If you’re stuck in execution mode—constantly delivering but not getting paid for the strategic value you bring —it might be time to rethink how your agency is positioned.

In this episode of Small But Mighty Agency, I’m joined by Sara Nay, CEO of Duct Tape Marketing, to talk about how agencies can shift from being seen as vendors to being valued as strategic partners who lead the marketing—not just execute it.

We dig into what it really looks like to lead with strategy, how to price and package that value, and how to start getting paid for the thinking you’re already doing.

Here’s what you’ll take away from the conversation:

• Why strategy is your agency’s biggest growth lever
• How to position strategic services so clients understand (and pay for) the value
• The signs it’s time to add Fractional CMO services to your model
• What to do if you're worried about falling into another time-for-money trap
• How to structure your team to scale strategy without burning out

This conversation will help you build a business model rooted in long-term relationships, recurring revenue, and sustainable growth—all while keeping your execution services in play.

Resources & Links:

Explore Duct Tape Marketing: ducttapemarketing.com
Connect with Sara Nay: Sara Nay on LinkedIn

Get the full show notes and more information here: https://audreyjoykwan.com/podcast/ep126

Podcast Edits by Lindsay Curtis

Let’s talk about referrals—not as a bonus, but as a strategy.

If you’ve been growing your agency through great work and word of mouth, but you’re starting to realize that waiting for referrals isn’t the same as designing for them… this episode is for you.

Because the most successful Small But Mighty agencies don’t leave referrals to chance. They build referral-ready relationships and strategic partnerships—on purpose.

Today, I’m breaking down what trust really looks like in action—and how certain behaviors, often overlooked, are what turn casual connections into consistent opportunities.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• Why referrals are a strategy—not something to leave to luck
• The 8 real-world habits of referral-ready agency owners
• How clarity in your niche makes you more referable
• What real trust looks like in referral-ready relationships
• How strategic partnerships can grow your agency without cold outreach

It’s not just a mindset—it’s a method. These habits make you easy to refer, easy to collaborate with, and easy to trust.

And I’ll share real examples from inside Agency Together where agency owners are doing exactly this—building a system for generosity, connection, and strategic growth.

Resources & Links:

Agency Together – The referral-ready membership community for Small But Mighty agency owners, learn more here.

Strategic Partnership Mixer – Join us at the next free Agency Together Strategic Partnership Mixer, RSVP here.

Hey thank for hanging out with me at the Small But Mighty Podcast. If you enjoyed this episode it would mean the world to me if you hit the follow or subscribe button in your podcast app and share it with a friend. ANd I’ll See you on the next one.

Get the full show notes and more information here: https://audreyjoykwan.com/podcast/ep125

Podcast Edits by Lindsay Curtis

When I helped sell and exit a niche agency in the orthodontic space, one thing became crystal clear: we didn’t grow by chasing everything.

We grew by staying focused, building trust, and saying no to the wrong opportunities — even when it felt risky.

It wasn’t loud, but it was strategic, and it worked.

And that approach?

It’s not just relevant — it’s exactly what works in today’s skeptical market.

Clients are more cautious. Referral partners are more selective. And hustle-heavy growth tactics? They’re falling flat.

What I’m seeing across the agencies I work with — and inside Agency Together — is a shift:

🚫 Less “do more.”
✅ More “do what matters”

In this episode of the Small But Mighty Agency Podcast, I’m breaking down five growth habits that help small agencies scale without the grind while still building serious momentum.

Here’s what I cover:

• How saying no creates space for stronger positioning
• The most underused (and most profitable) part of your growth strategy
• Why your so-called “competitors” might be your best growth partners
• Content alone isn’t cutting it — here’s what to build instead
• The power of staying small, agile, and wildly efficient

If staying relevant without selling your soul is your priority, this episode is for you

Resources & Links:

Get the Trust Equity Scorecard – My free tool to help you measure how well your agency is building trust at scale — and where to focus next to grow through retainment, referrals, partnerships, and positioning.

Connect with me on LinkedIn

Don’t forget the free Agency Together Newsletter and access our free mini-course on building Trust Equity to help you be a thought leader agency.

Hey thank for hanging out with me at the Small But Mighty Podcast. If you enjoyed this episode it would mean the world to me if you hit the follow or subscribe button in your podcast app and share it with a friend. ANd I’ll See you on the next one.

Get the full show notes and more information here: https://audreyjoykwan.com/podcast/ep124

Podcast Edits by Lindsay Curtis