Who are you, and what do you do?
Hello, my name is Dayne Kuhlmann, and I am the founder and CEO of Victory Media. We are a marketing agency that does: Websites, branding, videos, podcasts, digital advertising etc.
What has been one insight or lesson that has been most helpful in your career?
Nothing replaces hard work… Whatever you want to achieve, it will take 10x more work that you are thinking. Be ready to grind
What has been your favorite mistake? A mistake that in retrospect led to a great lesson and progress.
Hired too many people early. I had the chance to bring on some amazing talent, so I took it. It put us in a very tight financial position for about 8 month, but it forced us to find a way to make it work.
Project forward ten years. How will your industry or field be fundamentally different then? What opportunities do you see?
Marketing will be all about experiences. A catchy tagline or beautiful logo will no longer be relevant. Consumers crave connection and experience in an ever less personal world (no matter the business)
What are some bad recommendations you hear in your profession or area of expertise?
All communication or PR is good.
Bad messaging does more damage than it’s worth. Find media outlets and a strong message that allows you to be authentic and genuine and stick to those outlets.
In the last two years, what have you become better at saying no to?
Free Work…. everyone wants a deal
My time… It’s the easiest thing to give, but my MOST valuable asset
What is the one book you recommend most often and why?
E-Myth: Great book for new entrepreneurs
Extreme Ownership: Takes you to the next level of ownership and personal accountability
Story Brand: Marketing in a nutshell..
What advice would you give a smart and ambitious recent college graduate? What advice should they ignore?
Work hard. Be willing to take the job with less pay if it will get you where you want to go. NO ONE will pay you what you think you are worth. You have to humble yourself and prove yourself (constantly)
Yesterday’s trophies don’t win today’s races
What is your favorite quote, one you aim to live by?
“We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act, but a habit.”