Épisodes

  • 066 - Evaluating the Unexpected Job Offer: Strategic Career Decisions in the Trade Show Industry

    066 - Evaluating the Unexpected Job Offer: Strategic Career Decisions in the Trade Show Industry
    Jan 29 2026
    Industry veterans Chris Griffin and Khalil Benalioulhaj tackle the timely challenge of evaluating unexpected job offers during peak business season. With talent shortages driving aggressive recruiting and stress levels at their annual high, they break down how to make strategic career decisions rather than reactive ones, whether you're the employee considering a move or the employer competing for talent.What You’ll LearnHow to evaluate job offers strategically vs. reactively during busy seasonsWhy unclear expectations matter more than compensation in job satisfactionEssential questions to ask about remote work culture and support systemsRed flags to watch for when "incredible talent" becomes availableHow to build hiring strategies that attract quality candidates without breaking company cultureTime Stamps00:53 - Episode Intro02:16 - Navigating Job Offers in a Busy Industry05:03 - Evaluating Job Offers: Employee Perspective06:36 - The Role of Compensation and Expectations11:11 - Balancing Career and Personal Life22:04 - Remote Work Opportunities24:48 - Challenges of Remote Work25:21 - Questions to Ask About Remote Work25:45 - Importance of Communication Tools26:49 - Defining Company Culture28:31 - Onboarding and Employee Expectations30:33 - Hiring Motivations and Strategies37:56 - Balancing Talent and Company Needs45:37 - Concluding Thoughts on Job OffersSnippets from the Episode"People don't leave companies, they leave people. It's typically their direct report or who they're having to interact with regularly." - Chris Griffin"Fishing for whales, you only need to catch one to feed everybody. But if you have a 20-foot Jon boat, you can't get 'em in the boat." - Chris Griffin on Hiring and Talent"Is there a remote culture? That's the phrase. Don't just ask if they allow remote work - ask if they've built a culture around it." - Chris Griffin"If you're chasing a big project that you've never done before, it's gonna kill your business." - Khalil Benalioulhaj"Difficult conversations accrue interest when delayed." - Khalil BenalioulhajKey TakeawaysStrategic vs. Reactive Decision MakingClear Expectations Trump CompensationRemote Culture Assessment is CriticalValues Alignment Over MoneyPlan Hiring Before You Need ItRight-Size Talent for Your CompanyHonest Communication Prevents Future ProblemsResourcesNeed Help With An Event? Get in touch with ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠CrewXP⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Watch On ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Follow Us On Social: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Have Questions? ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Email us⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠More from Chris⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠CrewXP⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Email Chris⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠More from Khalil⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠benali.com ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Email Khalil⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Meet With Khalil⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Connect With UsReady to future-proof your experiential business? Subscribe to Experience Builders for more strategic insights that help agency owners build bulletproof businesses. Share this episode with fellow industry leaders who are planning their next growth phase.
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    48 min
  • 065 - Peak Season Leadership: What Your Team Needs From You Right Now

