As your agency grows, so do your company goals. You want to achieve more, be more successful, and reach those milestone markers you have set for your business in record time. Along the way, there may be some challenges, but you have your sights set on becoming that go-to agency for all your clients.
Reaching these goals may seem challenging at times, but with a little effort, foresight and some ingenuity they are achievable. Making periodic tweaks to your business procedures and models may be just what you need to take it over the top and make record-breaking achievements with your agency.
To help you on your way, seven members of Forbes Agency Council discuss below several ways newbie agency owners can achieve their revenue goals and build toward long-term success. Here is what they had to say:
1. Be Honest And Real
Utilize honest personal branding as much as possible — your network is everything as an agency owner. People want to see the real you, not what you think they want to see. - Caleb Clark, Qonsult
2. Offer Quality
Business starts with forming relationships. If a client throws a small project to you, see it as a chance to knock it out of the park and become a respected, long-term partner. Going above and beyond for each and every project will help your business grow just as fast, if not faster than networking and generating "buzz." Client service and quality work are everything. - Becky Lang, Superhuman Agency
3. Hire A Great Salesperson
If you're not a natural salesperson, hire a great salesperson early on. It's the best investment you can make. Most agency owners think that focusing on investing in creative talent is the best choice for the first few hires. And while that's obviously important, if you don't have a consistent stream of new leads coming in, you won't have the work to support them. - Lauren Fairbanks, S&G
4. Ensure Mutually Beneficial Terms
One tip is to ensure that the contract terms are mutually beneficial. Often, a startup agency will take on a client to establish a track record, and will either undercharge or overpromise, leading to a time-consuming and unprofitable relationship. It's better to understand your capabilities and charge for those services accordingly, ensuring that the client is happy and you're making money. - Matthew Abenante, Porter, LeVay & Rose, Inc.
5. Stand Out
Make sure you stand out. There are more than 50,000 agencies in the United States alone. Dig in, get niche. Focus on solving problems, and be a pain killer. - Jennifer Barbee, Destination Innovate
6. Work With Local Organizations
Be committed to at least two associations or organizations in your city that your clients frequent. Attend their events, showcase your services at their conferences, volunteer for a committee and make it a point to get to know board members one on one. Ask them if they will co-brand a special event with you and invite your most promising prospects. - Francine Carb, Markitects, Inc.
7. Make The Most Of Your Network
Building an agency and landing top-tier brands is a relationships game. Leverage your network to the maximum by getting quality intros from trusted ex-colleagues, clients or partners. If you're in a new space like us (conversational AI for brands), leverage your knowledge and capabilities to craft insightful content that will help build your brand online and establish thought leadership. - Etienne Mérineau, Heyday Technologies Inc
