The first company I started never did anything. It had business cards, a website, a logo, a business plan, a price list and all sorts of other “business needs,” but it was missing the one thing it needed most to be a success.
The work.
I’ve learned a little bit since then, and now I don’t worry about most of those things up there because those are the details. People only care about the details AFTER they have already taken interest in you “the author,” or you “the painter,” or you “the designer, singer, dancer,” whatever… And the other thing is, they don’t really care about those details, like you care about them. They don’t dissect the meaning of your logo or banter about your color scheme or spend much time deciding to do, or not to do business with you because your business card shimmers or is cut kinda funny.
What sells people, is what you deliver.
What keeps them returning is how well you deliver.
And after that, the price matters some.
My point is, stop buying stuff to make your business, art, creative venture appear legit. Just be legit and do what you do better than or different than anyone else.
The details will come later.
{ 7 comments… read them below or add one }
I get what you’re saying. But if my website isn’t PERFECT I cannot launch it *sobs*
It’s like sending my kids out into the world unwashed and uncombed in mix-matched clothes.
You are right. All that stuff only serves as a distraction from the real work. Let the demand for the work cause you to have to get cards, start a site, etc.
Good stuff.
Good approach, learned through experiences, it appears.
I agree – all that matters is how well one delivers, in whatever service offered. A concept that can also be applied to other areas of life.
Everyone loves quality.
I’ve ran 3 businesses over the years and it’s really no joke. Takes all kinds of patience and flexibility. I leaned a lot but I think I leander that I don’t really want to work for myself. I know that sounds crazy but…
I feel like somebody ratted me out! I did this with my company the first time around. Now I’m revamping and doing exactly what you’ve mentioned: The work.
Thanks for the confirmation.
Yeah, this is a good read B. Ayo, text me your gmail address. I lost all of my contacts.
This hits home! Ugh I didn’t see the need for so much until people started asking me : Do you have business cards yet, what about a websit? I just wanted to start out doing good work at first and handle all of those things along the way. I get more word of mouth business anyway.