roadmaps: creating key business assets.

Oh I love a good Roadmaps afternoon. In case you're unfamiliar, Roadmaps is your guide to creative pursuit. Design for Mankind walks you through start to finish, from choosing your career path to making it happen. We're ALMOST halfway there, so if you need to catch up, see the Roadmaps archives right here.
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Today's Roadmap is all about creating your key assets, which is basically a fancy word for saying "Get your ducks in a row!". This is one of my favorite stages of starting a business because it allows for a bit of strategy, a bit of planning and a whole lot of creativity!

I've divided this section into two parts for clarity:
1-- Website Address.
2-- Trademark.

I imagine that for most of you, the first part will be the most helpful, and the latter two may apply to just a few of you. Regardless, we're digging in, so hang in there!
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Choosing your web address is CRUCIAL. I can't emphasize the importance of a good web address enough. Here are a few key things to remember when formulating your web addy:

1. Stick with .com if you can. This is not the time to get creative with a .net, .biz, etc.
2. Keep it short and sweet. ILikeToWriteAboutDesign.com is neither short, nor sweet.
3. Avoid hyphens. They lead to more potential human errors when readers may try to locate your site.
4. Include the topic in the address, if you can. If you write about design, try to include design. If you're selling craft materials, try to include craft. Your search engine ratings will thank you.
5. Craft a catchy name, but avoid misspelling your words to be cutesy. It can only lead ot confusion!
6. If your desired web address is already taken, don't worry. Many entrepreneurs are willing to sell you a web name that isn't in use for a low rate. Simply contact the owner of the domain name.
7. Purchase your domain name immediately if you've found one you love. Regardless of whether or not you're prepared to begin your site, you'll want to ensure you've secured the domain name before someone else does. You can do this through a variety of sites, including GoDaddy.com, Network Solutions or Register.com.


Ahh, trademarks and copyrights. Many people see trademarks/copyrights as a luxury in the business realm, but they are much more essential than you think. I consider them the "car insurance of businesses-- useless until something goes wrong."

Although trademarks do give a business a sense of extra oomph [I LOVE when there's a cute little TM after a business name!], they really come in handy if you discover that another person or company is hurting your business reputation or causing confusion by using your mark to sell similar or cheaper-quality goods.

For more information on trademarks and how to register, visit the US Patent and Trademark Office right here. As always, if you need help, simply email me right here!
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Now that you've figured out licensing, product trademarks and the lot, we can move on to the messy stuff--- FINANCES! Stay tuned in the following weeks for the next Roadmaps post re: finding the funding for your business.

roadmaps: creating a life plan.

Roadmaps time! Welcome to the first step in the Roadmaps series: Creating a Life Plan. This is so, so, so important, for a variety of reasons, but I want to keep this post short and sweet. So here's a bit of a breakdown surrounding the Life Plan--- what it is, why you need it, and what to do with it...



What's a Life Plan?
Chances are, unless you read business books for fun (read: ME), you're not totally familiar with what a life plan entails. So think of it, instead, as a glorified list of goals for your personal and professional life, but written down. It includes your wants/not-wants, skills, assets, preferred work environment and the lot. All in one handy paragraph (or two). Coolio, yes? :)

Why You Need It:
Ever heard of a building without the foundation? I hope not, b/c that would be total craziness. If you're serious about creating a business or breaking out of your 9-to-5, you MUST consider the lifestyle you're looking for. Entrepreneurship is hard work, and it requires a ton of planning. Writing down your desired goals in life will be super helpful in the long run, and in the next few posts, you'll see why.

What You Do With It:
Keep it. Hang it. File it. Whatever you do, make sure it's accessible, b/c you WILL want it later. Trust me. ;)

With that said, I have a present for you...
I've provided a user-friendly guide to creating your life plan. Instead of simply writing a paragraph of your loves & hates, fill out the enclosed PDF and you'll be on your way to a stellar life plan.

Click here to download the first worksheet in the Roadmaps series [for free!]. Print this one out and add it to your Roadmaps binder. Enjoy, and stay tuned for the next step in your creative pursuit: The Business Model.

Need some further direction? I took the liberty of filling out my own life plan, and have posted it here for you, just in case it helps. Click here to download. Good luck, Biz Warriors! :)

roadmaps: get organized.

