Don’t Do It Alone
The Reality of Building a Creative Agency
They say, “Whatever your goal is, you’re better off not doing it alone.” And when it comes to running a creative agency, that couldn’t be more true. You might be a solo entrepreneur, grinding it out, setting your rates, and learning how to meet every client’s expectations—but let me tell you, doing it alone has a cost. And that cost is burnout.
The Real Struggles of Going Solo
When you’re the lone wolf, it’s all on you. And that sounds great—until the wheels start to fall off. Projects take longer than expected, software fails, and suddenly, you’re juggling more than you can handle. New clients come in, old clients leave, your computer crashes, your software updates mid-project, and life doesn’t pause just because you’ve got deadlines. Family issues pop up. Relationships demand attention. Every one of these variables doesn’t just affect you—they affect your agency, too.
If I could go back and give myself some advice, I’d channel my mom’s voice: “Save your money.” I didn’t always take that seriously, but now? I’m living proof that preparing for the unexpected isn’t optional. It’s essential. Because here’s the truth: things break. Software gets expensive. Your time is stretched thin, and every new tool you test out can feel like it’s draining your wallet.
Build With People, But Train Wisely
That’s why you’ve got to build with people. But there’s a catch: hiring someone doesn’t mean all your problems go away. Hiring is just the first step. You’ll spend a lot of time training them, integrating them into your processes, and teaching them the ropes. And that means slowing down to speed up—again. You need to understand that training someone is an investment, not just of money but of time.
So, if you’re in this game, don’t make the mistake of thinking you can do it all by yourself forever. You’ll need a team, and you’ll need to be prepared for all the ups and downs that come with running a business. Budget wisely, train patiently, and remember—you’re building something bigger than just you. And that takes time, money, and a whole lot of grit.
Key Takeaways:
Plan for the Unexpected: Save money, not just for growth but for survival when things go wrong.
Invest in People: Hiring is only the beginning; you need to train and integrate them into your vision.
Balance and Budget: Be mindful of your spending habits, both personally and professionally. Your future self will thank you.
The journey of building an agency isn’t easy, but it’s worth it when you build it right—together. Don’t go it alone. Invest in your team, your tools, and your future.
