How to Overcome Isolation as an Agency Owner So You Can Grow

<p>Having your own agency and the responsibility for people’s livelihoods can be an isolating experience. Darren Fox says he fell into the agency world unexpectedly. After a while of offering freelance web design services, it became clear he could not continue solopreneur. So, Darren founded <a href= "https://www.ideamktg.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Idea Marketing Group.</a> and started building a team. Even though he loves building relationships with his team, as the agency grew, he had to separate himself to maintain his leadership role. “You definitely feel like you’re on an island,” Darren says. In this episode, Darren is candid about the loneliness of agency ownership. He also talks about ways to overcome isolation in order to grow a successful agency.</p> <h2><strong>3 Golden Nuggets</strong></h2> <ol> <li><strong>It can be very isolating.</strong> Something that is not discussed much but agency owners should be prepared for is just how <a href="https://jasonswenk.com/better-agency-leader/" target= "_blank" rel="noopener">isolating it can be at the top</a>. As your agency grows, so will your team. You may find that, as the leader, it’s better for you to put some distance to maintain respect and avoid favoritism. You can’t be everyone’s best friend because you may be in the position of firing them at some point. It’s difficult and it will leave you excluded from fun lunch outings with everyone, but Darren agrees it’s for the best.</li> <li><strong>Turn to people that can relate.</strong> Darren and many other <a href="http://jasonswenk.com/mastermind" target= "_blank" rel="noopener">mastermind members</a> have agreed that one of the best remedies for the loneliness of agency ownership is sharing in a group of people who relate and offer advice. As an agency owner, you can feel burdened with the pressure of being responsible for people’s livelihoods and the future of your business, which you can’t really discuss with your team. However, other agency owners will understand those concerns and offer new