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When my two co-founders and I began a video manufacturing firm 10 years in the past, I actually did not imagine we have been going to succeed. I had tried to start out a couple of entrepreneurial ventures already, and deep down, I assumed this one would finish the way in which the others had. I assumed we would give it a couple of months after which be again to making use of for jobs.
As we began earning money and securing contracts, it nonetheless took time for our early successes to really feel “actual.” Regardless of our money circulation, we have been understanding of an residence, interviewing folks within the Marriott foyer down the road and placing out fires continuously. Even when lots of these issues labored themselves out, it felt — for years — like we have been all the time only a few selections away from doubtlessly going out of enterprise.
However towards all odds, Lemonlight charted a special path. We have hit unimaginable milestones over the previous decade: working with dream shoppers, breaking gross sales data, increasing our workplace area, shopping for studio areas and producing tens of 1000’s of movies we’re really pleased with.
As I replicate on this journey, 5 key turning factors stand out — moments that made me notice we have been constructing one thing that might really succeed.
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Turning level #1: Getting our first actual workplace
One of many earliest milestones was securing our first actual workplace area.
Shifting right into a 2,000-square-foot workplace was each exhilarating and terrifying. It was an enormous monetary dedication, however it felt like we lastly had a house and have been turning into extra established.
In my eyes, this transfer symbolized our transition from a scrappy startup understanding of an residence to a professional enterprise with a devoted area to develop. It gave us a way of permanence and stability, which was essential for our morale and long-term planning.
Plus, we may lastly invite shoppers to our workplace with out feeling self-conscious about our makeshift setup!
Turning level #2: Going all in on video content material creation
A number of years into the enterprise, we hit our subsequent essential milestone: deciding to focus solely on video manufacturing.
Up till that time, we had been providing a spread of companies from video to web site content material to social media administration, however this resolution to hone in on our core competency confirmed that we had a transparent mission and objective.
It was a troublesome name, particularly when it meant turning away different potential income streams, however it strengthened our identification and helped us construct an organization round our strengths.
By narrowing our focus, we have been in a position to deepen our experience, enhance our processes and ship higher-quality outcomes for our shoppers. This transfer additionally simplified our advertising and marketing message, making it simpler to speak what we did finest and stand out in a crowded market.
Turning level #3: Signing our first well-known enterprise shopper
The day TripAdvisor discovered us on-line and employed us to make their movies was one other surreal second. They have been one in all our first enterprise shoppers, and I keep in mind being shocked that they’d belief such a small firm.
This partnership validated our capabilities and opened doorways to different massive shoppers. Working with a famend model like TripAdvisor for years was a confidence booster and a testomony to our high quality and reliability. It proved that we may ship on large initiatives and deal with the calls for of high-profile shoppers.
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Turning level #4: Profitable our first Inc. 500 award
In 2018, 4 years into Lemonlight’s life, we received our first Inc. 500 award. This was the second I lastly believed we had a professional firm. In my thoughts, solely “critical” companies earned Inc. awards, and if we would earned it, we should have been heading in the right direction.
This recognition was an enormous morale booster for our crew and a strong validation of our exhausting work and progress. It not solely elevated our visibility within the business but additionally attracted new shoppers and companions who needed to be related to a profitable, award-winning firm. This accolade reaffirmed our dedication to excellence and motivated us to intention even larger.
Turning level #5: Elevating our seed spherical of funding
Elevating our seed spherical of funding felt like the ultimate milestone within the entrepreneurship journey. Lastly, somebody apart from our dad and mom believed in us and needed to help what we have been constructing.
Securing this funding gave us the monetary sources to scale our operations, rent extra expertise and put money into higher tools and know-how. It additionally gave us the arrogance to take greater dangers and pursue bigger alternatives.
The exterior validation signaled that our enterprise had actual potential and that we have been on a path to sustainable progress.
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Wanting again, these pivotal moments have been essential in shaping Lemonlight’s success. In 5 other ways over 10 years, they offered the arrogance, sources and validation we would have liked to develop from a small startup right into a revered firm.
In the event you’re by yourself entrepreneurial path, keep in mind to rejoice every milestone, study from each problem and keep open to the game-changing moments. Success usually comes while you least count on it, and your subsequent large turning level could be simply across the nook. Maintain pushing ahead and embrace the journey!
