Small But Mighty Agency

Your agency is working. But the way you’re making decisions may no longer match where you actually want to go. From the outside, everything looks steady but inside, something feels heavier than it should. That heaviness often shows up when the business keeps operating in a way that made sense in the past, even though your perspective has started to shift.  You see your work differently now, and the way the agency runs hasn’t fully caught up. Maybe you’re clearer about the clients who energize you. Clearer about the work that strengthens the business instead of just sustaining it. Clearer about what feels aligned and what quietly drains you. But clarity doesn’t automatically reshape a business. There’s often a stretch where your thinking evolves, but the business is still running on old patterns. Most owners move through this alone, feeling the friction but not yet knowing what to adjust. This episode continues the Small But Mighty series by exploring that in-between space—the gap between insight and intentional redesign.  Inside, we explore:  Why your agency can feel heavy even when it’s successful The hidden gap between knowing what you want and running the business that way How old decision patterns keep you operating from an earlier version of your agency What actually shifts when you start choosing work that aligns with the direction you want to grow If your agency looks successful but feels heavier to lead than it once did, this episode will help you understand the source of that heaviness and what’s actually ready to shift. Want More Context? This episode is part of a series exploring what happens when your agency grows but the way you build it needs to evolve. Part 1 (Podcast): Two $1M Agencies. Very Different Realities Part 2 (Blog): Why the Agency Growth Model Worked And Why It Doesn’t Now Part 3 (Podcast): Some Agencies Make Growth Feel Easier. Here’s Why Part 4 (Blog): You Outgrew Your Business Hey thanks 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/ep147 Podcast Edits by Lindsay Curtis

There’s a subtle difference you start to notice after enough time in this industry. Some agencies grow with more ease.  Decisions get clearer instead of noisier. Momentum builds without everything getting heavier at the same time.  Not because they’ve found a shortcut, and not because they’re avoiding the realities of today’s market. They’re operating in the same conditions as everyone else. And yet, growth behaves differently for them. This episode is about understanding why. Not by looking for new tactics or better execution, but by naming the underlying forces that change how growth compounds over time.  When you step back, a different picture of growth starts to emerge. Not growth defined by doing more or adding more, but growth that feels more exciting and easier to sustain because it’s grounded in decisions that reinforce each other instead of competing for energy and attention. In this episode, we explore: Why positioning that reduces buyer effort changes how momentum builds long before a sales conversation begins How trust, built through a clear point of view, shortens decision cycles and helps people feel confident choosing you Why fit becomes a compounding force when the work you take on actively makes your agency better over time How these forces work together to support growth that feels focused, intentional, and worth carrying forward This conversation isn’t about changing how you work or adopting a new model overnight. It’s about understanding what makes growth feel smarter in a market that’s noisier, more uncertain, and more demanding than it used to be. ________ For those following the Small But Mighty series, this is Part 3.  Part 1 [Two $1M Agencies. Very Different Realities] is a podcast episode exploring the lived tension many agency owners are feeling right now.  Part 2 [Why the Agency Growth Model Worked – and Why It Doesn’t Now] is a blog post unpacking why the traditional growth model isn’t working anymore. Hey thanks 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/ep146 Podcast Edits by Lindsay Curtis

If you’ve ever looked at the version of “success” the agency world keeps promoting and felt a quiet sense of resistance, here’s a question worth sitting with: What if growth isn’t supposed to feel this heavy? Most agency owners aren’t afraid of growth. They’re ambitious. They care deeply about their work. They want their businesses to be profitable, respected, and sustainable. And yet, somewhere along the way, growth starts to feel like more pressure instead of more clarity. More responsibility instead of more freedom. More motion instead of more stability. This episode kicks off Small But Mighty: A Different Way to Grow an Agency — a five-part series exploring why so many capable agency owners feel misaligned with the dominant growth narrative, and what it looks like to build something different. This conversation isn’t about tactics or positioning tricks. It’s about identity. About understanding why many “right” moves start to feel wrong when the underlying growth logic doesn’t actually fit the kind of agency you want to build. In this episode, we unpack: The unspoken assumptions behind most agency growth advice — and how they quietly push agencies toward volume and complexity Why pricing, boundaries, and decision-making get harder even as revenue grows A concrete contrast between two $1M agencies — and why they feel radically different to run What the Small But Mighty agency identity really means in a market shaped by commoditization and noise If you’ve ever wondered why growth feels harder than it should — or why success hasn’t delivered the ease you expected — this episode will help you see your business, and yourself, with more clarity. Because there may be nothing wrong with you at all. You may simply be building toward a different kind of success. Sign up for our newsletter: agencytogether.com/about Hey thanks 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/ep145 Podcast Edits by Lindsay Curtis

