Andy Brenits
@andybrenits.bsky.social
Creative advisor to small & solo businesses. Helping them stand out with brand clarity. Left-Brained Creative.
In the 90s, someone on my team tried to pass off our designs as their own. I wasn’t mad. I just said: “They’ll get hired. Then asked to deliver. And they won’t be able to.”
Same goes for people passing off AI work today. Shortcuts might open a door, but they won’t keep you in the room.
Same goes for people passing off AI work today. Shortcuts might open a door, but they won’t keep you in the room.
June 26, 2025 at 5:02 PM
In the 90s, someone on my team tried to pass off our designs as their own. I wasn’t mad. I just said: “They’ll get hired. Then asked to deliver. And they won’t be able to.”
Same goes for people passing off AI work today. Shortcuts might open a door, but they won’t keep you in the room.
Same goes for people passing off AI work today. Shortcuts might open a door, but they won’t keep you in the room.
Are brand values necessary when you’re a company of one?
Absolutely.
They guide who you work with, what you say yes to, and how you show up.
Even if it’s just for you, define them.
Write them down.
Live them out.
Absolutely.
They guide who you work with, what you say yes to, and how you show up.
Even if it’s just for you, define them.
Write them down.
Live them out.
June 24, 2025 at 11:30 PM
Are brand values necessary when you’re a company of one?
Absolutely.
They guide who you work with, what you say yes to, and how you show up.
Even if it’s just for you, define them.
Write them down.
Live them out.
Absolutely.
They guide who you work with, what you say yes to, and how you show up.
Even if it’s just for you, define them.
Write them down.
Live them out.
Goals → Strategy → Tactics. In that order. Always.
If you're a solopreneur, it’s easy to jump straight into action—posting, emailing, tweaking your site.
But random activity ≠ growth.
Start with your goal. Then build a strategy. Then pick tactics that move the needle.
If you're a solopreneur, it’s easy to jump straight into action—posting, emailing, tweaking your site.
But random activity ≠ growth.
Start with your goal. Then build a strategy. Then pick tactics that move the needle.
May 30, 2025 at 5:02 PM
Goals → Strategy → Tactics. In that order. Always.
If you're a solopreneur, it’s easy to jump straight into action—posting, emailing, tweaking your site.
But random activity ≠ growth.
Start with your goal. Then build a strategy. Then pick tactics that move the needle.
If you're a solopreneur, it’s easy to jump straight into action—posting, emailing, tweaking your site.
But random activity ≠ growth.
Start with your goal. Then build a strategy. Then pick tactics that move the needle.
Activity attracts more activity.
When I started freelancing, I had 1 client. So I offered design in trade—pizza, sandwiches, whatever. I stayed busy, built referrals, and proved my value.
Not all work needs to be big or billable to build momentum.
Show up. Keep moving. People notice.
When I started freelancing, I had 1 client. So I offered design in trade—pizza, sandwiches, whatever. I stayed busy, built referrals, and proved my value.
Not all work needs to be big or billable to build momentum.
Show up. Keep moving. People notice.
May 28, 2025 at 11:30 PM
Activity attracts more activity.
When I started freelancing, I had 1 client. So I offered design in trade—pizza, sandwiches, whatever. I stayed busy, built referrals, and proved my value.
Not all work needs to be big or billable to build momentum.
Show up. Keep moving. People notice.
When I started freelancing, I had 1 client. So I offered design in trade—pizza, sandwiches, whatever. I stayed busy, built referrals, and proved my value.
Not all work needs to be big or billable to build momentum.
Show up. Keep moving. People notice.
Could working less help you do more?
Research says yes—and not just for big companies.
As a solopreneur, I’ve adopted Fridays off in the summer and the occasional 1-day sabbatical. No meetings, no deliverables, just space to reset.
Downtime isn’t slacking—it’s a high-performance habit.
Research says yes—and not just for big companies.
As a solopreneur, I’ve adopted Fridays off in the summer and the occasional 1-day sabbatical. No meetings, no deliverables, just space to reset.
Downtime isn’t slacking—it’s a high-performance habit.
