Category Archives: Your unique skill

Purpose, profitability, and building your dream business

0 comments Purpose, Your unique skill

I’m going to go out on a limb and assume I’m not the only right-brained business owner or professional here.  Am I right? I knew I was in good company! For me, being a right-brained business owner means: I’m creative, sensitive (I’m a Pisces and middle child for goodness sake!) and attracted to work that makes a tangible impact in the lives of others. In short, I’m purpose-driven.  You’ve probably heard the term bandied around a lot lately and may…

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Are you at a crossroads in your creative business or career?

2 comments Business development, Your unique skill

Have you ever woken in the middle of the night gripped with fear because you don’t see a future for your creative career or business? If you’re feeling anything other than a Zen-like calm right now, you’re not alone. You’re definitely not alone. But your fear IS misplaced. While it’s completely normal for our minds to convince us that the constraints we see before us are a path to certain unavoidable doom, it’s nothing but a cheap trick.  And once…

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How to find your business game-changer (and pull it off)

0 comments Business development, Purpose, Your unique skill

I can still remember the exact moment I decided to start a coaching business.  It was 2008 and, like many creative businesses, my talent management agency Plum Creative was hit hard by the recession. Barring a miraculous economic turnaround, my days were numbered.  It was a pretty crappy feeling! Thankfully, I was a part of a wonderful accountability group (which included a book keeper, an IT specialist, and a magazine sales person; no creatives) and it was during one of…

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The reason clients aren’t buying what you’re selling (and what to do about it)

4 comments Business development, Marketing, Your unique skill

Have you ever wondered how some businesses or brands just seem to have their finger on the pulse, perfectly anticipating what their clients want and need? What gives? What secret do they know that you don’t? They know that the secret to building a thriving, relevant business is understanding who their target customers are, and building a message, product, and experience to meet their unique needs. More specifically, they know what problems their ideal clients think they have, and they know…

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A Tale of Entrepreneurial Burnout (and how to avoid it)

0 comments Business development, Creativity, Your unique skill

By Justine Clay Have you ever felt overwhelmed, over-worked or anxious as an entrepreneur?  I know I have. This Spring I hit one of the lowest points in my eight years as a small business owner. I was running two businesses, I had a young family and, quite frankly, I was stretched too thin.  I was overwhelmed by the number of balls I had in the air, and feeling guilty when I dropped one.  I was bursting into tears way…

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The ONE thing you need to do to succeed

0 comments Business development, Managing projects and people, Your unique skill

Do you know what makes me really happy (besides dark chocolate and a good cup of coffee)? Witnessing a creative professional’s transformation from confusion to clarity as they align with their unique talent and build the business of their dreams. Through my coaching work with creative entrepreneurs, I’ve learned there are many reasons for not fulfilling our potential, but there is ONE thing that is absolutely vital to turning things around: Implementation I’d like to shine a light on two…

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How to connect more with your audience

0 comments Business development, Your unique skill

Have you ever marveled at the sheer choice that’s available to us when it comes to purchasing services or products? I have.  For example, I’m a big believer in alternative/complementary health practices (I need all the help I can get!), so when a friend suggested acupuncture to me a few years ago, I was happy to try it.  I tried a couple of practitioners, but I just wasn’t feeling it.  Disappointed that perhaps I wasn’t as alternative as I thought,…

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