For about 20% of my clients, 2020 was their best year; for another 20%, 2020 was a disaster! For the rest, we worked harder than ever to manage mediocre results. When I look at my own business, I learned more and worked harder in the last year than I did in the previous year. But…
You know that feeling when you look at your calendar for the day; you see a client and can’t wait to meet with them? Every time you meet with them, you’ve made progress together. They are invested in the work and open to collaborating with you. They appreciate what you create and implement it right…
The most important work you do is not what you get paid for; it’s who you are. When you improve a client’s CTR by 9%, that makes them happy. Listening to their situation and realizing that their team is on the brink of burnout and they desperately need new business makes them feel heard and gives…
Creative service businesses tend to have a small number of clients (8 – 12) that make up the bulk of their revenue each year. So keeping those clients happy is crucial to your success. What does it mean to “delight” clients of a creative services firm? What will separate you from the other agencies competing…
I worked with a client who was not very popular with his staff. He had high standards and wasn’t afraid to enforce them. He was blunt and direct; some would say that his feedback crossed the line to unkind. Over time, his communication style fostered resentment in his team. One employee in particular, became a…
“In any team, particularly creative teams, the productive output of the team is inversely proportional to the drama between the team members.” ~ Julie Colbrese Have you ever been part of a team that had lots of politics, in-fighting, and drama? How do you remember that time in your life? Was it satisfying, engaging, and…
Take a minute and think back. Was there ever a team you were part of that stands out? Maybe you got great results, or every person on the team felt integral and valued. It could be a work team or a sports team. It could be one you are on now, or you might be…
Tomorrow is Valentine’s Day. (Hopefully, you’ve planned something for your significant other. If not, you’re welcome!) In honor of tomorrow’s holiday, my message to you today is a short one…in the ageless words of Dolly Parton, “Never get so busy making a living that you forget to make a life!” Those words come from a…
What are the things that make you the happiest in your life? Those times or activities that make you feel like life is worth living, that feed your soul. When I was brainstorming this, I came up with: Spending time with my children Visiting National Parks and experiencing wild places. Live music and dancing! A…
Entrepreneurs: The only people who work 80 hour weeks to avoid working 40 hour weeks. ~ Lori Greiner How many of these things are true of your “boss”? They set unreasonable deadlines, and then you end up working late trying to meet them. They regularly underestimate the work on your plate. When a client asks…