When I started a business over 18 years ago, I had no idea where the journey would take me. I began by providing lead generation and virtual administrative services. Let me share how I turned my VA business into an online digital marketing agency.
Steps From VA To Agency Owner
Yes, it is possible to create a digital marketing agency from your VA service business. I began by first creating a VA Agency. You do not need to do this, but it helped me transition eventually into a digital marketing agency.
Honestly, if I knew I was going to create an agency (of any type) when I started a business, I would have started with subcontractors (as team members) from my first client. But you know what they say about hindsight, right?
These are the simplified steps to help you see the overview of going from a VA to an online agency owner.
- Attract Consistent Clients (and plenty of them)
- Document Your Processes & Systems
- Add a Subcontractor
- Delegate Client Tasks
- Settle Into Your Management Style
See these steps here in the infographic below:
Step 1: Attract Consistent Clients
The first step necessary is that you are attracting consistent clients regularly. This is essential, so when you are ready to delegate, you have actual client tasks to share. Before you start an online agency of any kind, it is wise to do training on the tasks you want to provide to your clients.
Attracting clients takes time and patience. You must put yourself out there online in many formats, but always presenting a unified message. Your message should resonate and speak directly to your audience (those you want to provide services to).
To get you started and make sure you are on the right path to attract clients, fill out a storyboard to help you. Filling this out will give you a better idea of how to speak the language of your prospective clients so you may attract them to your services.
This is a storyboard. I’ve provided an example for you so when you download it, it will help you.
Training to Up Your Skills
This can mean taking one course or several courses, from social media management to SEO and copywriting. There are so many online educational platforms to choose from, but I will share a few that I know and trust.
- FreelanceU.com (FreeU) is a wonderful educational tool to update your skills. You do not get one course; you have access to every one of their courses. They offer everything from starting your business, becoming an OBM, SEO tips, digital marketing certifications, and much more. I highly recommend FreeU because I was a Mentor with them for years and taught several courses and workshops for them.
- HubSpot Academy offers free certification opportunities. Certifications in social media, email marketing, content marketing, and more.
- VA Networking offers training and classes. Don’t think it is VA training only because she goes so much deeper. Tawnya Southerland brings new workshops monthly. She even had a “Get Booked Solid Club” you should check out.
Step 2: Document Processes
In order to build an agency, you must have processes in place for those you bring on to help. They have to have more than an explainer video. A subcontractor needs to see documented steps so they can work like you want them to work. Each step needs to be clearly laid out in a document so that it is easily accessible by your subcontractors.
This is one of the most important steps to building an agency. By the time you have consistent clients and are busy enough for help, it will be difficult to find time for them. Prepare ahead and document every step to your first task that you offload onto your subcontractor.
Step 3: Add A Subcontractor
You’ve probably heard me say it (or saw me write it) a thousand times by now, but adding a subcontractor is necessary to multiply your work. Most freelancers and small business owners think it will subtract revenue from the business to bring on subcontractors.
Do you know what the truth is about this?
“It multiplies revenue when done right! The truth is that you cannot afford NOT to add subcontractors. If you do not bring them on...
- You will hit a revenue wall you cannot climb.
- You will end up turning clients away if you are attracting them regularly.
- You will lose revenue, possibly in the tens of thousands of dollars or more!
- Your business will end up shrinking back.
- You will continue to repeat this cycle over and over again until you make this change!” -Tammy Durden
Adding subcontractors adds revenue, not subcontracts from revenue. Yes, initially, it may seem like less revenue; however, if you are regularly attracting new clients, you will find that your revenue will grow over time, again and again.
Therefore, you cannot afford not to subcontract.
Step 4: Delegate Client Tasks
Learning to delegate can be challenging, especially if you like to control everything. You may end up being what I coined the phrase as a “Helicopter Manager(TM)”. You can probably infer the meaning of that, but it is basically looking over the proverbial shoulder (virtually) and having to approve everything before the client sees it.
I can define it so well because that was me several years ago. That is how I managed the first agency I built. And you know what? I was exhausted! It was so draining to always be client-facing and not have time off because I was reviewing others’ work.
Mind you, these were highly capable and skilled individuals. I wasn’t ready to share my clients yet. And I wasn’t ready to delegate the work, not truly delegate!
This is no way to manage your virtual dream team. Yes, in the first month, you may review some of the work to double-check it occasionally, but not every task. Settle yourself in and learn to delegate. Those you hire should be very capable and highly skilled if you took my suggestions on where to find good subcontractors. These are not employees, but contracted to work on your client tasks (check irs.gov to see if you meet these requirements).
The “Build Your Agency checklist“ will help you decide what items you need to delegate. Don’t put it off; you will need to delegate sooner rather than later.
Step 5: Settle Into A Management Style
Yes, you will settle into a management style, hopefully not the “Helicopter Manager”(TM). I know you will manage with grace and wisdom (or something like it).
Although I began as a “Helicopter Manager”(TM), I went through my “Sifter Manager”(TM) phase, and finally settled into my “Hands-Off Manager”(TM) style. When I finally let go of the control with a great team in place, it made it so much easier.
It was easier to…
- Be Flexible
- Be Available for family & friends
- Be Available for clients
- Be Available for my team
- Feel Free
- Live the life I needed or wanted to live (even if that meant working from bed at times).
- Be Myself. I didn’t have to feel like I was on edge all the time, as I no longer juggled all the balls by myself. Now I had help.
- Be Available for Vacations and time off
Rather than go into depth about the management styles, I will share a link that says it all here.
Final Thoughts
These simplified steps can help you get started on the road to scaling your business. Don’t get frustrated, take your time through the steps, and seek help if you need it.
You’ve Got This!
To Your Continued Success!
Ways Tammy can help you and your business:
1-on-1 Coaching Programs
- Build Your Agency – helping you build your agency from the start or from where you are now.
- Business Coach for Women – helping women grow an online service business, either in growth mode or scaling mode (choose from two packages).
- Christ-Centered Coaching – looking for a Christian-based business coach, look no further. Through prayer and Bible study (if you choose), Tammy guides you and your business into growth as God directs you. If you choose, she will also add a deep dive Bible Study (Experiencing God or another study) to go alongside your business growth.
Budget-Friendly Options
- Quick Wins Coaching Experiences – You choose from 1 Day, 2 Days, or 3 Days of business coaching at a reduced rate (lower than the 6-month program). If you are ready for a coach and want to test it out. See Tammy’s style and how she can help grow your business. It is also a good option if you are stuck, want help with pricing, or package, or any other problem or decision you are facing. Do you need another point of view (having input from others can help, IF they are knowledgeable in your area of business)? Do not miss this opportunity while it lasts, as it is a temporary program.
- Mastermind Group Coaching Programs – These groups meet weekly for 60-90 minutes. Small-sized groups mean you get devoted time for Tammy’s help. Plus, you receive help from colleagues and their input. So many benefits at a very low monthly rate. Open enrollment is a few times a year ONLY; however, since it is being featured here, you may enroll through this link.