This episode of The Innovative Agency Podcast welcomes back Mandi Ellefson, Founder of Hands Off CEO, for a candid and timely conversation about profits, client value, and the hidden levers that drive sustainable growth.
Too often, agency leaders obsess over monthly revenue or the size of the next contract while missing the real game-changer: long-term, high-profit "sweet spot" clients who fuel exponential growth.
Mandi reveals how to uncover your agency's unique invisible advantage, reshape your business model for lasting profitability, and develop the kind of bold mindset that allows you to step out of the grind while scaling bigger impact.
If you've ever questioned whether you're squeezing the most value, not just revenue, from your best client relationships, this episode will give you the clarity, courage, and strategies you need to transform how your agency grows.
What you will learn in this episode:
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Why most agency leaders use the wrong metrics to evaluate client profitability and what you should focus on instead
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The definition of a "profit sweet spot" client and how to identify them within your existing book of business
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How uncovering your agency's invisible advantage can 10x your client results
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How to uncover your agency's invisible advantage and reposition your offers around true transformation instead of merely deliverables
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The steps necessary to boldly reposition your agency for new, more profitable client relationships
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How to approach existing client relationships when you need to "upgrade" your standards and pricing
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Strategies for weathering tough business moments while making the transition to higher-value clients
Bio
Mandi Ellefson went from $175K in debt and working around the clock to building a multimillion-dollar consulting business that runs without her — and now she helps other agency owners do the same. As Founder of Hands-Off CEO, she's helped hundreds of firms 2X–6X fees, shorten delivery time, and free up the CEO by scaling smarter, not harder. A former business exit advisor, Mandi is known for helping agencies win premium clients and build companies they can grow — or sell — on their terms.
Resources:
Website: https://www.handsoffceo.com/
LinkedIn Personal: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mandiellefson/
LinkedIn Business: https://www.linkedin.com/company/hands-off-ceo
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