In this episode, we engage with Justin Johnson, founder of BMP Creative, as he reveals the innovative strategies that fueled his social media agency’s rapid growth. Justin discusses the development of the Busy-O-Meter, an internal tool designed to enhance transparency and collaboration within a remote team, allowing staff to openly communicate their workloads. He emphasizes the significance of hiring for creative problem-solving skills and showcases how integrating advanced video production tools, particularly AI, enhances their workflows. Justin also shares his passion for storytelling, linking it to corporate innovation and inviting listeners to consider how personal narratives can bolster professional growth. This conversation is packed with insights for leaders aiming to foster a culture of creativity and transparency within their organizations.
- Introduction to Scaling by Innovation
- Tools for Scaling in Remote Work
- The Busy-O-Meter: A Transparency Tool
- Hiring for Innovation: The Secret Sauce
- Core Values That Drive Innovation
- Innovation as a Way of Working
- Personal Projects and Career Stories
Scaling with Innovation: How Justin Johnson Built a Thriving Social Media Agency
In this episode, we explore the innovative strategies employed by Justin Johnson, the founder of BMP Creative, a thriving social media agency that has seen significant growth in recent years. Justin shares insights into his journey of scaling the company from a small team to nearly 30 employees while emphasizing the importance of innovation as a driving force behind their success.
At the heart of BMP Creative’s growth lies a unique internal tool called the Busy-O-Meter, designed to foster transparency and understanding of employee workloads within a remote work environment. Every day at 11 a.m., the Busy-O-Meter prompts team members to rate their busyness on a scale from 1 to 10, encouraging open communication about capacity and creating a cohesive company culture. This innovative approach allows the team to efficiently allocate resources and support one another, effectively eliminating any guesswork regarding who may need assistance.
Cultivating Innovation: The Power of Core Values in Team Building
The discussion further delves into the vital role of core values in building a culture of innovation. Justin explains that BMP Creative actively hires individuals who demonstrate a natural affinity for creative problem-solving, often evidenced through their side projects and personal passions. He recounts an enlightening interview with a candidate who not only worked in strategy but also engineered custom video distortion tools as a hobby. This propensity for innovation, Justin argues, is essential for maintaining a dynamic and forward-thinking organization.
Embracing AI and Storytelling: Innovation in Video Production and Creative Workflows
The conversation also highlights the rapid evolution of video production tools, particularly in the realm of AI, which Justin integrates into his company’s workflows to enhance creativity and efficiency. He discusses the importance of staying ahead of trends and experimenting with new tools, like the Submachine platform that his team developed to streamline the creation of dynamic subtitles for Netflix content. By leveraging technology, BMP Creative boosts its output while ensuring high-quality results, allowing the agency to handle substantial client demands more effectively.
Justin’s excitement for storytelling comes to the forefront as he shares his endeavors in film, including his latest documentary about his parents’ unconventional business. Drawing parallels between filmmaking and corporate innovation, he emphasizes the necessity of human emotion and compelling narratives in driving impactful content creation.
Harnessing Storytelling and Innovation: Crafting Your Professional Narrative
Closing the episode, Justin invites listeners to think about how they can harness their unique stories and experiences to illustrate their professional journeys. He offers to collaborate on creating innovative sizzle reels that encapsulate personal and professional milestones, showcasing how narrative can be intertwined with corporate growth and innovation.
