Season 4, Episode 2 : Asking for help
It is a sad fact that about 20% of small businesses fail in their first year and around 60% of small businesses fail within the first 3 years. That is indeed a sobering thought for us working artists, trying to earn a living. And the reasons for this? After poor cash flow, the second reason small businesses give is the inability to source and afford help; help to grow, help to promote and help to create the work we are all so passionate about. In this episode, Peter and Tom discuss the range of ways they have sought help from others alongside other ideas that may help you.
They begin by talking about when they first realised they needed help – that point at which they realised they were working all the time or trying to do tasks which were not suited to their skill set. The first step in asking for help is admitting you need it.
During the first part of the podcast, Tom and Peter discuss paid help and the different ways you may or could employ someone and the pros and cons of each. They discuss examples of people they have asked, including accountants, marketing specialists, website developers, framers and administration assistants.
After the break, Peter and Tom talk about unpaid help and the different guises this could come in, whether that be friends and family, volunteers, work experience, collaborations and using networks – artistic and business related.
Take a look at these helpful links to be signposted to business support and help in your area:
Local Enterprise Partnerships of Growth Hubs
Federation of Small Businesses
This week’s takeaway…there will inevitably come a point during any professional artist’s career where they will hit their head on the ceiling and will need to seek the help of others to grow and develop, from practical jobs such as doing a tax return to a more open form of support, such as advice or feedback from your local artistic community. Seeking help is a sign of strength and not weakness. Asking for help clears space for you and frees your time and energy to create and make more art – now wouldn’t that be nice…?
Photo by Austin Kehmeier on Unsplash
This Podcast is sponsored by Rosemary & Co Brushes. For more information about the full range of Artist’s brushes and to order a free catalogue, please visit https://www.rosemaryandco.com
