Today's episode of OWN IT features Sarah Latz and Francesca Piancone-Crowley from Book180. It is an online portfolio school that sources the best agency talent to teach new professionals in our industry! That is so cool!
The conversation that became the idea for Book 180 was born during COVID. The two worked together at a portfolio school in Chicago before and during the pandemic and saw the online-only approach to education as an opportunity.
Both are writers by craft, but come to the education space with great experiences from the agency space. Sarah spent time as a writer at many of the large agencies during her time in New York, Atlanta and Chicago before moving back to South Carolina. Francesca spent time in the publishing industry, but then found her way into the ad business through the portfolio school where she and Sarah met.
We had a very useful conversation about being entrepreneurs and owners and though Book 180 isn’t a traditional agency, they are helping feed the talent into our industry that builds them. And they are most definitely a part of our community!
You’re going to love their perspective and energy.
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Building a broad professional network by working at various agencies or roles, rather than staying in one place, provides invaluable connections that can be leveraged later for entrepreneurial ventures. These connections offer support, insights, and opportunities for growth.
Starting a business involves overcoming numerous practical challenges beyond the core service or product, such as learning financial management (Quickbooks, taxes), time management, organization, and proactively seeking opportunities for growth like SEO and PR. These administrative and operational aspects are crucial for long-term success and often require continuous learning.
Having a supportive and trusting partner is vital for navigating the challenges of entrepreneurship. A good partnership involves mutual respect, complementary skills, and a shared vision, which can transform potential obstacles into manageable tasks and foster a positive work environment.
To foster a more inclusive industry, there's a need for intentional efforts to break down barriers to entry for underrepresented groups, including people of color, those with disabilities, parents, and career changers. This involves offering accessible programs, scholarships, and actively supporting diverse talent to bring varied perspectives into the industry.
Becoming a business owner or a leader is a learned skill, not an innate talent. It involves continuously learning, adapting, being flexible, and patiently approaching problems. Making mistakes is part of the process, and the ability to listen to feedback and adjust is crucial for growth and success.
