How To Create a Support System for your Arts Business4 Ways to Build a Business Support Structure 

Recently I had a session with my business coach about one of my programs and couldn’t believe the advice she dished out. The core actionable advice I had to take away was;

  1. My vision wasn’t clear.
  2. I hadn’t defined my market (and as great as my idea was my market is not everyone).
  3. I needed to put some organizational systems in place within my family and business.

What?! 1. Vision clarity is my THING! 2. I teach specific workshops on articulating markets and how to do this. 3. My brother calls me the Chris-tapo I’m so militantly organized. I know all this. I teach all this! I have blogs about these EXACT topics!! I COACH all this to other people!! How had I missed it within my own business?!   Because the fact is sometimes our heads are so far up the arses of our own businesses that we miss the blatantly obvious. So how do we all protect ourselves from the pitfalls that are created by being too close to our creations, business and products? We create an advisory system. 

When we are working so hard on our creative businesses and careers it can be very hard to maintain consistent perspective. Many of us work in isolation and can get so close to what we are doing that we forget key strategies, fail to recognise ideal solutions to problems we are facing and lose sight of our driving vision. This is why we need external support be it free or paid. Here are four ways of putting this kind of system in place. Don’t forget that most free options are based on a reciprocal arrangement, be a giver as well as taking the help from others.

  1. Network

    Meet other people building businesses, living creative lives and following their passion. Share your experiences and insights with each other. Chances are there are lots of wheels that you won’t need to reinvent if you surround yourself with likeminded folk. Just in listening to what other people are doing and experiencing you can gather loads of valuable information. You can be there to bounce ideas off each other, seek advice and gain fresh eyes.

  1. Facebook or Other Online Groups

    Find a group you gel with and connect with people that way. Share your skills and insights with others and they will share theirs with you. Finding the right online group can be an invaluable resource for your business and an ideal place to gain some outside perspectives on your operations. Bounce ideas, flag anxieties and share insights and resources that have helped you out.

  1. Workshops, Conferences & Masterclasses

    Not only do workshops, conferences and masterclasses add specific skills to the kitty they are filled with like minded people. Share what is going on for you when the opportunity is available and listen hard to what is happening for others. Use break times to speak to other attendees, trade insights and make connections. Most facilitators and key speakers are available during breaks and afterwards to offer personalised advice and referrals, so optimize this opportunity too.

  1. 1 on 1 Coaching

    Find someone who understands business, your industry and you and work together to grow your business. Make the most of expert knowledge and a birdseye perspective. Having a specific person who understands your lifestyle, family and business circumstance, creative process and the ins and outs of your particular business can be an invaluable asset to your creative life and business. From keeping you accountable to trouble shooting roadblocks and addressing skills gaps, finding someone to walk side by side with you through your creative and business journey can be a game changer.

Check out the ways in which we can support your arts business and creative life so you can really thrive http://creativeconsultancies.com/arts/.