Managing Clients
“Take immense pain in selecting your clients.” –David Ogilvy
Think for a moment about your favorite client—the one who always pays on time and takes your advice. Now think about your worst client. What’s the difference?
If you’re like most agency owners, your favorite clients just seem to understand the rules… and your worst clients always think they’re the “special snowflake.”
Life’s easier when your clients are happy… and when the projects you do for them are profitable for your agency. Accomplishing that is simple—but it’s not easy.
In the last few years, I’ve helped agencies:
- Identify $2 million in growth opportunities from existing client base, for a single agency
- Create an account management “playbook” to train teams and boost client retention
- Find solutions to get paid by cost overruns
- Navigate unhappy client situations
Want my help, too?
Let’s talk—I offer a free, confidential, no obligation Q&A call to see if we’re a match.
How does this work?
It starts when you fill out the contact form below. My project manager (Diane) or I will get back to you within two business days.
If things sound like a match, you’ll get my pre-intake survey and we’ll schedule a 45-minute exploratory call. We’ll have some followup questions, and answer your questions about approach.
If things are a fit, I’ll recommend the right approach. And if we’re not a fit, I’ll point you elsewhere.
Am I a typical client?
My clients have spanned 300+ agencies on six continents. Here are common factors:
- You’ve been growing fast—between 30% and 200% annually—and are hitting growing pains. You wish you could make yourself “needed, but not necessary.”
- You’re facing a big decision about your agency’s future. You want a plan or roadmap to get there faster, instead of learning the hard way.
- Your agency has 20-100 employees, with 1-3 owners. (My clients have ranged from startup agencies to holding company agencies.)
- You’ve budgeted at least US$15,000 for comprehensive help.
Sound like you? Sounds painful—request that free Q&A call ASAP!
What does it cost?
Considering we’re solving problems that have a six- or seven-figure impact, most clients invest US$20,000+ annually. Engagements fall into two categories:
- Agency Roadmap consulting project: $15,000 to $35,000 plus travel (2-4 months)
- Executive Coaching: $2,500 to $3,500 per month (6-12 months)
Most clients pay via credit card. I also accept PayPal, ACH bank draft, TransferWise, and U.S. checks. There’s a deposit and then ongoing installment payments.
Not in your budget, or trying to solve a smaller problem? Schedule permitting, we can do a one-off call for $750 to $1,000 via Clarity.fm.
Will Karl come to my office?
All of my coaching and most of my consulting work is remote. During larger Agency Roadmap projects, an on-site visit may make sense, especially when you have a large team in one location. If that’s the case, I’ll include that as an option as we scope your project.
More questions? Visit our Frequently Asked Questions page.
LATEST BLOG POST for MANAGING CLIENTS
Ready to boost client retention? Make each client the Hero!
Boost client retention with an important mindset shift: A la Joseph Campbell, make your client the Hero in the relationship, with your agency as the Helper.
read moreMore than that though he’s become our “agency therapist”—we talk through our internal & client problems/issues with him, and he holds us accountable to actually following through on what we say we’ll do (and sometimes even drafts the tough emails for us).
He’s become an extended member of the Eighty-Eight team. I would recommend Karl to any agency owner who’s looking for an unbiased, expert third-party view on their agency. ERIN BURY
CASE STUDY for MANAGING CLIENTS
To start the conversation, please complete this form. You’ll hear back within 2 business days, with a few date/time options to schedule an exploratory call.
Don’t like forms? Email, or call me at +1-919-410-6224. Thanks!
