And I don't mean this kind. When I first read the importance of a business model, I could NOT for the life of me figure out what the heck everyone was talking about. A business model? As in, type of business? Kind of overhead? Hourly rates? What?
Really, it's much simpler:
1. Evaluate the time you have available daily to commit to a business.
2. Choose a business that suits both your schedule and your life plan.
In my opinion, that's it. That's all that matters. As creatives, the majority of us are lacking in the business department [or am I the only one???], so I did some research and simplified a few business models in this week's download, available right here in a PDF format [FREE!].
This document doesn't outline all business models by any means, but it gives a few ideas as to the relationship between (a). schedule and (b). commitment to your business.
This step is so important to me as a follow up to the life plan you've already created, but it won't prove useful if you're not honest with yourself. Have your heart set on opening a brick + mortar shop but can only devote a few hours a day? Not a good fit, unless you change some things up. Bring a friend into the mix and go from there.
I 100% suggest to involve your family in this stage of the process. Husband and I sat down last evening to review my own schedule and time commitments, and I realized that as much as I would LOVE LOVE LOVE to open my own tea studio/art gallery someday, it's probably not a realistic goal considering the start-up costs and my own time/talents.
So, download this simple worksheet, which you can go through in like one minute. Seriously. While your brain is bubbling over with potential business ideas, be sure to visit these SUPER helpful business calculators, available online for your convenience. You can tally start-up costs, break even goals and an expected cash flow.
Obviously, I can't get as specific as I'd like to in this worksheet b/c they're meant for a broader audience. SO, if you'd like additional business models or if you want to chat about what might be a good fit for you, do send me an e-mail at designformankind@gmail.com. I'm happy to help, really, and am working through the EXACT same thing right now. Misery loves company, yes?
Love to you all, and stay tuned for next week's edition of Roadmaps: Creating a Business Plan.
25 comments:
Great. As usual.
sweet! thanks for all your time, help and effort into the roadmaps series. you're super!
Anytime, ladies! :)
This is such a great series! You've got some good karma coming your way!
Awww, thank you so much, dearie! :)
totally totally awesome. thank you.
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i had totally good mail today... can you guess why??? hoorah for the inspiration poster!!!
LOVE it!
I'm so so glad you loved the poster, Kelly! :)
oh my goodness you are so kind!! Thankyou so much
great post. I'll have to direct my brother/biz partner to this post. Much like you, we are the creative type and less business oriented. I also made the decision to go back to school. I have a sick feeling about it, but it's part of my map. Thanks for the extra kick in the pants.
p.s. great reference from "the office" love love love that show.
Really fabulous job! I'm loving the Roadmaps.
i really love that approach and adding the business calculators is great as no business model would be complete without info about how it's going to generate $$. thanks erin!
So glad it's proving to be helpful, you guys!!! :)
i really love this series, and appreciate all the work and thought you put into it! the resources are great.
Glad to help, Ann! :) Thanks for the encouragement.
Fabulous again Erin!!! I love all the great tips you find...keep up the good work!
you are truly awesome, erin. i want to meet you! next time i come to LA, i'm calling you up. and call me if you are in new york! we can go to a cute place and have a glass of wine :)
yes, let's, dear jo! ;)
merci again erin.. this is just another extremely valuable addition.. kitch cafe?? thrift store/ yard sale finds + assorted sweet and savory goodies from around the world cooked and prepped with love by your truely? variety of design demos, courses for the many different groups in the community, and galleryish events.... all with a cost + donation pricing scheme.. community development and a social concious business?? haha.. dreaming is so fun! thanks again erin!
Love it, Jonathan! Good for you! :)
Your Roadmaps series is Wonderful, and I love your handwritten maps... aaahhh to find to next stop on the map of life, aren't we all doing that all the time? even when we don't know we are? anyway, thanks for these, it feels good to know there are others on the highway of creating ourselves (again).
Your Roadmaps series is Wonderful, and I love your handwritten maps... aaahhh to find to next stop on the map of life, aren't we all doing that all the time? even when we don't know we are? anyway, thanks for these, it feels good to know there are others on the highway of creating ourselves (again).
So true, Liz--- we'll all get there someday, right? :)
Thank you!!!
Great thanks for this next installment of Road maps. I love the pdf's super fun.
Wow, so that's what a business plan looks like. It's cute! Mine is more like "I'll try this and see if it works" and when it works, then cut out all the stuff that doesn't fit and go with the stuff that does. Would work better as a diagram!
What a generous idea. Thanks so much.
Glad I could help! :)
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