Small But Mighty Agency: How to Grow Your Agency

Has the thought of franchising your business ever crossed your mind? Whether your answer is a “yes” or “no,” this episode will get you thinking about what is possible. If you want to leverage your business and explore new growth avenues, building a marketing franchise is an option.But as you might guess, it’s not just about having a great business idea—it’s about having proven systems and processes that can scale.So, what does it take to transform an agency into a successful franchise?In today’s episode, we sit down with Vivian Olodun, CEO of Flourish Media, who shares her journey from agency owner to franchisor.Here’s what you’ll learn:How she created a franchise that allows franchisees to customize their approach based on their unique strengths and market positioningThe complexities of franchising and how she navigated them in record time How to create predictability without taking the human element out of the businessTune in today to hear how this agency owner is doing things differently and gain actionable insights into how to leverage your business better. Show LinksFlourish Media WebsiteInstagramVivian's InstagramGet the Free Agency Together Newsletter.Join hundreds of agency owners receiving insights about growing and leading a small – less than 50 people – mighty agency. Try the free newsletterHey thank for hanging out with me at the Small But Mighty Podcast. If you enjoyed this episode it would mean the world to me if you hit the follow or subscribe button in your podcast app and share it with a friend. And I’ll see you on the next one. Get the full show notes and more information here: https://audreyjoykwan.com/podcast-ep109Podcast Edits by Lindsay Curtis

What is the number one thing that stops agency owners from specializing in a niche?Fear. It’s the fear that niching down will result in fewer clients.But the reality is quite the opposite. I see niche agencies thrive every day, and their success stories speak volumes about the power of specialization.In today’s episode, Amanda Lee Smith shares the transformative process that led her to a niche and the defining moments that made her go all in. Her agency has worked with brands like Adidas, Arcyterx, Lululemon, and Allbirds because of their specialty in outdoor sports and activities. What sets her agency apart is its deep industry knowledge and its ability to partner with clients as true experts. Specializing has made working with dream clients not just possible but a reality.Of course, the decision to specialize isn't always straightforward; it requires introspection, experimentation, and a willingness to adapt.In this episode, Amanda shares key actions that helped her claim and thrive in her niche. Including: How to shape your brand and positioning for a specific niche.Tips on leveraging niche benefits to attract and work with dream clients.Knowing when to say "yes" and when to decline opportunities outside your niche.Standing out in marketing with creative strategies catered to her nicheTune into this episode to hear the transformative journey and gain actionable insights into claiming and thriving in your own niche.Show LinksMonday Creative WebsiteInstagramLinkedInGet the Free Agency Together Newsletter.Join hundreds of agency owners receiving insights about growing and leading a small – less than 50 people – mighty agency. Try the free newsletterHey thank for hanging out with me at the Small But Mighty Podcast. If you enjoyed this episode it would mean the world to me if you hit the follow or subscribe button in your podcast app and share it with a friend. And I’ll see you on the next one. Get the full show notes and more information here: https://audreyjoykwan.com/podcast-ep108Podcast Edits by Lindsay Curtis

What’s working in marketing this quarter to drive sales? First, there is no one-size-fits-all to anything. Finding what works for your business is an exercise in understanding your ideal buyers, but the opportunity to see and hear what works for others can help you optimize or streamline what works for you. That’s why we’ve invited three friends who are marketing specialists in their specific niches to share what is working for them and their clients. You’ll hear three powerful insights that are generating results for each of these marketing specialists: Kim, a direct response copywriting expert, shares how she is using lazy, low-key techniques to build relationships and make marketing easier and more effective. Ashley, a launch strategist, emphasizes the need for more nurturing and shares one thing she is doing that can be connected to 30% of her sales. Melissa, a YouTube marketing strategist, highlights the impact of understanding your audience's real search habits and shares how she creates content that ideal clients actually search for. A common thread connecting each of these insights, despite their different areas of expertise, is the focus on increasing trust and building relationships.Tune in to this episode to see how the foundation of increasing trust and building relationships is being implemented across different businesses. You'll get actionable insights to enhance your marketing efforts and drive more sales.Show LinksLinkedIn: Audrey Kwan Free Discovery Call for Agency Together Get the Free Agency Together Newsletter.Join hundreds of agency owners receiving insights about growing and leading a small – less than 50 people – mighty agency. Try the free newsletterHey thank for hanging out with me at the Small But Mighty Podcast. If you enjoyed this episode it would mean the world to me if you hit the follow or subscribe button in your podcast app and share it with a friend. And I’ll see you on the next one. Get the full show notes and more information here: https://audreyjoykwan.com/podcast-ep107Podcast Edits by Lindsay Curtis