    065 - Peak Season Leadership: What Your Team Needs From You Right Now
    Jan 15 2026
    Chris Griffin calls in from the trenches of CES week in Las Vegas, where his team is shipping 43 projects in 28 days while operating at 150-200% capacity. This raw, real-time conversation reveals what peak season leadership actually looks like, from getting your boots on the ground to temporarily suspending normal protocols when your team is maxed out.What You’ll LearnHow to support teams operating at 150-200% normal capacity during peak seasonWhy leaders need to get out of the glass office and join the front linesStrategies for managing client expectations during high-volume trade show installsWhen to suspend regular meetings and protocols to focus on paying jobsTime Stamps00:52 - Episode Intro03:35 - Managing High Workload05:58 - Supporting the Team on the Ground10:01 - Handling Client Expectations11:58 - Adapting to High Volume16:24 - Balancing Immediate and Future Tasks18:58 - Visibility and Team Morale21:12 - Field Operations and Logistics22:52 - Reflecting on Team Efforts24:08 - Progression Photos and Project Documentation25:35 - Roles and Responsibilities on the Field26:02 - Handling Client Interactions27:28 - Planning and Reacting to Challenges29:45 - Implementing New Software and Tools32:07 - Managing High-Pressure Situations33:13 - Episode Takeaways34:06 - Union Labor and Staffing36:55 - Supporting Remote Workers37:44 - Celebrating Victories and Team SupportSnippets from the Episode"When you leave the glass office above the treetops and come down to play at ground level with your team, it's a completely different view."- Chris Griffin"Your perspective changes when your boots are on the ground. The support you can offer becomes evident when you do that."- Chris Griffin"It's okay to suspend some of your monthly or weekly protocols in these moments of extraordinary volume."- Chris Griffin"Our motto: paying jobs come first. We'll catch up on the administrative stuff when we get a breather."- Chris GriffinKey TakeawaysGet boots on the ground during peak seasonAcknowledge extraordinary working conditions publiclySuspend non-essential meetings and protocols temporarilyFocus on being helpful without getting in the wayManage client expectations to protect team productivityCelebrate small victories throughout the processCheck on remote workers who feel disconnectedResourcesNeed Help With An Event? Get in touch with ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠CrewXP⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Watch On ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Follow Us On Social: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Have Questions? ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Email us⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠More from Chris⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠CrewXP⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Email Chris⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠More from Khalil⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠benali.com ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Email Khalil⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Meet With Khalil⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Connect With UsReady to future-proof your experiential business? Subscribe to Experience Builders for more strategic insights that help agency owners build bulletproof businesses. Share this episode with fellow industry leaders who are planning their next growth phase.
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    44 min
  • 064 - Start, Stop, Continue 2026

    064 - Start, Stop, Continue 2026
    Jan 1 2026

    CrewXP CEO Chris Griffin applies the powerful "Start, Stop, Continue" framework to evaluate 11 critical business areas for 2026. From stepping down as EDPA President to investing in AI and Gen Z workforce development, this strategic planning session reveals how experiential agency leaders can make tough decisions about where to focus their limited resources.


    What You’ll Learn

    • How to apply the Start, Stop, Continue framework to your own business planning
    • Strategic decision-making for experiential agencies post-pandemic recovery
    • Why curating your customer base leads to better profitability
    • Essential considerations for AI implementation in project-based businesses
    • The reality of business acquisition opportunities in today's market


    Time Stamps

    • 00:47 - Reflecting on 2025 and Welcoming 2026
    • 01:24 - Start, Stop, Continue: A Year-End Exercise
    • 02:54 - The Future of the Podcast
    • 05:03 - Association Memberships and Roles
    • 09:28 - Event Production: Challenges and Opportunities
    • 11:30 - Growth Through Acquisition
    • 16:04 - Selling Your Business: Key Considerations
    • 16:57 - International Partnerships: Challenges and Opportunities
    • 17:55 - Gen Z in the Workforce: Adapting and Thriving
    • 19:12 - Curated Customer Base: A Strategic Approach
    • 20:32 - AI Initiatives: Investing in the Future
    • 23:03 - Global Talent: Expanding Horizons
    • 25:56 - Recap and Reflections: Key Takeaways


    Snippets from the Episode

    • "There's an enormous amount of talent [in Gen Z], and I think it's gonna be up to employers and hiring managers to figure out how to onboard this group." - Chris Griffin
    • "We feel our winning business model is gonna be catered to fewer, better fit customers that embrace 'I want a partner that's on the front lines." - Chris Griffin
    • "I get three requests a week right now. That's how active the market is for private equity and investment people looking to move into our space." - Chris Griffin
    • "There's no complaining about Gen Z and they don't have your work ethic. In 2027, they're gonna be 27, 28% of the total workforce globally." - Chris Griffin


