288: He Turned His 6 Figure Freelance Design Business Into A 7 Figure Agency | With Michael Janda

Ever felt like you wanted to reach out to someone, but didn't want to bother them?
Maybe it was an old acquaintance, a past client, or even a prospective client you've had your eyes on for a while...
Creatives typically have this voice inside our heads that says "don't do that... you'll just be bothering them".
Here's something that may surprise you: That voice is usually a lying, thieving, horrible bastard who's simply holding you back from getting what you want...
What's even worse is that this voice is holding your prospective clients back from the rich experience of connecting with you and all of the value you could potentially bring to their lives.
If you want proof, just look at your own life. How many other people are constantly reaching out to you, bothering you with offers you don't want?
How many other freelancers are "bothering" you about hiring them?
How many old acquaintances are reaching out to you about meeting up for dinner or drinks to catch up?
Hell, how many potential love interests are sliding into your DMs?
If you're like 99% of the rest of us, those things are rarely (if ever) happening.
There's a better way to handle this stuff.
It's something called The Rule of 7, and it's one of the keys to the incredible success of this week's guest.
This week I got to speak to a "7-figure creative" who turned his 6-figure freelance business into a 7-figure agency (which he eventually sold).
He's used the Rule of 7 ethically to get more clients, stay top of mind, build trust, win more projects, and ultimately, earn millions and millions of dollars through his creative business as a designer.
This is what separates struggling creatives from multi-million dollar powerhouse guests like Mike Janda.
For full show notes, visit 6figurecreativ...

[@-Evil-Genius-]

🎯 Key Takeaways for quick navigation:
19:00 🤝 *Building Client Relationships: In-Person Interaction*
- Importance of in-person interactions and face-to-face meetings in building client relationships.
- Advocacy for leaving the virtual space and physically meeting clients to establish a deeper connection.
- Emphasizing the value of personal touchpoints, especially in the creative industry.
21:31 🌐 *Expanding Touchpoints Beyond Face-to-Face*
- Acknowledgment of changes in touchpoints due to technological advancements and COVID-19.
- Introduction of various touchpoints, including video conferencing, to maintain meaningful connections.
- The importance of small talk and personal interactions in virtual meetings for relationship-building.
24:05 🎨 *Creative Touchpoints and Branding*
- Creative touchpoints, such as personalized gifts, as a way to differentiate and be memorable.
- Highlighting examples of unique touchpoints like branded merchandise and creative interactions.
- The significance of swag and creative gestures in leaving a lasting impression on clients.
32:01 🏢 *Differentiating as an Agency: Systems and Processes*
- Differentiating as an agency by implementing structured systems, processes, and schedules.
- The importance of having SOPs (Standard Operating Procedures) and checklists for various project types.
- Positioning as a professional agency by emphasizing organization and systematic approaches.
35:27 🤔 *Agency Differentiation: No Drama, Client-Centric Approach*
- Differentiation from larger agencies by adopting a no-drama, client-centric mindset.
- Avoiding the arrogance often associated with big agencies and focusing on client collaboration.
- Prioritizing client needs, fostering relationships, and providing a more approachable agency experience.
37:57 💰 *Niche Positioning and Pricing Strategy*
- Niche positioning as an affordable option with first-tier quality, targeting specific client pain points.
- Discussing the strategy of being the third bid option, offering quality at a more reasonable price.
- The importance of understanding market positioning and finding a unique place within the competitive landscape.
39:07 📊 *Market Positioning and Differentiation*
- Understanding market positioning is crucial for business marketing.
- Analyzing competitors and your own business helps determine the right market position.
- Geoarbitrage and cost advantages can be significant factors in market positioning.
40:05 💰 *Geoarbitrage and Cost Advantage*
- Geoarbitrage involves leveraging cost advantages in a specific location.
- Lowering overhead by operating in a cheaper market can enhance profitability.
- Example: Lowering office and talent costs in a location with a lower cost of living.
41:13 🌐 *Differentiation Beyond Pricing*
- Pricing shouldn't be the sole differentiator in a competitive market.
- Identify and promote other factors like customer experience, convenience, or expertise.
- Understanding various competitive environments helps tailor your value proposition.
42:40 🔄 *Business Strategies: Arbitrage Opportunities*
- Different forms of arbitrage, like geoarbitrage and gear arbitrage, can be strategic.
- Utilizing current technology and market conditions for cost advantages.
- Business success can come from smart arbitrage strategies beyond traditional pricing.
44:31 🤹‍♂️ *Pricing as a Sweetener, Not Sole Differentiator*
- Pricing can be a compelling factor, but it works best alongside other strengths.
- Emphasize positives against competitors' negatives in the negotiation process.
- Tailor your marketing based on the unique selling points relevant to the competition.
46:32 🚀 *Wrapping Up and Future Discussions*
- The importance of understanding your competitive dynamics.
- Teasing future discussions on launching a podcast and crossing business thresholds.
- Encouraging the audience to connect on Instagram and visit Michael Janda's website for more content.
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