Why Quality Will Always Win the Race
I just returned from the Bureau's Owner Excursion: Kentucky Bourbon Trail. I learned a lot, but one thing really stuck out. This quote from Pappy Van Winkle, a legend in the history of Bourbon, summed up how I feel about being a creator.
"We make fine bourbon at a profit if we can, at a loss if we must, but always fine bourbon."
It's a classic dilemma: the clients we have today might keep the lights on but aren't the dream clients we yearn for. So it can be easy to phone it in. Yet, every project has a hidden opportunity, no matter how far it seems from our ideal. It's about leveraging the now for a brighter, better tomorrow. Here's how going above and beyond on our current gigs can lead us to the work we've been dreaming of.
A Stepping Stone, Not a Stumbling Block
Let's face it, every project, even those that don't seem glamorous, is a chance to shine. It's about more than just getting through the workday; it's a golden opportunity to flex our creative muscles, push boundaries, and showcase what makes us unique. By pouring our best effort into every task, we're not just ticking boxes—we're building a portfolio that screams excellence, a beacon for those dream clients navigating the vast sea of mediocrity in search of a lighthouse.
Grit, Growth, and the Glorious Grind
It's easy to dream about ideal clients—the ones who get us, challenge us, and reward us handsomely for our efforts. But the truth is, getting to that point requires a bit of grit. Each challenging client is a masterclass in disguise, teaching valuable lessons about negotiation, adaptation, and perseverance. By embracing these lessons, we're not just surviving but evolving. And this evolution transforms us from good to great, from contenders to undisputed champions of our craft.
From Today's Work to Tomorrow's Wins
Every project completed with polish is a message to the world. It might not be immediate, but the impact of consistently outstanding work does not go unnoticed. Word of mouth, referrals, case studies, and even social media shoutouts—these are the currency of the business world, and they're earned by doing damn good work every damn time, regardless of the damn client.
Don’t Forget: Everything Creates Awareness
Many shops overlook the most compelling and easiest ways to market themselves as a company. Focus on all aspects of your work. Have a kickass onboarding process? Ask clients to share how easy it was for them to start work with you. Don’t want to actively market the client because it doesn’t align with your future goals? No problem. Focus on other aspects of your working relationship instead. Every touchpoint your shop has – from lead prospecting to onboarding to project completion – is a marketing opportunity. ROI is measured across a lot of areas. How easy is it to work with your team? Do you eliminate as much friction as possible with clients? Do you respect their time by turning a Zoom call into a meeting? Do you care about their day and their deliverables? Do you meet every deadline? All of these experiences are opportunities, too.
Today's Clients Are the Key to Our Future
So, here's the crux: every client, no matter how challenging, is a stepping stone toward the clients we desire. Through our current work, we hone our skills, build our reputation, and ultimately, attract the work we've been dreaming of. It's a journey with its fair share of hurdles. But it's also a journey filled with growth, learning, and satisfaction that comes from knowing we've given our all.
So consider the power of today's work to unlock tomorrow's opportunities. By committing to excellence, no matter the project or client, we're not just checking the box but paving our path to the top. So, let's show the world what we're made of.