Swenk Today: The Digital Marketing Agency Show

In this video, I'm giving you the 8 components of the business plan every digital marketing agency needs in order to be successful. So many of us are in the agency business by accident. But, success doesn't happen by accident and that's why you need a plan.

I get it. At first you knew how to do something cool and people were willing to pay you for it. Then before you knew it, you became an agency. So whether you're just starting out or got years of experience under your belt, it's never too late to develop a business plan.

Here's the 8 Systems every Digital Marketing Agency needs:

1. CLARITY: Where is your agency now and where do you want it to go? You can't get where you're going unless you're very clear on the destination.

2. POSITIONING: How can you position your agency as "THE Choice" rather than just "A Choice"?

3. OFFERING: What do your ideal clients need? Hint: it's not always what you want them to need :) But, what does your service offering ladder look like and how can you use it to build trust and land the bigger projects or retainers?

4. PROSPECTING: With the right positioning and offering, how can you find the right prospects? I believe every agency should have a 3-channel approach to prospecting: inbound, outbound and partnerships. That way, if one or two of those channels becomes weak you still have others to fall back on.

5. SALES: What will be your process for converting all your prospects into clients? Are you talking to only the right prospects and not wasting time on the wrong ones? Is there a qualification process, proposal process and follow-up process?

6. DELIVERY: This is an area that is often overlooked but so important to success. What is the onboarding strategy? What is the plan for continuous follow-up and how can you ensure you don't lose money through scope creep?

7. OPERATIONS: What is the structure of your team and how does your agency's org chart look? As you grow, how will the org chart continue to develop and where do the layers of authority and responsibility lie?

8. LEADERSHIP: What are the roles of the leadership team and how involved in the owner in daily operations? What KPI's are important and how often do you measure them against your goals? How will you develop your agency's brand and continue to stand out?

If you want to find out even more about creating the 8 Systems for your own Digital Marketing Agency Business Plan, check out: http://jasonswenk.com/playbook

Thanks for watching. Your comments are why I do this, so please take a second and say hello.

SUBSCRIBE NOW to follow my entrepreneurial journey. https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLDvZHFVeqEMq58q6tMoyMK-ufpp0ysoVP
 

Wondering how to best handle your digital marketing agency competition? It's something that took me a long time to figure out, so I want to save you the trouble.

When I was an digital marketing agency owner, and even now in my marketing agency coaching business, I have always wanted to destroy my competition. Who doesn't feel that way, right?

Well, you don't have to destroy anyone. In fact, your services aren't going to be for every client - the world is huge and there's enough work to go around. You can coexist peacefully with your competition. Just focus on being #1 and don't worry about them.

See, if you're spending time and energy focused on the competition then you aren't being focused on growing your own business. You're allowing them to take away the time and energy that should be devoted to your business.

And, I recall a very rare interview with both Steve Jobs and Bill Gates. For sure, they're competitors but they realized they are both need their competition in the technology space. Competition can be your motivation and inspiration without being a distraction.

My advice is keep to your eye on the prize! And just like my race car days, full speed ahead without looking back.

What are your comments on competition? How can you turn your experience from a negative focus to a positive one?

SUBSCRIBE NOW to follow my entrepreneurial journey: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLDvZHFVeqEMq8hHniuKqjQ2BgP4yOA-OI

Thanks for watching. I hope you keep up with the daily videos I post on my channel. Make sure you subscribe and share your learnings with others. You comments are why I do this, so please take a second and say hello.

JASON SWENK IS AN AGENCY ADVISOR THAT GUIDES MARKETING AGENCIES THROUGH A PROVEN FRAMEWORK FOR GROWING THEIR AGENCY FASTER & EASIER. http://jasonswenk.com

In 1999 he launched a digital agency that quickly grew to a multi-million dollar operation working with brands such as AT&T, Hitachi and Lotus Cars. After 12 years of amazing growth his agency was acquired in 2012.

Now, Jason leads JasonSwenk.com, a unique media company & consultancy helping marketing agencies grow, scale, and enjoy running their agency by applying the framework that he used to grow, scale and eventually sell his agency. Jason has helped over 20,000 agencies in 42 countries meet or exceed their business goals.

