SE02E02 - How Small Brands Win Big | With Justin Bajan

But First, Principles!

🎙️ Today’s guest: Justin Bajan of Familiar Creatures

Don’t forget! Like - Comment - Subscribe

Guest Links

https://www.familiarcreatures.com/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/justinbajan/

This Episode

In Part 1 of our conversation with Justin Bajan, co-founder of Familiar Creatures, we explore what it takes to build a successful creative agency without falling into the hustle trap. Justin reveals why patience is the real superpower in entrepreneurship. He explains how challenger brands win by being nimble, bold, and unapologetically different. We dive into what marketing actually works for growing service businesses, sharing practical insights around self-marketing, budget benchmarks, SEO, and the overlooked opportunities on LinkedIn. If you're building a brand or scaling a service business, this episode drops actionable wisdom for the long game.

💡 Key Takeaways

Patience, not constant hustle, is the key to sustainable business growth.
Challenger brands win by being nimble, strategic, and bold.
Agencies compete through differentiation and clarity, not massive budgets.
Familiar Creatures helps clients "punch above their weight" using creativity and positioning.
Consistency in marketing (especially through SEO and LinkedIn) matters more than going viral.
Budgeting for marketing is critical; businesses must plan and invest.
Small agencies can attract large clients by leading with authenticity and expertise.

About the Podcast: But First, Principles with Colin Davis

Real stories. Real principles. Real growth for business owners. Each episode reveals the mindset, systems, and turning points behind small-business success so you can grow without burning out. This season features innovative entrepreneurs shaping the Richmond region and beyond.

Helpful Links

Want practical tools to build a business that actually works? Visit:https://www.firstprinciplescoaching.com
Ready for clarity, structure, and momentum in your business? Email Colin: [email protected]

About Colin

Colin Davis is a business and leadership coach with a background in ministry, psychology, and organizational leadership. A former missionary and monk turned entrepreneur, he helps small-business owners create focus, build systems, and achieve lasting growth through First Principles Coaching. He lives in Virginia with his wife and children.

Keywords

business, patience, marketing, challenger brands, strategy, entrepreneurship, agency, growth, SEO, LinkedIn, branding, positioning, communication, small business, creativity

We hope you enjoyed this episode. Like and subscribe to never miss a new episode!
Colin and the But First, Principles team.

Connect with Colin Davis on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/colin-davis-1stprinciples/
Visit the First Principles Coaching website here: http://www.firstprinciplescoaching.com/

Listen to But First, Principles! on these podcast platforms:
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5lfyftqBqzqQOfv9QgrvZa
Apple Podcasts:
Amazon Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/but-first-principles/id1793156303https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/6eb3cb0e-000d-4774-a0df-9cdf8b39089b/but-first-principles

#newseries #newpodcast #principles #challenges #industryinsights #customerfirst #foryoupage #Entrepreneurship #BusinessSuccess #PropertyManagement #StartupLife #Leadership #BusinessGrowth #storytelling #purpose #mediaforchange #valuesdriven #socialimpact #butfirstprinciples
But First, Principles with Colin Davis is a podcast for leaders, entrepreneurs, and curious minds who want to dig deeper into how things really work. Each episode explores a timeless principle or mental model that drives exceptional decision-making, leadership clarity, and strategic thinking. With guests from business, tech, academia, and beyond, Colin helps listeners peel back the noise and return to what really matters: the principles that stand the test of time.
business, marathon, AI, communication, growth, adaptation, marketing, PR, future, technology