Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in personal and business development but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Monica Davidson, Director of Creative Plus Business Group Pty Ltd, located in Surry Hills, NSW, Australia.

What's your business, and who are your customers?

Creative Plus Business is an educational organisation dedicated to helping creative practitioners and arts professionals develop their entrepreneurial skills. We help a range of customers, from recent university graduates and professional artists to tertiary institutions and government departments, through a suite of learning and mentoring programs that can be accessed both online and in person. We're passionate about giving creatives the tools they need to self-determine their professional career and become less reliant on external funding.

Tell us about yourself

I'm a filmmaker, writer, and performer by trade, and I spent twenty years freelancing in my creative fields to varying degrees of success! I started Creative Plus Business because I identified a need in the creative community for more education and basic information about business, financial literacy, and marketing. I desperately needed that help when I was freelancing, and I saw that others did too. Lots of others! Filmmaking, writing, and performing are still my passions but helping other creatives is why I get a jump out of bed every day. I just love that moment when another creative professional understands something useful and practical about the business of their work. It's a joy.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

Staying in business during the pandemic is a big one! Having said that, I don't really think about our big contract wins or awards too much when I'm thinking of our accomplishments. I think about moments like the young woman who emailed me yesterday to thank me for all the support we've given her while she built her performing arts business last year and how happy and confident she is with the knowledge and support we've provided. That's a major accomplishment for me.

What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?

The juggle of time management and mental health. Creating those boundaries so that self-care becomes a priority, and I'm not answering emails on a Sunday afternoon that's hard. It's the only downside of running a business that I truly love - workaholism is an unfortunate by-product. If you're doing things right, then you'll always have something to do, so you have to take self-employment seriously and be the best boss to yourself you can be. That includes giving yourself holidays, mental health support, and time to think.

What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?

  1. Take yourself seriously, and others will follow. It's very hard to start a business and even tougher in the creative industries, and sometimes people will doubt your ability to do it. If you take this whole process seriously and dedicate yourself to your vision and goals, you can ignore the doubters and continue towards your version of success.
  2. Have a Plan. Whether you're just starting out or already running a business, never venture forth without a plan. That plan is your map that helps you figure out where you're going, how you're going to get there, and WHY it's all so important to you.
  3. Success will probably take longer than you think, but be patient and hang in there. If you are following your plans, working hard, and getting the support and education you need, you'll probably get there. It might take time, but slow success tends to last longer!

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://creativeplusbusiness.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/creativeplusbusiness
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/creativeplusbusiness/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/creativeplusbiz
LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/3kl5M1W

If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solo or small business entrepreneur that you'd like to share, then please answer these interview questions. We'd love to feature your journey on these pages.

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