Jason generously shares it all as a frequent guest on popular radio and podcast shows. He has been featured as an expert in top media publications such as Entrepreneur and Inc. Magazine. Plus, he currently hosts two of the best agency podcasts:

The Smart Agency Master Class Podcast, dedicated to providing tactics and strategies to agency owners and decision makers that cut through the BS, focus on exactly what works and what doesn’t; and
The #AskSwenk Show, a video show that answers agency questions about successful, multi-million dollar agency.

SCHEDULE

MON-THUR VLOG #AskSwenk
Q&A from my digital agency audience

Ask me A Question
http://jasonswenk.com/askswenk

Podcast Wednesday:
(Digital Agency Interviews)
https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/smart-agency-masterclass-marketing/id870206013?mt=2&ls=1
or
http://smartagencymasterclass.com

Follow me:
http://www.facebook.com/jasonswenk
https://twitter.com/jswenk
https://www.instagram.com/jswenk
https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasonswenk
https://medium.com/@jswenk/

Finding the right agency sales person to help you grow can be a large undertaking. In the end it will truly benefit your agency and can be a total game changer. But the hard part is finding the right fit of talent, skill and experience.

In this video, listen in as I advise one of my clients on finding, hiring and paying an agency sales person. Also, what qualities to look for during the interview process and trial period.

PLUS... (and here's the bonus) I'm giving some insight on a self awareness discovery I just made that is holding me back in my business. I share this in the hopes that it helps more entrepreneurs build, grow and scale.

Do you know what's holding you back? Comment below and tell me because we're on this journey together.

Subscribe now and follow my entrepreneurial journey here: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list...

Thanks for watching. I hope you keep up with the daily videos I post on my channel. Make sure you subscribe and share your learnings with others. You comments are why I do this, so please take a second and say hello.

JASON SWENK IS AN AGENCY ADVISOR THAT GUIDES MARKETING AGENCIES THROUGH A PROVEN FRAMEWORK FOR GROWING THEIR AGENCY FASTER & EASIER.

Fresh out of college Jason was off to work for Arthur Anderson, one of the big 5 consulting firms. He quickly realized that he could never work for anyone other than himself. He decided to change direction, launch a digital agency that quickly grew to a multi-million dollar operation working with brands such as AT&T, Hitachi and Lotus Cars. After 12 years of steady growth, the agency caught the attention of bigger agencies and Jason sold it in 2012.

Now, Jason leads http://JasonSwenk.com, a unique media company & consultancy helping marketing agencies grow & scale their agencies faster by applying the framework that he used to grow, scale and eventually sell his agency. Jason has helped over 10,000 agencies in 23 countries meet or exceed their business goals.

Jason currently hosts two shows that are available for download…

The Smart Agency Master Class Podcast, dedicated to providing tactics and strategies to agency owners and decision makers that cut through the BS, focus on exactly what works and what doesn’t; and

SwenkToday is a daily VLOG that documents the entrepreneur journey of building another multimillion dollar business, where he share the latest strategies, and answers the most burning questions entrepreneurs have.

DONATE to help us continue to provide you amazing content. https://jasonswenk.com/donate/

SCHEDULE

MON-THUR VLOG #SwenkToday
Q&A from my digital agency audience

Ask me A Question
http://jasonswenk.com/askswenk

Podcast Thursday:
(Digital Agency Interviews)
https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/s...
or
http://smartagencymasterclass.com

Follow me here:
Website: http://jasonswenk.com
Podcast: http://smartagencymasterclass.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/jasonswenk
Twitter: https://twitter.com/jswenk
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jswenk
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasonswenk
Medium: https://medium.com/@jswenk/

Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/jasonswenk

How can your digital marketing agency be the best and attract the best clients? Get totally focused like Tom! I get it! It's hard to get focused and stay focused. Entrepreneurs have the motivation and the determination but usually end up having a hard time getting/staying focused. It's the "shiny object" syndrome that most of us suffer from... but there IS a solution!

Look at New England Patriots Quarterback, Tom Brady. At age 40, he should be retired from this game but instead he's just totally focused on being the #1 quarterback in the NFL. Look, I'm not a fan of his (at all). But, I do give him credit. He does yoga and stretching, even meditation. He is so focused on being the #1 quarterback in the league and so he IS.

