Four indicators for success

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    Corey Quinn

    Founder, Deep Specialization™

    Use these to filter out poor-fit verticals.

    What is the best indicator for success when choosing a vertical market?

    Your client history.

    Here are two client metrics to look at:

    • Retention: Which clients stay with you the longest?

    • Average Revenue: Which clients pay you more? 

    Here are two founder/client fit questions to ask:

    • Connection: Do I like working with this vertical?

    • Vision: Does this vertical fit with my vision for my company?

    Verticals that pass these filters are good candidates for progressing to the next stages (e.g., validation, etc.).

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    About Corey Quinn

    Founder, Deep Specialization™

    Corey helps founder-led agencies scale through Deep Specialization™ and programmatic M&A. Former CMO of Scorpion ($20M to $200M). Author of "Anyone, Not Everyone."

    “Is this a good fit for my agency?”

    I partner with founders who want to build something meaningful, not just a busier agency, but a stronger, more scalable business.

    You’re likely a strong fit if:

    • You’re generating $1M–$20M+ annually
    • You want to lead your market, not blend into it
    • You’re thinking about long-term scale, not short-term tactics
    • You want a growth engine that doesn’t rely on you
    • You value clarity over complexity
    • You’re open to advanced growth levers, including acquisitions
    Anyone Not Everyone Book Cover

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