    Key Takeaways

    1. Strategic Resource Allocation Framework
    2. Post-Pandemic Business Recovery Priorities
    3. Customer Base Curation Strategy
    4. AI Investment Without Replacement Mentality
    5. Gen Z Workforce Integration Imperative
    6. Global Talent Acquisition Best Practices
    7. Association Leadership Transition Planning


    Resources

    • Need Help With An Event? Get in touch with ⁠⁠⁠⁠CrewXP⁠⁠⁠⁠
    • Watch On ⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠
    • Follow Us On Social: ⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠
    • Have Questions? ⁠⁠⁠⁠Email us⁠⁠⁠⁠


    More from Chris

    • ⁠⁠⁠⁠CrewXP⁠⁠⁠⁠
    • ⁠⁠⁠⁠Email Chris⁠⁠⁠⁠
    • ⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠


    More from Khalil

    • ⁠⁠⁠⁠benali.com ⁠⁠⁠⁠
    • ⁠⁠⁠⁠Email Khalil⁠⁠⁠⁠
    • ⁠⁠⁠⁠Meet With Khalil⁠⁠⁠⁠
    • ⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠
    • ⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠
    • ⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠


    Connect With Us

    Ready to future-proof your experiential business? Subscribe to Experience Builders for more strategic insights that help agency owners build bulletproof businesses. Share this episode with fellow industry leaders who are planning their next growth phase.
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    29 min
  • 063 - Inside EDPA Access 2025: Strengthening Ties and Sparking Change

    063 - Inside EDPA Access 2025: Strengthening Ties and Sparking Change
    Dec 18 2025
    EDPA Access 2025 shattered attendance records with 354 participants while raising $122,000 for industry scholarships. Outgoing President Chris Griffin reflects on the leadership transition to Tara Erickson and shares how strategic networking at industry conferences drives real business growth in the experiential marketing sector.What You’ll LearnHow EDPA Access achieved record-breaking attendance and sponsorship revenueStrategic networking approaches that generate measurable business outcomesKey economic insights for experiential marketing companies in 2026Leadership transition strategies that maintain association momentumCommunity-building tactics that strengthen industry relationshipsTime Stamps00:00 - End of an Era: Farewell to the EDPA President00:26 - Introducing the New Leadership02:03 - Recap of a Record-Breaking Event05:25 - Networking Highlights and Success Stories15:29 - Keynote Insights: Building Community and Connection21:39 - Economic Insights and Predictions26:49 - Private Equity and Business Growth32:03 - Cigar Rolling and Karaoke34:29 - Reflections and Future Plans37:07 - Holiday Plans and Family Time37:53 - Las Vegas Christmas38:57 - Closing Remarks and Holiday WishesSnippets from the Episode"You can't see eye to eye without being face to face."- Chris Griffin (quoting Warren Buffett)"I had 15 great meetings, one-on-one, not five or ten-minute pickup meetings, but good, great encounters. Four of them I would say are game-changing relationships for my company in 2026."- Chris Griffin"Jack of all trades, master of none. You can either spread yourself thin or you can go deep. What stood out was how structured his approach was, using what he calls associative thinking."- Chris Griffin (quoting Leo Chan)"The only way to know how valuable it is is to look back; there's no looking forward."- Chris Griffin (referencing Steve Jobs' calligraphy story)Key TakeawaysRecord-Breaking Conference SuccessStrategic Leadership Transition PlanningMeasurable Networking ROI from Industry EventsEconomic Challenges and Opportunities for 2030Innovation Through Associative ThinkingCommunity Building Through Shared ValuesFoundation Impact with $122,000 FundraisingResourcesWatch On ⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠Follow Us On Social: ⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠Have Questions? ⁠⁠⁠Email us⁠⁠⁠More from Chris⁠⁠⁠CrewXP⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠Email Chris⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠More from Khalil⁠⁠⁠benali.com ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Email Khalil⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Meet With Khalil⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠Connect With UsReady to future-proof your experiential business? Subscribe to Experience Builders for more strategic insights that help agency owners build bulletproof businesses. Share this episode with fellow industry leaders who are planning their next growth phase.
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    41 min
  • 062 - How to Properly Evaluate an NDA Agreement with Rob Cohen

