What Success Looks Like for a Business Owner

Did you know that, of the roughly 32 million companies in the United States, only 6% of them are ever going to reach $1 million in revenue? 

Of course, success is not only measured by money but also in happiness and satisfaction with your occupation, but it’s sure nice to have a million dollars, or more, in revenue. 

For Shane Harrington, success meant breaking everybody’s expectations of what an entrepreneur was, redefining the industry, and finding happiness in what he did. 

Success for business owners comes in different shapes and colors, and there’s no set-in-stone way to achieve it. 

Shane Harrington’s History 

For Shane Harrington, success came a little differently. Operating in the adult industry, a realm that still carries a taboo for many, has presented its fair share of challenges.

You see, Shane’s childhood wasn’t all that easy, with no one believing in him; in fact, it was quite the opposite. He even got voted most likely to go to prison in a school.

Growing up, Shane was led to believe that success only came by following the established path – going to college, doing things by the book, and settling for a modest business. 

However, he soon realized that life had much more to offer and that this path isn’t for all; that there are other protocols and ways to achieve triumph and make money.

The First Million

One of Shane’s biggest blessings was also one of the scariest moments of their business life. 

The story begins with his ex-wife posting spicy pictures on an adult website, with his help, of course. 

This was going great; he had the money and the comfort he needed at the moment; however, when his ex-wife published a nude picture in a bar, this really started to go south.

As you can imagine, this caused quite a stir, and the citizens of Lincoln tried to find her for public nudity. At that moment, it may have seemed like everything was falling apart.

The Beginning of Club Omaha

Amidst the chaos and controversy, something incredible happened: people started calling left and right, eager to get an interview with Shane and to see more content. 

This was the turning point, the spark that started it all. From this point on, Shane decided that it was time to start his entrepreneurial journey and continue down the path of adult content. 

Soon, with his newfound success, he was quick to achieve his first million dollars in this business. The rest is history. 

Make the News

If we can learn something from Shane’s history, it’s that success can come when you least expect it and being prepared to seize the momentum is crucial. 

For Shane, this meant understanding how to navigate the attention his case was receiving in the media.

So, how can you make the news? What guarantees visibility and recognition?

Sex Sells

While it may not be suitable for every business, Shane’s experience in the adult industry demonstrated that tapping into a controversial or taboo subject can generate attention. 

Go Against the Grain

To truly stand out and make headlines, businesses often need to think outside the box and challenge the status quo.

Stand Out

Differentiating yourself from the competition is critical for gaining visibility. Whether it’s through innovative products or services, exceptional customer experiences, or a compelling brand story, finding ways to stand out will make you more newsworthy.

You don’t need to be as wild and out there as Shane; this is what worked for him; the important thing to make the news is to shine a light on the attributes of a business that make it different from the rest. 

What Success Looks Like When Delegating

What makes a successful and long lasting business? How can you make sure that your initial success only keeps growing?

Shane learned that delegation was an essential part of business success.  This means finding, training, and working with people who are the best at what they do.

You want the best players you can find for your team, but it’s not just about their skills. It’s about how well they work together. 

You know what they say, “Teamwork makes the dream work.” Your team is everything; they will be the ones to do the tasks you don’t have time for, and you want to make sure they do them right.

Remember, success doesn’t happen overnight. It takes time, effort, and a great team to build a business that lasts. 

So, focus on finding the right people to delegate to, treating them well, and working together towards your goals. That’s the real secret to a lasting business.

What Success Looks Like When Changing the Industry

One of the keys to becoming a successful entrepreneur in Nebraska, or everywhere else, is not just doing good business but having a motivation and a desire to help and change for the better. 

Shane harbored a vision: to transform the industry into a better place for all women who were a part of it, a safe space where they are now able to work, earn good money, achieve their careers and dreams, and invest in their future and their lives. 

Learn Everything

To truly be a successful leader and entrepreneur, you need a comprehensive understanding of the industry. This meant learning about every role, every process, and every challenge.

