I started my first business back in the mid 1980’s when I was still in high school. Over the years, I have had several businesses, some creative and some not – like the daycare center I owned while my sons were small so I could take them to work with me every day. I’ve learned something from all of those businesses, mentors and yes, even my mistakes. Here are a few things I’ve learned.
I Can’t Do It All
As strong and independent-minded people (like most business owners), we tend to think that we are the only ones who can do the work involved in running our business. We feel we have to make all of the decisions, create and manage websites or blogs, run to the bank, design show booths and every other tiny detail related to running our creative business.
But the truth is that we don’t have to do it all. Well, okay, at FIRST we might have to do it all, but once things take off we need to learn to let some of the jobs go. We can’t be back in the office designing a fall line if we are tied up in line at the bank. We can give that job to an intern, spouse or part-time employee. The problem is that we often get so used to doing everything ourselves that it’s hard to give up some of the control.
If you want your business to grow, you will have to learn how and when to delegate.
Have a Business Plan
If you don’t have an idea of where you want your business to go, how will you get there? Worse yet, how will you know when you have arrived? Every business needs to have a business plan and you need to visit it regularly. I wrote an article about this time last year, The Business Plan. Writing out a business plan will give you an outline for your business, goals to achieve and groundwork for growth and success.
I also learned that having a business plan helps when it’s time to sell the business. Having a written track record of your business growth can mean more dollars in the bank if you decide to sell.
Discover three more mistakes to avoid in your craft business.
By: Vicki O’Dell, The Creative Goddess
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Do you have any examples of business plans? Maybe an old endeavor you learned from? I find outsourcing or delegating can be tricky because I have to think for two instead of just me. It’s like I need something instead of myself for the delegatee to reference or ask questions of because it takes so much time explaining and I still feel obligated to check the work when it is complete, so time wise I almost should do it myself. Any suggestions or examples? Thanks!