My Best Business Advice for Creative Entrepreneurs

The Redheaded Camel was never actually a part of my plan!  It just kind of happened, and the rest is history.  One day I was painting stuff for my freshman dorm room and the next I was shipping grad caps to Australia.  Okay, okay, there were a few days in between, but you know what I mean.  If you're dreaming of starting a business, here are a few tips to getting the ball rolling so you can stop dreaming and start DOING! 

Decide what to call yourself! 

The Redheaded Camel was not my original name - it was actually Canvas Conversations!  I changed the name less than 24 hours after I opened my Etsy shop.  Here's my advice - choose a name that feels right.  If it's cutesy but you feel ridiculous saying it out loud - it isn't the right one.  Keep trying things on till you know you've hit the jackpot.  Then start using it!  

PS:  As a word of warning, before you actually start using it, make sure to do your research.  Google the name and ensure that it isn't taken or too similar to something that's already in existence.  The last thing we want is for you to get attached and then have to start over! 

Get legit.

Check with your state to make sure you're set up to do business - even if you're a sole proprietorship right now.  You'll need a Tax ID number and be prepared to start collecting sales tax if you're selling products.  Do it the right way from the start so  you don't have to backtrack when you're making millions! ;) 

Hire a designer - or DIY!

Once you have a name and a business identification number, it's time to start creating your logo and identifying marks.  If you don't want to invest in a designer, use a program like Canva and DIY, friend!  My first logo was made in Microsoft Word... no joke! 

Create a website or Etsy shop.

Don't sell your stuff on Facebook or Instagram without a place for people to land.  Use a legit platform so you'll be taken seriously!  I started on Etsy and it served me so well.  Plus, there's no investment up front (you only pay for what you list and what you sell!), so it's a great way to start.

Get social, girlfriend! 

Once you have a logo and a place to send your customers, start developing social media pages for your biz... even if you aren't ready to use them yet. Having it created means you're one step ahead when you're ready to start!  My favorite social media platforms for business are Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest.  After everything is created, start promoting your products!  Get your name out there and watch as customers start coming your way.  Best. Feeling. Ever!

As your business grows, there will of course be additional things to check off the ever-growing list of to-do items.  If you're just starting out, these are the things I 110% recommend to ensure you're up and running the right way!  As silly as it sounds, when you're starting a business, you have to fake it until you make it.  I totally thought I was legit when I started - and I was a nineteen year old girl with a logo made in Microsoft Word!  #bless

Believe in yourself and others will too.  Start where you are, use what you have, and I promise you'll be amazed by what you can do.

If you have questions about business ownership, starting out strong, or growing a business online, I'd love to help!  Click here to learn more about our Business Mentoring packages and how having someone in your corner can take you from dreaming to doing in no time.