Creative Business Q&A

Creative Business Q&A

Independency and essentially my purpose or vocation is to guide and help creative business owners. With that sentiment in mind I prompted my Instagram followers (hopefully you are one) to feel free to ask business questions that have been on their minds. I had a really lovely response, with some poignant and intentional questions. In answering them I know that it will be helpful to the person who asked it and surely to many others too who might just have the same thoughts rattling around in their minds. As business owners or solopreneurs we can find ourselves in a lonely place. Despite the fact that we live in a time where the abundance of resources we are surrounded by is more than ever before. However, I find that with so many tools, potential Google searches and freebie downloads / ebooks it can also just create wild overwhelm or even inadequacy. Gone are the days of sitting in a library to do research (giving away my age) and what lies in front of us is piles and piles of tips, tricks, podcasts, AI prompts and pretty much any answer you can think of. 

Regardless of these wonderful and sometimes overwhelming tools I still find that being a human and talking to like-minded creatives is some of the best reassurance or guidance there is. The tools are there and I suppose that makes me one too (not in the rude way). I am here after all to help you, but most certainly not to overwhelm you. With that said - here is the first batch of questions asked by you, you and maybe even you. I have kept my answers super simple and to the point (not easy for me) so that they are digestible on Instagram too. 

Should we all be on LinkedIn?

"The simple answer is no. 

Being on LinkedIn is more related to you personally, what you do and which online platforms you need to communicate about your business effectively. 

When deciding on which online platforms to add be sure to understand where your ideal / target audience is. For most creative businesses - you would be better off on Instagram to start.

As you grow in your ability to manage your online presence you can add platforms that are suited to your type of business which will allow you to connect in an intentional and meaningful way with your audience."

Is Pinterest better than a website?

"They are different. With a website you control the platform and narrative. It’s your space to showcase your brand in all its glory. 

Pinterest is a tool to add to your overall marketing strategy. Having said that don’t get tripped up on not having everything in place just yet. You will “graduate” to what you need for your business.

If you are still working towards creating your own website then you can definitely still utilise Pinterest, it’s a wonderful visual search engine especially for creative work and for others to discover your work.

But the key thing is that you can’t compare the two - each has its unique place within your creative business toolkit.

There is a lot more to be said here on the power of Pinterest and how it can actually help your website. However, either or it can help your business if used proactively. I can offer more insight on this if anyone would like."

Is it a good idea to work on solid branding from the start?

"Absolutely! Solid branding can be simple, but even in a basic form it can add value from day one. It helps you to build a business which portrays trust, recognition and an aligned vision.

It does not need to be complicated, but rather consistent. That's key... consistency.

I highly recommend nailing down the basics of your brand to confidently share and showcase. Don’t over complicate it and if you are stuck or need a checklist - then let’s chat. I’ll guide you."

If you have a pesky little question rolling around in you brain then of course feel free to ask me. Here to help and create some breathing space. There are some more questions so I will add a few more blog posts as we go.

(The beautiful photo I used in this post is from AlabasterFox on Instagram. One of my favourite accounts for calm lifestyle inspiration.)

Creative Business Tips: Dealing with Competition

Creative Business Tips: Dealing with Competition

In every industry there is competition, but within creative business it feels so much more personal. When we're faced with business competition it can feel like an attack. To make matters even more complicated the competition can often come from people within our work, market or creative community. It's tough and can cause worry, stress, self-doubt, unhappiness and even rage (yip, creatives get angry too). In one way or another, most creative business owners have experienced some form of competition, the key is to hold your own and to strive to always be your personal best. No need to go on a war path armed with scissors, knitting needles or your glue gun... read this instead:

Take a step back & stay calm:

Often, our natural instinct is to lash out, or phone our best friend and rant when our work is threatened. When you see it just stay calm, breathe and take a step back. Competition is viewed as a negative thing in most cases and the cliche about it being healthy doesn't help either. By not letting it run away with you - you can take it in, access it and decide how to direct your energy (ranting helps, but action is probably more useful).

Evaluate & reflect:

Understand what your competition is offering and which products and services encroach on your territory. Once you have a better understanding of this you can evaluate how to either up your game or even the playing field. Don't let self-doubt take over though, our natural instinct is to think that the competition must be better than us, when in fact its just different. I suggest you make a list of your strengths and the unique elements that make your business awesome. Things like creativity, great packaging, friendly service, excellent admin skills are things / skills that the competition might not possess.We all have something great to offer.