A lot of marketing agency owners I coach don't know what drives them, who they service, or where their focus should be.

If you're struggling with focus and making the right decisions I humbly suggest my Agency University mentorship program. We're a group of agency owners who help each other and hold each other accountable. It comes naturally because we've all been there and can relate with the challenges of agency life! University members also get to work with me 1-ON-1 every day 90 days so I can mentor you on a personal level and help you achieve your agency goals faster.

Check out http://Agency.University

Comment below and tell me about your biggest challenges running your marketing agency. Agency life is HARD but working with people who get it can make it easier.

Subscribe now and follow my entrepreneurial journey here: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list...

Thanks for watching. I hope you keep up with the daily videos I post on my channel. Make sure you subscribe and share your learnings with others. You comments are why I do this, so please take a second and say hello.

JASON SWENK IS AN AGENCY ADVISOR THAT GUIDES MARKETING AGENCIES THROUGH A PROVEN FRAMEWORK FOR GROWING THEIR AGENCY FASTER & EASIER.

Fresh out of college Jason was off to work for Arthur Anderson, one of the big 5 consulting firms. He quickly realized that he could never work for anyone other than himself. He decided to change direction, launch a digital agency that quickly grew to a multi-million dollar operation working with brands such as AT&T, Hitachi and Lotus Cars. After 12 years of steady growth, the agency caught the attention of bigger agencies and Jason sold it in 2012.

Now, Jason leads http://JasonSwenk.com, a unique media company & consultancy helping marketing agencies grow & scale their agencies faster by applying the framework that he used to grow, scale and eventually sell his agency. Jason has helped over 10,000 agencies in 23 countries meet or exceed their business goals.

Jason currently hosts two shows that are available for download…

The Smart Agency Master Class Podcast, dedicated to providing tactics and strategies to agency owners and decision makers that cut through the BS, focus on exactly what works and what doesn’t; and

SwenkToday is a daily VLOG that documents the entrepreneur journey of building another multimillion dollar business, where he share the latest strategies, and answers the most burning questions entrepreneurs have.

DONATE to help us continue to provide you amazing content. https://jasonswenk.com/donate/

SCHEDULE

MON-THUR VLOG #SwenkToday
Q&A from my digital agency audience

Ask me A Question
http://jasonswenk.com/askswenk

Podcast Thursday:
(Digital Agency Interviews)
https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/s...
or
http://smartagencymasterclass.com

Follow me here:
Website: http://jasonswenk.com
Podcast: http://smartagencymasterclass.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/jasonswenk
Twitter: https://twitter.com/jswenk
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jswenk
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasonswenk
Medium: https://medium.com/@jswenk/

Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/jasonswenk

Customer service should be your #1 priority for growing your marketing agency. I think this is so often overlooked but it can be a real competitive advantage for your marketing agency.

I had someone buy my agency documents and then send me a message telling me it was a rip off. I immediately got offended by their comment because I'm totally sincere and only put out my best stuff so I'd never rip someone off. But, instead of getting pissed off right away, I got to the root of their problem and was able to solve it, and keep this guy as a fan again.

When you have a confrontation with a client or hear from a dissatisfied customers think of the big picture. Take time to listen to the whole story instead of getting defensive right away.

Remember your intentions for being in business and make sure your account management team knows how to handle situations that may arise. Most of the time, client issues boil down to being a misunderstanding or something that needs further clarification. I think we are usually quick to chalk things up to being a "bad client" when really something got lost in translation.

Ultimately, a disgruntled client can do A LOT more damage to you and your agency's reputation. Most of the time this can be avoided by hearing them out and making it right.

Got a client story to share? Tell me about your customer service challenges by commenting below.

Generating leads on Facebook might have gotten a little harder. But, the game has changed in your favor. So, don't be like Chicken Little because the sky is not falling! Think about it like this....

This change by Facebook is actually a good thing. You should already be producing content that is focused on a specific audience for the specific purpose of being helpful and engaging. And if you are - that is the content that will not be affected. What IS going to ding you is the way you schedule your posts. Using social media post automation software will be a flag for sure... no robo -posting.

