Small But Mighty Agency: How to Grow Your Agency

Are You Just Delegating or Truly Leading? If you've ever faced disappointment despite 'clear' instructions or felt like your leadership approach isn't resonating – I’ve been there too. Leadership is more than the oversimplified mantra of "just delegate.”There is much more to growing a business with a team than "just delegate.”Delegating is one style of leadership out of four styles. I’ve been doing leadership for 15 years, and I know relying on a one-size-fits-all approach always falls short. In this episode, I dive into 4 leadership styles that go beyond the oversimplified mantra of delegation. I’m talking about adapting your style so that you can build a stronger, more resilient, and high-performing team. Knowing which style to use can make all the difference, whether you're a seasoned leader or stepping into a leadership role for the first time. Tune in to get the goods on going from a delegator to a dynamic leader who knows how to tap into your team's strengths.Show LinksLinkedIn Blog Post: 4 Leadership Styles to Get You Out of the One-Size-Fits-All ApproachBuild a Mighty Pod Model for your agency so that client work isn't dependent on you to scale. Get the Mighty Pod Model cheatsheet 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-ep79Podcast Edits by Lindsay Curtis

Did you know it requires more than systems and processes to get you out of client delivery, increase efficiency and scale your business? In today’s episode, I’m sharing why systems are merely a starting point and not the finish line because the crucial factor often overlooked is leadership.Leadership is how you create a scaleable business where people hold one another accountable, encouraging a bottom-up approach to accountability. The engine that makes leadership work, in other words, the heart of leadership, is communication. In this episode, we'll explore the three key communication challenges that leaders must excel at navigating to create a business that doesn’t require constant “top-down” management or accountability; instead, it creates “bottom-up” accountability. And I’ll reveal the ONE communication skill that can help you get there faster. Build a Mighty Pod Model for your agency so that client work isn't dependent on you to scale. Get the Mighty Pod Model cheatsheet 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-ep78Podcast Edits by Lindsay Curtis

How did I land the emcee role for one of Canada’s largest TEDx? Great question. Here’s the secret.At the end of last year, I took a CEO day for myself — no distractions, no meetings, no laptop—just me and my notebook. I identified four lessons that grew my business.I’m replaying the episode for you all because if there was a secret to my year, it was knowing how to focus. Getting to host TEDX and having room to say yes was made possible by taking the lessons from last year into 2023. I used to get so busy in the excitement of planning for the next year that I didn’t spend enough time reflecting and distilling my lessons. Last year was different, and it paid off.  Tune in to hear the lessons — every year builds on the next, and I hope it gets you thinking about the lessons you will distill and carry into 2024 for easier growth. Show LinksBuild a Mighty Pod Model for your agency so that client work isn't dependent on you to scale. Get the Mighty Pod Model cheatsheet hereHey 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-ep77Podcast Edits by Lindsay Curtis

Want to be the agency that clients think of in your niche? 👏Yes. Are you strategically positioned to attract more clients? Find out in this episode of the Small But Mighty Agency podcast. I’m focusing on what it takes to have powerful positioning in your business. Positioning isn’t just about standing out – it’s about being strategically positioned in the minds of your clients. Here’s a peek at what we’ll cover Five ways to elevate your positioning Insights into a compelling narrative that resonates with ideal clientsActionable steps to ensure clients think of your agency first every time.Show Links:Build a Mighty Pod Model for your agency so that client work isn't dependent on you to scale. Get the Mighty Pod Model cheatsheet 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-ep76Podcast Edits by Lindsay Curtis

How do you challenge the norms in your niche? For example, do most businesses in your niche say they provide excellent customer service? And you find yourself saying something similar. If that’s you, it’s time to break free of the sameness and make a bigger impact. And if it’s not you, you can’t lose by exploring better positioning. I share two questions in this episode to help you explore better positioning. And find out how our guest answers the questions to make her mark as an agency owner. Show LinksWebsite: https://hopskipmedia.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/adwordsgirl/Build a Mighty Pod Model for your agency so that client work isn't dependent on you to scale. Get the Mighty Pod Model cheatsheet 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-ep75Podcast Edits by Lindsay Curtis

Have you ever felt the weight of comparing your journey to someone else's? You know, that irresistible urge to measure your progress against others, especially in this last quarter of the year. We've all been there, and today, I have insights to share on the comparison trap,  drawing from lessons learned during my Master's Degree and the wise words of an Olympic Gold Medalist professor. Tune in if you're ready to navigate through distractions and pave a faster path to success because this might change how you plan for 2024 and beyond.Show LinksBook a strategy callHey 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-ep74Podcast Edits by Lindsay Curtis