From entry-level positions to top management, Shane sought to understand the intricacies of everyone’s work. He observed, asked questions, and learned from the best in the business.

The goal is to gain insight into the operations of the industry. After all, how could he lead effectively without fully understanding his industry?

What Success Looks Like for You: We Are Ready to Help

Ready to achieve business success with great marketing? We are here to help you craft the perfect business visibility and success strategy.

Download our free  6-step Marketing Plan pdf. 

The Easy Box

On a budget? Don’t Worry! With the Easy Box, you give us only 30 minutes of your time, and we give you 30 days’ worth of content. 

Forget all about long hours and marketing failure; this is marketing made easy. 

What’s Missing for Effective Advertising 

Look: we are not saying your ad is bad (maybe a little bit); we are just saying that it’s missing something to make it effective. 

Effective advertising is more than just showcasing your product or service, it needs to tell a story, to talk and engage with your audience. 

So, how are drug commercials doing so? What story does a woman running happily in a meadow tell? Are we missing something? 

The Secret Sauce: The End Result

The true power of these commercials lies in their ability to show viewers the end result. 

They paint a picture of an ideal life that could be attainable, showing consumers not just a product but a potential lifestyle change.

Humans are inherently emotional beings; we think with our “feeling” brain rather than logical reasoning. 

These commercials effectively tap into that emotional side, presenting scenarios that evoke positive emotions and desires. 

These commercials aren’t fixated on bombarding the viewer with technical specifications or intricate details about the product; let’s be honest, we don’t care about those things in the first instance. 

That’s why, instead, they focus on showcasing the benefits of the product, not the process or the specifications. 

Effective Advertising: Emotion and Results 

Think of those commercials from animal nonprofits that tug at our heartstrings with super sad images of puppies and cats. 

Yes, they are indeed sad and can evoke a powerful emotional response; they make us think with our “feeling brain.”

However, they lack one crucial element: the depiction of the end result. They don’t often show what happens when you do donate; what positive change does your contribution lead to?

So, how can you showcase the tangible results of your product or service and make sure your audience is intrigued enough to turn into a potential lead?

There’s a formula that most successful advertising strategies employ, and understanding this can significantly enhance the effectiveness of your campaigns.

There’s a formula that is most effective advertising, and we will tell you what it is.  

The Formula for Effective Advertising

Firstly, it’s important to recognize the power of emotion in advertising. 

As humans, we are wired to respond to emotions. When we connect with an advertisement emotionally, it becomes more memorable and impactful, but we also need a direct action message, or what we know as a Call to Action (CTA.) 

The Power of a Strong Call to Action (CTA)

A CTA serves as the directive that guides your audience on what they need to do next.

Here is where your viewers transform from passive observers to active participants, nudging them toward engaging further with your product or service.

Showcasing the End Result

The final piece of the puzzle involves showing the end result of taking that action – the benefits of doing business with you. 

This paints a vivid picture of how the consumer’s life could be positively impacted by your product or service.

By highlighting these potential benefits, you give your audience a compelling reason to follow through with your CTA.

Enjoy the Benefits of Effective Advertising

And there you have it; by implementing these elements, you will have an effective ad that people watch till the end, and they will become more likely to think of your product or service in a positive way.

If you still don’t have the time, resources, or expertise to craft your effective ad, don’t worry! We are here to help! Contact us today, and our team of experts will create the most compelling commercial for your brand! 

The Easy Box

On a budget? No problem! With the Easy Box, you give us only 30 minutes of your time, and we give you 30 days’ worth of content. 

Forget all about long hours and marketing failure; this is marketing made easy. 

What is an Entrepreneur and What Do They Do?

“Entrepreneur” is a word that we like to use a lot, especially in business, but most of the time, we don’t even know what we mean; we are just throwing the term around because we like the way it sounds. 

Before going over the most common mistakes, we first need to understand what an entrepreneur is and what they do.

Read the full transcript.

An entrepreneur is a driven individual who identifies opportunities, takes calculated risks, and creates value by establishing and managing a new business venture.

