Road to 100: Top 10 Learnings from 100 Barthell Digital Clients
As our team reflects on the surreal milestone of working with over 100 businesses through Barthell Digital, we’re filled with both pride and gratitude. Helping companies across industries—healthcare, food and beverage, manufacturing, and more—has been a journey rich in challenges and invaluable lessons. Each business, whether B2B, B2C, or B2B2C, brings unique dynamics to the table. Yet, through years of collaboration, certain universal truths about what makes businesses thrive (or fail) have shown up time and time again. These are learnings we’ve witnessed firsthand, distilled from the trenches of business growth. Here are the top 10 lessons I’ve gathered from the experience of partnering with these remarkable companies.
1. Leaders Define Success
In our experience, the success of a business rests heavily on its leadership. Often, the founder or CEO’s ability to stay calm and calculated through inevitable ups and downs becomes the deciding factor. Great leaders balance intuition with data, making informed decisions while staying grounded in their vision. They create a culture of calmness, focus, and inspiration—even in the face of adversity. Conversely, leaders who let the stresses of growth cloud their judgment often cultivate a tense, anxious environment that repels talent. The most successful leaders we’ve worked with inspire their teams daily, leading with clarity, encouragement, and optimism.
2. Business Needs Should Drive Everything
One of the most common pitfalls we’ve seen is a lack of focus on a core business need. The “shiny object syndrome” lures companies into chasing trends or building products without addressing a real, pressing problem. You can create the most innovative gadget, but if there’s no market demand, your business is on borrowed time. Successful companies align every department—from marketing to product development—around solving specific, well-defined problems for real buyers.
3. Avoid Politics and Toxic People
A toxic work environment can sink even the most promising companies. Office politics, infighting, or dealing with individuals who prioritize ego over results are surefire ways to drain productivity and morale. Successful businesses foster open communication, mutual respect, and a focus on shared goals. We’ve seen teams thrive when they’re empowered to collaborate without the burden of internal conflict.
4. Build Relationships Beyond Work
Getting to know your team on a personal level can bridge cultural gaps, make remote work more engaging, and create stronger bonds. Whether it’s learning about their families, hobbies, or ambitions, these connections humanize the workplace and build loyalty. The most cohesive teams we’ve encountered weren’t just coworkers—they were friends.
5. Don’t Let Experience Fool You
Experience is immensely valuable, but it’s not always the silver bullet. We’ve encountered people who claim, “I’ve been doing this for 40 years,” but fail to adapt to today’s rapidly changing landscape. The best leaders and teams approach problems with curiosity and a willingness to learn, regardless of their tenure. Industries evolve, and so must the people steering the ship.
6. Set Clear Expectations
Misaligned expectations are a silent killer of productivity and trust. Clearly defining roles, responsibilities, and goals ensures everyone is on the same page. When expectations are set and communicated effectively, it not only helps the team but also reduces unnecessary stress for leadership. Consistency in this area fosters accountability and enables smoother operations.
7. Plan for the Long, Medium, and Short Term
One of the most transformative frameworks we’ve embraced is setting 10-year, 3-year, and 1-year goals. Borrowed from the Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS), this approach clarifies priorities at every level of the organization. Long-term goals provide a guiding vision, mid-term goals keep you on track, and short-term goals drive immediate action. This structure ensures alignment and focus across the board.
8. Persistence Wins Every Time
Every business faces setbacks—it’s not a matter of “if” but “when.” The difference between success and failure often comes down to persistence. The companies that survive and thrive are those that weather the storms, pivot when necessary, and keep pushing forward. We’ve seen clients bounce back from seemingly insurmountable challenges simply because they refused to quit.
9. Grow Within Your Means
Smart growth starts with understanding your limits. Businesses should leverage tools like 13-week cashflow models to plan ahead and ensure they don’t overextend themselves. Things rarely go exactly as planned, and maintaining financial flexibility can be the difference between surviving and folding. This principle applies not only to business but also to personal finances. Avoid over-investing or taking out personal loans you can’t afford to lose—the stress of financial strain can wreak havoc on families. While some investors romanticize the idea of risking it all, the truth is that sustainable growth comes from calculated risks and a solid foundation.
10. Don’t Be Afraid to Ask for Advice
One of the simplest yet most powerful strategies for growth is seeking advice. Whether it’s reaching out to a mentor, an industry expert, or even a peer, people are often more willing to help than you might think. We’ve seen businesses unlock game-changing insights simply by asking the right questions to the right people. Never underestimate the value of an outside perspective.
Cheesy Bonus: Make It Fun
At its core, business is a game. It’s competitive, relentless, and full of ups and downs—but it should also be fun. The most successful companies we’ve worked with treat their business journey as an adventure. They celebrate wins, embrace challenges, and create an environment that people are excited to be a part of. After all, if you’re not enjoying the process, it’s hard to inspire others to join you on the journey.
At Barthell Digital we are obsessed with the science and art of building a productive and fun team environment. If you’re interested in hearing more from our learnings and considering working with us, don’t hesitate to reach out!
