We asked some of the brightest and most thoughtful entrepreneurs, artists and creatives in the community to tell us about something they believe that most people in their space disagree with and we’ve shared highlights below.

Kara Sperling

While many photographers focus solely on Instagram perfection and paid advertising, I believe that genuine human connection remains the most powerful tool for building a thriving business. This might seem counterintuitive in an industry obsessed with followers and likes, but I’ve learned that strong client relationships are far more valuable than any algorithm. This belief stems from a pivotal experience early in my career. I had just launched my photography business and, like many others, was heavily focused on online marketing and social media. While those efforts brought in some clients, my most significant and enduring connections came from unexpected places. Read more>>

Brielle Larocca

In the art industry, there has been a huge shift in the way we market ourselves and connect to new clients due to the increased usage of social media as a whole. There was once a time where you had to meet potential prospects in person and your work had to be viewed in a gallery of some sort. Nowadays, we can share our works with people that are thousands of miles away just with a simple click of a button. With this new form of marketing being the norm, many people have mixed opinions on it. Some love the concept of using social media to advertise for the speed and simplicity of the process while others prefer the “old-fashioned” way. Some feel the market is over saturated and their work is drowned out by a sea of other creators and their works. Read more>>

Matthew Stonesifer

There is a common belief within the home inspection industry that, to operate completely in the best interests of the client, we are at odds with the real estate agent. This can cause even further conflict and issues as home inspection is largely a B2B2C industry. This can be heard in networking and social media groups on both sides of the aisle. We are all doing everything we can to uphold our fiduciary responsibility to the client, so why do we have to be at odds? I challenge everyone to look at the process differently. I approach the process as everyone working on behalf of the home buyer or seller is a different member of the same team. If we are all on the same page with open communication, from agent and inspector to attorney and mortgage team, then the client is most likely to have the best and most thorough experience possible.  Read more>>

Maria Reese

In real estate, there’s a common belief that higher-priced transactions deserve more attention or effort than lower-priced ones. I completely disagree. Every client, every home, and every deal matters equally. My approach doesn’t change based on price point because I believe every client deserves the best, whether they’re buying a cozy starter home or a multi-million-dollar estate.This belief was cemented early in my career. I remember helping a first-time buyer purchase a modest home. The budget was tight, the process challenging, but the gratitude they showed was profound. Shortly after, I worked on a luxury listing, and I treated both transactions with the same care and dedication. What struck me was how both clients, regardless of their price range, valued the trust and effort I brought to the table. Read more>>

Michaela Rabinov

I think one of the big things that a lot of photographers are told when they are first starting out, is that it’s good to work for free to “build your portfolio”. While it is true that you need to build your portfolio, I don’t think anyone should ever be working for free. Photographers – spend time organizing your own spec shoots (speculative shoots) that really portray the types of photos you want in YOUR portfolio. Even shoot product of brands that you’d love to work with, but don’t offer your photos or time to anyone else for free. This not only puts you in a position where brands will start seeing you as someone who works for free, but it also lowers the standard of pay for other photographers. Building your portfolio with spec work that you create yourself gives you more space for freedom to create what you want in your portfolio, and will give you the opportunity to practice producing and shooting without the stress of messing it up for a client. Read more>>

Louis Josephson

Many artists and their audience members believe that art needs to be commercial, original, and unique. While I strive for commercial success, I find it far more effective to focus on creating work that resonates with me. When I try to compose with too much emphasis on these rigid expectations, I feel like I’m no longer being true to myself as an artist. Words like “original,” “catchy,” and “unique” are often used—by others and by the inner critic—to describe art, but they don’t define it. My brand, both in my identity and my work, is developing one composition at a time. Therefore, it’s not very productive to attempt to define my writing style. Instead, I believe it’s better to continue writing and allow others to interpret it as they wish. Read more>>