    062 - How to Properly Evaluate an NDA Agreement with Rob Cohen
    Dec 4 2025
    Legal expert Rob Cohen returns to break down the real purpose of NDAs and what constitutes legitimate confidentiality requests versus overreach. If you've ever blindly signed a non-disclosure agreement without understanding the implications, this episode reveals the red flags to watch for and negotiation strategies that protect your business while maintaining client relationships.What You’ll LearnDifference between unilateral and bilateral NDA agreementsKey red flags in confidentiality clauses and duration termsHow to negotiate mutual protection for your proprietary processesWhen to push back without damaging business relationshipsStrategic approach to managing multiple NDA requestsTime Stamps01:43 - Introduction to NDAs05:51 - Unilateral vs. Bilateral Agreements11:20 - Common NDA Clauses and Concerns18:12 - Practical Advice for Small Businesses30:12 - Understanding Risk in Legal Agreements30:50 - Using AI for Legal Document Review32:01 - The Importance of Bilateral NDAs33:05 - Enforcing Non-Disclosure Agreements35:09 - Non-Compete Agreements and Legal Precedents39:21 - Adhesion Contracts and Their Implications40:35 - Negotiating Fair Legal Terms42:57 - Tips for Business Owners54:01 - The Role of Corporate Governance54:25 - Episode OutroSnippets from the Episode"Just because I'm paranoid doesn't mean they're not out to get you. It's only in those moments where you find yourself caught that you realize the only way to not get caught is to pay attention to this stuff on the front end."- Chris Griffin"If someone's pushing you to rush and sign something, that's all the more reason not to. 'I've gotta get my bid in 24 hours.' Well, why are you calling me now?"- Rob Cohen"You also have to look at whether the agreement was reasonable in the first place. Rather than just applying to one party, it applies to either party. If they've got problems with it, then why were they so aggressive with their language to you?"- Rob Cohen"When you're chasing the next project, you make decisions like signing the NDA that is totally against you. You can't afford to not sign because you need that project, when in reality that project could lead to your demise."- Khalil BenalioulhajKey TakeawaysConsider bilateral protection instead of one-sided agreementsEstablish internal policies for who can sign binding agreementsCreate template NDAs with legal counsel for repeat situationsWatch for overly broad confidentiality definitions and missing carve-outsNegotiate reasonable timeframes and scope limitationsUse pushback as a test of partnership potentialResourcesNeed Help With An Event? Get in touch with ⁠⁠⁠⁠CrewXP⁠⁠⁠⁠ Watch On ⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠Follow Us On Social: ⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠Have Questions? ⁠⁠⁠⁠Email us⁠⁠⁠⁠More from Rob Cohen⁠Rob Cohen on LinkedInDisplay Supply & Lighting, Inc. WebsiteMore from Chris⁠⁠⁠⁠CrewXP⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠Email Chris⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠More from Khalil⁠⁠⁠⁠benali.com ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Email Khalil⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Meet With Khalil⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠Connect With UsReady to future-proof your experiential business? Subscribe to Experience Builders for more strategic insights that help agency owners build bulletproof businesses.
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    55 min
  • 061 - Is Gen Z Unemployable? with Jaynie Ellison

