Hell Yes or Hard No: The Art of Saying No to Scale Your Agency

Saying yes feels good - until it doesn’t. Whether it’s taking on misaligned clients, projects that drag on, or saying yes out of fear, the wrong yes can cost your agency more than you think. In this episode, we’re breaking down why learning to say no is one of the most powerful growth moves you can make - and how it can actually lead to more revenue, happier clients, and less burnout.

We’re diving into the hidden costs of saying yes to the wrong things, how to spot red flags early, and how setting boundaries can open up space for better opportunities. Plus, we share practical ways to frame “no” as a confident, empowering choice that strengthens your business.

What to Expect From This Episode:

• The Cost of Saying Yes to the Wrong Things: How misaligned clients and underpriced projects hurt your bottom line
• Spotting Red Flags Early: The warning signs that a client or project isn’t the right fit
• Why Saying No Can Make You More Money: How holding firm on pricing attracts better clients
• Mindset Shifts That Matter: Moving from scarcity to abundance to scale your agency confidently

Key Takeaways:

• If it’s not a hell yes, it’s a hell no
• Red flags often show up early - trust your gut and set boundaries
• Saying no frees up time and energy for the right clients and projects
• Holding firm on pricing creates respect and long-term profitability
• An abundance mindset is key - clients can tell when you’re confident in your value

Real Talk Moments:

• Why taking on the wrong client is never worth it, no matter the paycheck
• The invisible costs of bad-fit clients - lost sleep, stressed teams, and lower morale
• How to confidently push back when clients ask for discounts or extra work
• Why setting a minimum engagement threshold protects your profitability
• The empowering feeling of turning down work that doesn’t align with your goals

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About Your Hosts:

Melissa Lohrer is the Founder of Waverly Ave Consulting, a Growth Consultancy for indie agencies. She partners with agency owners to create seven-figure growth through strategic repositioning, modern revenue models, and relationship-based sales. Connect with her on LinkedIn and Instagram.

Meredith Fennessy Witts is the Founder of Le Chéile, the go-to finance and strategy consultancy for creative agencies scaling beyond seven figures. She helps creative founders clarify their cash flow, restructure niche offers and pricing, and ensure they’re running a profitable business...in a mindful way. Connect with her on LinkedIn and Instagram.

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