„A business has to be involving, it has to be fun, and it has to exercise your creative instincts.“
– RICHARD BRANSON
Having your own business is very different from being an employee. Recently I was asked by a client, who is making this transition, if I could tell her some of the takeaways from my own journey as a creative entrepreneur. This is what I told her:
Be clear about the kind of lifestyle you want and build your business to support it. If you don’t think about this you might end up creating a business you don’t like and which is not sustainable in the long run.
Know yourself and your business well. Use your unique points of differentiation to stand out and to attract the right customers. The best customers are those who value your work and with whom you can do your best work.
Learn how to deal with failures and learn how to persevere. Business means experimenting to find out what works and what doesn’t. No one has an exact success formula (even though some will sell you that). Don’t be afraid to try new things, and when it’s difficult don’t give up but persist.
Money is not the best motivator for most creative entrepreneurs. Doing meaningful work is by far more motivating. Of course, financial success is also important, but it feels best when it’s a byproduct of purposeful contribution.
Being a creative entrepreneur (especially in the beginning) is a roller coaster ride. We have to acknowledge this and even though sometimes it’s scary, eventually we just have to get comfortable with it.
Above all: Enjoy every step of this interesting journey of personal growth, creative growth, and business growth!
