Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Michelle Collins. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Michelle, appreciate you joining us today. Alright, so one thing we think people don’t talk about nearly enough is investments – either time or money. What’s one of the best or worst investments you’ve made and what did you learned from the experience?
I like to share with people that my journey started as an independent business consultant, but that the true business launched after a milestone moment when I realized that I was investing too much time into other people’s needs and goals versus my own.
I started the business over 18 years ago as a consultant providing a wide range of creative, strategy and project management services whilst building the skill and core competency, opportunities for my clients.
This was initially so rewarding. But, I started to question my ability to grow and create a successful practice which could transform into a business. Then, 8 years ago, after hitting a wall on many levels, I took the advice of a handful of clients and colleagues.
Start investing more time, money and effort into building your own brand and reputation. Take the risk, face the unknown and leap. “Double down on you.”
A Non-Agency® was born 6 years ago and it was and is the essence of me, the business model and ethos. We are defined by our own creativity and not client, project works alone. At the time, most people just didn’t understand or believe that it could be done.
In this short time, we have created award-winning firsts of its kind for clients and ourselves – even through and during the Pandemic.
We create opportunities and transform experiences with a community of entrepreneurs who have proven their excellence and commitment.
Now, we see a lot of people and businesses attempt to mimic us.
The biggest lesson and value I can share is that investing in yourself is not a selfish act. It is about giving. Stop focusing on the wrong things, people and so-called opportunities of a lifetime. Lean into how you truly feel and wish others to feel.
For me, it’s about pride, joy, awe and humility. Never lose the stage fright!
Michelle, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?
We are A Non-Agency® from NYC. We transform unique businesses and create first of its kind experiences. Our creative consultancy has won several awards in the experience space – Lancome Smart Vanity Mirror, CES 2020 Delta Airlines Keynote and Booth Experience, Candy Crush Saga, Richemont Arcadium.
Our newest service, A\N/A Brand Closet Showroom Social, is the first hospitality retail platform transforming travel shopping and the first to debut a Drone Show for a Hotel Partner in the USA.
The Creative Marketplace is propelling artisans in the new age of NFT and Generative Art. One of our artist client, Sam Kirk, has propelled to the top in her field during our 5 years of management.
How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?
Often times, pivotal moments are a solution to a problem. Rebranding the business over 6 years ago. and making the bold statement through our positioning, A Non-Agency® was more than a pivot. It was freedom.
Any fun sales or marketing stories?
My first big live show experience was for Wasserman – Superbowl and Microsoft. I had never produced a live show, projection mapped digital art, fan event with live celebrity DJ in such a compressed timeline and as the sole US based EP.
I didn’t shy away, but asked those that were the technical experts to support me. Likewise, I was honest about what I didn’t know, but never started anything without research, and full planning at the forefront.
There were many unexpected moments and potentially devastating challenges. The difference was the unity of the teams and willingness to help each other.
It’s never a solo moment.
Contact Info:
- Website: hello@anonagency.com
- Instagram: @anonagency_nyc
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/evmichellecollins
- Other: @brandcloset_social
Image Credits
Michelle Collins A Non-Agency®