On the bright side, there are going to be people who will ignore this warning. Your competitors, and your clients' competitors will continue social media business as usual. Take advantage now because the game has changed in your favor.

I can't blame Facebook for wanting to get rid of the crap that makes our newsfeeds so noisy and overwhelming. What you can do for your agency and/or your clients is make every post count. Try these things:
1. Get rid of the automation and use the in-app Facebook post scheduler.
2. Get on Facebook Like more often (or start, if you haven't!).
3. Create content with intention and purpose. Make it engaging or entertaining.

Comment below and tell me what your ideas are for creating current, relevant content for your agency and your clients.

Does your marketing agency need an Ops Director? Are you having a hard time juggling everything?

In this video, I give advice on how to know its time to bring someone in to handle agency systems and processes. Plus, how to find the right person and mold them into the role you need to fill.

It starts by knowing what you can and cannot or should not do. What you love to do and what you don't love to do. Hire for the things you suck at and let someone else who's better and smarter handle what you can't or shouldn't.

Agency life is HARD. Know what you know and let others handle what you don't know. Do have a someone who manages your marketing agency ops? Should you?

Comment below and tell me about your biggest challenges running your marketing agency.

Subscribe now and follow my entrepreneurial journey here: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLDvZHFVeqEMq8hHniuKqjQ2BgP4yOA-OI

Thanks for watching. I hope you keep up with the daily videos I post on my channel. Make sure you subscribe and share your learnings with others. You comments are why I do this, so please take a second and say hello.

JASON SWENK IS AN AGENCY ADVISOR THAT GUIDES MARKETING AGENCIES THROUGH A PROVEN FRAMEWORK FOR GROWING THEIR AGENCY FASTER & EASIER.

Want to know how you can win more agency clients and beat your competition? Have a PLAN and be able to easily communicate this plan.

If you want to win more proposals, then you have to be able to demonstrate HOW you are going to help your prospective clients achieve their goals.

Here's an analogy -- Why do people workout in the gym under the guidance of a personal trainer? It's because they are overwhelmed by all the options of exercise and equipment at the gym. They need an expert to show them a plan that will help them succeed.

That's what you need to be to your clients. As an agency, you job is to get your clients from point A to point B by building the bridge between their lack of knowledge and their goals.

Start defining your plan, make sure it's SIMPLE & EASY to understand. Walk someone else through the plan, someone else who's not associated with your agency business or even in the industry... heck, grab a 12 year and see if they can understand it. If not, then keep working to simplify it. You'll win more agency clients with clear communication of a concise plan.

As Einstein said, "If you cannot fully explain it, you don't understand it enough."

Two biggest things you can do to grow your agency are two of the most easy and simple things you can do. And yet, they are most often over looked.

1. CHARGE MORE. You are underestimating the value of what your agency is delivering to your clients. Also, you are not communicating the value of what you're doing for your clients. You can charge more as long as you are demonstrating value.

2. STOP AUTOMATING EVERYTHING. Just because the technology exists doesn't mean we need to automate or "botify" everything. Agency clients like to do business with people. We need to humanize, connect and build relationships and trust.

Give one or both of these strategies a try. I promise, you will experience growth and increase agency profits! Comment below and let me know how it works out.

What would I do if I had to start a marketing agency over again? What could I do to help my agency grow and scale beyond me? I grew my 8-figure digital agency for over 12 years until I sold it, so what would I do differently?

It all starts with having the right foundation. You need focus and clarity to build a business on. I think we all fall into business almost by accident and it's real easy to get stuck trying to make ends meet, week by week or day by day.

However, if you set aside time to be really clear on your agency vision and goals, you'll be able to build on that foundation. If I had to do it over again, I'd definitely take time to get really clear on the agency's long term goals.

When your agency isn't led with clarity, you and your team don't know where it's headed. This is the basic foundation every marketing agency needs. So when you are very clear on those things, you can steer the ship in the right direction.

Whether you are just starting out, or in business awhile but maybe stuck in a rut take time to gain some clarity. When you do, you'll see an immediate impact on your agency business.

Comment below and tell me about your challenges and struggles at your agency.