Marc Posch, Creative Director. An Interview
(Originally published by DotCom Magazine in 2019)
Marc Posch is the CEO of Opus Creative Group, a brand consultancy based in Los Angeles. Marc is a thought leader, influencer, visionary, and successful entrepreneur. Marc provides the leadership and energy that has inspired the creation of Opus Creative Group. Marc Posch joins other leading CEOs and Founders taking part in our Leader Roundtable Interview Series. The DotCom Magazine editorial team has recently awarded Opus Creative Group with our Impact Company of 2019 award. We are delighted to have Marc join us for our Leader Roundtable Interview.
Marc, thank you so much for taking the time out of your busy day for this interview about your company, leadership, and entrepreneurship.
Marc, please tell us about Opus Creative Group.
Opus Creative Group is the product of an evolutionary process. I’ve been in the creative industry for 20+ years, as Marc Posch Design, working with a small team of creatives and flanked by outside technical and marketing advisors. However, over time this construct became more and more difficult to maintain when dealing with larger clients, especially international companies, which is what we do mostly these days. There was often confusion about who works for whom, or who’s in charge? Are the French reporting to the Germans, or do we get instructions from Los Angeles? To better organize all this we needed a new name and set up that would harmonize what we do and deliver a unified message. That’s when Opus Creative Group was born. Opus is a brand consultancy that combines multiple partners on multiple continents. Swift and nimble on one hand, operating without much overhead, but also strong and trustworthy, with all forces lined up for utmost firepower.
How did you come up with the idea for Opus Creative Group?
Generally, the definition of an opus is ‘large scale creative work’. It’s a term commonly used in a musical context. To me, it reflects the standards we work by. When it comes to our work, we are very ambitious and passionate. We always ask two questions: Can we create a product that moves something, that inspires change, that makes people fall in love with? And can we present it in the most beautiful way? If we can answer both questions with Yes, then there’s a good chance that the result will be an opus, a ‘large scale creative work’.
What is the key to your company’s success?
Can you ask me again in 10 years? We just launched this company. Generally, I think, Personality, High Standards and Perseverance are essential ingredients of any success story. There could be more, but let me find out.
Many of our readers are just starting to build a company. What advice can you give entrepreneurs just starting out with a new venture?
Don’t be afraid that you can’t make it because you’re small or don’t have big VC funding (yet). The person or company with a larger wallet is not smarter than you, just more comfortable. This should be great news for smaller companies: Comfort is the enemy of innovation.
For other entrepreneurs seeking to build a business as successful as yours, what advice can you give them when times get a little challenging?
I’d like to quote Bobby Axelrod here, the fictitious hedge funds tycoon from ‘Billions’ answering about a possible investment opportunity. “What is it you do that you’re the best in the world at? You offer a service you didn’t invent, a formula you didn’t invent, a delivery method you didn’t invent. Nothing about what you do is patentable or a unique user experience. You haven’t identified an isolated market segment, haven’t truly branded your concept.” I actually sent this to a client recently, and he rewrote his business plan entirely based on that quote. Now apply this to your services and see what sticks. Thanks, Bobby!
How do you make sure your customers will become raving fans of your company?
I always found it to be wise to treat the person cutting the checks like a human being. They have kids, too, they have wives, they have migraines and likes and dislikes.. as we all do. Be curious, show genuine interest in their lives and eventually, your relationship grows. A ‘Thank you’ note here and there or tickets to a ball game or a symphony go a long way. It can even sometimes heal a botched job. Good chemistry is a beautiful thing.
In today’s fast-changing business environment, how do you stay abreast of things?
By traveling. But this might be unique to our situation as we are dealing a lot with cross/cultural issues. Every second Twitter, Reddit or Facebook spit out the latest about trends and updates. What is often overlooked, in my opinion, is the human element. Does the message I’m sending from Los Angeles have the same meaning in Saudia Arabia or Indonesia? Or could it be read as something completely different, even offensive? Being curious and learning about other cultures is one of the greatest perks of my business. That’s why I enjoy traveling.
What is your “Why”? Why do you get up in the morning, and how do you keep yourself at peak performance to lead Opus Creative Group?
I think that “why” is a one-trick-pony. I’ve read Simon Sinek’s book (Start with Why) and can only recommend reading it. The ‘why’ question should always be part of the discovery process. It’s a good start. I just find it to be overrated. I never received a convincing answer beyond the generic “change the world”. However, what I find much more interesting is asking “why not”? And then see where the discussion takes you. Here’s Bobby Kennedy Jr.: “Some men see things as they are, and ask why. I dream of things that never were, and ask why not.”
Can you recommend a book that has had an influence on your career? How did it influence you?
I’m an avid non-fiction reader because I’m always fascinated by other people’s experiences. I have a room full of business books. However, one stands out that really, really touched me: “Delivering Happiness” by Tony Hsieh, the founder of Zappos. His message is simple but very powerful: treat people with respect and they become your greatest assets.
What makes a great leader?
Go back to question #9 and get the book. It’s all in there. Tony is the prototype of a great leader.
Marc Posch, thank you so much for participating in the DotCom Magazine Leader Roundtable Interview Series. We very much appreciate the time you spent helping our readers learn more about what it takes to build a great company and become a great leader. We wish you, your family, and of course Opus Creative Group, nothing but the best. Also check out Marc’s new book “The Million Dollar Brand”, which is now available in print and for Kindle: https://www.amazon.com/dp/0359460321?
Opus Creative Group, Los Angeles, Munich, Paris. Contact +1.213.446.7986 hello@opuscreativegroup.com www.opuscreativegroup.com
