How to Diversify Your Service Offerings

4 years ago, I lost a client that made up 60% of our agency's revenue. I was: - Overconfident in client retention - Focused on service, neglected business strategy - Put all our eggs in one basket My agency was on the verge of shutting down. But then, everything changed. We: - Diversified our client portfolio - Developed multiple service offerings - Built a robust lead generation system Bounced back stronger within 6 months. By spreading risk and creating multiple revenue streams, I changed the equation. I've taken that exact same approach to scaling eCommerce brands. If you're relying too heavily on one client or channel: Ditch the comfort zone. Diversify your portfolio. Stop waiting for leads. Build your own pipeline. Implement these 5 strategies to bulletproof your agency: 1. Develop niche expertise in multiple verticals 2. Create a mix of project-based and retainer work 3. Invest in your own marketing (practice what you preach) 4. Build strategic partnerships to expand service offerings 5. Create scalable products alongside your services 30 days of focused diversification = rewriting your agency's future. Create your own safety net.

🏢 Architects: Same work, same fees, same frustrations—why are we doing this to ourselves? Most architecture firms rely on a single, fragile revenue model—design services. But what if we reimagined our role? What if firms diversified their offerings, not just to increase profit margins, but to create greater impact and build more resilient businesses? Firms that expand into strategy consulting, workplace experience, sustainability advisory, and digital solutions are shifting from transactional project-based work to ongoing partnerships with their clients. They’re embedding themselves deeper into the decision-making process and unlocking new revenue streams beyond design fees. 💡 Instead of constantly fighting for higher fees on the same services, what if we introduced entirely new offerings that clients actively seek out? Here are some areas firms can explore: ✅ Workplace strategy & operational consulting – Helping clients optimize space utilization, hybrid work strategies, and employee experience. ✅ Environmental branding & experience design – Merging architecture with brand strategy to create immersive physical environments and intuitive wayfinding. ✅ Post-occupancy research & analytics – Leveraging data to improve building performance, space efficiency, and user satisfaction. ✅ Sustainability & ESG advisory – Helping clients measure their carbon footprint and align their buildings with corporate sustainability goals. ✅ Real estate & development insights – Providing data-driven guidance on location analytics, adaptive reuse, and space utilization. The best way to grow isn’t just by charging more for what we already do—it’s by creating new value that clients are willing to pay for. What do you think? What services should architecture firms be adding to their portfolio? Have you seen firms successfully diversify their offerings? _____________________ Hi, 👋🏻 I'm Evelyn Lee, FAIA | NOMA I've been on the client side for over a decade and have spent the last five years in tech, helping create exceptional employee experiences while growing the business. Now, I help architects: ⇒ Think Differently ⇒ Redefine Processes ⇒ Create Opportunities

An old colleague runs a boutique consulting firm. For years, she relied on one large referral partner who sent her most clients—until that partner changed their model and her business dropped 40% overnight. Today, she sources clients through five different channels: referrals, direct outreach, content marketing, speaking engagements, and strategic partnerships. "It's more work to manage, but I sleep better knowing I'm not vulnerable to one relationship." Her story perfectly mirrors what I'm seeing across premium brands in every industry—the smartest companies are quietly diversifying how they reach customers, moving away from dependency on single distribution channels or intermediaries. I explored this shift specifically in spirits and wine for my latest article: "Beyond the Middleman: Building a Multi-Channel Playbook for Premium Brands," but the lessons apply far beyond alcohol. Read more about my observations here: https://lnkd.in/eQ8zphx6 Three insights from brands rethinking their route to market: 🔄 Channel orchestration beats channel loyalty: Top performers aren't choosing one distribution model—they're strategically mixing direct relationships, specialized partners, and traditional channels based on what works best for specific objectives 📱 Technology is unbundling traditional services: Digital platforms now allow brands to cherry-pick logistics, compliance, and sales services without paying for a full-service bundle they don't fully need 💡 Direct relationships compound value: Companies building direct customer connections are seeing 25-30% margin improvements while gaining control over their brand story and valuable customer data Whether you're selling software, spirits, or consulting services, the principle remains: diversification isn't just risk management—it's growth strategy. What's your experience with reducing dependency on traditional intermediaries? The patterns I'm seeing suggest this shift is accelerating across industries. Dive into how premium brands are implementing this: https://lnkd.in/eQ8zphx6 #Distribution #BusinessStrategy #DirectSales #ChannelStrategy #Growth