One of the biggest challenges for creative entrepreneurs is jumpstarting the next season or the New Year. If this resonates with you, don’t worry. You haven’t lost your edge; you simply need to fuel your genius. Below are some of our top creative growth strategies to help you have a great 2019.
Get Ahead of the Trends
One way to ramp up your creative business is to be the first to adopt, embrace or produce something that is cutting-edge. This requires you to be a leader, not a follower, and to know where to look for the next big thing.
Learn how to monitor the top influencers on different aspects of the industry such as wedding décor. The fashion industry, interior design and retail merchandisers are always in the know, anticipating next season’s big hits months in advance. Follow their Instagram accounts, set alerts to remind yourself about events like Fashion Week, and be a shrewd observer as you peruse new catalogs or walk the aisles of your local stores. Once you are attuned to the signs, you will recognize them all around you.
Don’t Sit Down!
When your motivation wanes or your enthusiasm seems to be too tempered to create, get out of your seat. Seriously. It works. The rut that comes from staring at your screen all day long with your fingers molded to your keyboard is a direct threat to that beautiful impulse you need to get your creative on. Go outside. Run a mile. Take a walk. Open your eyes and see the world around you. The world will provide all of the inspiration you need if you’ll just take the time to get away from your desk and see it.
Toy with Tech
If you are not already using top apps and programs to make your business life easier, hear this loud and clear – It. Is. Time. Easy to use, affordable, and way better than even your mad business skills on your best day, there is a vast selection of productivity, business management, client management and communication apps that can be your best friends. They will make you not only more efficient, but also more accurate and effective. Use them to get back the time and attention you need to devote to your art.
How much more could you achieve this year if you were to get back hours, or days, worth of time to spend on what you truly do best? Start searching for your perfect apps today.
Make a Friend
…or, hire one. In other words, bring in help. If burnout is killing your mojo, or you are so far behind on the business of being creative that you’ve put actual creative endeavors on hold, you need help.
Look for someone who fits your business lifestyle. That might be a full-time go-getter who can bring in sales and organize your whole office before breakfast. Or, it might be a confirmed part-time pal who needs a side gig and has the skills to do what you simply don’t have the bandwidth to address. You choose the business relationship that is right for you – but get yourself some help right now.
2019 is yours for the taking. Follow these strategies for propelling you into the New Year with renewed energy and capacity for greatness. Success will be yours.
Kevin Dennis is the editor of WeddingIQ and the owner ofFantasy Sound Event Services, a full-service event company based in Livermore, California. Dennis is the past president for Silicon Valley NACE, and national vice president for WIPA.