Creative Business Q&A

Creative Business Q&A

Independency and essentially my purpose or vocation is to guide and help creative business owners. With that sentiment in mind I prompted my Instagram followers (hopefully you are one) to feel free to ask business questions that have been on their minds. I had a really lovely response, with some poignant and intentional questions. In answering them I know that it will be helpful to the person who asked it and surely to many others too who might just have the same thoughts rattling around in their minds. As business owners or solopreneurs we can find ourselves in a lonely place. Despite the fact that we live in a time where the abundance of resources we are surrounded by is more than ever before. However, I find that with so many tools, potential Google searches and freebie downloads / ebooks it can also just create wild overwhelm or even inadequacy. Gone are the days of sitting in a library to do research (giving away my age) and what lies in front of us is piles and piles of tips, tricks, podcasts, AI prompts and pretty much any answer you can think of. 

Regardless of these wonderful and sometimes overwhelming tools I still find that being a human and talking to like-minded creatives is some of the best reassurance or guidance there is. The tools are there and I suppose that makes me one too (not in the rude way). I am here after all to help you, but most certainly not to overwhelm you. With that said - here is the first batch of questions asked by you, you and maybe even you. I have kept my answers super simple and to the point (not easy for me) so that they are digestible on Instagram too. 

Should we all be on LinkedIn?

"The simple answer is no. 

Being on LinkedIn is more related to you personally, what you do and which online platforms you need to communicate about your business effectively. 

When deciding on which online platforms to add be sure to understand where your ideal / target audience is. For most creative businesses - you would be better off on Instagram to start.

As you grow in your ability to manage your online presence you can add platforms that are suited to your type of business which will allow you to connect in an intentional and meaningful way with your audience."

Is Pinterest better than a website?

"They are different. With a website you control the platform and narrative. It’s your space to showcase your brand in all its glory. 

Pinterest is a tool to add to your overall marketing strategy. Having said that don’t get tripped up on not having everything in place just yet. You will “graduate” to what you need for your business.

If you are still working towards creating your own website then you can definitely still utilise Pinterest, it’s a wonderful visual search engine especially for creative work and for others to discover your work.

But the key thing is that you can’t compare the two - each has its unique place within your creative business toolkit.

There is a lot more to be said here on the power of Pinterest and how it can actually help your website. However, either or it can help your business if used proactively. I can offer more insight on this if anyone would like."

Is it a good idea to work on solid branding from the start?

"Absolutely! Solid branding can be simple, but even in a basic form it can add value from day one. It helps you to build a business which portrays trust, recognition and an aligned vision.

It does not need to be complicated, but rather consistent. That's key... consistency.

I highly recommend nailing down the basics of your brand to confidently share and showcase. Don’t over complicate it and if you are stuck or need a checklist - then let’s chat. I’ll guide you."

If you have a pesky little question rolling around in you brain then of course feel free to ask me. Here to help and create some breathing space. There are some more questions so I will add a few more blog posts as we go.

(The beautiful photo I used in this post is from AlabasterFox on Instagram. One of my favourite accounts for calm lifestyle inspiration.)

Hello | Let's Work Together

Hello | Let's Work Together

 

 

Independency | by Nadia Jonker

I offer creative business consulting, storytelling, and project support for people who care deeply about what they build.

My services include one-on-one consulting, brand storytelling, and project guidance, but more than that, I help you move forward with confidence, focus, and integrity.

Say hello and tell me more about what you do or what you would like to do. 

I would love to hear from you: click here | nadia(at)inde.co.za or even better visit me on Instagram.

I’d love to work with you and walk alongside you on your journey. 

Book a complimentary 30-minute online introduction session to connect one-on-one.

*Featured planner is from the always inspiring shop The Ruby Orchard and a project we collaborated on.