Mistakes We Made Running Our Business (10 years of lessons)

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Starting a business has been life-changing for our family but it hasn't been without challenges. In this video my wife, Laura, joins me for an honest discussion of the personal and financial struggles we've faced running 30X40 Design Workshop over the past 10 years.
Although Laura doesn’t work for 30X40, the decision to start this business 10 years ago had profound personal and financial implications for both of us. I couldn’t have done this without her support and buy-in.
This is a candid, wide-ranging discussion of three phases of business growth and the countless lessons learned along the way. #architect #business #interiordesigner
Access all the bonus resources here:
thirtybyforty.com/blog/ten-ye...
▬▬▬▬▬ Timestamps ▬▬▬▬▬
00:00 Intro
00:54 Getting Ready to Get Ready
02:10 A Painful Moment
03:25 Minimum Viable Income
04:25 Side Hustle to Solopreneur
05:08 Fear Setting
06:03 No Paycheck Anymore
07:40 Undervaluing my Services
08:06 Experiments (Things I Tried)
09:44 Lumpy Income + Cash buffer
10:31 Social Isolation
11:40 Challenges of Working from Home
14:00 Imposter Syndrome + My Cat
15:05 Phase Two - Entrepreneurship
17:40 Scarcity mindset
18:45 More Work = More Liability
20:05 Choosing Better Clients
21:20 Saying, “No” (and when to do it)
22:33 CEO vs. Worker Bee
23:40 Is this all there is? Again?
25:42 Owning Successes + Failures
27:07 Financial Risk + Reward
thirtybyforty.com/blog/ten-ye...

Опубликовано:

31 май 2024

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Комментарии : 94

@30by40 5 месяцев назад

Starting a design business? Check this post for all the resources: thirtybyforty.com/blog/ten-years-of-making

@kleckerklotz9620 5 месяцев назад

"I would do it again" is the greatest declaration of love one can get.

@30by40 5 месяцев назад

Right...? Very lucky guy here!

@sia459 День назад

Hi Eric I am an architect in India, practicing for the last 3 years with more than 12 years of experience in a job. Thank you for this video . This gave me the courage to keep on going for my entrepreneurial journey . It's so amazing to see the problems of an entrepreneur architect are similar even though we are worlds apart. Thanks a ton to you and ur family for the mental support ur videos have given me. Sanket Ingle Architecture Studio (SIAS)

@hinokihill 5 месяцев назад

My husband and I just had a conversation last night about the uncertain state of our businesses. With both of us running fledgling companies, it can be difficult to stay confident and focused on our goals. We also have two young children, which adds another layer of complexity to our situation. It's as if we're walking a tightrope with every decision we make. Thank you for the video, the insights and encouragement you provided.

@schoolofsketching 5 месяцев назад

🙌 Great conversation, Laura and Eric-thank you both for sharing! It was particularly touching when Laura said, 'I wanted you to be happy.' It's truly beautiful when a couple supports each other. Thanks for opening the door to the 'behind-the-scenes' of your business; it was incredibly helpful. 🙏

@user-ci7ik6zg7r 4 дня назад

One of the most beautiful honest professional/family video I have ever seen. Thank you so much for letting us know your struggles and victories. May God bless you both and your kids! 🙏😊

@SParchitects 5 месяцев назад

What an amazing content, what a gem! This channel raises the standard of architectural storytelling each time a new video pops up. Everything is perfect: audio, video, speech, atmosphere. Really inspiring.

@daniellecolon9281 4 месяца назад

I love how they’re looking at each other the entire time talking ❤ you can see the bond and love

@ShowItBetter 5 месяцев назад

loved this conversational format Eric! I can definitely relate to many of the things you both talked about and feel I am still through phase 1 sometimes haha. Happy holidays!

@chitpaul 28 дней назад

You did it. I've just been made redundant. Nearly 50 so thinking of using my experience to go it alone. Watch you videos on clients and getting projects to work on.

@Design1028Inc 5 месяцев назад

Watching this video was like seeing a reflection of my journey in starting a business. The discussion about the vital role of spouse support in navigating entrepreneurship's ups and downs truly hit home for me. Like you, I've been fortunate to have my husband by my side, providing emotional and financial support as I establish my practice. His role has been instrumental in our family's journey, just as Laura's has been for you. Thank you for sharing your story; knowing others are on similar paths is comforting and inspiring. Best wishes for continued success in your next decade of business.

