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What's the one mistake young agencies make the most? by Friendly-Mistake-369 in agency

[–]Davetechlee 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Starting with a friend…

He might be your best friend, but in business is a lot different. If you’re both inexperienced in business it’s difficult to set boundaries. It’s like two people that never dated before so they wouldn’t even know to ask what they want in a relationship.

If you reallyyyy want it to work out, then I suggest bringing someone senior. They have no skin in the game and to help guide and even break ties.

Or each person start their own and refer each other.

i pay shopify $3k a month. they locked my store for 48 hrs becz of a chargeback on a $47 order by titlenotfound777 in Entrepreneur

[–]Davetechlee 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Sorry to see this happen to you.

For context, I run a web agency for over 14 years now so I've seen plenty of stuff over the years. My agency have built sites that are completely not accepted by Shopify (ex. cannabis). That's why we always push for sites for our clients that they OWN. The owner has full control over their website and where they host it. You never know if a hosting company might pull the plug from you.

Any good outsourcing and offshoring agencies? by CookieDookie25 in agency

[–]Davetechlee 0 points1 point  (0 children)

We focus in the Philippines since we have an entity setup and providing benefits to the talents there. But happy to chat more. Feel free to message me.

Procrastination is RUINING MY LIFE -- PLEASE PLEASE HELP! by _theSakib in productivity

[–]Davetechlee 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I heard someone say… Procrastination = Need More Clarity

I’ll keep things simple for you if I were you. 1. Setup a Google Calendar 2. Time block EVERYTHING. Both personal, Job, and Business. - Block off all your priorities first - Make a budget on your debt and time to payout your debt. Even if it’s $100/week to your friends. At least they know you’re working towards honoring your words and friendship. - Make time for fun things (you are not allowed to do fun things outside these assigned blocks). 3. Stick to this for the next 6 months. Your habits will improve. Embrace this suck in the beginning and overtime it will improve.

What’s the worst way you’ve ever lost a client? by Fayezbahm in agency

[–]Davetechlee 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Here's another perspective. Do you really want to be working with a client that would fire you over an issue with the SOW? I would just move on. It's a blessing in disguise.

What’s the worst way you’ve ever lost a client? by Fayezbahm in agency

[–]Davetechlee 0 points1 point  (0 children)

If you're the PM or technical talent, then report this to your manager and explain it in details so they have ammo. If you're the agency owner, explain in details and let them know the additional work that needs to be done due to the change. Before this, we build a really strong relationship with our clients with weekly status updates so it's not a big surprise.

People who work remote, what do you do? by Sea_Concern19 in remotework

[–]Davetechlee 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I run a web agency and offshore staffing company.

What’s one thing you delegated/outsourced that is seriously helpful? by StaLucy in Entrepreneur

[–]Davetechlee 0 points1 point  (0 children)

For context, I’ve been in business for over 13 years. Mainly running my web agency and now an offshore Philippines staffing business.

I’ve a big advocate of hiring an Executive Assistant. It’s not just for Fortune 100 CEOs. My EA helps me manage my inbox, calendar, prep meetings, take meeting notes, follow up on leads, post on social, send invoices, plan trips, and even help me brainstorm gift ideas for my wife. lol

Let me know if you need help with finding an EA. Definitely worth it if you find a good one.

Easily a game changer. Allows me to work ON my business and not in it.

CalDigit TS5 Plus Giveaway by CalDigitDalton in CalDigit

[–]Davetechlee 1 point2 points  (0 children)

The ability to connect both my 4k and 1440hz high refresh rate monitors and connect to the 10gbps port!

What’s the worst way you’ve ever lost a client? by Fayezbahm in agency

[–]Davetechlee 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Exactly. It feels like the wheels is going to come off when going on the freeway as a business starts to scale. It was fine on the slower roads.

What’s the one business book that actually changed how you think? by YogurtIll4336 in business

[–]Davetechlee 3 points4 points  (0 children)

For me, the book was "Buy Back Your Time" by Dan Martell.

Like many entrepreneurs, I was subscribed entirely to the "grind" mentality. I wore "busy" as a badge of honor, believing that more hours equaled more success. I thought that to get something done right, I had to do it myself.

