Running a creative business isn’t always a walk in the park, is it? 

I mean, between wrestling with brand design ideas and looking for the perfect font (or designing it in my case), there’s barely time to remember you’re actually human! Trust me — I get it.

Let’s chat about a few questions we should regularly ask ourselves on this crazy rollercoaster ride of running a creative business. 

So grab a cup of coffee (or tea, or hot chocolate — I don’t discriminate), and let’s dive in.

1. What are my business goals, ideas, and ambitions?

Remember those ambitious dreams you had when you first started? It’s time to put them down on paper. 

Yes, actually write them down. Did you know you’re 42% more likely to achieve your goals just by doing this simple action? Pretty cool, right?

Start journaling, put together a vision board — heck, even scribble your goals on a napkin. 

Just make sure to measure your progress, keep yourself accountable (or grab your bestie to do it for you), and don’t forget to celebrate those sweet, sweet victories along the way!

2. What are my strengths and weaknesses?

Hey, no one’s perfect. And running a creative business certainly doesn’t require perfection. 

You’re a master at some things, and that’s fantastic! 

Share that knowledge — it’s valuable gold. But remember, you’re also learning (we all are), and that’s okay. 

Delegate the tasks you’re not quite a ninja at yet to someone who is. That’s right, peeps, wearing all the hats doesn’t make you a superhero, it makes you exhausted. 

And we can all agree, burnout is as fun as stepping on a Lego, barefoot.

3. What can be delegated?

Lean in close, because this one’s a game-changer: Delegating isn’t admitting defeat — it’s strategic warfare. 

Free up your time, work on the parts of your business that really make your heart sing, and watch your sales grow. 

You can find reliable help on sites like Fiverr.com or Upwork.com. Trust me, your future sanity will thank you!

Not convinced?  I know it’s hard to let go of control in our business… but I want you to imagine something for a moment:

Picture yourself in a boat. Your creative business is that boat, and every task you take on is a stone you’re placing in it. Now, every stone is essential, yes, but what happens if you try to carry all of them by yourself? 

That’s right, my friend, you’re heading straight for the bottom of the ocean. 

So, let’s break this down a bit:

Delegate the Tedious Tasks

Take a look at your to-do list. See those tasks that make you groan just looking at them? Maybe it’s managing your inbox, scheduling your social media posts, or bookkeeping. It’s different for everyone, but one thing’s for sure—these tedious tasks are perfect for delegation.

Leverage the Experts

No, you don’t need to become a self-taught guru in everything. There are people out there who specialize in areas you might struggle with. Maybe you’re a web design genius but can’t wrap your head around brand design. That’s fine! Delegate that to a fellow creative who rocks at it. This way, you not only get the job done but also get it done exceptionally well.

Automation is Your Friend

Yes, technology can be a lifesaver. There’s a software tool or app for nearly everything these days. Social media scheduling? Check. Automatic invoice generation? Check. These nifty tools can take a load off your plate, leaving you free to focus on what you do best — being creative.

Remember that when you delegate effectively, you’re not just offloading tasks — you’re creating space! 

Space to work on what truly matters in your business, space to increase your sales, and space for some much-needed peace of mind. 

4. Am I charging what I’m worth?

This one’s a biggie. Don’t fall into the trap of undercharging for your invaluable skills. 

You’ve put in the time, the effort, and the education to offer top-notch services. Don’t let those years slip by while you struggle when all you need to do is simplify your business and boost your prices. 

You’re worth every penny, and don’t you forget it!

5. How can I reduce the stress of owning my own business?

Running a creative business should be rewarding, not stress-inducing. Make a realistic daily or weekly schedule, delegate tasks smoothly (no one likes a never-ending game of ping-pong), and carve out some peace-of-mind time for yourself. 

Trust me, I need to take this advice as much as you do!

I’ve got a few tricks we should all try:

Craft a Doable Schedule

Now, I’m not talking about cramming every possible task into your day like some insane Tetris game. That’s just asking for a stress overload. Instead, create a schedule that’s manageable — one that includes regular breaks and time for non-work activities. Remember, even superheroes need downtime. And no, binging on coffee while simultaneously sketching designs does NOT count as downtime.

Delegate Like a Pro

You’ve heard me harp on about delegation, but it really is a lifesaver when it comes to reducing stress. Think about it: the fewer tasks you have on your plate, the less overwhelming your day feels. 

Make Room for ‘Me Time’

Ever heard the saying, “You can’t pour from an empty cup?” It’s true.

If you’re burnt out, your creativity suffers, your motivation dwindles, and stress levels rise. So, carve out some time for yourself each day. Read a book, meditate, go for a walk — whatever helps you relax and recharge. Oh, and by the way, ‘me time’ is a non-negotiable appointment on your calendar. So no skipping!

Remember Your Why

Sometimes, the stress of running a creative business can cloud your vision. When this happens, take a step back and remember why you started. What’s your purpose? Reconnecting with your ‘why’ can help reduce stress and reignite your passion.

Take Care of Your Health

In the hustle and bustle of running a business, it’s easy to neglect your physical health. A healthy body equals a healthy mind. So, fuel your body with nutritious food, make sure to exercise regularly (dance breaks are totally acceptable!), and get enough sleep. These might seem basic, but they can make a world of difference to your stress levels.

These are my five key introspective questions for anyone running a creative business. 

Give them a ponder, and remember, even small business titans need a little self-reflection now and then. We’re all in this creative space together!