Shows
Agency Darlings048. How I Doubled My Agency by Doing Less with Lauryn WarnickOver the past decade, Lauryn Warnick has quietly built Villain Branding into a trusted partner for high-growth B2B companies navigating moments where brand decisions carry real weight, scale, complexity, leadership alignment, and pressure. In the past two years, she's doubled Villain's revenue, putting the firm in the rare 2% of women-owned businesses to cross the seven-figure threshold.But that growth didn't come from doing more. It came from doing less, and from making a painful identity shift that most founders avoid talking about.If you've ever wondered...How do I know when it's time...
2026-02-241h 01
Agency Darlings047: The Delegation Mistakes That Keep Founders in the WeedsLeadership is hard. Leading while running a business, managing a team of freelancers, and trying not to burn yourself out in the process? Even harder.In this episode, Melissa and Meredith sit down with Steve Guberman, founder of Agency Outsight, former agency owner who scaled to 12 people before selling, and now an agency coach who's helped hundreds of founders navigate the messy middle of growth.They get into the real stuff: How do you delegate without feeling like you're losing control? What does it actually look like to shift from doer to CEO? And what...
2026-02-1747 min
Agency Darlings046. The Confident Pivot: Reinventing Without Burning It DownWe're seeing it everywhere: nearly every agency we work with is in the middle of a pivot right now or has pivoted in the past year. We're in a particular moment of needing to pivot, given what's happening in the world.According to the 2025 Agency Growth Benchmark report, over 60% of agencies between $500K and $3M in revenue undergo a positioning or offer reset every two to four years. And that's not surprising, because agencies at this stage need to level up every time they hit a new threshold. Pivoting doesn't need to be a sign of failure...
2026-02-1040 min
Agency Darlings045. What clients actually want (and won't tell you)You think you know what clients want. You've read the case studies, perfected your pitch deck, and rehearsed your differentiators. But what if you've been optimizing for the wrong things entirely?This week, we're pulling back the curtain with Rachel Huff, founder of Victoire & Co, an agency search consultancy that helps client-side leaders find the right agency partners. Rachel has spent her career on both sides of the table: years agency-side understanding the realities of pitching and delivery, and now working directly with brands to find their ideal agency fit. She sees the patterns agencies don't have...
2026-02-031h 02
Agency Darlings044. How Big Clients Think (And How Agencies Win Them)A lot of agency owners think winning big clients is about fancy credential decks, bigger case studies, or the perfect pitch presentation. It's not. It's a psychology game, not a proposal game. And if you're stuck in the small budget, high-maintenance client cycle, it's rarely because your work isn't good enough—it's because of the energy you're bringing, the positioning you're claiming, and the decision patterns you're signaling (maybe unintentionally) that tell bigger clients you're built for smaller work.In today's episode, we break down the psychology that separates boutique agencies who get overlooked from the ones wh...
2026-01-2742 min
Agency Darlings043. The Pricing Sweet Spot: Is Your Pricing Too Safe?Most agency founders have been charging the same rates since 2021. You've given your team raises. Your costs have gone up. The economy has shifted. But your pricing? Still stuck at that number you picked three years ago based on vibes and what you saw other agencies charging.Today, we're handing you the formula to stop pricing emotionally and start pricing strategically. We break down the 2x multiplier that creates your absolute floor, the 10x principle that unlocks your ceiling, and the three consecutive yeses that signal you're leaving money on the table.If you've ever...
2026-01-2044 min
Agency Darlings042. You Didn’t Start an Agency to Be the Lowest-Paid EmployeeHow to actually enjoy the money your agency is making without guilt, chaos, or burnout. That's the conversation Melissa and Meredith are having today, darling—because too many successful founders are still living like freelancers.You're hitting revenue goals. You're paying contractors, employees, covering taxes and expenses. But you're not paying yourself what you're worth. You're taking tiny distributions when cash flow is good and feeling guilty about everything in between. And if we're being honest? You wouldn't accept the job you have on paper—with that salary—from anyone else.In this episode, we break...
2026-01-1330 min
Agency Darlings041. This Is Your Expansion Era: Strategies for Thinking BiggerPlaying it safe got you here. But thinking small won't get you there. While most agency owners are planning incremental 20% growth, darling, we're challenging you to think exponentially bigger. Because your biggest year isn't going to come from optimizing what you're already doing. It's going to come from completely reimagining what's possible.In this solo episode, Melissa and Meredith break down four research-backed strategies that outperforming companies use to achieve breakthrough growth. Not the "work harder" advice you'll find everywhere else. Not the "double down on what's working" conventional wisdom. This is about expanding your identity, taking...
