Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in consultancy but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Nils Davey, Creative Director and Partner at PBZ, located in Los Angeles, CA, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
I own a creative experiential design, fabrication, and interior design agency called PBZ with two business partners. Our clients range from brands to design agencies, ad agencies, and media agencies.
Tell us about yourself
I accidentally found the experiential business by picking up freelance design work. My first project was for the Grammys afterparty activation for Mastercard in 2016. From there, I found my diverse creative skill set was highly sought after in the experiential and events industry. I love to approach each project as a challenge and to develop and define sensitive, creative, and innovative solutions.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
Our biggest accomplishment has been the development of our relationships with our clients. We focus on client retention by providing a flat company structure and award-winning creative work. Our relationships with our clients are the most integral part of our business.
What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?
One of the hardest elements of being a business owner is the entire business side of it. I've been in creative for over 15 years, and most of that time, I have had the luxury of thinking in only creative terms. With the founding of our agency, I have had to learn a lot of 'boring' business stuff: budgets, taxes, and insurance. It's a challenge, for sure!
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
To start or grow a business, the most important thing to keep in mind is perseverance and networking. Without either of these, the business will fail. The third piece is offering a unique product or service. The market for new businesses has been a-typically over-populated in recent years, so you really have to have a new approach or idea to gain traction.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://peebeezee.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pbz.llc/
If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solo or small business entrepreneur that you'd like to share, then please answer these interview questions. We'd love to feature your journey on these pages.
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