Don’t listen to business advice from outsiders
This month marks the 10th anniversary of Pixeltie, the creative studio I co-founded. To celebrate this milestone, I would like to address some business advice I’ve received over the years that I’m glad I didn’t listen to.
Niche down
Why should you limit yourself to a single specialty when passion and proficiency span across multiple areas?
Diversity in skills doesn’t equate to a dilution of expertise, especially for a creative studio if you still deliver over-the-top results.
Expand your business
Growth isn’t synonymous with the number of employees on a payroll.
Embracing a lean, flexible structure allows us to collaborate with top talents globally on a project basis, prioritising quality over quantity.
Building meaningful connections and focusing on impactful projects ensure sustainable growth without unnecessary overheads and stress.
Cash flow is everything
How many startups with millions in cash flow get out of business within their first years because they can’t find a suitable business model?
I’m going to be old school on that one but a business ‘simply’ needs to be profitable, ensuring a healthy balance between income and expenses.
And I’m proud to say that this has been our case since year one.
Forget about your work/life balance
I’m always shocked by professionals who only realise the need to slow down with their work when they find themselves confined to a hospital bed.
Contrary to popular belief, success isn’t synonymous with burnout.
Achieving a fulfilling life doesn’t require sacrificing your well-being.
Learn to do cold calls
As much as I understand the need for others to do so, networking and word-of-mouth referrals have been the cornerstone of acquiring clients for us.
By nurturing relationships and delivering above-expected results, we cultivated a loyal client base that continues to grow organically, eliminating the need for cold calls.
Don’t be emotional, it’s only business
Not only is this a callous statement, potentially justifying unethical behavior and a disregard for morals and values in pursuit of business goals.
“Hello. You are all fired. Relax, it’s only business” (remind you of someone maybe?)
I’ve also come to realise that most of my clients implicitly seek authenticity, transparency, and genuine human connection.
While I wouldn’t go so far as to say they’re looking for a friend, we’re all human beings at the end of the day.
When clients commit to working with someone for an extended period, they value reliability, attentive listening, and added value not only to their business but also to their personal lives.
This authenticity is something clients truly appreciate
The client is always right
If you prioritise every client’s needs above your business, you risk letting them dominate your work, decisions, and overall business integrity.
Crafting an exceptional client experience is important, but it’s equally crucial to establish clear boundaries and expectations.
This ensures that clients respect your expertise and value your services.
Furthermore, I’ve learned over time that asserting yourself and your expertise enhances your professionalism and relevance to clients.
If standing your ground has the opposite effect, it’s a sign that the client may not be a good fit to work with, and it’s better to let him go.
You shouldn’t give away value for free
With the internet, if copying something given for free by an expert would make you successful, that would be so simple.
The reality is that ideas are cheap but execution is everything.
By sharing your knowledge and insights with your target audience, you establish yourself as a trusted source of expertise.
This not only builds credibility but also fosters a sense of goodwill and reciprocity from your audience.
Remember, in a world where information is readily available, it’s your unique perspective and expertise that sets you apart and drives real value.
Success, to me, isn’t about envy-inducing wealth but about waking up each day with purpose and autonomy.
My journey has been shaped by experiences, challenges, and a relentless pursuit of balance.
For those seeking alternative perspectives on entrepreneurship, I highly recommend “ReWork” by Jason Fried and David Heinemeier Hansson.
A book that challenges conventional wisdom in business and offers refreshing insights.
👋🏻 I’m Rémy — a multidisciplinary designer and business owner with a particular enthusiasm for digital experiences.
Follow me for more posts on Creativity, Innovation, and Strategy. 🚀🎨
