By Jorge Zavala | Creative Director
Let's face it, we love to work.
Just kidding.
But seriously, I love my job. Not to brag, but I think I've developed a pretty darn cool niche in my life, during my late 20s. Granted, I'm not rolling in a Rolls-Royce quite yet or have a penthouse overlooking the ocean in Arroyo Drive (if you know where this is, then you're so LA, baby), but I have a very strong outlook on business and how my business experience with start-ups has shaped the way I work and make magic happen.
Now, for someone in my industry, it is a mortal sin to give out the kinds of tips I am going to share with you just now. However, I believe in all of you this much that I am going to sacrifice a few consulting sessions (look at it as a PdM Media gift to you for spring) so that you can do wonders for your business, and hire one of my interns as your top consultant in 5 years. For those of you with start-ups, the following are bible rules for making ish happen over the next few years. Tread lightly, or very heavily, entrepreneur.
1) Don't start a business unless you eat, breath, and sleep this aforementioned wonder.
You need to LOVE what you're about to get into, and if it's something like opening up a restaurant, it's going to require a pretty penny and you'll be working over 75 hours per week, so listen to me when I tell you that you have to LOVE what you do.
2) No exit strategies, please.
If you need one this early on in the game, then honey: you're just not that into...you, or your business in-fact.
3) Hire people who will ADORE working there.
If you are hiring, make sure to hire people who will love what you love.
4) Sales cure all.
'nuff said.
5) Know your strengths.
You need to be an awesome leader and worker. By knowing your strengths in business, you will save yourself tons of time figuring things out and you can outsource the skills you're not so hot in.
6) Eat.
Sometimes, we love what we do so much we forget to eat. Doesn't happen to me, but I know plenty of folks who skip lunch. Make sure you do you, and grab a bowl of soup at least.
7) Hire a public relations agency.
I'm saying this as someone who is coming from both the inside and out: you need someone to handle your image. Whether you're a food truck vendor or the next Korean pop star, you are going to need someone to make sure your image is business-ready but also ready to make a splash in the marketplace.
8) Technology is relative.
Go with what you know.
9) Respect the golden rule.
Recess during kindergarten, lunchtime in high school, networking during a fashion event: life does not change. No matter what your parents or teachers told you: people will never change and most will never grow up. However, I've always felt the golden rule to be true: treat others the way you'd want to be treated. If one of your co-workers is being a butt-head smile the first time, be direct the second time, and say adios the 3rd time. Simple.
10) Be professional.
This is relative by industry, but make sure you always do your work and over-deliver.
11) Travel as often as possible.
Going to new cities or making new friends in favorite places always bring new perspectives to your work. Sometimes, you'll find yourself networking without even trying: that's how awesome you are.
12) Have fun!
Yes, it's a cliche, but a good one. When you love what you do, you'll never work a day in your life. Granted, the money is always going to be an issue when you're a start-up, but don't make life or work expensive. Know yourself and your spending habits and make changes accordingly. Downsize if you must, or get smaller office-space. Travel economy versus business class, or even walk when you can instead of taking the bus.
It's always the little things that make a difference, but you're an awesome entrepreneur, so you'll develop your own nook in this game called business.
Let's face it, we love to work.
Just kidding.
But seriously, I love my job. Not to brag, but I think I've developed a pretty darn cool niche in my life, during my late 20s. Granted, I'm not rolling in a Rolls-Royce quite yet or have a penthouse overlooking the ocean in Arroyo Drive (if you know where this is, then you're so LA, baby), but I have a very strong outlook on business and how my business experience with start-ups has shaped the way I work and make magic happen.
Now, for someone in my industry, it is a mortal sin to give out the kinds of tips I am going to share with you just now. However, I believe in all of you this much that I am going to sacrifice a few consulting sessions (look at it as a PdM Media gift to you for spring) so that you can do wonders for your business, and hire one of my interns as your top consultant in 5 years. For those of you with start-ups, the following are bible rules for making ish happen over the next few years. Tread lightly, or very heavily, entrepreneur.
1) Don't start a business unless you eat, breath, and sleep this aforementioned wonder.
You need to LOVE what you're about to get into, and if it's something like opening up a restaurant, it's going to require a pretty penny and you'll be working over 75 hours per week, so listen to me when I tell you that you have to LOVE what you do.
2) No exit strategies, please.
If you need one this early on in the game, then honey: you're just not that into...you, or your business in-fact.
3) Hire people who will ADORE working there.
If you are hiring, make sure to hire people who will love what you love.
4) Sales cure all.
'nuff said.
5) Know your strengths.
You need to be an awesome leader and worker. By knowing your strengths in business, you will save yourself tons of time figuring things out and you can outsource the skills you're not so hot in.
6) Eat.
Sometimes, we love what we do so much we forget to eat. Doesn't happen to me, but I know plenty of folks who skip lunch. Make sure you do you, and grab a bowl of soup at least.
7) Hire a public relations agency.
I'm saying this as someone who is coming from both the inside and out: you need someone to handle your image. Whether you're a food truck vendor or the next Korean pop star, you are going to need someone to make sure your image is business-ready but also ready to make a splash in the marketplace.
8) Technology is relative.
Go with what you know.
9) Respect the golden rule.
Recess during kindergarten, lunchtime in high school, networking during a fashion event: life does not change. No matter what your parents or teachers told you: people will never change and most will never grow up. However, I've always felt the golden rule to be true: treat others the way you'd want to be treated. If one of your co-workers is being a butt-head smile the first time, be direct the second time, and say adios the 3rd time. Simple.
10) Be professional.
This is relative by industry, but make sure you always do your work and over-deliver.
11) Travel as often as possible.
Going to new cities or making new friends in favorite places always bring new perspectives to your work. Sometimes, you'll find yourself networking without even trying: that's how awesome you are.
12) Have fun!
Yes, it's a cliche, but a good one. When you love what you do, you'll never work a day in your life. Granted, the money is always going to be an issue when you're a start-up, but don't make life or work expensive. Know yourself and your spending habits and make changes accordingly. Downsize if you must, or get smaller office-space. Travel economy versus business class, or even walk when you can instead of taking the bus.
It's always the little things that make a difference, but you're an awesome entrepreneur, so you'll develop your own nook in this game called business.
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