It’s wild to think I’ve been at the helm of Digital Twenty Four for nine years. Nine years of navigating the highs, lows, and everything in between. When I look back at where I started and how much I’ve grown — not just as a business owner, but as a person — it’s mind-blowing. So I thought I’d share the 9 biggest lessons I’ve learned from being in business for almost a decade. Hopefully, these insights will resonate with anyone who’s been on a similar journey or is just getting started.
1. Success is Personal
Nine years ago, I had a pretty standard idea of what “success” looked like: big clients, a busy team, and healthy profits. And while all of those things are great (don’t get me wrong), I quickly realised that success isn’t one-size-fits-all. For me, success is being able to build a business on my own terms, while still having the time to be with my family and the freedom to create my own path. It’s personal. Don’t let anyone else tell you otherwise.
2. The Importance of Boundaries
This one took time to master, and I won’t lie — it’s still a work in progress. But if there’s one thing that has saved my sanity over the years, it’s learning to set boundaries. Whether it’s with clients, colleagues, or even with yourself (hello, work-life balance), knowing when to say no is crucial. Boundaries don’t make you less committed; they make you more sustainable in the long run.
3. Surround Yourself with Good People
It sounds cliché, but surrounding yourself with the right people can make or break your business. From team members to mentors, the people you choose to have by your side can help you weather the inevitable storms of business ownership. I’ve been lucky to have an amazing team at Digital Twenty Four — people who believe in the vision and who bring their A-game every single day.
4. The Power of Flexibility
If I’ve learned anything over the past nine years, it’s that nothing ever goes exactly to plan. There will always be unexpected challenges, client needs, or global pandemics (remember that?). The ability to pivot and adapt is a must in business. Flexibility doesn’t mean losing focus — it means being smart enough to adjust when necessary.
5. Celebrate the Wins — Big and Small
When you’re in the thick of it, it’s easy to forget to take a step back and appreciate how far you’ve come. In the early years, I was guilty of just powering through each goal without taking a moment to celebrate. Now, I make a point to celebrate the wins, whether it’s landing a big client, smashing a target, or simply surviving a challenging week. It keeps morale high and reminds you why you started this journey in the first place.
6. Failure is Part of the Process
I won’t sugarcoat it — failure happens, and sometimes it’s brutal. I’ve made mistakes along the way, some of which felt like the end of the world at the time. But each failure taught me something valuable and pushed me to grow. Embrace failure as part of the journey. It’s how you respond to those setbacks that will define your success.
7. Invest in Yourself and Your Business
It took me a while to learn this one. For the first few years, I was so focused on making sure every penny went back into the business that I neglected the most important investment: myself. Whether it’s professional development, business coaching, or simply taking time off to recharge, investing in yourself pays dividends. And as for the business? Don’t be afraid to invest in the right tools, people, and resources that will help you scale.
8. The Client is Not Always Right
Controversial, I know, but hear me out. There’s this old adage that “the client is always right,” and while you should always value your clients, that doesn’t mean bending over backwards for unreasonable demands. Over the years, I’ve learned that the key to a successful client relationship is mutual respect. Sometimes, that means having the confidence to push back when needed and steer them towards the best outcome, even if it’s not what they initially wanted. nd in rare cases, it may even mean parting ways to maintain respect within your team. Trust me, tolerating rude or disrespectful clients isn’t worth risking your staff’s well-being.
9. Loneliness is Real — So Is Community
Running a business can be lonely at times. There are decisions only you can make and pressures only you feel. But finding a community of like-minded business owners can help combat that isolation. Whether it’s through networking groups, industry events, or just meeting up for a coffee with other local business owners, building a support network is crucial. You’re not alone, and talking with others who understand can be a real game-changer.
So, that’s my roundup of the 9 most important lessons I’ve learned over 9 years of running Digital Twenty Four. If you’re a fellow business owner or thinking of starting your own venture, I hope these insights help. Remember, no journey is the same, and what works for one person might not work for another. The key is to keep learning, keep adapting, and never lose sight of why you started in the first place.
If any of these lessons resonate with you, feel free to connect with me on LinkedIn or drop me a message. Here’s to many more years of learning, growth, and (hopefully) success!
