My next move?

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Hi everyone! Although I've only been a lurker, I am so thankful for this forum. WF has helped me grow my business from $0 a month 8K per month within just the last year by growing a PR/Social Media marketing consulting firm. However, because the majority of my business stems from sub contracting from one agency, I'm concerned about the "what if" (them terminating the relationship).

I'm at the point where I have a plethora of experience from working with big industry players in the technology sector (startups, companies acquired for hundreds of millions, etc), but I'm having an issue finding additional clients that are not brought to me through the agency/affiliated with the agency.

So my question is, what do I do? Do I continue to seek out additional clientele? If so, how (I have a website and active social presence)? Or do I move into another industry? Any and all help is much appreciated!
#offline marketing #move
  • Congrats on your progress so far!

    How much of your business is through the agency subcontracting to you? Personally, I think the risk is too high if even 20% of your income is coming from one business/agency/person. If it's currently at like 80-90% your first goal should be bringing it down to 50% by finding clients on your own.

    You can do that by using pretty much any marketing strategy you want.

    Hell, you could probably offer your services here in the WF for other people wanting to outsource that to you.

    Responsible outlook on your behalf. Growing is one thing, growing while managing risk is another.
    • [ 1 ] Thanks
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    • Thanks so much for your reply! Currently, agency affiliated clients are 85% of my business. I'll definitely try to diversify and I'm glad I'm not crazy for being worried.
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  • Thanks so much for your reply! Currently, agency affiliated clients are 85% of my business. I'll definitely try to diversify and I'm glad I'm not crazy for being worried.

    You're not crazy...just very much aware!

    My Questions...if you don't mind me asking...

    What prompted the "what if" scenario?

    Has it always been there or have you seen something different recently that has triggered the concern?

    Why are you having an issue finding additional clients?

    Your Questions...

    Do I continue to seek out additional clientele?

    Absolutely!

    If so, how?

    I would start with your current client base and ask for referrals. Start picking their brains for ideas & leads!

    Or do I move into another industry?

    I would stay with what you know for now and branch out as the opportunities present themselves.

    You're familiar with the language in the technology sector and you can use this to your advantage vs starting new.
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    • Ahh, well the answer is complicated. They continue to bring me on to new projects; but I just feel an underlying disrespect. I think the "what if" scenario has always been there, but I was just so comfortable with the recurring money that I didn't care. However, now my eyes are wide open.

      Definitely will continue to pick the brain of my current clients. It's just tricky because the owner of the agency thinks that he should collect an exuberant fee for anyone he's even glanced at in his lifetime lol.

      I think that I'm having a difficult time finding new clients because the market that I'm familiar with is so close knit. The agency I work for requested that I add myself as X position at their company (although I still have my position at my own company listed on LinkedIn). So again, everyone views me as X's strategist. Hence why I was considering slowly branching into a different field rather than dealing with this.

      Sorry for the long reply!
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  • Do you have a contract with the agency?
    Any covenant not to compete?
    Is the owner the litigious type?

    Those considerations aside, you do have to get your own book
    of business. Different field and/or getting clients from farther away
    geographically (people are used to remote via the internet by now).
    • [ 1 ] Thanks
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    • I have no contract with the agency (1099).
      No NDAs or Non Competes.
      However, the owner is the litigious type.

      Definitely considering a different field and/or different demographics.
      • [1] reply
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    My next move?

    Hi everyone! Although I've only been a lurker, I am so thankful for this forum. WF has helped me grow my business from $0 a month 8K per month within just the last year by growing a PR/Social Media marketing consulting firm. However, because the majority of my business stems from sub contracting from one agency, I'm concerned about the "what if" (them terminating the relationship). I'm at the point where I have a plethora of experience from working with big industry players in the technology sector (startups, companies acquired for hundreds of millions, etc), but I'm having an issue finding additional clients that are not brought to me through the agency/affiliated with the agency.