Get inspired & charged up:

Competition is the perfect thing to remind you to keep working at building your business. Use the threat as fuel to power you forward. I know this works really well for me - often, when I feel threatened I will feel charged up to try harder or follow through on plans I have been procrastinating on.

Innovate:

Now is the time to add a unique edge to your work. Don't get so swept up that you completely change your business or signature service / product. Rather, make time for innovating, adding inspiration and planning new offerings for your business. We all have unique thoughts and there is only one of you - no one can take that powerful tool away from you.

Keep your eye on the prize:

As you have travelled along your creative path, so you have had a vision of what it is that you want to achieve. Don't lose sight of that vision. Chances are it will be different from your competition. Don't let your competitor lead you down a path that isn't suited to your business. I always suggest that you keep your goals updated so that you know what it is that you are striving for. Through innovation and hard work you will steer towards new things naturally. 

Don't indulge in negativity:

It's human nature to wallow in negativity. Don't stalk your competition day in and day out. Rather check in every now and again and spend your time constructively, by working on your own business and ideas. 

I hope that these simple thoughts will keep you looking ahead and working on building the best business you possibly can! Even super successful creative businesses face competition, but through clever thinking (and a hint of professional grace) they stay on top.

The beautiful image is by Emma Block. Her work is whimsical and lovely.

Creative Business Tips

Creative Business Tips

Short and Easy Creative Business Tips

Today's tip is a fun and interesting one, it has been created to allow you to find inspiration that will help you to move your business forward and stay ahead! This is also a tip that can really help you to understand trend within creative business and to shape your innovative thought process. Remember to take part in the previous tips and tasks as you shape your creative business.

We become complacent in our thought process, whereas finding inspiration and ideally changing the way you think about thinking (yip, I just said that) will help you to form interesting and new business ideas, products as well as keep you ahead of competitors.

Be Innovative

What is Innovation: The process of translating an idea or invention into a good or service that creates value or for which customers will pay. (Source)

This might sound very clinical and straight down the line, so let's explore it from a creative point of view. It can be quite a difficult process, to create unique thoughts and be innovative within your creation process. Innovation doesn't only refer to what we make, but also to how we make it. Innovation can be introduced into your systems and processes, as well as your actual products, services or designs. We are consistently bombarded by information and some of it can inspiration, but you need to filter through things and be inspired, but also unique. Goodness, that sounds like a task and a half! 

Here are a few tips for cultivating innovation within your thought process and in-turn within your business:

Dedicate Time to Research: This doesn't mean that you need to sit with a text book, taking notes and trying to cram potentially useful things into your brain. Instead, it means you need to find forms of inspiration that will allow you to come up with new and innovative ideas. The key idea behind this research is finding different sources and relevant information. We often think that the internet is our only option, but you need to vary your exposure and have a well-rounded range of influences. This can range from books, magazines, trying a new radio station or chatting to your customers. Research is about learning, improving and growing.

Take Time Out: You might feel that in order to be innovative you need to be busy, looking at things, making notes and developing ideas, but taking a break or doing something different can inspire you too. As I mentioned we are consistently bombarded by information and stepping away from the internet, Twitter, even your desk and going for a quiet (technology free) walk can clear the clutter and get those thoughts going. Reading a book, meeting up with someone unusual or just stepping out and experiencing something can all lead to a new level of thinking. I can't stress enough how important it is to step away from the technology even just for 20 minutes, if that is all you can bear. 

Find your Muse: Find the people that inspire you to do more and be more. It might be a blogger or fellow creative business owner, or an empowered woman, it might even be your mother or sister. It doesn't matter who it is or what they do, the main thing is that they inspire you. I have several people who inspire me in different things. Within my work I look towards fellow creatives, in life I look towards friends and family members. Sometimes it even goes as far as thinking about my relatives who survived captivity in the Anglo-Boer War. When I am struggling with something I think - this is nothing compared to their struggles. It keeps me focused and reminds me to stay strong no matter what! Find a variety of people who inspire you.

Keep an Ideas Journal: As ideas form we are often tempted to get going on them straight away, discarding our current to do's and responsibilities. By keeping a journal you can write them down, illustrate them or jot them out without the fear of that award winning idea getting lost. You won't necessarily pursue all your ideas, but ideas tend to create more ideas and once again it is about training your mind to become more innovative.

