---

Navigating Growth…

At Manana No Mas, we’re passionate about staying at the forefront of digital agency trends, especially in the WordPress space. We recently watched an insightful episode of “Whose Web Agency Is This Anyway” featuring hosts Kurt Vonan and Toby Cryns. This episode tackles critical topics for agency owners and freelancers alike, offering practical advice on growing and diversifying a business. In this blog post, we’ll provide a glowing review and a detailed summary of the episode, spotlighting key discussions that align with our mission of creating exceptional membership and learning websites.

Summary of the Episode

Kurt and Toby deliver a lively conversation packed with real-world experiences and actionable tips. From diversifying ventures to managing burnout, they cover challenges and strategies that resonate with anyone in the digital agency world. Below, we’ve outlined the major topics discussed in the episode with brief descriptions of each.

Diversifying Ventures: Blueprints and Productized Services

The episode kicks off with a question from Robert D’vor about choosing ventures outside traditional services. Kurt shares how Manana No Mas creates “blueprints” by taking snapshots of customized client setups—like CRM and course platforms—and repackaging them as quick-launch solutions for similar clients. Toby emphasizes focusing on core strengths, like responsiveness, to stand out without overextending into unrelated products. This approach mirrors our focus on efficiency at Manana No Mas. Discover how we tailor solutions for your business.

Agency vs. Freelancer Mindset: Pricing for Value

A significant discussion revolves around the mental shift from freelancer to agency thinking. Kurt and Toby highlight how freelancers often undervalue their work by focusing on hours instead of value. They advocate for charging based on the impact delivered, not time spent, and scaling rates to support team growth. This perspective is key for sustainable growth, a principle we uphold at Manana No Mas. Learn more about scaling your digital business with us.

WordPress Release Schedule: Does It Matter to Freelancers?

Responding to a question from Eric Karkovac, Kurt and Toby discuss the new annual WordPress release schedule. They agree that most freelancers and clients are disconnected from such updates, caring only if websites function. Kurt notes the stability benefits for developers, while Toby points out a potential downside for maintenance revenue. At Manana No Mas, we ensure updates never disrupt your site. Read about our maintenance services.

Client Expectations: Balancing Customization and Purpose

Kurt and Toby tackle the challenge of client requests for unnecessary customizations, especially in WooCommerce. They stress the importance of wearing a consultant hat to question the “why” behind requests, guiding clients toward revenue-focused solutions rather than feature creep. This aligns with our value-added approach at Manana No Mas. Explore how we prioritize purpose in design.

Sales as a Core Skill: Overcoming the Stigma

Both hosts emphasize sales as a critical, yet often misunderstood, skill for freelancers and agencies. Toby shares how he grew to enjoy sales by treating it as a science and art, while Kurt recounts fun, disarming sales tactics at WordCamp. They reveal spending 50-70% of their time on marketing and sales, debunking the myth of a “magic funnel.” At Manana No Mas, we help clients master digital outreach. Check out our marketing insights.

Managing Burnout: Prioritizing Time and Energy

Addressing burnout, Kurt explains how he shifted from a “more hours equals more money” mindset to focusing on high-value tasks and personal recharge activities like biking. Toby discusses setting boundaries on free advice, ensuring time aligns with value or income. This balance is something we champion for our team and clients at Manana No Mas. Learn about our approach to sustainable workflows.

Conclusion

The latest episode of “Whose Web Agency Is This Anyway” with Kurt Vonan and Toby Cryns is a goldmine for digital agency owners and freelancers. Their insights on diversifying services, valuing expertise, navigating WordPress updates, managing client expectations, embracing sales, and combating burnout provide a roadmap for success in a competitive field. At Manana No Mas, we’re inspired by such discussions as we craft top-quality membership and learning websites. Watch the full episode on YouTube and join the conversation about growing your agency. For personalized consultation and web solutions, reach out to us today.

---

---