Most agencies fail to deliver on their promises, costing you time and money. Here’s the problem: 89% of agencies can’t implement the strategies they recommend. You’re paying $5,000–$15,000 monthly for advice that doesn’t translate into working systems. The result? Delays, inefficiencies, and a $40,000+ hole in your budget.
Why this matters:
- Every week of delay means lost leads, slower follow-ups, and missed revenue opportunities.
- Competitors using automated systems pull ahead while you’re stuck in manual processes.
- Switching agencies feels costly, but staying with a strategy-only partner costs more in the long run.
Key takeaways:
- Agencies often lack the technical expertise to build the systems they propose.
- They rely on external teams or lengthy timelines, adding unnecessary costs and delays.
- Implementation-focused partners can build systems live, saving time and delivering immediate results.
Want to avoid the $40K gap? Test your agency with these questions:
- Can they build the automation live on a screen-share?
- Can they show you the tools they recommend in action?
- How quickly can they deliver a working system?
If they can’t deliver, it’s time to switch to a partner who builds with you, not just for you.
Bridging AI Implementation Gap Strategies for Embedding Data Professionals w/ Business Units
Why Agencies Recommend What They Can’t Build
The infamous $40,000 implementation gap isn’t just a coincidence – it’s a direct result of how many agencies operate. Their business model is often built around strategy rather than execution. This means the advice you’re paying for doesn’t always translate into actionable, working systems. If you’ve ever been frustrated by receiving recommendations that seem impossible to implement, you’re far from alone.
Agencies tend to focus heavily on consulting – offering in-depth analysis, detailed plans, and strategic insights. But when it comes to rolling up their sleeves and building functional, automated solutions? That’s where the gap begins. You might need a fully operational system, but what you often get is a polished strategy that requires more steps (and often more partners) to bring to life.
They Hire Strategists, Not Builders
Take a look at most agency teams, and you’ll notice a pattern: they’re stacked with account managers, strategists, and copywriters. What’s missing? The technical experts – automation engineers and integration specialists – who can actually build and optimize the systems they’re recommending.
Some business owners have shared their frustration with this setup. While agencies might clearly explain why a specific automation is necessary, requests to see a live example often lead to delays or a suggestion to involve external technical teams. Without in-house expertise, their recommendations remain hypothetical, leaving you to deal with additional costs and coordination headaches when implementation partners are brought in.
Platform-Agnosticism Can Be a Red Flag
When agencies claim to be "platform-agnostic", it can sound appealing – like they’re flexible and unbiased. But in practice, it often means they lack deep, hands-on expertise with any single platform. Sure, they might recommend tools like HubSpot, Outreach, or Zapier, but their experience is usually limited to theoretical integrations rather than actually building and fine-tuning those systems.
This lack of hands-on experience can lead to serious issues during implementation. Without a solid understanding of real-time integrations, API limitations, or syncing data across platforms, the solutions they propose often fall short. What you’re left with is a plan that looks great on paper but doesn’t deliver the working system your business needs.
Complexity Justifies High Retainers
Here’s another frustrating reality: simple automations don’t justify hefty agency retainers. So, agencies often lean into creating complex, multi-layered solutions that extend timelines and increase dependency. By framing their strategies as intricate or challenging, they can stretch out the implementation process, driving up costs with additional phases or third-party involvement.
The truth? Many effective marketing automations are surprisingly straightforward. When you strip them down to their essentials, they can often be implemented quickly – and sometimes even in-house. This simplicity challenges the need for expensive retainers that focus solely on strategy without delivering tangible results.
This disconnect between strategy and execution is exactly what our screen-share test will expose, giving you a clear view of where the real issues lie.
The Screen-Share Test: 3 Questions That Expose the Gap
Want to know if your agency is all talk or if they can actually deliver? A simple screen-share call can reveal everything. By asking three straightforward questions, you’ll quickly see if you’re working with a team that builds real solutions or just throws ideas your way. This method is perfect for identifying why you might be paying for advice that never turns into action.
No technical expertise is needed here – just watch them work live. If you’re interested in turning strategies into real systems, check out our AI Acceleration Newsletter here for weekly tips on bridging the gap between planning and execution. Let’s dive into the three questions that expose this gap.
Question 1: Can You Build This Live Right Now?
Choose any automation they’ve suggested – maybe a lead scoring system, a post-demo follow-up, or a customer onboarding workflow – and ask: “Can you screen-share and build this automation right now?”
What a PASS looks like:
They immediately share their screen, open tools like N8N, Make, or Zapier, and start building the automation in real time. You watch as they set up triggers, define conditions, and connect platforms while explaining each step.
What a FAIL looks like:
They say something like, “We’ll need to check with our technical team” or “Let’s schedule a follow-up with our implementation specialist.” This shows they’ve likely never built the solution they’re recommending.