Set Time Aside: Take some time to follow-up on ideas or concepts. I love the idea of Heather Moore's 'Making Friday', as it allows her to come up with new products or to just to exercise her craft muscles. Find time to just create, draw or craft without the pressure of market preparation or deadlines. 

Task:

Start your Ideas Journal and start incorporating some the above concepts into your business and life. I specifically want you to take some time to research, read some blogs of people who inspire you and get working on shaping an innovative thought process. It is something you can actively work on and over time you will really notice how your thoughts and ideas are growing.

My Reading List:

I enjoy reading these blogs to help me feel inspired:

DesignLoveFest: Bri's blog has handy tips, great layouts and she is an all round creative Wonder Woman. I strive to as creative and inspired as she is.

Decor8: Holly inspires me to be crafty and also how to run a well-rounded creative business. She writes from the heart and shares tips and inspiration.

Alt Summit: I always harp on about my dream of attending the summit. Their blog is a treasure trove of handy facts and keeps me focused on my dream.

I also like looking at magazines, the topics they share and their layouts as those can inspire blog content and blog post designs.

I love listening to new things especially TEDTalks, which is widely used, Monocle 24 Radio and interesting music. I also daydream or think of the future of my business as this helps me to come up with ideas I can put in motion now in order to make those dream a reality. Just don't daydream too much and never actually do anything about it - make a start!

Off you go - get thinking and build your own innovation!

Before you dash off - here are some new workshop dates! The other thing you need to know is that I will be coming to Cape Town and Joburg in September and October to run the workshops there. I have also had a request to do the workshops in Pretoria. I am open to doing them wherever there is a need, but I need to know how many people would like to take part and then I can work out if it is possible. Email me to get added to the mailing list, so that you can be the first to know when bookings open, also let me know if you are interested in the beginners or intermediate workshop. You can also get in touch if you would like me to come to your town or city - let me know, let your friend's know too as it will depend on how many people would like me to visit and share the workshops.

New Dates:
Beginners Creative Workshop: 8 June
Intermediate Creative Business Workshop:  22 June

Read more here or book now.

Creative Business Tips

Creative Business Tips

Short & Easy Creative Business Tips

I hope you enjoyed the market set-up tips, showcasing your products in the best possible way is very important! Onto more tips today with Creative Business Tip #5! Remember to catch up and to follow on in the series - click here for tips #1, #2, #3 or #4. The tips are created to work in conjunction with one another so keep integrating them into your routine as you build your business.

Press & Features:

Many creative business owners dream of being featured in their favourite publications and they often think that it's a dream that might not come true. However, by working on your press kit and having a strategy you can get featured and start building a press portfolio. Press features are positive as they are free and give you a stamp of approval. It's also a great confidence booster and it means you are on the right track with your creations or service.

Press Kit:

Don't sit back and wait for publications to approach you, be proactive about getting in touch with them and letting them know about your business. Take a professional approach and work on a press kit. One of the main things you will need are good photos to represent your products. If you offer a service you can send photos of your space or process, think of a creative way to show what you offer. I know that some businesses are not at a point where they can afford a professional shoot, but don't let that get you down. I am by no means a professional photographer, but I find that these tips for taking your own photos really help and you can apply it to your blog content too:

Good Natural Light:  Find a space in your office or home, which has good natural light. This might be in the morning or afternoon, but test and see when it's best. I often find 2pm - 4pm to be the best for my shots as the light is still bright, but softer. If you are uncertain take a few shots at different times of the day and then compare them, be aware of shadows and how you arrange items. Develop your eye to inspect your photos and to compare and pick the best from the batch.

A Clean Surface & Background:  I like using a white surface, but colours work well too. White cardboard is a great option and you can set-up a mock infinity curve. Sheets are popular too, but please iron or steam them. A creased background is not an option. Keep shots clear of background clutter. 

Practice: Like most things we become more skilled when we practice. Even basic digital cameras have different settings, practice taking photos and as I mentioned develop your eye to spot what makes a good shot.

Find Inspiration: I am a big believer in inspiration on all fronts and in photography, even when an amateur you can still be inspired by the photos of your favourite bloggers or photographers. Look at their photos and understand what it is that you like - is it the styling, the light, the way it is edited or is well balanced? 

