When I got into this conversation with Rich Brooks, it didn’t take long to realize this guy isn’t your typical marketing guru. He’s got nearly three decades of experience, yet he’s not caught up in the flashiness or latest trends that seem to come and go. Instead, Rich has taken a very real, grounded approach to business – one that’s focused on lasting growth and building relationships that stick.
If you’re in business, especially in marketing or any kind of creative field, there’s a lot to learn from Rich. Not just about marketing techniques, but about understanding who you’re serving and finding the right way to do it. Here are two key takeaways from our talk – lessons Rich learned the hard way and ones I think will resonate if you’re trying to build something that’s not just big but actually valuable.
Success Takes Patience
Rich didn’t build flyte new media on some get-rich-quick scheme. Instead, it’s been a steady climb, almost 30 years of fine-tuning what his agency does best. He’s been through it all – started by building simple websites, then pivoted to SEO, email marketing, and social media as the landscape changed. When clients started asking for digital advertising or AI integration, he adapted, but never in a way that felt rushed. Each change was intentional, part of a bigger picture.
“I didn’t want people just paying me to make pretty websites, I wanted them to invest in their businesses.”
The whole idea of patience runs deep for him. It wasn’t just about doing everything himself. He hired people when the work demanded it, which allowed him to focus on strategy. And it wasn’t just any team – he hired for long-term growth, aiming to build something sustainable.
Key Takeaways from Our Talk:
- Think Long-Term: Rich didn’t focus on quick fixes. He invested in skills that would serve him for the long haul, adding services thoughtfully as his clients’ needs evolved.
- Hire Wisely: One of the best things he did was bring on the right people at the right time. This let him scale without sacrificing quality.
- Stay Ahead of Trends, but Don’t Chase Every One: Rich explored new tools and technologies with intention. He wasn’t looking to chase every shiny new thing; he was aiming to stay relevant and valuable to his clients.
Build Real Connections – People Over Profits
Rich didn’t just rely on marketing techniques or data. He’s been out there, meeting people, hosting events, and building a real network. I mean, this guy still gets excited to go out and speak at events. He says there’s no substitute for the energy you get from a live crowd, and for him, those connections have been gold.
“The older I get, the more I realize the importance of strong relationships.” He’d rather connect with a handful of genuine people than try to collect business cards from everyone in the room.
And it’s not just networking for the sake of it. Rich takes his time, which might sound old-school, but it’s proven to be the most effective way to find clients who actually stick around. When he’s at an event now, he’s not out there trying to impress everyone. He’s got a strategy, focusing on those few connections that feel real and meaningful.
What I Learned from Rich’s Experience:
- Quality Over Quantity: Rich used to hand out business cards like Halloween candy. Now, he’s more intentional, focusing on people who he genuinely connects with.
- Not All Clients Are Good Clients: As his agency grew, Rich learned to narrow down his ideal client profile. Working with people who valued his expertise made his work not only more rewarding but also more manageable.
- The Power of Personal Connections: For Rich, in-person speaking events are still a huge part of his marketing strategy. There’s something about being face-to-face that you just can’t replicate online.
Reflections from the Interview
When you run a business, especially in a world that’s gone digital and automated, it’s easy to lose that human touch. Rich’s approach is a reminder that relationships and patience pay off. He’s built an agency that’s both resilient and human-focused, a place where his clients feel understood and valued. And, frankly, where his team feels respected.
Here’s What I’m Taking Away:
- Patience Pays Off: Rich didn’t chase trends for quick wins. He’s built something sustainable by keeping a steady pace and growing in a way that made sense.
- Choose Clients Wisely: Now that he’s established, Rich picks his clients carefully. He’s more interested in people who respect his work and bring positive energy.
- Keep Adapting, but Stay Grounded: Rich has adapted his services over the years, but never lost sight of his core values. He’s about quality and real connections, not just numbers on a spreadsheet.
- Networking Isn’t Just About Numbers: Rich values meaningful interactions over volume. At events, he’s there to have real conversations, not to impress everyone in the room.
- Balance AI with Human Insight: Rich uses AI to support his work, not replace it. For him, technology is a tool, but the human connection is what makes his agency stand out.
Final Thoughts
Listening to Rich talk about his business made me rethink a few things about my own. There’s this pressure in business to always be chasing the next big thing, the next big client, but Rich’s approach is a reminder that maybe that’s the wrong way to look at it. He’s out there building something that will outlast trends – something that’s grounded in real relationships and steady growth.
If you’re out there trying to build something, think about the long game. Don’t just jump on every trend that comes along. Make real connections, and don’t be afraid to be picky with your clients. Rich’s story is proof that it’s possible to build a business that’s not only successful but fulfilling, too.
CONNECT WITH RICH BROOKS:
Website:https://www.takeflyte.com/