Recent US-Canada trade tensions have agency and firm owners asking: "What happens if my biggest client's industry takes a hit?" While service-based businesses don't pay tariffs directly, your clients do. And when their costs go up, marketing, PR, and design budgets often face the squeeze. Learn how to protect your business by diversifying your client mix across industries, contract types, and geography—plus get the exact metrics you should be tracking monthly.

[Read time: 5 minutes]

One of the most common gaps I've noticed when helping new agency/firm clients with cash flow and business forecasting is the absence of Cost of Goods Sold (COGS)….

Ever hear yourself asking "Can we afford to hire?" or "How much should we really be spending on marketing?" You're not alone. Here's a practical framework I use with my clients to work backwards from revenue goals to realistic spending limits.

Agency and firm owners, if you're looking at your bank account wondering 'are we okay?' - you're not alone. Every week I talk to creative agency and firm owners who struggle with the same question.

After working with dozens of firms, here are the three metrics I track obsessively to give my clients financial clarity and peace of mind.

First of all, I know how stressful being in this position can be.

Tight cash flow induces sleepless nights, anxiety and more. I have been there before and can totally relate to how you're feeling.

Next, consider, why do you want to go for investors?

Ok, this is a vulnerable post to write!

But I feel it’s important to share my story to show you that I’ve “been there, done that”... meaning I can totally relate to the business money stress you’re feeling. Soooo… here we go…

I learned the ins-and-outs of business finance over the last decade — and not always the easy way!