The MKE Creatives networking session this morning at Anodyne Coffee, in Walker’s Point, had some good discussions on the topics of “mission” for the self-employed, prospecting for work, and the continued usefulness of social media. I provided our day’s presentation with a talk on some ideas for new, and experienced, independent creatives to keep in mind as they run their businesses.
In attendance were Heidi Jeter (blogger/editor/writer), Keith Schmitz (B2B PR in all its forms), Barbara Budish (graphic designer), Aurelia Schultz (IP and copyright attorney, also does mediation), Michelle Owczarski (video production voice-over actor, Optimist Theatre), Andrew Feller (photographer), and myself!
After some good chat, and group introductions, I gave my presentation on self-employment and some thoughts worth remembering as an independent creative. Here’s, to paraphrase myself, what I said…
+it really >is< who you know, that gets you work – but I mean that in a positive way. Creatives NEED to get out and build their networks, and once connections are made, to keep nurturing those relationships. Some of the best clients I have are those where my dealings with them feel more like friendships+work, than just work. Developing friendly, professional relationships with your clients goes a long way towards ensuring a long lasting collaboration.
+really, the most important part of my work isn’t photography, but is customer service. There are lots of people that can provide photography, but those vendors that stand out are the ones that clients enjoy working with AND provide great photography.
+when it comes to seeking work, developing a mission statement goes a long way towards clarifying what it is a creative really wants to do. In order to seek out work, it’s important to know Who You Want To Work With, and What Kind Of Work You Want To Do. Taking the time craft a mission statement will help a creative “target” their marketing efforts. Part of the value in being self-employed is in getting to choose what work I do, and in choosing what work I pursue.
+when I was thinking about my “mission” I was reading “Making a Living While Making a Difference” – and it was helpful! Part 1, Part 2
We also talked about the value of over-delivering to your clients (such as using our own social media presence to boost a client’s message), finding work via social media (LinkedIn as a surprisingly good source), and the importance of self-assignments in the process of pursuing the work you >want< to be doing.
