25 years of safe vs. one year of real: 12 lessons from SVPR

SVPR was born one year ago today. It was always in motion, I just needed the push, the courage. 25+ years in an agency career is safe. And that’s ok for most, it wasn’t my destiny. So, how about 12 things I’ve learned the past 12-months? Corny, cheesy, yes, but it’s real…

• Your people, your true people will always be there. They care, they check in, they respond, it’s not fake. 

• New people come into the mix. That’s a great thing. Build relationships where you might not have had the chance before. 

• Even with new relationships, your circle gets smaller, and that’s even a better thing. Not your network, your trust circle. Trust is earned, but also quickly lost. 

• Saying No is powerful. When you chase revenue and numbers, yes is always the answer. But, it kills culture.

• Speaking of culture. A great culture wins. Every. Single. Time. No questions. No debate. Revenue follows.

• Take chances. Not in things you don’t want to do, but try new industries, and systems. It’s powerful.

• Mentorship matters. I lost one during this journey. It hurt, almost stalled me, but others stepped in. Give that back to our industry.

• Don’t be an asshole. Simple, yet hard for some.

• Don’t work with assholes. Easy, right?

• Celebrate the wins. Every win, big or small. Celebrate it. 

• Nobody is an expert! Nobody. If someone tells you they are, run. Our life is constant learning, both personal and professional.

• No guilt. You don’t have to ask for time off. Take that vacation. Go to your kids baseball game, school event, or cheer competition in my case! Nobody can make you feel guilty. 

I could share so many more. But, I’m going to celebrate the past year now, and not feel guilty about logging off a bit early. Thank you to my clients, partners, family and larger network. You are my why.