In writing this book, I have tried to provide you with the foundation needed to build a thriving business. Instead of providing well-calculated formulas and methods, I chose to share the basics and let you glean ideas from others who have been in your shoes. They brought up different approaches that you can collect insight from. Some will work; some won’t. If I’ve really accomplished my mission in writing this book, your creative juices will start flowing and you’ll come up with your own ideas. You’ll carve your own path. Creatives are individuals.
As I’ve mentioned, growing your business requires you to use your judgment and common sense to determine which practices are best for you. That’s the magic of being self-employed: You get to make the rules. Work in your undies, take three-day weekends, hand-pick clients—it’s all you.
Refer back to this book as you develop your talents and your business. Through time, you will find that the two seem to fuse naturally. That is, you will expand your natural gifts and you will grow adept in running a business.
You may never want to deal with some parts of being a solo-pro, but when you start to activate your inner businessperson, you’ll be able to manage every aspect of your business. It is going to feel good to be on top of everything—not just your talent. In growing this business—this part of yourself—the rewards will be endless.