Agency Action

On this episode of The WP Minute’s Agency Action podcast, Kurt and Toby discuss the challenges of email spam and marketing, the importance of maintaining client relationships, and the emotional aspects of business interactions. They explore the balance between agency work and personal projects, particularly in e-learning, and emphasize the need for a strong online presence. The guys also riff on crafting effective proposals and recognizing opportunities in client projects. You’ll also find advice for crafting pricing strategies, the importance of upselling, and the role of conversion tracking in agency work. There are also tips for understanding client needs and expanding your services to meet them.Takeaways: Spam and scams are increasingly prevalent in email communication.Maintaining a relevant email list is crucial for effective marketing.Emotional deposits in client relationships can lead to better sales opportunities.E-learning projects require consistent effort and marketing to succeed.A strong online presence is essential for attracting clients.Crafting tailored proposals can enhance client engagement.Balancing agency work with personal projects is challenging but rewarding.Upselling is crucial for maintaining control over client projects.Fear or complacency often prevents agencies from expanding their services.Conversion tracking is more beneficial for agencies than clients.Mental well-being is essential for making sound business decisions.Balancing smaller and larger projects can lead to a healthier business model.Important Links:Kurt’s Agency: Mañana No MasToby’s Agency: The Mighty Mo!Follow Kurt & Toby: LinkedIn: Kurt | TobyAgency Action Podcast: thewpminute.com/subscribe

On this episode of The WP Minute’s Agency Action podcast, Toby and Kurt challenge the idea that AI is replacing agencies. They argue that many agency owners are holding themselves back by underpricing services and ignoring new opportunities. The guys discuss how agencies can adapt by embracing AI, productizing services, expanding into marketing and SaaS offerings, and building recurring revenue streams. The conversation highlights a major mindset shift from thinking like developers to operating as growth partners.Takeaways:Agencies are more limited by their own assumptions than by AI or market changes.Significant revenue opportunities exist in services many agencies overlook or avoid offering.Productizing services and setting clear boundaries can improve efficiency and profitability.AI enables faster workflows, making lower-cost projects more viable without sacrificing margins.Agency owners should view themselves as marketing and growth partners, not just developers.Recurring revenue streams like SEO, content, support, and ads can outperform one-time project work.Clients often have larger budgets than agencies assume, but only if higher-value options are presented.AI can expand service offerings without requiring additional staff or major overhead.Fragmented services across multiple vendors create missed opportunities for agencies to provide more value.Important Links:Kurt’s Agency: Mañana No MasToby’s Agency: The Mighty Mo!Follow Kurt & Toby:LinkedIn: Kurt | TobyAgency Action Podcast: thewpminute.com/subscribe

On this episode of The WP Minute’s Agency Action podcast, Kurt and Toby explore the complexities of acquiring and managing WordPress and agency businesses. The guys explore exit strategies, onboarding, upselling, and the impact of AI on agency operations. They also share insights on evaluating business value, customer satisfaction, and process integration. This episode is packed with practical advice for agency owners considering growth or exit options!Takeaways:The true value of a business lies in its processes and customer relationships, not just its client roster.Exit strategy clarity is the foundation of smart acquisition and divestment decisions.Upselling and onboarding must happen promptly after a client transfer to maintain momentum.Acquiring clients well-matched to your operational capacity is as critical as the acquisition itself.Building automation and AI-driven processes now is essential for managing scale and complex acquisitions.The real asset in business sales is often the team and operational systems, not just the client base or revenue.Growth and acquisition strategies should balance speed with operational readiness.Important Links:Kurt’s Agency: Mañana No MasToby’s Agency: The Mighty Mo!Follow Kurt & Toby:LinkedIn: Kurt | TobyAgency Action Podcast: thewpminute.com/subscribe

