Dan Gamble, Founder & CEO of DGPR, reflects on the growth of his PR agency over the past two years and shares his approach to sustainable business growth. He acknowledges the common entrepreneurial mindset of “move fast and break things,” but emphasizes the importance of preventing breakage while scaling a business. This involves a more deliberate and measured approach that prioritizes team and client relationships.
Gamble highlights the importance of building a strong foundation for scalability. This includes setting up core operational procedures, engaging legal and finance partners, and establishing a clear brand identity. By making intentional decisions early on, businesses can ensure they have systems in place to support sustained growth. He encourages others to adopt similar steps when setting up their own businesses.
In addition to establishing a strong foundation, Gamble emphasizes the importance of implementing repeatable and templated structures. By introducing recurring activities and standardized documents, teams can maintain consistency and provide clients with seamless experiences. This approach helps keep the team on track and supports ongoing growth initiatives.
Gamble also discusses the importance of being pragmatic in deciding where to invest in the business. He prioritizes choices that support the team and enable them to do their best work. For example, DGPR limits each team member to a roster of three to four clients to maintain balance. Additionally, the company recently invested in a long-term office space to facilitate collaboration and client meetings.
Looking ahead, Gamble plans to continue growing DGPR without compromising quality. He aims to invest in growth and marketing strategies to expand the company’s reach beyond referrals and personal connections. By evaluating progress against objectives and determining where to focus resources, businesses can ensure they are supporting each goal appropriately. Gamble believes that teams can deliver exceptional work in a positive agency culture, leading to happy clients and team members.
In conclusion, Gamble’s approach to growth emphasizes the value of maintaining strong relationships with clients and team members while scaling a business. He advocates for a deliberate and measured strategy that prioritizes quality over rapid growth. By implementing foundational elements, repeatable processes, and strategic investments, businesses can set themselves up for sustainable growth and success in the future.
