When I founded Electric Cat Productions, a marketing agency working with B2B event industry suppliers, I wanted to break away from traditional business models and create something truly innovative. Instead of spending time researching the best business models through podcasts, social media, and YouTube videos, I chose to trust my gut instincts and learn from my peers. This intuitive approach allowed me to draw from real-world experiences and the wisdom of those who had walked similar paths. Through hands-on learning and direct mentorship, I developed a unique and innovative business model that sets Electric Cat Productions apart in the industry. To save you some time, I wanted to share some of the most effective time and money-saving tips that worked for me, most of which challenge the conventional way you imagine a business to be run! But, please don’t be fooled, It isn’t always smooth sailing, I tried and tested a lot of these practices before finding what really worked, and one size doesn’t fit all.

1. Ditch the Office

One of the first things I did was challenge the necessity of a physical office. In today’s digital age, being tethered to a specific location can be more of a hindrance than a help. At Electric Cat Productions, we operate entirely remotely. This flexibility allows us to reduce overhead costs, attract top talent from anywhere in the world, and provide our team with a better work-life balance. So, ask yourself if you need an office or if your business can thrive in a virtual environment. We have regular zooms so the team still feels coherent, and if body doubling is something you or your team need, you can always do the odd power hour with zoom running in the background whilst you work (but try and keep that video off – it produces 98% more CO2 (Jessica McLean, 2020).

2. Leverage Freelancers and Fractional Teams

The gig economy is a goldmine of talent. Whilst I have a small core team of permanent staff, instead of hiring full-time employees for every role, I work almost exclusively with freelancers and fractional team members. This approach allows us to scale up or down based on project needs and ensures we have the right expertise at the right time. For instance, in PR, focused coverage is crucial, so having specialists who can jump in as needed is invaluable. By doing this, clients pay only for the time and skills they need, making your business more agile and cost-effective. Most of the individuals I work with I have met at networking events, via LinkedIn or word of mouth. As a result, I have built a little black book of Freelancers that I know are brilliant and can rely on.

3. Invest in the Best

Quality over quantity is a mantra I live by. It’s essential to invest in top-tier consultants and freelancers. We handpick our team members based on their skills, experience, and cultural fit. This selective process means we consistently deliver exceptional results for our clients. Don’t settle for mediocrity; aim for excellence in every aspect of your business. Something a friend said to me, buy cheap buy twice, investing in the right people saves time and gets far better results. Always review someone’s experience and if you can, speak to someone who can provide a testimony of their experience.

4. Promote Transparency – Only Charge For Time Worked

Transparency builds trust, and trust builds lasting relationships. We ensure our clients know exactly where their money is going by providing detailed reports and only charging for the time we spend working on their projects. Why charge a day rate when you have only spent 3 hours on a project? This full transparency fosters a positive working relationship and sets clear expectations. Make transparency a core value of your business to establish strong, trust-based client relationships.

5. Stay Flexible and Adaptable

The business world is constantly changing, and staying flexible and adaptable is crucial. Our remote working model and reliance on freelancers allow us to pivot quickly when needed. This agility has been instrumental in our success. Embrace change and be willing to adapt your strategies to stay ahead in the market.

Starting your own business is a bold move, and challenging conventional thinking can set you apart from the rest. By ditching the office, leveraging freelancers, investing in quality, promoting transparency, leading with vision, seeking recognition, and staying adaptable, you can build a dynamic and innovative business. These principles have guided me in creating Electric Cat Productions, and I believe they can help you succeed too.

6. Seek a Mentor and Become One

Two years ago, I joined NOWIE (The Network of Women In Events) because I wanted to support a cause I deeply needed when I began my career. Through NOWIE, I have met some of the most inspiring women. This network has allowed me to mentor those early in their careers and also receive guidance from incredible women further along in theirs.

Starting a business is incredibly time-consuming, but finding the time to mentor or share ideas –whether it’s an hour a month or simply commenting on LinkedIn or Facebook posts with your experience – can significantly benefit others, yourself, and help expand your network.

7. Intuition – Sometimes you have to do what feels right

Only you truly understand what is best for your business and your team. Most of my business decisions have been guided by intuition and what feels right. For example, I ask myself: Do I want to work with this client, or does something feel off? Are my team members struggling right now? Do they need more check-ins or support? Would face-to-face time be beneficial? Are client expectations too high? Trusting my instincts has been crucial in navigating these questions and making the best choices for my company.

Of course, not all of these will work for everyone - one size definitely doesn’t fit all, but hopefully, some of these practices may resonate with you and help you challenge the status quo!