2026-01-0634 min
Agency Darlings040. The Anti-Pitch Strategy: How to Close Deals Before the PitchNothing drains boutique agencies faster than the black hole of pitching and RFPs. In today’s episode, we’re pulling back the curtain on a topic that every agency owner privately obsesses over, but very few talk about honestly: why pitches rarely convert, why proposals don’t win business, and why most agencies are building their entire biz dev system on a process that statistically works against them. We’re ending the season with a powerful reframe. Because stepping into a new year with your old RFP mindset is just… not the vibe, darling.If you’ve ever wondere...
2025-12-1648 min
Agency BytesEp 141 – Meredith Fennessy Witts + Melissa Lohrer, Agency Darlings – Community Over Competition: How Agency Darlings Are Rewriting the RulesTHIS EPISODE IS SPONSORED BY IGNITION. START YOUR FREE 14 DAY TRIAL ignitionapp.info/agencybytes-trial Use Code OUTSIGHT25 to save 50% off!
Featuring: Meredith Fennessy Witts + Melissa Lohrer, Agency Darlings
In episode 141, I sit down with Melissa and Meredith, the hosts of the Agency Darlings podcast and longtime agency operators, to unpack why so many agency owners feel burned out, stuck, or disillusioned by the traditional agency growth advice that’s been circulating for decades.
We talk candidly about the “bro playbook” — hustle culture, ego-driven leadership, top-down decision making, and growth at all costs — and why it often lead...
2025-12-1551 minAgency Darlings039. The High-Performance Hiring Method Every Agency Owner Needs with Natasha GolinskyIf you’ve ever hired someone you thought was “the one,” only to watch your team unravel behind the scenes, this episode will feel like a deep exhale. Today, we’re sitting down with Natasha Golinsky, the powerhouse founder behind On Purpose Projects, to talk about the part of agency ownership that most founders quietly struggle with: building a reliable team you can actually trust.Natasha is known for her non-bullshit, radically practical approach to leadership — the kind that comes from a decade of running a full-stack development agency, managing a 100% contractor team across time zones, and surviving...
2025-12-091h 01Agency Darlings038. Your Pipeline’s Quiet — Now What?You know that sinking feeling when your sales pipeline starts to dry up? When the big deal you were sure would close suddenly stalls, and your perfectly forecasted month starts to look like a desert? We’ve all been there, darling. In this week’s episode, we’re naming it, reframing it, and turning it into your next big growth moment.We call it Pipeline Panic — that all-too-familiar moment when the phone stops ringing, the leads slow down, and your brain starts catastrophizing every possible worst-case scenario. But as we unpack in this conversation, those slow seasons aren’t p...
2025-12-0251 minAgency DarlingsThe Unfiltered Reality Behind GrowthIn this episode of Agency Darlings, hosts Melissa and Meredith provide an insider's guide to the ups and downs of the agency world, emphasizing the importance of vulnerability and empathy, especially during challenging times. They discuss the pressures of balancing work and personal struggles, particularly around the holidays, and share personal experiences of grief and loss to highlight the significance of being compassionate towards oneself and others. The episode encourages listeners to recognize the human side of business growth and to practice gratitude and understanding towards their teams and clients.00:00 Welcome to Agency Darlings00:22 Starting th...
2025-11-2529 minAgency Darlings037. What Sustainable Growth Really Looks Like — with Amy Jackson from TaleSplashThe agency world doesn’t reward those who cling to “how it’s always been done.” It rewards the ones brave enough to redesign their business around what actually works — and what actually matters. In this powerful conversation, we sit down with Amy Jackson, founder and CEO of TaleSplash, to talk about what it really looks like to evolve your agency in real time.Over the past year, Amy has made bold shifts in her business, from niching into health, family, and safety brands to restructuring her team, rethinking her client criteria, and raising her rates with confidence...
2025-11-181h 03Agency Darlings036. Full-Service is a Trap: How to Specialize to ScaleThere’s a sneaky trap that almost every small agency falls into at some point: trying to be everything to everyone. And honestly? We’ve been there too. When you’re in the early stages, saying yes to every service, every client, every shiny opportunity can feel like the smart, safe thing to do. But the truth is, trying to do it all is the fastest way to burn out your team, confuse your clients, and hold your growth hostage.We’re diving deep into why doing less actually helps you win more. This isn’t about limiting y...
2025-11-1135 minAgency Darlings035. Become the CEO of Your Life with Amanda GoetzThe agency world was never meant to be a one-character show. In a culture that glorifies doing it all at once — CEO, visionary, mom, partner, friend, athlete — we’re often left feeling like we’re failing at all of it. But what if the key to thriving wasn’t about finding “perfect balance”… but about owning intentional imbalance?This week, we sit down with Amanda Goetz, 2x founder, 4x CMO, mom of three, newsletter creator to over 150,000 readers, and author of the book Toxic Grit: How To Have It All And (Actually) Love What You Have. Amanda unpacks what it r...
