Part 4: Business Hot Takes

Continuing the hot takes series where I give you the best tips I have when it comes to managing and running your own creative business. If you missed the other posts, be sure to go back through and take a look.

Tip 1: Narrow your focus

You don’t need to do everything. In fact, trying to do everything is actually hurting you. Creative services are vast and complicated. I’m talking about social media, graphic design, web design, videography, photography, etc. Trying to be an expert at every single aspect of marketing / creative services is impossible. As much as each platform and area of marketing changes, you could make a job out of simply staying up to date with it all. You’re better off narrowing your focus on things you enjoy and becoming an expert at those things. Collaborate with other creatives and outline the services you offer. Don’t go beyond.

Tip 2: Make the things instead of being asked to make them

As a creative, you will always have a lot of ideas. Instead of waiting to be asked by a client to create something, just do it. Craft projects that reflect your own style and take on things. This is important because it will attract your dream clients. Don’t have a concept to work with? Make one up. No one knows the difference. Don’t be afraid to experiment and make those things you like. Someone is out there waiting to see it and be inspired. Putting your work out there will only benefit you.

Tip 3: Routine makes all the difference

If you’re working with multiple recurring clients, routine is everything. Once you have a project proposal that is agreed upon, log that into your notes and create a schedule to ensure it’s executed. Time management and setting a routine will make all the difference. There’s no set rules either – just find what works best for you.

For me, I find mornings are when I am the most anxious to start working. I check my email, check social platforms, look at my to do list for the day, drink coffee and get the day started. Mid day, I’m tired of sitting at my desk so I take a walk and then start again in the afternoon. Later in the afternoon, I check my email one more time and then call it a day. Between all of that, I have a very defined list of what I need to accomplish. Find what works for you, make adjustments as needed and take a break when you need to.

Tip 4: Keep a running list of vendors / recurring processes

As a graphic designer, you will have times where you need to connect clients with a reliable printer. As a web designers, there will be that one thing that took a lot of research to find out. As a publisher, you finally got that routine down so you can publish that new issue each month on time. Keep a running list of vendors who are great to work with and a list of recurring processes and tricks. Don’t try to figure things out as you go or start fresh each time. Take note of the info you have found so it’s easy to reference on the next project.

Tip 5: Say no to things

Just like moving on from bad clients, you also need to say no at times. Don’t feel inclined to take on new projects or accounts – the worst thing you can do is overwhelm yourself. It’s okay to say no. Know your limits and stick with it. You can be motivated by money and keep taking things on, but you will probably be burned out at some point. Be realistic about how much you take on and don’t go beyond.

Also, say no to things that don’t feel like a good fit. For example, I have a lot of experience in very specific fields. I make it a point to stay up to date within those industries. Because I am genuinely interested in those fields, I have several ideas when it comes to dreaming up creative projects, marketing strategies and campaigns. On the other hand, I wouldn’t take on work in select industries I know nothing about and have no interest in like education, sports, healthcare and finance. If you don’t really have much insight, experience or interest, you probably won’t have many creative ideas for the project.