On this episode of The WP Minute’s Agency Action podcast, Kurt Von Ahnen and Toby Cryns discuss the importance of planning for health emergencies, effective agency offers, lead generation strategies, and maintaining work-life balance. They share practical insights on pricing, client screening, and building long-term relationships in the WordPress agency space. The guys tackle the subjects we don’t talk about nearly enough! This episode includes everything you wanted to know…but were afraid to ask.Takeaways:It’s important to plan for worst-case health scenarios for business continuity.Buy long-term disability and health insurance as a safeguard.The psychology behind 30-day money-back guarantees and risk reversal offers.Effective outreach strategies: organic social media, referrals, and targeted cold outreach.Use pricing strategies to avoid the race to the bottom in gig economy jobs.Recognize red flags in client conversations, such as over-promising or appearing unqualified.Build long-term client relationships through transparent needs assessments and boundaries.There’s value in journaling and stream-of-consciousness writing for stress management and clarity.Employ niche specialization and follow the money to long-term agency success.Important Links:Kurt’s Agency: Mañana No MasToby’s Agency: The Mighty Mo!Follow Kurt & Toby:LinkedIn: Kurt | TobyAgency Action Podcast: thewpminute.com/subscribe

On this episode of The WP Minute’s Agency Action podcast, Toby Cryns and Kurt Von Ahnen examine the role of effective communication in running a successful agency. They explore strategies for setting expectations, handling unknowns, and leading clients confidently, all while fostering team growth. The guys demonstrate how a simple shift in communication approach (setting hard deadlines, controlling the narrative, and listening deeply) can eliminate scope creep and client frustration. Learn why transparency isn’t just kindness, it’s the secret to exponential growth.Takeaways:Agency owners must communicate better than clients and control messaging timelines.Set clear project expectations with specific deadlines.Demonstrate transparency with clients through regular “heartbeat” updates.Improve your client relationships by balancing transparency and withholding information.Develop strategies for handling scope creep and managing client expectations in demanding situations.Use the power of open-ended questions and active listening to prevent misunderstandings.Agency leaders can nurture team development and soft skills.Employ practical tactics for running meetings with agendas and controlled conversations.Important Links:Kurt’s Agency: Mañana No MasToby’s Agency: The Mighty Mo!Follow Kurt & Toby:LinkedIn: Kurt | TobyAgency Action Podcast: thewpminute.com/subscribe

On this episode of The WP Minute’s Agency Action podcast, Toby Cryns and Kurt Von Ahnen explore how AI is transforming business processes, marketing, and service delivery. They discuss practical examples of building in-house tools, shifting focus from website development to problem-solving, and strategies for adapting to technological change. The guys also look at the challenges of subscription management and cutting unnecessary costs. Takeaways:Building in-house AI solutions can eliminate ongoing SaaS costs.The core value of AI in business is enhancing problem-solving, not replacing creativity.Process and delegation are the accelerators of profit growth.Risk tolerance and mindset significantly influence strategic success.Clear communication and positioning simplify business development and client relationships.Regular focus on revenue metrics will help you refine strategic decisions.Proactively eliminating unnecessary recurring expenses unlocks hidden profits.Important Links:Kurt’s Agency: Mañana No MasToby’s Agency: The Mighty Mo!Follow Kurt & Toby:LinkedIn: Kurt | TobyAgency Action Podcast: thewpminute.com/subscribe

On this episode of The WP Minute’s Agency Action Podcast, Kurt and Toby discuss the impact of AI on business strategies, the importance of evaluating services, and the challenges of setting boundaries. The guys explore the hidden costs of complex projects, the dilemma of being a ‘Swiss Army knife’ agency, and the significance of productizing services. The conversation also touches on defining success through various metrics and the importance of simplifying the client experience. Kurt and Toby also reflect on the psychology of growth and the balance between personal health and business success. Takeaways:AI is reshaping business strategies and operations.Evaluating when to cut or streamline services is crucial.The fear of falling behind in AI adoption is common.Setting boundaries is essential for agency success.The hidden costs of complexity can hinder growth.Positioning as a specialized agency can prevent becoming a ‘Swiss Army knife’.Productizing your services can improve efficiency.Defining success goes beyond just revenue metrics.Simplifying the client experience can lead to better relationships.Balancing personal health with business growth is vital.Important Links:Kurt’s Agency: Mañana No MasToby’s Agency: The Mighty Mo!Follow Kurt & Toby:LinkedIn: Kurt | TobyAgency Action Podcast: thewpminute.com/subscribe