    061 - Is Gen Z Unemployable? with Jaynie Ellison
    Nov 20 2025
    Industry leaders unpack shocking new data revealing a 98% disconnect between what hiring managers want and what Gen Z values in the workplace. Chris Griffin and Khalil Benalioulhaj join forces with recruiting expert Jaynie Ellison to explore practical strategies for bridging this massive gap and turning Gen Z from perceived obstacle into competitive advantage.What You’ll LearnThe real reasons behind the 98% employer-Gen Z value disconnectWhy Gen Z's worldview creates different workplace expectationsProven strategies for integrating Gen Z into experiential teamsHow remote work and mentorship can close the generational gapWhy trade jobs offer untapped opportunities for young talentTime Stamps01:27 - Episode Intro02:29 -Guest Intro04:41 - The Disconnect Between Hiring Managers and Gen Z08:01 Challenges and Solutions for Gen Z in the Workforce13:21 -Incentives and Flexibility in Trade Jobs30:45 -The Importance of In-Person Connection31:36 -Remote Work and Technology's Role32:55 -Evaluating and Integrating Gen Z into the Workforce38:21 -Strategies for Employers to Engage Gen Z44:36 -Advice for Gen Z Entering the WorkforceSnippets from the Episode"If you're looking at Gen Z as an obstacle, you're not gonna be in it for long. The workforce is aging out. You need the next generation."- Khalil Benalioulhaj"Gen Z is going to be 27% of the workforce by 2028. We're knocking on the door of 2026. This is an important conversation."- Jaynie Ellison"Stop measuring your employees based on inputs and start measuring based on outcomes. If you're judging them off office hours, you have a poor management system."- Khalil Benalioulhaj"They really want to see results. They want to see that they're progressing in their career more quickly because we don't know when things could change."- Jaynie EllisonKey Takeaways98% value disconnect exists between hiring managers and Gen ZCOVID disrupted Gen Z's foundational workplace expectationsTrade jobs offer six-figure opportunities with clear advancement pathsMentorship and structured onboarding are essential for Gen Z integrationFlexibility doesn't always mean remote work - focus on outcomesGen Z values culture, authenticity, and helping others above traditional metricsClear career progression paths can extend retention beyond 13 monthsResourcesNeed Help With An Event? Get in touch with ⁠⁠⁠CrewXP⁠⁠⁠ Watch On ⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠Follow Us On Social: ⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠Have Questions? ⁠⁠⁠Email us⁠⁠⁠More from Jaynie EllisonEmerge XP Email JaynieJaynie on LinkedInMore from Chris⁠⁠⁠CrewXP⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠Email Chris⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠More from Khalil⁠⁠⁠benali.com ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Email Khalil⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Meet With Khalil⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠Connect With UsReady to future-proof your experiential business? Subscribe to Experience Builders for more strategic insights that help agency owners build bulletproof businesses.
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    55 min
  • 060 - 10 Small Mistakes That Can Cost You Big Clients

    060 - 10 Small Mistakes That Can Cost You Big Clients
    Nov 6 2025
    Chris Griffin reveals 10 seemingly minor professional oversights that can destroy valuable business relationships and lose major clients. From poor proofreading to sloppy billing, these "small" mistakes can undermine years of relationship building and cost you six-figure deals.What You’ll LearnWhy the little things matter more than 900,000 minutes of expertise10 specific mistakes that signal unprofessionalism to clientsHow to build relationship capital through deposits vs. withdrawalsProfessional standards that separate top performers from the packSimple systems to protect your biggest client relationshipsTime Stamps00:35 - The Importance of Relationships01:31 - Seth Godin's Insight: 900,000 vs. 9 Minutes02:53 - The Power of Little Things in Business04:55 - Proofreading: A Small Step with Big Impact08:04 - The Value of Written Follow-Ups14:49 - Clear Communication: Visuals and Analogies21:09 - The Pitfalls of Wrong Information23:31 - Punctuality: Respecting Time and Commitments26:18 - Managing Digital Fatigue26:23 - Balancing Workload and Decompression27:45 - The Importance of Appearance32:38 - Making Deposits in Relationships44:15 - The Value of AccountabilitySnippets from the Episode"It takes 900,000 minutes to become a subject matter expert, but less than 9 minutes to make someone feel seen and understood."— Chris Griffin"Nothing can slow you down more than a mistake from not proofreading."— Khalil Benalioulhaj"Four deposits for every one withdrawal - there's gotta be something in the relationship account."— Chris Griffin"Shortcuts lead to dead ends."— Khalil BenalioulhajKey TakeawaysSmall Professional Oversights Destroy Big RelationshipsProofreading Everything Protects Your CredibilityWritten Follow-Ups Prevent Future DisagreementsClear Communication Uses Visuals and Relevant ExamplesBeing On Time Reflects Your Core ValuesRelationship Deposits Must Exceed WithdrawalsAuthenticity Trumps Polish in Client InteractionsResourcesSeth Godin's 9,000 vs 9 blogNeed Help With An Event? Get in touch with ⁠⁠CrewXP⁠⁠ Watch On ⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠Follow Us On Social: ⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠, ⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠Have Questions? ⁠⁠Email us⁠⁠More from Chris⁠⁠CrewXP⁠⁠ ⁠⁠Email Chris⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠More from Khalil⁠⁠benali.com ⁠⁠⁠⁠Email Khalil⁠⁠⁠⁠Meet With Khalil⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠Connect With UsReady to future-proof your experiential business? Subscribe to Experience Builders for more strategic insights that help agency owners build bulletproof businesses. Share this episode with fellow industry leaders who are planning their next growth phase.
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    53 min
  • 059 - Where is Your Next $1M in Business Coming From?

