Nora DiNuzzo

Blood Sweat & Tears

You’ve worked too hard for it to be this hard.

BS&T is a committed partner to ambitious agencies frustrated by inconsistent growth.

We develop and implement a custom growth strategy that meets you where you are today – whether your goal is to stabilize, sustain, scale or sell your agency.

Co-Founder & Chief Strategy Officer

Pitcher 🍋

Small businesses deserve to grow, too. 

Pitcher is a growth consultancy for entrepreneurs and small businesses (<$25mm).

We work directly with founders to:

+ Diagnose their growth issues 

+ Refine their first-mile strategies (brand, business, content and comms)

+ Optimize their marketing and business development processes to align with growth goals

+ Match small businesses to right-fit service providers

+ Broker strategic alliances and partnerships

Founder & President

Smiths Agency

In September 2022, Smiths Agency (fka Smith Brothers) was acquired by Barkley: barkleyus.com

Vice President of Business Development

Director of Business Development

Business Development Manager

MARC USA

In June 2020, MARC USA merged with two other agencies to form 9 Rooftops: 9rooftops.com

New Business Specialist

Account Manager

You’ve worked too hard for it to be this hard.

Growing up, one thing I never aspired to be was an entrepreneur. 

Running your own company was for the incredibly wealthy (Mr. Burns) or the incredibly innovative (Doc Brown). I was neither.

But what I’ve learned about entrepreneurs over the past few years is that they have one thing in common – they desperately want to fix something that drives them nuts. 

As it turns out – throughout my life and career, a lot of things drove me nuts. 

So nuts that in October 2021, I quit a VP-level job at an ad agency to start my own consultancy – Pitcher – to help small businesses grow.

Because the fact that agencies could rarely find a way to work with companies <$25mm in annual revenue drove me nuts.

Because I believe that small businesses deserve to grow, too. 

In April 2023, I got a call from a friend that I never planned for – with an offer to create something I never considered doing less than two years into being a founder.

A second company.

Because the fact that so many brilliant agencies continuously struggle to grow drove him nuts. 

As it turns out – it drives me nuts, too. 

So nuts that I said yes – and Blood Sweat & Tears was born. 

Yes, born. I have given birth to two human children – and two businesses.

There is not a damn thing women can’t do.

If we've worked together, you know I'm frequently working on matching people up 💞 

I'm not a recruiter - but I have built a really strong network of complementary talent and partners.

And frequently, people need to find each other - and I serve as the conduit for those connections.

With all the layoffs going on, especially in the ad industry (my longtime professional home) - we are in a moment when the right people really need to find each other. 

I am asking for two things here: 

1) If you are unemployed or underemployed and actively looking for a new opportunity - please comment on this post, and share what type of role or work you are looking for. If you are in advertising, please be specific about what agency department/role and level. 

2) If you are an agency, brand or org looking for talent - freelance, project, full-time - please comment here what roles you are looking to fill, and how soon you need the support. 

I have had several connections just in the past day reach out to ask me who they can hire, because they have time-sensitive needs.

The problem? I don't know who is available or looking - because I don't have a recruiter profile on LinkedIn, and therefore can't sort by "open to work" status. 

And, I don't have time during the last few weeks of the year (and my busiest quarter) to do a lot of my typical private matchmaking and introductions. 

So please - help each other! If I can be a conduit for more people to be working when they need it most, you know I'm all about that. 

Picture with my perfect personal and professional match, which I hear increases the reach of these things. Dave and I are always down to help our community. 

We have been where you are, and were helped by many before when we needed it most. Here to pay that forward now.

So let's get connecting, friends!

Hi {firstName}} I hope you have a great week!

graphical user interface, text, application

When your consultancy name is also the name of a 70s band and confuses the hell out of AI... you get bot emails like this. 

The unhinged, Sagittarius season content continues 🔥 

FYI... Blood Sweat & Tears is a growth consultancy for agencies 📈 

Can't really help with the smooth jazz, sorry!

Are you traveling too much when you start matching your luggage? 👯‍♀️

What has me on the road in Q4:

✈️ Speaking engagements
✈️ Conferences
✈️ Working events with agencies
✈️ Running workshops
✈️ Attending client retreats
✈️ 2026 planning sessions

If you are looking for insights and support on agency growth in 2026, get @ me in the DMs.

