Michael and I started Edios Media in January of 2017. Two and a half years later, we’re launching a new website, working with some of the most well-recognized and influential clients on the planet, and dreaming about how we can grow even more. It’s been a crazy ride. Here are 5 things I learned in the process:
1. Having a partner is key.
Michael is awesome, and there’s no one else I’d rather start a company with. He talks me off the ledge when I get stressed, and I do the same for him. We have different skill sets, so we complement each other rather than step on each other’s toes. Get yourself a Michael. Seriously.
2. The Imposter Syndrome is a real thing.
I no longer have a boss to tell me when I’m excelling. I often feel like I don’t know what I’m doing, and I wonder if I’m doing a good job. Are my clients crazy to listen to me? But we’ve had a fantastic run of success (knock on wood here) so it’s getting easier to feel confident as we take on new and bigger challenges. And after producing over 1600 videos for courses that are truly changing lives, it’s not as prevalent as it was in the early days.
3. It’s hard to work at home…
I’m pretty disciplined, so I don’t get distracted by things easily. But it can be lonely to work at home by yourself. Google Hangouts and conference calls don’t replace the day to day interaction you get working at a company. I miss talking to my coworkers about the latest Game of Thrones episode or whether the Drag Race Lip Sync was sickening or not.
4. …but it’s also kind of awesome.
Target on a Wednesday afternoon is way better than Target on a Saturday morning. Maybe not a reason to start your own business, but doing errands on a weekday frees up your weekend considerably.
5. Betting on yourself is the best decision you’ll ever make.
Starting a business takes courage and belief. It’s been the best professional decision I’ve ever made.
Whenever I don’t know how to do something (like how to build financial forecast models – I’m a producer not an MBA!), I reach out to our growing team of friends and experts who offer us advice. I’m learning something new every day and I love it. And, as Michael and I move into the 3rd year (and beyond!) of running our business, we’re looking forward to more challenges, excitement, opportunities, craziness, and fun.
-Elizabeth Madariaga, Co-Founder & Executive Producer, Edios Media