As Collaborative Haus Marketing marks 16 years of creativity, strategy, and growth, our founder, Nicole French, reflects on the pivotal lessons that have shaped our journey. Building a business requires more than just hard work—it demands resilience, adaptability, and a commitment to continuous learning. From maintaining financial discipline to nurturing a strong workplace culture, these 16 insights encapsulate the principles that have guided us through challenges and successes alike. Whether you’re an entrepreneur, a team leader, or someone seeking actionable inspiration, these lessons offer a roadmap for thriving in today’s dynamic business world.

1. Take time out to connect with each of your team members. Find out what makes them want to come to work, where they want to be in the future, etc.
2. If you are present and motivated, your team will follow.
3. If you find you have one ‘bad apple’ in the group – don’t hesitate or wait to remove them. The rest of your team risks too much negative impact; it can poison your business.
4. It’s okay to ‘fire’ a client. Your team deserves a safe, peaceful, and respectful work environment.

5. Always know where your money is, how much you have, and what you have committed it to.
6. Never miss an invoice! Have a clear billing cycle and never be ‘too busy’ to deal with bookkeeping.
7. Have a routine plan for reviewing outstanding/overdue invoices and client arrears.
8. Words of affirmation and appreciation from clients don’t pay the bills. Although wonderful to receive, always know your true worth and set boundaries and priorities.

9. Never get comfortable – the business landscape is always changing. No matter the industry, if you get comfortable, you’re likely slipping behind.
10. Never take the pressure off for sales and business development. If you want to survive, you always need to be planning for the future.
11. Always work to improve a process that isn’t working or isn’t efficient anymore. Take the time to make it better.
12. Get involved. Don’t work in a bubble. Be sure to know what is going on around you – community, competition, innovators, etc.

13. Continue to educate yourself and put systems in place to encourage learning and continued training for your team.
14. Be authentic and know you belong doing this.
15. Admit your mistakes, and apologize for them.
16. Don’t apologize just for the sake of it.

After 16 years, the journey of Collaborative Haus Marketing is still evolving, and the lessons we’ve learned continue to shape how we work. Nicole’s insights are a reminder that success requires both intention and flexibility—staying true to your values while embracing change. As we celebrate this milestone, we’re grateful for our clients, our team, and the opportunities to keep learning and growing. Here’s to sharing the lessons of the past and looking forward to the possibilities of the future!