Small But Mighty Agency: How to Grow Your Agency

Has your agency hit a plateau? Maybe you're attracting the wrong clients or feeling like your services aren’t being valued as much as they should be. If this sounds familiar, it might be time to rethink your positioning.In this episode of Small But Mighty Agency, we’re diving into how repositioning your agency can help you:Break out of a growth plateauAttract bigger, higher-paying clients who truly value your expertiseGain clarity on your niche and stand out in a crowded marketBuild a reputation as a go-to expert in your industryWondering if it’s time to reposition? I’ll walk you through the four key signs that indicate a shift is needed and share actionable steps to successfully reposition your agency and reignite growth.Key Takeaways:The benefits of repositioning and why it can transform your agency’s prospectsPractical insights on how to realign your services and messaging to attract the clients you truly wantHow to shift your positioning to open doors to higher-value clients and more lucrative opportunitiesLet me know your thoughts after you listen—I’d love to hear from you!Show LinksAccess our network designed for agency owners to get more consistent referrals, connections and collaborations. Agency Together can save you time and help you build a network that gets you the clients you want to work with. And don’t forget 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 newsletter.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/ep112Podcast Edits by Lindsay Curtis

Are you a small agency owner wondering how to really stand out?If you've been feeling the pressure of competition and questioning how to unlock new growth opportunities, you're in the right place. In today's episode, I’m unpacking a strategy to transform how you approach growth. The future of small agencies is in building networks, not silos. Specialization and collaborative ecosystems are already opening doors to new opportunities that many small agencies might have thought were out of reach. That’s why in this episode, I’m sharing the answers to these three key questions: Why are small agencies better togetherHow choosing collaboration over competition is not just a trend—it's the future.Why the old “competition” mindset is holding you back—and how to shift it for more success If you’re of the mindset that other agencies who offer the same services are your competition, it could be limiting your potential. So stick around because if you want smarter ways to grow and shape the success of your agency, this episode will point you in the right direction.Show LinksIf I may suggest a collaborative ecosystem, check out Agency Together – a referral network designed to help busy agency owners get more consistent referrals and connections without wasting time. Don’t Forget 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 newsletter.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/ep111Podcast Edits by Lindsay Curtis

What if you could cut your task from hours to minutes—wouldn’t that change how your agency operates?Imagine if what took you 14 hours now takes you 2 hours, or what took you 4 hours now takes 35 minutes?For Matt Rouse, co-owner of Hook SEO, those numbers reflect the reality of how AI is raising his agency's productivity.  In this episode, Matt shares how AI has drastically increased productivity at his agency, helped him streamline operations, enhanced client services, and even developed new offerings.Here’s what you’ll learn:How this agency cut task times from hours to minutes using AI Discover the AI tools this agency uses to automate tasks, reduce costs, and deliver more value to clients.Find out how using AI helped this agency create a new service with lower costs and increased profitability.If you're wondering whether AI will take over jobs in the agency space, Matt answers with a resounding yes—but with a twist. Tune in to hear how AI has changed the way this agency works and gain practical insights on how your agency can harness AI to save time, improve quality, and remain competitive.Show LinksBook: Will AI Take My Job? WebsiteLinkedInDigital Marketing Masters PodcastHook SEOGet 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-ep110Podcast Edits by Lindsay Curtis

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