Business Tips For Creatives

Today I was thinking about the fact that when I create something new, I find I don't like to go back and repeat it. I get bored. I want to move on to the buzz of designing and creating the next thing.

If you're a creative such as myself then I'm sure you can identify with this process! So if you're a handmade business owner, what's the best way to tackle the flighty, head in the clouds nature that often goes along with our personalities? I thought I'd come up with some practical tips that will seem very much like common sense! But I hope will serve you to get focused and be useful for you.

• ​Be disciplined. This is a basic requirement anyway of being self-employed as you've got to be self motivated, organised and do the work if you want to succeed!
  

But, specifically focusing on the fact that, in life, there are plenty of things I'd rather not do, but I simply have to do! It's the same in business. I may want to go off on one creating something new, but I will need to discipline myself to make those things that just aren't so exciting. (There is of course the factor to test the market first. Only make a few of a new item and check it will sell. Otherwise you'll have a batch of product you can't shift! No matter how great you think it is or how much care and attention you put into making it, if no-one wants it, you're wasting your time).

• ​Be organised. Again, this is common sense as most things in life, if you want to suceed, require focus.
  

So specifically, in terms of this new vs old dilemma, it will require you to organise your time to split between re-doing the stuff you know are your best sellers and setting time aside to work on the new. For me, as a creative, that time to create new is so important to me. I get so much pleasure in coming up with new ideas, experimenting and seeing it come to fruition.

• ​This one is very important and will have been re-hashed numerous times on other blogs. More common sense in the form of setting aside time for you to create that won't be for the public eyes.
  

A little nod towards Blogtacular, the creative bloggers' conference I went to in June 2016 and this year, 2017. It will certainly be an annual highlight for me in years to come! The fabulous Lisa Congdon gave this advice in her opening key note speech (2016). In this world of social media where we are so used to sharing our lives, it is refreshing to just be in the moment and not worry about what you are creating. To keep some things just for you.

For me, it takes the pressure off. If I make something I know I'll be sharing/selling then because of my perfectionist nature, I will want the standard to be high! So it can take the fun out of it sometimes if that is constantly on your brain. There is so much information around lately about switching off in this digital age. To just appreciate a beautiful sky and not be caught up taking ten photos of it and picking the right filter to get the best Instagram shot! To just switch off with your favourite music/trash tv and just paint, knit, bake or create. With no agenda other than enjoying the gift of your creative talent. It makes a difference.

• This word has been heavily on my mind lately in my personal journey. Balance.

This is always going to be a tricky one and it will differ from person to person. Mindfulness has been a big buzz word lately but I think balance is a much bigger thing to consider. We can be mindful as a way of life, if you don't follow a faith. But balance is key. Finding it or striking the right one can be pretty hard, as I'm finding out. It will be a case of trial and error. Sometimes, out of excitement, we can't say no, we feel obliged to say yes etc. That we just take on too much. Then there comes a period of stripping everything back. Until you can add back in to a comfortable level. I still haven't found the right one for me and my family yet. But it's something to persevere on. Life will be good when you get it right!

• ​Prioritise. This is where that discipline comes in handy!

I'll give you an example using money as an analogy. I hate when people say 'I haven't got the money to do that'. I think this is poorly worded. It's more the fact that that person has chosen to prioritise spending their money on more important things. For example, they have the money to buy food and pay their bills as this is their priority. But money to come out for dinner or drinks, nope, nothing left. So when it comes to organising your business, prioritise wisely. Do the tasks you don't particularly like but are top priority. But make sure you factor in time for the more exciting stuff or time for you to nurture your talents.

To summarise, the key points here are: Be disciplined; be organised; Strike a balance that works for you and your family. Don't neglect other areas of your life that you might regret further down the line; Prioritise wisely; Set aside time for you to enjoy your creativity and nurture your talents.

You can apply this to life in general or your handmade business. Wherever you're at, I hope you found it helpful. Please do comment or get in touch if there's anything I can help you with.