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?

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 Daily Routines of Creative Folk…

One of the things I’ve been working on this past month is refining my daily routine. There are soo many projects, soo many ideas, soo many people to network with and time is of the essence!

I’m fine tuning my dailies and sticking to them.

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A friend of mine posted the above infographic on his facebook page awhile back and I found it pretty insightful and encouraging for two reasons:

  1. As a creative, it’ ok that I don’t fit into the typical 9-5 grind
  2. My daily grind and process is different and perfectly fine

Everyone’s grind is different and once you come to terms with the way you work, you lend yourself to greater productivity and unique work

Recognizing that your creative process is different and accepting it for what it is can lend to the uniqueness of work and greater productivity.

What does your daily work routine look like?