    059 - Where is Your Next $1M in Business Coming From?
    Oct 23 2025

    Chris and Khalil dive deep into the strategic question every agency owner should be asking: where will your next million dollars in revenue actually come from? They break down three proven pathways for sustainable growth and share hard-earned lessons about the difference between chasing revenue and building profitable, bulletproof businesses that can weather any storm.


    What You’ll Learn

    • Three strategic channels for generating your next million in revenue
    • How to systematically grow existing client relationships beyond current offerings
    • Proven frameworks for identifying and approaching high-value target accounts
    • Why business development strategies are evolving and what's working now
    • Critical warning signs when pursuing large opportunities or acquisitions


    Time Stamps

    • 00:49 - Current Business Climate
    • 01:42 - Strategic Growth: Acquisitions and Alliances
    • 04:28 - Maximizing Revenue from Existing Clients
    • 19:59 - Evolving Business Development Strategies
    • 24:28 - Targeting New Accounts: Strategies and Insights
    • 25:50 - Networking and Building Relationships
    • 32:21 - Challenges and Risks in Business Growth
    • 43:49 - Key Takeaways and Final Thoughts


    Snippets from the Episode

    • "I do not chase revenue just for the sake of it. When I say where's the next million coming from, it really is, where's that next chunk of business that's gonna be good for the company?"— Chris Griffin
    • "By us asking this question, it changes your mindset. You sort of move from autopilot to having both hands on the wheel, both feet on the pedals."— Chris Griffin
    • "Everything requires maintenance. If you're going to take on this new project, you have to budget maintenance and attention to detail."— Khalil Benalioulhaj


    Key Takeaways

    1. Don't Hope to Grow - Plan Your Growth
    2. Focus on Profitable Revenue Over Total Revenue
    3. Segment Clients Into Strategic Categories
    4. Networking and Referrals Drive New Business
    5. Protect Your Business Model During Rapid Growth


    Resources

    • Need Help With An Event? Get in touch with ⁠CrewXP⁠
    • Watch On ⁠YouTube⁠
    • Follow Us On Social: ⁠LinkedIn⁠, ⁠Facebook⁠
    • Have Questions? ⁠Email us⁠


    More from Chris

    • ⁠CrewXP⁠
    • ⁠Email Chris⁠
    • ⁠LinkedIn⁠


    More from Khalil

    • ⁠benali.com ⁠
    • ⁠Email Khalil⁠
    • ⁠Meet With Khalil⁠
    • ⁠LinkedIn⁠
    • ⁠Facebook⁠
    • ⁠Instagram⁠

    Connect With Us

    Ready to future-proof your experiential business? Subscribe to Experience Builders for more strategic insights that help agency owners build bulletproof businesses. Share this episode with fellow industry leaders who are planning their next growth phase.
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    46 min