What if I told you that your expertise can get in the way of growing your business? It sounds counterintuitive, but it's a real barrier. The phenomenon is called the curse of the expert. It can play out in different ways on your journey from being a solo service-based business owner to an agency owner. But wait, isn't being an expert advantageous? When that expertise becomes a barrier to training your team or scaling your business, it's more of a curse than a blessing.In this episode, I share how your expertise becomes a barrier to scaling your business and how you can overcome the 'curse.'Show LinksAudrey Joy Kwan Stuck in the “it’s easier to do it myself” cycle? We’ve all been there. Get access to a free private audio event, all about breaking free from being the bottleneck in your business. If you’re a consulting, marketing or creative agency owner, this thoughtfully curated line-up is for you. Featuring 5 business leaders – you won’t find this line-up anywhere else – who have gone through different seasons when “just delegate” isn’t enough. Join me on the inside of this private audio event 👉Breakfree from Being the BottleneckHey 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-ep73Podcast Edits by Lindsay Curtis

Are you protecting your time effectively?Last month, I found myself in the emergency room of a hospital, and it got me thinking about the parallels between better boundaries in an emergency room and in a business. Not every challenge in a business, just like not every trip to the ER, is a life or death situation. The right boundaries help you prioritize what truly matters and let go of being the bottleneck.In this episode, I share how to set better boundaries so you can serve your clients better and guard your time to grow your business. Show LinksBreakfree from Being the BottleneckStuck in the “it’s easier to do it myself” cycle? We’ve all been there. Get access to a free private audio event, all about breaking free from being the bottleneck in your business. If you’re a consulting, marketing or creative agency owner, this thoughtfully curated line-up is for you. Featuring 5 business leaders – you won’t find this line-up anywhere else – who have gone through different seasons when “just delegate” isn’t enough. Join me on the inside of this private audio event 👉Breakfree from Being the BottleneckHey 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-ep72Podcast Edits by Lindsay Curtis

How do you transform processes into profits? If you want a higher ticket offering in your service-based business, tune in.  You’re listening to the last episode of a series to help you break down a strategic system in your business called your intellectual property so that you can build a profitable business without burning out. Intellectual property drives results and helps your team deliver for your clients in your service-based business, and it’s a powerful tool for marketing and positioning when packaged and presented effectively. By leaning into this strategic system, you can reduce what feels like heavy lifting in your business. So tune in as I plug into transforming your processes into profits. Show Links: Part 1: Ep 67: How can intellectual property transform your service-based business?Part 2: Ep 68: Leverage these two foundations to break free from being a bottleneckPart 3: Ep 69: How to avoid a major trap that keeps you stuck as the bottleneck in your businessPart 4: Ep 70: Creating more revenue-generating opportunities with a strategic service delivery structureHey 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-ep71Podcast Edits by Lindsay Curtis

Are you ready to discover what can separate your service offerings from the pack?  We're digging into the art of crafting a repeatable structure for your service delivery and what makes it possible to transfer your knowledge to others. In this episode, strategic service delivery structure isn’t just about the mechanics of intellectual property.There’s more. Understand how it's about making your mark and creating a legacy that stands the test of time.Let me explain in this week's episode. _______This episode is part four of our series on finding and developing intellectual property (IP) in your service business.Whether you want to enhance your competitive edge, create processes that liberate you from the nitty-gritty or craft a magnetic marketing presence, this series shows you the power of IP to make it happen. Show LinksDelivery System BlueprintPart 1: Ep 67: How can intellectual property transform your service-based business?Part 2: Ep 68: Leverage these two foundations to break free from being a bottleneckPart 3: Ep 69: How to avoid a major trap that keeps you stuck as the bottleneck in your businessYou have a lot on your plate as a marketer, consultant or creative business owner.You want to grow your business but are bogged down with busy work that doesn't move the needle. I know because I help six and seven-figure service-based business owners (120 and counting) who are at capacity get out of being stuck in client delivery to scale. Having a clear delivery system that works for a lean team can help you break free from this cycle.Get your hands on our Delivery System Blueprint to help you step out of the busy work and into more of what you love. Download the FREE BLUEPRINTHey 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-ep70Podcast Edits by Lindsay Curtis