Funny story. I used to think that Peter Gabriel song said 'Or-gan-ize' instead of 'In Your Eyes.' I'm not sure why, because now I realize that the two sound nothing like each other, but I digress.

All Genesis ex-lead vocalists aside, organization is so key when it comes to shaping a business (or not shaping one, for that matter). Cindy brought up a fantastic point in my last post that many of us created (or are creating) binders, notebooks and spreadsheets to prepare for weddings and various events--- why shouldn't we have the same resources for building a business?

SO, readers--- I'm taking action. Each Roadmaps post (if applicable) will come bearing gifts in the form of a PDF document. Feel free to apply these documents to your specific needs, and I'll do my best to make them as broad as possible. Utilize these--- how about setting aside a pretty binder (like this one!) to keep them all together?

Look for documents such as financial worksheets, how-to's, prep documents and pertinent questions you'll need to ask yourself prior to taking the plunge.

With that said, I'll keep you waiting for the next 'Roadmaps' topic: Creating a Life Plan. Stay tuned! If you're still craving some biz advice, visit Marisa's excellent podcast aptly titled, "On Money, My Story."

Until next time, love to you all.

roadmaps: network away.

In case you missed Holly's fantastic 'Roadmaps' post yesterday, click here to read. And I believe Ms. Marisa will be gracing us with a podcast later today, so be sure to check in with her right here.

With that said, it's time for Installment #2 in my 'Roadmaps' series: A Guide to Creative Pursuit. Enjoy, and although I won't be around this weekend to respond to any questions/comments, I'll check in with you first thing Monday morning, so please leave your thoughts!
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I hate networking. I know, I know. Total heresy. Let me explain...

Networking, in the traditional sense, makes my stomach churn. You know the scenario. Business cards, three piece suits, Las Vegas conferences. The norm. Sure, it may work, but it lacks one key ingredient in a successful personal relationship: sincerity.

I'm a firm believer that if you can't offer sincerity, you can't offer much. And as creatives, if our heart isn't in our work, it can get pretty ugly. And I'm not talking metaphorically here. Really, it's ugly.

Same goes for networking. Without heart, you're just a gal with a paintbrush and an email address.

In other words, you can attend all of the trade shows in the world and rock an overflowing Rolodex, but if you don't make a sincere effort to foster those relationships, chances are, it all means nothing.

Remember that really bad late 90's song 'You Get What You Give?' Although I don't encourage you all to skateboard in the middle of a mall, this song has a great message when it comes to networking. Don't expect Martha Stewart to descend upon your studio anytime soon just because she slipped you her assistant's assistant's main line during last season's craft show. Networking is a 2-way street, and unless you have something to offer Ms. Martha herself, I wouldn't bank on your phone number making its way into her speed dial anytime soon. Think you have nothing to offer the Queen of Craft? Think again.

You have a perspective. A pair of eyes, a pocket of experiences and a lot more talent than you think. Use your head. Get creative. Chances are, if you can illustrate something worthy of a sale or two on Etsy, you can figure out how to catch the attention of any blonde jailbird you set your sights on.

With that said, forget about Martha. You don't need her. Look around you. We are so blessed to be surrounded with BILLIONS of creatives from every walk of life. Someone, somewhere is bound to be feeling similar to you. Find that someone, establish that connection, and grow a friendship. You'll need that friendship whether or not your work is picked up by a gallery.

Don't discount a less than obvious connection. For instance, I'm a blonde Midwesterner living in L.A. with three bachelors' degrees, two dogs and a weakness for paper goods. You may be the complete opposite, but I would suspect that I know someone a lot like you. And unless you ask, you'll never know if I'm willing to make the introduction.

Now let's talk specifics. Obviously, this crazy webosphere is a great place to establish connections, but come on--- that's way too easy. Get off your couch and into your community. The best mentor I ever gained was someone I met at the market in the check-out line. Be friendly. Be open to possibility, but be intentional.

Use your resources. Grace Bonney has established a fantastic networking event for some of us in bigger cities with her BizLadies MeetUp. Don't live in a big city? Check out these events across the globe.

Get creative. How about a VideoChat session? A Yahoo group? A community blog? Book club?

