How Terri Meyer and Sandy Greenberg of Terri & Sandy, Own It
Today I’m talking to the highly awarded creative duo Terri Meyer and Sandy Greenberg, Terri & Sandy as most know them. These women rose to the top of several of the largest agencies when there were very few women up there. Their agency, Terri & Sandy, of course, has been named Small Agency of the Year by AdAge, an A-list Standout and #1 Most Effective Indy Agency by the Effie’s.
It’s always a thrill to learn from industry pioneers.
Thanks for listening to this episode of OWN IT. Be sure to see Terri & Sandy's work at terrisandy.com. And connect with both on LinkedIn (Terry Meyer on LinkedIn; Sandy Greenberg on Linkedin).
Also, if you’re enjoying the show, please subscribe, then rate and share it on your podcast service of choice. Also, if you’re a female or non-binary agency owner, or you want to own an agency someday, join our growing community at untilyouownit.com.
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Key Takeaways
EPISODE: Terri Meyer and Sandy Greenberg
1. Nurturing Talent and Building Confidence | [00:06:04]
Many individuals, particularly women, may not discover their true passion or career path until later in life, and that's perfectly normal. It's crucial not to put undue pressure on oneself to have a clear five-year plan from an early age. Instead, focus on exploring interests and finding what truly resonates, as this love for one's work often leads to greater success and satisfaction. It's also vital to build confidence in one's abilities, as self-doubt can be a significant barrier to pursuing entrepreneurial ventures.
2. The Power of Networking and Relationships | [00:08:25]
Building a robust professional network and cultivating strong client relationships are paramount for long-term career success and entrepreneurial ventures. Networking provides choices and opportunities, as demonstrated by Terri's early career moves. For creative professionals, actively fostering client relationships, beyond just the account service team, can lead to direct business opportunities and a deeper understanding of client needs, ultimately enabling better work and a foundation for starting one's own business.
3. Entrepreneurship as Necessity, Not Just a Dream | [00:16:56]
For some, starting a business isn't a long-held dream but a response to unfavorable circumstances, such as hitting a "glass ceiling" or experiencing ageism and disrespect in established organizations. This "necessity" can be a powerful motivator for reinvention. While not having a detailed business plan initially might seem unorthodox, strong existing client relationships can provide the essential foundation to launch and build an agency.
4. Overcoming Challenges in Starting a Business | [00:25:13]
Starting a business, especially for creative individuals transitioning into ownership, brings a myriad of unexpected challenges beyond just generating good ideas. These include practical aspects like office setup, process development, and managing administrative tasks that were previously handled by larger corporate structures. Acknowledging that every aspect will be new and unfamiliar, and leaning on a network for advice, is crucial. Moreover, fostering an entrepreneurial mindset within the team, where everyone is encouraged to "figure it out," is essential for success in a lean operation.
5. Cultivating a Nurturing and Inclusive Agency Culture | [00:38:45]
Building a workplace that embraces and celebrates diversity in all its forms (ethnicity, sexual orientation, personality types) is vital for creating a truly great environment. Drawing from past experiences of feeling unappreciated, owners can prioritize creating a "nourishing environment" where employees feel valued and their confidence is fueled. Additionally, maintaining integrity and "doing the right thing" in all business dealings establishes a strong foundation of trust and respect.
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