“How do I start my own agency?” If I had a nickel for every time someone asked me this question….I’d have a 50 gallon drum full of nickels. Whether it’s freelancers curious about leveling up or old colleagues inspired by my journey, the question keeps coming up. My initial response is always the same: “Do you really want to do that?”
I’m not trying to discourage anyone. I’m just being real. Starting your own agency isn’t a shortcut to success. It’s blood, sweat, and tears. And if you think it’s all laptops on the beach and six-figure months overnight, I’ve got news for you: It’s not. Let’s talk about what it really takes to start your own agency and make it thrive.
The Most Common Question: How Do I Start My Agency?
It’s About More Than Just Skills
If you’ve only ever done email marketing or edited a few videos, you’re not ready to start an agency—yet. Running an agency requires a diverse skill set. You need to understand sales, operations, client management, and strategy. It’s not about mastering one thing; it’s about wearing every hat until you can afford to build a team.
The Foundation of Hard Work and Real Experience
When I started Mayhem Digital, I had already spent six years working at Inc5000 and Fortune500 companies. I’d made thousands of cold calls, pitched endless ideas, and learned how to handle rejection like a pro. That experience built the foundation I needed to go out on my own.
Practical experience matters. You can’t build an agency by watching YouTube tutorials or taking a $10 Udemy course. You’ve got to do the work, learn the craft, and build real-world knowledge before you can lead others.
The Myths About Starting an Agency
Fancy Branding Won’t Save You
Your cool Facebook cover photo or Instagram follower count won’t earn you clients. Trust and respect from your community will. People don’t care about how polished your brand looks—they care about results. Focus on delivering value and building relationships before worrying about aesthetics.
Overnight Success Doesn’t Exist
It took five years of relentless effort before Mayhem Digital was featured in Disrupt Magazine or a Prime show. Those milestones didn’t happen overnight, and they didn’t define our success. Real success comes from consistent effort, not flashy accolades.
The Reality of Running an Agency
The Pressure to Deliver
Running an agency isn’t just about you—it’s about your team. You’re responsible for generating enough revenue to support their livelihoods. That pressure can be overwhelming. I still have nights where I lie awake wondering if I can keep all the plates spinning.
The Freedom on the Other Side
So why do it? Because the freedom is worth it. Running my own agency has allowed me to see more of the world than I ever did in the Air Force. It’s shown my family that there’s another way—a way not tied to a 9-to-5 grind or someone else’s dream. The chaos of building a business is worth it for the freedom it brings.
Practical Tips for Aspiring Agency Owners
Focus on Application, Not Theory
You don’t need more courses or certifications. You need action. Start taking on projects, even if they’re small, and learn through doing. Practical experience will teach you more than any amount of content consumption ever could.
Dedicate Yourself to the Hustle
When I left my last job (after throwing a chair in frustration, but that’s another story), I made 100 calls per day, every day, until the $10k months became inevitable. Then I reinvested that money into ads, coaches, and further leveling up. Success doesn’t come to those who wait—it comes to those who hustle.
Understand There Are Levels to the Game
Growth happens in stages. Each stage presents its own challenges and lessons. You can’t skip steps or expect to jump to the top without putting in the work. Learn the lessons at your current level before trying to move up.
How Mayhem Digital Embodies Discipline and Dedication
At Mayhem Digital, we named our company for the chaos that comes with building something meaningful. It’s hard. It’s messy. But it’s beautiful when you pay your dues and reap the rewards. Our clients know that discipline and dedication are the keys to success—and we expect them to put in the work, just like we do.
Ready to learn what it really takes to grow your agency? Book a call with us today.
The Reward on the Other Side of Hard Work
Starting your own agency isn’t easy. It’s not glamorous, and it’s definitely not for the faint of heart. But for those willing to embrace the chaos and put in the work, the rewards are unparalleled. Freedom, growth, and the satisfaction of building something that matters—that’s what lies on the other side.
Conclusion
The journey to building a successful agency is messy, challenging, and anything but predictable. But if you’re willing to dedicate yourself, embrace the hustle, and learn at every level, the freedom and rewards are worth it.
Want to build something meaningful and impactful? Book a call with Mayhem Digital now.
Are you ready to embrace the mayhem and create your own path to freedom?