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The Business of Creative

By May 5, 2014November 14th, 2016Networking

The Business of Creative, for those desiring to monetise their creativity the road ahead is long and challenging. At the core of your creative and business mindset is an important question requiring consideration. Do you exist in the business to be creative? Or, are you being creative to be in business? Ultimately, the path you chose determines whether you as a creative seek employment or pursue a life of self-employment. Look at the inspiration wheel in last weeks post: https://www.darrenhall.com.au/passion/

Like me, if you have chosen the later, then your focus will be driven towards creating a successful business in monetising creativity. It is about your vision, in what the business can ultimately do for you in comparison to what you can do for the business. Either choice comes with its own risks and rewards. But if you are willing to step outside your comfort zone and get some balls then why work for someone else’s creative vision.

So where do you start in getting a business off the ground? If the past 6 months has taught me anything it is to network like tomorrow is your last day. After all, the size of your net-worth = your network, plain and simple. You can spread your Vegemite on that.

So what advice can I bring to the table after cutting my teeth for the past 6 months? Spend an enormous amount of time developing your networks and be strategic in managing those networks. I here you saying right now, ‘networking do I really have to’, or I find meeting new people difficult’. The reality is though without solid networks, you are not going anywhere. This does not mean networking needs to be a painful process perhaps look to start small and growing a step at a time and soon you will find what works for you.

Here are some great tips I have learned:

Forums/User Groups

  • Plug into industry related forums, this may seem a no brainer but don’t just get sign into any old forum. Be specific; choose forums strategically in-line with your target market. If you want to be a 3D product visualiser in the automotive industry then find automotive and manufacturing forums. It is also advantageous to sign up onto creative forums related to your field, which is a great way to meet like-minded people willing to support and provide you with creative feedback. You never know whom this person is connected to!

  • Spend 2-3 months just listening on forums to what potential clients are discussing as they may be experiencing creative problems you can match with a solution. This will present you with an excellent opportunity in generating business from a warm lead.

  • Get involved; have something to say and contribute to the topic. Set yourself a goal in becoming an expert in something and share it on-line. Be seen to be helping others and you never know clients may end up coming to you!

Research Potential Clients

  • Spend time analysing your target markets business for problems they may be experiencing then deciding how you can add value to that business. If for example you find something on their website you believe you can improve awesome, send something that demonstrates your ability in solving their specific problem. E.g. A case study for example.

  • If you decide to contact the organisation using cold calling, then I have total respect for you. However, if you feel cold calling is not you forte then seriously re-think this strategy. This is one area organisations are well equipped in detecting and shut you down before you can say hello. The last thing you want to do is sound desperate and potentially damage your brand!

  • An alternative could be to setup an email solution for cold calling or perhaps setup a lead generation page for obtaining contacts. Seth Godin of Yahoo fame wrote a book that changed my view titled permission marketing, check it out: http://www.sethgodin.com/sg/books.asp

Client Hangouts

  • An addition to forums, client hangouts are a great way to develop a network. People are social and will often congregate at the local pub or industry networking opportunities; it may even be industry related conventions where you find potential clients? Do you participate in sports or a hobby? The key is to find where your clients hangout and make yourself present in their world (without stalking of course).

Social Media

  • This area is so immense it is impossible to delve into everything in detail, but I will outline briefly, what is important. The key to a great social media empire is your castle that being your website with a blog and linking all other social media platforms back to your site.

  • Social Media is an extremely powerful tool in developing your network. A well-connected social media platform draws people into your world and connecting with you in common. For any business professional, it is important to connect to LinkedIn the world’s largest on-line business networking site. Once connected be strategic and connect to the right people you seek. Again, do not hook up to just anyone spend some time researching the target organisation and make the connection.

  • Facebook, Google+, Twitter are pretty much the top social media platforms you need to be on. Most people now would exist on a social media platform of some type and linking to them is relatively easy and free to setup. Write a post 1-2 times a week minimum along with and getting involved in the topic of discussion. These sites are excellent for building credibility.

  • A business related blog and website are the linchpin in your overall social media platform, especially the blog. The blog is recognised as the most important asset to your social media empire allowing you to communicate directly to your clients; allows you to market your business, and builds credibility for your brand. This is an area to many business overlook and imperative as a creative you have it.

In wrapping up, these are just some of the ways you can develop a network and just get out there, meet people, be seen, and promote, promote, promote.

Until then, live the dream!

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