We talk a lot about niching in the agency world. Pick an industry. Go deep. Specialize. But in today’s market, industry alone isn’t enough — and many capable agencies can feel that, even if they can’t quite name why. Execution is easier to buy. Capability is everywhere. And “great work” doesn’t help clients feel confident when the stakes are higher. What cuts through now is being clear about the outcome you’re willing to stand behind. In this episode of the Small But Mighty Agency podcast, we move beyond outcome clarity and into the real decision agencies are facing right now: choosing an outcome niche without boxing yourself in. This isn’t about rebranding or narrowing for the sake of narrowing. It’s about removing friction for your clients and for you, and creating focus that actually supports momentum. In this episode, we explore: What outcome niching actually means and what it doesn’t Why niching by industry alone no longer creates enough traction The three guardrails that make outcome niching work without overcommitting How choosing an outcome can simplify sales, referrals, and delivery If you’ve felt like you’re standing at the edge of your next stage and haven’t quite named what comes next, this episode will help you think it through. These are the kinds of conversations we also have inside Agency Together. If you’d like to pressure-test your thinking with other agency owners, you can RSVP for the next Agency Together Strategic Partnership Mixer here: https://agencytogether.com/mixer-event Tune in to rethink what specialization really means — and how choosing the right outcome creates clarity and momentum. Hey thanks 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/ep144 Podcast Edits by Lindsay Curtis

What does your agency need to be known for in order to stay relevant as the market keeps shifting? In this episode of the Small But Mighty Agency podcast, we explore the strategic shifts quietly shaping how agencies build momentum right now—and what it actually takes to future-proof your agency without chasing every new trend. This isn’t about services, channels, or keeping up appearances. It’s about clarity—specifically, clarity around the outcomes your work creates, and how that clarity changes everything from sales conversations to capability-building. Together, we explore: Why future-proof agencies anchor their growth to outcomes, not services or channels How outcome clarity reshapes offers, pricing, and sales conversations without adding complexity What capability-building actually looks like when it’s tied to a clear outcome (and why this matters in an AI-heavy world) Why community isn’t just support but a strategic advantage for staying grounded and informed The difference between “sounding clear” and being clear in a noisy market This episode sets the stage for the next conversation, where we’ll go deeper into outcome niching: what it really means, how to do it without boxing yourself in, and what makes it work for you not against you.  🎧 Tune in to rethink what future-proofing your agency actually requires and where clarity becomes your advantage. Show Notes: Join the next Agency Together Mixer: https://agencytogether.com/mixer-event Hey thanks 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/ep143 Podcast Edits by Lindsay Curtis

How do you know when your agency has outgrown its brand  and what actually happens when you decide to change it after 17 years? Today’s episode gives you a rare behind-the-scenes look at a rebrand most agency owners never get to witness.  My guest, Kim Atkinson, co-founder and COO of Foundery, recently led her agency through a full transformation after nearly two decades of being known as “Ontario SEO.” What started as a small, local SEO shop evolved into an international, full-service digital agency… but the brand didn’t evolve with them. And eventually, the name that once helped them grow became the very thing holding them back. In this conversation, Kim opens the door to the real journey. The fears, the hesitation, the naming battles, the internal alignment, and the strategic decisions that helped them pull off a rebrand without losing momentum. Whether your agency has been around for 17 years or you're only a few years in, you’ll walk away with clarity on: how to know your brand no longer reflects your business, what to prepare for before changing anything, how to protect your visibility during the transition, and what shifts once your brand finally matches who you are today. It’s an honest, practical sneak-peek into a rebrand done thoughtfully and a meaningful listen if you’re sensing it might be time for your own evolution. Let’s dive in. Show Notes: -Website: Foundery.ca -Kim's LinkedIn Hey thanks 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/ep142 Podcast Edits by Lindsay Curtis