What does a successful pivot into new services look like for an agency?It’s not always smooth sailing!In our latest episode, we chat with Ted Lau about how he identified the need for a more profitable and stable service niche during a difficult business partner break-up. By prioritizing client feedback, Ted transitioned his business from a creative services provider to a lead-generation digital marketing agency. He leaned into four keys for growing the agency and navigating the pivot:Aligning marketing strategies to macroeconomic trendsDigging deep to understand client needsLeaning into open communicationShifting from fluff to measured resultsTune into this episode to discover the whole story and learn actionable tips. Show Links:What Are The Top Niches for Agency Success in The Current Economy?You Know Ted YouTubeMarketing News Canada PodcastBallistic ArtsTed’s LinkedInGet Your Agency Org Chart Cheatsheet to Build a Small But Mighty AgencyAre you flying by the seat of your pants building your agency and want more order to chaos? Start here. Get the Mighty Pod Model cheatsheet for a look inside a Small But Mighty Agency structure that scales.Hey thank for hanging out with me at the Small But Mighty Podcast. If you enjoyed this episode it would mean the world to me if you hit the follow or subscribe button in your podcast app and share it with a friend. And I’ll see you on the next one. Get the full show notes and more information here: https://audreyjoykwan.com/podcast-ep106Podcast Edits by Lindsay Curtis

Your account managers are key to client retention. Excellent client account management leads to happy clients, and when clients are happy, they don’t churn. My first role inside agencies was in Account Management, and I know what it takes to be a great account manager and lead account managers because I lived it for years. When you walk in the shoes, you know the size of those shoes. My guest today, Taylor McMaster, has done exactly that, too. Today, she owns a fractional Account Management agency. In this latest episode of the Small But Mighty Agency podcast,  we unpack the myth of the do-it-all account manager, Why? The expectation of the do-it-all account manager is often unrealistic and prevents your account managers from being effective at helping you retain clients. In this episode we’ll dive into:What it takes to be an excellent account manager Best practices for client retention, including the importance of proactive communication. Explore unrealistic expectations placed on account managers that keep them from fulfilling the core function of maintaining client relationships. Tune in as we share how to optimize your account management team to keep clients happy, reduce churn and improve retention. Show LinksGet the free Agency Together Newsletter and Build a Small But Mighty AgencyJoin hundreds of agency owners receiving insights about growing and leading a small – less than 50 people – mighty agency.  Get the free Agency Together Newsletter here. DOT & Company: dotandcompany.coTaylor’s LinkedInHappy Clients PodcastHey thank for hanging out with me at the Small But Mighty Podcast. If you enjoyed this episode it would mean the world to me if you hit the follow or subscribe button in your podcast app and share it with a friend. And I’ll see you on the next one.Get the full show notes and more information here: https://audreyjoykwan.com/podcast-ep105Podcast Edits by Lindsay Curtis

If the thought of a 4 day work week has crossed your mind, my guess is that you’ve gone back and forth thinking about it. Implementing a four-day workweek takes thought and consideration – so in today’s episode of the Small But Mighty Agency Podcast –  I bring along a few friends who have implemented four-day work weeks. You’ll get four different perspectives and four unique insights on this week's episode.This summer, we’re doing something different on the podcast by bringing you a few a-sync episodes. A-sync episodes are not live interviews with our guests.Instead, I posed the same question to four people: Q: What insight or challenge have you encountered with a 4-day work week, and how do you address it in practice?Then, I asked each guest to record a clip under three minutes long and share their unique perspective. My goal for these a-sync episodes is to help you get “to-the-point answers.” Tune in as we get to the point of the 4-day work week. Show LinksLinkedIn: Audrey Kwan Want more referrals, connections, and strategic collaborations to grow your agency? Agency Together is the only community and network specifically designed to help niche agencies strategically collaborate to get referrals.It doesn't have to be a dog-eat-dog world in which one Agency's gain is another's loss. We're here to change that, and help agencies grow together. If that resonates, apply today here: Agency TogetherHey thank for hanging out with me at the Small But Mighty Podcast. If you enjoyed this episode it would mean the world to me if you hit the follow or subscribe button in your podcast app and share it with a friend. And I’ll see you on the next one.Get the full show notes and more information here: https://audreyjoykwan.com/podcast-ep104Podcast Edits by Lindsay Curtis

To niche or not to niche? It’s a very relevant question to agency owners. As I started to think that the topic of niching was overdone, I started to see a pattern in conversations with agency owners pop up. Standing out is challenging because agencies compete for general attention instead of being specific. So, instead of creating better opportunities for niche clients to find you, you end up chasing and convincing clients – it takes much more work. In this week's podcast episode, I explore the five key advantages niche agency owners are capitalizing on today. We’re examining what niche agency owners leverage in a noisy market to achieve substantial and sustainable growth.We’ll get into:If you’re a niche agency, are you taking advantage of these five benefits that make generating leads easier for niche agencies right now? If you’re hesitating to niche, do these hesitations resonate, and how do you rethink the hesitation?Tune in, and let's get started!Show LinksBook a Consult Agency Together Access a curated referral network to help niche agency owners get more referrals with strategic collaborations. Do you want a network and community that helps you collaborate strategically to get more referrals? Start here 👉 Take a look at Agency Together and see if you're the right fit. Hey thank for hanging out with me at the Small But Mighty Podcast. If you enjoyed this episode it would mean the world to me if you hit the follow or subscribe button in your podcast app and share it with a friend. And I’ll see you on the next one. Get the full show notes and more information here: https://audreyjoykwan.com/podcast-ep103Podcast Edits by Lindsay Curtis

