American culture is almost singularly focused on results. We want to know what’s in it for us if we put in all this work. The journey is fine, sure, but after that part, will we get money or connections or status or what? Meanwhile, the things we do each day sculpt strong grooves into our lives. Our habits are formed, our network is built, our neural pathways are deeper carved.

If you’re still building your network, I don’t recommend hiring a crew you’re completely unfamiliar with. Work with new vendors one or two at a time, and be sure to ask for recommendations from your current network.

Is your current business model focused on helping other people achieve their goals? If not, it’s smart to redesign it. Step in your customer’s shoes.

It has been said that a rising tide lifts all boats. Not only do I have more connections because I’ve lived in Los Angeles for 5 years, but my connections have more connections too. Since they have better opportunities, so do I.

I was recently talking to a director friend of mine who owns a creative studio about how how the classic agency “flex” model is on pause because of COVID. You can’t take a client to a basketball game, or a fancy restaurant, or invite them to your hip office anymore.

Everything we experience has a deep effect on us whether we realize it or not. The people we are with, the media we consume, the choices we make. These things slowly shape us, like water passing over a rock in a stream.

This week I’m reviewing an ad from Kinetic Society, a company that makes custom sports jerseys. I came across this ad on Instagram about a month ago, and was immediately impressed by the immersive way they showed their product purchase pathway. I’ll break down why this ad works, and a few ideas to make it better.

If someone is sitting down to hear your ideas, they’re extending a lot of generosity to you. They’re going to an imaginary place with you, which takes a lot of emotional energy. You need to understand this, because if your audience isn’t in the right frame of mind to go there with you, your idea will die.

What gives you the right to offer your services as a freelancer? What gives you the right to open up shop as an entrepreneur? Is it skill? A great client list? Stellar reviews or a shiny portfolio?

If something isn’t written for you, don’t be discouraged. There is still plenty to learn from things that aren’t meant for you. You just need to be vigilant in asking yourself what helpful information can you pull, and how can you reinterpret that information for your context.

This is a blog explaining what I learned about delegation from one day of actually doing it. Hopefully, if you suck at delegation too, this blog will give you some insights–from one beginner to another. I’m only one day ahead of you. Come join me.

“It’s bittersweet to announce that today is my final day as the full-time manager of Jeremiah Davis (@thatoneblondkid). It has been the time of my life to help build TOBK Studios from the ground up over the past 3.5 years.”

The end result of an unbalanced hustle is a funeral no one attends.

Welcome back to The Ads Review, where I review great digital advertisements, breaking down what worked well with them, and my ideas to make them better. This week in we’re breaking down Vrbo’s “Your Together Awaits” campaign, which has been running as pre-roll ads on YouTube the past few months.

There is a summit on this creative path. It may feel like an uphill grind right now. You may be unable to see the summit, or even around the next bend. But there is a summit. If you keep going, you’ll reach it.

Organizations with more than two people need systems for transparency. They increase efficiency, as people don’t need to ask for an update on every step of the process. They lower risk, as low performance can be seen and corrected quickly. But they also decrease the quality of work from people who could become high-leverage contributors.

The year is 2017. I just signed up for my third stint of washing dishes at a coffee shop because I’m not making enough money freelancing. I’m stumped as to why clients keep dropping me, and why I can’t maintain a steady monthly income. I feel like I’ve tried everything. But I’m determined to figure it out.

When I finally got a smart phone, I understood exactly what Matt D’Avella expressed in his video. Train rides stopped being a time to think, and turned into social media scrolling hours. Waiting for friends became easier at first, because I just scrolled social, but I found myself being much more impatient and anxious as I waited.

Being busy as a freelancer requires great marketing. But Jordan isn’t running ads, he’s not networking at parties every weekend, and he’s not publishing tutorial videos. So how is he doing it? He provides great service.

What do you do when you’re thirsty? You drink. What do you do when you’re hungry? You eat. What should you do when you don’t know what to write? Read.