And to be totally honest, if you're reading this post right now, you have all the resources you need to start a network of your own, or include yourself in an existing network. And if you've ever commented on a blog, you've already done the latter. Congratulations! You've networked!

The good news is that this post is just the tip of the iceberg. There are so, so many benefits of networking and billions of ways to go about it all. Figure out what works for you, and go get 'em.

And lastly? Never, EVER monetize a current relationship. It's rude, crude and socially unacceptable. People are not steps on their way to your heaven. Grow some respect and take the elevator.

Besides, I happen to know what Picasso thought about that sort of attitude, and trust me, it wasn't good.

See you next week for more Roadmaps, specifically Installment #3: Get organized!

roadmaps: breaking free.

It all started with this post. What began as a few comments turned into a wealth of advice, information and inspiration as fellow bloggers and artists alike reached out to aid in the encouragement of a few readers. Again, I felt blessed to be involved in such a giving community, and again, I searched for ways to give back to those that I have been receiving from for months and months.

In case you missed last week's post, I announced a new mini-collaboration with Holly, Marisa and me entitled "Roadmaps: A Guide to Creative Pursuit." We'll be teaming up to bring you inspiration, information and motivation in your quest to break free and begin living your dreams. Whether you want to become a freelance graphic designer or a full-time gallery curator, we hope this advice will prove useful to you. If not, do let us know more of your situation and how we can help. It's what we're here for, really.

With that said, welcome to the first post in our "Roadmaps" series. Be sure to check out what Holly and Marisa are up to as well, and I'll try to keep you posted with new Roadmap-related posts from them both.

Welcome, and please--- be inspired.
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Get ready. This is a total novel, so you may want to bookmark (but PLEASE BACK IT UP!!!) this one for later, unless you have ohhhhh, a good five minutes. Consider yourself warned.

So. This is a topic that is incredibly close to my heart for a variety of reasons, but I'll spare you my story. This one's for you, readers. For those of you who find yourself behind a dusty desk with a switchboard and overhead flourescent lights. For those of you who are chasing after three kids with thirty very messy fingers. For those of you who are refilling table number nine's coffee for the sixth time, dreaming of a conversation that doesn't revolve around the weather patterns.

The good news? We've all been there a few times in our lives, and you'll get through it.
The bad news? Brush up on your patience, because you'll need it.

I'm a firm believer in things happening when the timing is right. That's not to say that you shouldn't be taking active steps to prepare yourself for a better day, but I do find that most of us desire a fast forward button all too often. And let me ask you this: If you skip to the very last scene of 'Reality Bites' just to find out if Winona and Ethan finally profess their love for each other (spoiler alert: they do!), would you have witnessed the best gas station rendition of 'My Sharona' known to man? No, you wouldn't have. Would you have watched two grown adults fall in love over a Big Gulp? Never!

It's the journey. It's the now. Please don't forget that, no matter how many steak fries you have to serve to get where you need to be. You're where you are for a reason, and I believe that with all of my heart.

Now. With that said, let's focus on what you can do to prepare yourself for the life/career you dream of. Because I'm not totally there yet, I've asked a few of my artist friends who ARE, and here's what they had to say:

Kelly Lynn Jones, shop owner of Little Paper Planes, talks about the financial aspects of her creative process: "I just know that each month my money varies and to be prepared for slow months... I also do commissioned-type work, gallery shows, etc to supplement my income. I am not going to lie, it gets scary sometimes wondering how the money is going to come in, but I think things have their ways of working out..."

Maria "Mav" from Port2Port Press adds "financially, keep things in [your] life very simple... I do love to eat out, and I'm willing to take on a few extra projects each month to allow for those meals and glasses of red wine!"

Alyson Fox agrees: "I am still not self supporting, but I think I am getting closer. Hopefully. I have a great month and then a really slow month. It is really scary, but also self rewarding. I nanny three times a week to pay the grueling student loan, car insurance, gas and health insurance. Then with what I make from selling my art or from my small clothing line, I save 50 percent of it right off the bat. Then I reinvest the other half back into my work. More so into the clothes since that involves the most over head. It takes a lot of hard work, sometime tears and a lot of support."

For more advice on budgeting, keep an eye on Marisa's blog for her upcoming podcast dedicated to her financial experience and the beginning of her quest for creativity.

