You’re a successful freelancer making a good living working solo. Most days, you’re happy with your work and life.

So why would you consider forming a small agency?

I went from freelance to starting my first agency. It was the best thing I ever did.

Here are 7 reasons why you might do it too…

Have you ever been asked to work for equity or shares? I’ve done it twice.

You’ll have to decide whether you believe in the team and the product. And then, get answers to a few key questions before you say yes. Remember, you’re taking on a risk. It’s usually an “all or nothing” game.

Get answers to your questions here…

If you’re an employee, there are two key reasons to freelance: earn extra money and start building your future.

When you freelance, you’ll learn how to run the business including taking client briefs, creating estimates and invoices, working and developing relationships with clients.

There are many ways to find clients. Here are a few…

If you’re a senior creative talent, you should have some kind of ownership. You may be a partner at your firm or have your own company.

Otherwise, you limit your income and put your future in jeopardy. While it may seem safer to stay, it’s actually far riskier. Think about your future now…

Have you ever presented your work in a full boardroom with all eyes on you? It’s nerve-wracking. Presenting your creative work is a critical skill.

Once you’ve started your own company, you’ll be doing a lot of it. Get good at presenting. Your company will be counting on you. You may want to get some training…

Before freelancing, get a job in a creative agency. It’s the ideal on-the-job training for starting your own business.

Use the job to learn about business. Observe and note what you’d want to copy for your own company.

Look at processes, paperwork, and people interactions.

It’s the best of times, it’s the worst of times. If you’re a creator, is now the time to start your agency? Here are 5 reasons why the answer is “Hell, yes”, and 5 why it’s maybe “Hmm, not so sure…”

I’m with the optimists. I did it three times, and I know you can do it too.

How To Start a Successful Creative Agency is the business book for freelancers and small agency owners who want to grow.

The book is not about how to write, design, or program. It will teach you about running your business and building a solid foundation to make your company successful.

Hi, my name is Andy Strote. I’ve been a copywriter, creative director and founder of three successful creative agencies in Toronto.

I packed this book with useful information about running a business, finding the best clients, managing your finances and working with staff and partners.

How To Start a Successful Creative Agency is over 300 pages, divided into 23 chapters, with many sub-chapters.

Some chapters are very long—Working with Clients, for example. Others are shorter—Decision Making, and Legal & Insurance. Here are the book’s chapters. See how this book can help you start your own agency.