25 things I’ve learned after 25 years in business

This month, I’ll reach the milestone of 25 years as a self-employed communications consultant. When I began, I was actually a freelance writer, but awarded myself a promotion after taking on corporate clients.

I haven’t quite decided how to celebrate this longevity, but thought I’d jot down a few thoughts that have occurred to me during these 25 years.

1. The nuns in school were right: Poor grammar and spelling make you look less intelligent or just plain careless. (Gosh, I hope there are no typos in this piece.)
2. As technology advances, organizations need even more help to tell their stories – or “create content” in today’s parlance.
3. You never know when you’ll cross paths with a person again; always be gracious.
4. Keep learning. Especially during the last decade, the pace of change has been exploding, and you must keep up to remain relevant and helpful to your clients.
5. You need a sounding board. Seek out a mastermind group or advisory committee for advice.
6. Time off is absolutely essential. Step away from the keyboard and silence the smartphone.
7. You need to be accessible, but not 24/7. If a client wants you to be available evenings and weekends, be sure you’re comfortable with this arrangement before taking on the assignment.
8. You will make plenty of mistakes. As long as you learn from them, it’s OK.
9. Hire an accountant. Why spend time figuring out arcane tax laws?
10. Learn to say no. If you don’t, you’ll inevitably burn out.
11. There’s no need to put down your competition. Let your fans speak for you instead.
12. You will experience highs and lows; they’re part of the independent territory. On some days, you’ll question your own sanity.
13. Take the call when the headhunter phones; have lunch with the agency person who wants to recruit you. It’s always useful to find out what’s happening on the agency and corporate side.
14. Find a niche. Your area of specialization may change, but you must have one. Gone are the days when you could flourish as a generalist.
15. Encourage your clients to set up online payments via wire transfer or other means; don’t rely on cheques and snail mail if you don’t have to.
16. Try to bill according to value, not hours.
17. Remember to put aside money for income tax and other levies, such as our beloved Harmonized Sales Tax in Canada. And be sure to set up your own retirement account since you don’t have a company pension.
18. Take the time to talk to students and newcomers to your field.
19. Develop skills as a public speaker, to increase your visibility.
20. Network, network, network – with the right tribe. You may find a tribe online or in person or both.
21. Some of the trappings of business are still necessary for independents: business cards, a decent computer, and a phone line not answered by a three-year old. Fortunately, the noisy fax machine and expensive letterhead are obsolete. (I still have several rolls of fax paper and 500+ sheets of fancy stationery in my office closet.)
22. Donate your expertise to a charity. They’ll appreciate your efforts and you’ll feel great about contributing.
23. Join a professional association and attend their meetings and conferences. I’m grateful for my membership in the International Association of Business Communicators (IABC) and the Halton-Peel Communications Association (HPCA).
24. Seek out the positive in everything; it’s there.
25. Keep looking ahead for your next adventure.

Comments

[LHetherington]

Congratulations on a quarter century thriving - through recessions & industry transformations. Thanks for the insightful summary of tips and sound best practices.

[Teresa Pitman]

Wow, 25 years! Congratulations, Donna. And these are great tips!!

[Val Sanna]

Congratulations, Donna!

A great list and one you have obviously followed to reach this milestone.

Cheers, Val Sanna

[Karen Majerly]

This is fantastic, Donna! Thank you for taking the time to write it, and congratulations. I'm coming up to six years doing similar work so I'm still working on my list! All the best my friend!

[Joanna Turlej]

Donna, very well summarized. I love number 16 "Try to bill according to value, not hours." This is a sign of maturity in the business. Congratulation!

[Gloria Hildebrandt]

Congratulations, Donna. You are a great example of continuous learning.

[Donna Papacosta]

Thank you all for the comments and kind words!

[Mary Harvey]

A comprehensive list, you continue to be the model for independent communicators.

[John Watkis]

Congratulations on 25 years, Donna. Here's to another 25?

[Joan Vinall-Cox]

What a wonderfully intelligent list! Thanks so much for passing along your wisdom.

[Sue Horner]

Congratulations, Donna! So, 25 years, you must have started as an independent right out of school, that's pretty amazing. As for #3, you are never anything BUT gracious!

[David Finkelstein]

Congratulations Donna!
Some very wise tidbits.
Hope to meet you at an IABC event in the fall.

[Krishna De]

Congratulations Donna - that really is some achievement. Here is to the next 25! And thank you for sharing your wisdom.

[Donna Papacosta]

Thanks again to you all for your kind comments!

[Jordan 1]

As with much else in the world today, the pace of progress will depend on the US –the insufficient but still indispensable power.

[supra shoes]

I agree with your idea.You look like very talented.It is very happy to meet you. Thank you!