Whilst writing this column exclusively for Trespass, I’ve been lucky enough to receive a great deal of positive feedback from the loyal readers it has generated, and felt it would be interesting to incorporate your own stories and advice on a regular basis. Thank you to everyone who took part in the concept this time around, the response was too large to post all in one instalment, so continue to check in every week to catch when your submission appears. If you’d like to have your business savvy recognised next time, please contact sarahjane@sarahjaneadams.com and let me know it’s regarding Trespass.
Be Surreal, Creative Designers, 21 and 25
“We were both in jobs we weren’t fully happy in, just your usual 9 to 5, seeing miserable faces on the train in the morning, and decided to make a conscious change. So we started a business plan, contacted the Princes Trust, went jobless and started pursuing our dreams.
For us personally, staying on top of fashion, art and music is key, so we use sources like, Vogue, ID magazine, Pop etc. Then you’ve got Tate Modern and local galleries, online magazines and gossip columns with celeb info and new projects they’re working on. Research the people behind the people… like stylists, managers, agencies, and so on.
Things like Business Link and visiting the business design centre could also benefit you with all types of information, whether it be legal info, promotional info, free services, taxes, cheap printing companies, you name it, they can help.
Networking would be our first method for getting your company seen. Although having ads and visual promotion play a big part, we think if your business starts from you, then introducing yourself can be a major bonus. You also need to know your craft and business inside out. If anyone faces you with a question, you need to be at a place where you don’t stutter or even have to think too hard about it. Make sure it’s your goal to have your business innate to you. “
Nicholas Creevy, photographer, 20
“Word of mouth has gone further for me than advertising, generated through make-up artists, fellow photographers, models etc.
Model Mayhem has also been positive for me to build up my network list; I have collaborated with a lot of amazing people from there. Dream, shoot, and ignore the comments like they’re not even there and shoot again. Also, build a huge networking list as it’s not all about what you know, it’s who you know.”
Dr. Emily Splichal, founder of Catwalk Confidence fitness brand, 28
“I did not start creating the buzz around my company until I hired my publicist. It is the greatest investment and decision that I made regarding my company. Combining their marketing expertise and my vision we were able to create my current company image. Opportunities have come my way that would not have been possible without representation. They are experts in pitching ideas and speaking to other publicists, producers, and management.
Creating an online network has been the direction of 21st century. Some of my greatest exposure has been on blogs and fans on my myspace page. As far as promoting my classes, I’ve created a network through meetup.com, and have found great business relationships with other meet-up groups so that we both benefit in promoting my classes.
One big challenge is financial restrictions of a start-up company, especially since for the majority of my 20′s I was in undergraduate and medical school with extensive school loans. I’ve been pursuing sponsorships, angel investors and funding through small business loans. Create a business plan and financial layout right away. Know exactly how you are going to bring in money and really focus on competitive strategy. How does your company/idea really stand out from the competitors?“
“I guess what started me in the actual business was when I was attending Berkley College of Music, and was ‘discovered’ by Brian McKnight. The day after I met him, he flew me to his house to write and record, I dropped out of school and started the career. For me, the biggest challenge being a jazz musician is that for the most part jazz contradicts what’s ‘popular’, and really just building myself as an artist from the ground up. The only way to overcome this is to play everywhere I can, never stop networking, and take care of these amazing online resources.
The internet has been priceless; myspace, facebook, all those types of sites have been incredible. Touring has also helped immensely, finding fans and friends all around the world in person.“