@MattFitzgerald Месяц назад

This was actually a wonderful listen! I'm interested in hearing more about how and where you are choosing to scale. Side note -- It was really great to listen to you two speak together. In media right now there aren't a lot of incredible marriages that are being shown to the world. The respect flowing both ways was really great to see, and I hope to emulate that as I grow a business.

@richardkretschmer6424 5 месяцев назад

An excellent interview and nice to see Laura in the frame and the acknowledgement of what you each bring to the practice. Truly amazing. An aspect you both fail to recognise throughout this video is the legacy you leave behind. Not only for your children and your community but how you have morphed your business into something far far greater than either of you could have ever anticipated. Reaching an audience on the other side of the planet - that must be something! I took that inevitable step to create my design practice from home and have now being in business for 12 months but for me, it's a second career and what was integral to obtaining that confidence initially was the exposure to your teachings and others like you. Thank you for the confidence to believe in myself.

@xMolleTx 5 месяцев назад

I am an architectural technician and designer and I want my own studio one day, it’s a super video to understand what could be, thanks!!

@jackfrost5808 5 месяцев назад

Hey mate did you get any formal education or through experience

@xMolleTx 5 месяцев назад

@@jackfrost5808 i have a technical degree in architecture (three-year post high-school program in Quebec) and I have a bachelor degree in environmental design (mostly architecture and urban design)

@xMolleTx 3 месяца назад

@@jackfrost5808 I have a bachelor degree in environmental design at University of Québec in Montreal

@dkalambokis78 Месяц назад

@@jackfrost5808 You ask a random guy a random question. What difference will the answer make to you? Be more specific to show real interest and purpose.

@amdraughtingservices 3 месяца назад

As an Architectural designer myself i think this is the natural progression for anyone that wants more fulfillment in their craft. This will be my second year on my own and looking at your story reminds me so much of my leap of faith to go solo. I never realized you were subconsciously my inspiration to do this as i followed your channel before. I did all of last year on my own and only this year i decided to sub out some drawings to a CAD tech. Its not easy but i would never turn back and its the best decision i ever made for myself.

@tusculumgmail 5 месяцев назад

Thanks for creating so much great content over the years. Please don’t stop sharing your lessons learned and taking us along in your journey.

@sanantoplic8715 5 месяцев назад

Hey Eric to have a woman like laura is more important then all the money in the world love you both ❤

@algernonwebbe 5 месяцев назад

Eric. You've done it again. Created a beautiful video sharing your insights in a humble, knowledgeable and transparent way. Love the fact that you brought your significant other to share her side of the journey. Congrats on 10 years of learning guys. This was a very beautiful video.

@sarah5304 5 месяцев назад

Love to see the acknowledgment of your wife and the support you offered each other 💕💕

@AFOLABITIMI 5 месяцев назад

Thanks for sharing this. I love what you do and I've always felt you had it smooth. Thanks for making us know there were bumps along the way.

@TheSoling27 5 месяцев назад

the serendipity of the timing of this video is -- WOW -- my/our design business -- after 10yrs of one owner - didn't survive COVID -- BUT -- one of our patrons decided to take us over -- and in June of 2020 we moved office - renovated -- and went from a two man to 5-7 designer firm-- in rolls July 2023 - (rising interest rates - huge inflation numbers -- in spite of the "we need 1.5million houses" from our Gov't ...and -- crash --- all of our clients went away to the tune of 70k worth of design fees ... we're now Dec - and it's just me -- holding on to a 15yr legacy -- hoping to rebuild... thanks for the insight . I am in your place now --

@30by40 5 месяцев назад

What a ride! The net effect of starting a business - in my opinion - is always positive. More skills, more experience, lessons learned, great stories to share. Of course, there are the financial hardships, and I can practically feel the pain and the struggle in your comment. As they say, "When you're going through hell, keep going." I wish you all the best as you rebuild and redesign your new business. Cheers...Eric

@AhmeDDiaBahdgfx 4 месяца назад

Actually this channel has the best content in the field of practicing architecture you really motivated me thank you very much 🙏🏻

@jasonaselin1366 5 месяцев назад

Thank you for sharing your perspective and experience. You’re a wonderful couple and I appreciate your thoughtful approach to the challenges of balancing personal and professional spaces. Cheers! ☮️💜

@jmartlncln 3 месяца назад

This is great to see a candid conversation about running a business and taking risks. Hope to see more candid videos of your work and things you deal with!