The RED FLAG response:
“We’re strategists, not implementers” or “That’s not how we work.” If they can’t build it, they probably lack hands-on experience, leaving you with ideas but no execution.
Question 2: Show Me the Tools You’d Use
This question cuts through vague, generic talk. Ask them: “Can you open the platforms you use and show me how they work?”
What a PASS looks like:
They open their automation platform and walk you through workflows they’ve built before. You see their workspace, existing setups, and how they navigate the tools. They explain templates, integrations, and how the systems connect.
What a FAIL looks like:
If they just talk about tools without showing anything, that’s a red flag. Responses like, “We evaluate the best options for each client” or generic descriptions of platforms suggest they don’t have real experience using these systems.
The RED FLAG response:
“We recommend hiring specialists for each platform.” This shows they don’t personally use the tools and lack the expertise to implement what they recommend.
Question 3: When Will This Actually Work?
Finally, pin them down on timelines. Ask: “If I hired you today, how long until this automation is running in my business?”
What a PASS looks like:
They respond with something like, “We’ll build it during our first session,” or give a clear, short timeline based on their actual experience.
What a FAIL looks like:
They say, “It’ll take 6-8 weeks after our discovery phase.” This indicates a long, drawn-out process with little focus on immediate action.
The RED FLAG response:
“It depends on your technical team’s availability” or “We’ll need to bring in implementation partners.” These answers suggest you’ll be paying extra to coordinate multiple teams instead of getting a ready-to-go solution.
| Question | Pass Response | Fail Response | Red Flag Response |
|---|---|---|---|
| Can you build this live? | Shares screen and builds | "Need to coordinate with our tech team" | "We’re strategists, not implementers" |
| Show me the tools | Opens platform and demonstrates | Talks about tools without demonstration | "We recommend hiring specialists" |
| When will this work? | "First session together" or working by week-end | "6-8 week timeline after discovery phase" | "Depends on your technical team" |
If your agency stumbles on two or more of these questions, you’re likely paying for theories rather than solutions. Non-committal answers mean you’re stuck in the costly implementation gap we’ve discussed. The good news? This isn’t how it has to be. You can choose a team that delivers real, actionable results from day one.
Business Model Comparison: Consulting vs Implementation
Understanding the differences between consulting and implementation-first models can save you from costly delays. Many founders unknowingly pay for ideas rather than execution, which is why the screen-share test often reveals hidden inefficiencies.
If you’re frustrated with strategies that never turn into functional systems, our AI Acceleration Newsletter offers weekly insights on how to bridge the gap between planning and execution. Learn to create practical, working applications with ease.
How Most Agencies Actually Work
Traditional marketing agencies typically follow a consulting model, where planning and execution are handled separately. Their teams are made up of strategists, account managers, and copywriters – not automation engineers or CRM developers. When you hire one of these agencies, your investment goes toward creating strategies rather than implementing systems.
Here’s how it works: They spend weeks researching your market, analyzing competitors, and delivering polished presentations. These presentations outline what you should build, but don’t include the actual systems. This approach is divided into two phases: Phase 1: Strategy and Phase 2: Implementation. The first phase alone can cost $20,000 to $40,000, with implementation fees adding another $15,000 to $25,000. Sometimes, you’re referred to external “implementation partners” for this second phase.
The complexity of their recommendations often justifies high monthly retainers, even though simple, functional automations may not require fees of $10,000–$15,000 per month.
How Implementation Partners Work
Implementation-first partners flip the traditional model on its head. Instead of separating strategy and execution, they integrate both into the same sessions. When they suggest a post-demo automation, they’ll screen-share and build the system live, explaining each step as they go.
Their teams consist of automation engineers, CRM specialists, and integration experts who spend their days building and fine-tuning systems. Because they actively use the tools they recommend, they can demonstrate workflows, templates, and systems that are practical and ready to use immediately.
This collaborative, hands-on approach means you’re not left with just a plan – you see systems come to life during your very first session. It’s faster, more cost-effective, and avoids the $40,000+ gap that often comes with traditional models.
Implementation partners are also highly specialized. They focus on specific platforms like N8N, Make, or advanced CRM configurations, enabling them to create complex automations quickly and troubleshoot issues in real time.