Entrepreneurs usually do a lot of planning and directing daily operations, having new innovative ideas, and managing conflict. 

What Does An Entrepreneur Really Do?

While the definition of entrepreneur might sound supper innovative and cool, the truth is that entrepreneurs are often overworked and stressed, very far from a glamorous lifestyle. 

As Matt and Ben discovered early on in their careers, most entrepreneurs also try to be everything, everywhere, all at once. 

At Two Brothers Creative, we know this because we have been there, working impossible hours and being way too involved, micromanaging everything, and pushing our limits. 

The ugly truth about all this is that this extremely hard work doesn’t pay off. 

How to Avoid The Most Common Mistakes Entrepreneurs Make 

So, now that we know all the things that come with being an entrepreneur, how can we avoid business failure?

Here are the top mistakes we have made along our entrepreneurial journey, so you don’t have to make them yourself. 

Failure to plan 

They say that a goal without a plan is just a wish, and for most entrepreneurs, this is true.

If you don’t have a clear roadmap to action, how are you supposed to reach your goals? 

Having a solid plan is not just useful; it’s crucial. A clear, strategic direction provides a blueprint for action, a guide that navigates through the complexities of business operations. 

All Talk, No Action

Next, is not taking proper action. Business owners love to share their ideas and projects, but a lot of the time, it’s just that: a thought without real action. 

To take your business to the next level, you need to take the time to act on your goals. This involves rolling up your sleeves, diving into the nitty-gritty, and doing what needs to be done. 

A proactive mindset is what will drive your actions to success. 

Won’t Ask for Help 

Admitting that we need help can be a hard thing to do, especially if we believe that asking for help is a sign of weakness. 

Do you know what’s even harder than asking for help? Having a successful business. Don’t be afraid to ask for help.

People respect business owners and entrepreneurs who need help because (breaking news:) we all need help. 

It doesn’t matter if you hire an expert to help you run your business full-time or ask for a quick favor here and there; having a support network is essential for smooth operations. 

Being Impatient

One of the things that can break a business is being an impatient entrepreneur. Running your business is a big deal, and we often get so caught up in our vision that we get frustrated when we don’t see the results fast enough. 

But Rome wasn’t build in a day, and neither will your business, so take your time. Your strategy will need a few months to produce the results you wish to see. 

Everything has a process; building an audience takes time, and a successful business can even take up to a year (or more) before you reach your goals. 

Hiring Friends and Family

This one is a hard one to do, especially because here, at Two Brothers Creative, since we are, in fact, brothers who are best friends.

So, while having friends and family working in your organization might work, we strongly discourage you from doing this. 

This kind of close-knit relationship can create tension and problems when inconvenience arises in the workplace. 

By keeping your friends and work separated, you are creating healthy limits that will set your business up for success.

 

Perfection Doesn’t Exist

We all want our business to be perfect in every aspect, but perfection doesn’t exist, especially in something as changing and evolving as a business. 

Things will go south sooner or later,  so you need to be prepared for things not going the way you want them to. 

If you are trying to be a perfectionist with every detail of your company, you won’t achieve much, so don’t stress out, breathe and let things happen. 

This doesn’t mean tossing your business plan in the garbage; it just means finding the perfect balance for your peace of mind. 

Not Leading Your Sales Team Porpperly 

A lot of us believe that, once we are a boss, leadership should come naturally, but being is not just about giving instructions and telling people what to do, but about helping your team reach their highest potential and become a better version of themselves. 

Learning to lead might take some time and use, but with the right effort, you can avoid being a terrible leader for your organization and create a healthy work environment. 

Lack of Discipline 

Lastly, lack of discipline. This is by far one of the worst things you can do to your entrepreneurship.  

Discipline and repetition create habits, and if you don’t have the proper habits or get impatient and change your course of action, it is unlikely that you will see results. 

What To Do Today to Be a Better Entrepreneur 

Now that you know every mistake to avoid, here are some things that we recommend you do and work on to strengthen your leadership. 

Remember, being an entrepreneur is not just about avoiding mistakes but working through your professional goals with an innovative spirit. 

