Ever stood at the crossroads of solo work and team collaboration, wondering which path to take? That's the crux of our latest Elevate Media Podcast episode, where we unpack the freelancer vs. agency debate. As a host, I, Chris Anderson, along with insights from my team—once freelancers, now agency believers—bring to you a discussion that's as real as it gets. We're peeling back the layers on the autonomy and unpredictability of freelancing and contrasting it with the scalable force of agency life. From personal tales to professional tips, this conversation is tailored for the curious creator itching to make their mark, be it solo or as part of something bigger.
This isn't just a talk; it's a treasure trove of lived experiences and practical advice for the videographer contemplating their next big move or the entrepreneur dreaming of their own creative empire. We tackle the hard-hitting realities of each model—loneliness, feast or famine, team dynamics, and the nitty-gritty of client relationships. There's no holding back on the challenges and triumphs that define both worlds. So whether you fancy the freedom of freelancing or yearn for the camaraderie of an agency, tune in and take away invaluable insights that could very well shape the trajectory of your creative journey. And because we love a good dialogue, I'm inviting you to reach out on Instagram at chrisanderson with your stance on the subject. Let's keep this pivotal conversation going.
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Speaker 1:
Welcome back to the Elevate Media Podcast. I'm Chris Anderson, your host. Today, we're gonna be diving into a topic that you can go back and forth on, I think, and that is the freelancer versus agency debate. Which model reigns supreme? Which one's best for you? We're gonna dive into it. So let's get ready, let's go, all right. So we're gonna start things off by getting into both of the contenders in this battle, this epic showdown the freelancer and the agency.
Speaker 1:
Now, to preface this, we are an agency, so we might seem a little biased, but when I started out, when the guys on my team started out, they were just freelancers, so we have the ability to talk from both sides. So that's what we're gonna do. We're gonna lay it out there for you. Let you decide, because it's different and the fit is different for everybody. Okay, so let's go ahead and get in this.
Speaker 1:
But picture this you're a talented videographer with a passion for storytelling. You've honed your craft, built your portfolio and now you're faced with this crucial decision Do you continue to go solo as a freelancer, or do you gather a team and launch your own agency? All right, so first up, let's talk about the freelancer the freedom, the flexibility, the ability to call all the shots. Freelancing really does offer some unparalleled autonomy and allows you to handpick your projects, set your schedule and work from wherever your heart desires. But let's hold on just a second, because it's not all sunshine and rainbows. Freelancing can be a roller coaster ride of feast or famine. You're the chief cook and bottle washer. You're wearing multiple hats, from salesperson to accountant to creative genius, and let's not forget the ever looming specter of loneliness that can also come with working solo. Now, if we swing over to team agency, oh man, the power of synergy, the thrill of collaboration, the ability to tackle big budget projects with a dream team by your side. Running an agency allows you to scale your business, leverage the strengths of others and establish a powerhouse brand in the industry.
Speaker 1:
But there is a flip side to every coin. Agencies come with their fair share of challenges. Trust me, managing a team can feel like herding cats at times. My team's great. It doesn't feel like that, but it can. It can be a lot to deal with. You're learning how to become a better leader, and so it might feel like hurting cats because you're trying to improve your leadership skills and how to manage other people. You've also got to navigate the complexities of the client relationships and project timelines. That can be a juggling act. You got multiple projects going on at once. Structuring that for your team can be a headache. And let's not even get started on the overhead costs and administrative headaches, because when you build a team, you've got to build into them, you've got to invest in systems and processes that hopefully relieve some of the burden, some of the struggle. So there is more of a cost.
Speaker 1:
So where does the truth lie in this freelancer versus agency debate? Is one model truly superior to the other, or is it just all a matter of personal preference and circumstance? And I wanna hear from you. So are you team freelancer or team agency? Drop your comments below. Let me know which side you're on. Let's get this conversation going down there. Or if you're listening to this as just a podcast, let me know what you think.
Speaker 1:
Freelancer versus agency. Send me a message at christanderson on Instagram. I'd love to hear your input and feedback and why you choose the one you choose, because neither is wrong, right, it's all based on your preference. It's all based on what you want. Maybe you're fine staying at the certain level you are, because we only have this 24 hours right. So you can only do so much as a freelancer, as your own person, and maybe you're fine with that and that's great. It provides the life you want and there's nothing wrong with that. But it gets to a point where if you want to grow anymore, if you want to be able to scale more, you're going to need people around you, you're going to need a team, because we can only grow so big by ourselves. So it's really a personal preference. What do you truly want from the business, from this endeavor that you're undertaking For me?
Speaker 1:
My skills could only get me so far within the actual field of videography itself, the editing itself, things of that nature. I wanted it to grow, I wanted profits increase, I wanted the business to scale. So I knew I couldn't do that alone. I had to have an agency, I had to have people around me, a team around me. It opens up a whole new world of headaches, of challenges, of you know we call them the valleys quote unquote the valleys. When business is just, things are rough because you have so much more you're dealing with than trying to, you know, take care of. So there's a shift there and you just kind of had a weather, the storm, but there are also so many great things. I mean, you're going to meet so many amazing people who come onto your team, their skills, just who they are as people, and I love that, and so you know it bounces itself out.
Speaker 1:
But then, freelancer, it can be lonely, it can be stressful because you are doing it all, and so you got to think about that. And you don't have to go from freelancer to agency, full-blown agency. You know, maybe you're a freelancer and you outsource some things here and there. That's completely good too, so that's almost like an in-between right. You don't have to manage a whole agency, but you're also not having to do it all on your own. So, yeah, just hope this conversation, you know, sparked ideas in your mind or maybe solidified the path you've chosen a little bit. But I'd love to hear from you. Either let me leave a comment down below on which side you are on or why, or shoot me a message at christanderson. And, yeah, we'd love to have that conversation. Until next time, continue to go out there, keep elevating your life, elevating your brand, and we'll talk to you soon.