Tag Archives: business development

What to do when business is slow in summer (hint: the answer’s not panic!)

Ahhh, it’s summer! The beach, the lake, or just sitting outside with a cold one. Is there anything better? Not in my book! But there’s a dark side to summer too. For independent creative professionals and business owners, things can get pretty quiet. And I mean, crickets quiet. We all know it happens, yet we still get freaked out by it. I know I’ve been there and I bet you have too. Wouldn’t it be great if there were something…

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The 3 C’s of a thriving creative business (and you already have them all!)

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…

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How to communicate the value of what you do (and why you’re worth the big bucks)

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…

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The #1 obstacle to your success (and how to get past it)

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…

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Is it too late to launch the creative business of your dreams? (Nope!)

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…

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