We keep it real
10th October 2019
It is with great disappointment and a very heavy heart that I must announce (and accept) that I am not, and may never be, a rock star.
In a LinkedIn-era business world it can seem like we’re encouraged to pose like Mercury, strut like Jagger, yell like Cobain and dial everything up to eleven like Tapp. It’s not enough to just do great work – business owners are expected to rise to the role of (or assume the position of) influencer (or rock star) and #hustle our way to success.
It makes me throw up in my mouth a little.
If I’d wanted to be a rock star (I do…) I’d learn to play the electric guitar (I can…), and I’d form a band (I did, once upon a time…). I wouldn’t start a business.
I’d make a rubbish rock star.
If you’ve read any of our other articles about our principles you would probably have noticed we are quite conscious of behaviour and authenticity through what we do. It’s not an act, it’s kind of just who I am. There’s a noticeable lack of bravado – a missing swagger. I constantly battle against Imposter Syndrome and have to remind myself that a proposal is a chance to convince someone of what we can do, not an opportunity to apologise to someone new…
I’d make a rubbish rock star. But thankfully I don’t think I’m a rubbish business owner or designer.
How we approach it…
Honesty, quiet confidence and integrity are key ingredients in our approach. We love to get to know people: ask questions, be open, have a laugh when appropriate. We try and avoid the temptation to over promise, exaggerate and boast. We don’t really understand half of the jargon and acronyms out there, let alone use them in general conversation or attempts to #trend online (unless it’s tongue in cheek, of course).
For now, we’ll stick to trying to be kind, speaking nicely and doing the best work we can.
So as much as I’d like to drop to my knees and slide across the stage of LinkedIn shredding like Slash, it probably wouldn’t suit me very well and I’m not sure the clients I enjoy working with would particularly appreciate it. For now, we’ll stick to trying to be kind, speaking nicely and doing the best work we can. Hopefully you’ll like it. Sorry.
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Written by Owen