2025-11-0455 minAgency Darlings034. Ghosting Happens. Here’s How to Bring the Right Leads Back.We’ve all been there: you have a great discovery call, you’re vibing with the lead, and then… silence. No follow-up, no next steps, not even a polite “we’ve gone in a different direction.” They’ve vanished into the business void.Ghosting isn’t just for bad Tinder dates. In the agency world, it happens more often than anyone wants to admit. But here’s the thing: not every ghost is gone forever — and not every ghost is worth reviving. In this conversation, we’re breaking down exactly how to bring the right prospects back from the dead (and how...
2025-10-2827 minAgency Darlings033: Decommoditizing Your Agency: How To Shift From Vendor to Strategic PartnerAre you tired of feeling like just another option on a client’s spreadsheet? Same. In this episode, we’re calling out the biggest trap agencies keep falling into: commoditization. That’s the fancy word for “clients treating you like you’re interchangeable,” which basically translates to constant price haggling, razor-thin margins, and burnout city. No thanks.Here’s the truth: you’re probably playing into it without even realizing it. Saying yes to the wrong clients. Offering too many “we can do everything” services. Giving generic answers like “we’re collaborative” when asked what makes you different (newsflash: ever...
2025-10-2133 minAgency Darlings032: The Discount Hangover: Feels Good Now, Hurts LaterToo many agencies think discounting is good customer service. They're missing the bigger picture. Every time you slash your prices to "make a deal work," you're not just losing money, you're systematically undermining your own value proposition and teaching clients that your original pricing was negotiable all along. This isn't about being difficult; it's about running a business that respects its own expertise.Melissa and Meredith break down the brutal math behind discounting and why that "harmless" 20% discount means you need to double your volume just to hit the same profit levels. But the real impact isn't...
2025-10-1432 minAgency Darlings031. Stop Waiting for Things to Get Easier: Building Agency ResilienceThe business guidance over the last few years has felt like someone telling you to sit quietly and wait for rescue. That's not the energy we're bringing, darling. While others are dwelling on how challenging things have been, the agencies absolutely flourishing right now have discovered something powerful: they're not building their empire for someday - they're building it for today. In this empowering conversation, Melissa and Meredith share what it really takes to create a resilient agency that thrives. They're celebrating the end of the "waiting for perfect conditions" era and inviting agency owners to step into a...
2025-10-0739 minAgency Darlings030: Don't Play Small. Price With ConfidenceThis episode is sponsored by Metricool. Get 30 days free of any Premium plan with code: Darlings and at Metricool.com/Darlings.In this season finale of Agency Darlings, Melissa and Meredith sit down to talk about one of the most critical topics for agency founders: pricing with confidence.They share mindset shifts and practical strategies to help you own your value, set better rates, and navigate tough pricing conversations. Whether you’re raising rates, launching a new offer, or dealing with price-sensitive prospects, this episode will give you the tools to approach pricing without second-guessing yo...
2025-07-0849 minAgency Darlings029: Inside the C-Suite: Strategy, Risk & Retention with CBO of Armra Rebecca SollingerThis episode is sponsored by Metricool. Get 30 days free of any Premium plan with code: Darlings and at Metricool.com/Darlings.In today’s episode, Melissa and Meredith are joined by Rebecca Sollinger, Chief Brand Officer at ARMRA and longtime brand leader with experience across powerhouse agencies like Droga5 and RoAndCo, as well as lifestyle brands like Sakara Life and Quiksilver. With a rare perspective from both sides of the agency-client table, Rebecca offers candid insight into what CMOs really want—and how the best agencies rise to meet the moment.From brand building in a fa...
2025-06-2455 minAgency Darlings028: Building A Dream Team Without The Payroll Nightmare with Shaina AndersonIn today’s episode, Melissa and Meredith are joined by Shaina Anderson, founder of Hello Generalist, for a real talk on building effective teams through fractional support. With a deep background scaling startups like Yelp and Choose, Shaina offers a front-row view into the shifting workforce and how creative agency founders can build smarter, leaner teams—without compromising on talent. From understanding the rise of fractional roles to knowing when it’s time to hire full-time, this episode is packed with practical insights for founders navigating uncertain markets, limited budgets, and the ever-evolving talent landscape.If you’ve ever...
2025-06-101h 00Agency DarlingsMini Episode | Sales Pep Talk: You're Better At Sales Than You ThinkEpisode description:In today’s episode, Melissa goes solo for a quick pep talk on the myth of "I'm bad at sales." She dives into how sales is a skill anyone can learn and how women, in particular, have natural strengths that make them amazing at sales. Melissa shares her own journey from hesitating to lead in business development to building a career in sales, while offering practical advice on how to approach sales calls in a way that focuses on listening, diagnosing problems, and building meaningful client relationships. This episode is full of actionable tips and st...
