When the time is right, start small. This will allow you to take risks and learn what works.

• Do your homework. Write a thorough business plan. It is a valuable guide that forces you to think about where your work will come from. Make an effort to understand a profit & loss sheet, planning pipeline and cashflow forecast.
• Plan to grow. Write an operation's manual to detail who does what and how often. Plan all the roles a bigger agency will need, then do them all yourselves.
• Find 'your way'. Establish what your studio's vision is.

• Hire the best you can. People are your most valuable resource. When the time arrives, hire the best people you can afford. Each recruit should fit your values and bring something new with them. If there are people you admire but they're not a good fit for your team, find way...