by Sharon Goldmacher, President, communications 21
Adages speak the truth. Sayings like “if you love what you do, you’ll never work a day in your life,” and “time flies when you’re having fun.” I can honestly say that it’s hard to believe that I have been at the helm of communications 21 for 30 years – but it’s true. And to this day, I can honestly say that I love what I do, and time has definitely flown by.
I still learn every day, and fail often, but I also believe that I have learned a few things over the years that might help other entrepreneurs. I hope you’ll enjoy this listicle!
- Having great people on your team makes all the difference in the world.
- Knowing your strengths and weaknesses helps you find the right people to fill in the gaps and make you better.
- Winning is the greatest feeling in the world, but clients will come and go – even though you’ve done your best.
- Let your team do what they do best.
- Be flexible – (this one took me a long time to get, but it’s important!)
- Managing people is the hardest part of any job. Everyone is different and while it’s hard to please everyone all the time – you have to try.
- Use tests like DISC and Meyers Briggs to understand your team’s work styles – it truly helps and makes you a better manager.
- Time entry sucks but it sucks less when you keep on top of it. Unfortunately, I never do.
- Support (and encourage) training and education.
- You’re never too old to learn new tricks…although I still don’t get Snapchat.
- Take risks and try. Go for the projects you’re mostly qualified for – you never know what can happen.
- When I started at 28, I was too young. As I approach 58, some may consider me too old – but age is just a number.
- Specialization will likely make you more money, but if you have ADD, it’s boring! Squirrel!
- It’s ok if interns come in once and never return. It wasn’t meant to be! It’s better to find the right fit rather than fill a position quickly. The payoff will be greater in the long run.
- Coming up with cool holiday gifts for clients can help make your company more memorable.
- Keeping the office clean is harder than it looks – so much cardboard. Amazon…STOP!
- Treat yourself like a client – don’t neglect your own marketing and PR – it’s critical.
- There will always be a competitor that is bigger, more profitable, more successful, but you contribute, provide livelihoods to your team and are valuable to your clients.
- You can never adequately prepare for a pandemic.
- Take the time to plan for your company’s future – and then try to work that plan!
- “21” is simply my favorite number.
- Find mentors – they provide great outside perspectives.
- Join organizations and stretch your skills.
- Digital marketing moves fast! Staying current is critical – but man, it’s tough. And from where I sit currently the metaverse is today’s version of “the emperor has no clothes…. or probably how my parents felt when I wanted a pet rock…a head scratcher that is making people money.
- It’s ok to say “No” sometimes.
- Determine your values and try to live your life so that your actions maintain those values.
- It’s ok to not be a morning person (or to not like coffee).
- Don’t set team meetings on Mondays at 9 a.m. or Fridays at 4 p.m. – people hate that!
- As the boss, you set the tone. It’s hard to be upbeat all the time but do your best!
- Work will always be there. Find time to celebrate the wins, great work and each other!