Leadership is Hard as Hell: Competence is Your Best Asset

If the past few years have shown us anything, the world can be unpredictable and change quickly.  So, how do we build businesses that can weather these shifts?  The good news is that building a sustainable business doesn’t require shiny, overcomplicated strategies that often create more stress than success.  Instead, you need solid, realistic strategies to help future-proof your micro agency. In this episode, I share actionable ways to future-proof your micro agency. These aren’t pipe dreams or empty promises—they’re practical moves you can start making today to build a resilient, adaptable business ready to handle whatever comes next.  Topics discussed in this episode include: Why building a business that can roll with the punches isn’t optional if you want to be sustainable.  Why future-proofing your business isn’t about predicting every shift in the market. The fact that most planning advice isn’t designed for micro agencies. Five strategies to help make your plans and your micro agency more adaptable.  For detailed show notes and links to everything in this episode, please visit bsfreebusiness.com.   To stay in the loop by email, sign up for updates at https://bsfreebusiness.com/agencies/

Ever wonder, "What should I really be doing as the owner of a micro agency?" In the early days, you're doing everything—client work, admin, sales. But as your agency grows, your role gets blurry.  Are you focusing on the right things? Or holding on to tasks that no longer fit your agency’s future? If so, it might be time for a role reset—without losing the work you love or sticking to a one-size-fits-all approach. In this episode, we’re diving into the why and how of a role reset, helping you build a role that truly supports your micro agency’s growth and your vision for success.  Topics discussed in this episode include: Why your role as a leader needs to evolve. The myth of the “CEO Only” role. The hustle culture trap. Signs it’s time for a role reset. How to redefine your role in a sustainable way. Key questions to ask yourself when working on a role reset. For detailed show notes and links to everything in this episode, please visit bsfreebusiness.com.   To stay in the loop by email, sign up for updates at https://bsfreebusiness.com/agencies/

Fact: quality leads don’t magically appear. In most cases, if you think you’ve been doing something wrong because your lead gen takes time and effort, you’re probably already on the right track.  Because having to work to get leads is entirely normal.  In this episode, we’re blowing up the myth of easy lead generation and diving into what really works to attract high-quality clients for your micro agency. Spoiler alert: it’s not as sexy as ‘set it and forget it,’ but it’s much more effective. Topics discussed in this episode include: The fantasy of “effortless leads” that we’ve been sold. The truth about lead generation going into 2025. Why specificity matters more than ever. Tips for refocusing on lead generation that actually works. Why patience and persistence is the name of the game.  For detailed show notes and links to everything in this episode, please visit bsfreebusiness.com.  To stay in the loop by email, sign up for updates at https://bsfreebusiness.com/agencies/

Have you ever seen a “proven” formula for closing big clients and wondered if it might just work? Spoiler alert: it probably won’t.  Big-name entrepreneurs push 10-step funnels and quick wins, but the reality is that corporate clients don’t want flashy tactics. They want a reliable partner who understands their complex needs. In this episode, we’re breaking down why these tactics don’t work for selling to corporate clients—and what does.  Topics discussed in this episode include: Why the tactics the scale sharks teach don’t work. What are corporate clients really looking for in an agency partner? The BS-Free way to sell to corporate clients from relationships to how to position your services.  For detailed show notes and links to everything in this episode, please visit bsfreebusiness.com.   To stay in the loop by email, sign up for updates at https://bsfreebusiness.com/agencies/

Leadership isn’t a walk in the park—it’s tough as hell.  Forget the “delegate and disappear” fantasy; real leadership means facing the hard stuff: tough feedback, letting go of control, and getting your hands dirty.  Great leaders aren’t perfect; they’re competent. And if you’re not, trust me—your team and your bottom line will feel it. In this episode of Confessions of a Micro Agency Owner, we’re getting into why leadership isn’t the easy, breezy dream it’s sold as and why competence as a leader is your best asset.  Topics discussed in this episode include: What competence looks like in a micro agency. Why the dream of “delegate and disappear” isn’t realistic. Ways to focus on building your leadership competence. Must-have leadership skills for microagency owners. Delegation Feedback and difficult conversations Letting your team lead and take initiative For detailed show notes and links to everything in this episode, please visit bsfreebusiness.com.   To stay in the loop by email, sign up for updates at https://bsfreebusiness.com/agencies/

