Thinking like an ARTrepreneur: A Must to Succeed

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What would it mean for you to have a business that revolves around your lifestyle? What would it mean for you to have a business that revolves around your strengths, your creativity, and your passion?

Can you imagine filling your day with creativity, passion, and self-care while profiting and producing meaningful products and services?

This is what it means to be an ARTrepreneur.

ARTrepreneurs treat their businesses like businesses—not like hobbies. They let their creativity and passion lead them to make unique products and services that add something beautiful to the world. They focus their businesses on their strengths, and they don’t apologize for their prices. They love what they do, and they don’t buy into the idea of the starving artist.

Want to be successful as a creative business owner? Then, you need to start thinking and acting like an ARTrepreneur:

1. Know your numbers.

ARTrepreneurs know how much they make. They know how much their materials cost. They know how much they need to price their products to make a profit. They keep these numbers organized, because they know it’s important to keep track of how much is going out and how much is coming in. You can’t know if you’re profiting without this information.

2. Invest in your business.

Most creative entrepreneurs don’t have to spend a lot of money when they first start their businesses and this is a really good thing. But, you do have to be willing to invest in your business when necessary. And, when I say invest in your business, I don’t just mean money—I also mean time. For example, if you don’t know how to take magazine-worthy product photos, you’ve got to invest the time {and probably a little bit of money} to make it happen.

3. Set business goals.

ARTrepreneurs know what goals they are striving to reach. They know how much money they want to make, and they know what steps they need to take to start reaching these goals. They plan on success.

4. Brand your business.

ARTrepreneurs understand that they have to put time and money into branding their businesses. They know that all the details matter. They also know that each aspect of their business should relate to their brand—the packaging, shop banner, blog design, and email signature should be cohesive.

5. Have multiple revenue streams.

ARTrepreneurs know that they need multiple revenue streams, because one could dry up. They know that it’s best to sell their products in different stores and online. They know that more than one product line encourages multiple purchases and repeat customers.

Here’s something else that ARTrepreneurs know: You aren’t born knowing how to do all this stuff. You have to learn how build and run a successful creative business.