I had no idea how many hours I'd spend sucking down coffees at Starbucks
Starting a business is like having a baby – you can't help but to pass yourself as an expert once you get started. This isn't one of those posts, though. Truth is, you start a business knowing nothing, and you likely close shop just as educated.
But I have learned a few things in the short life of Storm the Castle Creative; things I wish I knew going in, and things I'd have never known were it not for good friends. Since I am you're good friend, I share my new wisdom with you.
- Absorb the knowledge of your peers. I'd be absolutely nowhere without the insight given to me by friends in the business (looking at you Kitbash and Cody Scott Productions). From setting up my G-Suite business services to learning how to properly invoice a client, the people who have "Been There, Done That" are your most valuable mentors.
- Stay in touch. Resist the urge to "do it on your own." Your former co-workers and clients are powerful sources of advice and excellent business leads. Call them. Invite them to lunch. Grab a few beers. And listen.
- Don't make stagnant hours unproductive. You likely won't start with a full portfolio of clients. You'll have stretches of maddening inactivity that will make you question your life's new direction. Rather than go completely mad, use the still hours to build your website, set up lunches, polish your LinkedIN – work on your brand.
- Bank. Lawyer. Accountant. You may be a brilliant creative, but maybe you're not much of a business person. (I'm not.) You need business banking accounts. You need to incorporate. You need to understand how taxes affect you. Visit these professionals and make their wisdom yours.
- Appreciate your worth. Your first instinct out of the gate will be to lower your worth to attract business. Don't. If you start your business cut-rate, you will have to dig yourself from a cut-rate reputation. Also, you might be tempted to divulge your ideas when putting together proposals. Don't. Your time and your ideas are your primary assets. Don't give them away.
- Force yourself to "be on." As an agency writer, I wrapped myself inside a cocoon of creativity. Now I'm in business, and I have to be on. Don't ignore phone calls. Remember your follow-up emails. Be engaging and charming in mixed company. Your business will pull you out of your comfort zone. Embrace the discomfort and learn.
I still have so much to learn, and I spend way too much time contemplating mistakes – real or perceived. If you have it all figured out, let me know.
I'd love to take you out to lunch.
Brands can be brave.
Jeremy Harper is Chief Instigator of Storm the Castle Creative who spends his free time staring into space.