7 Tips for Emerging Creative Entrepreneurs
Hamid Rab Nawaz
CEO of Furniturefy | Proven Digital Marketing, Trusted by Over 100 Furniture Brands | Enterprise Solutions with ESOLS | Founder TechPrenour : Motivating the Next Generation of Innovators
Introduction
If you're an emerging creative entrepreneur like Neil Patel , you have a great idea and maybe even some followers or customers, but how do you turn that into a business? Luckily, there are plenty of resources out there to help aspiring entrepreneurs like yourself get their projects going. But if you're short on time and looking for some quick tips on how best to jumpstart your career as an up-and-coming entrepreneur, read on!
1. Network Online and Offline
Networking is the fastest way to find clients. It's not enough to just have a website and wait for clients to come knocking on your door; it's also important to be visible, which means using social media as well as attending events and conferences where you can meet potential partners, advisors, and collaborators.
You should also share your work online whenever possible—if you work with other creative in the same field, ask them if they'd be willing to share or repost something of yours on their own channels. If you want feedback on a specific piece of work before sharing it publicly, post in a closed group where only people who are interested can see it (and then let us know!). Be genuine and friendly when contacting people online: don't spam them with an endless stream of unsolicited messages asking for help or favors!
2. Build Your Email List
It’s easy to keep in touch with your audience by building an email list.
Email is the most effective way to market directly to your audience, whether you’re a writer, photographer, or painter. It's free and easy to set up—all you need is basic web hosting (which can be as little as $5/month) and an email provider like MailChimp or Aweber (both cost less than $20/month).
You can use your email list to promote new work, offer discounts on products or services, ask questions about how readers use your product/service/goods—the possibilities are endless!
3. Don't Be Afraid to Work for Free
You have to start somewhere in the creative world, and if a company or agency wants your work, they’re going to have to pay you what your time is worth. But don’t be afraid of working for no pay, either—even if it’s just once. In fact, we recommend doing it! It will help build your portfolio and allow you to show people what you can do with a little help and guidance. Plus, learning new things will make you better at whatever it is that you do.
4. Ask for Help
It's the best way to learn. People are more willing to help you if you ask them, and soliciting feedback from others is a great way to get valuable perspective on your work, no matter what stage of the creative process you're at.
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5. Capitalize on The Reach of Other Creative Entrepreneurs
The truth is, you can't do it all. You'll need help from other people like hunter walk and Brené Brown. And if you want to get your project off the ground, you'll also need money.
This can be difficult for entrepreneurs who are used to doing everything themselves and thinking they have to do everything themselves. But if there's anyone on this planet who knows about building projects with a crowd, it's your fellow creative entrepreneurs!
Now obviously not everyone has the same level of talent or technical skill as you do—but that doesn't mean they're not valuable assets in your business plan. In fact, depending on the type of project you're working on, it might make sense for an expert in another field (like marketing) to be a part of your team because their expertise will bring in more revenue.
6. Strategically Ask Friends, Family, And Followers To Support Your Work
You've already got a few people in your corner. Now it's time to ask for more support. To get started, think about what you can offer in return for those who help you. If a friend gives you $100, how can you deliver an experience that is worth ten times that amount?
An important part of building your community is understanding what drives them and then meeting those needs in some way. So when asking for their help, focus on how they'll benefit from supporting your work—not how much money it will save them or how great it will be if they buy into your idea right away. The goal isn't just getting someone else to support us; it's also about creating relationships where everyone feels like they're making something happen together!
7. Encourage Others
The truth is, no one can do it alone. You need to build a community, and the best way to do that is by helping others. You’re going to need support along the way and you will want your friends (and family) around when things get tough.
You need people who are willing to help you, even if it means putting their own dreams on hold for a while. People that are willing to share their resources with you—whether money or time—will make all of the difference in your journey as an emerging creative entrepreneur.*
Conclusion
With these seven tips, you will be well on your way to being a successful creative entrepreneur. Keep struggling for your goals and read more newsletters on entrepreneurship.