the ups and downs of managing clients in the agency world, but we'll be right there alongside you to learn together and share the real juicy stuff we'll undoubtedly face when it comes to client management. Now, let's dig in, chat CAM life and have some fun along the way. Cheers, to happy clients! | |||
| From Good to Great: Elevating Your Account Management Game | 03 Feb 2025 | 00:14:16 | |
How to Go from Good to Great in Account Management: A Gold Standard Approach 📣 Cue the confetti! This week on The Happy Clients Podcast, we’re diving into what it takes to level up your account management game and become an indispensable part of your agency team. Joining us is Jillian, a senior department manager at DOT & Company, whose four-plus years of account management experience have helped shape what DOT calls the Gold Standard for client care. In this episode, Jillian reveals the not-so-secret sauce to being a stellar account manager: it’s all about consistency and reliability. These two qualities, she explains, are the foundation of client trust and long-term success. From the importance of quick responses (no fluff, just action!) to staying persistent when clients go radio silent, Jillian shares how to be the steady, go-to person that clients and teams can always count on. She also dives into the balance between soft and hard skills. Spoiler alert: the best account managers aren’t necessarily SEO pros or ad platform wizards—they’re the ones with calm, solution-focused energy who know how to figure it out. Jillian calls this "DOT vibes"—a mix of confidence, adaptability, and the ability to keep things moving, even when the going gets tough. [HELPFUL LINKS] Onboarding Checklist: Grab our onboarding checklist here. [ABOUT THIS PODCAST] Welcome to the Happy Clients Podcast, brought to you by DOT and Company-- the world's best and only team of client account managers for digital marketing agencies. Whether you're a virtual assistant, an agency owner, or a client-facing account manager, we all deal with clients. Lucky for you. client management is what we do best. On the happy client's podcast, we won't shy away from the ups and downs of managing clients in the agency world, but we'll be right there alongside you to learn together and share the real juicy stuff we'll undoubtedly face when it comes to client management. Now, let's dig in, chat CAM life and have some fun along the way. Cheers, to happy clients! | |||