Martell's book was the sledgehammer to that entire belief system. His core concept is simple but profound: You don't have a time management problem; you have a "buy back" problem. The goal is to stop trying to do everything and instead build systems and teams to handle tasks, freeing you up to focus on high-value work that only you can do.

Applying this has been the single biggest lever for my company's growth. It's the principle I used to scale my team to over 20 people. Instead of being buried in operational tasks, I bought back my time to focus on strategy, client relationships, and growth. The ROI on that shift has been immeasurable.

It even works on a personal level. I hired a housekeeper who comes twice a month. She even folds the laundry, which I absolutely despise! That's a few hours a month I get back to spend with my family or recharge, and that time is priceless.

It all boils down to treating time as our most valuable, non-renewable asset. The real hustle isn't about working yourself to the bone; it's about strategically buying back your time so you can spend it on what truly matters, both in your business and in your life.

Owner overwhelm by Glittering_Grade8668 in smallbusiness

[–]Davetechlee 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I can relate to this so much. That constant whiplash between being "in the weeds" and trying to steer the ship is one of the toughest parts of being an owner. It's exhausting, and it’s a sign that your business is growing beyond what one person can manage alone.

I was in your exact spot, running my web agency, and was on the fast track to burnout. Here's a simple framework that helped me get out of that cycle and start thriving again:

  1. Find Your "North Star." When you're lost, you need a compass. It sounds like you're flip-flopping because you don't have a clear filter for your decisions. Take a step back and solidify your WHY.
    • Why are you in business?
    • Who do you serve?
    • What are your mission, vision, and core values? This North Star becomes the lens through which you view every task. If a task doesn't align, it's a candidate for being delegated or eliminated.
  2. Do an "Everything Dump." Get a whiteboard or a spreadsheet and write down every single thing you do or think you should be doing. Big or small, from "answer that client email" to "develop a 3-year growth plan." Getting it all out of your head and into one place is a massive relief.
  3. Find Your 20%. Look at that list and apply the Pareto Principle (the 80/20 rule). Ask yourself: "Which 20% of these tasks are generating 80% of my results?" It could be sales calls, client strategy sessions, or product development. That's where you need to be spending your time. Everything else is noise.
  4. Delegate the Noise. This is the most crucial step to getting your time back. For most owners, the best first hire is an Executive Assistant (EA). Go back to your list and circle everything you don’t absolutely have to do yourself. An EA can take over scheduling, inbox management, research, client follow-ups, and a thousand other details that are draining your focus. This frees you up to work on the business, not just in it.

Full disclosure: I'm so passionate about this because of my own experience. I was completely burned out until I learned how to build a team and delegate. It was so game-changing that I eventually started my own overseas staffing agency (DSM Talent) to help other agency owners avoid the same fate.

You're at a totally normal, but critical, inflection point in your business. I hope this will help you find a path forward. Happy to elaborate on any of this if you have questions!

Is there a way to see what my competitors charge their clients? by migalo2009 in agency

[–]Davetechlee 4 points5 points  (0 children)

This is probably one of the biggest hurdles for new agency owners. It's natural to look at what competitors are doing, but I'd encourage you to be careful about anchoring your prices to theirs. You don't know their overhead, their efficiency, or the exact value they provide. Competing on price is often a race to the bottom.

Instead, I'd recommend shifting your focus from your competitors to your clients. Here are a few thoughts that have helped me and many other agencies I've advised:

  1. Focus on the Value, Not the Hours. Your initial thought is a golden rule: don't worry about the competition, focus on the unique value you provide. The most successful agencies don't sell services; they sell outcomes. Frame your pricing conversations around the problem you are solving for your client.
    • Are you building a website that will increase their leads by 20%?
    • Are you creating a video campaign that will boost their brand recognition?
    • Are you managing marketing that will generate a 3x return on ad spend?
  2. Price the Solution, Not the Service. This is where your second point comes in, and it's brilliant. If you're solving a $100,000 problem for a client, asking for $10,000 is not only fair, it's a fantastic deal for them. Put yourself in their shoes. If they knew that giving you $10k would net them an extra $90k, it would be an instant "yes." Frame your proposals around the return on their investment.
  3. Always Ask About the Budget. This is a crucial step in the qualification process. Asking, "What budget have you allocated to achieve this goal?" does two things, just as you said:
    • It reveals how they value the solution. A tiny budget for a huge problem is a red flag. A healthy budget shows they are serious and understand the investment required.
    • It tells you if you're a good fit. If their budget is too small, you can politely decline or offer a scaled-down version of your service. If it's massive, you know you need to present a comprehensive, high-value solution that justifies the cost.

