))
020: Your Terms, Your Rules: A Better Agency-Client Partnership
Manage episode 470803574 series 3603947
In this episode, we’re diving into the topic of setting clear expectations and boundaries with clients right from the start. No more guessing games - this is about laying the foundation for long-term, successful partnerships by setting the terms upfront, shutting down scope creep before it starts, negotiating payment terms like a pro, and knowing exactly how to handle cancellations.
With real-life stories and industry insights, we’re sharing the must-have strategies for building a client-agency relationship that actually works - one that empowers both sides, aligns goals, and keeps things running smoothly with respect AND clarity.
What to Expect:
- A discussion on the importance of setting clear expectations from the start of a client relationship.
- Practical tips on preventing scope creep by defining the project scope and deliverables.
- Insight into structuring your payment terms, including deposits and invoicing, to protect your cash flow.
- How to approach cancellations with a “kill fee” and termination clauses to safeguard your business.
- Strategies for renewal and retainer terms, helping you foster long-term partnerships with clients.
Key Takeaways:
- Reflect on where you’re compromising your agency’s health to accommodate client demands and start addressing these issues one by one.
- Create a working document with your team’s working terms and expectations to share upfront with clients.
- Be transparent and direct when discussing working hours, payment terms, and project timelines to avoid miscommunications down the road.
- Start practicing your boundaries with new clients and refine your communication over time to make these expectations feel natural.
Real Talk Moments:
- How we learned to stop people-pleasing and say no to clients' unreasonable demands - if you’re always saying yes to everything, you’re going to end up frustrated.
Special Offer from Our Sponsor: Thanks to our sponsor Copper, for making this podcast possible. Copper is a CRM that helps agencies attract more clients, streamline communication and deliver projects effortlessly. Exclusive to the listeners of this podcast, Copper is offering 15% off annual plans with promo code AGENCYDARLINGS, all one word.
Check out Copper’s Lead Nurturing Playbook, designed to help agencies nurture leads and grow sustainably.
Connect With Us:
About Your Hosts:
Melissa Lohrer is the Founder of Waverly Ave Consulting, a Growth Consultancy for indie agencies. She partners with agency owners to create seven-figure growth through strategic repositioning, modern revenue models, and relationship-based sales. Connect with her on LinkedIn and Instagram.
Meredith Fennessy Witts is the Founder of Le Chéile, the go-to finance and strategy consultancy for creative agencies scaling beyond seven figures. She helps creative founders clarify their cash flow, restructure niche offers and pricing, and ensure they’re running a profitable business...in a mindful way. Connect with her on LinkedIn and Instagram.
Don't forget to rate, review, and subscribe! New episodes drop every Tuesday.
31 episodes
Share
