How to kick-start your creative business

If Not Now, Then When? helps creative entrepreneurs turn a passion into a viable business via a suite of resources including talks, networking events and podcasts. Here, founder Rachael Hymas shares tips taken from the INNTW toolkit for those wanting to t

1 EXTEND YOUR DIGITAL NETWORK

Lockdown has hugely impacted our social lives; however, this is also the case for all the people that you idolise. Use this time and the technology at your fingertips to reach out to them. Having a solid network is one of the most important ways to succeed in business. Make sure your digital profiles are up to date, present you in the best light and showcase what you have to offer.

2 PICK THE RIGHT NAME

The name is the anchor for your business and the brand as a whole. Ensure you make it easy to pronounce and spell, while being memorable. It’s also very important to check that the website and social media handles are available. Fundamentally, you need to make sure it ties into the personality and character of your brand.

3 WRITE A BUSINESS PLAN

One of the most important parts in the journey of setting up a business is knowing what the ‘plan’ is. By visiting gov.uk, you’ll be able to access free business plan templates which will prove to be an invaluable tool. It’ll allow you to work out any issues or areas that you’ve not considered before you begin.

4

VALUE YOUR SKILLS

It’s very important to understand the value of what you have to offer to ensure you don’t buckle under the pressure and offer your skills for less than they are worth. A lot of the time we are squeezed and made to feel as though we should price more competitively. Take time to reflect on whether being the cheapest actually portrays your skills in the correct light.

5 USE THE POWER OF A POSITIVE MINDSET

Your mindset affects everything you think, say and do; when you believe in yourself, others will too. Try not to compare yourself to others, particularly through social media, as you only get a snippet of their lives and business ventures and it’s not a full picture of what’s going on.