As we enter our 25th year in business, we thought it appropriate to share 25
tips that we believe to be key in our business success at MAD marketing+design
- Go into partnership with people who share similar core values.
- Get yourself a really good accountant.
- Hire people who are passionate about what they do and are as smart or
smarter than you. - Teamwork! Business owners should roll up their sleeves and contribute at any
level in a crunch. - Getting your client projects completed well and on time is essential to maintain
client relationships but allow time to get to know your client on a personal level. It
helps to build long lasting, mutually enjoyable connections. - Treat your suppliers with the same respect you show your clients. We are all in
it together. - Be honest. You will earn peoples’ trust and respect and you will sleep at night.
- Hard work and fun can go hand in hand. Create an authentic corporate culture
and you won’t need “team building events” to build a real team. - Pat your staff on the back for real and regularly. Recognition goes a long way.
- Don’t confuse profits with income. As a business owner be sure to pay
yourself a fair salary but don’t deplete the profits. - Don’t be afraid to admit mistakes. The important part is the solution you offer
whilst disclosing the mistake. This is when your true colours can really shine. - Don’t nickel and dime your suppliers and do your best to pay them on time.
You need them as much as they need you. - Really listen to your clients. Gather as much information as possible. Don’t be
afraid to ask questions. Make sure you “get it” before you begin a project. - Don’t just give your clients what they ask for. Offer ideas and solutions they
may not have considered. - Avoid making decisions by committee.
- Always push yourself to go beyond, think outside the box, try new ideas, look
for ways to accomplish the impossible. - Discard top line thinking. Delve deeper.
- Summarize objectives/deliverables at the end of every meeting so everyone
is clear on expectations. - Respect peoples’ time. Keep meetings short and to the point. Make decisions
and move on. - Always watch your cash flow. It is the life force of your business.
- Listen to your gut.
- Take time off to recharge. It’s absolutely essential.
- Always have money set aside in case of crisis and know
what that amount should be. - Run, walk, hit the gym, do yoga, meditate – whatever works for you. It’s a
great way to de-stress and escape from the many hats you wear. - Plan for the future with a business transition strategy.
And keep in mind….Bigger is not always better.
