Let me tell you a secret. there is no secret sauce to running a successful art business. It’s about hiring strong people who have experience and can give you guidance and then A/B testing until you’re blue in the face.
Artists often don’t think that they need a business Coach, or are still confused about what one is. So let’s take the mystery out of the position so you can make the educated decision if a business coach is right for your art brand.
What an Artist’s Business Coach Does
I like to break down coaching into 5 parts (at least what I do as a coach).
- I help you define your brand’s story
Who you are as a brand, who your ideal customer is and why it matters. This is by far the most important step to make sure that your message will be clear and will reach the right audience. - Define your values
As a former marketing director, I want to know what you value most so that we can include it in your message as well as make sure the strategy we build doesn’t leave any disconnects. If you’re all about sustainability then finding the right materials to print on is important or making sure all your marketing is digital could be the route we take. - Outline your goals
Where do you want to take your business? Is there a certain number of sales you want to hit? A type of lifestyle you want to achieve? and mission you want to uphold? We get clear on your goals as a business to use as our way of measuring success. - Create a Clear Plan
Once we’re clear in all the aspects of your business I’ll help you develop a plan to implement your strategy. We’ll cover website, email, social, customer experience, the whole shebang to ensure that your brand is cohesive and connects with your audience. - Build boundaries
One of the things I’m passionate about that other business coaches might not cover is creating boundaries in your business and marketing from a feminine energy (not the usual masculine way we’ve all been taught). I want to ensure that you have “work-life balance” (Whatever that means to you) and am here to help you create customized practices that feel right for you and your art business.
As a former marketing director, graphic designer, and photographer I can help you not only get clear in your messaging but make sure the aesthetic of your brand is cohesive and helps you build a connection with your audience. You’ll get an understanding of the full marketing mix while receiving help in analyzing analytics, enhancing your creativity, and learning how to communicate your message clearly.
How Often Should you see a Business Coach
Depending on where you are in your business the range differs. If you’re still building your art business and doing it as a side hustle then I suggest meeting with a business coach once a quarter or even once every six months. However, if you are in the weeds of your business, making art, marketing, and ready to keep growth coming, then seeing a business coach at least 1x a month will make all the difference.
As a business coach for artists I keep in mind the budgeting factor, but also realize that we get what we pay for. By having someone on your team who knows the ins and outs of marketing, design, and business, you can make confident decisions about where you take your business next. You’ll also get new ideas on how you can market your business or reach a new audience. But most of all, I want to help you find clarity in your brand so that when the day comes that you decide you no longer need a coach (it always happens!), you’ll know exactly how to move forward because you’ll feet it in your gut when things align with your brand vision. (That’s marketing from the feminine!)
What Artists Need Business Coaching?
While business coaching can be applied to any art business at any time, I most often see clients when they are looking to re-design the brand, start offering new products, need a boost in their revenue, or are feeling stuck and ready to hit that next level in their business.
A business coach simply allows you to get an expert outside opinion that brings a new perspective and gives you the confidence to make decisions in your brand. Just see what it did for Kerry:
It’s been so great working with you. You were precisely what we needed when we felt like we were drowning. Sweet, experienced, encouraging, helpful, and just enough “push” to get me to take some risks! Thank you, thank you for sharing your talents and skills when we needed them. – Kerry S.
Are You Ready For A Business Coach?
Whether you’re just starting your art business or ready to take your brand to the next level, you won’t regret hiring a business coach. Just think of me as your visual strategist, marketing guru, + Marie Kondo of business organization, all rolled up into one (very fashionable) package.
Want to try out Business Coaching?
Sign up for a FREE 30-min strategy sessions to get a taste of business coaching and see if I’m the right fit for your art business.
Originally published in October 2021.