2025-05-3010 minAgency Darlings027: AI Curious: Your Creative Expertise Is Your AI AdvantageEpisode Description:In today’s episode, Melissa and Meredith sit down with Patrice Poltzer, founder and creator of My Story Pro, to explore how AI can help humanize storytelling and streamline the sales process for high-ticket clients. They dive into Patrice’s unique approach to AI, discussing how it’s not about automation for the sake of efficiency but about using AI to uncover deeper insights and better connect with your audience. From building meaningful relationships with clients to implementing AI-driven tools that enhance your sales strategy, Patrice shares actionable insights on how to embrace change, harness AI, an...
2025-05-2754 minAgency Darlings026: A Step-by-Step Sales Process for AgenciesIn today’s episode, Melissa and Meredith dive deep into the sales process for agencies, with a focus on attracting and closing high-ticket clients. They explore the key stages of building a structured, efficient sales process that helps you close deals faster and with more confidence. The episode covers everything from initial client engagement to sending proposals, avoiding ghosting, and nurturing long-term relationships that drive sustainable growth for your agency. Tune in to learn how to build a sales process that not only closes high-ticket clients but keeps them coming back for more.What to expect in th...
2025-05-1348 minAgency Darlings025: The Retention Strategy: More Revenue, Less Cold PitchingIn today’s episode, Meredith and Melissa dive deep into the power of organic growth for agencies, emphasizing the importance of nurturing long-term client relationships over constantly chasing new business. They share their strategies for turning one-time projects into long-term partnerships and how retention can drive more stable revenue and higher profit margins. The episode covers offboarding strategies, communication templates, and how to identify expansion opportunities that clients actually want. Tune in to learn how organic growth can be the game-changer for your agency!Thanks to Our Sponsor, Metricool:Metricool is the tool we use for...
2025-05-0629 minAgency Darlings024: Painkiller Positioning: How to Create Offers Clients Actually NeedIn this episode, Meredith and Melissa dig into the difference between “nice to have” offers and services your clients can’t live without. They break down what it really means to create painkiller positioning—offers that speak directly to urgent problems and drive faster, higher-converting sales. They also unpack why most agencies need to ditch custom scoping and start using tiered pricing to streamline sales, delivery, and growth.If you’ve ever felt like you’re constantly reinventing the wheel or struggling to sell work that should land—this one’s for you.What to Expect in This E...
2025-04-2934 minAgency DarlingsMini Episode | Why You Need to Take Time OffIn this quick pep talk, Melissa shares insights on why taking time off is essential for both your mental health and business performance. She discusses her own experience with burnout, why women in leadership positions face more challenges with time off, and offers a simple formula for integrating regular breaks into your schedule. Whether you're a founder or anyone balancing work and personal life, this episode encourages you to prioritize rest, as it ultimately fuels high performance and creativity.Key Takeaways:Burnout is real: Nearly half of women in leadership positions experience burnout.Taking time off...
2025-04-2514 minAgency Darlings023: Navigating the Client Breakup: When to Let Go and How to Move OnThanks to Our Sponsor, Metricool:Metricool is the tool we use for social media management and reporting. It helps you manage your social media, track performance, and create engaging content all in one place.For our listeners only, use code DARLINGS to get FREE access to 30 days of any Metricool Premium plan. In this episode, Meredith and Melissa dive into the challenging yet necessary conversation every agency owner faces—the client breakup. They share how to recognize when it’s time to part ways with a client, the steps to prepare for the convers...
2025-04-2238 minAgency Darlings022: The Secret to a Strong Co-Founder Relationship: Trust, Communication, and GrowthIn this episode, Meredith and Melissa dive deep into the core elements that make their co-founder relationship work. From how they balance each other’s strengths, keep everything transparent, and support each other in both good and tough times, they share what’s worked—and what hasn’t—on their journey. Building a business with a partner isn’t just about shared goals; it’s about building trust, clear communication, and knowing when to lean on each other. Whether you're thinking about starting a business with a partner or are already in one, this episode is packed with real-world advice and les...
2025-04-1538 minAgency DarlingsWelcome to Agency DarlingsWe’re Back for Season 3! 🎉Welcome to Season 3 of Agency Darlings! This season, we’re diving deep into the growth phase of scaling your agency—without losing your sanity. We're covering everything from co-founder relationships to client breakups, and we’re here to bring you actionable strategies and real conversations that will help you lead with confidence, overcome challenges, and grow your agency with purpose.Whether you're navigating team dynamics, refining your service offerings, or working through tough client situations, Season 3 is designed to help you face these challenges head-on while building the agency you’ve always dre...