On this episode of The WP Minute’s Agency Action podcast, Kurt and Toby discuss the importance of continually reassessing business focus, balancing work with family life, and navigating client expectations. They explore the contrasts in working with larger corporate clients versus smaller businesses, the importance of effective sales strategies, and the value of building strong business relationships. The guys also examine the balance between design and functionality when building for clients. Takeaways:Rethinking business focus is essential for growth.Balancing work and family life is a priority for many entrepreneurs.Taking on smaller projects can slow down progress towards larger goals.Attracting larger clients comes with higher expectations and complexities.Corporate work often involves navigating multiple stakeholders and lengthy processes.Sales strategies should focus on clarity and direct communication.Design should not overshadow the functionality and value of the service provided.Networking can lead to valuable referrals and opportunities.Important Links:Kurt’s Agency: Mañana No MasToby’s Agency: The Mighty Mo!Follow Kurt & Toby:LinkedIn: Kurt | TobyAgency Action Podcast: thewpminute.com/subscribe

On this episode of The WP Minute’s Agency Action podcast, Kurt Von Ahnen and Toby Cryns discuss the importance of taking time off as agency owners, setting boundaries with clients, and the necessity of effective communication. They explore the concept of emergencies in business, how to build a process-driven agency, and the health costs of burnout. It’s all about designing your agency around personal life goals and the value of unplugging to foster creativity and mental well-being. Takeaways:Taking time off is crucial for mental health.It’s essential to set boundaries with clients.Clients often feel entitled to 24/7 availability.Communication is key to managing client expectations.Defining what constitutes an emergency is important.Building a process-driven agency can reduce stress.Ownership and accountability are vital in agency success.Unplugging can lead to better business insights.Important Links:Kurt’s Agency: Mañana No MasToby’s Agency: The Mighty Mo!Follow Kurt & Toby:LinkedIn: Kurt | TobyAgency Action Podcast: thewpminute.com/subscribe

On this episode of The WP Minute’s Agency Action podcast, Toby Cryns and Kurt Von Ahnen explore what responsibility agency owners have beyond generating revenue. The guys cover contributing to the WordPress community (meetups, WordCamps, Five for the Future-style contributions), investing in local neighborhoods, mentoring the next generation, and even addressing ageism in tech. The core idea: if you’ve built a business on open-source software, there’s a natural obligation to give back – whether through time, money, mentorship, or simply showing up. Takeaways:Contributing to WordPress and local meetups strengthens both the ecosystem and your agency.If you profit from open-source software, consider how you’ll pay it forward.Agencies that sell expertise and insight avoid the "race to the bottom."Earning trust requires honest feedback and proactive leadership.Stability and calm communication build long-term relationships.Pitch ideas to clients that drive growth – don’t wait for support tickets.Treat contractors and staff with respect, offer growth paths, and communicate intentionally.Your behavior influences clients, team members, and the broader community.Important Links:Kurt’s Agency: Mañana No MasToby’s Agency: The Mighty Mo!Follow Kurt & Toby:LinkedIn: Kurt | TobyAgency Action Podcast: thewpminute.com/subscribe

On this episode of The WP Minute’s Agency Action podcast, Matt Medeiros shares his top three moments from previous episodes hosted by Kurt and Toby. Topics include the complexities of e-commerce, the importance of valuing services and pricing strategies, overcoming the fear of asking for payment, and the need for community engagement among agency owners. There’s plenty of valuable advice for agencies and freelancers at every stage of their business! Are you looking for a place to connect with other WordPress professionals? Join our Slack channel for free and become a part of The WP Minute community!Takeaways:E-commerce projects can be complex and require focus.Many successful agencies avoid e-commerce to maintain simplicity.Pricing strategies should reflect the true value of services offered.It’s essential to pitch higher prices to gauge client willingness.Clients often care more about solutions than the tools used to create them.Asking for payment can be a significant barrier for many agency owners.Prepayment policies can alleviate the stress of collecting payments.Engaging with peers can lead to better business practices and accountability.Important Links:Kurt’s Agency: Mañana No MasToby’s Agency: The Mighty Mo!Follow Kurt & Toby:LinkedIn: Kurt | TobyAgency Action Podcast: thewpminute.com/subscribe

