Four years later, as a fractional CMO & the lessons I've learned

It's four years since I left a salaried full-time job and became a freelancer. It's been a busy adventure. Looking back, I've worked for over 30 companies in some capacity since the start of my freelancing career. Each business has been so different but similar in terms of growing pains. Each team has taught me something about myself and how I work. And I have made countless friends along the way.

Of the various businesses I have worked for, a handful have been sold, others hit the metrics to get their next round of multi-million investment, and some will exit in the next few years, enabling their founder to hopefully retire or buy a yacht and travel the world; this did happen. I like to think I made a positive difference in each business's journey, big or small.

So here's my learning list

1. Every business has challenges & opportunities regardless of where it is in its product lifecycle, and those things either make you love it or want to leave.

2. The leadership waterfall exists. One of the best CEOs I worked for taught me that you need to communicate effectively even in times of great hardship. If there's no top-down communication, then the team suffers.

3. As much as it pains you, the devil is in the detail, but it can also be a rabbit hole, so

   learn when to stop deep-diving into the data.

4. Obsesses over the customer. Talk to them and research them regularly.

5. Be able to articulate why you win. "What's the one thing you do better than anyone else, and why does the customer care?"

6. A good idea can come from anyone. I've continuously operated collaboratively, and one of my best campaigns was an idea delivered by one of my sales team

7. If you spend money on HubSpot for your business, pay the money it needs to make it work. HubSpot is an incredible piece of software if implemented and used correctly.

8. Take the time to reflect on what works. Sometimes, as you strive to achieve results, you forget that learning is part of the journey.

9. Don't be afraid to challenge the status quo. Just because something has always been done that way doesn't mean there is no other way to yield even better results.

10. If it isn't broken, then don't fix it.

And for anyone reading this, remember, we are not saving lives, so keep your perspective. Thanks for reading...