Episode 625 Preparing for 2026 With Ryan Waterbury
Show Highlights
Host Rob Cairns is joined by digital marketing expert Ryan Waterbury to discuss the strategic mindset needed for 2026. Rather than focusing on vague New Year’s resolutions, the duo dives into the importance of measurable goals, time-blocking, and auditing business tools to maintain an agile and efficient agency.
Show Notes
Key Discussion Points
1. Ditching Resolutions for Measurable Goals
- The Problem with Resolutions: Rob explains why he hates resolutions—they aren’t measurable.
- Breaking Down Big Goals: Both Rob and Ryan advocate for taking long-term planning goals and breaking them into small, measurable milestones to prevent them from becoming overwhelming.
2. Advanced Time Management & Deep Work
- Time-Blocking: Ryan shares his routine of blocking specific days for certain tasks, such as Mondays and Fridays for support tickets, research, and admin work.
- The Pomodoro Exception: While the 30-minute Pomodoro technique is great for admin, Ryan notes that “deep work” like coding or complex development often requires 2-hour blocks to stay in “the vibe”.
- Setting Timers: Rob uses timers (via phone or smart speakers) to ensure he moves on to the next task, keeping his schedule on track.
3. The Role of AI in 2026
- Workflow Automation: AI is becoming a core part of business workflows, helping with brainstorming, drafting communications, and automating small tasks that would previously require a Virtual Assistant (VA).
- Security Concerns: Rob cautions that while AI is great for programming, it does not yet fully account for security protocols, requiring human oversight.
4. Auditing Your Business “Stack”
- Tool Audit: Ryan and Rob emphasize the need to review software subscriptions annually. Many automation tools now cost thousands of dollars per year; if they aren’t saving you time or money, they should be cut.
- Calendar as Assistant: Rob manages his life through his Google Calendar, setting reminders 14 days before any domain or software renewal to avoid surprise charges.
5. Client Management Strategy
- Firing the “Wrong” Clients: Ryan sticks to the rule of firing your worst client every year—the one whose emails make you “shiver”—to make room for ideal clients who help the business grow.
- Setting Boundaries: Proper planning allows agency owners to tell clients exactly when a task will be completed rather than rushing to do it immediately, which often signals a lack of business.
Resource Mentioned
- FluentCRM: Used by both Rob and Ryan for onboarding, offboarding, and lead generation automation.
- One Dog Solutions: Ryan Waterbury’s agency.
- Stunning Digital Marketing: Rob Cairns’ agency.
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