Tag Archives: build your creative business

Are you at an inflection point in your creative business?

Inflection points in a creative business or career are as inevitable as they can be difficult to navigate. Often accompanied by a unique blend of terror, fear, and potential, inflection points can be motivating at best and utterly paralyzing at worst. There are 101 (and then some) ways inflection points can show up in a creative business or career. Maybe: The way you’ve always gotten business is no longer working.  You’ve experienced a shift in your personal life e.g. a…

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3 ways to deliver an A+ client experience (and why it’s crucial to the success of your creative business)

Have you ever had a service experience that left you feeling misunderstood, uncared for, or downright mad? I know I have! From the physician who’s always running late to the waiter with an attitude, we’ve all experienced that disconnect between what we expected and what we got. Now think about a time you were surprised and delighted. I still remember picking up my car from an autobody shop right before vacation, only to find they’d washed and detailed it inside…

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3 ways to be more proactive in your creative business (and why it matters!)

I was speaking to a new client yesterday and she shared that her overwhelming wish for her business in 2025 was to approach it with more intention.   Can you relate? I know I can! I think it’s such a relatable goal because being a creative freelancer or business owner often feels like reacting to things in the moment and doing the best you can. It reminds me of a “fun” game my kids played for a while.  It involved them…

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10 biz lessons I learned from throwing a birthday brunch

This past weekend I celebrated my birthday with brunch at our home. The brilliant idea to throw a party after way too long (thanks, Covid) occurred to me during a rare kid-free breakfast with my husband in a lively local coffee shop. Buoyed by caffeine, pastries, and the joy I’ve always felt about birthdays, I put together a guest list and had the Paperless Post sent by the end of the day. No going back now, it was on the…

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You’re more ready than you think (no magical thinking required!)

Have you ever done something that changed the course of someone’s life without even thinking about it? Maybe you grabbed a stranger’s sleeve as they were about to step in front of a car. Or perhaps you had a spidey sense that something was “off”, later learning your instinct had been bang on. Or maybe you decided to take that meeting/go on that date and your life took a different trajectory as a result. Now, think of all the times…

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Why we’re immune to change (and what to do about it)

Have you ever felt like you are the biggest thing getting in the way of what you want? I know I have. 🙋 What’s your version of getting in your own way? Maybe it looks like: A behavior you repeat, even though you know it’s not in your best interests. Sabotaging yourself Fear of failure Fear of success A behavior that makes you feel bad about yourself, but you just can’t seem to stop Something else… We all have some…

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What ALL creative visionaries need to succeed (hint: it’s NOT great ideas!)

Have you ever felt like building a profitable and purposeful creative business is a lonely, uphill struggle? I know I have. I’ve also known the joy of feeling fully seen, heard, and supported by peers, professionals, and community members as I navigate uncharted (and often scary) professional and personal territory. We ALL need people who – unencumbered by the personal baggage and demons we carry – are able to see our vision and are willing to hold space for it…

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Value-based pricing: 5 Steps for branding and design pros

As a business coach for creative business owners, I can honestly say most clients entering my practice aren’t charging enough. Not nearly enough. And I understand why. I remember a pricing conversation in my days as an agent for independent creatives with a prospective client that I’m sure will sound familiar. The prospect was a large national brand looking for an estimate for tagline development. When I quoted the fee, the woman on the end of the phone practically fell…

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A new chapter [inspiration + a step-by-step plan]

It’s January 20th, 2021 – Inauguration Day in the US and a new chapter has begun. And while I’m aware of the work ahead, I’m feeling SO much hope and gratitude. I hope you are too. As Joe Biden reeled off the crises (very much plural) this administration is inheriting, he talked about heart, intention, and purpose as much as he talked about policy and action. He spoke of how values, the right people, a clear plan, and consistent action…

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How great leaders inspire HOPE (and you can too!)

What qualities do tough times bring out in you?  What gets you through, maybe even stronger than before? For me, that quality has always been hope.  Defined by Wikipedia as “An optimistic state of mind that is based on an expectation of positive outcomes with respect to events and circumstances in one’s life or the world at large,” hope is a powerful and nuanced emotion. Used well it can inspire, fortify, and sustain us through the toughest of times. Used…

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