What 10 years in business has taught me

This month marks 10 YEARS of betting on myself and winning.

Awedity has been my full-time gig for 10 years as of June 1. 

I try to show up here not just as a ‘brand’ but as a person who has had, and lives, a life. I experience good things, and 'opportunities', and faced a whole spectrum of things.

Here are some things I’ve learned in business in the last 10 years:

1. People love the shiny new thing, even if it sucks, we’re all drawn to pretty and new. But in the end, good business wins. 

2. Simple branding lasts. Gradients, drop shadows, and complex designs can all become annoying or expensive; simple wins are often the best. And some script is illegible, adjust the typeface to account for it (ps this is also why you should hire a professional)

3. There are always people who will want to be a part of, or steal, your light. Like a moth they will move on but it will still suck to have been used. Those people will always exist, try not to let it dim you.

4. Ego makes you believe in shit that doesn’t matter. You don’t need the flash, the swag, the paid-for awards; you need consistency, cash flow, and courtesy. Learn how to work with your ego, or it will ruin you

5. People are more than you see (in person and online). Both good and bad, don’t make judgments too quickly. 

6. Failures can be successes. If we’re heading down the wrong path, failures stop us. Successes often come from redirection. When you change your mindset on these, the world of opportunity is much larger. 

7. You can change. You should change. You don’t owe anyone an explanation; it’s your life. 

8. Money is not the only motivator; there are a lot more tools, explore different ideas. 

9. Listen more than you speak. You'll learn a lot from observation 

10. It's not success if it costs you your health, happiness, or values. If it makes you feel bad, the money is what you get from selling your soul. 

11. The more honest and transparent you are with clients, the better clients you get and the more your clients will trust you. Stop hiding behind jargon and confusing clients with lingo they don't understand

12. You should be an investment in anyone's business; leave it better than you found it. Sadly, not all vendors will. 

13. You'll make mistakes, learn from them and admit when you made them, you're human.

14. Don't forget to have fun and be kind to yourself. The world can be lonely as you rise up, it's growing pains.

To my incredible clients, friends, and supporters, thank you! 

www.aweditycreative.com