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10 things I've learned about business

24/9/2014

25 Comments

 
10 things about business
In a few weeks I'll be doing a talk at Yellowstone about running a creative business and it's got me thinking about what I've learned over the years about how to cope. As we near our 4th Christmas in the shop, I'm finally feeling like I know what I'm doing (about time eh?).
I thought I'd share a few things that I feel I wish I'd known from day one. I'd love to hear if you agree?

1. Be friendly & approachable to EVERYONE. Not just that influential blogger, or that artist with 2bazillion followers on twitter. Real people are the ones who support you and will surprise you with how they might help you out one day. As an example, when we had Yellowstones sign made, we chatted for ages with the man who made it for us. His wife and daughter are now two of our most valued and lovely customers. And a chap that's supported us since we opened, who we've always got on well with, ended up recommending me for a huge journo feature (I didn't even know what he did for a living!).

2. Be positive. This one is super hard because sometimes it's really hard to see positives in complicated and generally negative situations. But I recently read a really good trick- Will it be as bigger deal in 20 days? Will you feel as stressed once 20 days of life has passed? If the answer is no, then you can get through it with a little patience. If it's yes, then talk it out with your other half or your best friend. Get another point of view and don't act in haste. You can do this.

3. Be honest. Sometimes it's hard to be honest if it might hurt someone's feelings. I used to be really bad at this. I'd take on too much work and agree to things I wasn't happy with for a quiet life, and it always backfired. Lately, I've grown a strong(er) backbone and I'm more upfront and honest with artists and customers. Just stay positive when you're chatting and use cheerful, upbeat words.
As an example, I recently had to tell an artist whose work I LOVE that I couldn't stock her work. I was dreading it and rewrote the email twice. I was honest and explained that the pricing was just a little high for us and she replied saying that it had helped her understand her target store and customer and saying thank you for being honest! 

4. Hire an accountant (if you're self employed). For the first THREE YEARS of Yellowstone, I did all my own accounts, bookkeeping and self assessments. It was horrific. Don't put yourself through it. Spend a little time finding the right one too. Mine understands my small business and what we are about and it means I'm not scared to ask silly questions or make mistakes.

5. Reply to people on social media. I try my best to do this even if I didn't see it for 20hours. It costs nothing to be polite. If someone has taken the time out of their day to reply or comment, give them a nod of thanks for their time.

6. 'Dream' jobs aren't always as they seem. So we all strive to 'Do what you love' and 'Make your dreams a reality' but work is work. I created my dream job and you know what? Some days, it sucks. If work was incredibly fun and easy all the time, it wouldn't be work! You wouldn't get paid for it. I think it's important to be patient too. If your job doesn't feel like it's exactly 'you' yet then think about the stepping stones you need to take. It's vital that you work your way up so that you understand different aspects of your industry. You can't expect to go right in at the top. Just take your time, work hard and stay positive.

7. Holiday. Take a break. Holidays are PART of work. Every job has a 'holiday entitlement' that you have earned. So take it! Your body, mind and family need it. It's hard when you have to work double hard before you go and catch up when you're back, but trust me- it's worth it. Hard workers deserve play time.

8. Trust your instincts. Whether it's on your new internet provider, your latest creation, or hiring some help, listen to your gut. If something doesn't feel quite right, it usually isn't. 

9. Self edit. As a designer, self editing is tricky but vital. I tend to work on designs in one go and then come back to them with a fresh head the next day. In July, I was working on my 2014 Christmas cards and I was running out of design time. I was rushing, stressing and cutting corners. When my other half saw one of my designs he said 'Well that one's a cop out, it's the same as your other design! You can do better than that'. It made me step back and be more critical (and embarrassed!). The next day I worked my butt off and created 6 original ideas that I'm SO proud of. So push yourself- you never know what you'll do next.

10. Ask for help. You aren't a superhero and there are only so many hours in the day. In my experience, people respect you if you're honest and hold your hands up when you're stuck or need some advice. So ask for it. You'll end up creating a support network of some awesome people who you can help back one day.

