Lewis Lindsay

Create efficiencies in your life and repeat them daily.

 

Lewis is a digital marketing agency owner based in Bournemouth, UK.

He achieved his life long ambition of signing a professional footballer contract, only to suffer a major injury at the age of 21, bringing his dream to a sudden and crushing end.

Lewis rebuilt his career and now runs a digital marketing agency, specialising in Facebook ads for the events industry.

Lewis lives in the coastal town on Bournemouth and often travels for work.

Where did the idea for your company come from?

At the age of 21, I suffered an injury that brought my dream career of being a pro footballer to a sudden end.
The chairman of the football club I had been playing for had a start up and saw something in me – he asked me to join him and effectively gave me a fast track internship in his company. This was a game changer for me, and I quickly found a passion for marketing, and particularly social media marketing.

I went on to be come to become share holder and director of that company – which shows what a rollercoaster it was!

The obvious next step from there was to channel everything I had learnt into my own business, helping others grow their businesses using the same skills.

What does your typical day look like and how do you make it productive?

I’m a big believer in the power of a list and positive action – don’t think about it, just do it.

Every morning a write a list of 5 main tasks I need to complete to move my business forward and allocate times for each task, so I know I am on track.

I don’t switch from app to app, but if it’s not in my calendar, it’s not happening – I would be lost without my calendar reminders!

How do you bring ideas to life?

I love the creative process, I think a lot of people in my industry focus on the tactics rather than going back to basics of good, engaging creative with a clear message.

As much as I love coming up with creative ideas, I am not great at bringing the ideas to life, which is why my first hire was a graphic designer, that’s how highly we value the quality of creative for our clients.

What’s one trend that excites you?

We work solely within the events industry – there are some really exciting trends happening at the moment with ‘experience’ driven events.
People are craving life experiences (as well as the Insta snap to prove it!) we have some really exciting projects in the pipeline where we are helping our clients create these experiences, as well as looking after the marketing of the event!

Watch this space…

What is one habit of yours that makes you more productive as an entrepreneur?

One thing I never dropped after being a pro footballer was keeping up my fitness – this is integral to my productivity and discipline in the agency.
I am a firm believer in ‘healthy body, healthy mind’ and when I am super busy I have to really prioritise my exercise, or my work will suffer.

What advice would you give your younger self?

Thinking back to those dark days after my injury, when it felt like my whole world was falling apart, I want to tell him to trust the process and keep plugging away.

Tell us something that’s true that almost nobody agrees with you on.

That England will win the next world cup…. THEY WILL!

As an entrepreneur, what is the one thing you do over and over and recommend everyone else do?

Create efficiencies in your life and repeat them daily – like Mark Zuckerberg wears the same t-shirt every day to cut down on decisions, I opt for things like meal prep services, so I don’t have to think about meal planning, things like that make a real difference, and help me focus on the important stuff.

What is one strategy that has helped you grow your business?

I believe in giving value first, without expectation. At the end of the day we do business with people, and if you can show you are a good person and build trust then it leads to much better business relationships.

What is one failure you had as an entrepreneur, and how did you overcome it?

It would have to be my football injury – although not necessarily a ‘failure’, it was certainly the thing that has had the most negative impact on my life. I got through by applying everything I had learnt in my training days – perseverance, dedication and being resourceful and I had faith that if I applied the same tactics I had used to get signed, I would be able to get back on track.

What is one business idea that you’re willing to give away to our readers?

My end goal is to set up a program for ex academy and professional footballers who have been spat out by the system with very little guidance or support. I would offer counselling, financial education and career guidance all within a supportive community.

Niche, I know but there is a huge need for it!

What is the best $100 you recently spent? What and why?

I am currently travelling for work and am in New Zealand, I spent $100 getting a Valentine’s gift to my girlfriend at home. Which wasn’t just a great way to spend $100, but also earned me some serious brownie points!

What is one piece of software or a web service that helps you be productive?

I am a huge fan of Asana, it helps me stay organised with my projects and means I can easily assign tasks to my team.
It was a total game changer for my business and team’s productivity.

What is the one book that you recommend our community should read and why?

Bounce (the myth of talent and the power of practice) by Matthew Syed. It reinforced my learning from my football days that if you put in enough purposeful practice and persevere, you can achieve anything.

What is your favorite quote?

Today I will do what others won’t, so tomorrow I can accomplish what others can’t. It helps me go the extra mile in my business, even when I don’t feel like it.

Key Learnings:

• Focus on delivering value first and being nice
• Double down on your strengths and outsource your weaknesses
• Stay focussed and trust the process

Connect:

www.facebook.com/saagencyuk
www.instagram.com/Silverarrowagency

Linkedin: @silverarrowagency