How do you know if a referral network is right for you? Imagine having a network that’s not just another mastermind or course but a community focused on helping you grow through strategic collaborations and consistent referrals. Picture this: curated connections, referral pods, and collaboration events tailored to extend your reach and grow your business. At Agency Together, we’ve created a purposeful community where the intent is crystal clear: generating strategic collaborations and referrals to grow your agency. If you’re an agency with a niche, tune in. We’ll dive into:Why is a niche your best friend for making memorable referral-ask The untapped potential of strategic collaborations for agenciesHow to know if a referral network like Agency Together is your perfect matchDon’t miss this episode. Learn how to stand out, get more clients in a referral network and leverage a referral community for maximum impact.Show LinksIs Agency Together Right for You? Connect on LinkedInJoin a community where the intent is crystal clear: generating strategic collaborations and referrals to grow your agency without feeling the transactional ick factor. You should apply for Agency Together if want consistent referrals and collaborations opportunities to increase visibility for your brand and agency. Apply here.Hey thank for hanging out with me at the Small But Mighty Podcast. If you enjoyed this episode it would mean the world to me if you hit the follow or subscribe button in your podcast app and share it with a friend. And I’ll see you on the next one. Get the full show notes and more information here: https://audreyjoykwan.com/podcast-ep102Podcast Edits by Lindsay Curtis

Want more referrals and clients for your agency? Getting consistent referrals doesn't have to be a mystery. If you’ve been following our “How to Get More Referrals” series, you’re already on the path to leveraging a referral strategy that brings in consistent clients. Referrals aren’t just about asking for business—they're about creating a culture and ecosystem that naturally encourages and rewards the sharing of opportunities. Remember, 84% of B2B decision-makers start the buying process with a referral. This episode will help you reach those decision-makers by activating your referral channels. Learn the best practices for activating ⏭️existing clients, ⏭️strategic partnerships, and ⏭️associations to generate consistent referrals. Tune in now! Show LinksAgency TogetherPart 1:  5 Powerful Reasons Why Top Agencies Have Referral Programs (and why you need one)Part 2: 4 Key Referral Channels: Are You Using Them to Get More ClientsWant to grow your agency and get more clients with consistent referrals?Join me over at Agency Together. Agency Together is not just another networking community. You gain a curated referral network for agency owners who value getting more clients with strategic collaborations. I believe in helping each other grow; we are stronger together. Agency Together is not a program, course, or mastermind. We are a community focused on collaboration to get more referrals and grow your agency. To find out more and secure your spot, go to audreyjoykwan.com/agencytogetherHey thank for hanging out with me at the Small But Mighty Podcast. If you enjoyed this episode it would mean the world to me if you hit the follow or subscribe button in your podcast app and share it with a friend. And I’ll see you on the next one. Get the full show notes and more information here: https://audreyjoykwan.com/podcast-ep101Podcast Edits by Lindsay Curtis

How effectively are you leveraging referrals to get more clients? Hubspot Sales Trend Report emphasized the importance of referrals, especially when buyers are more cautious about spending money. Referrals are the top way to receive high-quality leads and shorten the sales cycle because it’s worth more in trust than a cold lead or sales rep.In part two of this mini-series on how to get more referrals, I unpack the top four referral sources every agency owner should know and include in their marketing and sales plan. Knowing the different referral sources will help you build a better system for consistent referrals.Tune into this episode of the podcast to discover: What are 4 key referral channels to get more clients Why you need different referral channels to get consistent referrals How partnerships with non-competing agencies can be more profitable than taking on the work Show LinksGet On The Agency Together Waitlist to Secure Your SpotPart 1: 5 Powerful Reasons Why Top Agencies Have Referral Programs (And Why You Need One)If you want a focused community to help you get consistent referrals without wasting time, lean in: I’m opening the waitlist to our community – Agency Together. Agency Together is not just another networking community. You gain a curated referral network for agency owners who value growing their bottom line with strategic collaboration. Join Agency Together to grow with strategic collaborations and consistent referrals.👉Get On The Waitlist to Secure Your SpotAs a community, Agency Together will change your referral game; join the members who know that together, they can tap into more of the 84% of decision-makers who start their buying process with a referral.Hey thank for hanging out with me at the Small But Mighty Podcast. If you enjoyed this episode it would mean the world to me if you hit the follow or subscribe button in your podcast app and share it with a friend. And I’ll see you on the next one. Get the full show notes and more information here: https://audreyjoykwan.com/podcast-ep100Podcast Edits by Lindsay Curtis