Good grief that went quickly…….on the 24th February, a group of eager students listened attentively…Ollie Leggett founder of IE Design, Birmingham, Rachel Hargrave, Phoenix Partners Leicester and freelance producer- Alan James.

Ollie Leggett of IE Design, was totally inspiring from how he obtained his first client, to his approach in running his business. His personal values have shaped his business ethos. When Ollie started his company he created his core values which he still works by today however he did say that it’s a daily struggle to keep to them when he has to let someone go etc. His ‘Key Values’ are non negotiable and suggested that to ‘Be true to yourself and live it’

Ollie stated that he lead not managed his company and went on to say that only 3% of us are ‘Natural Leaders’ however the good news is that you can learn to be one!!!!! He referred to a book ‘Developing the Leader within You’ by John C Maxwell.

Most of what Ollie spoke about reflected current management thinking……I really think he should write it down!

Second up was Rachel Hargrave with a totally different approach to her business. Rachel, is a partner of Phoenix Partners based in Leicestershire which she set-up 7 years ago. Organic strategy comes to mind in how Rachel approaches her business, responding to clients needs with ‘Yes we can do that to’ then finding a way! Moving from live events and film and video into different areas such as PR and graphic design has been a business strategy that has benefitted the company in the downturn as the projects and budgets have been slashed in Live Events. Rachel recognised that she has to be more structured since the early days where she was very much hands on, she now finds herself managing and moving the company forward. Something she admits seems at times rather alien to her. How she wins work is being really good a what you do – helping people to communicate their story in a variety of multi platform and cross discipline work, that is memorable and full of impact.
Alan James, a freelance producer shared with us his experience of producing a unscripted improvised live band with an orchestra and live writing composers. The Band –“The Bays” based in London.
10 years ago, a group of session musicians from well know acts came together and decided not to make records but only play live totally improvised with no rehearsals and no vocals. The four piece, The Bays, are drums, bass, keyboards and ‘science department’ – effects with a special guest each night. Alan explained the difficulties in working with an improvised band with an orchestra and how it was overcome by the use of technology.
All these speakers had qualities of passion, commitment and creativity in what they produced and how they ran their business or project. I would like to thank all of them in taking the time to come and talk. Thank you for reading…

As much as possible, I think it’s a good idea to get a feel for how things work in the real world. Especially for me, being someone who turns to books on any pretext it is easy to think you may know something because you read it.

I thought I knew that the values that you have as a business owner definitely impact the way you run your business and the culture that ensues. It doesn’t have to be deliberate but it has an effect. What I didn’t know, which you only can from experience, is that just because you may have strong values/a strong culture it does not mean that your clients will be the same. Infact, your most lucrative relationships maybe with the complete opposite of you!

This is one of the best things I learnt from our first guest speaker Oliver Legitt of I.E Design Consultancy. I like that he has cultivated an environment where the relationships around him are important. I imagine that working for him is a lovely and rewarding, warm and fuzzy kinda experience BUT, he is was quick to explain that he runs a business and people get fired and hired. Tough decisions have to be made. He also pointed out that NOT hiring your clone is a great way to progress, you need someone to challenge you afterall. I had never thought of things in this light before, as naturally you would think someone who thinks like you would always understand what needs to get done but in a business environment, especially a creative one a different perspective is invaluable. I won’t be forgetting this piece of information in a hurry!

While I.E’s culture was a more deliberate effort, the one at The Phoenix Partners (marketing) was not. Rachel Hargrave, its Director, commented on how she only realised that there was a culture (and that it was not for everyone) after someone had to leave because they could not keep up with the pace. Her approach to business is different to Oliver’s in that they are very focused on meeting the bottom line, as that is the point of a business. She pointed out that she was very good at what she does and that in the end is what singles you out.

Interestingly enough, just because the approaches of the two businesses may be different there were a few similarities. For example, Rachel also had to think about whether or not they should take on certain clients for example if the fees was too low, especially now during the recession because once the recession lifts then re-negotiations have to take place, meaning your recession as a business can last longer.

Both put emphasis on following your own instincts and doing what was best for the client. Very tasty food for thought…