Most agency owners say their business grows through referrals.  But when you ask what their referral system looks like  things go quiet. If that sounds familiar, you’re not alone. Referrals feel earned, but if they’re happening by chance, you’re leaving your growth to luck. In this episode of Small But Mighty Agency, we’re talking about how to stop waiting for referrals to “just happen” and start designing them through something I call your Strategic Partnership Squad. Here’s what we get into: The difference between passive referrals and proactive partnerships — and how to build the latter. Why trust, not visibility, is driving growth for agencies heading into 2026. The four power players that make up your Strategic Partnership Squad: How these roles turn word-of-mouth momentum into a repeatable system. If you’ve ever said, “Our business runs on referrals,” this episode will help you turn that from something you wait for into something you engineer. These are the same kinds of conversations we had at the recent Agency Together Strategic Partnership Mixer where agency owners came together to share what’s working, swap insights, and see collaboration in action. If you missed it, you can still explore how Agency Together helps you build referral-ready relationships and grow through collaboration — learn more here: https://agencytogether.com/ Show Notes:  Agency Together Connection/Discovery Call Map Your Strategic Partnership Squad  Hey thanks 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/ep140 Podcast Edits by Lindsay Curtis

If trust still feels like an abstract concept in your business — something you earn, but not something you’ve designed — this episode is for you. We’re breaking down five specific ways smart agencies are turning trust into a system they can scale, not just a sentiment they hope for. When I look at the agencies that are landing clients faster, keeping them longer, and growing with more ease, they all have one thing in common: They’ve transformed trust from a soft skill into a structural advantage. In this episode of Small But Mighty Agency, I’m unpacking five overlooked ways agencies are building trust that leads to stronger relationships, stickier retainers, and more sustainable growth. Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll hear: ✔ How micro-offers lower resistance and speed up yeses in a skeptical market ✔ The “corner-seeing” mindset that transforms your team into trusted guides ✔ Why surfacing your thinking makes clients smarter and more loyal ✔ What it really means to define success early — and why it changes everything ✔ How demystifying AI builds credibility and strengthens your value If you’ve been reselling your value month after month or struggling to stand out without shouting, this conversation will shift your approach. These are the kinds of strategies we unpack inside Agency Together. If you want to be in the room with other agency owners building trust into how they grow, grab your spot at the next Strategic Partnership Mixer.  RSVP Here: https://agencytogether.com/mixer-event Hey thanks 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/ep139 Podcast Edits by Lindsay Curtis

Raising prices when the market feels shaky? It sounds risky, right? I’ve been there. A few years ago, I was staring down one of the toughest decisions in our agency. Costs were rising. Salaries were climbing. And the market felt anything but stable. The easy move would have been to freeze prices and hope things worked out. But that would have put the entire business at risk. So we raised prices. And clients said yes. Not because it was comfortable, but because we leaned on a few key levers that I still believe in today. In this episode of Small But Mighty Agency, I’m breaking down five levers that help you raise your prices in a disrupted market without losing the clients you want to keep. Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll hear: Why specialists hold pricing power while generalists get squeezed. How to repackage your offers so clients see you as adapting, not stagnating. The kind of financial leadership that gives you confidence in your pricing. A simple way to frame value-based pricing so clients see your fees as an investment, not a cost. How client relationships act like a “trust bank account” that makes price increases easier. If you’ve ever wondered “How can I raise prices right now?” — this episode will give you clarity and confidence to strengthen your pricing power heading into the new year. These are the kinds of conversations we dive into inside Agency Together. And if you’d like to be in the room with other agency owners for real talk about pricing, partnerships, and growth, join our free Strategic Partnership Mixer — the link is below. RSVP to the Strategic Partnership Mixer on November 12th at 10:30 am PST. Hey thanks 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/ep138 Podcast Edits by Lindsay Curtis

If you’ve ever tried to build systems in your agency, this episode is going to blow your mind in the best way. Because what if the real problem isn’t the tools you’re using or the fact that you “just need to make time” for it? What if the reason systems don’t stick... is because you’re the wrong person to be building them? This week, I’m joined by David Jenyns, entrepreneur, author of Systemology and his brand new book Systems Champion. We dig into the uncomfortable truth about why systems fail, why AI won’t save you (yet), and how to finally get your agency running without you in the weeds. You’ll walk away with a new lens on systems, not as something you have to do alone, but as something you can delegate and scale, starting now. In this episode, we unpack: Why business owners are the worst people to build systems (even if they love them) The role of a Systems Champion and how it could be the game-changer you’ve been missing What makes a great Systems Champion (hint: it’s not years of experience) How AI fits into all this and why systems thinking is more essential than ever A simple mindset shift to help your team stop resisting systems and start owning them The compounding power of small systems wins (think: 10% to 60% profit increase) This isn’t just about process. It’s about reclaiming your time, building a business that runs (and grows) without you, and setting your agency up to thrive in an AI-powered world. Tune in and discover how freeing yourself from systems might be the best move for scaling your agency. Links Mentioned: David's Website: https://www.systemology.com/ Hey thanks 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/ep137 Podcast Edits by Lindsay Curtis