2025-04-1501 min
MAPPED OUTStop #8: MAPPED OUT with Agency Darlings: Scaling On YOUR TermsIn this special season finale, Lauren and Aurrie sit down with Meredith and Melissa of Agency Darlings to discuss how to scale your agency or service-based business on your own terms. The conversation dives deep into the power of niching, lead-gen strategies, and redefining what success looks like for you as a founder beyond traditional growth metrics.Episode Highlights [00:07:52] Melissa's perspective on redefining growth beyond traditional agency models [00:09:36] The founder's compass: Why vision is your North Star for scaling [00:13:07] Meredith's engagement ring story and how it applies to business vision
2025-04-1558 minAgency Darlings021: The Agency Owner's Compass: Vision, Leads, ProfitIt's the Season 2 Finale of Agency Darlings! 🎉 We’re wrapping up this chapter with reflections on the season’s biggest themes and insights. We give you insight into our ‘Agency Owner’s Compass’ the three key pillars every agency founder needs to scale successfully: Vision, Lead Generation, and Profitability. Plus, our favorite moments from the season, listener-favorite episodes, and a sneak peek at what’s coming in Season 3!What to Expect in This Episode:Why having a clear vision is the foundation of a thriving agencyHow to build a lead gen system that goes beyond referral...
2025-03-1846 minAgency Darlings020: Your Terms, Your Rules: A Better Agency-Client PartnershipIn this episode, we’re diving into the topic of setting clear expectations and boundaries with clients right from the start. No more guessing games - this is about laying the foundation for long-term, successful partnerships by setting the terms upfront, shutting down scope creep before it starts, negotiating payment terms like a pro, and knowing exactly how to handle cancellations. With real-life stories and industry insights, we’re sharing the must-have strategies for building a client-agency relationship that actually works - one that empowers both sides, aligns goals, and keeps things running smoothly with respect AND clari...
2025-03-1143 minAgency Darlings019: Beyond Referrals: Creative Ways To Find Quality ClientsLead generation doesn’t have to feel like a never-ending hustle. If you’ve ever felt stuck waiting for referrals, unsure where to find quality leads, or overwhelmed by outdated, ineffective strategies, this episode is for you.We’re getting down to the real reasons agencies struggle with lead gen and sharing practical, creative ways to fill your pipeline - without feeling spammy or burning out. From hidden lead sources to smart outreach strategies, we’re giving you everything you need to take control of your pipeline and attract better clients.What to Expect From This Epi...
2025-03-0446 minAgency Darlings018: Hell Yes or Hard No: The Art of Saying No to Scale Your AgencySaying yes feels good - until it doesn’t. Whether it’s taking on misaligned clients, projects that drag on, or saying yes out of fear, the wrong yes can cost your agency more than you think. In this episode, we’re breaking down why learning to say no is one of the most powerful growth moves you can make - and how it can actually lead to more revenue, happier clients, and less burnout.We’re diving into the hidden costs of saying yes to the wrong things, how to spot red flags early, and how setting...
2025-02-2545 minAgency Darlings017: 5 Decisions That Will Propel Your Agency's GrowthWe’re breaking down five key decisions that will move the needle in your business - from niching down to hiring your #2. Because let’s be real: staying stuck in client work, pricing based on hours, and taking on low-value projects isn’t going to get you there. These shifts will.Scaling your agency isn’t about doing more - it’s about doing the right things. If you’re hovering around the multi-six-figure mark and wondering what it actually takes to break past the next revenue milestone, this episode is for you.Stop spinning your wheels...
2025-02-1835 minAgency Darlings016: Designing A Life You Really Want: The Life Brief Method with Bonnie WanAs an agency owner, you’re constantly making decisions - about clients, growth, strategy, and leadership. But what happens when your success starts feeling misaligned? In this episode, we’re diving deep into how to create a business and life that reflect your true ambitions, featuring special guest Bonnie Wan, Chief Strategy Officer of the Year (2022 and 2023) and author of The Life Brief.Melissa and Meredith sit down with Bonnie to explore why agency leaders struggle with misalignment, burnout, and a lack of clarity - and how using The Life Brief can help you reset, refocus, and move...
2025-02-111h 15Agency Darlings015: The Profit Problem: Why 67% of Agencies Are Struggling (And How to Fix It)What if scaling your agency didn’t mean working more, but working smarter?Profitability is the foundation of a sustainable, thriving agency - but so many agency owners struggle to maintain healthy profit margins. In this episode, we're diving deep into the biggest profitability mistakes agencies make, why revenue alone isn’t a measure of success, and the strategies you need to build a financially sustainable business.Melissa and Meredith break down the common pitfalls agency owners face, why pricing and scoping are crucial to profitability, and how optimizing your operations can make your business more...
2025-02-0433 minAgency Darlings014: Manifest Like a CEO: Amanda Baudier on Aligning Vision and ActionWhat if success isn’t just about working harder, but aligning with what truly lights you up? In this episode, we're diving deep into manifestation, alignment, and embodiment - and how these principles can help you build a business (and life) that feels purposeful and fulfilling. Whether you're skeptical about manifestation or all-in on the woo, this conversation will show you how to take intentional steps towards your goals with clarity and confidence.We’re also breaking down the three-step framework to help you shift from feeling stuck to fully aligned and empowered. Plus, Amanda shares her pers...
