When i  began my writing career, I sold my house. I lived the life of a monk and a traveller. A monk because I deprived myself of many earthly pleasures while pursuing my business. A traveller because i would explore further, i would not give up, no matter how hard it got. I did everything…

Every book I have ever read on being in business for yourself includes a chapter on business plans. Do you need one? Yes and no. How do you like that answer. Many people say that lack of a business plan is the number one cause of startup failure. It is required if you want to…

The following is my short course on do’s and don’t s for starting up a business: Don’t waste your time (and money) making everything perfect before you begin. You are as ready as you’ll ever be. Your idea of what you are and what you need will change with experience, so don’t lock yourself in…

Rather than focusing on a single source of income the lesson is to develop several. This covers you during seasonal slumps, tough times and boredom (you can switch off from business to business or client to client). It also helps you spread the risk around. The key is to build your businesses that they support…

Having to do everything yourself limits your growth and your career. Control freaks struggle. If you plan to write, direct, produce, act in, edit and publicize everything you miss out and burn out. Even the most creative person can only be in so many places at once. More important, you can only be an expert…

The difference between successful creatives and unsuccessful creatives comes down to this: a healthy support system. It is wonderful, intoxicating and addicting to find people who believe in you and want to see you do well. It is the antidote for your inner critic. Sometimes you can’t see how special your work and your talents…

Do unto others before they do for you. That’s my motto when it comes to networking. I believe you have to give to get. It ‘s like a checking account. As you help and support others, you start to build up an account with them. You now have a balance you can write checks against….

Do unto others before they do for you. That’s my motto when it comes to networking. I believe you have to give to get. It ‘s like a checking account. As you help and support others, you start to build up an account with them. You now have a balance you can write checks against….

Whom do you most admire?  What do they have that you don’t? How did they get it? What steps did they take? Can you contact them? (You’d be surprised at how accesible many people are, and how receptive they can be).  What would you ask them if you could? If you can’t reach them, you…

The latest rage for people stuck in a rut is to hire a personal coach.  (Not a personal trainer, but a personal coach – to help them with their bottom line, not their bottoms). These trainers can help you focus your goals, shift careers, and unleash your creativity. They bring you a new perspective, a…

In order to have the freedom to create, you must build a successful business. To build a successful business, you must build some sort of buzz with your PR and promotion.  You may have to go to extreme measures to get people to pay attention to you. This is a weak area for many talented…

To focus your self promotion ideas, answer the following questions: Who is my audience? How much should I spend?  (time, money) Where do I start? If I were looking to hire me and I was new to town, where would I look first? How would I found me? Be seen, read and heard.  What sets…