If you’re tired of feeling like growth only happens through more visibility, more cold outreach, and chasing leads, this episode will feel like a breath of fresh air. I sat down with Dan Englander, founder of Sales Schema and author of Relationship Sales at Scale, to talk about how agency owners can grow through collaborative, trust-based relationships instead of transactional tactics. Both of us work in the agency space and believe that trust drives sustainable growth, but we approach it from two different angles. In this episode, we explore: Why cold outreach has created a wider trust gap (and what to do instead) How referrals can become a collaborative system, not a happy accident Why personalization alone isn’t enough and how to use real commonalities to build relevance Why founders still need to lead the relationship-building work before passing it off How specialization helps you connect faster and build mutual credibility with peers and prospects If you want to grow through meaningful introductions, mutual support, and the power of your relationships instead of chasing leads, this conversation will leave you energized and equipped. Get the full show notes and more information here: https://audreyjoykwan.com/podcast/ep135 Podcast Edits by Lindsay Curtis

If you’re stuck between “too busy to stay small” and “not structured enough to scale,” this episode is built for you. Everyone talks about growing to seven figures but no one warns you about what happens in the messy middle between solo and sustainable. In this episode of the Small But Mighty Agency podcast, I sit down with Carly Moir, Founder and CEO of White Canvas Design, to unpack what the messy middle of agency growth really looks like — and what it takes to move through it with intention and integrity. We dive into: The moment she realized she couldn’t do it alone anymore (and who she hired first) Building recurring revenue through better boundaries and actual retainers (not “half-retainers”) The decision to hire a project manager and business development manager — and why both were game changers How she stays values-driven while growing (and what success really looks like to her now) If you’re in that in-between stage — no longer a scrappy solo, but not yet a well-oiled team — this conversation will feel like a deep exhale. Hey thanks 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/ep134 Podcast Edits by Lindsay Curtis

That might sound counterintuitive,  especially when every sales post says the opposite. But what looks like a lead problem is usually something else:  → A relationship problem  → A misaligned positioning problem  → A missing structure for managing trust You’ve got people in your orbit—clients, collaborators, past leads, curious followers. But if you’re not engaging those relationships intentionally? Your growth stays inconsistent. Your pipeline stays unpredictable. We’ve all heard it: “Your network is your net worth.” But here’s what that really means for Small But Mighty agencies: Your network isn’t just a list of contacts. It’s your relationship management system. And managing that network isn’t marketing—it’s sales. Sales built on trust. To make that work, you need clarity:  ✔ Who are the people that actually grow your business?  ✔ What role do they play in your network?  ✔ How are you staying connected to them consistently? That’s what we’re unpacking in this episode. Inside, you’ll learn: Why “more leads” isn’t always the answer (and what is) The 3 relationship roles every agency needs to grow: Referrers, Collaborators, Amplifiers How to shift from chasing connections to curating a high-trust network Why relationship management is your most underutilized sales strategy Because when you stop networking randomly and start building relationships on purpose? That’s when growth starts to feel lighter and less of a hamster wheel.  Resources & Links: Join the next Agency Together Strategic Partnership Mixer Connect with Audrey on LinkedIn → linkedin.com/in/kwanaudrey Hey thanks 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/ep131 Podcast Edits by Lindsay Curtis

Too many agency owners are building alone. But small doesn’t mean solo and solo isn’t sustainable. Small but mighty agencies weren’t built to go it alone. Yet so many agency owners are trying to do everything themselves: holding the vision, leading the team, delivering the work, and pushing for growth in a vacuum. That’s what “going solo” really looks like—juggling it all without strategic support, trusted peers, or collaborative momentum. And while it might feel efficient, it’s actually the slowest and hardest way to grow. In this episode, I unpack why isolation is your real bottleneck and why Agency Together was built to change that. You’ll learn: Why doing it alone is stalling your agency’s growth How strategic collaboration builds visibility, trust, and momentum Why competition is outdated and what to do instead How Agency Together curates relationships that fuel sustainable growth What to expect at our free Strategic Partnership Mixer 🎧 Listen in and if you’re ready to stop growing alone, come join us: agencytogether.com/mixer Resources & Links: Join the next Agency Together Mixer Listen to “Why Less Experience Is Winning at Higher Prices” Hey thanks 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/ep130 Podcast Edits by Lindsay Curtis