2025-01-2844 minAgency Darlings013: Ghosts, Maybes, and Wins: Your Pipeline PlaybookWe're diving into the real talk about pipeline building. Whether you're riding the revenue rollercoaster of a slow season or building momentum from scratch - we’ve got you. No more sitting around waiting for the next referral to land in your inbox – we're sharing our tried-and-true strategies for filling your pipeline with dream clients and creating sustainable growth that feels authentic (and dare we say, fun?). We’re also dropping our own ready-to-go scripts that you can use to navigate those ‘ghost’ and ‘maybe’ leads, so you can take back control of your pipeline, and your revenue.What to Expe...
2025-01-2136 minAgency Darlings012: Non-negotiable Boundaries That Accelerate GrowthIn our season premiere, we're tackling a game-changing topic: Boundaries. Whether you're running an agency or scaling your creative business, this episode is your playbook for setting and maintaining professional boundaries that protect both your energy and your bottom line.What to Expect From This Episode:The 7 Essential Agency Boundaries You NeedOnboarding expectationsWorking hoursCommunication protocolsDeliverable timelinesScope managementPayment termsOffboarding processesKey Takeaways:How to set boundaries without damaging client relationshipsTools for managing scope creep and last-minute requestsStrategies for confidently pricing your servicesWays to turn "urgent" weekend emails into Monday prioritiesTips for...
2025-01-1451 minAgency DarlingsWe’re Back for Season 2!We’re Back for Season 2! 🎉Welcome to a brand-new season of Agency Darlings! We’re thrilled to bring you more actionable strategies, inspiring conversations, and expert insights tailored for agency founders and creative business leaders scaling to seven and eight figures.This season, we’re tackling some of the biggest challenges agency owners face—while also celebrating your wins. With fresh perspectives, expert guests, and some seriously hot tea, Season 2 is here to empower your growth journey like never before.-What to Expect this Season:Here’s a sneak peek at...
2025-01-0901 min
The Digital Agency Growth PodcastMelissa Lohrer on Rethinking the Traditional Agency Model and Founder-Led SalesAs an agency owner, it can be easy to feel stuck in the mid-six-figure range, unsure how to intentionally grow your business. Melissa Lohrer, CEO and founder of Waverly Ave Consulting, is here today to share her insights on rethinking the traditional agency model and building a solid foundation for growth. Melissa emphasizes the importance of niching down and specializing, understanding your financial goals, and more. This week, episode 243 of The Digital Agency Growth Podcast is about rethinking the traditional agency model and founder-led sales! Watch our latest video training, How to Take Charge o...
2025-01-0138 minThe Digital Agency Growth PodcastMelissa Lohrer on Rethinking the Traditional Agency Model and Founder-Led SalesAs an agency owner, it can be easy to feel stuck in the mid-six-figure range, unsure how to intentionally grow your business. Melissa Lohrer, CEO and founder of Waverly Ave Consulting, is here today to share her insights on rethinking the traditional agency model and building a solid foundation for growth. Melissa emphasizes the importance of niching down and specializing, understanding your financial goals, and more. This week, episode 243 of The Digital Agency Growth Podcast is about rethinking the traditional agency model and founder-led sales! Watch our latest video training, How to Take Charge o...
2025-01-0138 minAgency Darlings011: Building Your Agency as an Asset: Carrie Kerpen's 8-Figure ExitAs we wrap up this season of Agency Darlings, we’re closing with an inspiring conversation with Carrie Kerpen, the founder of a thriving social media agency. She takes us through her journey of building and scaling her business from the ground up, sharing the challenges, victories, and lessons learned along the way.Carrie dives deep into the importance of having a long-term vision, balancing the emotional side of selling, and developing the resilience and confidence needed to succeed as an agency founder - especially for women navigating this industry.Some of the topics we co...
2024-12-171h 06
Ravel RadioPodcast Success Secrets: Melissa Lohrer's Strategic Approach to Sponsorships and BrandingIn this episode, Cara sits down with Melissa Lohrer, founder of Waverly Ave Consulting, who shares her inspiring foray into podcasting with partner Meredith. From a spontaneous retreat to tackling legal challenges and rebranding, Melissa's story is one of resilience and innovation. Discover how their collaborative mindset led to significant sponsorships and 1,000 downloads in just nine weeks. We’ll explore their unique monetization strategies, the power of authentic partnerships, and the importance of bringing women’s voices to the forefront in business. Join us for a conversation that inspires collective growth and success.LinkedIn
2024-12-1645 minAgency Darlings010: Sales Strategies For The Anti-SalesySelling doesn’t have to feel salesy - it just needs to feel like you.In this episode of Agency Darlings, we’re breaking down how to create a winning sales process that’s structured, authentic, and effective. From qualifying leads to confidently handling follow-ups, we’re sharing tips to help you close more deals while building trust and relationships.Whether you’re refining your pitch or trying to stay organized, this episode is packed with actionable advice to help you sell smarter, not harder.Key Takeaways:Structure is Key: A standardized sales proc...
