Andy Brenits

In the 90s, someone on my team tried to pass off our designs as their own. I wasn’t mad. I just said: “They’ll get hired. Then asked to deliver. And they won’t be able to.”

Same goes for people passing off AI work today. Shortcuts might open a door, but they won’t keep you in the room.

Are brand values necessary when you’re a company of one?

Absolutely.

They guide who you work with, what you say yes to, and how you show up.

Even if it’s just for you, define them.
Write them down.
Live them out.

Goals → Strategy → Tactics. In that order. Always.

If you're a solopreneur, it’s easy to jump straight into action—posting, emailing, tweaking your site.

But random activity ≠ growth.

Start with your goal. Then build a strategy. Then pick tactics that move the needle.

Activity attracts more activity.

When I started freelancing, I had 1 client. So I offered design in trade—pizza, sandwiches, whatever. I stayed busy, built referrals, and proved my value.

Not all work needs to be big or billable to build momentum.

Show up. Keep moving. People notice.

The Surprising Viability of the Four-Day Workweek Researcher and author Juliet B. Schor explains how a shorter workweek can benefit employees and employers alike.

Could working less help you do more?
Research says yes—and not just for big companies.

As a solopreneur, I’ve adopted Fridays off in the summer and the occasional 1-day sabbatical. No meetings, no deliverables, just space to reset.

Downtime isn’t slacking—it’s a high-performance habit.

t’s Memorial Day. Your clients are off—take the day to pause too.
Banks, post offices, courts, the stock market, and schools are closed.
Rest, reflect, recharge.
You’ll get more done tomorrow.

It’s finally Friday.
Whether you’re taking 3 days off or just catching your breath, you’ve earned the R&R.
Rest isn’t a reward—it’s part of the job.
Protect your downtime. Your future self will thank you.

Is it a nickel for your thoughts now?
A client asked about the penny ending production: “Do we round prices now?”

Nope. This isn’t a recall..

Here’s the thing: Not every change is an emergency.
In business, sometimes the smart move is to pause, get the facts, and then act.

cnn.com/2025/05/22/b...

Mid-year is the perfect time to check in on your brand.
Does your messaging still reflect who you are—and who you want to work with?
Start here: bit.ly/itfactorwork...
#BrandPositioning #SoloBusiness #EveryDayInMay

Should You Charge Less If AI Helps You Work Faster?

Clients pay for outcomes, not hours.
AI helps you work faster. That doesn’t mean you charge less.

Your value isn’t time—it’s skill, experience, and results.
Some clients get it. Others don’t. Work with the ones who do.

Jaguar’s rebrand erased its identity, and now it’s paying the price. Brand equity matters. Legacy matters. Relevance matters. Maybe the next agency can help them find their way back.

www.motortrend.com/news/jaguar-...

You don’t need a million-dollar business to feel successful.
The freedom to choose your clients, your schedule, your priorities? That’s success.
You’re doing better than you think.
Keep going—on your terms.

When the chemistry's off, it's okay to move on.

I had to let a client go this week. Constant delays, miscommunication, and no creative spark.

Self-employment gives you freedom and responsibility.

Trust your gut. Make space for better fits.

Took a break from your routine? Just (re)start.

Self-employment takes discipline, but we’re human—life happens.

Don’t beat yourself up. When you’re ready, jump back in and keep building that momentum.

The Gen X Career Meltdown (Gift Article) Just when they should be at their peak, experienced workers in creative fields find that their skills are all but obsolete.

Gen X: Overqualified. Unemployable. Undeniable.

A NYT piece says our careers are “melting down.” But they missed the point: Gen X adapts. We’ve always adapted.

Midlife reinvention isn’t failure—it’s freedom.

What’s your next move?

www.nytimes.com/interactive/...

Working for yourself doesn’t mean working by yourself. Even as a solopreneur, connection matters.
→ Find accountability
→ Delegate what slows you down
→ Build real relationships
The journey’s yours, but you don’t have to walk it alone.

What you charge is part of your brand.
Evian isn’t $5 because it’s just water—it’s $5 because people believe it’s better.
→ Price the value, not the time.
→ Price the client, not the work.
Your pricing sends a message. Make sure it’s the right one.

Starting a business in your 50s? You’re not chasing hustle—you’re building alignment. You're not starting from scratch, you're starting from experience. → With boundaries → With wisdom → With clarity. Build the business you wish you worked for at 30.

Vacation's Over—Time to Get Back to Business. Seven days away was exactly what I needed. But now? It's Monday, my inbox is full, and I'm trying to get back into work mode. Waiting for inspiration is unpredictable, and forcing motivation is not sustainable. But structure? That works every time.

“If you’re feeling creative, do the errands tomorrow. If you’re fit and healthy, take a day to go surfing. When inspiration strikes, write it down. The calendar belongs to everyone else. Their schedule isn’t your schedule unless it helps you get where you’re going.” — Seth Godin

Pivoting After 50? You Have More to Offer!
You’ve got experience, industry knowledge, and a bigger network than you did at 20. Your past colleagues are valuable resources—but only if you engage with them.
Start today: Reach out, reconnect, and let them know what you do.

Two conversations this week reminded me how important it is to understand what kind of help you really need. Sometimes, you think you need a coach, but what you really need is an advisor—and sometimes, it’s the other way around.

You've Heard Of FOMO, But What Is 'FOBO'? Here's How To Spot This Damaging Issue. The term "FOBO" was coined at the same time as "FOMO," but fewer people are familiar with this potent force.

Stop Overthinking It

Whether it’s analysis paralysis or FOBO (Fear of Better Options), you might be holding yourself back.

Here’s the thing: Trust your gut. Make a choice, take action. Progress beats perfection.

The Power of Catching Up

I caught up with three people today—one I’ve known for 25 years, one for five, and one for just a couple of weeks.

We shared ideas, swapped resources, and talked about self-employment & marketing.

Conversations like these fuel creativity and momentum.

How Do I Find a Job?

A student asked me this, but it’s the same challenge many face.

You can apply online all day, but your next opportunity will likely come from someone you know.

No network? Start now. You have more connections than you realize—reach out.

Who’s helped you land a job before?

30+ Days Later: A New Habit, a New Mindset

They say 30 days makes a habit. I tested it—and it worked.

Since Jan 1, I’ve written daily. Not for clients, but for myself. Writing was something I avoided, but by showing up every day, it’s getting easier. Today is day 32.

Self-Employment Reality Check

Working for yourself doesn’t mean total freedom—you’re the boss, but also the marketer, admin, and problem solver.

The key is focusing on what moves the needle and streamlining the rest.

Pro Tip: Identify one thing to delegate or automate next week. What’s yours?

The Thrill of Seeing Your Work Out in the Wild

Most of my work lives in digital spaces. Strategy often stays behind the scenes, but when the designs are brought to life, the results are recognizable to me.

Here’s the thing: Seeing a brand you helped shape take on a life of its own never gets old.

Fresh Perspective Changes Everything.

A nonprofit merger stalled 6 months over a name. Internal teams were too close to see a solution. I stepped in, and within weeks, we had a name & story everyone rallied behind.

Here’s the thing: When you're stuck, fresh eyes can make all the difference.

I get to do one of my favorite things today: brainstorm solutions to a client’s growth challenges. Better yet, it’s for someone I’ve known for over 30 years.

There’s nothing better than doing what you love for people you like, especially when they appreciate the value you bring to the table.