3 Lessons from a Marketing Startup
A little over a year ago, we decided to take the leap and start Purdy Marketing Co. We knew it would be a challenge and that there’d be a steep learning curve in many ways, but there were a few unexpected and valuable lessons we learned. Here are a few takeaways from our first year in business that might help other entrepreneurs navigate the early stages of starting a business:
1. NO ONE IS AN EXPERT IN EVERYTHING
When we first launched PMC, we were committed to being as self-reliant as possible. This strategy worked in our favor because it allowed us to develop new skills, reduce overhead costs, and fine-tune our areas of focus. While we both have skill sets that allow us to manage most marketing elements in-house, we’re able to acknowledge that it’s impossible to be an expert in everything. And that’s completely okay! No matter the industry, assembling the right talent for the right jobs is a great quality to have – so be sure to embrace outside talent when needed and view collaboration as a strength, not a weakness.
2. IMPOSTOR SYNDROME CAN BE A BARRIER, BUT ALSO A MOTIVATOR
At some point or another, most people (particularly millennials) have experienced ‘impostor syndrome.’ Social media makes it far too easy to compare ourselves to each other in unhelpful ways. Left unchecked, this can cause us to pass on good opportunities and become more risk averse. But people don’t often talk about the positive side of imposter syndrome, which is that it can also be leveraged for growth. When we first founded PMC, we had no idea how to start a company – let alone run it successfully. There were many days where we questioned our abilities and our worth as young(ish) business owners. But we learned that most of the time, this feeling of discomfort was actually a sign that we were onto something good. It meant that we were at the edge of our comfort zones, and growing into new areas of work. Like we said before, no one is an expert at everything, and it becomes apparent as soon as you step outside your comfort zone. But we find when we’re willing to work through the initial discomfort, we’re able to gain competency and eventually, expertise in new areas. So treat your impostor syndrome like a compass, not a barrier!
3. TRUST YOUR NETWORK
Whether you’re looking for a client or an outside vendor, referrals are worth their weight in gold. They lend a sense of credibility and trust that you simply can’t get through ads, business listings, or cold calls. Trust the people in your network and keep an eye out for opportunities to help make connections in turn – you never know what cool opportunities can arise from introducing the right people! Continually expand your circle by attending networking events, grabbing coffee with new people, or simply picking your friend’s brain about what they’ve been up to at work. The more you surround yourself with interesting, talented, and knowledgeable people the better off you’ll be!
Truth be told, this past year (and some) has been a wild ride, with too many lessons learned to count – but we wouldn’t trade it for the world. The successes and failures of our first year have shaped – and will continue to shape – who we are as a company. We’re sure this year will come with its own share of challenges and excitement, and we’re excited to use what we learned in 2022 to make the most of it. And whether you’re a business owner yourself or not, we hope these 3 tips can help you do the same!