We are already booking up for Q1! 📈

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I took zero pictures last night because I was totally in the “for now” moment with the 4As and Hunting Club members - but thankfully Jeanette Palmer and Jesse Strawbridge were on it!

Eric and I had a blast talking shop and sharing data and insights with this wonderful community of Boston area agency growth leaders.

We hope the Vitals report sparked a few ideas to activate on, to ensure 2026 is a killer growth year for your biz 📈

Thank you to the 4As and Hunting Club for the invitation to speak (always our favorite!) and to Allen & Gerritsen for hosting us all in your beautiful space 😍

🔥 Here’s to active listening. And coming together to learn, commiserate, celebrate. And to being reminded to bring our “bright eyes” to the grind of agency new business. IYKYK. 

Last night in Boston, presenters Nora DiNuzzo  and Eric Brown  from Blood Sweat & Tears treated this group to an anonymized report based on participants data about their new business strategy, habits, spending and results. One thing stood out to me the most: flat or declining revenue was reported by many + lack dedicated spending = it’s time to get strategic and purposeful and invest if you want growth.

4As and Jesse Strawbridge’s The Hunting Club and Allen & Gerritsen’s Third Space hosted  - a great second collaboration! 🙌

Thank you to everyone who attended.

The amount of people (or bots?) sliding into my DMs with notes like this is straight up wild.

I didn’t make agencies and brands $200mm+ as a business developer over the last almost two decades with a “funnel that relies on hope.”

No anonymizing this one. If these are the “vibes” you are dishing out…

Get ready to show up publicly as a case study on How Not To Sell 📉

When indie shops go big, the results are 🔥 🔥 🔥 

So excited to join our friends at RP3 Agency next Thursday to get the behind-the-scenes scoop about how this wildly original idea - getting Kevin Nealon, YouTube hiking influencer (and yes, SNL alum) to challenge Big Dictionary to change the definition of the phrase "take a hike" to support funding for the Appalachian Trail Conservancy - came to life! 

When your client's client is on Kimmel, you do a little happy dance! 💃 

Link in comments to register for this webinar. Particularly non-profits and brands trying to make a big impact on a small budget (or big brands on a smaller budget than ever) - this one is for you 👀

Did you see Kevin Nealon on Jimmy Kimmel Live talking up our latest Appalachian Trail Conservancy campaign last night? Next week, RP3’s CCO Tuesday Poliak and ATC’s CGO Jeri Ward are pulling back the curtain on how we did it — wildly original ideas, small budgets, real results. Save your seat for our December 11 webinar: https://lnkd.in/ggT3pm4Q.

So excited to bring the Vitals assessment and an important discussion about growth readiness to Boston area agencies next week.

2026 is the year you will crush your growth goals 📈 but first, you need to understand exactly what is holding you back.

We have a few more registration spots available. Free to 4As members, $35 for non-members.

Tues 11/18, 4-7p @ Allen & Gerritsen offices. Thank you for hosting us, and thank you to the 4As and The Hunting Club for inviting us to speak!

BOSTON AREA agency growth folks: Let's get into the business of growing the business. Even though you're probably in that end-of-year push, now is a good time to reflect on your strategies for 2025 and plan thoughtfully for 2026. No need to do it alone- come laugh, cry, raise a glass, and get inspired.

Join me and co-host Jesse Strawbridge at the Allen & Gerritsen 3rd Space next TUES, 11/18 for a data-informed conversation with Nora DiNuzzo and Eric Brown of Blood Sweat & Tears on growth readiness. 

Space limited/ 4As members free and $35/non-members.

All participants will take the BS&T vitals assessment (and you can, too, even if you just wanna see how it works) - immediate results after taking the assessment and anonymized results will be shared with the group. 

LINK TO REGISTER:
https://lnkd.in/e--MBtrS

https://lnkd.in/ekJaN5wS

Open article: Unlock Your Agency’s Growth Readiness Score by 4as-and-hunting-club.scoreapp.com

Unlock Your Agency’s Growth Readiness Score

Niki Clark Marketing

Niki Clark Marketing is not your typical marketing agency. Instead of the generic, one size fits all philosophy, Niki Clark Marketing is dedicated to your personal marketing success and creating the client relationships that are crucial for your growth.

