Advertise on podcast: Small But Mighty Agency: How to Grow Your Agency

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 complexityWhy 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 noiseIf 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’tWhy niching by industry alone no longer creates enough tractionThe three guardrails that make outcome niching work without overcommittingHow choosing an outcome can simplify sales, referrals, and deliveryIf 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 channelsHow outcome clarity reshapes offers, pricing, and sales conversations without adding complexityWhat 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 informedThe difference between “sounding clear” and being clear in a noisy marketThis 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, andwhat 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

There’s a stage in agency growth that looks successful on the outside but feels limiting on the inside.  You’re delivering great work, clients are happy, and your reputation is solid… yet you’re still underpriced, overextended, and not seen as the strategic partner you know you are. This silent slowdown has a name: the value gap and most agencies stay in it far longer than they realize. In this episode of the Small But Mighty Agency Podcast, we unpack why this happens and how it ties directly to the three levels of competitive power that agencies move through as they grow. Most agencies unknowingly get stuck in the middle level, where their work is good enough to grow, but their positioning quietly caps their value. In this episode, we explore: Why “good work” is no longer enough to stand outThe 3 levels of agency competitive power and where most firms plateauThe shift from selling deliverables to selling outcomesWhy premium pricing follows transformation, not effortHow specialization becomes strategic leverageWhen you get clear on the big outcome you deliver, everything starts to line up. You can see what conditions need to be in place, who’s actually a right-fit client, and where your best results come from. At that point, growth isn’t about doing more work. It’s about solving a bigger, more meaningful problem that earns higher value. Listen in to explore where your agency sits today and what it takes to move beyond the ceiling. Show Notes: The Hands off CEO book: handsoffceo.com/book  Mandi's LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/mandiellefson 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/ep141 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 missingWhat 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 everA simple mindset shift to help your team stop resisting systems and start owning themThe 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

From one-off brand shoots to a seven-figure agency on a subscription model, here’s how it happened. What if brand shoots weren’t just one-off projects, but the foundation of a scalable business model? In this episode, you’ll hear how one agency transformed brand shoots into a subscription-based system and built a seven-figure agency along the way. By creating a model where clients receive fresh, strategic visuals quarter after quarter, anywhere in the world, they’ve proven that creativity and systems don’t just coexist they fuel each other. We cover: Why clients are obsessed with visuals and how to deliver them at scale.The certification system that ensures every creative hire meets the mark.How quarterly campaigns reinvent the same offer for new results.The “Power Up” referral model that makes collaboration seamless.This episode is a behind-the-scenes look at how to scale creativity without losing the magic—and why the right systems can unlock extraordinary growth. Contact Lyrik: -WorkPlay Branding Website: https://workplaybranding.com/ -WorkPlay Branding Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/workplaybranding/ -Lyrik on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lyrik.fryer/ -Lyrik on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lyrikfryer/ 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/ep136 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 accidentWhy personalization alone isn’t enough and how to use real commonalities to build relevanceWhy founders still need to lead the relationship-building work before passing it offHow specialization helps you connect faster and build mutual credibility with peers and prospectsIf 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. Resources Mentioned: Website: salesschema.com Instagram: instagram.com/salesschema 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/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 changersHow 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. Resources Mentioned: White ​Canvas ​Design ​Agency: https://whitecanvasdesign.ca/ Instagram: instagram.com/whitecanvasdesignagency 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

Specializing is scary. But focusing on one high-growth niche can take your agency to multiple seven figures without working harder. If committing to one niche feels risky, Erica’s story will show you what’s possible on the other side. This week, I’m joined by Erica Hakonson, CEO of Maven Collective Marketing, an agency that went all in on one niche: Microsoft Partners. And here’s the wild thing… Once they declared that focus, clients didn’t hesitate, they started saying:  “How have we not heard of you yet?” This episode is packed with real talk about what it takes to go narrow, go deep, and build trust that actually compounds. Erica shares how they became the go-to marketing partner in the Microsoft Partner ecosystem, and how research, relationships, and restraint have fueled their growth. Here’s what we cover: Why declaring a single niche was the turning point How proprietary research changed the gameWhat it takes to deeply onboard and upskill a teamThe upside of saying no to wrong-fit clients and hiring before you feel readyIf you’re wrestling with whether going all in on a niche is “too limiting,” this episode will shine light.  🎧 Listen in, and then share it with a fellow agency owner who needs to hear it. Resources mentioned: Maven Collective Website: https://mavencollectivemarketing.comLinkedIn: Erika Hakonson Youtube: Maven CollectiveHey 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/ep133 Podcast Edits by Lindsay Curtis

A lot of agency owners want deeper community but quietly assume it doesn’t really exist. They’ve been in rooms where everyone’s guarded. Where conversations stay surface-level. Where “collaboration” is just a buzzword. That quiet belief—“it would be nice, but that kind of network probably isn’t out there”—can keep you stuck, going it alone. But I’ve seen what happens when the right people show up. And that’s exactly what this episode explores. In this episode of the Small But Mighty Agency podcast, I’m pulling back the curtain on what happens inside Agency Together, a curated referral network built on clarity, connection, and trust. These are the kinds of wins that don’t happen by accident. They happen in the right room, with people who actually show up for each other. 🎧 Inside the episode, you’ll hear:  → The referral ripple that turned a values-aligned intro into a five-figure client  → A collaborative project that united multiple agencies to expand niche visibility  → How one operational insight helped uplevel a team and increase retention  → Why one agency’s clarity and strategy led to a fully booked quarter  → And how generosity around AI and systems created real time-saving results for others If you’ve been skimming the surface but craving strategic, supportive relationships to grow your agency, this episode is your invitation. Real wins happen when people stop “just” networking and start building together. 💡 Tune in now to hear what’s possible.  👥 Already know you’re ready for more community, more generosity, and less guarded growth?  Join us at agencytogether.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/ep131 Podcast Edits by Lindsay Curtis

You probably don’t need more leads. 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, AmplifiersHow to shift from chasing connections to curating a high-trust networkWhy relationship management is your most underutilized sales strategyBecause 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 MixerConnect with Audrey on LinkedIn → linkedin.com/in/kwanaudreyHey 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