On this episode of The WP Minute’s Agency Action podcast, Kurt and Toby discuss the challenges of hiring and delegating in an agency setting. They explore the importance of letting go of control, the ethical dilemmas faced in agency work, and the significance of understanding pricing and value. The conversation also touches on the power of automation, building a sustainable agency, and the mindset required for success. The show concludes with insights on identifying key hires that drive growth and the importance of embracing the entrepreneurial journey. Takeaways:Delegation is crucial for agency growth.Many agency owners block progress by trying to do everything themselves.Ethics in agency work can be challenging to navigate.Understanding the value of your services is key to pricing.Automation can significantly improve efficiency in operations.Letting go of certain tasks can lead to better outcomes.Building a sustainable agency requires strategic hiring.Investing in your business is necessary for long-term viability.Important Links:Kurt’s Agency: Mañana No MasToby’s Agency: The Mighty Mo!Follow Kurt & Toby:LinkedIn: Kurt | TobyAgency Action Podcast: thewpminute.com/subscribe

On this episode of The WP Minute’s Agency Action podcast, guest host Matt Medeiros discusses the evolution of agency life and the importance of authentic conversations. He highlights the significance of courses and resources available to agencies, particularly the role of AI in enhancing agency work. Matt emphasizes the need for deeper human connections in agency-client relationships as the industry evolves, advocating for a more personalized approach to service delivery. Takeaways:The Agency Action Podcast aims to provide real conversations from agency professionals.Courses like Hosting Decoded are designed to help agencies choose the right hosting partners.Scoping projects is crucial for agencies to manage client expectations effectively.AI is becoming an integral part of agency operations, enhancing efficiency.The quality of code may become less critical as computing power increases.Doing the unscalable things can differentiate agencies in a competitive market.Transparency and trust are essential in agency-client relationships.Membership models can enhance client engagement and support.Important Links:Apply for The WP Minute’s Peer Accountability GroupAgency Action Podcast: thewpminute.com/subscribe

On this episode of The WP Minute’s Agency Action podcast, Kurt and Toby discuss the challenges of returning to work after a hiatus, navigating personal and professional chaos, and the importance of consistency and authenticity in business. They explore the chaotic nature of agency work, the need for effective client communication, and the role of project management for reducing chaos. The guys also offer their opinions on adjusting rates, managing client relationships, and the impact of anxiety on business operations. Takeaways:It’s important to show up even when feeling anxious.Consistency in business is key to long-term success.Authenticity can enhance leadership during tough times.Clients often appreciate proactive communication.Every agency faces internal chaos, regardless of size.Setting clear boundaries in contracts can prevent messy situations.Adjusting rates can help manage client expectations.Project management can alleviate client-facing chaos.Navigating personal challenges is part of being an entrepreneur.Communication is crucial in maintaining client relationships.Important Links:Kurt’s Agency: Mañana No MasToby’s Agency: The Mighty Mo!Follow Kurt & Toby:LinkedIn: Kurt | TobyAgency Action Podcast: thewpminute.com/subscribe

On this episode of The WP Minute’s Agency Action podcast, Toby Cryns and Kurt von Ahnen discuss the critical aspects of sales. They emphasize the importance of making the first sale and the challenges of discussing discovery with potential clients. Toby believes that securing the first dollar is crucial for future sales success and warns against getting caught up in discussions about the value of discovery, as it may indicate a lack of direction in the sales conversation. You’ll find plenty of actionable tips for refining your sales techniques. Takeaways:If you can get dollar one, you can get dollar $50,000.The first sale is crucial for future success.Engaging in discovery discussions can indicate losing ground.Focus on the client’s future rather than past discussions.Sales conversations should be directed towards value creation.Understanding the client’s needs is essential for closing deals.Avoid getting sidetracked by less relevant topics.The art of selling involves strategic conversations.Building rapport is key to successful sales.Sales success is about mindset and approach.Important Links:Kurt’s Agency: Mañana No MasToby’s Agency: The Mighty Mo!Follow Kurt & Toby:LinkedIn: Kurt | TobyAgency Action Podcast: thewpminute.com/subscribe

