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…
If you’re in business, there’s always one thing that’s top of mind: Whether you’re starting out and need to get your first few clients, or are re-positioning your existing business to attract higher-quality, better paying clients, the goal of keeping your pipeline full is always the same. So, how do you find and keep great clients? After 15+ years getting new clients as a rep for independent creative professionals, and 7 years building my coaching practice, I’ve learned that business…
Change, like death and taxes, is one of constants in life. Sometimes it comes in the form of a life-changing opportunity, other times it’s completely unwelcome and feels out of our control. What changes have you experienced lately? Perhaps you’ve suffered a set-back in your business with the loss of a big client, or perhaps you got laid off from your job and you’re not sure what to do next. Either way, it can be easy to believe that your…
This weekend I watched the Netflix documentary “I Am Not Your Guru”, which followed Tony Robbins on his 6-day “Date with Destiny” Event. Earlier that day, I’d ordered an Eckhart Tolle book Oprah recommended. I had a sudden realization; what I now find inspirational used to stir feelings of deep distrust and judgment (both of the “gurus” and their audiences). And I don’t think I’m alone, can I hear an “Aye”? (I couldn’t resist a little Tony Robbins reference!)….
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…
If you were to jump off a cliff and launch the creative venture of your dreams, what would it be? Would you make films? Exhibit and sell your art or photography? Write a book? Motivate, teach and educate from the stage? The possibilities are endless. So are the excuses not to make it happen. How do I know? I’ve been there. Two years ago I made the decision to close my successful creative management agency and pursue my passion for…
How many of you ‘get’ the concept of finding your passion and building a business around it, but are struggling to make it happen? I get it. Being told to find your passion is like being told to cheer up when you’re feeling depressed. Not only is it not helpful, it’s counter-productive because it just makes you feel even more disconnected from your inner gifts. Wherever you are on the spectrum of finding purpose and meaning through your creative…
One of the toughest things about being an entrepreneur is the need to constantly operate outside your comfort zone. Between defining what makes you stand out from the crowd, identifying who your ideal clients are, and creating a message that resonates with them (oh and doing amazing creative that keeps them coming back), the learning curve of having a successful creative business or career can feel pretty steep. It’s enough to make you want to quit before you even start,…
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