“It takes 10 years of trying and failing to become an overnight success”
- Christopher “Biz” Stone,
founder of Twitter
I established cr8vstrategy to support two types of enterprises: 1) entrepreneurs launching a brand-new business, and 2) established businesspeople who wish to either re-energize their existing company or take it to a higher level.
Having started my business career in the picture industry, I of course have a special fondness for creative service-type businesses: photographers, designers, illustrators, writers, musicians, videographers, etc. But the knowledge I gained starting, owning, managing and selling companies applies to virtually any sort of small business. As has been said, variety is the spice of life and I enjoy working with every type of business endeavor, whether b-to-b or b-to-c.
So, while you could spend a decade chasing after success, the raison d’etre for cr8vstrategy is to save you a little time. You’ll still make mistakes, because every entrepreneur does (and if you’re not making mistakes you’re probably not trying hard enough). The trick is to avoid the big mistakes that torpedo your venture and learn from all the small ones. I'll work with you to avoid the speed bumps that can land you in the ditch rather than speeding along the road to success.
Easy Is For Everybody Else
You’re an independent businessperson using your chosen craft, concept or skills as the vehicle that will enable you to achieve success. But being a creative entrepreneur means working crazy hours, experiencing an inordinate level of stress and occasionally questioning your own sanity. While others are off enjoying a holiday, you’re plugging away to meet a deadline. And as for personal relationships, well…it takes a very understanding mate to cope with you as you grapple with the demands of running your enterprise. Where others would wonder if it’s all worth it, of course, that question never even occurs to you because you know the satisfaction you get from the results of your efforts. It's something that you just can’t get anywhere else and that’s why you do it. I get that.
A Very Simple Formula
You have dreams. That’s a great start and the very first step to becoming successful: if you’re not passionate about your work, why bother? But there are two additional components to the winning formula: planning and action. Thus, entrepreneurial math looks like this:
Dreams + A Rational Plan for Achieving Those Dreams + Subsequent Take-No-Prisoners Action = Success
As a Matter of Fact, Two Heads Are Better Than One
I bring the experience of having been a successful, independent commercial photographer (16 years), stock picture agency co-owner/director (12 years) and consultant to small businesses in both North America and Europe (21 years). You bring your passion as well as a level of skills and knowledge that you’ve worked long and hard to develop. Let’s work together to change the world, or at least your corner of it.
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