On this episode of The WP Minute’s Agency Action podcast, Kurt and Toby discuss the common practice among small agencies of relying solely on referrals for business, which may not be sufficient in the long term. They emphasize the importance of marketing to generate leads and grow your business. The guys also examine how to increase your business’s valuation for future resale. Takeaways:Relying solely on referrals may not be sufficient.Marketing activities are essential for business growth.Generating leads is crucial for selling.A proactive marketing approach can enhance visibility.Building a brand requires more than just referrals.Effective marketing can lead to sustainable growth.Understanding the market is key for small agencies.Diversifying lead sources can mitigate risks.Important Links:Kurt’s Agency: Mañana No MasToby’s Agency: The Mighty Mo!Follow Kurt & Toby:LinkedIn: Kurt | TobyAgency Action Podcast: thewpminute.com/subscribe

In this episode of The WP Minute’s Agency Action podcast, Kurt and Toby examine the complexities of plugin fatigue, the challenges of SEO tools, and the importance of conversion optimization. They discuss the downsides of popular plugins, the role of LinkedIn in marketing strategies, and the necessity of security maintenance plans for small businesses. The conversation also highlights effective management of these challenges while providing valuable insights to their clients. Takeaways:Plugin fatigue is a real issue for agency owners.Upselling in plugins can be frustrating and counterproductive.SEO tools often provide similar functionalities, making the choice difficult.Conversion optimization is as important as driving traffic.LinkedIn can be a valuable tool for marketing, but requires management.Security maintenance plans are essential for protecting client sites.Clients often underestimate the importance of security until it’s too late.Pro bono work can help build relationships, but should not undermine pricing.Effective communication with clients about their needs is crucial.Agencies must balance providing value with maintaining profitability.Important Links:Kurt’s Agency: Mañana No MasToby’s Agency: The Mighty Mo!Follow Kurt & Toby:LinkedIn: Kurt | TobyAgency Action Podcast: thewpminute.com/subscribe

On this episode of The WP Minute’s Agency Action podcast, Kurt von Ahnen and Toby Cryns explore the complexities of leadership, management, and employee accountability. They discuss the evolution of their leadership styles, the importance of team members taking ownership, and the necessity of training and standards. The guys also examine the challenges of delivering constructive feedback, the balance between hiring for skills versus attitude, and the strategies for business growth through effective sales and networking. Additionally, they emphasize the significance of having a clear mission and vision, as well as the importance of planning for an exit strategy in business. Takeaways:Kurt reflects on his past as a hard-nosed boss and the evolution of his leadership style.Employees need to feel invested in their work.Training and clear standards are crucial for team performance.Feedback should be constructive and aimed at helping employees improve.Hiring should focus on both skills and cultural fit.Sales strategies are essential for business growth, not just marketing efforts.Networking and relationship building can lead to valuable opportunities.A clear mission and vision become vital when leadership is not present.An exit strategy is important for long-term business sustainability.Growing a business can be a valuable life experience, providing important lessons.Important Links:Kurt’s Agency: Mañana No MasToby’s Agency: The Mighty Mo!Follow Kurt & Toby:LinkedIn: Kurt | TobyAgency Action Podcast: thewpminute.com/subscribe

On this episode of The WP Minute’s Agency Action podcast, Kurt von Ahnen and Toby Cryns discuss the evolving landscape of e-commerce, with a focus on the competition between WooCommerce and Shopify. They explore the importance of reducing complexity in e-commerce solutions, the impact of AI on SEO, and the future of agency development in a tech-driven world. The guys also ponder the role of no-code solutions, the value of human expertise, and the challenges of AI-generated content. Additionally, they examine the potential for agencies to offer email management services as a new revenue stream, highlighting the complexities of account setup and migration. Takeaways:Shopify is gaining traction as a user-friendly alternative to WooCommerce.Reducing complexity in e-commerce can lead to smoother operations.AI is reshaping SEO, creating new opportunities for smaller players.Agencies must adapt to the changing landscape of technology and client expectations.No-code solutions are becoming more prevalent, but may not replace the need for skilled developers.Human expertise will remain valuable as AI tools proliferate.Content creation with AI can be efficient but may lack specificity.Tools like Advanced Custom Fields can complicate WordPress development if not used correctly.Email management could be a lucrative service for agencies.Important Links:Kurt’s Agency: Mañana No MasToby’s Agency: The Mighty Mo!Follow Kurt & Toby:LinkedIn: Kurt | TobyAgency Action Podcast: thewpminute.com/subscribe

