Just about three months ago I launched into the 'self employed' market like a rogue rocket. A bright and startling streak of energy and ideas fueled by years of experience - and a desparate need to pay bills and maintain career momentum. Self preservation is an amazing motivator...
Fast forward a dozen weeks and I've found happiness in the secret sauce most successful agencies have known for years; it's not always about quantity of clients, but quality clients that can make or break your dream. Like every small business it was very much about the numbers for the first few weeks. But as I settled into a mix of regular and new projects combined, my chemistry with a particular company from "up North" made me realize I couldn't, and shouldn't take on another.
It was right around that time that I had a very inspiring convesation about PR and Marketing, with a savvy local veteran, Lesley Francis of Lesley Francis PR. She noted some key points about the ever evolving local, regional and national PR market, and it was then I realized it wasn't my intent to attempt to compete with larger agencies. It's not always a David vs. Goliath situation. In fact, as potential new clients approach me, I'm determined to safeguard my work-life balance, and refer them on to someone equipped for multiple contracts - like Lesley and her team.
Knowing my limits has been very liberating. I am grateful for that insight, and for my amazing, select client list that allows me to be little bitty like a boss.
"Well, it's alright to be little bitty A little hometown or a big old city Might as well share, might as well smile Life goes on for a little bitty while"
- Alan Jackson, Litty Bitty song
Side note: For those of you that are growing and need help figuring out how to manage it all, check out the Manager Tools website. All of Mark's podcasts are free, on endless topics that will help you organize your thoughts and make you a better manager of time, projects, and people. (Yes, I'm on a first name basis with Mark Horstman).