We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Domenica Pilo-pais. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Domenica below.

Domenica, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Your ability to build a team is often a key determinant of your success as a business owner and so we’d love to get a conversation going with successful entrepreneurs like yourself around what your recruiting process was like -especially early on. How did you build your team?

When I launched my marketing agency in 2022, it was just me and my former partner hustling hard. Picture this: I’m in my tiny San Francisco studio, taking client calls from my bathtub because that was the quietest spot! Talk about humble beginnings, right? But hey, that’s the entrepreneurial journey for you.

I wasn’t exactly starting from scratch, though. Years of freelancing and experience at a marketing agency had equipped me with all the necessary skills—web development, graphic design, social media strategy, you name it. I was the mad hatter of marketing, juggling it all.

It wasn’t until about five or six months in that we brought our first employee on board. Looking back, I realize we should’ve scaled up sooner. You know what I’ve learned? The biggest mistake entrepreneurs make is staying small and trying to do it all themselves. It’s not just about stunting growth; it’s a one-way ticket to burnout city, even with a business partner.

Here’s something I wish I’d learned sooner: the moment you’re covering company and personal expenses, it’s crucial to reinvest in your business and start attracting talent. I get it—a lot of business owners see hiring as a pay cut. But flip that script! It’s an investment in your company’s future, a catalyst for explosive growth, and a way to buy back your most precious resource: time.

Avanti Creativo really took off when I went solo and started building a dream team. Another trap I see entrepreneurs fall into? Thinking no one can do the job as well as they can. Trust me, I did too! Here’s the secret sauce: find someone who can do the work 80% as well as you, then focus on your highest-value tasks. It’s what changed the game for me. By focusing on your most impactful work and delegating the rest, you’re not just growing a business—you’re scaling.

And let me tell you, there’s nothing quite like the thrill of watching your business grow while you’re living that entrepreneurial dream of freedom. It’s not just about the bottom line; it’s about creating a life and a business that lights you up every single day.

So if I could go back and whisper some advice to my bathtub-office self? I’d say: “Dream bigger, hire sooner, and trust in the power of a great team.” Because at the end of the day, that’s what turns a scrappy startup into a game-changing company.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

I’m Domenica, founder and consultant at Avanti Creativo, and I’ve been living and breathing digital marketing since I was a kid. No joke—I built my first website when I was just 10 years old! Avanti Creativo isn’t just another marketing agency. We’re on a mission to level the playing field for small businesses and entrepreneurs. Think of us as your secret weapon in the digital arena.

What sets us apart? We’re not just keeping up with the AI revolution—we’re leading it. We take cutting-edge AI tools and make them accessible and practical for businesses of all sizes. We solve a big problem for our clients: how to stand out and thrive in an increasingly crowded and complex digital marketplace. Whether it’s crafting a killer social media strategy, developing an AI-powered chatbot, or creating a comprehensive digital marketing plan, we’re all about delivering results that move the needle.

I’m incredibly proud of the global impact we’re making. We’ve worked with clients across multiple continents, from startups to industry leaders. It’s amazing to see businesses transform and grow with the right marketing strategy.

Oh, and if you’re into podcasts, you might have heard me discussing all things AI and marketing on the OWWLL Podcast. It’s my way of sharing insights and staying connected with the entrepreneurial community.

At the end of the day, what excites me most is seeing small businesses and entrepreneurs succeed. There’s nothing more rewarding than watching a client’s business take off because of the strategies we’ve implemented together. That’s what drives me, and that’s what Avanti Creativo is all about—empowering businesses to reach their full potential in the digital age.

Any advice for growing your clientele? What’s been most effective for you?

I’ve learned that the most effective strategy for growing a business is networking! When they say your net worth is your network, it’s no joke. As an introvert, when I first started my business, I completely ignored this advice. I truly believed I could run my business without having to network or ask for help. And to be fair, I wasn’t wrong at first. My business grew quickly in the beginning, but then one day, things just… stopped. It hit me like a ton of bricks – you could have the best product or service in the world, but if nobody knows about it, you’re a lost cause.

Learning how to network and put myself in the right places at the right time was a game-changer. You never know who you might be referred to or who you might meet that could change everything for you. It’s not just about handing out business cards; it’s about building genuine relationships. I’ve found that authenticity goes a long way in networking – people can smell BS from a mile away! Networking has not only helped grow my business but has also helped me grow as an individual. It’s pushed me out of my comfort zone and taught me invaluable skills. You’d be amazed at how much your business can grow just from attending networking events or even just striking up conversations at your local coffee shop.

Now, the second best way to grow your business? Social media, hands down! I can’t believe people still don’t understand the power of social media for business. If you do it right, you can literally generate leads in your sleep. It’s like having a 24/7 marketing machine working for you. But here’s the thing – it’s not just about posting random content and hoping something sticks. You need a strategy. You need to understand your audience, create valuable content that resonates with them, and engage consistently. It’s about building a community around your brand. Remember, social media is about being SOCIAL!
I’ve seen businesses completely transform their growth trajectory by learning how to do social media correctly. So, if you’re looking to grow your clientele, start putting yourself out there in person and online. Trust me, your business will thank you!

Are there any books, videos, essays or other resources that have significantly impacted your management and entrepreneurial thinking and philosophy?

Knowledge is power, and as an entrepreneur, you should always be learning. Always! I’m not just talking about staying up-to-date with industry trends – I mean diving deep into personal and professional development. I try to read at least ten pages a day. And sometimes, I get so excited that I end up juggling two books at once! LOL. I know, I know, it sounds a little extreme, but seriously, there is so much to learn.

Let me share some game-changers that have completely transformed my business:

1. “Buy Back Your Time” – This book was a wake-up call about the value of my time, and it taught me the importance of having a team and outsourcing tasks.
2. “The Science of Getting Rich” – It completely shifted my mindset about wealth and abundance.
3. “Think and Grow Rich” – A classic that never gets old, packed with timeless wisdom. I’ve read it 3 times already, and I learn something new each time.
4. “Sometimes You Win, Sometimes You Learn” – This one taught me to see every experience, good or bad, as a learning opportunity. Success is about failing fast and pivoting.

Here’s the real secret – your best investment will always, always be in personal development. Want to fix your business? Start by fixing yourself. Trust me on this one. So, where do you start? Here are some areas I’ve found incredibly valuable:

1. Discover your Enneagram type. It’s like a personality GPS that helps you understand your core motivations and behaviors.
2. Learn about your Human Design. This system has given me incredible insights into how I naturally operate and make decisions.
3. Always, and I mean always, strive to do the inner work. It’s not always comfortable, but it’s so worth it.

The goal here isn’t just business success. It’s about creating a well-rounded life with all the best things: rock-solid mental health, physical health, amazing relationships, and yes, money too! You must remember that personal growth isn’t a destination – it’s a journey. Some days you’ll feel on top of the world, and others you’ll wonder if you’re making any progress at all. But never give up. Every book you read, every step of inner work, every new skill you learn – it all adds up.

And the best part? As you grow personally, you’ll see your business transform too. Your improved decision-making, enhanced communication skills, and deeper self-understanding will naturally flow into your entrepreneurial journey.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.avanticreativo.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/avanticreativo/
• Youtube: https://m.youtube.com/@Avanticreativo/videos
• Other: Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@avanti.creativo?_t=8qH1Us1W5qZ&_r=1