Embrace Constructive Criticism

Feedback, particularly criticism, can be a tough pill to swallow. But for an entrepreneur, it’s invaluable for growth. 

Instead of viewing criticism as a personal attack, see it as an opportunity to learn and improve. Use it as a compass to guide your decisions and actions. 

Most of the time, people give constructive criticism because they care about you and your business’s success. 

Stay Grounded and Humble

Success can easily lead to overconfidence, but humility is a trait that can keep you grounded. 

A humble entrepreneur is more open to new ideas, willing to learn from others, and appreciative of their team’s efforts. 

Practice Self-Reflection and Self-Evaluation

Taking time each day for self-reflection and self-evaluation can provide profound insights into your strengths, weaknesses, and areas for improvement. 

It helps you understand what strategies are working, which ones need tweaking, and where you should focus your energy moving forward.

Organize and Compartmentalize

Being an entrepreneur often means juggling multiple tasks and responsibilities. To manage this effectively, it’s essential to keep your work organized and learn to deal with crises effectively. 

Prioritize tasks based on their urgency and importance, delegate when necessary, and always try to keep a clear and judgment-free mind. 

This will help you stay focused, reduce stress, and increase productivity.

The Easy Box

Looking for ways to grow your business? Don’t spend unnecessary time on marketing; focus on becoming a better leader and entrepreneur, leave the rest to us! 

With the Easy Box, you give us only 30 minutes of your time, and we give you 30 days’ worth of content. 

Forget all about long hours and marketing failure; this is marketing made easy. 

1. Turn Off the TV and Radio Station Auto-Pilot

First things first: don’t let TV and radio stations dictate your ad strategies.

It’s tempting to be dazzled by their high-tech studios and audience reach promises. But remember, possessing top-tier equipment doesn’t automatically equate to marketing prowess.

They may entice you with attractive packages or complimentary ad spots to reel you in. While these offers seem great at first glance, it’s crucial to remember that their priority is sales, not necessarily aligning with your marketing objectives.

First impressions in marketing are pivotal. Why leave that crucial first interaction to those who may not be marketing experts?

Read the full transcript.

Insight to Implement: Diversify your advertising approach. Collaborate with a marketing specialist or an agency adept at crafting ads that embody your brand and resonate deeply with your community.

First Impression Matter in Marketing 

In modern marketing, the entry point — that crucial first impression — can make or break an audience’s perception of your brand. And when it comes to local advertising, this initial engagement is everything.

Consider this: when a potential customer sees or hears your ad for the first time, what do you want them to think, and feel? This is not about creating just a moment of interest; it’s about creating a lasting connection.

This is why blindly following the playbook provided by TV and radio stations can be a critical misstep. Their glossy packages, while seemingly advantageous, may not be tailored to the unique story your brand needs to tell. They sell visibility, but can they guarantee relevance?

In an era where consumers are inundated with content, your brand’s voice needs to be clear, compelling, and reflective of your ethos from the get-go. First impressions are not just a single touchpoint; they’re the foundation of the relationship you’re building with your audience.

Insight to Implement: Take control of your brand’s first impression. Partner with creatives who are not just marketers but also storytellers, those who understand the pulse of your audience and can translate your business’s essence into an ad that speaks volumes.

2. You, a Commercial Star? Maybe…Maybe Not, and That’s Okay! 

Here’s a reality check: being a business expert doesn’t necessarily translate to on-screen charisma. And that’s okay.

Recognizing your strengths is just as important as acknowledging what’s best left to others.

Engaging ads often feature professionals who bring that natural allure; they know how to capture attention, deliver your message effectively, and stir emotions within your audience.

Authenticity is paramount for local advertising. It’s not about grandiose pretenses but staying true to your brand’s identity.

If your ad comes across as disingenuous, your audience will tune out. Your business isn’t the NFL, so don’t stage a play that isn’t yours. Instead, let your brand’s true character emerge, regardless of the budget.

Action Step: Step out of the spotlight if necessary. Prioritize authenticity and genuine storytelling over flashy production.

