Running a marketing agency can feel like a never-ending cycle of famine and feast. One moment you're struggling to bring in new clients and the next you're swamped with projects and deadlines. The constant push and pull of these two extremes can be both exhilarating and overwhelming.
I'm 6 months into running my own consultancy, so I haven't had the joys of a full calendar year of trading yet, however:
January was a scary month.
With ghosting clients and little new prospects coming through the doors, the panic started to set in. But I pushed through, continued networking, budgeting and planning. And it worked. February came through and well... i'm writing this on a Sunday night because I don't have time to keep up with my personal marketing during the week. I suppose thats good news right?
How many tiktoks is a normal amount of tiktoks to film in one day...
How do you deal with the ebb and flow of entrepreneurship?
- Create a budget and stick to it, even during times of abundance. This will help you avoid overspending during the feast times and save money for the famine times. January humbled me for sure ✌️
- Diversify your client base, so you're not solely relying on one or a few large clients. I have clients from all walks of life; niche DTC through to industrial B2B. Not all clients are created equal!
- Build long-term relationships with clients, competitors and suppliers by providing exceptional service and results.
- Don't stop marketing your own business. Create content all the time and attend those networking sessions! They are a goldmine of contacts and friendships 💜
- Stay flexible and adaptable to change. The marketing industry is constantly evolving, so it's important to be able to pivot and adjust your services and strategies to match the market's needs.
Although you may not get new prospects straight away, your content on LinkedIn, Reels on Instagram or leaflets by carrier pigeon will keep you front-of-mind when the time comes.
Surrounding yourself with people you trust in business is crucial because it creates a positive and supportive environment. Trustworthy individuals provide valuable feedback and support during tough times, which can ultimately lead to success.
Additionally, being around people who are better than you in their trade can offer a unique learning experience. It allows for the exchange of knowledge and skills, which can lead to personal and professional growth. Overall, having a network of trustworthy and skilled individuals can be a game-changer in business.
Don't be a chimp 🐒 and let your ego take over. There are people out there that are better at things than you. Let them help!
p.s No carrier pigeons were hurt in the making of Fox & Fox Consultancy.
My calendar is starting to bulge, so if you need help with your brand, drop me an email at sarah@bemorefox.co and we can talk about strategising your brand marketing in Q3.