It’s been 100 days since we opened our doors at Fabric Analytics and, to paraphrase the old saying, “Time flies when you’re relentlessly upgrading analytics implementations for some of the highest performing teams in commerce.”

The first 100 days is a period that’s been fetishished in recent times amongst the glossy ‘airport paperback’ genre of personal and professional development, but with our first trading quarter now behind us, it seems like an appropriate moment to take stock of how it’s all going. In the absence of a boss, I’m conducting my own self-review and sharing it with you, dear readers. So, let’s dive in and explore the journey of these initial months; what have been the big hitters?

Personal attention gets better outcomes.
One of the aspects I love most about running Fabric Analytics is the ability to provide personal attention to each client account. We have a team of seasoned professionals, with an average of more than 10 years of experience, who bring a wealth of knowledge and expertise. Our clients have often been underserved in the past, and we are determined to deliver a level of service that ensures they capture the full value they deserve.

It’s rewarding to do things better.
Vince Lombardi, the renowned American football coach, once said, “The quality of a person’s life is in direct proportion to their commitment to excellence, regardless of their chosen field of endeavor.” This quote resonates deeply with me as I navigate the challenges of managing a fledgling business in a category where ‘good enough’ is often the benchmark. While it can be intimidating to bear the responsibility of meeting the high expectations our clients have of us at Fabric, the opportunity to really move things forwards for their business brings a tremendous sense of purpose and energy to our work. I am driven to make a lasting impact and uphold the highest standards of excellence in our industry and I’ve been heartened by the hugely positive response to our work so far.

Your support network makes you.
Running a new business is not a solo endeavor! I am fortunate to have huge support from outside Fabric with family and friends. Their belief in me and what we are building have been invaluable. Building a thriving business requires a strong support system, and I am grateful to have it in abundance.

Business admin is in equal parts tedious and fascinating.
From payroll and pensions to office rental and dealing with HMRC, there’s been quite a learning curve! Whilst close to two hours on the phone to HMRC one week chasing a VAT gremlin wasn’t an obvious highlight, each task adds to the breadth of knowledge required to run a successful agency. While it can be overwhelming at times, I’m embracing these challenges as opportunities for growth and improvement.

Financial accountability is more of a thrill than it sounds.
As the MD, I have assumed the responsibility of the financial performance of the agency. This heightened level of accountability has certainly sharpened the mind! Whilst I’ve owned commercial performance for well over a decade, nothing makes you as deliberate in your decision making as being the one ultimately holding the purse strings and answering to stakeholders! There have been moments of nostalgia for the corporate expense account, but it pales in comparison to the thrill of building a financially sustainable business from the ground up.

Focus on the future, learn from the past.
The first 100 days have provided a glimpse into the joys and challenges of running a new business. We have made significant strides, but it seems almost indulgent to be dwelling on what’s behind us already, as our optimism and determination to propel our clients forward is just spooling up! Together with my exceptional team we are embracing the future with enthusiasm and determination, but I’m going to make sure we also make time occasionally to pause and look back at what we’ve done so that we’re always learning and we make sure to enjoy the journey.

I’d like to thank our clients, our team and our partners for making this journey so special so far!

Forwards!