Business lessons I learned in london

Shifting Vago Designs from London to Portugal (and yes, our packages and international clients are all staying put!) has nudged me into a contemplative state. These past 5+ years in this incredible city have been a masterclass in business education, and as I unpack my experiences, I can't help but share some of the standout lessons I've picked up while crafting my business amidst London's vibrant backdrop.

—

Getting started

Let's rewind to where it all began: back in 2018 when I packed my dreams and moved to London to embark on a Career Change Accelerator. At that point, I had given Architecture (my original career choice) a good go but felt extremely unfulfilled. So, motivated to explore what else was out there, I jumped at this opportunity.
As the Accelerator neared its conclusion, three months after my relocation, I secured my first role in the city – a 12-week stint in the world of advertising for a creative social enterprise. When that contract concluded, I pivoted toward sales and digital marketing, which not only nurtured an extraordinary career but also cultivated an array of fresh skills over the ensuing 2-3 years. These shifts served as my stepping stones into a more profound comprehension of the business realm, ultimately guiding me towards Strategy and Branding, the pillars of Vago Designs.

Taking the leap to transition into multiple fields was my ticket to explore all the areas I would need to eventually create and grow my business: Developing my creativity and working from a brief (Architecture); Pitching and converting skills (Sales); Positioning, Marketing and Social Media (Digital Marketing); and Business mentality (all of the above).

But digging deep, in the midst of it all, what have I truly learned about business in this city?

The lessons

1. The importance of Branding and Marketing

London was the perfect school to teach me all about how to navigate Branding and Marketing in competitive markets. It taught me the art of crafting a compelling brand identity and employing innovative techniques to capture and retain customers.

2. Networking is key

London's success in the business world owes much to its vibrant networking culture, and I'm no exception. Attending events, joining industry groups, and building a robust professional network became my lifeline. It provided me with insights, partnerships, and opportunities that fueled my entrepreneurial spirit.

3. Adaptability and Resilience

Not only is the London business landscape constantly evolving, but so are we as business owners. Running a solo business is never easy, so learning how to be adaptable and resilient in the face of change and adversity was extremely important to keep developing Vago.

4. Customer-Centric Approach

Londoners have an undying love for their customers, and I caught the bug. Prioritizing customer satisfaction, listening to feedback, and a relentless commitment to improving our offerings became second nature.

5. Digital Transformation

The city’s tech-savvyness taught me the value of digital tools to streamline operations, enhance customer experiences, and optimise business processes.

6. Cultural Awareness and how to embrace diversity and inclusion

With London being such a diverse city, embracing multiple cultures brought me varied perspectives. This not only drove innovation but also taught me the art of respecting cultural differences in business partnerships.

7. Work-Life Balance

By default, London schooled me in the fine art of work-life balance. It nudged me to craft an environment that promotes a healthy work-life equilibrium.

6. Learning from Failure

Lastly, but perhaps most importantly, London's acknowledgement that failure is an integral part of the entrepreneurial journey was a profound lesson. It taught me to take calculated risks, learn from my missteps, and iterate on my business approach.

Last thoughts

Regardless of what the future brings, I'm immensely grateful for my time in London. It has been a masterclass in developing a business mindset and understanding the intricate workings that make a business endure. It has also illuminated the significant impact one's environment can have on personal and entrepreneurial growth. So, in sharing these lessons, my hope is to inspire fellow aspiring entrepreneurs to harness the unique facets of their own environments to shape their business dreams. Here's to the journey ahead, filled with new adventures and boundless possibilities!