The Surprising Viability of the Four-Day Workweek
Researcher and author Juliet B. Schor explains how a shorter workweek can benefit employees and employers alike.
sloanreview.mit.edu
May 27, 2025 at 11:30 PM
Could working less help you do more?
Research says yes—and not just for big companies.
As a solopreneur, I’ve adopted Fridays off in the summer and the occasional 1-day sabbatical. No meetings, no deliverables, just space to reset.
Downtime isn’t slacking—it’s a high-performance habit.
Research says yes—and not just for big companies.
As a solopreneur, I’ve adopted Fridays off in the summer and the occasional 1-day sabbatical. No meetings, no deliverables, just space to reset.
Downtime isn’t slacking—it’s a high-performance habit.
t’s Memorial Day. Your clients are off—take the day to pause too.
Banks, post offices, courts, the stock market, and schools are closed.
Rest, reflect, recharge.
You’ll get more done tomorrow.
Banks, post offices, courts, the stock market, and schools are closed.
Rest, reflect, recharge.
You’ll get more done tomorrow.
May 26, 2025 at 5:30 PM
t’s Memorial Day. Your clients are off—take the day to pause too.
Banks, post offices, courts, the stock market, and schools are closed.
Rest, reflect, recharge.
You’ll get more done tomorrow.
Banks, post offices, courts, the stock market, and schools are closed.
Rest, reflect, recharge.
You’ll get more done tomorrow.
It’s finally Friday.
Whether you’re taking 3 days off or just catching your breath, you’ve earned the R&R.
Rest isn’t a reward—it’s part of the job.
Protect your downtime. Your future self will thank you.
Whether you’re taking 3 days off or just catching your breath, you’ve earned the R&R.
Rest isn’t a reward—it’s part of the job.
Protect your downtime. Your future self will thank you.
May 23, 2025 at 8:00 PM
It’s finally Friday.
Whether you’re taking 3 days off or just catching your breath, you’ve earned the R&R.
Rest isn’t a reward—it’s part of the job.
Protect your downtime. Your future self will thank you.
Whether you’re taking 3 days off or just catching your breath, you’ve earned the R&R.
Rest isn’t a reward—it’s part of the job.
Protect your downtime. Your future self will thank you.
Is it a nickel for your thoughts now?
A client asked about the penny ending production: “Do we round prices now?”
Nope. This isn’t a recall..
Here’s the thing: Not every change is an emergency.
In business, sometimes the smart move is to pause, get the facts, and then act.
cnn.com/2025/05/22/b...
A client asked about the penny ending production: “Do we round prices now?”
Nope. This isn’t a recall..
Here’s the thing: Not every change is an emergency.
In business, sometimes the smart move is to pause, get the facts, and then act.
cnn.com/2025/05/22/b...
www.cnn.com
May 23, 2025 at 5:30 PM
Is it a nickel for your thoughts now?
A client asked about the penny ending production: “Do we round prices now?”
Nope. This isn’t a recall..
Here’s the thing: Not every change is an emergency.
In business, sometimes the smart move is to pause, get the facts, and then act.
cnn.com/2025/05/22/b...
A client asked about the penny ending production: “Do we round prices now?”
Nope. This isn’t a recall..
Here’s the thing: Not every change is an emergency.
In business, sometimes the smart move is to pause, get the facts, and then act.
cnn.com/2025/05/22/b...
Mid-year is the perfect time to check in on your brand.
Does your messaging still reflect who you are—and who you want to work with?
Start here: bit.ly/itfactorwork...
#BrandPositioning #SoloBusiness #EveryDayInMay
Does your messaging still reflect who you are—and who you want to work with?
Start here: bit.ly/itfactorwork...
#BrandPositioning #SoloBusiness #EveryDayInMay
May 22, 2025 at 5:30 PM
Mid-year is the perfect time to check in on your brand.
Does your messaging still reflect who you are—and who you want to work with?
Start here: bit.ly/itfactorwork...
#BrandPositioning #SoloBusiness #EveryDayInMay
Does your messaging still reflect who you are—and who you want to work with?
Start here: bit.ly/itfactorwork...
