What do you believe is the best kind of framework or format for helping freelance creatives like you get better at business?
Business can mean the actual tactical stuff of things like, pricing your services or figuring out what to say in your marketing. It can even be about staying motivated or accountable. It can be the mindset that you need to have to be successful in your business.
I believe that all of us, especially freelancers and solopreneurs, can benefit from some kind of support.
What happens is that a lot of freelancers come to me and they’re not really sure if they’re ready for coaching or if they really need a course, or do they need just community to connect with?
What Kind of Support Will Work For You?
If you’re in business, you are ready for support. The type of support that might work best for you may vary depending on where you are on your journey. Whether you’re just starting out or have been freelancing for 20 years and are ready to change your market, there are business support options for everyone.
Courses
Courses can be a fantastic way to gain new skills and knowledge. They offer structured learning and can be incredibly valuable if you’re looking to build a solid foundation for your business.
When should you consider taking a course?
- When you need specific skills or knowledge.
- When you prefer a structured approach to learning.
- When you want skills that are transferable across different contexts.
Courses provide in-depth training that can give you the skills you need now and in the future. Unlike a one-off webinar or a quick fix, real training provides a solid foundation for your business. Learn more about our courses here.
Coaching
Coaching offers personalized, one-on-one guidance. It’s ideal for those who face specific business challenges or transitions and want a tailored approach to their unique situation.
For a lot of creatives, the one on one of private coaching allows them to really unleash their full vulnerability and authentic challenges in a completely safe environment. When it’s just the two of us and they don’t have to be challenged by the anxiety that can sometimes come from being in a group environment.
When should you consider coaching?
- When you need personalized guidance.
- When you’re facing specific challenges in your business.
- When you want a tailored or accelerated approach to your situation.
Coaching helps you fill in the blanks, create clarity, and manage your time effectively. It’s like hiring a personal trainer for your business. You don’t have to have everything figured out before you start coaching – in fact, that’s what coaching is for…to help you figure it all out AND be supported to take meaningful action. Find out more about our coaching options.
Community
Being part of a community can provide the energy, collaboration, and support you need to succeed. It’s perfect for those who thrive on interaction and feedback from peers and want ongoing support and inspiration.
Some of my clients tell me that being a part of the business accelerator mastermind community, that they need it, like a fish needs water. That for them being in that community is their weekly touchstone to reconnect to the energy of others. To see that they’re not so alone. To get feedback and ideas and inspiration. To be able to bring with them into that following week.
When should you consider joining a community?
- When you thrive on peer interaction and feedback.
- When you want ongoing support and inspiration.
- When you’re looking for a sense of belonging and shared experiences.
Communities offer regular touchpoints, collective wisdom, and motivation from peers. It’s an opportunity to network and collaborate with like-minded individuals who understand the unique challenges of creative freelancing. Explore our community options.
When to Seek Support
So, when is it a good time to take a course, hire a coach, or join a community? Here are a few scenarios where seeking support can really help:
- When you’re changing directions or targeting a new market.
- When you’re creating a new offer.
- When you feel disconnected from your passion.
- When you’re lacking motivation.
- When you want to take more consistent action in your business.
If you’re feeling any of these, it’s time to consider which type of support could help you the most. It’s important to find out if the support is the right fit for you, book a discovery call to discuss your needs.
Why You Shouldn’t Wait
Many freelancers think they need to have everything figured out before seeking support, but that’s not true. You don’t need a business plan or clarity before hiring a business coach. Similarly, you don’t need to be less busy to take a course. The support you seek is there to help you create clarity, plan, and manage your time better.
Think of it like hiring a personal trainer before losing weight – the trainer is there to help you through the process, not after you’ve achieved your goals. So, don’t wait until you’ve done everything to seek help. The right support can help you achieve your goals more effectively and efficiently.
Summary
In summary, courses, coaching, and community each have a place in your entrepreneurial journey. They fill distinct needs and provide the support necessary to accelerate results.
Sometimes you really are missing the skill that you need to be able to run your business successfully. Sometimes you just need that one to one support… that in depth super focused, bespoke kind of guidance. And sometimes you need the energy and the collaboration and the contribution of community.
For us, the most important part is the one to one guidance through coaching. This is why all of our services include some aspect of personalized support.
Here’s a quick recap of the main benefits of each:
- Courses: Offer in-depth training for specific, actionable skills.
- Coaching: Provides personalized, one-on-one guidance and strategies.
- Community: Offers peer support, motivation, and collaborative opportunities.
Each option is crucial in supporting your journey as a creative freelancer. Don’t do it alone – reach out and get the support you need to thrive in your creative business.
Not sure which one is the best fit for you? Book a free call to find out.