But what do you do when you're stuck? When you know you hate what you're doing now, but you're not sure what to do with the talents you have? What makes sense with your lifestyle, your intended career path and what you currently have responsibilities for?

I read a FANTASTIC book about a year ago, and it was, in fact, a HUGE push in the direction of creating this blog. 'Do What You Are,' by authors Paul Tieger and Barbara Barron examines various personality types (i.e. introvert vs. extrovert, passive vs. assertive) and applies that exploration to a career path. If you really are unsure of what to do with your life, this is a GREAT resource. I find myself going back to it time and again to remind myself that there IS a profession that my personality type can find fulfillment in--- it's up to me to get there.

For more advice on finding your true passion and trusting your inner voice, check Holly's blog this week. She'll be sharing a bit more of her experience in the corporate world and what steps she took to follow her dream.

So maybe you know what you want to do, but are having trouble getting there? If you've got your dream job figured out but need a good kick in the pants to get started, Maddy over at Modish is doing a tremendous job giving some VERY tangible and applicable business advice, from all different paths of creativity. Check out some of my favorites from her series: Setting Goals, Pricing, Naming, and Designing a Website.

By now you're probably thinking--- yeah, ok, Erin, but I don't have the time to even READ these links, let alone start a business from them. Here's my advice for you:
(1). No time? FIND IT. Quit brushing your teeth to save an extra two minutes a day. You may have less friends, but hey--- gotta start somewhere.
(2). If you read just ONE article, read this one. Tony Wright is a VERY smart business owner, and he's got some great words of advice for those of you that can't quit your day job just yet, but want to make some magic happen. The article itself is meant for those that desire to build an Internet startup, but I feel like a lot of his advice applies to small business owners in general.

Whew. I told you... I get all novel-ish when I write about this sort of thing. Long story long, you need to hear this stuff, and you need to hear it often. The fact of the matter is that most of us are blessed with the freedom and resources to make our dreams come true. And those of us that aren't? Ask for help. There is an entire community of crafters, artisans, designers, etc that would love to answer some questions, and it starts right here.

Next up in the 'Roadmaps' series? Networking.

More to come...
[p.s. Needing a bit more inspiration? The e-zine is coming! The e-zine is coming! Check back at 12:00 midnight for the release of Design for Mankind's third issue of Inspiration: The E-Zine].

roadmaps: a guide to creative pursuit.

photo credit: Chris Moncus.

A few days ago, Design for Mankind experienced quite the influx of comments in response to the lovely Marisa of Creative Thursday's Daily post [click here to read the post and corresponding commentary]. And it was on this particular day that I realized how blessed we bloggers, artists and designers are to be among such supportive company.

If you work a 'day job,' you know how hard it is to be inspired in the daily mundane. And if you are a freelancer or self-employed, you know how hard it is to be motivated by the self. Truth is, the grass is not only greener on the other side, but lush, lovely and BLOOMING.

I'm a firm believer in following your dreams (in fact, I'm doing it now), and if I can inspire just one person to pursue their goals, I'll have reached the pinnacle of my blogging career (if you can call this a career, that is!). So, with the help of Marisa and Holly from Decor8, we gals are going to do our best to aid in whatever transition you readers are needing.

Whether your wish is to ditch your 9 to 5 in pursuit of opening a local gallery, or if you're a struggling artist that longs to belong back in the corporate world, we're here to help. Dear Marisa is [as I type this!] putting together one of her famous podcasts regarding the financial responsibility of breaking free from your steady paychecks and beginning your dream business. Lovely Holly will be compiling a post dedicated to the importance of following your inner voice and trusting your instincts when it comes to finding your place in this big, busy design world. And I will be, along with the help of my favorite Daily Dears(!) giving tangible advice re: the importance of community and an established support system during this pivotal transition in your lives.

I do hope you find the three of us to be helpful in your quest for an inspiring career, and please don't hesitate to ask any of us questions along the way. I believe I speak for all of us when I say that's why we're here.

So with that said, welcome to Roadmaps: A Guide to Creative Pursuit. Stay tuned for the first installment from Design for Mankind, and be sure to bookmark Decor8 and Creative Thursday for their take on life, liberty and the pursuit of creativity!