99% of Agency Owners STUCK Under The Same TRAP

Here’s the solution that you can steal and use today

Wayne Mullins
Agency Accelerator
5 min readSep 25, 2023

--

Image by Angelo Scarcella from Pixaba

Listen up, agency owners. You got into this game for freedom, creativity, and a fat wallet, didn’t you?

Now, tell me something. Do you feel free? If you’re wondering when the next client will knock on your door, you’re not alone.

You might be ensnared in what I call the Agency Owner’s Trap. This trap turns your dreams into nightmares, your schedule into chaos, and your agency into — let’s face it — a sinking ship.

Still with me? Good.

Because what follows isn’t sugarcoating. This is a wake-up call.

What’s the Agency Owner’s Trap, Anyway?

Alright, you get that something’s messing with your agency’s success. But what is this trap? Is it just hype, or is it the real deal?

Let me remind you of a golden nugget from The Art of War,

“Know your enemy, know yourself, and you’ll never lose.”

So, let’s get to know this enemy, shall we?

In simple words, this trap is the feeling you get when you’re always worrying about the next gig. It’s when you’re paid peanuts for work you poured your heart into.

It’s also when you’re glued to freelance sites, hoping for a decent project.

Quick signs you’re stuck:

  • Saying ‘yes’ to every job.
  • Getting paid less than you should.
  • Scrolling through Upwork and Fiverr like it’s social media.

Ring a bell?

Peter Drucker, a smart business guy, once said,

“There is nothing quite so useless as doing with great efficiency something that should not be done at all.”

If you’re busy but not getting anywhere, it’s time for a change.

Here’s your way out: First, determine what makes your agency unique and market that to the hilt. Second, establish and stick to your boundaries.

Clients respect an agency that knows its worth.

Finally, conduct a quick SWOT analysis — know your Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats. Use this information to steer clear of pitfalls and toward opportunities.

Now, a real talk question for you: Are you just running around or are you making moves that count?

You might think being busy means you’re getting somewhere, but that’s not always true. So, what’s it gonna be? Hustle smarter, not harder.

The Anatomy of an Agency Disaster

Approximately 20% of new businesses fail within their first two years. Startling, right?

Well, if you’re not careful, your agency might just become another statistic.

Don’t fret; let’s dissect what goes wrong so you can dodge those pitfalls. After all, Winston Churchill did say,

“Those who fail to learn from history are condemned to repeat it.”

So you get the trap, you see the signs, but what does this disaster look like in the flesh?

Imagine your agency as a ship. It starts with small leaks — taking on too many projects, undercharging, and relying on unreliable sources for work.

These leaks might seem minor, but before you know it, you’re sinking fast. Your agency goes from being a promising cruiser to Titanic 2.0.

Here’s what you can do to plug those leaks:

  • Don’t spread yourself too thin. Be picky about your projects.
  • Raise your rates. You’ll not only survive but also thrive.
  • Ditch those freelance marketplaces. Network and get clients who see your value.

Let’s address a common myth; You need to work 24/7 to succeed.

That’s rubbish.

Real success is about working smart and having a life outside of your agency. In other words, hustle, but don’t forget to live a little too.

So, are you steering your agency toward success or letting these small leaks turn you into another cautionary tale?

The choice, my friends, is entirely yours.

Escaping the Trap

You know the problem. You know the symptoms. Now, let’s slay this beast.

Prioritize — Master the Art of Saying No

The first strategy is mastering the art of “no.”

By this point, your agency might be a ‘Yes Man,’ gobbling up every project that comes its way. How’s that working out for you? Time to reassess.

If a project doesn’t align with your goals or capabilities, reject it. Simple as that.

Saying no means you’re making room for the ‘yes’ that will transform your business. Prioritize projects that align with your core competencies.

This is where you get to shine and prove why clients should be fighting for your time, not the other way around.

The Worth of Your Work — Price it Right

Don’t let anyone short-change your skills. Undervaluing your services is like putting premium gas in a clunker; it’s just not going to get you very far.

If you don’t respect your own worth, how can you expect potential clients to? Charge what you’re worth, and you’ll attract clients who see that worth.

Simple as that.

Work-Life Balance — Not Just a Buzzword

Work is work. Life is life. Never shall the two mix.

Have a dedicated workspace. Define your office hours. Make it clear to clients that your time is your most precious asset.

Without setting these boundaries, your personal life, creativity, and ultimately your agency will crumble.

So, here’s where the rubber meets the road.

You can keep stumbling through the maze of the Agency Owner’s Trap, or you can take these keys and unlock the door to freedom and success.

Agency Accelerator

Let’s face it. It’s easy to sink, but it takes skill, guidance, and a bit of a nudge to stay afloat and sail towards success.

You’ve identified the leaks, the traps, and the monsters lurking in your agency life. Now what? Stay in the cycle, or break free?

Meet Agency Accelerator. Look, I’ve been in your shoes. The struggle? The constant hustle? Been there, done that.

And after smashing through the barriers to build a multiple 7-figure agency, I want to help you do the same. This isn’t some sales pitch; it’s a lifeline.

You’re still reading, which tells me you’re not one of those fortunate souls drowning in more projects than they can handle and smashing revenue goals like it’s child’s play. If you were, you’d have clicked away by now.

So, if you’re not at that ‘overbooked’ stage, hear me out. Operating without a steady influx of qualified inquiries is like trying to sail in a pond.

You’re going nowhere fast. And let’s face it, surviving isn’t the same as thriving.

Now, imagine converting half, if not more, of those inquiries into high-paying, satisfied clients. That’s like cutting those ankle weights and running like the wind.

And that’s precisely what the Agency Accelerator aims to help you achieve: Unshackled growth that aligns with your lifestyle and financial goals.

Your agency doesn’t have to be another cautionary tale; it can be the success story that others cite. You’re not just another agency owner; you’re the captain of your ship.

Ready to take that leap? Apply for the Agency Accelerator.

Looking forward to helping you redefine success, one win at a time.

✌❤️

— Wayne

--

--

Wayne Mullins
Agency Accelerator

I help freelancers and agency owners build the business they deserve. Here's how 👉 linktr.ee/fireyourself