Pic Monkey: Yes, good old Pic Monkey which I love, recommend and refer to so often. Many people think they need Photoshop or a similar program to get going and the answer is yes, when you reach a certain level, you do need it. In the meantime use this free site to resize photos and brighten them up.

Okay...let's chat about what else should be in your press kit?

Essentially, the kit is digital so you can email the photos and facts. Make sure your photos are resized to under 1MB so that you don't clog up any inboxes. Secondly, you need some positive facts about your business to include in the email and perhaps a short bio. Lastly, create a list of potential magazines to email. Look at their websites, Facebook or Twitter accounts for contact details. You will be surprised at what you can find when you actively begin to work on this. Remember last week's tip about your online presence, I suggest including a link to your blog or Facebook business page, but make sure you are presenting the best that you can.

Be Professional:

In all correspondence be professional and polite, but let your personality shine through. Check grammar and spelling and don't be afraid to touch on some positive aspects of your business.

Don't Give Up:

So... you mailed them once, they didn't reply - are you going to give up and retire? NO! Of course not - try again, stay professional and try a different avenue like sending them a Tweet and asking for the correct contact. Keep it polite though, as what you say is a direct reflection on your brand. No ranting or how dare you not reply to me messages! Eventually, if you don't get anywhere with that publication, cross them off you list, move on and make sure you are continually looking at people who you can add to your contact list.

Press Packs:

These can be sample products that you package up creatively and send to editors, magazine staff or bloggers. Make sure your press pack showcases your best, include an introduction note rather than a letter, keep it short and sweet, but factual and personal and remember your all important branding. Make sure you aim to get the right contact person to send the package to and make sure you courier to the magazine's offices. No editor wants to stand in a post office queue to collect a package from a stranger. Keep it creative and include a call to action, where you mention why you are sending it, but again keep it professional and not too demanding. For example - invite them to visit your blog or online shop (don't forget the link on your business card or on the note).

Task:

Start your own press kit with product photos, facts and start working on an email to send to publications. Work on a list of contacts - research their details. Keep it personal, don't send a mass email hoping for the best. You can keep the structure of your email and content similar, but send the mails one at a time and personalise them, where possible. Remember this task is about growth and also about evolving as business owner. Make it a goal to work on your press kit, to update it and to finesse your correspondence.

Read More:

Approaching the press and composing emails is something that I offer in my one on one consulting sessions and we work on this during the Intermediate Workshops that I run. Get in touch if you would like help with composing the perfect email or even further guidance on researching publications.

I want to know how things are going?  If you have questions or something to share then please leave a comment or send me an email. Or...if you are a journalist or features writer who has some additional tips - please get in touch!

Creative Business Tips

Creative Business Tips

Short & Easy Creative Business Tips

I hope you have had a creative and productive week! I also hope that you have been working on your creative business dreams! So far we have covered Making a Start, Being Accountable and Streamlining your Brand. Today, I want to chat about your Online Presence! You will notice that although the tips are divided into segments, they all flow together and influence each other. For example, the things on your starting list from Tip #1 should include your branding covered in Tip #3. The best way to make these tips work for you is to follow on from week to week, and to continually reflect back to what we have covered and check up on yourself or make yourself accountable as we discussed in Tip #2. Okay...let's delve into this week's tip and task.

Online Presence:

Being online is a crucial aspect of your marketing strategy and business plan. It isn't about the most expensive or flashy website, but rather about the best that you can afford for your business right now! Budget plays a huge role and is often the excuse used for not being online. The other excuse is that creatives confuse over-sharing on a personal level with sharing and communicating about their business on a positive level. Today, I want to banish those stereotypes and really focus on inspiring you to be online with a purpose. The purpose is of course to share, communicate and market your business.

Why Should my Business be Online?

We live in a world where we no longer rely on phone books or the Yellow Pages to find a service or product. Instead, we Google what we are looking for or we rely on word of mouth and recommendations from friends. Your online presence is there 24/7 for people from around the world to find your product or service. An online world where you don't need a passport to travel across borders or stay up 24 hours a day to market your business. The point is if people don't know about you and they can't find you - then how do you expect to grow and shape a successful business. Imagine having to run around consistently handing out business cards, or making announcements on street corners - it wouldn't work. Being online allows you to communicate about your business, to share new products or ideas and to tell potential customers where you are going to be selling your wares. It also allows for an easy point of contact when someone would like to order something, find out facts or get in touch with you directly.

