Harnessing confidence and creativity within your business.
Starting your own business is one of the most daunting experiences that you can ever go through. Anyone that’s dipped their toes into the pool of entrepreneurism will know that it comes with both incredibly exciting highs, and soul-crushing lows. As well as having all of the expected worries of financials and sustainability, you also have the added pressure of external, social fears. What will people think? What will people say? One thing I’ve learned is that having confidence in your business (and in yourself, as the owner of that business!) is one of the biggest factors in running a successful one. Without it, you won’t have the drive and focus that you need to push anything forward. I’ve also learned that that is easier said than done. I know first hand how difficult it can be to hold onto your confidence and creative flair in the moments you feel lost or are facing a setback.
Reflect with honesty, find what really works for you, and move away from the things that don’t inspire and energise you.
Be honest about where you are lacking. Whether you feel comfortable admitting it out loud or would rather contemplate it silently, we all have a pretty good idea of where we, or our businesses, are lacking. When something doesn't feel quite right, or when you’re procrastinating and delaying the delivery of work, it usually means that you know it’s not your best. Assessing, reflecting and refining the way that you run your business is one of the best ways to flex your creative muscles and really hone your craft. Being brilliant at what you do is what is going to harness the confidence you need to move your business forward with ease. It’s also what will set you apart in an incredibly competitive landscape.
Find what really works for you. A cookie-cutter approach to business is never going to serve you. There are thousands of choices for every type of consumer in the market, and fighting for business is not a position you want to be in. Taking the time to find what works for you will really stretch your creativity and give you a deep sense of pride — this business is yours, it’s a true and pure reflection of you, and that is something incredibly special. If you’re constantly chasing trends and mirroring competition, you will never find confidence in what you’re doing. You’ll be in a never-ending cycle of uncertainty and discontentment with a business that you have no emotional connection to. I’ve been there, I wouldn’t recommend it to anybody.
Move away from the things that don’t motivate you. Imagine if your entire working year was filled with work and projects that inspired and energised you? There’s no reason that can’t be your reality. If you’re offering services, working with clients that give you a sense of respect and trust will be transformative to your business (and your wellbeing!). One of the best things you can do for yourself is to move away from the things, people or projects that drain you. Look at the bigger picture, figure out how you can remove this from your reality, and leave yourself with more space and energy to take on the things that excite you. There is no quicker way to stifle your creativity than working on something that doesn’t lift you up.
One of the best things about starting your own business, particularly in a creative industry like mine, is the community that you almost automatically find yourself right in the middle of. In all of my working life, I have never had the level of professional support that I have right now. Utilise the people around you and what they have to offer, whether that is advice, guidance, friendship or maybe even a partnership. Collaborating with people is one of the most creative things you can do; the process of brainstorming and nurturing each others ideas is such a privilege, and an experience to really be enjoyed. Don’t be afraid to reach out to those that inspire you and let your creativity lead the way.
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