WiT Group, headquartered in Charlotte, North Carolina, with a satellite location in Columbia, South Carolina, is a performance marketing agency with a pay-for-performance model. Setting itself apart, WiT Group operates under a commission-based advertising approach. Their main objective is to deliver outcomes for their clients by utilizing a combination of traditional and digital marketing strategies. Working on a commission basis, their primary objective is to generate leads, enrollments, subscriptions, and website sales for their clients in a mutually beneficial manner. They prioritize efficiency and accountability in their marketing approach to deliver a measurable return on investment for their clients. As a performance marketing agency, WiT Group constantly focuses on results and develops new ways to support clients in sales, operations, messaging, and customer loyalty. Although their approach and key competencies have remained the same, they have transitioned from a consultancy to a full-service agency since rebranding in March 2020.
Josh Mangum, founder and CEO, values the significance of diligent effort, problem-solving, and resilience in the face of obstacles. Every client with whom WiT Group collaborates faces unique challenges, and his team is committed to discovering solutions that lead to their success. Josh's personal challenges in his mid-20s have greatly influenced his problem-solving skills and ability to bounce back from setbacks. With a resilient mindset, WiT Group remains committed to staying positive in the face of challenges and embracing flexibility.
“Life may not always go as planned, but how you navigate challenges can greatly influence your overall experience," Josh emphasizes.
Josh’s favorite activity lately has been helping his son with football and wrestling. Josh believes it is essential to integrate these two facets into his life. He believes it is vital to integrate work and life rather than compartmentalize each into separate categories. He advises incorporating all aspects of life into your daily routine rather than disregarding one or the other.
Over the past few years, WiT Group has undergone substantial changes to its business model. The company has begun adapting to the rise of AI and saturated communication channels by incorporating automation into its team’s processes while advising clients to use caution and sound judgment in their own adaptation of AI automation. They advise against automated mass communication, as AI no longer produces the same results.
WiT Group, originally WiT Consultancy, began as a side hobby for Josh between 2011 and 2019. He began to notice that very few agencies had adopted a pay-for-performance (PFP) model. He would advise clients and provide performance-based marketing and advertising services through his consultancy while juggling his family obligations, career, and other commitments. He never imagined the consultancy would expand to a full-service agency in 2020. Josh was ecstatic to turn his professional hobby into a full-time career. Now, WiT Group has implemented commission-based pricing structures, attribution models, and advanced reporting to accurately evaluate their impact on clients' businesses. Their team has successfully implemented unconventional business structures and marketing strategies requiring creativity and technical proficiency. They have consistently monitored results and devised commission fee structures that benefit both their clients and their agency.
Over the last four years, Josh's leadership philosophy has undergone a significant transformation. He is keenly aware of this evolution and actively dedicates himself to improving his management style each day. He prioritizes gaining a deep understanding of his employees, focusing on their well-being rather than their work productivity alone. This approach allows him to lead with a greater sense of empathy and compassion. Josh emphasizes the importance of investing time and effort into people management. Understanding the team's objectives and connecting with them on a personal level is an essential skill for success. It’s important for Josh to effectively communicate the company's long-term objectives, build confidence in leadership, encourage team members to take ownership of their roles, and cultivate a culture and mindset of growth. It’s the aim of WiT Group to continue building a diverse team with shared goals by leveraging unique experiences and perspectives. By developing trust in his team, he hopes to continue to be a valuable resource for them.
Beginning as a fully remote company, the team at WiT Group has discovered the trials and tribulations of working from home. Once the Columbia, South Carolina, office was opened, Josh noticed enhanced teamwork, especially when collaborating during virtual meetings where one person tends to lead the conversation as only one person can speak at a time. Josh believes teamwork and creativity deteriorate when team members try to do more in less time. Many larger companies have continued remote work collaboration and have seen similar issues. However, cultivating talent, especially those early in their careers, can be difficult in a remote setting. Those who have always worked remotely have likely missed the creativity and innovation that come from brainstorming at the conference table. WiT Group’s Columbia, SC, office uses a hybrid model to encourage in-person teamwork, collaboration, and creativity. Josh values in-person office work, most especially for innovators and creatives such as copywriters, designers, and digital marketers.
WiT Group operates under the assumption that the competition is something to be aware of but not pay too much mind to. Josh asserts that staying current with your business's industry is important. WiT Group connects with key agencies on platforms such as LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, etc., keeping up with articles and news releases. It is misguided to place an emphasis on competition, as WiT Group’s approach is significantly different. Their team thrives by consistently improving their own procedures and strategies. “Having a laser-like focus on your own path is crucial," Josh adds. Every day, WiT Group encounters a recurring issue from clients: businesses enlist the services of various marketing agencies with hopes of boosting their growth, only to be disappointed by the results. It is Josh’s hope that companies become aware of performance marketing agencies as they take responsibility for the outcomes achieved. A pay-for-performance agency understands the importance of taking accountability, as it directly impacts their own revenue as well as that of their clients. By working collaboratively, WiT Group ensures their success is in sync with their clients.
WiT Group is proud to highlight their team's initiatives to enhance their value to clients. Josh will be opening a new podcast studio in Columbia, SC, "Witcraft." Clients of WiT Group as well as anyone local to the Columbia area will be able to rent the podcast studio (clients at a discounted rate) for any podcasting needs. In addition, he is excited to announce the upcoming launch of a new podcast, 'AdVice, which will feature digital marketing and advertising executives lending AdVice to anyone looking to break into the profession and to those already involved'. Topics will cover a wide range of topics, including digital marketing, company operations, and most importantly, the world of good whiskey. Another business venture has already begun under Josh’s management, Swith Virtual Solutions. This company provides skilled virtual assistants to WiT Group clients and any company needing virtual assistance.
Pay-for-performance agencies, like WiT Group, prioritize strategic goals and leverage their commission-based model to ensure success for clients and their agency. WiT Group rewards their team based on their performance, not the number of hours they work. They can provide a variety of services beyond digital marketing and still receive compensation. As small businesses may also benefit from performance-based marketing, WiT Group strives to make this business model more visible and collaborate with clients of all sizes!
Posted in CLF | Top 10 Inspiring CEOs of 2024, Josh Mangum, Founder & CEO of WiT Group Profile