How to Grow an Agency
with Purpose
Proof that agencies can scale without sacrifice.
WRITTEN BY Autumn Balough, Senior Director, Strategic Growth
In an industry fixated on speed and scale, the real challenge isn’t growing, it’s growing without compromise. Many agencies focus on getting as big as possible, as quickly as possible. Not only is that approach not sustainable, it prioritizes the wrong thing—profit over people.
Scale should be viewed as an opportunity. Not just to expand your client roster, but to offer employees more—more room to grow, more career opportunities, and more ways to make an impact. Growth isn’t a race to the top; it’s about building a better and more stable environment, in which teams are empowered to do their best work.
Doing so requires agencies to think strategically, focusing their efforts on the industries, clients, or projects that align with their goals, and releasing the rest—to grow with purpose.
1. Consider Both the Near- and Long-Term
Growth isn’t always linear. Pay attention to market conditions, using them to determine when stability is more valuable than scale. Evaluate what appear to be quick wins through the lens of your long-term vision.
2. Establish Clear Boundaries
Know which industries and clients align with your values, and equally important—be clear about who you won’t work with. Defining these boundaries keeps your team focused and fosters long-term partnerships.
3. Don't Be Afraid to Say No
Meeting a client’s needs doesn’t always mean saying “yes.” In fact, your answer should often be “no,” “maybe,” or “what if we thought about this differently?” If you're not the right fit, say so—clients will appreciate your honesty, and come back to when the time is right.
4. Invest in Your People
Your team is your greatest asset. Invest in their growth, celebrate their wins, and encourage their personal development. Prioritizing your people increases their intrinsic motivation, which drives company success.
5. Embrace Adaptation and Different Perspectives
Continuously iterate on your services, team structures, and growth strategies. Solicit feedback from across the organization, especially among employees with non-traditional backgrounds—fresh ideas that will push your business forward.
At the end of the day, we don't just scale for the sake of scaling—we do it to build a better, more impactful business for our team, our clients, and the world around us. That shift in perspective makes all the difference.