People like to talk about their big revenue numbers, but as any seasoned micro agency owner can tell you, revenue doesn’t tell the whole story. The reality is that if your cash flow is a hot mess and you’re always trying to finesse the numbers to make them “work,” your revenue numbers don’t truly reflect the health of your business.  In this episode, we're getting honest about the numbers that truly matter for your micro agency. It's not just about revenue—it's about staying profitable and sustainable.  Topics discussed in this episode include: Why conventional advice for big agencies doesn’t necessarily apply to micro agencies. Why the “scale sharks” keep telling you to grow at any cost. The lie of “spend money to make money.”  Qualifying questions to ask when reviewing your expenses.  Understanding your cash flow versus your revenue.  What to consider when trying to build up your liquid cash.  Ways to improve your profitability.  For detailed show notes and links to everything in this episode, please visit bsfreebusiness.com.   To stay in the loop by email, sign up for updates at https://bsfreebusiness.com/agencies/

Do you feel like you’re drowning in work and there aren’t enough hours in the day? If so, you’ve probably been considering whether hiring could be the solution to your troubles. Unfortunately, hiring isn’t the magic bullet we’re often told it is. Hiring when you and your team are already in the weeds might cause MORE chaos. In this episode, we're cutting through the BS about hiring as a capacity solution. I'll show you why adding more people is only sometimes the answer and share some ideas for what to consider before you hire.  Topics discussed in this episode include: Why hiring won’t save you and how it can sometimes do more harm than good. Breaking down the myth of “more people, more time.” The hidden costs of hiring, including other costs that may creep up. Possible solutions to capacity issues that don’t include hiring. How to evaluate when hiring makes sense.  For detailed show notes and links to everything in this episode, please visit bsfreebusiness.com.   To stay in the loop by email, sign up for updates at https://bsfreebusiness.com/agencies/

Having a team that can grow with your microagency is the ideal scenario — but is it realistic?  Maybe, maybe not.  Just because you may have team members willing to learn, spending time and energy training them up may not actually be the best solution.   In this episode, I’ll explore what team capabilities really mean and how to determine whether your team is ready to support your growth. Plus, I’ll share the difference between a team that’s just 'trainable' and one that’s truly capable. Topics discussed in this episode include: What are capabilities? Why having a trainable team may not be enough.  Critical dilemmas you’ll likely encounter regarding team capabilities. Training vs. Hiring Generalists vs. Specialists Short-Term Needs vs. Long-Term Growth Cross-Training vs. Role Definition   Investing in People vs. Processes Assessing your current team's capabilities and identifying gaps. For detailed show notes and links to everything in this episode, please visit bsfreebusiness.com.   To stay in the loop by email, sign up for updates at https://bsfreebusiness.com/agencies/

Have you ever felt like even though things are going well, your micro agency’s brand isn’t quite right? It may feel misaligned. Maybe it reads a little outdated, and it’s holding you back.  Whatever feels off, you know for a fact that you don’t have a massive budget or a giant marketing team to work on this. So, how do you build your cachet? In this episode, we’re tackling something you can’t afford to ignore—your branding and positioning. It’s not just about looking good; it’s about commanding the respect and recognition your micro agency deserves.  Topics discussed in this episode include: What is cachet? The biggest myth about cachet.  What to work on to build the kind of cachet that sets you apart. Additional opportunities for micro agencies to build their cachet.  How to avoid common cachet pitfalls. Why building cachet comes to down credibility and clarity.  Links for This Episode: Micro Agency Momentum Asessment Show Notes Get Email Updates

Do you ever feel like all the business advice for agencies has little to nothing to do with running a micro agency?  You’ve got scale sharks pushing their one-size-fits-all blueprints that steer you straight into burnout when you really need a strategic roadmap you can tailor to your needs.  Enter the Micro Agency Momentum Model.  In this episode, I’ll introduce you to the model and explain how it’s designed to counter the myth of more when building your business so you can grow in a way that’s aligned with your goals, values, and life.  Topics discussed in this episode include: What is the Micro Agency Momentum Model? Why the myth of “more” is a common trap for micro agency owners.  Instead of adding more for expansion, you need to optimize your existing operations.  A breakdown of each of the six Cs of the Micro Agency Momentum Model - clients, cash, capacity, capabilities, cachet and competence.  Links for This Episode: Micro Agency Momentum Asessment Show Notes Get Email Updates