By seeking the advice of those who possess knowledge and know-how you do not, you broaden your perspective and improves your ability to manage your creative business. Those who see the world differently need to hear your creative business’ story told in a language they can understand. Just having to learn what information is necessary and how it to obtain it for your advisors is invaluable.
However, you may not be at a place in your creative business where you feel you want or need a Board of Advisors. No judgement there. What might be most important for you is to receive feedback and other relevant information from industry professionals. In this case, there are myriad industry conferences to choose from. Conferences can be useful if you are trying to broaden your skill set as an artist, be exposed to a lot of industry ideas and trends, and, mostly, have the opportunity to network with your peers.
No matter what you choose, you have to choose. As a creative business owner, you need to be constantly seeking to enrich yourself by learning from others. The world we live in today is far too complex and competitive to think that you can survive by standing still.
However, regardless of how you choose to educate and inform yourself, please remember that it is YOUR creative business and for YOU to choose what is best for it. The idea of industry standards for creative businesses is an oxymoron, as is the idea that there is a “right” business model. No matter what any expert might suggest, an expert’s role is not to provide you with THE answer or THE way. There is no such thing. Experts are there only to provide you with information and insight that will help you make the best, most informed decisions for your business. Ultimately, you as an artist must define your art, not your audience. Your creative business is no different.
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Sean, so true… no matter who you are and what you do, we always have room to grow and learn.
Great reminder that others are not THE answer! Sometimes that is what we’re seeking.
This is exactly with Jubilee and I are wanting to do through our new business…create opportunities for our peers to enrich their lives and improve their craft by learning from each other. Thanks for expressing it so well!
Great points, Sean. The president of The Mirage, Scott Sibella, once was discussing leadership principles and two that really hit a chord for me-“Initiate your own training”, and “Learn as much as you can in all departments (facets) of your business”.
Also, the point you make about personally defining your art, not your audience, is so true. Sometimes difficult in a commercial venture, but essential in retaining your soul as an artist.
I spoke to someone recently who meets with his board of advisors once a month and who hold him accountable for his business actions and tasks. I think it’s such a brilliant idea and have found myself subconsciously surrounding myself with people who act as my own board without doing so formally. Having that insight is so important!
Your advice is so straight-forward and, for lack of a better word, mature. You assume we’re adults who are able to make good decisions but need more data. That’s so refreshing.
I appreciate that so much I featured you on my blog as one of the 12 resources aspiring planners should know about. Thanks, Sean
So true — when I answer questions about how I do things, I always try to remind people when I tell them that I do it that way because it is the right choice for ME. It may not work for them. It may not fit their business model.
I realized often people are asking because they want validation, and approval that it is ok to do whatever they want – even if it isn’t “industry standard.”
Thank you for the reminder of how important all of this is!
I love all your posts….so helpful and informational. Keep them coming!
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