Analyse Your Budget:

Don't use a lack of budget as an excuse to not be online. Remember Facebook is free and easy to use and it's better than not being online at all. If you already have a blog - is it the best you can possible afford and are you managing your online platforms effectively? Start small and graduate to the next level. It's no use you spend money you don't have on a website, rather use the budget that you do have to invest in the best possible platform for the current stage of your business. Remember to add this to you goal list, save and progress as your business changes and grows. 

Plan your Content:

Planning is of course essential. Spend some time thinking about what to say and how to say it effectively. What sets your business apart, is there an event or special holiday coming up? Think about sharing with a purpose of communication and sharing useful information, not just random updates. 

Building your Online Community:

Don't feel discouraged if you have a small following, rather focus on growing it. Also, please, please,  please remember that Facebook likes don't necessarily equal loyal followers, sales or feet through the door of your business. Rather build a smaller community who have a true interest in your business. Facebook likes are a dime a dozen, but a loyal following is what we are aiming for! Make sure your main online platform is listed on your business card and used in your branding. It could be as simple as having a stamp to add to all your packets, so each time you sell something the shopper walks away with that address. Tell clients and customers that you are online and give them the address so that they can visit the space. People like to know what is happening within brands that they like - so tell them a little about what you share online. It's no use putting a Facebook or Twitter icon on a card or banner if there is no reference to the link or profile name. If you want to use those icons, give them a purpose. It's great knowing you are on Facebook, but what is your page called, how lovely that you are on Twitter, but what is your handle? This is a common mistake - don't make it.

Essential Online Elements:

Regardless of whether you have the best blog in town or just a neat Facebook business page, make sure it has the relevant details on. Contact information, images of what you sell or make, a list of stockists and so on. Give this some thought and make sure you are using that platform to the max! 

Handy Tools:

Pic Monkey allows you to design a Facebook Timeline Cover. You can also read my post on Facebook Timeline and a few thoughts on designing your cover.

This post I wrote has a few tips on free things to do for your business. Good grammar and spelling is a free and professional way to give your brand credibility online.

Task

Analyse your online platforms and update them to be the best that they can be. Does your Facebook page have contact details listed, does it show your work? Are the platforms listed on your business card?

If you have no online presence for your business, I suggest starting a Facebook page for it today. Take your time, do it properly and make sure it has all the right information on.

Further to this task you can start focusing on planning your content for your online platforms.

Read More:

Read the Creative Business section of my blog or book a consulting session if you want me to assist you.  I do these on a one on one basis in Durban or via a Skype call. I also setup business Facebook pages for clients in a professional and affordable way. On top of that don't forget about my creative business workshops - there is a beginners workshop on the 8th of June. Email me for more info.

I want to know how things are going?  If you have questions or something to share then please leave a comment or send me an email. 

Creative Business Tips

Creative Business Tips

Short & Easy Creative Business Tips

We are well into week three of the creative business tip series and today's tip is about creating a brand that works as one. Remember to catch up if you haven't made your start! Click here for Tip #1 or Tip #2.

Streamline your Brand:

Branding is often misunderstood by creatives. It seems like something that might only be important to large brands or corporates.  This is of course - WRONG!  If you have a product, which you make or a creative business of any sort, then you need a brand to support it. This concept might seem simple, but with all the varied platforms that we use ranging from, Facebook to selling at a market or shop, branding often gets lost in the process.  Branding allows for your product to become known under the name of your business and we all deserve recognition for our creative work.

Let's Keep in Mind...

You need one identity to flow throughout your business, on all your platforms.  This means your business card, blog, Facebook page, Twitter, Pinterest and any additional platforms or elements all need to reflect the same brand in unison.  One name, one logo, one visual interpretation of your business.

You need to invest in branding.  Branding a business and having a professional identity designed can be expensive, but it has to be done.  Good branding will have longevity and last.  By spending money on it, you are actively investing in the future of your business.

Branding can be fun and creative!  It needs to reflect the best of your business through your logo and other visual elements.  There is a wonderful feeling about sealing up an order with all the right elements like a branded sticker and card.

A business card should be number one!  Yes...lots of talking about ONE!  I often visit markets and creatives don't have a business card or have run out.  You card is your first step in being perceived as a professional.  Don't head out into the world without one.