2024-12-1058 minAgency Darlings009: Reframing Imposter Syndrome: It’s a Milestone, Not a ProblemLet’s talk about something every entrepreneur faces but doesn’t always admit: imposter syndrome. In this episode of Agency Darlings, we’re pulling back the curtain on those moments of self-doubt that make us question if we’re truly qualified for the opportunities in front of us. We’re diving into how imposter syndrome shows up for agency owners—especially women and those in underrepresented groups—and how it ties into perfectionism, pricing challenges, and the emotional rollercoaster of running a business.This conversation is packed with real-life examples (including our own), actionable strategies to manage self...
2024-12-0343 min
Grit, Grace & Growth: Real Estate, Entrepreneurship, Motherhood & ResilienceEpisode 59: Creating Strategic Partnerships that Fuel Business GrowthSummaryIn this episode of Grit, Grace & Growth, host Laura Navaquin speaks with Melissa Lohrer, an agency growth consultant, about the significance of strategic partnerships in business. They discuss Melissa's journey from working in-house at agencies to starting her own consulting business, Waverly Avenue Consulting, aimed at helping agency owners, particularly women, achieve sustainable growth. The conversation covers the importance of building meaningful partnerships, the dynamics of collaboration, and practical steps for new entrepreneurs to foster relationships that support long-term success.Takeaways Creating strategic partnerships is essential for business growth. Finding...
2024-12-0237 minAgency Darlings008: Know Your Numbers: Simple Ratios To Run Your Agency ByIn this episode of Agency Darlings, we’re diving into one of the biggest challenges creative agency owners face: managing finances. We’re talking all things cash flow, setting realistic revenue goals, and, most importantly, making sure you’re paying yourself what you deserve. This Q&A-style episode dives deep into the numbers game that fuels your business success. Whether you're struggling to pay yourself consistently, wondering how much of your revenue should go toward payroll, or debating between reinvesting in your business and rewarding yourself, tune in to hear our thoughts and strategies for managin...
2024-11-2942 minAgency Darlings007: BTS: Our Journey to Agency DarlingsIn this special episode, we’re sharing what’s been happening behind the scenes and how we’ve navigated some very unexpected mid season changes. We’d also love to take this opportunity to say thank you SO MUCH to every single one of you, whether you tune in every week or you’re just stopping by for one episode, we so deeply appreciate all of your support.With that being said, welcome to Agency Darlings!Thanks to our sponsor Copper, for making this podcast possible. Copper is a CRM that helps agencies attract more clients, s...
2024-11-2620 minAgency Darlings006: Your Offer Suite Strategy: Tiers, Packages, DiversificationIn this episode, we dive deep into a crucial topic for agency owners: strengthening and diversifying your offer suite to maximize revenue and thrive through economic ups and downs. We share insights into why building offers around outcomes, not just outputs, is key and explore how to structure your offer tiers effectively. From creating profitable entry-point offers to designing complementary services, we break down actionable strategies that help you stand out, increase revenue potential, and better serve your clients. Whether you're an established agency or just starting out, these strategies will elevate your growth game.
2024-11-1238 minAgency Darlings005: Lead Gen: Breaking the Agency Feast or Famine CycleIn this episode, we dive deep into lead generation for creative agencies. We’re exploring common misconceptions about lead gen, and discussing the importance of playing the long game for SUSTAINABLE GROWTH. From our take on cold outreach (spoiler: it’s a hard no from us) to focusing on quality over quantity in business development, we share practical tips for creative agency owners aiming to scale their businesses.Since we’re halfway through the season, we reflect on our progress, share insights on balancing work and personal life, and discuss the challenges and successes we’ve exper...
2024-10-291h 10Agency Darlings004: Attract and Close Better Clients With These TacticsIn this episode of Agency Darlings, co-hosts Melissa Lohrer and Meredith Fennessy Witts dive into one of the most challenging topics for agency owners: money. Join them as they share strategies on how to confidently discuss rates with clients, set clear pricing, and remove the emotional barriers that often come with financial conversations.Melissa and Meredith explore why pricing transparency is crucial for building trust with potential clients and how to structure your sales process to avoid losing opportunities. They also talk about setting financial goals that align with your agency’s growth, and how to confidently st...
