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Following count for creatives

You don’t need a large following to be a successful creative.

You don’t even need public social media accounts to be successful.

As tempting as it is to focus on metrics and numbers, this can be a distraction from the real work.

Foster the relationships you have and connect with the people who need you. Focus on your true fans, the ones who love you and all that you stand for. Your fans want to support and recognize the contributions you’re putting out into the world, and your art will speak for itself.

Your energy is a precious resource, especially when it comes to creating. Pay attention to where you’re focusing this energy.

We need you and your art, not your attempts to please an ever-changing algorithm.

Free dinner party guide

Summer is on the way, and along with warmer days comes more opportunity for outdoor get-togethers.

I’ve put together a free dinner party guide to help make your next dinner party meaningful.

You’ll find an easy checklist to remind you of the more important elements of event planning (budget and theme) and a few suggestions to help structure your gathering. With a bit of thought and care, you can turn an average experience into something unforgettable.

Happy dining!

4 steps to change someone’s day

  1. Think of someone you admire or care for.
  2. Choose the medium: email, letter, message, text, napkin. It doesn’t have to be long, but write from your heart.
  3. Share how this person inspires you or what you appreciate about them. Consider including a fond memory.
  4. Close your note with something you’re thankful for.

Your message could change someone’s day (your own, too). I’m curious! Tell me what happens @redheadlefthand.

Own your story

Your value proposition may change.

Your origin story will not.

While small businesses may not have the resources needed to build huge international brands, we HAVE STORIES.

Use those stories. Own them.

Stories connect. They can rally communities, encourage investment, and help people remember who you are and why you’re doing what you’re doing.

Remember: YOU are the secret ingredient as you build your business. Why? Because no one is creating the way you create.

No one builds as you build.

Your uniqueness is an asset.

Want help understanding your story? Reach out.

Community is good business

When I log onto LinkedIn, I see a slew of “Community Manager” job postings. It’s taken awhile, but businesses have finally realized the value of community. The problem? Building community isn’t easy.

Maybe you’re trying to build platforms to encourage discussion and facilitate learnings. Perhaps you’re wanting to bring together like-minded individuals and introduce professionals with complementary viewpoints. Or you’re needing support yourself and craving the encouragement of those with common interests.

How should you begin?

Revisiting your why can help you focus on the work and your audience — not your own insecurities, anxieties, or ego. No community is built overnight; it takes time to establish trust and reputation within any group of people. And most likely, you will have to step outside of some comfort zones.

Whether you’re growing an online community or building a network within your neighborhood, you’ll be faced with tactical choices. How do you communicate? What are the rules of engagement? Are finances needed? How much energy and time is required from participants? When cultivating community (or looking for communities to join) consider these prompts:

Think of the communities you are part of. How do you show up? What do you gain? What do you offer? Who are you meeting?

Think of the communities you grow. What do they expect from you? Why are they there? What are they hoping to learn? Who would they like to meet?

Let me know how this exercise works for you. I’d recommend a solid fifteen minutes of free-writing. Don’t edit yourself, just go!

Journal prompts for clarity

The people I work with know how much I love questions. If you’re looking for answers, ask more questions.

Journaling is a priceless tool. And it doesn’t need to be a lengthy process; five minute in the morning is enough to inspire, reveal, clarify, and create. Here are 12 questions to get you started:

  • What does success mean?
  • What does failing look like?
  • Where in your life do you practice “all or nothing” thinking?
  • In what areas might you benefit from a less rigid perspective?
  • Do any of your boundaries stop you from exploring or evolving?
  • How do boundaries serve you?
  • What does it mean to show up imperfectly?
  • During uncertain moments, what do you rely on as you allow experiences to unfold?
  • What are the risks you take when sharing with others?
  • How do you show grace to yourself?
  • When you are tempted to turn inward, how can you challenge yourself to collaborate and create?
  • Who can you show appreciation to today?

Let me know what these questions bring up for you. Tweet me or send a note. We often know the answers we are seeking.