From Pitch to Profit: Pitfalls to avoid when running creative businesses
-
date post
22-Oct-2014 -
Category
Business
-
view
1.335 -
download
2
description
Transcript of From Pitch to Profit: Pitfalls to avoid when running creative businesses
James Cotton, Onespacemedia.com, @jamescotton
the pitfalls every creative business needs to avoid
From Pitch to Profit
James Cotton, Onespacemedia.com, @jamescotton
Not getting a decent brief Perfection
Speculative work Saying ‘yes’
Lack of confidence Under delivering
Isolation Poor administration
Agenda
James Cotton, Onespacemedia.com, @jamescotton
Not getting a decent brief
PITFALL 1
James Cotton, Onespacemedia.com, @jamescotton
Our logo should be timeless, romantic, classic, modern, edgy,
primal, techno, friendly, professional, bold, green and simple.
Do you have enough information from us to get started?
James Cotton, Onespacemedia.com, @jamescotton
Ask the right questions.
Use questionnaires to get structured information.
Be flexible – are there other ways to get the information?
Banish ambiguity – communicate your interpretation.
Build relationships for better understanding.
Agree a plan in writing and get cracking.
Advice
James Cotton, Onespacemedia.com, @jamescotton
Speculative work
PITFALL 2
James Cotton, Onespacemedia.com, @jamescotton
James Cotton, Onespacemedia.com, @jamescotton
Don’t work for free with little chance of reward.
Need to build your portfolio? Pick real world projects.
Don’t be afraid to say no. There’s plenty of work out there.
Advice
James Cotton, Onespacemedia.com, @jamescotton
PITFALL 3
Lack of confidence
James Cotton, Onespacemedia.com, @jamescotton
James Cotton, Onespacemedia.com, @jamescotton
Believe in yourself and your abilities.
Don’t compare your work to others in the industry.
Always finish the projects you start.
Remind yourself of all the good work you’ve done.
Surround yourself with ‘yes’ people!
Advice
James Cotton, Onespacemedia.com, @jamescotton
PITFALL 4
Isolation
James Cotton, Onespacemedia.com, @jamescotton
James Cotton, Onespacemedia.com, @jamescotton
Get out there.
Join networking groups.
Think about co-working or setting up an office.
Stop writing that email and pick up the phone.
Present your work in person.
Advice
James Cotton, Onespacemedia.com, @jamescotton
PITFALL 5
Perfection
James Cotton, Onespacemedia.com, @jamescotton
James Cotton, Onespacemedia.com, @jamescotton
Set a brief. Stick to it.
Think about your margins.
Believe in your work.
Don’t compare your work to others in the industry.
Remember that no one will scrutinise like you will.
Advice
James Cotton, Onespacemedia.com, @jamescotton
PITFALL 6
Saying ‘yes’
James Cotton, Onespacemedia.com, @jamescotton
James Cotton, Onespacemedia.com, @jamescotton
Look after your existing clients.
Your active projects take priority.
Understand your bandwidth.
Tell them they have to wait. Is it really that urgent?
Don’t be afraid of saying no. There will be more work.
Advice
James Cotton, Onespacemedia.com, @jamescotton
PITFALL 7
Under delivering
James Cotton, Onespacemedia.com, @jamescotton
James Cotton, Onespacemedia.com, @jamescotton
Under promise. Over deliver. It’s a win win.
Don’t reveal all your ideas.
Think your ideas through and up-sell them to your client.
You’ll get more work and more referrals.
Advice
James Cotton, Onespacemedia.com, @jamescotton
PITFALL 8
Poor administration
James Cotton, Onespacemedia.com, @jamescotton
To: Some clientFrom: Creative dudeSubject: re: where is our artwork?
Thanks for your email. I’m currently on a surfing trip around the world and expect to be back in Autumn 2014.
On 29 Jun 2011, at 15:26, Some client wrote:
Dear creative dude,
Where are you? I’ve been trying to get hold of you. The magazine needs the artwork by 4pm today. If we don’t get it to them we will miss our slot and the whole campaign will be screwed.
Call me. / Some client
James Cotton, Onespacemedia.com, @jamescotton
Show professional courtesy at all times.
Good project management is half the battle.
Communicate.
Do what you said you would (and more)!
Automate administrative processes.
Advice
Thank you.
James CottonOnespacemedia.com
@jamescotton