#BrandPositioning #SoloBusiness #EveryDayInMay
Should You Charge Less If AI Helps You Work Faster?
Clients pay for outcomes, not hours.
AI helps you work faster. That doesn’t mean you charge less.
Your value isn’t time—it’s skill, experience, and results.
Some clients get it. Others don’t. Work with the ones who do.
Clients pay for outcomes, not hours.
AI helps you work faster. That doesn’t mean you charge less.
Your value isn’t time—it’s skill, experience, and results.
Some clients get it. Others don’t. Work with the ones who do.
May 21, 2025 at 7:30 PM
Should You Charge Less If AI Helps You Work Faster?
Clients pay for outcomes, not hours.
AI helps you work faster. That doesn’t mean you charge less.
Your value isn’t time—it’s skill, experience, and results.
Some clients get it. Others don’t. Work with the ones who do.
Clients pay for outcomes, not hours.
AI helps you work faster. That doesn’t mean you charge less.
Your value isn’t time—it’s skill, experience, and results.
Some clients get it. Others don’t. Work with the ones who do.
Jaguar’s rebrand erased its identity, and now it’s paying the price. Brand equity matters. Legacy matters. Relevance matters. Maybe the next agency can help them find their way back.
www.motortrend.com/news/jaguar-...
www.motortrend.com/news/jaguar-...
www.motortrend.com
May 19, 2025 at 8:01 PM
Jaguar’s rebrand erased its identity, and now it’s paying the price. Brand equity matters. Legacy matters. Relevance matters. Maybe the next agency can help them find their way back.
www.motortrend.com/news/jaguar-...
www.motortrend.com/news/jaguar-...
You don’t need a million-dollar business to feel successful.
The freedom to choose your clients, your schedule, your priorities? That’s success.
You’re doing better than you think.
Keep going—on your terms.
The freedom to choose your clients, your schedule, your priorities? That’s success.
You’re doing better than you think.
Keep going—on your terms.
May 19, 2025 at 5:30 PM
You don’t need a million-dollar business to feel successful.
The freedom to choose your clients, your schedule, your priorities? That’s success.
You’re doing better than you think.
Keep going—on your terms.
The freedom to choose your clients, your schedule, your priorities? That’s success.
You’re doing better than you think.
Keep going—on your terms.
When the chemistry's off, it's okay to move on.
I had to let a client go this week. Constant delays, miscommunication, and no creative spark.
Self-employment gives you freedom and responsibility.
Trust your gut. Make space for better fits.
I had to let a client go this week. Constant delays, miscommunication, and no creative spark.
Self-employment gives you freedom and responsibility.
Trust your gut. Make space for better fits.
May 2, 2025 at 5:30 PM
When the chemistry's off, it's okay to move on.
I had to let a client go this week. Constant delays, miscommunication, and no creative spark.
Self-employment gives you freedom and responsibility.
Trust your gut. Make space for better fits.
I had to let a client go this week. Constant delays, miscommunication, and no creative spark.
Self-employment gives you freedom and responsibility.
Trust your gut. Make space for better fits.
Took a break from your routine? Just (re)start.
Self-employment takes discipline, but we’re human—life happens.
Don’t beat yourself up. When you’re ready, jump back in and keep building that momentum.
Self-employment takes discipline, but we’re human—life happens.
Don’t beat yourself up. When you’re ready, jump back in and keep building that momentum.
May 1, 2025 at 5:30 PM
Took a break from your routine? Just (re)start.
Self-employment takes discipline, but we’re human—life happens.
Don’t beat yourself up. When you’re ready, jump back in and keep building that momentum.
Self-employment takes discipline, but we’re human—life happens.
Don’t beat yourself up. When you’re ready, jump back in and keep building that momentum.
Gen X: Overqualified. Unemployable. Undeniable.
A NYT piece says our careers are “melting down.” But they missed the point: Gen X adapts. We’ve always adapted.
Midlife reinvention isn’t failure—it’s freedom.
What’s your next move?
www.nytimes.com/interactive/...
A NYT piece says our careers are “melting down.” But they missed the point: Gen X adapts. We’ve always adapted.