Authenticity is the Key to the Best Local Ads.

In the heart of successful local advertising lies a gem that can’t be replicated — authenticity. It’s the secret ingredient that gives your advertisement the ‘x-factor’ needed to not only capture but also retain audience engagement.

Authenticity begins with an honest reflection of your brand’s identity. What are the core values and unique selling propositions that set your business apart?

Your local ads should be a mirror reflection of these elements, showcasing the real people, real stories, and real emotions that your brand embodies.

Slick productions and cinematic effects may catch the eye, but nothing resonates more powerfully than a message that speaks truth. A message that feels like a neighborly conversation, not a sales pitch. That’s the heartbeat of local advertising the ability to connect on a personal level.

Remember, in the world of local ads, perfection is not the goal; relatability is. It’s about finding the sweet spot where your brand’s message aligns seamlessly with the authentic experiences of your community.

Action Step: Embrace the genuine essence of your brand. Craft local ads that are not just seen but felt, creating an authentic connection that transcends the transactional nature of business.

Let your audience see the real, the relatable, and the reachable aspects of your brand.

3. When it Comes to the Best Local Ads, Cheap isn’t cheap, and free isn’t free.

Remember the old adage: you get what you pay for. ‘Cheap’ and ‘free’ offers from local stations often overlook the importance of your marketing strategy your campaign deserves.

Investing in a marketing strategy that aligns with your brand values and goals is crucial. Be careful though, some marketing agencies are as fleeting as the ads they peddle, focusing more on quick profits than on your long-term growth.

Seek out an agency that’s not just within your budget but is also committed to honest and transparent practices.

Key Takeaway: Value isn’t about the lowest price; it’s about the best return on investment. Opt for an agency that prioritizes integrity and tailored solutions.

The Spotlight Should Shine on Your Customer. Always.

Ultimately, your ads should celebrate your customers, they are your protagonists of your brand’s narrative.

Showcase the benefits, the value, and the solutions you provide, positioning your business as the reliable ally in their story.

We at Two Brothers Creative understand this philosophy and are dedicated to bringing your local ads to life, ensuring they resonate with and captivate your target audience.

Trust Two Brothers Creative to Create Your Best Local Ad

We’re here to help. Our goal is to help you create the best local ad possible, one that’s as authentic, engaging, and memorable as you are.

If you want to learn more about how to grow and build your marketing strategy, download our free  6-step Marketing Plan pdf.

 

The Easy Box

On a budget? Don’t Worry! With the Easy Box, you give us only 30 minutes of your time, and we give you 30 days’ worth of content. 

Forget all about long hours and marketing failure; this is marketing made easy. 

The Delusional Idea of Starting a Business

Admit it, every entrepreneur you know carries a bit of madness and delusion within themselves, which is precisely why many of us decide to start a business in the first place. 

However, having a business is not all fun and games. Did you know that 51% of companies go out of business within the first five years? And only 6% reach the $1 million mark.  

Read the full transcript.

Having a business is like having a new list of problems to solve every day.

Basically, what I’m trying to say here is that starting and running a business is hard, no matter what your level of expertise and preparation.

Most of the things we entrepreneurs have to go through will make any normal person crawl into a ball and cry themselves to sleep. 

How to Succeed in Business: Keep Going Against All Odds

There’s a certain level of delusion required to keep going even with new problems every day and not letting yourself crumble under pressure.

As business owners, we need to have the capability to prioritize these never-ending issues and concentrate on the top aspects of our business first.

Ignorance is bliss, and when people venture into business, they have no idea of what awaits. If you are in this position, I am telling you now that it get better; you will learn to laugh in the face of adversity and choose your battles wisely.

How? By keeping a delusional mindset.  

Everybody has Dreams

I’ll be the first to tell you: a good idea doesn’t guarantee any type of business success.

Everybody has great ideas all the time; this doesn’t make us any different from the rest of the people with great ideas. 

The real test lies in the ability to stick with that idea, even when times get tough. 