2024-10-2256 minAgency Darlings003: Growth Strategies for Your Agency’s Off-SeasonIn this episode, hosts Melissa and Meredith dive into a topic every agency owner experiences: navigating a slow season of business. We know from personal experience, slow seasons can feel discouraging, but they don’t have to be. This episode shares actionable strategies to reframe these downtimes as opportunities for growth and transformation.Key Takeaways:Recognizing the Signals: Learn how to identify early signs of a slow season, such as extended sales cycles, reduced engagement, and increased budget negotiations.Reframing Slow Seasons: Discover how to use slow periods for strategic planning, operational optimization, and client retention.Gr...
2024-10-1544 minAgency Darlings002: The Niching Advantage: Boost Your Agency's Growth and ProfitsThis episode is perfect for agency owners who are ready to break through their growth plateau, streamline their operations, and build a more profitable, referral-based business by embracing the power of niching.Are you ready to scale your agency through the power of niching? Listen to the full episode to discover the strategies that can take your agency to the next level.Episode Summary:In this episode, Melissa and Meredith dive deep into the importance of niching for agency owners. We address the fears many agency owners face around turning down potential clients, bu...
2024-10-0837 minAgency Darlings001: Strategic Relationships as a Growth StrategyIn our first episode, hosts Melissa and Meredith kick off the podcast with an in depth discussion about how strategic relationships play a crucial role in scaling a business. We’ll be providing you with a framework for key relationships - the 3 types of strategic relationships you need, where to find them, and how to actually drive QUALITY leads through them so you can scale your business efficiently.Listen now for effective actionable tips for agency owners, entrepreneurs, and business leaders who want to leverage relationships for growth.Thanks to our sponsor Copper, for...
2024-10-0141 min
Stop Scrolling, Start Scaling® Podcast84. The Leap to $1 Million: Building a Sustainable Agency With Profit In Mind with Melissa LohrerIn this episode, Emma is joined by Melissa Lohrer, founder of Waverly Ave Consulting to dive deep into the intricacies of aligning business roles with revenue-driving activities for optimal efficiency and growth. The two discuss the importance of reverse engineering business goals, refining client interactions, and transitioning to more lucrative engagements. If you've been looking for new ways to elevate your business to new heights of profitability and sustainability as an agency owner, this one's for you! Listen in as we speak about: The importance of aligning billable hours with revenue goals Strategies f...
2024-05-2948 min
scintillationsSwiftonomics: Mutually Beneficial Relationships. The Importance of Win-Win Bonds with Melissa LohrerWelcome to a another episode of Scintillations! We're excited to be exploring the world of Taylor Swift with the help of business development consultant, Melissa, and a host of other entrepreneurial spirits. Together, we'll unravel the nuances of Swift's branding strategy, with a spotlight on the key role relationships play in her success.
In this episode, we delve into how Swift strikes the perfect chord with her fans, industry peers, and even competitors, skillfully transforming these relationships into the bedrock of her professional and personal realm. Melissa, with her expertise, illuminates how the power of lasting connections trumps transient...
2024-03-1827 minMAPPED OUTEP 130 | How to scale your creative business via strategic relationship building with Melissa LohrerIn this episode of She's Busy AF, Melissa Lohrer, a seasoned expert in business development, shares game-changing insights to redefine your agency's growth strategy. We delve into the delicate balance between scaling and sustainability, with Melissa offering personalized guidance honed from her extensive experience. From prioritizing client relationships over numbers to leveraging unconventional approaches like consults and VIP days, we explore the path to a stronger, more resilient agency model. Discover the transformative power of referral partnerships and founder-led sales, essential for fostering enduring connections in the industry. Join us for a masterclass on revolutionizing your agency into a...
2024-02-2048 min
The Second Degree with Emily MerrellEmbracing Change and Finding Confidence: A Journey to Entrepreneurship with Waverly Avenue Consulting Founder Melissa LohrerIn this inspiring episode of The Sixth Degree podcast, Emily interviews Melissa Lohrer, the founder of Waverly Avenue Consulting. Melissa shares her journey of transitioning from a successful corporate career to becoming a thriving entrepreneur. She opens up about the pivotal moment that led her to start her own business and how she followed her intuition to discover her true passion. Throughout the conversation, Melissa emphasizes the importance of embracing change and feedback in business, as well as the power of community and support among fellow entrepreneurs. Listeners will be captivated by Melissa's insights on managing emotions, staying authentic...
2023-10-2839 min
Duo On Air Podcast#86: Business Growth Can Be Fun... Here’s How!In this episode, we're diving deep into the vibrant world of business development, but not in the way you might expect! We're joined by Melissa Lohrer from Waverly Ave, who's going to shake up your perceptions. In fact, the word business development might feel a bit too jargony. Don't worry, we will dive into that!
Prepare to explore growth strategies with a playful twist—think scavenger hunts and bingo for your business! We'll also uncover the crucial pillars that every business owner needs for success and discuss how to leverage your unique strengths for optimal gro...
2023-09-2549 min