Swenk Today: The Digital Marketing Agency Show

Have you broken the million dollar mark but not sure how to get to the next million in revenue? Have you hit a plateau and not sure how to grow your agency beyond it?

It happened to me in both my businesses, right around year #3. And even though I learned this lesson when I was growing my digital agency it's weird but I kind of forgot about it as I've been growing my agency coaching business....

WHAT MADE YOU YOUR FIRST MILLION WILL NOT MAKE YOU YOUR NEXT MILLION.

I thought (and maybe you're thinking too) that if you do more, you'll make more. But it's actually the opposite. To get the to next lever, you have to do less in order to make more.

Think of it like this... imagine you're a milk cow. And your "milk" represents your time and focus. You only have a limited amount of milk you can produce in a day. But, when you have too many distractions it pulls you away from your "milk."

So think about, what is your "milk"? What is it that you do for your business, that no one else can replicate? For me, in this business, it's my voice on my podcast and my image in my videos. No one else can produce my live content. That's my "milk" and I need to eliminate all the other distractions that prevent me from producing my milk.

That means, I should delegate or outsource other parts of the video and podcast creation, like editing, thumbnails, etc.

What a lot of us try to do when we want to reach that next level, is turn our milk into cheese. We try to produce cheese, distribute cheese, market cheese. The cheese becomes a distraction. So, my advice is to focus on your milk and figure out who else can do things that aren't your milk.

How much is your time actually worth? You can always make more money but you can't make more time. So, once you understand the true value of your time, focus on doing less - make the milk - and you'll make a whole lot more money.

So, tell me what is your milk? And what things are you going to pass off to someone else? Who are your who's that will do more for you, so you can do less? Comment below.

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

Music by epidemicsound.com

Have you ever had an idea but talked yourself out of starting it? Ever think get nervous because someone else is already doing what you want to do? In today's video, I'm going to tell you that you CAN still enter a crowded industry and create/innovate to make it better.

Consider Steve Jobs' thoughts the first time he saw and held an MP3 player. Do you think he walked away from it because someone has already done it? No he didn't. Instead, he figured out a way to make it better and created the iPod. Same goes with the smartphone, the computer and the tablet. Did Steve Jobs invent these devices? No. But did he create and innovate something better and eventually dominate a crowded space? Yes!

If you've got ideas for your business but you're holding back because it's already been done.... set those fears aside and instead think about how you can make it better. How can you put your own spin on something and charge for it? That's the real question.

Bottom line - you don't need to "invent" in order to "innovate."

So how can you look at things differently? Comment below and tell me what has stopped you in the past? Are you going to charge forward and look for new opportunities?

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

Music by epidemicsound.com

Why is your agency losing it's best clients to the competition? If you manage accounts or lead a team that does, but you keep losing accounts and are puzzled as to why then this is the video for you.

The problem with clients is that they always forget what you did for them yesterday. But when they get your invoice or see your charge to their credit card they start to question the relationship. They start seeing you, the agency, as a cost instead of an investment.

The solution is benchmarking. You need to continually remind them of where they were, where they are now and where they're going based on your plan. You have to build their confidence in you by sharing the plan with them and explaining how you expect to achieve their desired results.

Every conversation you have with the decision maker should include some form of benchmarking - remind them where they were, where they are now and where they're headed. As you improve on this type of constant communication, you'll eliminate those "we're changing directions" conversations because you're eliminating any surprises.

Timing for these benchmarking conversations should be at least monthly. Make it your habit so that they client always knows where they stand. Be proactive on this and you'll see major improvements in your client retention.

Are you going over benchmarks with your clients? What's holding you back from communicating effectively with them? Tell me below - your questions and comments are my why.

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

SCHEDULE

MON-THUR VLOG #SwenkToday
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 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

Music by epidemicsound.com

Are you being hurt by scope of work for your projects and clients? Tired of scope creep costing your dagency time and money? In this video I'll give you 3 tips to avoid scope creep so you can increase your digital agency profit.

