Epiphanies

Sometimes, a framework emerges that becomes a north star—not just for client transformation but also for agency growth. For me, that was the Search Maturity Lifecycle. Conceived initially during our time at Outrider through brainstorming with Marshall Simmonds, it gained broader traction after a panel discussion in New York and a pivotal presentation at a conference in […]

There’s a moment in every entrepreneur’s journey when clarity hits like lightning. For me, one of the biggest epiphanies came not from a whiteboard or boardroom but from the chaos of more clients than I could handle and the need to build a team that shared my beliefs and had skills that I did not.

“Client love isn’t about doing what you’re paid to do—it’s about being indispensable by owning their goals, delivering outcomes, and showing up like a true partner every single day.” In agencies and client services, it’s easy to fall into the trap of thinking that delivering what you were paid for is enough. But if you

“Your client isn’t choosing between your agency and doing nothing—they’re choosing between your services and something else.” Client retention is the real marker of success in agencies, consultants, and marketing teams. Too many businesses focus on the mechanics of their service—tasks completed, reports delivered, and actions taken — without ever stepping back to ask the

“If you understand the fundamentals, you can troubleshoot problems faster and more effectively.” In the fast-paced world of SEO and digital marketing, individuals often chase the latest trends and shiny objects, such as AI-driven automation, Python scripting, and advanced machine learning techniques. While these tools help increase efficiency and have a place at the table,

Offer strategic partnerships not “consulting by the pound.” While this is listed as Epiphany 9, differentiation is critical for long-term business success. Over the past few years, I have consulted with companies that all believe they are different from their competitors, and it is often tough for them to learn that they do the same

“Search engines are not just a marketing tool; they are a direct bridge to a consumer’s intent.” In my original business school thesis from 1994, I noted that search engines were the only marketing vehicle that allowed us to connect with consumers directly at the point of interest. I suggested that by providing the information

Throughout my years of working with clients, agencies, and teams, one of the most significant epiphanies I’ve had is the importance of over-communication. When I say “over-communicate,” I don’t mean sending excessive emails or overwhelming people with information. Instead, I mean providing absolute clarity in tasks, expectations, and performance reporting in a way that is helpful

A force multiplier is anything—a process, tool, or person—that makes something or someone more effective, scalable, or impactful. Bill Hunt In my career, I’ve had several moments of clarity (epiphanies) that radically changed how I approach my life, job, or business. One of the most profound came when I worked at IBM and truly understood

Corporate judo is finding ways to leverage your companies bureaucracy and rules to your advantage. Corporate judo, like the sport of judo, emphasizes techniques that turn an opponent\’s force to one’s advantage rather than oppose it directly. This involves understanding and utilizing a company’s bureaucracy and rules to your advantage.  While trying to implement force