Being full-service almost broke her. Specializing gave her agency new life. For over 16 years, Arleigh Vasconcellos said yes. Yes to growth. Yes to more services. Yes to building a full-service agency that could handle it all. She grew her team, expanded her client base, and became known for delivering results across everything from PR to websites to events. But behind the scenes, she was on a treadmill she couldn’t get off. Burnout crept in. Boundaries blurred. And the joy that once fueled her work? Gone. In this powerful conversation, Arleigh shares how she unraveled the full-service model she built and why specializing in demand generation PR wasn’t just a strategic move, but a personal lifeline. We talk about: The moment she realized she was “a victim of her own success” The emotional and operational cost of scaling without intention Why letting go of services, clients, and even team members was necessary The internal shifts that helped her reclaim her spark and build a business aligned with who she is today Whether you're at a pivot point or simply questioning if the agency you built is the one you still want , his episode offers clarity, courage, and a path to realignment. 🎧 Tune in and hear how Arleigh rebuilt her agency for clarity, joy, and impact. Resources & Links: Connect with Arleigh: Arleigh Vasconcellos on LinkedIn Roar & Whisper (Arleigh’s agency): roarwhisper.com Agency Together – The trusted community for Small But Mighty Agency owners. Arleigh is a member, and this episode includes insights from inside our sneak peek strategy sessions.  👉 Join Agency Together or learn more here Want to Build an Agency That Attracts the Right Clients Before the Pitch? Smart agencies don’t chase leads—they build trust that attracts them 👉 Get the free Trust Equity Mini-Course Learn the 4 trust-building systems that help Small But Mighty Agencies grow through authority, referrals, and strategic partnerships—so you can get chosen before the sales call even happens. 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/ep129 Podcast Edits by Lindsay Curtis

Curious about adding a course to your agency model—but not sure if it’s worth it? As agency owners, we’re always looking for smarter ways to scale. Products. Templates. Digital assets. The idea is simple: take what you know, turn it into something scalable, and earn while you sleep. But here’s the nuance we don’t talk about enough: Courses don’t remove complexity. They shift it—from service delivery to audience building, funnel building, and volume marketing. That’s what I explored with Kwadwo Sampany-Kessie,—agency owner, course creator, and host of the popular Art of Online Business podcast on this week’s Small But Mighty Agency podcast. We unpack: Why he created a course for an audience his agency couldn’t serve How he validated the offer before building it The honest truth about course revenue and time savings Why low-ticket offers need high-volume marketing The double-strategy it takes to grow two different offers 🎧 Tune in if you're considering a digital product—and want the full picture of what it takes to do it well. Resources & Links: Follow Kwadwo (pronounced QUĀY.jo) on Instagram: @quayjo Listen to The Art of Online Business podcast Want to Build an Agency That Attracts the Right Clients Before the Pitch? Smart agencies don’t chase leads—they build trust that attracts them 👉 Get the free Trust Equity Mini-Course Learn the 4 trust-building systems that help Small But Mighty Agencies grow through authority, referrals, and strategic partnerships—so you can get chosen before the sales call even happens. Get the full show notes and more information here: https://audreyjoykwan.com/podcast/ep128 Podcast Edits by Lindsay Curtis

If you’ve ever wondered whether building your personal brand is worth the time or struggled to show up online in a way that feels real and strategic—this episode is for you. In this episode of the Small But Mighty Agency, I sit down with Lauren Shirreffs, founder of Two Social and social media strategist to 250+ brands, to help you rethink how you show up online.  Lauren’s personal brand has become a magnet for opportunities, and today, she’s sharing how you can build one that attracts right-fit clients, top talent, and powerful collaborations. You’ll hear what’s working for her personal brand on social media, how to take creative risks without losing your voice, and what it really takes to build a personal brand that grows your agency. Here’s what you’ll discover:  Why your personal voice matters more than your agency page What kind of content is resonating right now How to build trust by sharing not just wins—but lessons from mistakes Why your team’s presence online can boost your brand more than you think How to define your boundaries so showing up feels aligned, not performative Whether you’re just getting started or refining what’s already working, this episode will help you show up more confidently and consistently. Resource and Links:  -Instagram: @laurenmarias -Agency IG: @2_social -LinkedIn: Lauren Shirreffs Want to Build an Agency That Attracts the Right Clients Before the Pitch? Smart agencies don’t chase leads—they build trust that attracts them 👉 Get the free Trust Equity Mini-Course Learn the 4 trust-building systems that help Small But Mighty Agencies grow through authority, referrals, and strategic partnerships—so you can get chosen before the sales call even happens. Get the full show notes and more information here: https://audreyjoykwan.com/podcast/ep127 Podcast Edits by Lindsay Curtis

