Archive for the ‘business’ Category

I recently had a well-meaning person suggest to me that I use words other than “creative” when describing my ideal clients and how I can help them. I usually call myself a “Creative Entrepreneur Coach” when talking with other folks about my practice and I often explain how I am a passionate believer in the innate creativity in each of us. But I am coming to realize that for some people, the very word “creative” generates a negative connotation which I do not intend.

So, I thought I would take this opportunity to clarify my meaning when I use the word “creative”. First let me begin with some definitions, courtesy of www.dictionary.com.

Creative

–adjective

1. having the quality or power of creating.

2. resulting from originality of thought, expression, etc.; imaginative.

3. originative; productive.

Notice how there is no mention in this definition of being “artistic” or a “genius”. I think some people have come to believe that creativity is relegated to the purview of the artist or genius, not to regular, everyday people. However, whenever you find yourself imagining what tomorrow might bring or throwing a new spice into your favorite dish, you are being creative. It doesn’t have to be grandiose or monumental. It can be a simple shift in perspective or experience which leads you to try something new.

Now, I also want to take a moment to tease out the meanings of two other words which are often used instead of the word “creative”. These next two words you will likely hear in your corporate office or on TV. But I think these words are being used too often when what is really called for is “creative”.

Inventive

–adjective

1. apt at inventing, devising, or contriving.

2. apt at creating with the imagination.

3. having the function of inventing.

4. pertaining to, involving, or showing invention.

Innovative

— adj

using or showing new methods, ideas, etc

While it could be argued that “inventive” and “creative” are synonymous based on the above definitions, I feel that “innovative” is somewhat different in that it usually pertains to the adoption of some new method or idea, which is sometimes the creation or invention of someone else.

Now that we have our definitions, it is time for “creative” to come out of the shadows. I want to use this beautiful word fearlessly. I encourage you to do the same.

Let us be clear: “creative” does not mean weird, oddball, unreliable, flaky, unstable or uncontrolled. (It doesn’t even mean artistic.) Those words don’t show up in the definition. Creativity is not something to fear or shy away from, especially when it comes from within ourselves. It simply means having the power of creating, having originality of thought. Every person possesses this power, this originality. Yes, even you.

I like to refer to my ideal clients as “Creatives” with a capital “C”. By this, I mean those people who desire to embrace their creativity, to step more fully into it and let it shine in the world. Yes, this, too, could be you. How seriously are you willing to take the power of creating that you possess, your original thoughts? What is it that you wish to create in the world?

Are you ready to be a “Big C” Creative?

I’ve hired a wonderful Marketing Coach to help me market my coaching practice. Marketing is, of course, the process of building relationships with prospective clients and collaborators. Marketing to your current clients is a way to maintain and strengthen your relationships with them, as well.

So how do we market our Creative businesses in a way that is true to our Creative Selves? My biggest concern for the longest time was that I would be in the position of offering something that didn’t feel like “me”. I’d struggled with a feeling of rebellion against doing what all the business and marketing books/videos/blogs/teleseminars told me to do, just because they “said so.”

I was filled with questions and worry. How do I market my business from my authentic self? How do I stay true to my message that everyone is creative? How do I balance doing it “my way” with doing it “the right way”?

This morning, I remembered Jack Kornfield’s wisdom about the “Four Rules of Relationship” and thought about how it might apply to marketing my Creative Business:

Show Up. To me, this means to show up fully as myself. Don’t hide or diminish what you do in any way. Remember and celebrate all of your accomplishments and how they have positively influenced others. Be willing to be vulnerable. Share who you truly are.

Be Present. This one can be a challenge. Being present, to me, means being focused on what I am doing, what I am saying, how I am being in this moment. Marketing my business from this state of being present allows me to approach tasks from a calm and centered place, rather than a state of worry or anxiety, which is not the best way to attract others!

Speak Your Truth. Here’s where you get to express your true Creative Self. What is your Truth as it relates to your Creative Business? What is the message you wish to express to the world? Is it about beauty? Courage? Passion? Speak it – in your Marketing message, in your newsletter, on your business cards, website, promotional brochures, etc. Your Truth is a reflection of who you are and what you bring to the world.

Let Go Of Outcome. This is by far the toughest part. But it can also be the most rewarding. When we put our message out there to the world, when we share who we truly are, when we are vulnerable, passionate, caring and Creative, we connect and build relationship with the people who need us, our services and works, the most. By letting go, we free ourselves to be ourselves in our business and our lives. When we cling to outcome, worry about what others might think or how we’re going to pay the bills, we limit our capacity to build relationship. When we can let go, we open the door to others and keep it open, inviting them to come again and again, to view our work, to visit our seminars, to read our newsletters and blogs. When they are ready, the will choose us because we have kept that door open long enough and consistently enough for them to know, like and trust us. In this way, the clients and customers we desire the most will also be the ones who desire us and our work the most.

When I choose to market my business with these four basic rules of relationship in mind, my marketing “efforts” become “effortless.” I attract the clients I truly want to work with and who truly want to work with me. Marketing in this way is an opportunity for me to share all of who I am and my Truth with the world. Even for those who do not choose my services, I am providing a message which may inspire them. When I choose to be in this state of non-attachment, I can see that Marketing is truly just about expressing myself, who I am and what I hope to bring to the world, building relationships along the way.

That feels so much better than worrying about “getting it right”!

How will you choose to market your business with Heart?