The Freelancer to Agency Class with Shelby Fowler
Right now we’re in a massive growth phase In the freelance economy, and your business may be expanding. Are you wondering if you should pivot to an agency model? In today’s episode, we discuss how to turn your freelance business into a full-fledged agency. Shelby Fowler has recently gone through this journey and walks us through the steps she took to go from freelancer to agency. She’ll also explain some of the mistakes she made that led to valuable lessons learned along the way!
Podcast Outline:
[0:43] Introduction to Shelby Fowler and the topic of expanding a freelance business to an agency model – Shelby shares how she got her start in freelancing, helping businesses with ads and growing a team.
[7:11] Warning signs that it was time to move from a freelancer to agency model – how falling down in certain areas brought Shelby to the next level in her business. Shelby explains how everything is a skill set we need to learn, and failure provides valuable lessons.
[11:47] Lessons learned when building a team – how mistakes brought insights that led to Shelby ultimately building a dream team.
[16:19] The importance of mapping out the income-producing activities in your business when you’re shifting to an agency model.
[17:04] The first roles Shelby hired for her agency – how to hire someone as an independent contractor first so you can train them in an internship role that helps them perform at full capacity.
[19:48] How to choose the first person you hire based on your current needs and the freelancer’s skill set – Shelby shares advice about choosing the best person and roles to hire first.
[23:51] Why it’s best for business owners to do sales calls themselves instead of delegating them – Shelby describes what types of marketing can be delegated to others successfully.
[28:02] What tools make Shelby’s life simpler as she shifts to an agency model – recommendations for client communication, project management, and customer relationship management (CRM) apps.
Tips on How to Manage a Team Well
[31:23] #1 How to have people intentionally step into roles that you struggle with but others thrive in
[32:20] #2 How to create service standards for your business
[35:10] The importance of making your agency distinct and accepting feedback from clients – emphasizing core values or service standards.
[38:14] How to get to know Shelby
Resources and tools discussed in this episode:
Learn more about Shelby Fowler:
Shelby’s Facebook Group: The Fempire | Facebook Ads for High Ticket Coaches
The E-Myth Revisited by Michael Gerber
Excellence Wins by Horst Schulze
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