20 Tips to Carry with you as a First Time Creative Business Owner

2022 was a challenging year, but also a groundbreaking one.

I loved seeing passionate entrepreneurs feel equipped with their copy. To know that made the difference, to come into their own being, just further motivates me to keep going even in the ups and downs. 

So here’s what I’ve learned in my first full year as a creative business owner that you should carry with you:

Sales & Marketing

1. Selling doesn’t have to be scary.

   In fact, it can be done gracefully. Instead of pushing people into a sale, you can inform them on how you can help them fix the problem to their solution.

2. Cold Pitching isn’t scary.

   One thing that irks me about “attraction marketing” is the fact that you don’t take any action to reach out to dream clients. If I know I want to work with you, why wouldn’t I just ask and shoot my shot? You can write content that attracts people, but don’t wait if you see an opportunity present itself. 

3. Consistent doesn’t mean daily.

   As someone who can take things, quite literally, when people say, “show up consistently,” it really annoys me. And frankly, as an introvert exhausts me. What does consistent mean ? Every other day? W

   What I’ve learned is that consistency in messaging is important more than anything else. You can take a sabbatical from social media and be fine (trust me, I’ve done it). But if I showed up talking about the benefits of social media marketing all of the sudden, people would be suspicious since it strays from my message on copywriting.

4. Always ask questions.

   Brand Messaging seems like this elusive thing that no one really explains. Really, it all about asking who is my ideal client, what is their problem, why does it matter to them, where are they in the stage of awareness, and how can you help them. If you keep asking questions and listening, you will see that a customer doesn't buy a $300 dress because she can, it’s because she wants to feel luxurious, beautiful, or that she belongs. 

5. Put yourself out there (with no expectations)

   During the month of September, I challenged myself to dedicate time to coffee chats to network with others. I simply wanted to get to know people. If they wanted to refer me and vice versa then so be it. But it’s not an obligation. Of course, you have to promote yourself, but you can do so in a way that is modest.

Mindset

1. Be humble.

   In a world that tells you to “f**** being humble”, I am going to say the opposite. You don’t have to be the loudest person. Not everyone likes that. I am drawn to people who realize their limitations and are open about their flaws. They understand that they are malleable, just like the rest of us.

2. Know your limitations (and keep learning them).

   This was the year where I took a lot of courses. As a fellow neurodivergent, learning from free resources just wasn’t cutting it for me. I need to ask questions about the nuances that come up and follow up for validation that I’m doing okay. Always have and always will. So when I hit a roadblock, had to be humble instead of pushing myself to do it on my own and enlist in a mentor (shoutout to Susan, Kerry, and Belinda) to be the guide. 

3.  Take imperfect action.

   I was always afraid that I would say the wrong thing when writing. I wanted to show up the same way as other people that I looked up to did. I became frozen with fear because I realized how much work it is. So that goes to say: Do it imperfectly. That’s where all the beauty is held anyways.

4. BTW—Don’t compare your first step to someone’s third step.

   I believe that people who specialize or are considered experts in their field are just a few steps away from you. They aren’t these magical beings that cracked a secret code. They were once where you were. So don’t assume that they are greater than you (because no one is) just because they’re a “thought leader”.

5. Try underutilized platforms like LinkedIn or Pinterest.

   You don’t always have to be where it is popular. Sometimes the nosiest places are the hardest to be, but you can always choose what may work best for you (plus it’s easy to re-purpose). 

Running a Creative Business

1. Keep testing.

   One thing that is constant in the life of a creative entrepreneur is the need to keep trying. You have to be resilient and willing to pick yourself up again. Even if something doesn’t turn out the way you expected. If you stay stuck on what you are ‘failing’ on, instead of seeing it as an opportunity, that is the real failure.

2. Even if it feels like no one is watching, someone is.

   You’ll be surprised, but all of my clients didn’t engage much in my stories or posts. But they still were watching and saw the work that they did and felt that working with me would be valuable. So don’t worry if you hear crickets. Someone, your one ideal client, still sees you.

3. But don’t be afraid to make mistakes.

   It might feel like a lot of pressure to know that people are seeing your every move. When people tell you that you need to be an expert, they make it seem as if you can’t make mistakes. That’s just not true. In fact, if you make a mistake, own up to it and learn it. People will admire that integrity.

4. It’s okay to just have the essentials.

   You don’t need to outsource everything. If you are just starting out, you should really get to know your business for a year or two before handing over the reigns to someone else. It’s okay to make investments that are made for beginners ( Stick around for the end to learn more).

5. Network, network, network.

   2022 was the year that I decided to join in-person networking events.

   Whether it’s Toastmasters, the Chamber of Commerce, Rising Tide, or a local Facebook Group. Networking and Leadership development events have made me feel more connected to my surroundings and eased the anxiety of having to show up. Don’t get me wrong, digital communities like Curate Co and The Table have also been amazing. In fact, that’s where I have met some of my online friends. 

Creative Copywriting

1. Always write.

   Copywriting forces me process better. Whether it’s my 2 (soon to be 3!) weekly newsletters or just writing down notes. The only way to get better—is to do.

2. Inspiration is everywhere.

   The best way to figure out how to write: by using the content ideas all around you.

   Your friend going on a Bumble date with a guy who turned out to be a Neo Nazi?—> how to vet the service providers you work with. 

   That time you snuck a rabbit into your house?—> how to use Easter Eggs as a marketing strategy.

   Dropping hints about what you want for your birthday and your boyfriend just doesn’t get it? —> Be clearer with your target audience.

3. Show what makes you different.

   You don’t have to be the boldest person in the room, but you do have something to say. Something that makes you stand out that people are curious about.

   Have a side gig as a nature photographer which brought your to branding for intentional companies? Write about it.

   Spent a year in exploring the country your ancestors came from and discovered your love for food photography? Talk about it.

   Used to work with Lauren Conrad and now you own your own web design studio? You bet your audience wants to know it.

   Because you never know what connects with a person.

4. Everyone has a story to tell.

   I believe that if you knew someone's story, like truly knew, then you would have empathy for them. Even if it’s saying it out loud to your audio recorder, take the time to tell your story (or find someone who can tell your story for you).

5. Listen to your audience.

   This goes for copywriting specifically. Always ask questions and engage with your audience. All of them. Go above and beyond and don’t be afraid to ask specific questions to get to the root of the problem (and maybe you can find a solution).

Bonus: The smallest things can be the big things.

A wedding photographer that I worked with mentioned this in her questionnaire and it has stuck with me. The small things that happen in your life, still deserve to be noticed and appreciated. You may think that they aren’t a big deal, but they are. Sometimes those small things ground you and remind you of the progress that you made.

There goes the 20 tips for first time creative business owners that I have learned. If you're a newer creative entrepreneur  and know that you need copywriting, but only need the foundational steps of your site, check out my service “The Poem”. And as always, I’d love to know your thoughts.