Hope some of these come in handy in times of need or doubt. There are just a couple of spaces left for my talk now- more details here! I'd love to see you there.

Hannah x
25 Comments
Annah link
24/9/2014 12:33:53 pm

Hi Hannah,

This blog is literally what I've been needing! Such good advice and definitely one I'll come back to many times. If you don't mind,I might even print it out and stash it in my inspiring stuff folder! If only I lived closer id be at the talk in a flash!

Thank you for sharing it!

Annah
www.girlandbird.com

Reply
Hannah
24/9/2014 01:09:12 pm

Great timing then Annah. Thanks so much for your comment. It means a lot that it's useful to someone. Feel free to print it our and have it tattooed on your arm. No don't really. But you can read it again.
Have a good week and I hope you're enjoying Bristol.
Hannah x

Reply
Marc Bowker link
24/9/2014 12:59:49 pm

Wow! Hannah, that was an inspiring read. I love seeing things like this. I can't quite remember when it was that I stumbled upon your lovely little shop, maybe nearly three years ago. Since then, I've followed your posts on Facebook, caught the odd tweet here and there and now the blog. I love reading your posts. It gives hope to a lot of people who really want to do it for themselves.

Although you do mention it in this blog post, what really comes through is your honesty. The fact that even doing what you love is damn hard work. There are highs and lows, peaks and troughs. But the rewards are huge!

Thanks for sharing.

Reply
Hannah
24/9/2014 01:10:55 pm

Thanks so much Marc. Glad my honesty is well received and you still love the shop.
Hope you are well and the business is flourishing.

Hannah

Reply
Sally link
24/9/2014 02:08:13 pm

This is fantastic and such valued advice from real experience. Thankyou!! I feel like it was written just for me and My fairly new small creative business.

Reply
Hannah
25/9/2014 05:37:19 am

Thanks Sally- hope it comes in useful. Good luck with your new venture. x

Reply
Gemma link
24/9/2014 03:21:52 pm

Thanks Hannah, this was a brilliant read. I'm incredibly hard on myself, and really over work myself. Even when I have a "holiday" I end up taking my laptop or talk about the business non-stop. Poor Nick has stopped listening to me now with the rate my "great ideas" flow...most of the time they're rubbish or not achievable! I think I will print this off too. I need to remember I am only human, and so there's only so much one person can do, so if it doesn't get done it's not the end of the world :-) xxx

Reply
Hannah
25/9/2014 05:40:27 am

Glad it was useful Gem. Just take it easy on yourself! We're all working hard but don't kill yourself girl. x

Reply
Vicki Sloan link
25/9/2014 04:04:26 am

Wow Hannah, love your '10 things' blog. It's great to know that I'm not the only one sharing some of the same feelings about my business too. Truly valued advice. x

Reply
Hannah
25/9/2014 05:41:06 am

Thanks so much Vicki. Lovely to hear we're on the same wavelength!

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Alice Tams link
25/9/2014 06:17:51 am

This is really great Hannah, very heartening to hear 'some days the dream job sucks.'
I have my dream job and have to admit this is the case (SOME days)!

Reply
Hannah
26/9/2014 06:32:27 am

So glad you agree Alice! Being a one man band is tricky huh? Thanks for reading. And stocking my lovely shop! x

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Nicola Suckling link
26/9/2014 04:36:43 am

Congratulations on your 4th Christmas! And thanks for this post, really useful advice. Hope to pop and see you next time I'm in Stoke - that'll be Christmas shopping sorted!
Nicola x

Reply
Hannah
26/9/2014 06:33:13 am

Thanks Nicola- and thanks for reading. Hope to see you soon in Yellowstone!

Reply
Hannah link
26/9/2014 06:27:44 am

Such great advice Hannah. Thoroughly enjoyed reading it, will definitely be back for more! Thank you.

Reply
Hannah
26/9/2014 06:33:56 am

Thanks Hannah (great name!). Glad you like the post. Will try and find some more where this came from. x

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