The things I’ve learnt in the first 6 years of business
I have to admit that I didn’t quite know where I wanted to take Inka when I started the business 6 years ago. But I always knew I wanted to make an impact somehow and create something that helped people do what they love and grow whilst doing it. I also wanted a job where I would get the opportunity to be creative and have fun in the process.
My very first headshot as Creative Director + Founder of Inka Creative!
It’s been such an achievement to create and grow my own brand and business, starting with just myself at home, to the agency that it is today. And it’s been as equally rewarding to help so many other businesses build, grow and develop their own brands along the way.
The past 6 years of Inka Creative have had it all. They’ve been exhilarating, scary, inspiring, hard at times, but also one of the most rewarding things I’ve ever done. So as we enter our 6th year of Inka Creative, I’d like to salute to the past years that have shaped Inka (and myself!) into what it is today, by sharing some of the most important things I’ve learnt with you, our wonderful Inka family!
Ready? Here they are…
1. Hire amazing people who bring new skills and knowledge to your business 🧠
This is something I heard plenty of successful entrepreneurs say so I thought, okay well if these people keep saying it, I should probably listen!
As soon as the time was right to bring on a team, I made sure that I didn’t simply hire a whole bunch of people who were exactly like me or who had less experience than I had. I made sure I hired people who brought in varied experience that would compliment my skill set, and as the team grew, compliment each other’s skills and expertise. Expanding the knowledge and experience in your team also means that your business can grow and flourish.
I decided that I wasn’t going to be afraid of not being the smartest person on every topic just because I am the owner of the business. And it was a great decision!
I learnt from my team, just as much as they learnt from me and we continue to grow from each other’s knowledge every day.
Ego can stop growth and innovation, so we make sure there isn’t really a place for it at Inka. I ask for feedback on work, tricky situations and for ideas, just like anyone else in the team because I have learnt from people at all different stages in their career.
True leadership is knowing when to take the reins and also when to step into the passenger seat and let someone else drive.
2. Let them be them, ask what they think and what they need 🌈
Once you’ve brought these brilliant people into your team, nurture them. Allow them to be themselves and follow their passions inside and outside work. Respect begets respect and by seeing the whole person, you will naturally create a culture of mutual respect and importantly, a team of happy and fulfilled employees.
Trust people. People are good if you let them be.
Find the balance between checking in and keeping across the business but also giving people the chance for autonomy, ownership and to make their own decisions. Don’t micromanage but ensure you understand what is happening and keep the finger on the pulse from both a personal and professional aspect.
Listen, ask for different perspectives. It’s these perspectives that help the world go around - we aren’t all the same. Assuming everyone has the same way of looking at things as you can be dangerous and lead to unnecessary disappointment and heartache. I’ve learned that if you aren’t sure about something, or if it’s something sensitive or important, asking for another point of view can be one of the most valuable things!
3. Talk to and hear from other people in business 🗣
Back when Inka was just an idea and I was about to start my own business, the entrepreneur world wasn’t quite like it is today. Yes, of course there were plenty of entrepreneurs, and business owners have been around since the dawn of time, but information wasn’t so freely available - especially for women.
Right from the start, I made it a priority to listen to as many people I could to inspire myself and to help understand business more. Not only for myself but for all those business owners we work with daily.
I have always put myself out there, I love to go to meet-ups, do coffee catch ups, join groups (both in real life and online) and connect with as many people as possible. You never know where that connection you make might lead you. It could be that you learn something small but super valuable on the day you meet them, or it could come in a few years’ time when you least expect it. They could become the perfect client, a star employee, mentor, refer you some business or even become a friend! All of these examples have actually happened to me, simply by putting myself out there and heading along to events, joining various committees and generally being open.
We are so lucky now! There is so much support and language around the topic of business ownership and entrepreneurship, so make sure you take advantage of it!
4. Create a brand 💥
It’s something we’re ever-so-passionate about here at Inka and something you’ll hear us talk about a lot. *
(*all the time)
Instead of just creating a business, it is so important to build a brand. Anyone can create a product or a service but creating a brand that is memorable is what will set you apart from your competitors.
So, what does that all even mean?
It means that you’ve thought about your own unique brand personality, audience, language style, visual style (logo, colours, photography) and your own set of values and points of difference that make you, uniquely you.
From working on our own brand and that of so many clients, we’ve learnt that creating a brand that isn’t just trying to be like everyone else, that isn’t frightened of being unique is a far more effective business strategy. It works because your customers are able to connect and relate on a deeper level when they understand what you stand for.
And lastly, I have learnt that you should never try to be ‘everything to everyone’. Determine who your key target audience is and keep them in mind with everything you do, with every product or service you offer and every piece of communication you put out there, whether it be on your social media, website or even in person. If you stick to your guns, you’ll attract the right people for your brand.
5. Keep moving 🕺🏼
Not a big reader? Here are some quick fire lessons I’ve learnt along the way…
Take risks, be open to ideas.
Don’t grow too fast, but don’t stagnate and stay the same.
Work with people who align with your values and follow your gut on them (goes for both clients and staff).
The best clients are the ones that work you hard, but that allow you space to create and respect that you are the expert.
Delegate.
Have courageous conversations with clients and staff.
Give and share - share real stories with clients and people you meet. Be honest.
Don’t think you need to keep everything secret from ‘so called’ competitors. Sometimes these people can be your biggest supporters and even friends.
There is room for everyone!
Don’t let a great business idea go to waste simply because you think there are too many other people doing it. Just do it your way, do it better and find your own place, people and niche.
Getting stuck into writing this piece has allowed me to reflect on all of those things that have helped me to grow and learn over the last 6 years and to be honest, I could have said so much more!
As I considered everything I’ve learnt about business I soon realised, it hasn’t only been about what I have learnt in my own business, but also what I’ve learnt from working so closely in an array of other companies of all different scales. This intimate knowledge of brands of all types has allowed me to essentially become not only an expert in marketing, but an expert in business, and I’m pretty darn proud of that.
I’m also pretty proud of this beautiful, thriving business that I, and all of the other Inka-credibles along the way, have created.
I can’t wait to see what the next chapter of learning brings.
Happy Birthday Inka, here’s to another 6 years and beyond. ✨