Michael’s journey into web design came after a lifetime of entrepreneurship — from running his family’s fashion store, to owning a restaurant at 21, to buying and selling businesses before the internet ever became mainstream. What started as a hobby in the early 2000s turned into MEANit, a web agency that’s now been going strong since 2007.
In this interview, Michael shares why saying no can be your most powerful business tool, how he built a referral-driven agency by focusing only on the right-fit clients, and why creating stable, meaningful jobs is what he’s proudest of.
What got you into WordPress and how long have you been using it?
Joomla – we ran out of patience with it around 2013, just like most plugin developers did, so we jumped ship. No regrets.
What motivated you to start your own business, and what keeps you going when things get tough?
Possibly unemployable.
Love business, particularly sales.
Have worked in family businesses all my life. Started out in retail in our family fashion store as a kid, then opened a restaurant at 21, which makes web design seem like an easy job. Bought and sold an Irish linen firm after 5 years, then a gift wholesalers after 20. Then in the late ‘90’s got interested in all things internet as a hobby. Dabbled with making websites in early noughties with a partner, then registered a company together in 2007 and started employing people full time to do development.
When the going gets tough, I know I am doing something wrong. That’s when I need to pivot or change something. I try to spot headwinds and adjust our sails on time. Generally things do not get too tough. Which is not to say everything is always smooth either. We all love what we do.
What’s a hard lesson you learned running your business that’s changed the way you operate?
Letting potential clients dictate the way things work in our business. Working for free was never a profitable methodology. Giving away time to appease the demanding clients is a killer. Doing it over and over is nuts. And working ‘successfully’ with one difficult client will just attract more of them. They even refer their friends – nuts, nuts, nuts. Pick a lane, set your rules and stick with, not the clients rules.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever gotten and how has it affected your business?
Say no regularly, and be the prize.
Find out who you can help and focus on that type of client. We look to deal only with firms where we know we can add value for them, and by extension for ourselves. So we interview possible clients, then we evaluate whether we are a good fit and can truly add value for them.This means we deal with ideal clients and can promise a good return on their investment. They refer their friends and we never hard sell or cold call. What you put in your Portfolio will attract more of the same, so add only work that you would like to get more of in the future.
As an entrepreneur, what’s your proudest accomplishment?
Creating steady jobs that provide for our own families and the families of our clients.
What’s a book every agency owner should read?
What’s your favorite podcast to listen to?
What’s a WordPress plugin more people should know about?
What’s your favorite tool, accessory, or gadget on your desk?
Wireless mouse and Blue Yeti microphone
What’s your favorite non-WordPress tool or software?
