10 Account managers, production managers, traffic managers and the rest are MUCH more important than creatives give them credit for. Try doing your job without them. It ain’t easy.

09 Clients are the reason we are here. If you don’t take care of them, nothing else matters. Nothing.

08 Start your day early. It’s amazing how much work you can get done before anyone else gets to work (and starts calling and e-mailing you).

07 Surround yourself with the right people from the beginning. That includes a good accountant, a smart lawyer, energetic colleagues, reliable vendors, supportive friends and an incredibly understanding spouse.

06 Give back. To your industry. To your alma mater. To anyone who needs help. It increases your impact — and regularly reminds you why you love what you do.

05 Take nothing personally. It’s business. You don’t have time to stew over things. Learn and move to the next opportunity.

04 Take care of the business. Or you won’t have one. Long-term planning, selling, recordkeeping and all the other pain-in-the-butt responsibilities are critical to allowing you to do what you love.

03 Don’t be an ass.

02 Don’t be afraid to say no. To clients that aren’t the right fit. To unreasonable demands. To anything that does not lead you down the path you have set for your business.

01 Enjoy the ride.