Are you willing to put in the hard work? Can you stay focused and keep things in perspective when challenges appear? 

If you are not ready to fight for your idea with a delusional passion, then you aren’t ready to start a successful business. 

The Two Brothers Creative Case Study

Two Brothers Creative, like most businesses, started just as a small idea. Now, three years later, it is a proper, functional, and successful business. 

Of course, getting to this place wasn’t as simple as it looked.

After some failed ventures and hard experiences in the entertainment industry, I knew what I was facing when I started this business. 

Yet, even after all my past experiences, I decided to launch Two Brothers Creative anyway, knowing it was going to be hard.

Amidst the skepticism and doubters labeling me as unconventional and audacious, I embraced those qualities and defied the odds by forging ahead with the launch of Two Brothers Creative.

Every time “life handed me lemons”, I told myself: you need to keep going; of course, you gonna get out of this; you need to face this challenge and look for a solution.

By keeping a delusional mindset, I was able to come this far without breaking down. 

How to Succeed in Business With The 3 Qualities of a Dilutional Business Owner

Okay, so we have talked a lot about dreams, perseverance, hard work, and any other motivational poster you can think of.

But here are the top 3 changes you need to implement in your mindset right now to build a successful business. 

1. Be Delusional in a Realistic Way 

Sounds weird, right? But – a business owner who dares to dream big often seems out of touch with reality to others. 

That’s why it’s important to be realistic when we face difficult challenges. Everybody already thinks we are already a bit delusional and out of it, so the reality check is up to us. 

When you find yourself in a difficult situation, pause for a moment and think about the different solutions you can find for your problem. 

Never think about quitting or doubt your business idea, but find the most common sense solution with the least damage possible.

2. Grow from Setbacks

There will always be problems along the entrepreneurial way. It is up to us to see these roadblocks not as show-stoppers but as stepping stones to learn and grow. 

Remember, hiccups are part of the journey, but how you handle them can make or break your game. 

If you don’t believe me, ask any entrepreneur you know, and they will share at least one story of a time they learned something from a failed venture. 

For me, this moment came when I had to deal with a very bad publicity campaign against me after someone threatened to leak a very private picture. 

If you want the full story, you’ll have to hear the episode here, but the bright side of it all was that I learned how to deal with public failure and bad publicity in a healthy and constructive way.  

3. Let Go, and Don’t Bottle it Up

When faced with challenges, it’s crucial to tackle them one step at a time, focusing on individual problems without becoming overwhelmed by the entire situation.

While it is important to address problems, dwelling on them excessively can be counterproductive. Learning to let go when necessary and choosing your battles wisely is key.

Avoid bottling up stress or emotions.

Maintaining a healthy headspace allows you to navigate through obstacles while keeping your eye on the bigger picture of your business.

Taking the First Step is the Hardest Part

So, how can you succeed in business? If you already have a good idea and a delusional mindset, what’s next?

What sets apart the dreamers from the doers is the courage to take that all-important first step.

An idea, no matter how groundbreaking, is just a seed. It needs the nurturing touch of action to bloom into reality.

Launching your website, posting that first social media post, asking for that loan to start your business, airing the first podcast episode, that is what you need: a leap of faith.

Is there anything more delusional than taking a leap of faith? I think not.

How to Succeed in Business: Learn the Skill Set

The skills of a business owner are not innate; they’re learned along the way. Once you have given that first step, the rest is a hands-on experience.

As a business owner, it is through facing and overcoming challenges head-on that your skillset is forged and refined.

This learning journey is where you go from being a simple dreamer to becoming a ‘delusionally’ ambitious entrepreneur- fully aware of the challenges but confident that there’s a solution for all of them. 

Enjoy the journey and learn from it.

Succeed in Business with The Easy Box

Looking for new ways to improve your marketing strategy? Download our free Six Step Marketing Plan PDF and start seeing the results right now!

Still don’t know where to start? With the Easy Box, you give us only 30 minutes of your time, and we give you 30 days’ worth of content. 

Forget all about long hours and marketing failure; this is marketing made easy.