

Small But Mighty Agency: Win clients and build better networks for marketing and consulting agencies
Audrey Joy Kwan | Agency Growth Strategist
If you want to grow an agency to seven figures and beyond without working more hours in your business, tune in. I know your time is valuable, so I keep it practical and help you work smarter, not harder, in every episode. I'm your host, Audrey Joy Kwan. I know what it takes to build an agency—including supporting an agency owner in selling and exiting, and consulting for 200-person agencies—because I've done it. My team and I have coached and consulted with over 150 agency owners and have been behind the scenes of multiple seven-figure agencies. All this to say, join us on the Small But Mighty Agency podcast to grow an agency with real-world experience and practical tips that help you to work less and earn more while leading with integrity. Let's go!
Episodes
Mentioned books

Jul 17, 2024 • 33min
4 Keys for Successfully Introducing New Services
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

Jul 3, 2024 • 29min
How to Optimize Account Management for Better Client Retention
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

Jun 19, 2024 • 12min
4 Perspectives On a 4-Day Work Week for Your Agency
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

Jun 5, 2024 • 12min
5 Advantages Niche Agency Owners Are Capitalizing On Today
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

May 29, 2024 • 12min
How to know if a referral network is right for you?
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

May 22, 2024 • 13min
How To Get More Consistent Referrals for Your Agency
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

May 15, 2024 • 13min
4 Key Referral Channels: Are You Using Them to Get More Clients
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

May 8, 2024 • 11min
5 Powerful Reasons Top Agencies Have Referral Programs (and why you need one)
he podcast, I’ll share: Five different types of referrals your business can leverage Actionable insights on optimizing your referral processBreakfree from the challenges of generating more referrals effectively Where to begin? Start with the first episode, where we explore why top agencies thrive with referral programs and why yours should too.Don't miss out on transforming how you think about referrals.Show LinksConnect with Audrey on Linkedin Join the Agency Together waitlistI’m opening the doors to a community that will help you get more referrals. Join our network of niche agency owners who value collaboration to grow their bottom lines together. Agency Together is a community and referral network that helps you grow your book of business through curated referral and collaboration pods. If you’re curious about how Agency Together will help you uncover the untapped potential of referrals, click 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-ep99Podcast Edits by Lindsay Curtis

May 1, 2024 • 11min
Escape the Daily Grind in Your Agency: Key Processes You’re Overlooking
Are you feeling overly involved in the day-to-day tasks of your business? If removing yourself from certain day-to-day processes or tasks isn’t getting easier, you might have overlooked some key processes. In this episode, we share the concept of “invisible work.”Invisible work is the critical yet often overlooked processes that you might be handling because you don’t know how to get it off your plate. Your invisible work wastes valuable time and keeps you working in your business instead of on your business.If you can’t fully articulate the invisible work, it stays invisible, holding you back from scaling your business. When you uncover the invisible work, you also gain a strategic advantage by revealing more of your intellectual property. ⭐Tune into this week’s podcast episode to:Get 5 questions that will help you uncover your invisible workLearn how invisible work keeps you stuck in the daily grind and how to get it off your plateWhy invisible work is intellectual property and how capturing it increases the value of your business Show LinksBook a discovery callGet 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-ep98Podcast Edits by Lindsay Curtis

Apr 24, 2024 • 11min
How to Empower Your Team and Let Go So You Don’t Burnout? [Case study]
Do you find yourself stepping back into the day-to-day of your business? You’re not alone. What if I told you that you might be creating more work for yourself by inserting yourself back into projects and that there is a better way? I get it. You’re an agency owner who fears that standards won’t be met without your direct involvement, clients will be unhappy, and relationships will deteriorate. It’s a common bottleneck, and in this episode, we’ll explore how to effectively stop jumping back in and let go with confidence so you don’t burnout. You’ll hear a compelling case study of an agency owner whose personal involvement became a major bottleneck and how I helped her break free. Stay tuned, and you’ll discover how to rethink and redefine your role so you can: Delegate with confidence without risking the quality of deliveryMaintain and exceed the high standards your clients expect while the business growsEmpower your team and free yourself from the daily grind.Show LinksBook a discovery callGet 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-ep97Podcast Edits by Lindsay Curtis