196: How I Invested in My Podcast Agency in 2025

Last year, I flew to every event I could and poured money into programs and travel. This year? I doubled down on people and purpose—and everything changed.

2025 was a transformational year for my business. It was our highest revenue year ever, our biggest client roster to date, and our most aligned season yet. But what really made it possible wasn’t more hustle or higher spending—it was a shift in how and why I invested.

Instead of chasing everything, I got intentional. I focused on what gave me energy, what created sustainability, and what supported the life I’m building—not just the business I’m growing.

Let’s break down exactly what that looked like.

Clocking In with Haylee Gaffin is produced by Gaffin Creative, a podcast production company for creative entrepreneurs. Learn more about our services at Gaffincreative.com, plus you’ll also find resources, show notes, and more for the Clocking In Podcast.

Find on Your Favorite Podcast Player

Review the Transcript

How Travel Took a Backseat—and Why That Was a Good Thing

In 2024, I was constantly on the move. I said yes to almost every invitation, booked flight after flight, and returned home more often exhausted than energized. Don’t get me wrong—I loved the connections I made and the rooms I got to be in. But it wasn’t sustainable.

So in 2025, I made a new rule: no travel unless it deeply aligned with my business goals and my personal values.

That decision completely shifted how I showed up. I only flew to two business events—both in Dallas—and attended a few others that were either local or drivable. And I was present at every single one because I wasn’t spread too thin.

Instead of saying yes out of FOMO, I said yes with focus. The result? I gained more clarity, more energy, and better outcomes from fewer events.

The Tools That Keep My Business Running Smoothly

While travel scaled back, my tech stack stayed strong—and more intentional than ever. These are the tools that carried us through 2025:

Logic Pro & ThriveCart – One-time investments that still deliver ROI daily.
Descript – For podcast editing and content repurposing.
Canva – My go-to for all things visual.
Asana – Expanded this year to accommodate a growing team.
FloDesk – For email automation and list growth.
Riverside – Because clean, professional audio matters.
HoneyBook – Still using the same account I started with as a Rising Tide leader.
ChatGPT & PodSEO – Newer tools that enhanced efficiency and SEO strategy.

These tools don’t just save time—they free me up to focus on strategy, creativity, and relationships. That’s where the real ROI is.

Coaching, Community, and Clarity

One of my biggest shifts this year was investing in coaching—and let me tell you, it was a game changer.

I joined the Poetics Coaching Program, and it was the largest financial and mental investment I’ve ever made in my business. It stretched me, challenged me, and held space for me during one of the hardest years of my life. It gave me structure, clarity, and the momentum I needed to dream bigger about the future of Gaffin Creative.

Alongside coaching, I stayed connected with key communities like the Educators’ Lounge and Mixermind. While I didn’t show up consistently in every space (because life happens), these groups offered insight, encouragement, and inspiration when I needed it most.

Hosting My Own Retreat: Building Authority with Purpose

One of the proudest moments of the year? Hosting the second annual Mic Check Retreat.

In 2024, I lost money on our first retreat. This year, we made a (small) profit—and even more importantly, we made an impact. Mic Check isn’t just about revenue (though that’s a bonus); it’s about positioning. There aren’t many podcast retreats out there, and hosting one allows me to lead the conversation in my industry and serve podcasters in a high-touch, transformative way.

Will we do it again in 2026? We’re still deciding—but if you’re curious, make sure you’re on the waitlist.

Experimenting with Paid Visibility

This year, I also dipped my toes into the world of paid ads. We ran a few Facebook ad campaigns to promote a challenge and a workshop. Results were mixed—one campaign performed really well, the other not so much. The lesson? Start early, test often, and don’t be afraid to pivot.

We also ran Player FM ads to promote the podcast. And honestly? I’m a fan. It was targeted, strategic, and effective for podcast visibility. Combined, I spent less than $1,000 on ads—and saw meaningful traction.

Paid visibility doesn’t have to mean big budgets. It means intentional budgets.

My Team: The Strength Behind My Business

I can’t talk about investments without shouting out the biggest and best one: my team.

Megan, Caroline, and Tiffany have kept the business running with precision, passion, and care. And this year, we brought on a new video editor to help us expand our content production. These are the people who make it possible for me to lead, coach, strategize, and dream.

When life hit hard this year, my team didn’t just keep things moving—they lifted me up. That’s the kind of support money can’t buy, and why investing in the right people is the smartest thing I’ve ever done.

What’s Next for 2026?

Looking ahead, I plan to keep my travel schedule light and my investments focused.

Here’s what’s on my radar:

Attending all four Poetics Coaching retreats
Likely showing up at the Creative Educator Conference
Possibly attending one industry conference and one non-industry event to expand my perspective

And maybe… maybe… planning our next Retreat.