What are two issues that artists struggle with the most in business? 1. Fear 2. Consistency Awareness of these challenges alone can help neutralize much of their negative impact. The inner dialogue of fear might sound like: 1. “I’m not making enough money.” 2. “I don’t know if there is a real market for my work.” 3. “I don’t know what to focus on.” Antidotes may be: 1. Implementing and maintaining a consistent sales system. 2. Outlining and implementing a marketing plan and calendar. 3. Have a SMART goal and action plan. Fear can “F” you up or it can be your friend as my friend Jonathan Fields tells us so well in the title of his latest book “Uncertainty, Turning Fear & Doubt into Fuel for Brilliance.” Recently a colleague of mine at the National Speakers Association asked what motivated me. “Fear. I want to eat and live in San Francisco. It’s very expensive here.” I must admit, during my first year in business I was very deliberate and consistent about my sales efforts. Fear of failing fueled me. I measured my sales efforts daily. As I met with success, what did I do? I slacked off. The result? A lack of results in my sales. I’ve since returned to a consistent daily system of selling art that worked so well before and my pipeline of prospects is growing. Fear can crush you or it can motivate you. Sit quietly and name your concerns. Then you can face them directly and turn that negative energy into fuel for your success. Making a living as an artist is no doubt a challenge, but it is far from impossible. Those who choose to build a creative enterprise are at the bottom and the top of wealth. What do you focus on? What do you choose? How consistent are your efforts?
