Small-business owners, what are you doing to stand out from the crowd? Each week, we focus on an entrepreneur who has lessons to share that we think will resonate with other small-business owners.

Mike Samson and Ross Kimbarovsky, co-founders of graphic design marketplace crowdSPRING, answer our questions:

What are you doing to stand out from the crowd?

CrowdSPRING is a jobs marketplace for creative types like graphic and web designers, artists and photographers. Companies from around the world use the site to access that workforce -- and, likewise, that talent uses it to find jobs. Here’s how it works: On crowdSPRING, firms post their project requirements, the price they are willing to pay and the project’s length. Essentially, hiring companies get what they need at a price they set themselves.

While there’s nothing exactly innovative about connecting employers with freelance workers, crowdSPRING goes a step further. Every transaction is protected by a free, customized legal contract, digital watermarking and other protections so users can be sure that it's safe. We also provide service guarantees. If firms doing the hiring don't get at least 25 inquiries about their projects, they can walk away with a full refund. To ensure that freelancers get a square deal we require buyers with projects receiving more than 25 inquiries to pick a winner.

What's the best part about owning your own business?

The opportunities to take risks, make mistakes, correct them and move forward. Nothing compares to the thrill of a great team working as one at an entrepreneurial company. Every day is about learning something new, supporting our employees and building a sustainable new business model.

What's the biggest challenge of owning your own business? 

The biggest challenge over the past year has been in motivating a group of really talented young employees to excel at a very high level in a loosely-structured, freethinking and dynamic work environment, while at the same time making sure that the entire team meets deadlines and goals. It's incredibly inspiring to work with younger employees because their passion and energy is very contagious. But it's also sometimes difficult because their focus (and energy) can easily become unglued.

What's the biggest hurdle you've overcome?

Managing and growing a global creative community. Our 11,000 members hail from more than 150 countries around the world and, of course, don’t all speak English. Contending with professionals who speak more than 100 languages, practice nearly every religion on Earth and come from differing socioeconomic backgrounds and cultures has been remarkably challenging.

What's the biggest mistake you've made?

Waiting too long to become directly involved with our software development efforts. We relied on a consultant to manage that effort without very close supervision. A number of red flags alerted us to potential problems with the product, but we continued to give the consultant more time. In taking over the project’s management, we radically shifted the entire development effort and brought it in-house.

What's the best business advice you can offer?

Take smart risks and don't be afraid to ask for help. Don't overthink or overplan. Do your homework. That includes researching your competition and knowing your market.

Are You a Stand Out?

To be considered for this column, please send an email (and a digital headshot) to standout@smSmallBiz.com.