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An agency is a difficult business to control. You have clients to connect with, services to deliver and employees to manage. When I first started my agency, I struggled to manage it all. Each week, Friday would roll around and I’d feel like I didn’t even make a dent in my to-do list.
I was in over my head. I struggled to find the right systems and processes to get everything back under control and I wondered if I’d ever “make it” as an agency owner. However, over the years, I’ve developed some habits that help me stay focused, leading me to grow my agency to new heights.
Having a daily routine is a great way to stay on track. To help you create a schedule that works for you and your agency, here are the daily habits I’ve found work best for me:
1. Get started early.
Most entrepreneurs like to start their day early, checking off to-do list items before the sun comes up.
Personally, I like to use my morning time to get prepared for the day ahead. I take time to respond to emails, get caught up on the news and make a list of all the things I want to accomplish that day.
Create a morning routine that helps you eliminate as much stress as possible for the rest of the day. Get your workout in, meditate and take some time for yourself. Your morning can set the tone for the rest of the day.
2. Learn something new.
Business is always evolving, especially when you own an agency. It’s important that you keep up with the changes.
I try to learn something new each and every day. Whether that’s reading a blog post, participating in a webinar, or just joining in a conversation on social media, I look for lessons I believe will help advance my agency.
Schedule some time each day for education, even if it’s just 10 minutes. Little bits of learning each day can save you from missing something important or falling behind.
3. Say ‘no.’
As an agency owner, it’s easy to want to take on everything that comes your way. Unfortunately, not everything is worth your time.
At first, I struggled to turn down clients out of fear or obligation. However, learning to say “no” is empowering and allows me to focus on my most important priorities.
Be selective with your time. To be a successful agency owner, create solid guidelines for the clients you work with, the amount you’re paid, and the projects you’ll deliver.
4. Engage with your team.
An agency can’t be successful if you’re not working as a team. And as the leader, it is your responsibility to ensure there is communication, collaboration and engagement between employees.
I’ve found that finding time to connect with my team members every day can keep momentum high and ensure projects stay on track. Whether it’s checking in through an instant message tool or an in-person meeting, I try to stay actively involved in my employees’ projects.
Look for ways to collaborate within your organization. Start conversations, share ideas and leave room for open communication.
5. Network.
Networking is important for any business owner. When you connect with new people and start new conversations, you’re able to spread the word about what you do, extending your reach to new clients or even new talent.
When my agency first started getting busy, I felt like I never had time for networking, let alone every day. However, I made networking a priority and I now try to connect with someone new through LinkedIn, Twitter or in-person as often as I can.
Look for networking opportunities beyond traditional conferences or events. Instead, use social media, send emails or join communities within your city or industry.
Conclusion
Being an agency owner is hard work, and that work is never-ending. However, there are things you can do to better manage your workload. With the right habits, you can create a daily schedule that allows you to stay on top of everything you need to get done.
Give these habits a try, but also look for processes that help you stay productive. Find what works for you and stick to it!
