Build a Better Agency Podcast

Episode 495 Strategies for Unlocking Agency Growth with Drew McLellan

Mar 31, 2025

Drew McLellan dives deep into redefining agency growth, urging owners to look beyond mere headcount and gross billings. He emphasizes enhancing adjusted gross income by maximizing existing client relationships. Innovative team structures and leveraging global talent are discussed to boost efficiency and retention. The podcast highlights the value of nurturing client trust and internal education for improved relationships. Ultimately, true growth translates into better compensation for owners, focusing on holistic agency success.

37:35

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Quick takeaways

Agencies should broaden their growth metrics by focusing on efficiency and maximizing existing clients' potential rather than just increasing headcount.

Continuous learning and strengthening client relationships are essential for sustaining profitability and adapting to the rapidly changing market dynamics.

Deep dives

The Importance of Community in Agency Growth

Running an agency is often a solitary endeavor, yet collaboration fosters faster learning and growth. Engaging with a community of agency owners provides valuable insights and shared experiences that can enhance operational practices. The emphasis is on learning from peers who generously share knowledge, tips, and resources that can drive agency success. By attending events and conferences like the Build a Better Agency Summit, agency leaders can exchange ideas and support each other's growth journeys.

Intro

4min

Redefining Agency Growth Beyond Headcount

16min

Strategies for Enhancing Growth through Retention and Team Stability

2min

Holistic Approaches to Agency Growth and Profitability

16min

Welcome to another episode of Build a Better Agency! In this solo cast, host Drew McLellan takes center stage to discuss a critical topic that every agency owner should consider—broadening the concept of growth beyond the traditional metrics like headcount and gross billings. As an agency leader, you’ll gain fresh perspectives on how to leverage different growth strategies that go beyond the surface level.

Drew delves into the importance of enhancing your agency's growth across various dimensions. He emphasizes the need for agencies to focus on increasing their adjusted gross income, not just through acquiring new clients but also by maximizing the potential of existing ones. Drew challenges agency owners to rethink efficiency, suggesting innovative ways to manage cost of goods and improve team structures through global talent pools and flexible work arrangements.

Listeners will also be encouraged to concentrate on retaining clients and top talent, creating a stable foundation for long-term success. Drew outlines how educating both your internal team and clients can lead to more robust relationships and, ultimately, increased agency profitability. A particularly noteworthy point is that true agency growth should translate into better compensation for owners, stressing the holistic value of growth.

Don’t miss this episode if you’re ready to explore comprehensive growth strategies that extend beyond just numbers. Drew's insights will provide you with actionable steps to transform your agency’s approach to growth, offering a renewed sense of purpose and direction in how you develop and sustain your business.

A big thank you to our podcast’s presenting sponsor, White Label IQ. They’re an amazing resource for agencies who want to outsource their design, dev, or PPC work at wholesale prices. Check out their special offer (10 free hours!) for podcast listeners here.

What You Will Learn in This Episode:

- Rethinking agency growth beyond headcount and gross billings
- The significance of continual learning and teaching within the agency
- Strategies for increasing adjusted gross income and profitability
- The vital role of client and team member retention in agency success
- Exploring flexible team structures and global talent for agency growth
- Developing a comprehensive plan for agency owner compensation
- Embracing new business opportunities through deeper client relationships

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Build a Better Agency Podcast

Episode 495 Strategies for Unlocking Agency Growth with Drew McLellan

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

Deep dives

The Importance of Community in Agency Growth

Redefining Success Beyond Headcount

Emphasizing Continuous Learning and Client Retention

Navigating Profitability Amidst Changes

Remember Everything You Learn from Podcasts