Not your typical marketing agency - because who wants typical anyway?

Founder & CEO

1st Gen Entrepreneurs

Founding Member

Motherhood

FMG Suite

- Responsible for introducing new product and enhancing existing services
- Conduct thorough research and perform market research to understand what consumers look for in their ideal products and services

- Develop marketing strategies for clients 
- Develop and execute content strategy for monthly marketing initiatives 
- Train marketing consultants on best practices and trends
- Deeply care about customer satisfaction and engagement
- Define and refine customer experience
- Host the monthly webinars

Product Marketing Manager

As a member of FMG's DEI Council, I have been actively involved in driving diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives. I have collaborated with my colleagues to identify areas where our company can improve diversity and inclusivity, and have helped develop and implement strategies to address these issues. In addition, I have participated in employee resource groups and other DEI-related programs, where I have gained valuable insights into the experiences of underrepresented groups in our company. Through my involvement with DEI, I am committed to fostering a culture where all employees feel valued and supported, and where diversity is celebrated as a strength.

DEI Council

Twenty Over Ten

Marketing Success Coach

Client Service Associate

RGT Wealth Advisors

RGT Wealth Advisors is a Registered Investment Advisory firm located in Dallas, TX. We’ve been serving clients with the highest standards of integrity, excellence, and innovation since 1985. RGT simplifies the complex details of managing wealth so our clients can relax and enjoy their success. We formulate innovative strategies, develop integrated financial independence plans, and implement personal investment portfolios that grow and evolve with our clients’ ever-changing lives. RGT is an independent, fee-only firm that provides conflict-free advice – always in our clients’ best interests. At RGT, our Core Values guide every action we take as individuals and as a firm. Our Core Values are Service, Integrity, Teamwork, Performance, Strategic and Professionalism.

Marketing Assistant

Brand Ambassador

RGT Wealth Advisors is a Registered Investment Advisory firm located in Dallas, TX and Orange County, CA. We’ve been serving clients with the highest standards of integrity, excellence, and innovation since 1985. RGT simplifies the complex details of managing wealth so our clients can relax and enjoy their success. We formulate innovative strategies, develop integrated financial independence plans, and implement personal investment portfolios that grow and evolve with our clients’ ever-changing lives. RGT is an independent, fee-only firm that provides conflict-free advice – always in our clients’ best interests. At RGT, our Core Values guide every action we take as individuals and as a firm. Our Core Values are Service, Integrity, Teamwork, Performance, Strategic and Professionalism.

Receptionist & Brand Ambassador

Forever 21

Manage the store 
Responsible for opening/closing the store 
Recruit and hire new employees 
Coach and develop management 
Drive sales and upt 
Lead a staff of 80+ 
Visual Merchandise 
Process shipment 
Manage payroll and budget 
Meet with district manager to execute directives 
Recruit new applicants 
Coordinate with other store managers 
Perform visual merchandising standards 
Execute corporate directives 
Ensure proper marketing 
Enforce maximum selling

Store Manager

Manage the store 
Responsible for opening/closing the store 
Supply order 
Recruit and hire new employees 
Coach and develop management 
Drive sales and upt 
In charge of store funds 
Lead a team of 60+ staff members 
Visual merchandise 
Process shipment 
Manage payroll and budget 
Execute directives on a timely manner 
Assist customers in fast pace fashion

Co Manager

Fossil Watches

Assistant

Neiman Marcus

January 2008-June 2009                           Neiman Marcus            Dallas, TX
                        Department Manger Women’s Contemporary
                        Manage staff of 8+
                        Receive and merchandise incoming product
                        Attend product based meetings on a weekly basis
                        Meet and communicate with buyers and vendors on
                        a daily basis
                        Meet with executives on financial planning

Department Manager

Simplifying marketing for financial advisors I Saving you time so you can focus on your clients I Making sure you stay well connected with your clients and prospects

Hey there! So glad you stopped by!

My name is Niki and I am a marketing consultant, coach, and specialist for financial advisors. 

Sometimes, I’m simply a sounding board. 

