Building a Brand with Creativity and Teamwork: Insights from Mike Brevik

The Importance of Teamwork: Why Going Solo Isn’t the Best Option

When you start a business, you might feel the temptation to take everything on yourself. After all, you're passionate about your product or service, and no one understands your vision like you do. But as Mike Brevik learned firsthand, this mentality can be a major roadblock to growth. Going solo can only get you so far, and the sooner you recognize the power of teamwork, the faster your business will scale.

Mike’s journey through growing and scaling multiple companies taught him that building a successful brand isn’t about doing everything yourself—it’s about leveraging the skills of others. "If you're going to bring people in and build a team, you need to find people who are better than you at everything," Mike says. And this advice is crucial: when you're building your team, don't just look for people who can do the job, look for people who can do it better than you could on your own.

Whether you're in marketing, product development, or customer service, finding talent who complements your skillset is key. A team isn’t just a group of people who show up to work every day; it’s a group of individuals who bring unique perspectives, expertise, and strengths to the table. This diversity not only makes your company stronger but also opens up new creative possibilities you might have never considered on your own.

How to Find the Right Talent: Building a Team of People Better Than You

Hiring the right people is one of the most challenging parts of growing your business. It’s easy to fall into the trap of hiring people who just fill a role—but to truly build a strong company, you need people who push the boundaries of what you thought was possible.

Mike explains that there are two types of agencies: those that simply execute the work and those that aim to make an impact. "If you're going to build an agency that's focused on creativity and making an impact, you have to find talent that is hungry to do just that," Mike explains. Finding people who share your passion and vision can sometimes be a challenge, but it’s well worth the effort.

Start by defining the core values that your company stands for and the kind of impact you want to make. Then, seek out people who align with those values and are genuinely excited about contributing to your mission. The best talent isn’t just skilled; they’re motivated, adaptable, and driven to help you achieve greatness.

Recruiting great talent isn’t always about finding perfect resumes—it’s about finding the right personalities, values, and attitudes that will push your company forward. And sometimes, this might mean going beyond your local pool and finding remote team members or people who have a different background and perspective.

Overcoming Ego: Why You Need to Let Go of Control to Grow

One of the hardest lessons for any entrepreneur to learn is how to let go of control. As business owners, it’s easy to think we need to handle everything ourselves, whether it’s managing day-to-day operations, overseeing creative work, or solving problems. But the reality is that no one can do it all, and trying to do so will only lead to burnout and frustration.

Mike Brevik faced this dilemma when he realized that in order to grow Cyberdogz Marketing, he needed to pay other companies—sometimes even his competitors—to help with work he could have done himself. “It was a hard pill to swallow to actually pay other companies that technically are competition," he admits. But the benefits far outweighed the initial discomfort.

As entrepreneurs, we often think that we have to do everything ourselves, especially when it comes to tasks that seem close to our own expertise. But Mike’s experience with paying other companies to help him scale his business proved that sometimes, investing in outside expertise can save you time and help you grow faster.

Initially, Mike was hesitant about hiring his competitors to help with certain parts of his business. But the results spoke for themselves. By outsourcing some tasks, Cyberdogz Marketing was able to get ahead of the competition and move faster than Mike would have been able to on his own.

This concept of “paying for help” isn’t just about hiring employees—it’s about seeking out expertise, whether that’s through consultants, agencies, or industry experts who can accelerate your business growth. When you free yourself from the burden of doing everything yourself, you can focus on the bigger picture, strategy, and innovation.

When you're ready to grow your business, step back and recognize that there are times when paying for help is the smartest decision you can make. It might be uncomfortable at first, but it’s the key to building a sustainable and scalable business.

Creativity as the Backbone of Your Brand: The Role of Innovation in Business Success

For Mike Brevik, creativity isn’t just a nice-to-have—it’s the backbone of his business. Cyberdogz Marketing thrives because of its deep commitment to creative work. But creativity is not just about having good ideas; it’s about translating those ideas into something that resonates with your audience and sets you apart from the competition.

As Mike explains, many agencies are content with simply executing work—they’re happy to do the job and collect a paycheck. But for Cyberdogz, creativity is more than just execution; it’s about making an impact. "If you're going to make a difference, you have to bring that creative spark into everything you do," says Mike.

In a world where businesses are vying for attention, creativity can be the differentiator that pushes you ahead. Whether it’s designing an unforgettable logo, crafting unique marketing campaigns, or offering innovative products, creativity can help you create a brand that people love. When you prioritize creativity in your business, you not only engage your audience but also keep your brand dynamic and relevant in a fast-moving market.

Managing the Balance Between Creativity and Business Operations

While creativity is essential, it needs to be balanced with solid business operations. As a small business owner, you must learn how to manage both the creative side of your brand and the operational side, which includes finances, marketing strategies, and customer service.

Mike believes that balancing these two aspects is crucial for long-term success. He emphasizes that having a team that can handle both creative and operational tasks is essential. “The business side takes care of itself when you have the right creative energy,” Mike explains. But without strong systems and processes in place, the business side can quickly fall apart.

If you’re an entrepreneur with a creative vision, it’s easy to get lost in the excitement of new ideas. But you must also stay grounded in your business operations. You don’t need to be a micromanager, but you do need to ensure that your creative ideas are supported by the right strategies and processes. Make sure you have a clear structure, set goals, and have the right team to execute those ideas efficiently.

Building a Business that Makes an Impact: Lessons from Cyberdogz Marketing

Cyberdogz Marketing is a prime example of a business that balances creativity with impact. Mike’s goal isn’t just to provide marketing services; it’s to make a meaningful impact on his clients and the industry as a whole. Building a business that aims to make an impact is about more than just profitability; it’s about creating something that resonates with your audience and stands the test of time.

Mike’s advice for building a business that makes an impact is simple: focus on creativity, build a team of talented individuals who are aligned with your mission, and trust others to help you grow. When your business focuses on making a difference rather than just turning a profit, it naturally attracts loyal customers, talented employees, and opportunities for innovation.

Key Takeaways: What You Can Learn from Mike Brevik’s Journey

From building a strong team of creative individuals to letting go of control and investing in outside expertise, Mike’s story is a reminder that success doesn’t come from doing everything alone. If you're a young entrepreneur or small business owner, consider applying these insights to your own journey:

- Embrace teamwork: Find people who are better than you and help elevate your business.

- Let go of control: Don’t be afraid to pay for help and let others take the reins.

- Focus on creativity: Make creativity the core of your brand and use it to stand out.

- Balance operations and creativity: Keep your business running smoothly while fostering innovation.

Resources for Entrepreneurs:

For those looking to learn more about building creative teams and running a business with a strong foundation, check out Mike Brevik’s companies, Cyberdogz Marketing, Hurd ProNetwork, and DogDayz Apparel. They offer various services to help you grow your business, from branding and content creation, to resources and connections, to digital marketing and social media management, you’ll find all you need with Mike!

As a young entrepreneur or small business owner, it’s crucial to stay ahead of the curve, build a solid team, and keep your business creative and innovative. The journey won’t be easy, but with the right strategies and mindset, you can build a brand that thrives.

Let Mike Brevik's experience guide you as you navigate your own entrepreneurial path, and remember, the key to success lies in building a strong team, embracing creativity, and knowing when to ask for help.