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I know that many of you may have already read this book, The E – Myth, Revisited…but I wanted to assure you that it is well worth the re-read. www.e-myth.com Author, Michael Gerber, and his book the E – Myth were voted the #1 business book by INC. 500 CEO’s. The most important message in this book is the “often overlooked distinction between working on business and working in your business.” Artists deal with this conflict, often, as they are torn between producing the original art and subsequently promoting the work, or handling the tasks that are required in the daily maintenance of the business. It is essential to recognize the difference, and to give sincere thought to the bigger picture….ie the destination… what will your company look like when you are “finished?” Now we know that the task is never complete in the growth of a company and particularly in the infancy stage of business development, but if we don’t look at the bigger picture and add the task list to our daily agenda that will enable our future, we tend to get caught up in the minutiae of the day to day, and get bogged down constantly. Its time to lift your head from the desk, from the work at hand, and consider the future, consistently. I am particularly enamored with Chapter 5… “Beyond The Comfort Zone.” Every growing business does reach the point where the owner must push beyond their comfort zone. A personal offering that I ask each of my clients to consider, when it appears that the fear of progress, becomes paralyzing… “The body does not know the difference between fear and excitement…it feels the same. Its what your mind does with the state that allows you to move forward” In approaching the canvas or the original work of art, the “unknown” is always a factor and we have faith and trust that our skill set will enable us to overcome a temporary state of paralysis… The good news is that the same is true for business……we may not have the answer right this second, but we can do a number of things to get through that fear-filled moment. 1) ASK for helpThe great part about being an artist is that it is expected that you might not know what your doing from a business perspective. In fact, my experience has been, when operating, AS the artist, innumerable people came out of the woodwork to assist me in providing significant advice, direction, finance and a number of things that supported my next step….but I did have to ASK for the help. 2) MAKE sure that those you are asking for help are actually qualified to help you.There are many business strategists and consultants who can offer direct and appropriate business advice. The risk, however, is the following “IS the consultant qualified to advise you in the business of art? You must remember that most business men and women who are in business rely on creative people to direct them as well…and there may be an assumption or an underlying idea…..”There is no money in art” and the subsequent advice you may be receiving may be coming from a perspective that actually tries to derail you from your vision, versus supporting it. I have learned this lesson many times, particularly when it relates to the capture of “funding” for particular projects. Bankers are not ALLOWED to be creative….and will suggest that you minimize your dreams so that they can understand what the heck you are asking for. JUST keep asking for that help….as you will find a perfect marriage in your lofty vision…..someone who doesn’t ask the hard questions but becomes enraptured in the art of your art….and will adopt your vision and will help answer those difficult questions…I guarantee this. The process, however, does insist that you do make a number of calls to create that perfect marriage of vision, finance, business development. And only accept those that can grab onto your bigger picture, no matter how hazy it appears in the moment. The reference in the E-Myth about the woman, with the “pie baking” business is a great example…if one becomes so immersed in the actual baking of the pies, versus the development of the business….one will lose the love of baking pies…or subsequent love of painting, gardening, sculpting or singing….. You must be willing to look at the destination, and create the support teams around you that will enable your future. Every week, it is essential to develop a schedule
These are pretty simple tasks, and doesn’t require more than a few hours a week devoted to this agenda. TRUST and have faith in your destination, your vision, and your craft. Only you can enable the vision as you see it in your mind’s eye. And it will be essential to share that vision with others in order to find the support you require. There is a quote…”when the student is ready, the teacher will appear.” The same is true for you the artist…”when the artist is ready to become visible, clients AND help, will appear.” There is so much support information out there to be read, and to be involved in…and I suggest that you pursue and grasp those ideas and ideals that will really enable your particular business. Michael Gerber, and the E-Myth is a bible that is not far from my bedside reading list. Every time I pick up that book, I learn something new, no matter how many times I’ve read it before. Cheers to your continued success. Sian Lindemann 2008 |
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