Midlife reinvention isn’t failure—it’s freedom.
What’s your next move?
www.nytimes.com/interactive/...
The Gen X Career Meltdown (Gift Article)
Just when they should be at their peak, experienced workers in creative fields find that their skills are all but obsolete.
www.nytimes.com
April 3, 2025 at 1:55 PM
Gen X: Overqualified. Unemployable. Undeniable.
A NYT piece says our careers are “melting down.” But they missed the point: Gen X adapts. We’ve always adapted.
Midlife reinvention isn’t failure—it’s freedom.
What’s your next move?
www.nytimes.com/interactive/...
A NYT piece says our careers are “melting down.” But they missed the point: Gen X adapts. We’ve always adapted.
Midlife reinvention isn’t failure—it’s freedom.
What’s your next move?
www.nytimes.com/interactive/...
Working for yourself doesn’t mean working by yourself. Even as a solopreneur, connection matters.
→ Find accountability
→ Delegate what slows you down
→ Build real relationships
The journey’s yours, but you don’t have to walk it alone.
→ Find accountability
→ Delegate what slows you down
→ Build real relationships
The journey’s yours, but you don’t have to walk it alone.
March 31, 2025 at 5:30 PM
Working for yourself doesn’t mean working by yourself. Even as a solopreneur, connection matters.
→ Find accountability
→ Delegate what slows you down
→ Build real relationships
The journey’s yours, but you don’t have to walk it alone.
→ Find accountability
→ Delegate what slows you down
→ Build real relationships
The journey’s yours, but you don’t have to walk it alone.
What you charge is part of your brand.
Evian isn’t $5 because it’s just water—it’s $5 because people believe it’s better.
→ Price the value, not the time.
→ Price the client, not the work.
Your pricing sends a message. Make sure it’s the right one.
Evian isn’t $5 because it’s just water—it’s $5 because people believe it’s better.
→ Price the value, not the time.
→ Price the client, not the work.
Your pricing sends a message. Make sure it’s the right one.
March 26, 2025 at 7:30 PM
What you charge is part of your brand.
Evian isn’t $5 because it’s just water—it’s $5 because people believe it’s better.
→ Price the value, not the time.
→ Price the client, not the work.
Your pricing sends a message. Make sure it’s the right one.
Evian isn’t $5 because it’s just water—it’s $5 because people believe it’s better.
→ Price the value, not the time.
→ Price the client, not the work.
Your pricing sends a message. Make sure it’s the right one.
Starting a business in your 50s? You’re not chasing hustle—you’re building alignment. You're not starting from scratch, you're starting from experience. → With boundaries → With wisdom → With clarity. Build the business you wish you worked for at 30.
March 24, 2025 at 7:30 PM
Starting a business in your 50s? You’re not chasing hustle—you’re building alignment. You're not starting from scratch, you're starting from experience. → With boundaries → With wisdom → With clarity. Build the business you wish you worked for at 30.
Vacation's Over—Time to Get Back to Business. Seven days away was exactly what I needed. But now? It's Monday, my inbox is full, and I'm trying to get back into work mode. Waiting for inspiration is unpredictable, and forcing motivation is not sustainable. But structure? That works every time.
March 17, 2025 at 5:30 PM
Vacation's Over—Time to Get Back to Business. Seven days away was exactly what I needed. But now? It's Monday, my inbox is full, and I'm trying to get back into work mode. Waiting for inspiration is unpredictable, and forcing motivation is not sustainable. But structure? That works every time.
“If you’re feeling creative, do the errands tomorrow. If you’re fit and healthy, take a day to go surfing. When inspiration strikes, write it down. The calendar belongs to everyone else. Their schedule isn’t your schedule unless it helps you get where you’re going.” — Seth Godin
March 8, 2025 at 5:30 PM
“If you’re feeling creative, do the errands tomorrow. If you’re fit and healthy, take a day to go surfing. When inspiration strikes, write it down. The calendar belongs to everyone else. Their schedule isn’t your schedule unless it helps you get where you’re going.” — Seth Godin
Pivoting After 50? You Have More to Offer!