So many agencies put all their time and resources be generating leads and closing new business. But what they struggle with is delivery and maintaining a health profit margin. And that's because they're unable to hold their clients to a scope of work.

So, what is "scope creep"? Well... Scope creep is the continuous or uncontrolled growth in a project's scope, at any point after the project begins. This can occur when the scope of a project is not properly defined, documented, or controlled.

I don't want you to make this same mistake that I made in my agency and so many other agency owners make all the time. Here are 3 tips to help you avoid scope creep:

#1 -- Define the scope of work on Day #1. Your scope of work should be clearly detailed in the proposal. A lot of agencies look at their proposal as a way to win the deal. But really, you should already have a verbal commitment before you present a proposal. This is where you clearly state expectations, timeline and deliverables.

#2 -- Manage all changes with approvals and sign-offs. Literally have our clients sign-off on design and copy. That way if they want to change it down the road you have documentation of their initial approval and can explain why you must charge them for the change.

#3 -- Tell the clients when they're requesting something out of scope. Make sure there's awareness, even when the out of scope request is a small one. Do this by creating a zero dollar change order and make them sign it as acknowledgement. That way when there's a big out of scope request, you have trained them on your process and they won't be surprised that there's a charge.

Let's face reality, scope creep is going to happen. But if you do these 3 things, you should be able to to avoid most of it because you're prepared. You need your team to communicate with the client and be proactive about you scope creep.

Is your agency falling victim to scope creep? Tell me about your digital agency struggles by commenting below.

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

SCHEDULE

MON-THUR VLOG #SwenkToday
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 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

Music by epidemicsound.com

Do you want to start an agency, a digital marketing agency? Are you a Digital Agency Startup? Or, have you recently started one and want to know what it takes to become a successful creative agency?

People are always asking me how to stop struggling so they can grow at a faster rate. I have documented some of the 8 systems it takes to grow a successful agency and develop a digital agency strategy.

1- CLARITY
Think about WHY you're starting your agency. Knowing your why can help you create your company vision. And a vision is key because you can't get where you're going if you don't have a destination in mind!

The other thing you need is a clear understanding of your niche. Most agencies are hesitant to declare a niche because they're afraid to turn down work in other areas. That's not the case! You do not have to turn down other work, but you DO want to declare a niche so you can be viewed as a expert and leader in that category.

2- POSITIONING
Most of the time, we see marketing agencies position themselves as the star of the show. Their website and all their own marketing materials tell their own story of success. It's like they're Batman, which leaves the client in the position of Robin (and that's not good because no one wants to wear those green tights!).

Instead, you should position your agency as Alfred, the trusted advisor of Batman. In the position of trusted advisor you're looked upon for advice based on your experience and expertise. The right positioning will set you up for success because it makes your client the star of the show, and your agency looked to for support and guidance.

3- OFFERING
Most agencies don't fully understand the value of the service they're providing. They want the work so badly they don't clearly see the value of what they're providing. You should always think about the client's expectations and the results you're going to deliver.

Another mistake is going after the big project right off the bat. It's like proposing marriage on the first date. Instead, you want to create a service offering ladder that starts with a Foot in the Door offer. Then you can work your way up the offering ladder slowly to continually build trust and authority.

4- PROSPECTING
Once you have the foundational systems of 1, 2, and 3 then you can start going after your ideal clients. I like using a 3-prong prospecting strategy including: outbound, inbound, and strategic partnerships.

Outbound sales: Make a "hit list" of the clients you want to work with and start finding creative ways to go after them. Make a connection

Strategic partnerships: This does not mean referral partners but instead think strategically of businesses who target your same audience. Align yourself with them to find ideal clients within your niche.

Inbound sales: First, build authority within the niche, then you can build your sales funnels and market to the right people.

