Your Terms, Your Rules: A Better Agency-Client Partnership

Agency Darlings

In 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 clarity.

What to Expect:

• A discussion on the importance of setting clear expectations from the start of a client relationship.
• Practical tips on preventing scope creep by defining the project scope and deliverables.
• Insight into structuring your payment terms, including deposits and invoicing, to protect your cash flow.
• How to approach cancellations with a “kill fee” and termination clauses to safeguard your business.
• Strategies for renewal and retainer terms, helping you foster long-term partnerships with clients.

Key Takeaways:

• Reflect on where you’re compromising your agency’s health to accommodate client demands and start addressing these issues one by one.
• Create a working document with your team’s working terms and expectations to share upfront with clients.
• Be transparent and direct when discussing working hours, payment terms, and project timelines to avoid miscommunications down the road.
• Start practicing your boundaries with new clients and refine your communication over time to make these expectations feel natural.

Real Talk Moments:

• How we learned to stop people-pleasing and say no to clients' unreasonable demands - if you’re always saying yes to everything, you’re going to end up frustrated.

Special Offer from Our Sponsor: Thanks to our sponsor Copper, for making this episode possible. Copper is a CRM that helps agencies attract more clients, streamline communication and deliver projects effortlessly. Exclusive to the listeners of this podcast, Copper is offering 15% off annual plans with promo code AGENCYDARLINGS, all one word. Visit this link to try Copper CRM today.

Connect With Us:

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• Join Our Agency Advice Column
• Email: [e-mail]

About Your Hosts:

Melissa Lohrer is the Founder of Waverly Ave Consulting, a Growth Consultancy for indie agencies. She partners with agency owners to create seven-figure growth through strategic repositioning, modern revenue models, and relationship-based sales. Connect with her on LinkedIn and Instagram.

Meredith Fennessy Witts is the Founder of Le Chéile, the go-to finance and strategy consultancy for creative agencies scaling beyond seven figures. She helps creative founders clarify their cash flow, restructure niche offers and pricing, and ensure they’re running a profitable business...in a mindful way. Connect with her on LinkedIn and Instagram.

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