Starting and Scaling Your Own Agency

Introduction and Personal Story

In this section, Iman Gadzhi introduces himself and shares his personal story of how he became a self-made millionaire by starting his own agency at the age of 18. He emphasizes that starting an agency is a viable option for anyone who wants to make money online and have the freedom to work from anywhere in the world.

Iman's story is inspiring because he started his agency while still in high school to support himself and his single mom. He believes that age and experience should not be barriers to starting an agency, as many agency owners actually hire young and inexperienced workers to deliver services to their clients.

Iman encourages his audience to believe in themselves and overcome any self-limiting beliefs that may hold them back. He assures them that starting an agency is a simple process that anyone can do, regardless of their background or experience.

By sharing his personal journey and highlighting the opportunities that come with starting an agency, Iman motivates his audience to unleash their entrepreneurial potential and take the first step towards financial freedom.

Iman's passion for helping others succeed in the agency business shines through in this section of the video. He wants his audience to know that they have the ability to achieve the same level of success that he has, and he is willing to share his knowledge and guidance to help them get there.

Overall, this section sets the stage for the rest of the video by establishing Iman's credibility and inspiring his audience to take action. It provides a glimpse into the possibilities that come with starting an agency and sets a positive and empowering tone for the rest of the content.

Understanding the Agency Model

In order to successfully start and run an agency, it's important to have a clear understanding of the agency model. An agency is essentially a business that offers a service to another company, allowing them to outsource specific tasks or projects. This means that as an agency owner, you are responsible for delivering a service on behalf of your clients.

When a company needs a particular service, such as social media marketing or public relations, they have two options. They can either hire someone in-house to handle the task or they can hire an agency. While hiring in-house may seem like the obvious choice, it comes with additional costs and responsibilities. Not only do you have to pay the employee a salary, but you also have to provide benefits, contribute to their pension, and cover other expenses associated with having an employee.

On the other hand, hiring an agency allows the company to avoid these additional costs and liabilities. They can simply pay the agency for the services they need, without the long-term commitment of hiring a full-time employee. Additionally, agencies often have more experience and expertise in their field because they work with a variety of clients. This means they are more up-to-date with industry trends and can provide a higher level of service.

As an agency owner, your goal is to provide a service that meets the needs of your clients and helps them achieve their objectives. While the specific services you offer will depend on your niche and expertise, most agencies focus on marketing-related services such as social media marketing, SEO, content creation, or advertising. However, you have the flexibility to offer any service that you are knowledgeable and passionate about.

Choosing a niche is an important aspect of starting an agency. Your niche is the industry or area that you decide to work in. It's important to choose a niche that aligns with your background experience and interests. While it may be tempting to choose a niche solely based on profitability, it's also important to consider your own knowledge and passion for the industry. By focusing on a niche that you are familiar with and enjoy working in, you'll be able to provide better services and stand out from the competition.

Remember, starting an agency doesn't have to be complicated. You don't need to register as a formal company or have a fancy office space. In fact, many successful agency owners start out as sole traders, operating from their personal bank accounts. The key is to focus on finding clients and making money first, and worry about formalities later. By prioritizing client acquisition and revenue generation, you can start building your agency without unnecessary barriers.

It's common for individuals to doubt their ability to run an agency, especially if they are young or inexperienced. However, it's important to remember that many agency owners started their businesses after gaining experience in the industry, often working for another agency. By starting your own agency, you are simply cutting out the middleman and taking control of your own destiny. Inexperience can actually work to your advantage, as you can bring fresh ideas and perspectives to your clients.

Finding Clients and Getting Paid

Once you have set up your agency and defined the services you offer, the next step is to find clients and ensure you get paid for your work. This section will guide you through effective strategies for lead generation and payment processes.

One of the most effective ways to find clients is through online platforms such as Upwork. By searching for job listings related to your service on Upwork, you can identify potential clients and reach out to them directly. Look for listings that include the company's website, as this allows you to contact them independently, outside of Upwork. For instance, if you come across a job posting for a jewelry website, you can find the owner's email address on their website and reach out to them directly.

Another platform you can utilize is Instagram. Start by following your ideal client and then explore the suggestions for similar brands. Instagram suggests these brands based on their similar followers and audiences, making them potential clients for your agency. Take note of these profiles and reach out to them via direct message to introduce your services.

In addition to online platforms, Google is a valuable tool for finding clients. Use relevant keywords to search for businesses in your niche and explore the results, including advertisements. Businesses that are already running Google Ads are particularly promising, as they demonstrate an intent to market themselves digitally. Find their contact information, such as their email address, and reach out to them with a personalized email.

When reaching out to potential clients, it's important to focus on building rapport and highlighting the flaws in their current marketing efforts. Offer a solution to their problems and emphasize the benefits they can gain from working with your agency. Instead of pitching your services right away, aim to schedule a friendly meeting over virtual coffee. This approach creates a more relaxed and collaborative atmosphere, increasing the likelihood of securing the client.

Once you have successfully landed a client, it's crucial to establish a smooth payment process. Avoid the common mistake of celebrating the client acquisition before sending the invoice. Instead, aim to get paid while you're still on the call with the client. Set up a payment system such as Stripe or PayPal, which allows clients to pay easily and securely. Explain the benefits of paying through credit card, such as added layers of protection, to encourage clients to choose this payment method.

Remember, as an agency owner, your job is to ensure that the work is delivered to the client to a high standard, on time, and within budget. You don't have to personally deliver the services; you can hire contractors who specialize in the specific tasks required. By outsourcing the work to contractors, you can focus on managing the client relationship and overseeing the project.

Delivering Services and Scaling

Now that you have successfully signed a client and received payment, it's time to focus on delivering high-quality services and scaling your agency. As an agency owner, your role is to ensure that the work is completed to a high standard, on time, and within budget. However, this doesn't mean that you have to personally handle all the tasks yourself. In fact, it's often more efficient and cost-effective to hire contractors who specialize in specific areas.

By outsourcing tasks to contractors, you can ensure that the services are delivered to a higher standard than you could achieve on your own. Contractors are experienced professionals who can bring their expertise to the table and provide top-notch results. Plus, by hiring contractors, you can still pocket most of the profits that you charged the client.

To find contractors, you can start by joining Facebook groups or online communities related to digital marketing. Post a job listing explaining your client's needs and requirements, and interview potential candidates to find the best fit for your agency. By curating high-quality talent, you can ensure that the services provided to your clients meet or exceed their expectations.

It's important to remember that clients choose to work with agencies because agencies can deliver services in a way that is convenient and provides the best results. As an agency owner, your job is to curate the right team, manage the client relationship, and ensure that the work is completed to a high standard. By doing so, you provide value to your clients and earn their trust and loyalty.

Scaling your agency is another crucial aspect of growing your business. As you gain more clients and projects, you may need to expand your team to handle the workload. This could mean hiring more contractors or even bringing on full-time employees. The key is to ensure that you have the resources and capacity to deliver services effectively and efficiently.

Remember, the only thing standing between you and becoming a successful agency owner are your own limiting beliefs. Starting an agency is simpler than you might think, and with the right strategies and mindset, you can achieve financial freedom and the flexibility to work from anywhere in the world.

In conclusion, delivering services and scaling your agency requires a combination of effective project management, outsourcing tasks to contractors, and continuously meeting or exceeding client expectations. By curating high-quality talent and focusing on client satisfaction, you can build a successful agency that provides value and generates profits. So go ahead, unleash your entrepreneurial potential, and start your agency today.