Small But Mighty Agency

How does the desire for quick success cloud long-term strategic thinking? It can appear as shiny distractions or band-aide approaches instead of dealing with the root cause. Why does this happen? It's a case of not seeing the forest from the trees because you’re standing among the trees. Ultimately, it makes your to-do list longer and your life harder as you go one step forward and two steps back.How can you tell if your pursuit of quick success obscures your strategic vision?Sometimes, it's hard to see until it’s too late. In this episode, I help you see the signs so you can course-correct. Tune into this podcast episode to hear: The hard-to-see signs that you might be prioritizing shiny quick wins over sustainable growth. Four tangible effects of losing sight of your strategic vision so you can get in front of the challenge. Insights to maintain focus and ensure your growth isn't sidelined by short-term gains Show LinksBuild a Mighty Pod Model for your agency so that client work isn’t dependent on you to scale. Get the Mighty Pod Model cheatsheet here. 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-ep96Podcast Edits by Lindsay Curtis

Is it a great idea or a shiny distraction for your business? How do you decide?” I’ve seen business owners go all in on distractions at the expense of what is working in the business and derail their team because the shiny object syndrome is real. The one thing that entrepreneurs don’t lack is ideas and the tendency to be quick starts. Raise your hand if that’s you. New ideas can bring creativity and innovation and diversify opportunities – one hundred percent. But shiny distractions, such as new offers, services, and ideas, can threaten the foundation that has made your business successful if left unchecked. In this new series, I share how you can keep the shiny distractions from derailing your agency.Tune into this episode to get the number one guardrail you need to install in your business and three things not to overlook in your guardrail. Show LinksAre 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-ep95Podcast Edits by Lindsay Curtis

Have you struggled with letting go of client work and trusting your team to deliver? You might feel – even with processes – that your team can’t deliver at the level you want.It’s not unusual for agency owners to struggle with sharing their specialized knowledge with their team.  The struggle is made more difficult when you don’t know or don’t solve the root of the issue. This misunderstanding leads to reliance on ineffective, "quick-fix" solutions. I often hear agency owners express the challenge as “my team let me down" or  "I find it hard to delegate client responsibilities,” but the root is the struggle to transfer your niche knowledge.  It’s a bottleneck that stunts business growth, operational efficiency, and your ability to step into a role where you work on your business more than you work in your business. In this episode, I explore the nuanced challenge of niche knowledge transfer and provide three key strategies for knowledge transfer in an agency. Show LinksGet 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-ep94Podcast Edits by Lindsay Curtis

What strategies are working for agencies that are leaders in their niche? ☝️It’s one thing to say that the riches are in the niches, but what are agencies that thrive in their niches doing differently than their counterparts? For one thing – they’re not scattering their efforts; niche agencies use laser focus to their advantage. Even if you specialize in an industry or sector, you still need to maximize what sets you apart, especially when niches are competitive and the economy is changing. Whether you are a niche or generalized agency, in this episode, find out what leading niche-focused agency owners are doing to stand out.  Tune in to hear the four strategies agency owners leading in their niche are paying close attention to right now.  Show Links:What Are The Top Niches for Agency Success in The Current Economy?Build a Mighty Pod Model for your agency so that client work isn’t dependent on you to scale. Get the Mighty Pod Model cheatsheet here. Book a ConsultHey 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-ep93Podcast Edits by Lindsay Curtis

What niches have the most opportunities for agencies right now? Yes, the riches are still in the niches. In other words, growth is most pronounced in specialization, not generalization, but not all niches are equal in this economy. Some niches are ripe with untapped opportunities for agency owners to carve out and tailor their expertise.  So, what exactly are these lucrative niches? In this episode, I merge valuable insights from my work with niche-specific agencies and conversations with agency owners to share an emerging pattern for success in niches.Tune in to learn the three factors that make certain niches more lucrative than others right now. Show LinksBook a ConsultBuild a Mighty Pod Model for your agency so that client work isn’t dependent on you to scale. Get the Mighty Pod Model cheatsheet here. 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-ep92Podcast Edits by Lindsay Curtis