In this episode of The WP Minute’s Agency Action podcast, Kurt and Toby delve into the complexities of running a successful agency. They discuss the pros and cons of publishing pricing, the challenges of managing client expectations, and the nuances of value-based versus time-based pricing. The conversation also explores the importance of building relationships, navigating the e-commerce landscape, and the necessity of developing effective marketing strategies. The guys emphasize the importance of embracing discomfort for growth and the necessity of organization in scaling up operations. Be sure to stick around for the Matt Medeiros cameo! Takeaways:Agencies must decide whether to publish pricing or keep it ambiguous.Scope creep can lead to unrealistic client expectations.Value-based pricing requires deeper relationships and trust.Understanding the root cause of client requests is crucial.E-commerce presents unique challenges for agencies.Confidence in pricing can lead to higher sales.Networking is essential for expanding reach and opportunities.Embracing discomfort is necessary for growth.Effective marketing strategies can help agencies scale.Organization is key to managing a growing agency.Important Links:Kurt’s Agency: Mañana No MasToby’s Agency: The Mighty Mo!Follow Kurt & Toby:LinkedIn: Kurt | TobyAgency Action Podcast: thewpminute.com/subscribe

In this episode of The WP Minute’s Agency Action podcast, Kurt and Toby discuss the challenges and strategies of running a WordPress agency. They explore the importance of efficiency in managing multiple sites, the necessity of delegation, and effective pricing strategies. The conversation also covers client success, the role of reporting, and the value of newsletters for engagement. The guys emphasize the ethics of pricing and the unique freedoms that come with self-employment, encouraging agency owners to embrace these aspects for growth and success.Takeaways:Agencies often struggle with managing multiple sites efficiently.Delegation is crucial for agency growth and efficiency.Pricing strategies can significantly impact agency profitability.Client success is a shared responsibility between the agency and the client.Reporting should focus on key performance indicators that matter to clients.Building a newsletter can enhance client engagement and visibility.Understanding client expectations is key to successful project delivery.Ethics in pricing can vary widely among agency owners.Self-employment offers unique freedoms that should be embraced.Continuous learning and community engagement are vital for agency owners.Important Links:Kurt’s Agency: Mañana No MasToby’s Agency: The Mighty Mo!Follow Kurt & Toby:LinkedIn: Kurt | TobyAgency Action Podcast: thewpminute.com/subscribe

In this episode of The WP Minute’s Agency Action podcast, Kurt von Ahnen and Toby Cryns discuss the complexities of pricing strategies for agencies, emphasizing the importance of value-based pricing and the role of expertise in justifying higher rates. They explore sales techniques, time management, and the significance of marketing to existing clients. The conversation also touches on the balance between work and personal life, the value of consulting calls, and the necessity of adjusting prices to retain quality clients. The guys share valuable insights for agency owners looking to enhance their business practices.Takeaways:Pricing is subjective and can vary based on client expectations.Value-based pricing can lead to higher fees if positioned correctly.Expertise and confidence can justify higher rates.Sales strategies are crucial for agency growth.Time management is essential for productivity and focus.Raising prices can help eliminate low-value clients.Recurring revenue models provide stability for agencies.Marketing to existing clients is often overlooked but vital.Balancing work and personal life can enhance productivity.Consulting calls should be managed to avoid giving away free advice.Important Links:Kurt’s Agency: Mañana No MasToby’s Agency: The Mighty Mo!Follow Kurt & Toby:LinkedIn: Kurt | TobyAgency Action Podcast: thewpminute.com/subscribe

