Time to upgrade

We’re all used to upgrading our software.

For example, if you use an Apple laptop you’re probably being prompted to upgrade to MacOS version 15 now.

Each new version groups together big new features, fixes to bugs, and changes to the look and feel.

It’s the same for our agencies.

Last week I had a Clarity Call* with an agency founder in which we figured out they were just about to launch into an upgrade to version 4.0 of his agency.

Version 1.0 had been the small and nimble startup that grew to about ten people, version 2.0 had been the solid, highly effective and famous brand that had grown to about thirty people.

But then version 3.0 had been the business as it reacted to the pandemic, political turmoil, economic disruption and various other crises. They’d switched to remote work, trimmed headcount, eased off on innovation to get heads down with billable work, and so on. Big decisions, but all made reactively in response to external pressures — rather than being designed proactively by the founder.

Now, version 4.0 of this agency is all about the founder taking the lead again, designing the business they want to have — then making it happen.

This is a common story I hear from founders at the moment.

After a tumultuous few years of surviving, founders are getting back into the business of thriving.

Designing and building the next upgrade of their agency.

Fixing bugs, yes, but also designing it to have the features they want and a look and feel that makes them proud, and enjoy their work again.

What upgrades would you like in the next version of your agency?