Jesse Showalter - has been in the creative industry for 15+ years, freelancing, solopreneur-ing and running his own agency. In this training he’s going to take us through 10 ideas that he’s learned along his business journey.

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5 Basic Ideas About Business

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Finding a niche and a target

• In my experience, it’s a lot more challenging to do a bit of everything than to specialize and become well known for your niche.
• Identify a profitable niche, consider your existing strengths and skills.
• Explore areas where your unique skills meet market demand.
• Target a demographic by understanding their pain points and tailoring your offering to solve them.
• Specialists offer more value to a smaller crowd… this is a good thing. You become more relatable and your solutions become more pointed.
• “Niche” is another way to spell “solution”.
• You can always pivot later if it doesn’t work out.
• E.g. web designer for nonprofit space, web designer that specializes in Webflow, web designer who specializes in booking or scheduling, can specialize by platform, industry, solutions, etc.

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Creating an insane offering

• Blends your core skills and emerging technologies while ensuring your work stands out.
• Price competitively while providing exceptional value.
• Regularly update your skills to stay at the forefront of design trends, allowing you to offer cutting-edge solutions.
• Alex Harmozi calls a grand slam offer a “no brainer”.
• Offerings are always client/problem focused. Become good at asking your clients questions to find what they value and solve their problems. 
• Cheapest is a race to the bottom, stick with value. Value always has to do with the flourishing of their business. 

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Nurture your clients

• Exceptional customer service involves active listening, timely communication, and going the extra mile. Address issues transparently and proactively, turning challenges into opportunities. Consistency is key - strive to exceed expectations with every interaction.
• Time is one of the easiest things to abuse. Respect people’s time and they will respect you. 
• Honesty, if you can’t solve their problem, tell them that. When people can trust you, that goes a long way. You become a friend and a problem-solver.
• There is a difference between a current client and a “client maker”. 

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Remove non-essentials

• Regularly assess tasks and activities for their impact on your business goals. Prioritize high-value activities that directly contribute to growth. Be ruthless in removing non-essentials, freeing up time and resources for what truly moves the needle. 
• Focus on “The One Thing”. We can’t multitask successfully. Figure out the one thing that will propel your business and focus on it relentlessly. 
• Remove obstacles that get in the way of the one thing (people, habits, todos)
• Wake up each morning and move the needle by eating a frog

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Evaluate and adjust

• Regularly assess market trends, client feedback and competitor offerings. Adjust rates or deliverables based on perceived value and market demand. Flexibility and a proactive approach to change will keep your business ahead of the curve.
• You are never failing, you are learning. The obstacle is the way. Move through the obstacles and learn.
• Don’t chase the waves out of impatience, leave when the sets are done. Stick to your offering, stick to The One.
• Don’t assess in your head, your business is more complex than addition. 

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5 Tips for Creative Entrepreneurs

Identify your unique strengths

• Identify a profitable niche, consider your existing strengths and skills. Explore areas where your unique skills meet the market demand. Target a demographic by understanding their pain points and tailoring your offerings to solve specific problems they face.
• Reflect on your skills, experiences and what steps you apart in the creative space.
• What specific aspects of design do you excel in? What are your unique strengths?
• By pinpointing your strengths, you can carve out a niche that aligns with your expertise and passion.

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Build a strong and targeted portfolio

• Your portfolio is your best marketing tool. Showcase your best work to demonstrate your skills and style. Include a variety of projects that highlight your versatility. REgularly update your portfolio to reflect your latest accomplishments and growth.
• Understand the needs and pain points of your target market. Your portfolio is not about how it looks, it’s about the problem it solved.
• Include KPIs and business metrics through your case studies and portfolio. It’s better to mention a revenue increase than your branding process.

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Network and collaborate

• Networking is essential for finding clients and collaborators. Attend industry events, join design communities, and connect with fellow professionals. Collaborating with other designers or complementary businesses can open up new opportunities and expand your client base.
• When you rub elbows with people, make sure you ask questions and listen more.
• Testimonials and referrals are the way 90% of businesses thrive. 

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Work on your business, not just in it

• This is crucial for sustained growth and long-term success. While both are essential, dedicating time to work “on” your business ensures you maintain a strategic perspective and continually improve its overall health.
• Carve out time in your busy schedule to think about your business. I make sure to carve out at least one to two hours per week to assess my business.
• Strategic Vision: Set long term-goals, adapt to market trends and prevent stagnation, ensuring your business has a clear and sustainable direction.
• Process Optimization: Streamline workflows, boost efficiency, and explore automation, leading to cost savings and improved productivity.
• Scaling Opportunities: Identify growth opportunities, such as expanding into new markets, diversifying services or adopting new innovative technologies.

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Continuous refinement

• Rome wasn’t built in a day. A solid business is an evolving one. Pivot when you need to and stay the course when it makes sense. 
• Stay agile and be open to refining your niche based on feedback and market dynamics. Markets evolve, and so should your services.
• Regularly assess the changing needs of your target market and adjust your offering to stay at the forefront of industry