In this episode of The WP Minute’s Agency Action, Kurt von Ahnen and Toby Cryns discuss their WordPress agency experiences. The guys focus on their tech stack, project delivery methods, and plugin preferences. They emphasize the importance of filtering plugins, effective team dynamics, and managing SaaS subscriptions. The conversation also touches on backup solutions and community-building tools, providing insights into the operational aspects of running a WordPress agency. Kurt and Toby also discuss various aspects of running a business, including evaluating tools and expenses, choosing the right project management systems, the importance of transparency in business operations, effective proposal writing, and understanding business expenses and insurance. They share personal experiences and insights on how to manage a successful agency while being mindful of costs and operational efficiency.Takeaways:Having a dedicated marketing team can streamline project delivery.Choosing the right hosting provider is crucial for website performance.Backup solutions should be independent of hosting services to avoid single points of failure.Community-building tools like Lifter LMS are essential for client projects.Investing in the right tools can lead to better project outcomes.Understanding client needs is key to selecting the right plugins.Effective team dynamics can enhance project delivery efficiency. Using tools like Descript and SweetDash can streamline business operations.It’s important to evaluate whether multiple tools are necessary for the same function.Frugality in business should be balanced with efficiency and effectiveness.Tracking time on projects can provide valuable insights for future estimates.Transparency with employees about finances can be tricky but necessary.Understanding the costs associated with running a business is crucial for sustainability.Business insurance is essential to protect against unforeseen circumstances.Proposal writing can be simplified with the right tools and templates.Client communication is key to managing expectations and project scope.Entrepreneurship requires hard work and a willingness to take risks.Important Links:Kurt’s Agency: Mañana No MasToby’s Agency: The Mighty Mo!Follow Kurt & Toby:LinkedIn: Kurt | TobyAgency Action Podcast: thewpminute.com/subscribe

Kurt von Ahnen and Toby Cryns kick off Season 1 by answering the questions every new agency owner asks: how to split time between learning, delivery, marketing, and actually running the business; how to find (and talk to) buyers; and how to price when you’re still building your portfolio. They unpack the difference between marketing and sales, why grassroots outreach beats tiny ad budgets, and how recurring revenue (hosting + maintenance) keeps you top-of-mind and solvent.You’ll hear practical scripts for handling pushback, ways to build trust without a giant portfolio, and two contrasting—but equally successful—approaches to pricing: Toby’s “what does this look like—$18k?” instinct vs. Kurt’s hour-based estimates with a 30% buffer and a firm agency rate. They also cover scope control, when to say “yes” to harmless client preferences, and why generosity and community involvement pay surprising dividends over time.Key takeawaysTime blocking wins: protect daily blocks for sales/marketing (90–120 min/day), learning, and delivery.Marketing ≠ sales: if you must pick, sell—book coffees, ask for intros, join real-world meetups.Grassroots > tiny ad spends: a $500 ads budget won’t replace consistent outbound and community activity.Build trust without a big portfolio: create sample sites on your server and lead with outcomes, not tech.Don’t talk stacks in sales calls: promise outcomes, timelines, and service—save tech for discovery/paid work.Price for the team you’ll need: even solo, quote as if you’re paying implementers and managing the project.Try “looks like” pricing: anchor high, then listen; you can adjust scope before you adjust price.Recurring revenue is marketing: hosting/maintenance keeps you top-of-mind and smooths cash flow.Scope & sanity: if budget is the issue, remove features—don’t race to the bottom.Say “yes” (when harmless): accommodate style tweaks that won’t break objectives; save your “no” for what matters.Generosity compounds: responsive service, community leadership, and “pay it forward” behavior attract referrals.Choose depth and width: anchor with a few high-margin projects; fill the gaps with simpler builds.Links mentionedThe Mighty Mo (Toby’s agency): https://themightymo.comMañana No Mas (Kurt’s agency): https://manananomas.comThe WP Minute (network): https://thewpminute.comPost Status (community referenced): https://poststatus.comWebDevStudios (referenced in discussion): https://webdevstudios.com