What moves should you make on LinkedIn to attract clients effectively this year? With the platform constantly evolving, understanding the dos and don’ts of LinkedIn can feel like a puzzle. In this episode, you’ll hear from a LinkedIn Marketing Agency Owner on how to make LinkedIn work for you.We dive into what’s working for content creation and engagement and explore how to avoid mistakes users commonly make on Linkedin. Whether LinkedIn has been your playground for a while or you’re just dipping your toes in, this episode is packed with practical tips and tricks you won’t want to miss. So, let’s get into it and find out how to leverage LinkedIn to attract clients in 2024. Show LinksLouisebrogan.comLouise’s LinkedinLinkedin with Louise YouTubeConnect with me on LinkedInBuild a Mighty Pod Model for your agency so that client work isn’t dependent on you to scale. Get the Mighty Pod Model cheatsheet here. 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-ep91Podcast Edits by Lindsay Curtis

What is the approach that has helped me build a track record for tripling growth for agency owners? Let’s start with what it’s not – it’s not about quick fixes or one-size-fits-all solutions. It's about a strategic system that has taken me years to distill into a lens (like a magnifying glass) you can use today.Like many experts, I had the expert’s curse, which means it's hard for me to step outside my brain to see how to distill my complex knowledge into more straightforward, more accessible concepts for you to use without losing the depth. But a magical thing happened when I went from sharing words to turning it into a resource that shows you the connections.  I bridged the gap so you can see the system as a whole and use it to identify patterns in your agency and get to the solutions faster.In this episode, get to know the strategic system that has helped me build a track record for tripling growth for agencies and learn how you can use it, too. Don’t miss this one. Show Notes:Part 3: The “Big 3” Pillars Agency Owners Need to Build a High-Performing Agency Build a Mighty Pod Model for your agency so that client work isn't dependent on you to scale. Get the Mighty Pod Model cheatsheet here. Book a consultHey 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-ep90Podcast Edits by Lindsay Curtis

What separates high-performing agencies from the rest? It's more than just having a great product or service. The secret lies in this asset: unlocking your team's potential and, by extension, your agency. A high-performing agency has healthy profit margins, retains phenomenal talent, has streamlined operations and enhanced brand reputation.I've seen firsthand how growing your people – not just your directors– leads to more profits and efficiencies. The framework I'm sharing is designed to guide you in unlocking your agency's potential to scale. In this episode, I’ll share the big three pillars for high-performing agencies and how to use the pillars to identify and address gaps in your agency. Tune in. Show LinksPart 1: Hey Achievers Framework for Growing Agency Leaders Part 2: 5 Key Things Doers Have To Unlearn to Succeed as Leaders Build a Mighty Pod Model for your agency so that client work isn't dependent on you to scale. Get the Mighty Pod Model cheatsheet here. 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-ep89Podcast Edits by Lindsay Curtis

What if the very skills that have made you successful might now be the ones you need to reassess and unlearn to become an effective leader?We've seen it firsthand with our clients – the satisfaction that comes from executing tasks with precision, solving problems swiftly, and managing time like a pro. But what happens when those very skills, which once propelled your business or career forward, become obstacles to growth? As you aim to build a scalable business or lead an agency beyond day-to-day operations, the real work begins not just in acquiring new skills but in letting go of the old ones.In this episode, let's look at how you and your team can transition from doer to leader faster by tapping into the 5 key things doers have to unlearn to succeed as leaders. Tune In. Show LinksHey Achievers Framework for Growing Agency Leaders How to Grow the Leaders That Move Your Agency Forward So You Don’t Burn OutBuild a Mighty Pod Model for your agency so that client work isn't dependent on you to scale. Get the Mighty Pod Model cheatsheet here. 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-ep88Podcast Edits by Lindsay Curtis

Do you need a strategy to elevate team members to leadership roles within your agency?How can you support your team in acquiring leadership skills and resilience beyond what you can teach them personally?If one or both questions resonate, this series is for you. Developing your rising leaders in your agency is required if you want to build a scalable business. I've walked the path from being an account coordinator to being an agency leader and helping agency owners scale and even exit the business. And I have a Master's in Communication focused on Organizational Development;I’ve walked the walk, and I know when agencies develop their leaders, they become scaled agencies. So follow along in our new series on how to grow the leaders that move your agency forward (so you don’t burn out). In part one today, learn our Hey Achievers Framework to empower your agency’s future leaders. Tune in. Show Links4 Leadership Styles to Get You Out of the One-Size-Fits-All Approach: https://audreyjoykwan.com/podcast-ep79/Hey Achievers Framework: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/how-grow-leaders-move-your-agency-forward-so-you-dont-audrey-kwan-gpmfc/Build a Mighty Pod Model for your agency so that client work isn't dependent on you to scale. Get the Mighty Pod Model cheatsheet here. 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-ep87Podcast Edits by Lindsay Curtis