Side-by-Side Comparison
Here’s a breakdown of how the two models stack up:
| Aspect | Traditional Agency | Implementation Partner |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Focus | Strategy development and recommendations | Live building and system creation |
| Team Composition | Account managers, strategists, copywriters | Automation engineers, CRM specialists, integration experts |
| Session Format | Presentation meetings and status updates | Screen-share sessions where systems are built in real time |
| Deliverables | Strategy decks, recommendations, roadmaps | Working automations, live systems, templates you own |
| Timeline | 6–8 weeks for strategy, with additional time for implementation | Working systems built in the first session |
| Billing Structure | Monthly retainers plus separate implementation fees | Monthly membership or project-based billing |
| Tool Expertise | Platform-agnostic recommendations | Deep specialization in specific automation platforms |
| Founder Involvement | Review meetings and approval checkpoints | Hands-on collaboration and learning during live sessions |
| End Result | Detailed plans for what to build | Functioning systems that immediately run in your business |
The risk profiles are vastly different. With a traditional agency, you might pay for strategies that never translate into functional systems. On the other hand, implementation partners deliver immediate, tangible results. If something isn’t working, you’ll know right away – no months-long waiting period.
Another key distinction is the learning curve. Traditional agencies often leave clients grappling with complex recommendations. Implementation partners, however, involve you in the process, so you learn both the strategy and execution as the system is built.
Ultimately, the choice isn’t about which model is “better” – it’s about what aligns with your needs. If you’re looking for fast, functional systems and want to understand how they work, an implementation partner is the way to go. But if you value in-depth analysis and don’t mind coordinating with multiple vendors, a traditional agency might suit you better.
The takeaway? Many founders believe they’re hiring an implementation partner but end up with traditional consultants instead. Knowing the difference can help you avoid the $40,000+ implementation gap that hinders so many growing businesses.
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What Happens If You Stay With Strategy-Only Agencies
Let’s talk about the $40K implementation gap. Sticking with strategy-only agencies might feel like the safer choice at first, but it often drains your budget without delivering the automation systems your business needs. Sure, you’ll get polished plans and detailed analyses, but when it’s time to execute? The promised ROI often remains just that – a promise. This disconnect doesn’t just waste money; it creates delays and operational headaches that can hold your business back.
For actionable tips on building automation systems that actually work (and don’t leave you reliant on endless consulting), check out our AI Acceleration Newsletter.
The 6-Month Cost Breakdown
Strategy-only agencies typically charge hefty retainers for things like discovery sessions, competitive analyses, and fancy presentations. But when it comes to actually building the systems they recommend? You’re hit with extra fees and drawn-out timelines. The result: no working automation, just more waiting.
Here’s where the real costs pile up:
- Lost revenue from sticking with manual processes
- Wasted internal resources trying to coordinate with external teams
- Delays that give your competitors time to pull ahead
Why Founders Stick Around
Even when it’s clear a strategy-only approach isn’t delivering, many founders hesitate to switch. Why? They’ve already sunk a significant amount into high-level consulting, making it hard to walk away. But sticking with this cycle of spending without execution only drains more money, time, and energy – and it doesn’t get you closer to the results you need.
This Isn’t Your Fault
The truth is, many agencies are great at strategy but fall short when it comes to implementation. You end up paying for insights that don’t translate into working systems, leaving you with delays, inefficiencies, and unmet expectations.
As more founders demand partners who don’t just strategize but actually build alongside them, it’s becoming clear that the strategy-only model often does more harm than good. If you’re tired of spending big without seeing tangible results, it’s time to rethink your approach and work with partners who deliver systems that work from day one.
The M Studio Difference: We Build It With You
At M Studio, we don’t just hand you a strategy and leave you to figure out the rest. We roll up our sleeves and build solutions with you – live. Unlike agencies that leave you with a deck full of ideas, we ensure you walk away with systems that are already working in your business.
The results? Immediate and measurable. No waiting weeks for "Phase 2" or chasing follow-ups. After every session, you leave with an automation that’s up and running.
Live Building Sessions That Deliver
Every Thursday, Alessandro Marianantoni leads GTM Playbook sessions where Elite Founders members bring their toughest challenges – and we solve them together in real time.
Here’s how it works: You share your screen, explain the problem, and Alessandro dives right in. Using tools like N8N or Make, he connects your CRM and builds the automation while you watch. By the end of the 90-minute session, the system is live and ready to use.
This screen-share approach eliminates delays. We identify the issue, design a solution, and implement it – all in one session.
"In our Thursday GTM Playbook sessions, we don’t just talk about what to build – we build it together. Screen-share, live N8N workflows, real integrations. If I recommend something, I’ll show you how to build it right there. That’s the difference between strategy consulting and implementation partnership."
- Alessandro Marianantoni
This hands-on approach means you fully understand your system. You’re not stuck relying on outside teams for updates – you own the automation and can tweak it as your business evolves. It’s a process that delivers immediate results and long-term value.
Real Results from Elite Founders Members
The impact of our live sessions is best seen in the success stories from our members.
Take Sarah, for example. She’s a B2B SaaS founder with $1.5M in funding. Her agency’s 8-week, $5K automation project was replaced by a single live session. In just 90 minutes, we built a system that sends personalized follow-ups based on demo outcomes, schedules calls with decision-makers, and tracks engagement. The result? A 40% increase in demo-to-close conversions within 30 days.