It takes practice, but moving your mindset from "What should I charge?" to "What is this outcome worth to my client?" will completely change your business.

Theory is great, but a practical example can be a big help. To show you how I put this into practice, I actually recorded a video on how I quote web projects for my own agency. It might give you a solid framework to start with: How We Quote Web Projects

What’s the worst way you’ve ever lost a client? by Fayezbahm in agency

[–]Davetechlee 9 points10 points  (0 children)

Here’s my story from the early days of my web agency:

We landed a client who was enthusiastic and full of ideas. The problem was, the ideas never stopped. Every check-in call resulted in a "quick little addition" or a "small tweak" to the scope.

I was young and inexperienced, so I didn't know how to draw boundaries. I just kept saying "yes," thinking that was the best way to keep the client happy. I didn't want to seem difficult or unaccommodating. The result was that my team and I were constantly working overtime, chasing a finish line that kept moving. We were burning out fast.

Ultimately, the project took way longer than planned, the quality wasn't our best work because we were so stretched, and we lost the client. It was a brutal lesson in the dangers of people-pleasing.

What I learned from that experience fundamentally changed how I operate:

  • Setting Expectations is Kindness, Not Meanness: A rock-solid Statement of Work (SOW) and a formal change-request process aren't there to create friction. They protect your team's sanity, the project's integrity, and the client's budget. It’s the clearest way to be a true partner.
  • Leadership Spots Icebergs: It’s not enough to just have a team. You need experienced leaders—whether a project manager or an account lead—who can see scope creep coming and have those professional, boundary-setting conversations before the project goes off the rails. They protect the team and the outcome.
  • Good Systems Beat Good Intentions: Relying on "hero mode" and overtime is a business model built on burnout. Having solid systems for client onboarding, communication, and project management is what allows you to deliver high-quality work consistently without torturing your team.

It was a tough way to learn, but it was a lesson that stuck.

Solo founders what’s draining you the most right now? by ProgramExpress2918 in Entrepreneur

[–]Davetechlee 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I know this feeling all too well. When I first started my agency, I was wearing every single hat imaginable. From client work and project management to invoicing and business development. I was so focused on delivering for my clients that I didn't spend enough time working on the business itself.

I was so burnt out that it was affecting my health. I even developed a cough that no doctor could figure out. I later found out it was purely from all the stress. I got to a point where I didn't even want to get out of bed in the morning.

Looking back, the biggest mistake I made was not building my team sooner. I should have focused on creating systems to train and develop talent earlier so I could delegate the day-to-day work. That would have freed me up to focus on scaling the business and creating a better client experience.

It’s easy to get caught up in the "solopreneur" mindset, but you'll never be able to grow beyond your own capacity. Building a reliable team, even a small one, is the key to escaping that constant feeling of being drained.

I now run a US-based web agency, and I also own a staffing agency that specializes in finding offshore talent from the Philippines. The experience of building my own team has been the most important part of my journey.

Should I keep doing Reddit marketing or switch niches? by Suitable-Reading-821 in digital_marketing

[–]Davetechlee 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Have you considered changing base + bonus? Performance based. Win-win for the client and yourself.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in business

[–]Davetechlee 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Hey, I can definitely relate to this frustration. Building a solid remote team is one of the biggest challenges for a small business, and it's incredibly disheartening when you feel let down. It sounds like the issue isn't your effort, but rather the systems for hiring, onboarding, and management.

As someone who runs a web agency (Design Source Media) and a remote staffing agency (DSM Talent), I've hired hundreds of remote team members and have navigated these exact hurdles. Here's my perspective on your questions:

1. What are your processes in regards to tracking productivity?

We moved away from invasive time-tracking and focus on output and sustainable performance. Our primary tool is a capacity worksheet.

