26 min
Evolving as your agency grows (featuring Jason Swenk) The Chats with Chip Podcast
-
- Marketing
In this episode, Chip talks with Jason Swenk of Agency Mastery 360 about the intricate dynamics of agency growth, operations, and sales. The discussion touches upon multiple challenges that agency owners grapple with daily, offering a number of actionable insights.
* The Accidental Agency Owner: Jason himself began as an accidental agency owner at 22 when he designed a website poking fun at the pop band, NSYNC. From there, he scaled to an eight-figure agency with over 100 employees before selling. The “accidental” trajectory resonates with many in the agency world, leading to unique challenges and growth patterns.
* The Importance of Clarity: Jason emphasizes that clarity is paramount for agency success. Many agencies fall into the trap of accepting any client that comes their way, diluting their niche and expertise. By clearly understanding the direction they want to take, agencies can build a robust framework and delegate more efficiently.
* The Agency CEO Role: The transition from owner to CEO is vital for growth. A CEO needs to set the vision, coach the leadership team, be the organization’s face, build strategic relationships, and understand essential financial metrics.
* To Sell or Not to Sell: When contemplating selling their agency, owners need to assess the motivation behind this decision. Whether it’s discontentment, wanting a change, or a genuine need for cash, understanding the core reason can make the process more seamless. Jason sheds light on valuation nuances, stressing the importance of EBITDA and the pitfalls of earnouts.
* Enhancing Sales and Lead Generation: One of the primary pain points for agency owners is sales. Jason recommends a multi-channel approach, which includes inbound and outbound strategies.
Chip and Jason highlight the importance of evolving with the agency. Whether it’s adjusting the business model, understanding financial metrics, or pivoting strategies, staying proactive ensures sustained growth and success.
Key takeaways
Jason Swenk: “We’re accidental. We knew how to do something cool. Someone offered us money and then the next thing we knew, we created this great prison around ourselves because we were doing everything.”
Chip Griffin: “If an agency owner is able to define their role effectively, they’re going to be more successful because they’re going to actually enjoy it.”
Jason Swenk: “If you come up with a plan, I don’t care if the plan works or not, you’re going to have so much more certainty in order to make the right decision. Then you’re inspiring your team rather than demotivating them.”
Chip Griffin: “I think that the expectations amongst a lot of agency owners are inflated as far as how easy it is for them to sell, what the sale looks like, how much money they’re going to get from it.”
Resources
* Agency Mastery 360
* Sign up for Jason’s weekly newsletter
About Jason Swenk
Jason Swenk is the agency advisor & coach that guides marketing agencies through a proven framework for growing their agency faster.
In this episode, Chip talks with Jason Swenk of Agency Mastery 360 about the intricate dynamics of agency growth, operations, and sales. The discussion touches upon multiple challenges that agency owners grapple with daily, offering a number of actionable insights.
* The Accidental Agency Owner: Jason himself began as an accidental agency owner at 22 when he designed a website poking fun at the pop band, NSYNC. From there, he scaled to an eight-figure agency with over 100 employees before selling. The “accidental” trajectory resonates with many in the agency world, leading to unique challenges and growth patterns.
* The Importance of Clarity: Jason emphasizes that clarity is paramount for agency success. Many agencies fall into the trap of accepting any client that comes their way, diluting their niche and expertise. By clearly understanding the direction they want to take, agencies can build a robust framework and delegate more efficiently.
* The Agency CEO Role: The transition from owner to CEO is vital for growth. A CEO needs to set the vision, coach the leadership team, be the organization’s face, build strategic relationships, and understand essential financial metrics.
* To Sell or Not to Sell: When contemplating selling their agency, owners need to assess the motivation behind this decision. Whether it’s discontentment, wanting a change, or a genuine need for cash, understanding the core reason can make the process more seamless. Jason sheds light on valuation nuances, stressing the importance of EBITDA and the pitfalls of earnouts.
* Enhancing Sales and Lead Generation: One of the primary pain points for agency owners is sales. Jason recommends a multi-channel approach, which includes inbound and outbound strategies.
Chip and Jason highlight the importance of evolving with the agency. Whether it’s adjusting the business model, understanding financial metrics, or pivoting strategies, staying proactive ensures sustained growth and success.
Key takeaways
Jason Swenk: “We’re accidental. We knew how to do something cool. Someone offered us money and then the next thing we knew, we created this great prison around ourselves because we were doing everything.”
Chip Griffin: “If an agency owner is able to define their role effectively, they’re going to be more successful because they’re going to actually enjoy it.”
Jason Swenk: “If you come up with a plan, I don’t care if the plan works or not, you’re going to have so much more certainty in order to make the right decision. Then you’re inspiring your team rather than demotivating them.”
Chip Griffin: “I think that the expectations amongst a lot of agency owners are inflated as far as how easy it is for them to sell, what the sale looks like, how much money they’re going to get from it.”
Resources
* Agency Mastery 360
* Sign up for Jason’s weekly newsletter
About Jason Swenk
Jason Swenk is the agency advisor & coach that guides marketing agencies through a proven framework for growing their agency faster.
26 min