Another member, a FinTech startup founder with $800K ARR, needed help with lead qualification. His previous consultant provided a detailed plan but couldn’t implement it. In one session, we built a complete AI-powered lead scoring system. It automatically routes qualified prospects to sales while nurturing others with targeted sequences. The result? He saved 12 hours per week on manual lead reviews.
And for founders in the 8-Week Startup Program, the benefits go even further. They don’t just build one automation – they create an entire AI-powered revenue engine. From capturing leads to ensuring customer success, every piece of the puzzle is automated and optimized.
The Screen-Share Test: Proof in the Results
Our approach consistently outperforms traditional agencies. We’ve worked with 147 founders who previously used traditional agencies, and the results are clear: only 11% of those agencies could build live. And even then, they weren’t full agencies but implementation-focused partners like M Studio.
So far, we’ve helped over 500 founders move from manual operations to AI-powered systems. On average, founders save more than 10 hours per week and see a 40% boost in conversion rates within just one month.
While other agencies focus on creating polished presentations about what you should do, we focus on building systems that actually do it. That’s why founders who choose M Studio see results in weeks – not months.
Conclusion: Pick Partners Who Actually Build
Let’s wrap up by emphasizing why live execution is so critical. The implementation gap isn’t just inconvenient – it’s a costly problem that can leave your business months behind competitors who team up with partners that actually deliver working systems. The time to act is now. Start closing that gap and building systems that work today.
What You Need to Remember
If an agency can’t build the solutions they recommend, they’re not the right partner for your business. It’s more than just a mismatch – it’s a recipe for wasted time, money, and opportunities. With 89% of agencies failing the screen-share test, this isn’t an isolated issue; it’s a widespread industry problem that savvy business owners are learning to avoid.
The financial hit is hard to ignore: $10,000 monthly retainers paired with $20,000 implementation quotes, all while your competitors – who chose partners focused on execution – are already six months ahead with fully functioning automations.
Let’s be real: strategy without action is nothing more than expensive theater. Every day you stick with manual processes, you’re losing revenue and missing opportunities.
It’s easy to fall into psychological traps like the sunk cost fallacy, uncertainty about alternatives, or misplaced hope that things will improve. But now you know better. This isn’t how real implementation partnerships work. You’re allowed – no, encouraged – to demand more.
Armed with these insights, here’s how you can take back control and regain your competitive edge.
Take Action Today
Start with a simple screen-share test. Ask your agency to build one of the automations they’ve recommended. If they can’t do it live, you’re paying for theory, not results. Fail the test? It’s time to switch to a partner who builds with you from day one.
For example, Elite Founders members don’t wait around for months; they start building automations in their very first Thursday session.
The cost of the implementation gap goes beyond dollars – it affects your market position, growth momentum, and ability to compete. While you’re stuck waiting for agencies to coordinate with technical teams, your automated competitors are already qualifying leads, nurturing prospects, and closing deals 24/7.
Choose partners who don’t just recommend solutions – they prove their value by building them alongside you. Your business deserves systems that work today, not promises of strategies that might come together someday.
FAQs
How can I determine if my agency can implement the strategies they recommend?
To determine if your agency can actually implement their recommendations, try this straightforward screen-share test:
- Ask directly: "Can you create [specific automation they suggested] during a live screen-share session right now?"
- Request a walkthrough: "Show me the tools you’d use to make this happen."
- Get a timeline: "If I brought you on today, how soon would this be up and running in my business?"
If they can’t build it on the spot, defer to developers, or give you unclear timelines, it’s a red flag. You’re likely paying for ideas, not action. A reliable partner should be able to both explain and execute solutions with you in real time.
How can I tell if switching to an implementation-focused partner will improve my business outcomes?
To determine whether an implementation-focused partner is the right choice, consider asking these critical questions:
- Can they create the automation they recommend during a live screen-share session right now?
- Are they able to show the tools they’d use to build it?
- If hired today, how soon can the system be fully operational within your business?
If their answers show they can collaborate with you to build solutions immediately – rather than simply offering strategies or outsourcing the work to developers – it’s a strong sign they might be a better fit. This hands-on approach ensures you’re investing in real, functional systems instead of just theoretical ideas or costly presentations.
What are the risks of working with a marketing agency that only provides strategy but no implementation?
Relying solely on a strategy-focused agency often means you’re paying for ideas, not outcomes. Without the ability to implement their plans, you could end up dealing with delays, extra expenses, and the hassle of sourcing technical experts to bring their suggestions to life.
This setup can also leave you trailing behind your competitors. While you’re busy juggling phases and covering additional execution costs, others with fully operational systems are already streamlining processes and making progress. Over time, this lag can hit your bottom line and erode your standing in the market.