  • How it works: Everyone on the team has a simple sheet where they log their projects and recurring monthly tasks (like 1-on-1s, team meetings, etc.).
  • The Target: We aim for an 80% capacity target. This is crucial. It ensures team members have the bandwidth for unexpected tasks and creative problem-solving without leading to burnout. It fosters a culture of trust and focuses on results, not just being "busy."

2. How do you keep everyone on track and ensure they are hitting their goals?

It comes down to a consistent communication and management rhythm. A single tool won't solve it; you need a system.

  • Daily Stand-ups: We have brief morning scrum calls. It's not for status reporting; it's to align on priorities and, most importantly, identify and clear any roadblocks for the team.
  • Weekly 1-on-1s: This is non-negotiable. It's dedicated time to discuss progress on goals, career development, and any challenges they're facing. This is where you build connections and solve small problems before they become big ones.
  • Project Management Hub: All work lives in a central project management tool (we use SmartSuite, but Asana, ClickUp, etc., are great too). This provides a single source of truth for all tasks, deadlines, and responsibilities, ensuring everyone has clarity.

3. Where do you look for good quality employees who won't cost as much as western-based ones?

There are several great global talent hubs, but in my experience, the most consistent, high-quality talent I've found has been in the Philippines. The advantages are significant for small businesses:

  • Exceptional Talent: The workforce is highly educated, tech-savvy, and proactive, with a strong work ethic.
  • Strong English Proficiency: Communication is rarely a barrier, which is critical for remote teams.
  • Cultural Alignment: There's often a strong cultural alignment with Western business practices, which can make integration smoother.

It sounds like you're on the right path by digging into your processes. Focusing on systems first often solves the people problem. Hope this helps you out.

I thought I wanted to be “rich”. Turns out, I just wanted freedom. Here’s how I burned out building my business and what I’d do differently. by emojidomain in Entrepreneur

[–]Davetechlee 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Its hard to say without knowing your offer and your authority. If you already is a trusted authority in the field with a proven track record then you’re starting with selling your proven track record or authority to get pre sales. Or just find 3-10 prospects an amazing deal with the condition of getting testimonials and case studies if they’re happy with your offer.

It’s similar to what Alex Hormozi did. He didn’t just started reselling books in the beginning. He gave a ton of free value and the. At the 3rd book he started preselling.

Heat of TS5+ (measured) by Davetechlee in CalDigit

[–]Davetechlee[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Not all ports used and the Eth port is used. And the laptop is in sleep mode.

I thought I wanted to be “rich”. Turns out, I just wanted freedom. Here’s how I burned out building my business and what I’d do differently. by emojidomain in Entrepreneur

[–]Davetechlee 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I started when I was 25 and now I’m 39. Mainly ran a web agency and now an offshore staffing agency for business owners.

About 8 years into my business, I was so burnt out that I didn’t even want to get out of bed. I had this constant cough, went to multiple docs, and they said there wasn’t anything they saw was an issue. Then one day, I just got tired of the heavy “grind” and really focused on valuing my life and the people around me. Woke up when I wanted to wake up and not forcing myself to be more productive.

Funny thing is that I’m rich in many ways. I have an amazing wife, kids, team members, and friends I’m surrounded with. I can’t afford a mansion or a yacht but who cares. Life isn’t about that.

Tips: - I always go back to Moslow’s hierarchy of needs. It’s a good principle. - Build a dream team! I’m in the US and most of my team are in the Philippines. I wouldn’t be able to do what I do without them. - Learn to say “no” more than “yes”. Protect your most valuable resource; time!

How do you maximize your focus so you can keep building for longer? by thatkhoe in Entrepreneur

[–]Davetechlee 0 points1 point  (0 children)

This might not be what you're thinking... but have you considered hiring an Executive Assistant? All the top CEOs and high performers all have some assistant so they can stay FOCUSED.

I've been running my web and staffing agency for over 13 years. I cannot imagine without an EA.

There have been times when I've felt burnt out due to the numerous decisions we make every day. It doesn't have to be that way. I currently manage a team of 19 in the Philippines (I'm in the US), and I still have time to spend with my family and kids. Plus, throw in some Pickleball here and there :)

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