If you’re stuck in execution mode—constantly delivering but not getting paid for the strategic value you bring —it might be time to rethink how your agency is positioned. In this episode of Small But Mighty Agency, I’m joined by Sara Nay, CEO of Duct Tape Marketing, to talk about how agencies can shift from being seen as vendors to being valued as strategic partners who lead the marketing—not just execute it. We dig into what it really looks like to lead with strategy, how to price and package that value, and how to start getting paid for the thinking you’re already doing. Here’s what you’ll take away from the conversation: Why strategy is your agency’s biggest growth lever How to position strategic services so clients understand (and pay for) the value The signs it’s time to add Fractional CMO services to your model What to do if you're worried about falling into another time-for-money trap How to structure your team to scale strategy without burning out This conversation will help you build a business model rooted in long-term relationships, recurring revenue, and sustainable growth—all while keeping your execution services in play. Resources & Links: Explore Duct Tape Marketing: ducttapemarketing.com Connect with Sara Nay: Sara Nay on LinkedIn Get the full show notes and more information here: https://audreyjoykwan.com/podcast/ep126 Podcast Edits by Lindsay Curtis

Let’s talk about referrals—not as a bonus, but as a strategy. If you’ve been growing your agency through great work and word of mouth, but you’re starting to realize that waiting for referrals isn’t the same as designing for them… this episode is for you. Because the most successful Small But Mighty agencies don’t leave referrals to chance. They build referral-ready relationships and strategic partnerships—on purpose. Today, I’m breaking down what trust really looks like in action—and how certain behaviors, often overlooked, are what turn casual connections into consistent opportunities. In this episode, you’ll learn: Why referrals are a strategy—not something to leave to luck The 8 real-world habits of referral-ready agency owners How clarity in your niche makes you more referable What real trust looks like in referral-ready relationships How strategic partnerships can grow your agency without cold outreach It’s not just a mindset—it’s a method. These habits make you easy to refer, easy to collaborate with, and easy to trust. And I’ll share real examples from inside Agency Together where agency owners are doing exactly this—building a system for generosity, connection, and strategic growth. Resources & Links: Agency Together – The referral-ready membership community for Small But Mighty agency owners, learn more here.  Strategic Partnership Mixer –  Join us at the next free Agency Together Strategic Partnership Mixer, RSVP 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/ep125 Podcast Edits by Lindsay Curtis

When I helped sell and exit a niche agency in the orthodontic space, one thing became crystal clear: we didn’t grow by chasing everything. We grew by staying focused, building trust, and saying no to the wrong opportunities — even when it felt risky. It wasn’t loud, but it was strategic, and it worked. And that approach? It’s not just relevant — it’s exactly what works in today’s skeptical market. Clients are more cautious. Referral partners are more selective. And hustle-heavy growth tactics? They’re falling flat. What I’m seeing across the agencies I work with — and inside Agency Together — is a shift: 🚫 Less “do more.” ✅ More “do what matters” In this episode of the Small But Mighty Agency Podcast, I’m breaking down five growth habits that help small agencies scale without the grind while still building serious momentum. Here’s what I cover: How saying no creates space for stronger positioning The most underused (and most profitable) part of your growth strategy Why your so-called “competitors” might be your best growth partners Content alone isn’t cutting it — here’s what to build instead The power of staying small, agile, and wildly efficient If staying relevant without selling your soul is your priority, this episode is for you Resources & Links: Get the Trust Equity Scorecard – My free tool to help you measure how well your agency is building trust at scale — and where to focus next to grow through retainment, referrals, partnerships, and positioning. Connect with me on LinkedIn  Don’t forget the free Agency Together Newsletter and access our free mini-course on building Trust Equity to help you be a thought leader agency.  Get the full show notes and more information here: https://audreyjoykwan.com/podcast/ep124 Podcast Edits by Lindsay Curtis