What data do you need to look at in your agency to optimize profitability?In this episode, we examine the relationship between operations and finance in an agency and examine metrics that matter for profitability. You don’t need to be a CFO or COO to benefit from this episode; you just need to be curious about what metrics to track. You’ll gain a fundamental understanding in this episode ofWhat might be missing in your profit and loss statements, The importance of the delivery margin metric to profit Why time tracking, even if you don’t bill by the hour is smart The one thing people get wrong about utilization rates By the end of the episode, you’ll be able to identify areas for improvement to boost your profitability. Tune in. Show LinksParakeeto.comAgency Profitability ToolkitLinkedInBuild a Mighty Pod Model for your agency so that client work isn't dependent on you to scale. Get the Mighty Pod Model cheatsheet here. 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-ep86Podcast Edits by Lindsay Curtis

How can agencies navigate growth with more ease in 2024? I work closely with seven-figure agency owners, and I have the opportunity to see overarching trends and patterns. I know we have heightened noise, and it’s harder to break through. I know with the economic changes,  buying decisions require more trust than ever. It isn’t negative; it just requires new ways of approaching your business I also know that the need for done-for-you services (agency services) isn’t shrinking. The more complicated things like marketing become, the more need there is for expertiseAnd the ultimate desire for lean business means less full-time staff and more agency contracts.With all that said, what are the predictions for agency success in 2024? Tune in for the insights to help you grow.Show Links:Episode 76: 5 Ways to Position Your Agency as First ChoiceHow to Make Better Decision in Your Business Part 1: 12-Step Framework I Use to Support Seven-Figure Agencies to Make Better Decisions Part 2: 5 Hidden Biases that Sabotage the Decision-making of Agency Owners Part 3: 4 Habits for Thriving When Motivation Wavers Part 4: How a project debriefing system helps make better teamsBuild a Mighty Pod Model for your agency so that client work isn’t dependent on you to scale. Get the Mighty Pod Model cheatsheet here. 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-ep85Podcast Edits by Lindsay Curtis

What is the most important system in your business?Your answer may vary depending on your stage of business. If your business has a team, the most important systems aren’t just about “doing” the work. Highly valuable systems empower your team to be problem solvers and make continuous improvements.When you nurture a team of critical thinkers, you can be assured they are solving challenges that help you grow your business without you being there. That’s why post-project debriefs are powerful. A post-project debrief is a system that supports building highly effective and innovative teams. The often-overlooked system can transform your decision-making process, show your team how to make better decisions, enhance efficiency, and help you build a better team. Tune In. Show LinksPart 1: 12-Step Framework I Use to Support Seven-Figure Agencies to Make Better Decisions Part 2: 5 Hidden Biases that Sabotage the Decision-making of Agency Owners Part 3: 4 Habits for Thriving When Motivation Wavers Build a Mighty Pod Model for your agency so that client work isn't dependent on you to scale. Get the Mighty Pod Model cheatsheet here. 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-ep84Podcast Edits by Lindsay Curtis

Do you believe that motivation is key to success? What if I said it’s not? Because, let's be real, motivation is fickle. It comes and it goes. You won't get far if your actions depend on your feelings and you constantly wait for motivation. Even the seven-figure business owners I work with don’t always feel motivated. Rather than waiting, It's all about setting up a system that works when motivation takes a backseat.Let’s get that system set up for you today. In this episode, I share the 4 habits you can set up now to keep moving forward when you don’t feel motivated.Show LinksPart 1: 12 Steps to Make Better Decisions in Your Business This Year Part 2: 5 Hidden Biases That Lead to Slow Growth or No GrowthBuild a Mighty Pod Model for your agency so that client work isn't dependent on you to scale. Get the Mighty Pod Model cheatsheet here. 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-ep83Podcast Edits by Lindsay Curtis

How do these 5 hidden biases lead to slow growth or no growth? As a coach and consultant, I get the privilege of looking beneath the surface of other people’s decision-making processes. And one or more of these five hidden biases can appear when you make strategic business decisions. Hidden biases sabotage sound decision-making. It creates havoc when they stay hidden. In this episode, I’ll uncover 5 hidden biases. Plus, I share examples of how these 5 hidden biases can impact your decision-making so you don’t fall into the trap unknowingly. Don’t let hidden biases unknowingly navigate your decisions. Tune In. Show LinksPart 1: 12 Steps to Make Better Decisions in Your Business This Year Build a Mighty Pod Model for your agency so that client work isn’t dependent on you to scale. Get the Mighty Pod Model cheatsheet here. 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-ep82Podcast Edits by Lindsay Curtis

