Creative Content: Turning “How” Into “What”

For years I’ve wrestled with the “how” of my business: How should I launch this business, how am I going to generate income, how is this going to work?

How, how, how, how, HOW….

All these “hows” have led to major points of anxiety, concern, worry, and feelings of insecurity and inadequacy with my work and process. It’s led to blockage, frustration and has ultimately stunted creative flow at different junctures. 2016-03-30 14.08.21

As a creative professional, this is probably the worst thing that could ever happen…

A few weeks ago, I realized that I’ve been asking the wrong question. I’ve been asking the question of “how” instead of “what”

And without “what” there is no product or service to sell

Instead of sorting out the “hows” of my operations, for now, I need to focus on the “what” of my content: what do I want to create, what makes me come alive, what do I think is interesting, what is my creative voice.

What?! But what about the how?

The “hows” of our business are in fact very important. Super-DUPER important. The operational “hows” are meant for accountability purposes: to maintain checks and balances. They keep you in check with yourself, your client and the government.

Because you know the government is coming for your earnings at some point…

I’ve discovered in my own process that focusing in on the accountability structure first does not produce quality in the service that I offer.

It now “what” and then “how”…

This is what works for me. For others it could be the exact opposite. And that’s the thing. It all comes down to figuring out what works best for you.

What has worked best for you: “what” before “how” or “how” before “what”?

Web Design: Baptism By Fire….

I hate web design… Man, do I ever hate it!

Maybe I should clarify that.

I hate DOING web design myself. It’s tedious, boring, taxing, overwhelming and boring….

Did I mention BORING

Seriously though, I really do appreciate a well-designed site. And by taking the time to design and and re-design my own site and blog (link) over the years, I’ve come to appreciate the work that web designers, graphic designers and programmers do.

Damn, they’re good…

Web design is not in my gift mix. But I do it myself because I have to. I don’t have the dollars to pay an expert to do it for me… yet.  But one day, when I’m rolling in the dough, I will hire a designer and let them go to town with my site. For now, I’ll relish in the small beginnings of a start-up and force myself to enjoy it.

Yay, web design, yay!! I love you, you’re the best!

What are some small business things that you have to do, but don’t want to do?

A Penny For Your Entrepreneurial Thoughts…

One thing I’m learning in this season is that if you don’t ask for what you want, you won’t get it.

I’ve been thinking about what I want for my business and how to ask for in a way that is sincere and authentic to my own personality and brand. Asking can be as simple as telling your graphic designer that you prefer red to blue as the featured colour in your promotional material, or as risky as sending a proposal to a funding organization for a grant.

Bottom line is, that if you don’t ask, you won’t receive. And the worst thing that could happen is “no.” Because what if they say “yes?”

What are you asking for these days?

Why do I do what I do: Communications | Consulting | The Inspired Life

Back in the summer a friend of mine, who is also one of my business and writing accountability partners, confronted me about my lack of passion for my business. I had come to a place of wanting to completely give up on everything and she challenged me to do some soul searching. She encouraged me to take a few days to think about why I do what I do and chronicle it.

It was time to rekindle the flame of entrepreneurship….

In business it’s important to know who you are and who you are not. In knowing who you are, you’re able to focus in on your strengths and bolster them. And in recognizing who you are not you can filter out projects that you don’t want to touch and send them on their merry way to peers and other professionals in your network.

Writing business plans… I don’t wanna do them! I just don’t wanna…..

This is why I do what I do:

Why Consulting:
1. I have great ideas
2. I like helping people
3. Consulting fosters personal creativity
4. It personal and client growth
5. It’s fun giving advice in a way that serves clients, their business and their lifestyle

Why Communications:
1. I like writing and editing
2. I have a unique voice
3. I have ideas and concepts to share
4. I like the process and intricate nature of editing

Why The Inspired Life:
1. I like singing and making music
2. I like writing songs
3. I have ideas and thoughts to share
4. I want to write books
5. I want to record music
6. I want to start a movement for creatives
7. I love travel and want to share travel experiences and goodies that I’ve purchased with people

I know what I’m good at. Do you?

Aaaaannndd….

Why do you do what you do? Have you taken the time to figure it out?

The Dream is Free. The Hustle Isn’t.

Over the past few years, I’ve had a dream; a dream to work for myself and own my own business. The process hasn’t been easy. It’s been a journey through a ton of “nos” and very few “yeses”

Throughout the journey, I’ve been:

Changing, shifting, shedding and gaining…
Learning, people-pleasing, sifting through happiness and disillusionment…
Praying, gaining faith in myself and my business and losing it within seconds
Living in abundance and being broke, like reeeaaally broke….
And loving… Loving with all my heart….

At the center of all the the chaos, drama, change and many false starts, the dream has stayed alive and somehow has taken form. These four words describe the last few years of hustle–where I’ve come from and where I’m going:

Evolve. Discover. Inspire. Sacrifice.

Yup, the dream is free but the hustle is costly…