@cottagekeeper 5 месяцев назад

Thank you for your transparency.

@Kostas_Design_Studio 5 месяцев назад

It's never too late to go on your own. I did it at 50 years old, after working for others my first 25 years out of architecture school. I had the contacts, the experience, the skills and more importantly the support of my wife. Best decision I ever made and would never go back.

@pieterkuivenhoven7037 5 месяцев назад

This video resonated with me in every way! Your design and videos have been a huge inspiration to me and gives me motivation to continue on with my own design studio. It’s been about two years now since I started (mostly on nights and weekends) and finally made the decision to step out of the comfort of a steady paycheck and dive into my business head first. It’s been about 2 months since that happened and I haven’t looked back! Much love from Ontario, Canada.

@jessicarobertsdesigns 5 месяцев назад

Being a landscpae architect with a husband that's at home working for himself, it was good to hear Laura's view. I'm glad you brought her on to share that perspective.

@PIXELBUNKER 5 месяцев назад

I am going through this stage now and I highly appreciate videos like this, they inspire without polishing and sanding edges. My business now is at its 3rd month and is going better than expected and in part it’s thanks to your channel and a specific video I recall of yours saying : Am not a fantastic architect or anything special however it worked. This sentence gave me the courage to do it because as you’ve said, imposter syndrome is real

@luemmel5 5 месяцев назад

Thank you for your great Inspiration! This Video fits perfectly well to my situation. 2 weeks ago I decided to work completely on my own as a landscape architect in Germany. It feels right and I am sucking Information like this.

@lululuar 5 месяцев назад

damn I almost cry on this one, great family! congratulations!

@30by40 5 месяцев назад

cheers, man! appreciate the support

@user-bv8oe9rk1p 5 месяцев назад

Super, thank you very much for sharing your experience. I find myself in the same situation, and afraid to continue in the beginnings of my architecture firm, but it is better to be able to say in the future, I tried! Instead of regretting not having tried. Congratulations to you!

@timothy-holt 5 месяцев назад

Hey Eric. Great video. Loved that you pulled back the curtain to discuss the early days of starting a business. So much valuable information to glean. Hope you are doing well. Cheers, Tim

@30by40 5 месяцев назад

Hey Tim, appreciate the kind words + support. Always a student...! Cheers, Eric

@scottpalmer1023 5 месяцев назад

Amazing video! Thank you for sharing!

@chrisnovelli-n3architecture 5 месяцев назад

This was such a good conversation that resonated deeply. As someone who is still living in those early phases, 3 years into my firm, working from a desk in the living room and all the distractions that brings, establishing and maintaining a runway, sometimes a bit of imposter syndrome (even with 23+ years in the profession) especially when jumping up to the next level of projects. The conversations that you have, the choices that you make and the support that is needed especially if you have a family. It is exciting and terrifying all at the same time. Thanks for sharing your story.

@PFREE77 5 месяцев назад

Brilliant video. Great insight into what you went through.

@ethanmerrill4999 5 месяцев назад

This is such a wholesome video! Honestly just taking notes on your awesome communication style

@misteroz 4 месяца назад

Great insight, thank you for sharing.

@KaiserYolotv 5 месяцев назад

I have followed you for 10 years 🎉

@simab6525 Месяц назад

thanks . very motivating for me .

@vitoferrero8425 5 месяцев назад

Thank you for sharing this. Super valuable.

@user-uy3ji8vc1m 5 месяцев назад

Thank you so very much for sharing your journey.

@malikdaniyel146 5 месяцев назад

Love love love the video and will go out on a limb and said it was my best thus far. This one was a window of what I went through leaving my firm and venture to being self-employed. Each statement you and your wife shared was like watching a rerun of what my wife and I did during my bold decision into the unknown. It was challenging with a few downfalls and some very rewarding accomplishments. What also made it special for me was my wife watched it with me while we waited to attend out son's school Christmas show.

@tonatiuhislas8006 4 месяца назад

Beautiful conversation, sharing meaningful ideas and experiences among partners and couple. Refreshing to see this.

