Welcome To Module One (Key #1) of my online course: 6 Keys To Unlocking Your Visionary Entrepreneur. If you’re on this page it means that you’ve raised your hand and said that you’re ready to take the next step, so congratulations for making it this far.
As a Entrepreneur Mentor to Artists and Creative Visionaries I wanted to create a program that I wish I’d had access to when I started out on my own entrepreneurial journey six years ago.
When I decided to leave my corporate job and strike out on my own in a brand new venture that I had no prior experience in I had to search high and low for the resources I’m about to share with you on this page. More about that in a moment.
For example, when I launched my photography business back in 2005 it was extremely difficult to locate other photographers running successful businesses that I could emulate. I remember when I attempted to reach out to the few local photographers in my area requesting business advice or mentoring very few responded.
As a result I opted to scour local bookstores in search of material that would teach me how to operate a photography business. I did manage to stumble upon a few so-so options here and there, but none of them discussed the then emerging social media marketing tools that were becoming more and more relevant in 2005.
Looking back Facebook was just beginning to gain traction as a major communication tool, but many thought it would be just another version of MySpace. Twitter was just starting to get attention, but I don’t think many people understood what it was or knew how to use it. And I don’t believe anyone was paying attention to LinkedIn.
Blogs had just begun to garner attention as an alternative to websites but very few people knew how to set them up or use them effectively for attracting business.
Email Marketing wasn’t as sophisticated as it is now. Back then people would just send out tons of unsolicited email messages to other people that either didn’t know who they were and/or care what you had to offer.
In 2005 social media truly represented the wild, wild west. Fortunately I did find the resources I needed to run my photography business effectively and over time managed to grow that business to the point where I began to advise and teach my fellow photographers the online marketing tools I’d mastered. As a result of my teaching in 2010 I wrote and self published my first book: Eye On Marketing: 41 Days From Struggle and Confusion to Clarity & Profits.
I wrote it because it was the book that I’d wished I had when I launched my business five years prior.
I share my story because I deeply desire that you have this training. I also understand that your passions may change, your interests will certainly change over time but the way you approach and ultimately run, launch or re-launch your creative business will definitely change.
Keeping this in mind I felt it important that I gift you the first module of my upcoming course (Dates to be Announced) : 6 Keys To Unlocking Your Visionary Entrepreneur. Why? Well, that question requires a two part answer.
The first answer actually comes from a statement I learned from Barbara Winter one of my early business mentors and author of the amazing book, Making A Living Without A Job (if you don’t have it I highly suggest you pick up a copy) Ms. Winter is quoted as saying “that the business you start with will not be the one you end up with”.
When I first heard her statement I couldn’t fully grasp it’s true meaning. In those early days I figured why would I abandon a business that I worked so hard to create? What I couldn’t understand at the time was that I wouldn’t necessarily move on from my existing enterprise so much as transform it. That’s the second part of my answer.
That transformation is the second reason ‘why’ I’m gifting this module to you. In it we will uncover together: What Do You Love? What’s Your Passion?
As you watch the video provided below and work with the accompanying four worksheets I want you to take this opportunity to dig deep and use this training to expand your thinking.
All I ask is that you be open to seeking new business models, new mentors and ultimately new opportunities.
Remember: The business that you currently have, want to launch or perhaps even re-launch may not be the one you end up with after you conclude this complimentary mentoring session.
But as I’ve proven in my own life that’s not entirely a bad thing. All I ask is that you remain open to the possibilities that are surely coming your way. So with that said I invite to grab yourself a cup of coffee or tea, get a pen, roll up your sleeves and let’s get started.
Module One: (Key #1)
(What do you love? What’s your passion?) And do you have a Passion for something that’s ‘bigger than you?’
Questions we will cover in this phase:
1. What do people compliment me on, tell me I do really well, or that I should start a business doing?
– Download Worksheet #1
*Remember, at this phase if your passion is not ‘bigger than you’, it’s not a business ~ it’s a hobby
2. Can I find three people online, at the bookstore, or on television making a living doing something similar?
– Download Worksheet #2
3. If I were going to do something similar what would I want to create?
4. Who do I believe this person had to become, or what changes did they have to make to become this person?
– Download Worksheet #3
5. What am I prepared to do right now to start monetizing my passion? – Download Worksheet #4