Advisors need someone to talk to also!

In 2016 I got my FPQP designation because I find finance incredibly interesting. This designation and education allow me to serve you better.

I help with marketing strategies, building brand awareness, thought leadership, and growing your business.

Let's show the world what a great advisor you are!

As a woman in the finance industry, I am a strong advocate for amplifying the voices of females in finance! 

People always like to know a person’s “why.”

Here’s mine:

Working with financial advisors has to be one of the most fulfilling things I get to do.

Advisors are some of the most caring and selfless people I know. I see what they do each and every day and how much they care for their clients.

If I can help you with your marketing and business growth so you can take care of your clients better, everyone wins!

When not working, I am pestering my husband, learning about how to not annoy my pre-teen daughter, kissing all over our one-year-old baby boy. chasing after my dogs, and constantly taking pictures. 

On a quest to dive deeper into the bible and learn more about Jesus! Highly recommend the book Driven by Eternity! 

We live in an area surrounded by mountains, so there is a lot of time spent exploring, hiking, and searching for antiques in small, mountain towns. 

Hippie at heart!


Specialties:

⚫ Content strategy
⚫ Social media marketing
⚫ Campaign management 
⚫ Email marketing strategy
⚫ Advocate for relatable content
⚫ Brand awareness and recognition
⚫ Engagement and relationship management

And making finance fun!

Follow me for marketing tips and advice.

Niki Clark, FPQP

Every single one of these books was either gifted to me this year or recommended by someone.

And every single one has drastically improved the way I think and work.

If I could sum up all of these books into one over our thing, it would be this: Stop holding yourself back and go make things happen.

What books have you read lately that have helped you either personally or professionally?

Niki Clark, FPQP®

Non-Boring Marketing for Financial Advisors

I can't believe 2025 is almost over... but here we are!
The marketing predictions for 2026 have been popping up all over the place and my team and I have... well, we have some thoughts.

In this article, instead of just telling you what the predictions are, Blair, Rachel, and I tell you what we think about them. 

This is basically an inside look at our stream-of-consciousness Slack channel.

Take a look and let me know - what do you think marketing will look like next year?

By Niki Clark, Rachel Clark, and Blair Kelly Key Takeaways 1. Trust beats volume. Original insights, real people, and public proof outperform high-out

Open article: Marketing Predictions for 2026: What Matters In the Coming Year by Niki Clark, FPQP® • 19 min read

Marketing Predictions for 2026: What Matters In the Coming Year

Ever feel like marketing is moving faster than your morning coffee can kick in?

Same.

There’s so much cool stuff happening right now. New platforms, new rules, new ways to connect. It’s exciting and a little overwhelming.

The good news is, you don’t have to chase every shiny thing to stay relevant.
But it is fun to see what’s shaking up out there.

Over the past few months, our team has been deep in research mode, tracking what’s actually changing the game. Not a giant trend report (because who has time for that), just the ones that matter.

Like Instagram quietly deprioritizing the feed (yes, really), new email marketing regulations, and the constant buzz of SMS notifications trying to steal your attention.

So, Rachel, Blair and I pulled together a list of what’s hot, what’s fading, and what’s next. And we made sure it’s actually fun to read.

Here’s a sneak peek 👇
You can find the full blog in the comments.

Now tell me, which marketing trend has you most curious or completely over it?

taplio

The Battle

Nora DiNuzzo

Niki Clark, FPQP

Followers

Posts

Engagements

Likes

Performance ScoreNora DiNuzzo's LinkedIn Performance

Performance ScoreNiki Clark, FPQP's LinkedIn Performance

Ready to grow your LinkedIn presence?

taplio

The Battle

Nora DiNuzzo

Niki Clark, FPQP

Followers

Posts

Engagements

Likes

Performance Score.css-goub6s{font-size:var(--chakra-fontSizes-md);font-weight:500;color:var(--chakra-colors-gray-600);display:block;margin-top:var(--chakra-space-1);}Nora DiNuzzo's LinkedIn Performance

Performance ScoreNiki Clark, FPQP's LinkedIn Performance

Ready to grow your LinkedIn presence?

Performance ScoreNora DiNuzzo's LinkedIn Performance