@arielvaldes766 5 месяцев назад

This was great @30by40 , I following the materials for years at this point, books, templates, etc.; but these videos at the end of each year are something that I enjoy a lot, this one get to a new different level, we could watch it with the family because at the end is a family business, thank you again Eric for the inspiration and keep rocking the entrepreneurship and architectural world ( by the way we love Metallica music as well) happy holidays!!

@WW-what 3 месяца назад

So inspiring!

@johnferraz6417 5 месяцев назад

It was the start of Covid when our home office was restarted...it was a good time to be in. However, what was not catered for, was the length of time that the pandemic took to end. It was rough..but a review was needed and...a Reset made. l had been an independant consultant before...but the formality of regular work tickled my curiousity...so it was tested for four years prior to Covid. It was because of the pandemic...when everyone was inside...'We' realised that our 'home office' concept was now...the new normal. Adaptability...is the key to a comfortable independant income. One's passion about design excellent is critical. Your journey and growth has been followed for long while.Thank you both for sharing so much with us. Continue to inspire all. Be more...do more...share more. Retired Architect...now 'Teacher'.

@ZeeDeveel19 5 месяцев назад

Love this! I believe I am in that "tipping point" phase where I really need to make the jump, and stop waiting on certain milestones to happen. At this point, my wife has bought in to the idea of me going on my own and building a business. I have hesitation as I don't want my wife to have the same stresses as I will no doubt have when I make the jump. Especially now that we have a child. The runway needs to be established.

@ASanchez-tb1xm 22 часа назад

Best channel for to improve...in this

@Roberto-cr8zt 5 месяцев назад

Gracias por compartir. Muy interesante y real.... simplemente GENIAL!

@PraveenKumar-yc3hu Месяц назад

Hi Eric.. Praveen here from India I have been following your work from the initial days. I have a similar journey, i can relate with this video so much. This video was the most important one, thanks for that. I have a few questions, 1. Do you think building a core team and distributing the repeatative work would allow us to do what we're best at ? 2. What changes with age ? 3. As an entrepreneur, should we live the same life inspired by our design philosophy that we want our clients to live ? Meaning we constantly upgrade our life with the new ideas, luxury, quality of life. Focus on being happy, motivated and keep the inner artist alive. 4. How are you able to manage working from home office ? I'm seeing it getting more n more harder by the day 😅 5. Work often keeps us isolated, how did this impact you and what changes did you make to fix it ? 6. How did come out of financial challenges ? I have many more questions, I'm gonna stop here. I'd love to know your answers and understand your journey. Lots of love and best wishes ! Your tag line helps me to stay motivated.. "GO MAKE THINGS" !! 😂

@adriaanjurriens3927 5 месяцев назад

Architect here from the Netherlands. Interesting video and I see a lot of similarities. The thing about phase 1 is absolutely true. After graduation I thought I knew everything, but it took me 5 years to learn it all over again. Looking back my confidence needed to grow and it is a strange thing that potential clients feel. After a while I also understood I really had to choose my clients if I wanted to create more impact with my office. Cool to see that you and your wife are still together... my relationship didn't survive my business adventure in the end.

@thehash5552 5 месяцев назад

You two have something very special.......

@alimatoq573 4 месяца назад

نشكرك كثيرا لمشاركتك معنا بداياتك.... انت انسان محفز جدا في المجال المعماري.... احب تحفيزك. لذلك اشاركه مع طلبتي في جامعة طرابلس في ليبيا حتى يرون احلى ما في مجال العمارة.... نشكرك جدا

@seanmurphy9776 5 месяцев назад

Thanks for the discussion! There are some scary similarities here for my wife, my kids, and myself. I am licensed, serving in government, supporting my wife's career, and managing our kids 90% of the time. I am flirting with the idea of starting my own firm while building our dream cabin/home in the next five years. While starting an architectural business is intriguing, I don't feel like I have the time or energy to start now. My time with my kids means too much to me right now, but the decision for us is coming soon. What would you change if you had a do-over at 35?

@zorngottes1778 4 месяца назад

You give the impression of a great couple, an exampke how family should be. This has become so rare. I love this. But I dont have it. I am completly on my own. I wished I had a wife like You have.

@ottigreenisgo 4 месяца назад

The timing of this couldn't have been more perfect. Having gone out on my own early last year and having a good run of projects for the first 6-9 months and then slowing down a little over the Christmas break etc. My emotions are a rollercoaster from thinking i'm going to make it and I have made the right decision to looking on job search sites looking for some steady income thinking what am I wasting my time for. I am now going to look forward to the roller coaster and do everything I can to build a bigger runway to allow more breathing space between projects.