Facing a decision and not sure which way to turn? The nature of being an entrepreneur is to make decisions; some decisions are quick, and others carry more risk and uncertainty.That’s why it’s an investment in yourself to check your intuitive decision-making process with a recipe for making better decisions.  This 12-step process has helped me support an agency owner in selling and exiting his business and serve as a strategic thought partner to multiple six- and seven-figure agency owners. In this episode, I'm sharing my go-to 12-step process for when intuition doesn't cut it for major decisions and your quick thinking needs a strategic boost. Get actionable steps for making better decisions to grow your business this year.Show LinksBuild a Mighty Pod Model for your agency so that client work isn't dependent on you to scale. Get the Mighty Pod Model cheatsheet here. 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 oneGet the full show notes and more information here: https://audreyjoykwan.com/podcast-ep81Podcast Edits by Lindsay Curtis

Want to know the 5 pillars that anchored business growth this year? In our annual year-end review, we drill down to five learnings that will inform the steps for next year and share how you can take each one to level up in 2024.⭐Purpose⭐Retention⭐Micro-Shifts⭐Leadership⭐Real-Life ConnectionsYou’ll hear how the pillars anchored the growth of my business and the growth of the agencies I coach, consult and support.So, let’s unwrap the year and grow better together. Tune in. Build a Mighty Pod Model for your agency so that client work isn't dependent on you to scale. Get the Mighty Pod Model cheatsheet here. 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-ep80Podcast Edits by Lindsay Curtis

Are You Just Delegating or Truly Leading? If you've ever faced disappointment despite 'clear' instructions or felt like your leadership approach isn't resonating – I’ve been there too. Leadership is more than the oversimplified mantra of "just delegate.”There is much more to growing a business with a team than "just delegate.”Delegating is one style of leadership out of four styles. I’ve been doing leadership for 15 years, and I know relying on a one-size-fits-all approach always falls short. In this episode, I dive into 4 leadership styles that go beyond the oversimplified mantra of delegation. I’m talking about adapting your style so that you can build a stronger, more resilient, and high-performing team. Knowing which style to use can make all the difference, whether you're a seasoned leader or stepping into a leadership role for the first time. Tune in to get the goods on going from a delegator to a dynamic leader who knows how to tap into your team's strengths.Show LinksLinkedIn Blog Post: 4 Leadership Styles to Get You Out of the One-Size-Fits-All ApproachBuild a Mighty Pod Model for your agency so that client work isn't dependent on you to scale. Get the Mighty Pod Model cheatsheet here. 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-ep79Podcast Edits by Lindsay Curtis

Did you know it requires more than systems and processes to get you out of client delivery, increase efficiency and scale your business? In today’s episode, I’m sharing why systems are merely a starting point and not the finish line because the crucial factor often overlooked is leadership.Leadership is how you create a scaleable business where people hold one another accountable, encouraging a bottom-up approach to accountability. The engine that makes leadership work, in other words, the heart of leadership, is communication. In this episode, we'll explore the three key communication challenges that leaders must excel at navigating to create a business that doesn’t require constant “top-down” management or accountability; instead, it creates “bottom-up” accountability. And I’ll reveal the ONE communication skill that can help you get there faster. Build a Mighty Pod Model for your agency so that client work isn't dependent on you to scale. Get the Mighty Pod Model cheatsheet here. 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-ep78Podcast Edits by Lindsay Curtis

How did I land the emcee role for one of Canada’s largest TEDx? Great question. Here’s the secret.At the end of last year, I took a CEO day for myself — no distractions, no meetings, no laptop—just me and my notebook. I identified four lessons that grew my business.I’m replaying the episode for you all because if there was a secret to my year, it was knowing how to focus. Getting to host TEDX and having room to say yes was made possible by taking the lessons from last year into 2023. I used to get so busy in the excitement of planning for the next year that I didn’t spend enough time reflecting and distilling my lessons. Last year was different, and it paid off.  Tune in to hear the lessons — every year builds on the next, and I hope it gets you thinking about the lessons you will distill and carry into 2024 for easier growth. Show LinksBuild a Mighty Pod Model for your agency so that client work isn't dependent on you to scale. Get the Mighty Pod Model cheatsheet hereHey 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-ep77Podcast Edits by Lindsay Curtis