5- SALES
Make sure you qualify your prospects so you don't waste time with the wrong ones. Think NBAT:
N = Need (Do the client's need match your core service?)
B = Budget (What's the budget?)
A = Authority (Who has the final authority?)
T = Timing (What's the timing?)

Learn more at http://jasonswenk.com/playbook

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

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:

The Smart Agency Master Class Podcast, new episodes every Wednesday. http://smartagencymasterclass.com and SwenkToday a daily vlog, new episodes every Mon-Thurs.

Ask a question: http://jasonswenk.com/askswenk

Follow Jason Swenk:
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  
Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/jasonswenk

Music by epidemicsound.com

This video includes a great strategy that can build a lot of awareness and generate leads for your digital agency business. I'll also reveal one big mistake that can actually hurt your agency business. (Spoiler alert: someone did it today and as you're about to see, I'm pretty FIRED UP about it.)

So, a real game changer for me and a lot of other businesses is being a podcast guest. The great thing about being a guest, is that you just do the interview for 30-mins or so and then the host does all the rest of the work.

When you're a guest on the shows your niche market is listening to, you have their solid, undivided attention. They're listening to you speak about your experience and expertise. You're spreading awareness and gaining authority in your market. It's a brilliant way to generate leads.... IF you're interview is helpful.

Remember, help first to spread good will, don't sell right off the bat.

That's where my frustration from today comes in. I just interviewed a former agency owner for my other show, The Smart Agency Master Class (http://smartagencymasterclass.com). This guy used to run a digital agency and now is transitioning into running a service for digital agencies.

This should've been a great interview. But instead, this guy just used it as a pitch-fest. UGH! SO MAD!!! :/

Look, I set up the expectations for him. I sent him (as I do with all my guests) the expectations for the interview. Our #1 goal for the podcast is to provide VALUE to my audience. That's it... provide value. I also chatted with the guest before recording the show and told him to focus on his experience running an agency.

HE PITCHED THE WHOLE TIME!!! Seriously, the entire time.

I can't even use this interview for my podcast because I refuse to expose my audience to this type of garbage.

So I want you to learn from this guy's mistake and hear what I'm saying. When you're interviewed on a podcast, just provide value with no expectations for an immediate return. I promise, it will come back to you in the long run.

I can't even begin to tell you what a game changer this can be for your digital agency when you provide value as a podcast guest. Your ideal clients are listening to podcast when they're working out, in waiting rooms, on road trips, etc. People want to hear what you have to say and it will strike a chord for them. They will remember you for it, as long as you don't use it as a forum for a sales pitch.

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

SCHEDULE

MON-THUR VLOG #SwenkToday
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 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

Music by epidemicsound.com

What should you be paying your digital agency employees? What resources should you be looking at in order to gauge the appropriate pay range or salary?

As a digital agency owner, naturally you want to know how to compensate your team. You want to make sure they feel valued while also doing what's best for bottom line. But it can get overwhelming with all the different resources out there, such as Glass Door or others.

I actually just take a hard look at the situation and ask myself these 3 questions:

1. What can I afford to pay?
2. What impact would this employee make on the business?
3. What does the employee need in order to be happy?

At the end of the day, it doesn't actually matter what you pay them as long as you help them achieve their goals. People make a decision on who they work for based on how it makes them feel. They want to feel as though their making a contribution to something great, they want to feel significant and they want to know there's an opportunity for personal and professional growth.

In my agency, we allowed our team to grow within the company and contribute to the agency's growth. We communicated the core values and beliefs so the team could feel aligned with us. And, we made sure the team knew where we were headed as a business so they could understand and feel they had a significant role in the big picture.

So, what are you struggling with? Let me know so I can answer your questions here.

RELATED:
https://youtu.be/SSFMlAvI17A
https://youtu.be/6VCJiStY5O8
https://youtu.be/KoniPZzGTzk

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

Music by epidemicsound.com

Are you frustrated that your digital agency clients don't understand your value? Ever do an amazing job for a client but had them leave you anyways? Or ever been blindsided when a client says they decided to "go in a different direction" and are changing agencies?

