Too many bulls* when simple honesty is the answer.

Fake it till you, what?

There is so much bullshit out there, especially in the creative industry. So much lying, so much bragging and over the top statements that build a "near plastic perfect" perception of the world we are in. It's a hashtag syndrome.

Everyone wants to be seen perfect, with the best client reviews, highest satisfaction rates, most interesting case studies and biggest budgets.

As Seth Godin says, all marketers are liars.

Truth is, everyone's over exaggerating because they believe this is the way to stand out and build a success story for them and their business. But businesses are not build in statements they are build in the minds and hearts of your customers.

People don't want to be confused or feel they do not understand what you are saying. Most importantly they want to feel you understand what they are saying.

You don't get to preach what you want. You get to preach what your customers want by being resourceful, interested and accessible in solving their challenges through your skills. Not by imposing them.

The most important tips for growing your business.

Doesn't really matter how good you are or how much you know your craft or the "techie mambo jumbo" of next generation businesses if you cannot explain what you do in simple words to your grand mother. So here is our learnings from 4 years - of trying in the wrong ways - plus 1 single day of making a one degree shift towards the client needs and motivations; anxieties and frustrations; instead of ours.

1. Be resourceful and never expect anything in return. If you close the client you deserved it. If not, you made a great impression and they will never forget you for helping them out. Sometimes you learn, sometimes you earn.
2. Listen once. Listen twice. Keep your mouth shut. Sounds strange huh? You should only talk if they ask you to talk. The most important part of marketing is doing a proper diagnosis, and you only do this by being able to listen more and talk less. After all, you might be wrong so it's best you listen before you talk.
3. Your offering should be a small self-help book. A series of "AHA moments", a tribute of empathy and understanding, a manual for your competitor to use and copy, a specific but simple and to the point narrative that will get the job done.

Have we got the secret recipe for obtaining our vision as Hivebreed?

Well, no. But isn't this the beauty of it? We enjoy the journey and you should too. As long as you keep on learning and providing your service to change things for the better.

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