@ottigreenisgo 4 месяца назад

5 Minutes after writing this I landed another project!

@30by40 4 месяца назад

Amazing...thanks for sharing this, my friend. And, congrats! This is your life as an entrepreneur; it's way more exciting and rewarding than working for someone else.

@kevinu6004 5 месяцев назад

A wealth of knowledge and perspective, thanks for sharing

@30by40 5 месяцев назад

Glad you enjoyed it...cheers...

@sergio0zapata 5 месяцев назад

Thank you 🙏🏼 so inspiring ❤️‍🔥

@jammesvqk857 2 месяца назад

Good information.

@user-vv2gy5wj6y 5 месяцев назад

Great dialogue, beautiful couple and beautiful family!!!! Laura and Eric my congratulations!!!!!! very professional. I'm from NY but I live in Buenos Aires, Argentina!

@freedomenergy6644 5 месяцев назад

Could you tell me what you think of Argentina?

@stephanieb.katcipis1231 5 месяцев назад

Such a sweet couple 😊 I really enjoyed listening to you both!

@30by40 5 месяцев назад

Thanks so much...🙏

@mawrmcmahan 5 месяцев назад

It's so funny. When reading your books and listening to your videos, there are so many times that it is as if you are saying exactly what is going on in my head. Is this guy... me? lol

@iskrenivanov7777 5 месяцев назад

Very helpful video!

@juelz713 5 месяцев назад

Great Video

@leomchesi 5 месяцев назад

your videos were super supportive in the moment i also decided to quit the job at other architects studio and go on my own! i own you a lot Eric! thank u

@loganpowell 5 месяцев назад

Loved this. You covered so much ground here it seems selfish to ask you to unpack the hiring/agencies discussion in the "CEO vs. Worker Bee" section.

@30by40 5 месяцев назад

Thanks for watching...I feel like I finally grew into the CEO role this year. Hired two agencies to handle work I'm not best suited for and it's made a massive difference, the ROI has been huge. It's a reminder that my job as the CEO is a capital allocator. How can I best invest the revenues to generate more capital for the business. It's the classic, "what got you here won't get you there." Scarcity thinking wasn't serving me any longer.

@loganpowell 5 месяцев назад

@@30by40 🙏 what could you possibly not be suited for?

@IvanLarionov-xm4mu 3 месяца назад

You are so lovely guys) Real force together

@zorngottes1778 4 месяца назад

"The wrong client": I have one sentence on my page: The project You dont do are more important than the projects You do.

@user-om4lj5bm1w 2 месяца назад

Thank you...This is rich...Do you mentor?

@zombi1304 3 месяца назад

hai erick...iam from indonesia, i buy some your procreate sketch template...i have married and have to beautyfull girls..but me and my wife decide that i will quit my boring job as employe in state own construction company in september 2022 because is boring ....i decide back to the way of ninja (architecture) to be come architec and doing my own thing 😂.....and now almost one and half year later i am still alive, i have my license now..even pay all the bill and mortage 😂 and iam so happy to do my dream as architec ...i work in my living room.for now but i hope that one day i will have a small studio like yours.....you so inspiring you are one of the people that drive me to make me to take my way of ninja....i hope you always happy with yoyr wonderfull family.... always creative 😂....sory for my bad english...😂....greating from city of KUPANG, INDONESIA......❤

@jeanette9481 5 месяцев назад

Congrads🎉 thx

@diegus012 5 месяцев назад

I would have hired you off of that cat alone!

@karbonphiber 5 месяцев назад

Question - what have your annual revenues been like in the last 3 years.

@30by40 5 месяцев назад

You might be interested in my other YT channel (financial podcast): ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-nEBnSleKXYU.htmlsi=EJCag25RhxirkwJH

@shadilkp4964 5 месяцев назад

1st comment. Never had likes before

@NOSFERATU_ONE 5 месяцев назад

lmao Gimlis fat

@rikkistefans 5 месяцев назад

A great holiday gift 🎁🎄 this video and all your video content are 👏👏👏 They always include alot of great knowledge and need to know information … thank you and never stop sharing knowledge to us ! 🫵😆