The Struggle is Real
If you chose a career in Digital or Creative Services, it can be a challenging path. But you have to remember why you chose it in the first place. For me, it was about the lure of creating cool stuff for companies that were focused on doing good in the world. And, taking control of my life. But oddly, after six months, it also included building websites for financial services companies because my family demanded food and electricity. So rude, I know.
But when the reality of tough times hits us, we can’t lose sight of our passion and the difference we can make for others. Yes, we may have to adapt to survive rough patches, but we’ll never realize our goals if we don't. So let’s look at ways we can once again find our purpose, support a happy life for ourselves, loved ones, and others, and continue making a meaningful impact on our customers.
Remember why you do what you do.
Things are moving fast and some of us have been the victims of an unpredictable economy. There’s no better time to get back to the basics and focus on the foundation of a rewarding career. Because if we don’t find joy in what we do, we’ll burn out. And then everyone loses, and we’re winners, damn it!
Discover Your Passion and Set Attainable Goals
To build a successful career, we must focus on what we love doing and how that can help other businesses. Research the market, learn from others, and set realistic goals. Keep your objectives in mind in everything you do.
Find Your Dream Team and Make Others Happy
Understand your strengths and weaknesses. This took me forever. I am passionate and driven until I see the finish line. Then I get bogged down in details and screw things up. (I hear those of you who worked with me laughing. Stop it!). Then you have to find people who share your passion and complement your skills. Together, you can make a difference in each other’s lives. And as cranky as they may seem, you have to make your clients happy, too. For better or worse, those jokers play a big role in your success.
Embrace Creativity, Teamwork, and Change
Cultivate a work environment that encourages innovation, collaboration, and adaptability. Be open to new ideas, and don't hesitate to change directions. Stay up-to-date with trends and be ready to adapt to better serve your clients. But also be wary of jumping on whatever’s the newest thing to make everything better.
Be Smart with Money and Solve Problems
Manage your money wisely, and explore alternatives to working harder to make ends meet. Make sure to understand the important financial aspects of running a services company. We’ve matured over the last decade, and there are so many great resources to make us smarter. And if managing the money isn’t for you, find someone to help. And make sure you’re charging enough! Remember, your skills and talents are the tools that help your clients achieve their goals. So there’s money to be made in what you do. You just have to ask for it.
Learn about Your Clients and Make Them Feel Valued
Get to know the businesses you work with and understand their unique needs. Create personalized experiences that resonate with each client, and help them achieve their objectives. Keep growing and evolving with the changing market, but stay true to your passion and reassess your goals as you develop personally and professionally.
As we’ve said in the Bureau community, there is no silver bullet to success. Everyone has a different focus, context, and goals. But getting back to the basics when things seem heavy is a great way to re-energize yourself and keep moving forward.
If you rolled your eyes at this issue, I get it. Getting back to square one can be hard when the world is kicking your ass. And this isn’t a “do what you love/follow your heart” message. It’s more of a “remember why what you do matters to you and find the way to keep going” rally cry. At least, it is for me. Without a doubt, the Bureau has had its ups and downs, but I care about giving all of us the support we need during all of this adversity.
Thank you for giving me my purpose.