As you grow your team, you’re likely to find your role changing as you offload some of your tasks. Today’s guest, Jason Dodge, started his search engine optimization (SEO) business, BlackTruck Media + Marketing, 14 years ago and his role continues to evolve as his company grows and the market changes.
In this episode of The Clarity Advisors Show, Jason explains to host Ken Trupke exactly what search engine optimization is and shares what he’s learned while building a team in a fast-paced, ever-changing industry.
Episode Highlights
- What search engine optimization is, how the industry is evolving, and the difference between SEO companies.
- The evolution of a leader’s role as the team grows.
- Integrating interns and contractors into the team.
Timestamps
(01:06): How Jason got into the SEO field.
(02:04): Defining search engine optimization.
(03:00): Differences between organic and paid search.
(03:44): How Jason’s role has evolved as BlackTruck has grown.
(08:44): Adding the first team member after five years in business.
(09:38): Next steps in growth.
(11:02): The value of interns.
(12:45): Evolving while growing.
(14:58): Generalists vs. specialists.
(16:48): Using contractors for back-office roles.
(19:28): Lessons learned over 14 years.
(23:03): Difference in SEO companies.
(26:06): Origin of “Black Truck Media” name.
(26:42): What Jason’s reading.
(28:37): Ways to connect with Jason.
Episode Quotes
- “I’m a firm believer that interns need to be paid. If they’re getting value out of it and you are getting value out of it, there needs to be an exchange there.” (Jason)
- “One thing that you have to understand, if you are scaling responsibly, is when you need to jump in and be on the dance floor and when you need to get out.” (Jason)
- “It really comes down to three to four kinds of pillars. That’s transparency and honesty – you can lump those two together – and empathy and advocacy. Those are the things that really stand out to me.” (Jason)
- “Lead with empathy and consider the fact that your team has a life outside of work. As a business owner or entrepreneur, keep in mind that nobody is going to be as passionate about your business as you are.” (Jason)
- “I’m upfront with everyone in the interview process is that I’m not a mind reader. You have to be an advocate for yourself, for the business, and for your client. You have to be an advocate for the things that you want.” (Jason)
Jason Dodge’s Recommended Reading
- SYSTEMology, by David Jenyns
- Scaling Up, by Verne Harnish
- What the Heck Is EOS? by Gino Wickman
- Traction, by Gino Wickman
Follow/Connect with Jason Dodge