You’ve got experience, industry knowledge, and a bigger network than you did at 20. Your past colleagues are valuable resources—but only if you engage with them.
Start today: Reach out, reconnect, and let them know what you do.
You’ve got experience, industry knowledge, and a bigger network than you did at 20. Your past colleagues are valuable resources—but only if you engage with them.
Start today: Reach out, reconnect, and let them know what you do.
February 28, 2025 at 7:30 PM
Pivoting After 50? You Have More to Offer!
You’ve got experience, industry knowledge, and a bigger network than you did at 20. Your past colleagues are valuable resources—but only if you engage with them.
Start today: Reach out, reconnect, and let them know what you do.
You’ve got experience, industry knowledge, and a bigger network than you did at 20. Your past colleagues are valuable resources—but only if you engage with them.
Start today: Reach out, reconnect, and let them know what you do.
Two conversations this week reminded me how important it is to understand what kind of help you really need. Sometimes, you think you need a coach, but what you really need is an advisor—and sometimes, it’s the other way around.
February 6, 2025 at 11:30 PM
Two conversations this week reminded me how important it is to understand what kind of help you really need. Sometimes, you think you need a coach, but what you really need is an advisor—and sometimes, it’s the other way around.
Stop Overthinking It
Whether it’s analysis paralysis or FOBO (Fear of Better Options), you might be holding yourself back.
Here’s the thing: Trust your gut. Make a choice, take action. Progress beats perfection.
Whether it’s analysis paralysis or FOBO (Fear of Better Options), you might be holding yourself back.
Here’s the thing: Trust your gut. Make a choice, take action. Progress beats perfection.
You've Heard Of FOMO, But What Is 'FOBO'? Here's How To Spot This Damaging Issue.
The term "FOBO" was coined at the same time as "FOMO," but fewer people are familiar with this potent force.
buff.ly
February 5, 2025 at 5:30 PM
Stop Overthinking It
Whether it’s analysis paralysis or FOBO (Fear of Better Options), you might be holding yourself back.
Here’s the thing: Trust your gut. Make a choice, take action. Progress beats perfection.
Whether it’s analysis paralysis or FOBO (Fear of Better Options), you might be holding yourself back.
Here’s the thing: Trust your gut. Make a choice, take action. Progress beats perfection.
The Power of Catching Up
I caught up with three people today—one I’ve known for 25 years, one for five, and one for just a couple of weeks.
We shared ideas, swapped resources, and talked about self-employment & marketing.
Conversations like these fuel creativity and momentum.
I caught up with three people today—one I’ve known for 25 years, one for five, and one for just a couple of weeks.
We shared ideas, swapped resources, and talked about self-employment & marketing.
Conversations like these fuel creativity and momentum.
February 5, 2025 at 2:01 AM
The Power of Catching Up
I caught up with three people today—one I’ve known for 25 years, one for five, and one for just a couple of weeks.
We shared ideas, swapped resources, and talked about self-employment & marketing.
Conversations like these fuel creativity and momentum.
I caught up with three people today—one I’ve known for 25 years, one for five, and one for just a couple of weeks.
We shared ideas, swapped resources, and talked about self-employment & marketing.
Conversations like these fuel creativity and momentum.
How Do I Find a Job?
A student asked me this, but it’s the same challenge many face.
You can apply online all day, but your next opportunity will likely come from someone you know.
No network? Start now. You have more connections than you realize—reach out.
Who’s helped you land a job before?
A student asked me this, but it’s the same challenge many face.
You can apply online all day, but your next opportunity will likely come from someone you know.
No network? Start now. You have more connections than you realize—reach out.
Who’s helped you land a job before?
February 4, 2025 at 12:56 AM
How Do I Find a Job?
A student asked me this, but it’s the same challenge many face.
You can apply online all day, but your next opportunity will likely come from someone you know.
No network? Start now. You have more connections than you realize—reach out.
Who’s helped you land a job before?
A student asked me this, but it’s the same challenge many face.
You can apply online all day, but your next opportunity will likely come from someone you know.
No network? Start now. You have more connections than you realize—reach out.
Who’s helped you land a job before?