Top 10 tips for finding the balance between creativity and business as an entrepreneur

Many of my coaching clients come to me because they have an inequality in their business – they either feel like they aren’t doing or engaging in enough things to make their business thrive and grow, or they are spending so much time on entrepreneurial things that their creativity is suffering and they simply aren’t spending enough time on their creative side to make running their business enjoyable.

Finding the balance between the two is a difficult path to tread – it often feels like there has to be a decision made between the heart, soul and the head. But I love to work out ways for each individual of how they can chieve both aims – doing what they love, whilst creating financial security.

So here are my top tips for creating the harmony you need between heart, head and soul:

1.      Don’t lose sight of WHY you started your business in the first place. If you aren’t in love with your business, it’s not working for you.

2.      Make time for your art – block off specific days or hours you fiercely protect as your creative time, regardless of any other thigs on the ‘to do’ list.

3.      Get automating! Automate as much of the business processes as you possibly can, freeing you up to create with more time on your hands. Eg online shopping systems, order management systems, content creation systems/plans, online booking systems, online customer forms and so on.

4.      Organise your workspace to maximise the ability to focus – if your laptop is near your art space consider whether you can separate them if possible – zoning your areas to minimise distractions or guilt about other work or chores can really help (especially if you work from home – it’s very hard to create if you’re staring at a washing pile whilst you do it!).

5.      Outsource the things you hate or know you’re not great at wherever possible – eg accounts, admin etc. Again more time doing what you’re good at and love = more chance of success.

6.      Prioritise your workload – each day make sure you have a list of things you must get done, versus things that can wait.

7.      Channel periods of high creative energy – it can be very hard to ‘force’ your creativity, allow time in your schedule to pursue exciting ideas when the muse strikes, and if you do have periods of creative block use that time instead to focus on the business side of things for a while, make good content for your blog or social media, research new selling platforms or communities to join in your niche.

8.      Set goals – it may sound simple, but if you set a goal to create a new collection or to sell X number of products each month, you will immediately increase the likelihood of you reaching these goals. Mindset is key!

9.      Use your creativity to come up with new ways of marketing and selling your products in ways that actually excite you, rather than doing things because you think you should, eg if you prefer the in person selling then attend more events with your business. If you prefer the online arena then sign up to more online marketplaces, or think about ways you can digitise your offerings in new and innovative ways.

10.   Take a break! It’s important to set routines or rituals that give you space – I couldn’t do without my dog walks to keep my head clear and put me in the right frame of mind for work. It might be something as simple as going out for a coffee or reading a book – make sure your time is not all about the business. True creativity and business success never comes from burnout or relentlessly doing things because you think you must.

How do you find the perfect balance for you – what are your little rituals or methods that keep you treading the perfect line between entrepreneur and artist?