Don't get stuck being just a freelancer; you are leaving a lot on the table, and it's not just money. More importantly, the knowledge of how to run a business and be an operator

Why most freelancers have a hard time transitioning to running a digital agency and building a successful team:

• They can't be flexible because they are chasing the next job.

• Saying yes to every dollar that a client dangles in front of you.

• There is no proper system set up to scale and grow.

• Worrying too much about the competition.

Don't worry; there is hope for you - but it might require a few steps backward before moving forward.

Here are a few things you can implement as you start to grow your business:

Step 1: Be flexible, be nimble.

Running an agency comes with a ton of work. You have to be willing to adapt, improve, and improvise as you grow your agency.

You are constantly juggling deadlines, keeping your clients happy, keeping your team engaged, staying creative, and solution-oriented. You are the so-called "expert" on the job. Although you have to have proper systems in place, the reality is that you will be hit with new obstacles every day that require flexibility. You are a part-time firefighter, whether you like it or not.

Step 2: Don’t say yes to every dollar the client offers you.

As a freelancer, you say yes more than you say no.

As an agency, you say no more than you say yes.

When building your agency, you will be able to pick and choose which clients you want to work with and which ones are not the right fit. Freelancers tend to lose sight of their value and what they bring to the table for the client. You are underpriced because you are in the “I gotta make money” mode; most freelancers live invoice to invoice. It’s a vicious cycle. Learn to say no, speak your mind, set the right expectations, and get paid generously.

Step 3: Build a team with people that are better than you.

Your team is your lifeline.

At Tako Agency, our focus has always been on hiring awesome teammates who bring something new to the table. When dealing with clients, the team that you build is a representation of the business. Please don’t underestimate this; it’s one of the most important factors to a successful business. Our team is magical. We empower each other.

Step 4: Stop worrying about the competition.

Your time is valuable. The more time you spend worrying about the competition, the less time you have to grow your business. Focus on building something unique without any outside influence.

Start with these five items:

1. Clear and consistent communication with your clients.
2. Have systems that will give the client confidence that you can manage your workload.
3. Be transparent; make sure you don’t bullshit them.
4. Be solution-oriented and be an asset to their business.
5. Make sure your creative juices are constantly flowing and bring new ideas to the table.