The ability to give a talk about your art can help set you up as an authority, which increases your value in the marketplace as well as your visibility. Here are some options to help you become a better speaker: Set a clock in plain view. (to you, not the audience) People remember the first…

Right brainers have assets which are important when it comes to working for yourself. Things like intuition, imagination and innovation are exactly the things needed. Don’t fault yourself for not fitting into the nine to five world. Be glad that you have what it takes to work ‘outside the box’. Most creatives in business for…

There are several misconceptions about creative people that may keep you from going into business for yourself. Although there may be very good reasons you should not attempt it, these MYTHS are NOT among them. Artists are like children. Wrong.  You may have a childlike quality, but you are not childish. You’d be happy playing…

When i  began my writing career, I sold my house. I lived the life of a monk and a traveller. A monk because I deprived myself of many earthly pleasures while pursuing my business. A traveller because i would explore further, i would not give up, no matter how hard it got. I did everything…

Every book I have ever read on being in business for yourself includes a chapter on business plans. Do you need one? Yes and no. How do you like that answer. Many people say that lack of a business plan is the number one cause of startup failure. It is required if you want to…

The following is my short course on do’s and don’t s for starting up a business: Don’t waste your time (and money) making everything perfect before you begin. You are as ready as you’ll ever be. Your idea of what you are and what you need will change with experience, so don’t lock yourself in…

Rather than focusing on a single source of income the lesson is to develop several. This covers you during seasonal slumps, tough times and boredom (you can switch off from business to business or client to client). It also helps you spread the risk around. The key is to build your businesses that they support…

Help!  I Need Somebody  Having to do everything yourself limits your growth and your career. Control freaks struggle. If you plan to write, direct, produce, act in, edit and publicize everything you miss out and burn out. Even the most creative person can only be in so many places at once. More important, you can…

The difference between successful creatives and unsuccessful creatives comes down to this: a healthy support system. It is wonderful, intoxicating and addicting to find people who believe in you and want to see you do well. It is the antidote for your inner critic. Sometimes you can’t see how special your work and your talents…

Do unto others before they do for you. That’s my motto when it comes to networking. I believe you have to give to get. It ‘s like a checking account. As you help and support others, you start to build up an account with them. You now have a balance you can write checks against….