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…
It’s nearly July, and boy, what a different summer this one’s shaping up to be. As we peek our heads out of our bunkers and businesses tentatively open their physical doors, we find ourselves, once again, in new and uncharted territory. Not quite open but not fully closed either. As consumers, we might be questioning the wisdom of a choice to eat in a restaurant, get a haircut, visit the dentist, or (gasp) get on a plane. And as entrepreneurs…
How do you feel about planning? Does having a plan make you feel more secure and productive? Or does it feel restrictive, overwhelming (where to start!), even intimidating? Wherever you fall on the spectrum, it’s cool. But make no mistake; when it comes to getting the results you want, planning beats winging it every day of the week. But with sheer number of options available to you, from analog journals all the way to slick software programs designed to keep…
How many of you became accidental business owners? I’m willing to bet a few hands went up. I know that in my case the choice to go out on my own in 2006 wasn’t inspired by some great vision to change the world, make a greater impact, or do things particularly differently. I just didn’t want to work for someone else anymore. Anyone else relate? And while this is as good a reason as any to go out on your…
If you’ve ever felt that: your creative talents aren’t as needed or appreciated as they once were the heydays of being paid well to design/draw/write are truly over the future belongs to digitally savvy millennials You’re not alone. In my work as a business coach for creative professionals and business owners, I’ve learned that one of the most confounding and upsetting challenges they face is not knowing how to adapt to an industry that (rather unfeelingly) appears to no longer…
Do you have a wish-list of dream clients? I do, and it’s an ever growing list of people who are pursuing their purpose, building communities, and helping people make an impact in the world. In short, they’re the people I want to be when I grow up. Now, let’s get back to your list. How many of your dream clients have you approached about working together? That list is a little shorter right? Lack of confidence about the value we…
During my days as an agent for creative directors, art directors and copywriters, I was asked by a large national brand to provide an estimate for tagline development. When I quoted the fee, the woman on the end of the phone (yes, we used phones then!) practically fell off her chair. “But it’s just 3 words” she gasped. Here’s three words for you: I rest my case. If you’re a creative business owner or freelancer, I’m willing to bet you’ve…
Can I share something with you? I live with some level of fear, most of the time. And you know what else? Everyone does! Leaders ranging from Nelson Mandela and Gandhi, to Michael Jordan and Richard Branson have all talked about fear. The difference between them and us, is their ability to accept fear (even dance with it) and do what they need to do anyway. Can I share something with you? I live with some level of fear, most…
Summer can be a challenging time of year for independent creative professionals. On the one hand – IT’S SUMMMMMMER – the season you’ve been living for ALL year. On the other hand, summer rentals, dinner and cute summer frocks cost money, and a couple of slow months can put a serious damper on the fun. So what’s a creative to do? Take control of the situation. There are a million things you can do to position yourself more effectively to…
Hip, hip hooray, it’s summer! What are your plans? While some of my clients are taking a full month off to re-charge, re-coup and play, others are taking advantage of the slower months to double-down on their business building activities. I fall somewhere in-between – enjoying summer Fridays with the kiddos and a week off the grid at our favorite Maine lake cabin in August, but cranking on a re-branding and new programs in-between. Wherever you fall on the spectrum…
free!
PROFITABLE BY DESIGN:
The 7-Part Actionable Framework to Help Creative Entrepreneurs & Freelancers Consistently Land High-Quality Clients
free guide!free guide!free guide!