Band-Aids and Pills: Why Quick Fixes Aren’t the Right Approach for Agencies
Sure, sometimes you just need a Band-Aid.
My kids are convinced Band-Aids are the cure for everything from paper cuts to bad days.
But when it comes to running an agency, Band-Aids won’t cut it for serious problems.
Slapping a Band-Aid on a deep wound might buy you some time, but until you address the real issue, your agency won’t be healthy.
Many agencies keep patching their injuries instead of healing them. Let's dive into some common problems and compare quick fixes to real solutions.
Common Agency Issues and Quick Fixes
Inconsistent Revenue
Inconsistent revenue is like that unreliable friend who only shows up when they need something.
When agencies are constantly hunting for new projects, the Band-Aid solution is to scramble for the next gig—reach out to contacts, beg for referrals, and hope for a miracle.
Sure, this might fill the coffers temporarily, but it doesn’t fix the bigger problem.
The Real Fix: Create a structured offer that generates recurring revenue.
As long as you’re continuously chasing the next dollar, you’re going to be miserable. Rework your offer so that you have a steady drip of revenue every month.
Remember, when recurring revenue outpaces recurring expenses, you win. You can’t consistently do that with projects (at least easily).
Lack of Team Capacity
Your team is drowning in work, and your first instinct is to throw more people at the problem.
Hiring more staff might seem like the obvious Band-Aid, but you’re going to end up in a game of Revenue-Headcount ping pong.
While is sounds like this is a fine approach, you’re going to burn yourself and your team out in the long run.
The Real Fix: Specialize in one service, for one audience, with one offer.
By focusing your efforts, your team can become experts rather than jacks-of-all-trades. This approach makes it easier to train new hires and boosts overall efficiency.
Plus, your clients will appreciate the expertise.
Founder Overload
Agency founders often find themselves stuck in the daily grind, unable to take a break without everything falling apart.
The Band-Aid fix is to jump in and solve problems as they come up, like playing whack-a-mole with your sanity.
It’ll get you through the day, but it’s going to get you into a hospital after some time.
The Real Fix: Train your team to handle challenges independently.
Equip them with the tools and authority to make decisions. Give them reasons to trust you’ll have their back even if they make the wrong decision.
This is the path to not being the only firefighter in town. Empowering your team not only reduces your stress but also fosters a culture of responsibility and growth.
Fixing the Problems
Band-Aids are great for minor scrapes, but if you’re relying on them to fix deep wounds, you’re in trouble.
Addressing the root causes of issues in your agency is crucial for long-term success. Focus on sustainable solutions rather than quick fixes, and watch your agency thrive.
Want to see how we help agencies do this? Schedule a call to get some real fixes in your business.