It all boils down to communication. As agency owners with access to all this technology we are trying to automate everything to make ourselves more efficient.

However, this becomes a communication roadblock for our retainer clients. The ones we're servicing regularly in things like strategy, SEO, PPC, Facebook ads... we're not making personal connections and communicating the way we need to be.

What's the benchmark for your clients? What did their life look like before working with you? What does it look like now? And is it significantly better need with you in the picture? You can't automate this stuff -- they need to hear from their agency in a more personal and meaningful way.

I have a client who was trying to automate his client interactions and reporting. The problem with that approach is that its overwhelming to the client. They don't speak digital marketing lingo and they have no idea how to read reports without your translation. You might be sending reports to them every month, but if they don't know how to interpret the information they'll stop looking at the reports. Guess what that means? They don't know WHAT or HOW you're doing what you're doing for them!

Also, the more you communicate with your clients, the more you can learn about their industry, their business and ways you can help them grow.

Regular communication is key. Understand where they were, where they are now and where they want to go. Then communicate your plan in helping them get there. When you communicate in this way it makes them feel more confident in you and your digital agency.

If you follow this plan you're going to be able to retainer your clients because they'll understand your digital agency's value and worth. It's so much easier to retainer regular clients than always having to find new ones.

So tell me... how are you effectively communicating with your clients? What's one thing you could be doing better or differently? Comment below - I love hearing from you!

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

Music by epidemicsound.com

When I first sold my agency, I was depressed and here's why... In my role as Digital Agency Owner and CEO, my team needed me. My goal significance was tied up in mentoring them and helping them become successful.

For a long time, I defined myself by what I did for a living and the "material stuff" I owned and could afford to do. The thing about being a business owner is that you've got everything tied to that business. There are peaks and valleys in business and when things start to go down, you begin to worry about losing what you have; and because you define yourself by what you do and what you have.

You have to define yourself by who you are, and be happy with who that is. We have all had tough times where we lose big clients or struggle to pay the bills. Your reaction to those things is what defines you. Use those moments to learn and grow, and become a better business owner because of it.

So, what defines you? Comment below - I love hearing from you!

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

===========================================
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. Your 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 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 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 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


Music by epidemicsound.com

Do you dread design by committee? Do you ever have trouble staying on deadline because your client require too many people's approvals? Sometimes clients handle approvals by committee and that can be a major hassle!

Brandon asked:
"How do you deal with clients who have so many stakeholders involved in the approval process of your marketing agency work, while trying to stay on schedule with your processes?"

YIKE! That can be a huge problem, right? It's like you have your main client contact but when it comes to approvals all the sudden there's a bunch more head honchos involved in the approval process.

It all goes back to realizing that not every client is right for you. If someone came to me and told me there's a committee for their approval process I would tell them we don't work that way. It's just not an efficient way to work and it's OK to tell a client you can't and don't work that way.

Turning down work might seem a little backwards and scary, but it also earns you credibility. Don't be afraid to stick to your guns. You client will actually respect you for it and realize that you might be onto something. And if they don't, they weren't the right fit for you anyway.

Remember, you aren't going to be the best agency for every client - and that is OK. Say NO to the wrong clients so you can make room for the right ones.

My motto is: There's no such thing as a bad agency client. There's only a bad prospect or a bad process. (And, if they tell you they approve by committee they're a bad prospect for sure!)

So - how will you handle a situation like this in the future? What challenges is your agency facing? Comment below and let me know your questions!

Related:
https://youtu.be/8Fw_GseAsiQ
https://youtu.be/gZqQVZheLPk
https://youtu.be/Wx5IxpV4EXg
https://youtu.be/UfZkuHN5qQ4
https://youtu.be/wfG1nJ2I3gs
https://youtu.be/stbKRSmWieU
https://youtu.be/jH5VUXLVQ1c

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

===========================================
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. Your 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 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 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 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


Music by epidemicsound.com