I don't have any coherent branding - what now?

Decide on the name of your business, if you haven't already.  You can't have a brand without a name.

Gather inspiration and create a mood board or Pinterest board to keep your ideas together. This will help you to see a common link. Finding brands that inspire you, is also key, but remember to use them as inspiration rather than directly imitating their concept.

Find a designer.  This is easier said than done.  You need a designer who understands creative businesses, aesthetics as well as how to create a good, well rounded identity flowing into your brand.  Ask to see their work and ask for a quote and what packages they can offer.  If this all seems a bit daunting - email me, I help my clients to get all this done!

If it's too expensive - keep looking or start saving.  Once again as I said this is an investment.  Add it to your list discussed in Tip #1.  Alternatively, start simple - create something basic, using a creative font, but make sure it is legible.  Begin your saving and evolve to the next stage of hiring a designer or creative consultant like me.

Current Task:

Assess your branding.  Ask yourself the following questions:

Do I have one consistent brand reflected across the various platforms that I use?

Do I have a business card with all the relevant details on it?

How can I improve my branding?

Remember:  You need to take action.  The task will only work for you if you actively make a change, invest or focus on what is needed!

Read More:
Read the Creative Business section of my blog or book a consulting session if you want me to assist you.  I do these one on one in Durban or via a Skype call.

I want to know how things are going?  If you have questions or something to share then please leave a comment or send me an email.

Creative Business Tips

Creative Business Tips

Short & Easy Creative Business Tips

Picking up from last week where we made an active start to begin working on our creative business - today follows on in my new creative business tip series.  Remember to take part in the task listed at the end.

Make Yourself Accountable:

Once again you are the key ingredient to your success, so make yourself accountable for it. This doesn't mean being unnecessarily hard on yourself, but rather it focuses on being proactive and growing your creative problem solving skills.  Just like a boss or manager would ask you about certain tasks, you need to have the same mentality attached to your own business.  

A Few Ways to Do This:

Break your list down into bite size and manageable tasks.  This will allow you to actually achieve things rather than have a list longer than your arm, that you can't tick anything off of.  Don't feel overwhelmed, rather focus on less than nothing at all.

Map out a short time to do a status report on the various tasks.  Times are busy and tasks can flow over from one week to another, eventually a month has passed and you still haven't got round to it.  Take 30 minutes (weekly) or whatever you can spare, to actively figure out why you haven't done what you needed to or set out to do.  Is it related to time or lack of resources, problem solve and get it done.  Once you understand the barrier then get going!

Make your list work for you.  Change it if it isn't working, add to it and make sure the tasks relate back to the goals you are trying to achieve.  We often feel very busy, but when you dissect the tasks some are unnecessary or don't actively benefit your business. 

Current Task:

Take a look at the list you created last week and do a status report on the business changing tasks you listed.  Become active about doing them, perhaps redesign your list into to smaller manageable tasks.  

Read More:

Read the Creative Business section of my blog or book a consulting session if you want me to assist you with making with being accountable.

I want to know how things are going?  If you have questions or something to share then please leave a comment or send me an email.  I am thinking of doing a questions post where I answer a few questions at a time and we can all learn from each other.

Creative Business Tips

Creative Business Tips

Short & Easy Creative Business Tips

I am excited to launch this new series today - called Creative Business Tips.  Each tip will be short and to the point.  I will also set a task to accompany each tip so you can actively start making changes and building your dream business.

The essential ingredient to making each tip work for you is to participate and to commit yourself to your business.  Banish the excuses and get making, creating and changing!

We kick off the tip series with a very apt tip which is one of the main points I discussed during my Decorex sessions.  

Make a Start:

One of the most difficult things to do is to actually begin.  Pack away all the ifs, buts and hows and make your start!

Now is the time to start working on your business - TODAY!  Whether you are yet to establish your business or whether you are in full swing, make a start on the tasks that are going to move you forward and help your business soar to new heights.

Current Task:

Compile a list of what you think you need to do in order to move your  business forward.  It could be simple, for example starting a Facebook page and investing in your online presence (click here to read my tips for designing a timeline cover), or perhaps it's about making a commitment, like signing up for your first market.  Get down to making that list and begin to actively work on ticking off those tasks. 

Read More:
Read the Creative Business section of my blog or book a consulting session if you want me to assist you with making that crucial start.