Owning a creative business is supposed to feel empowering, right? For small business owners in growth mode, it’s more likely that we’re feeling stressed and overwhelmed. We lose sight of the big picture as we spend our day-to-day in the smaller details like managing clients, perfecting workflows, and thinking about finances. Not to mention trying to turn off “business brain” for just a minute so you can show up as the best version of you for yourself and your family!

So many of us feel stretched too thin to truly enjoy our success or feel proud of all the ways we’ve already grown. So when we think about taking our business to the next level, it can be scary. We want to scale so that we can create more freedom in our lives. But the path to that end goal of working less and making more is almost never clear. If it was easy, everyone would do it!

As someone who is both a creative entrepreneur myself AND works with them, I know firsthand how easy it is to feel stuck. We experience imposter syndrome. We feel like we need more experience in order to raise our rates, create that course, or branch out into a new area. There are a million things we could be doing, and the vast number of options can paralyze us. 

At the end of the day, it often feels like we give all our creative energy to our clients and have nothing left for our own growth. But you have to invest in your own business if you want to attract your ideal clients!

The good news? You can grow your creative business, book more high-end clients, and reduce stress at the same time. If you’re feeling stuck and drained in your business, here are three tips to help you offload stress, conquer your next steps, and grow your business with confidence.

Do Some Big-Picture Thinking for Your Creative Small Business

When was the last time you gave your business the same attention you give to your clients? It’s so easy to get lost in the day-to-day, but creating intentional time for big-picture thinking is essential for growth. Set a “CEO dreaming day” and commit it completely to your business and your business alone. During this time, brainstorm all the things you’d do in an ideal world to grow your business—the sky’s the limit! 

Write down every idea that comes to mind, even if it seems impossible. Don’t limit yourself by your current capacity or your skills. Let your imagination run wild! Whether it’s launching a new product, refreshing your brand, or hiring your dream team, this process of brainstorming will help you see where the potential is in your business. 

Decide on 3 Business Growth Strategies to Implement in the Next 6 Months 

Once you’ve completed your brainstorming session, it’s time to narrow down the list. Ask yourself: Which three strategies will have the greatest impact on my business over the next six months? When you think about growth, think about exponential gains—remember that rising tides raise all ships. Prioritize strategies that can create a ripple effect and boost other areas of your business.

For instance, creating a free resource will not only increase your credibility and your ability to provide value, but it can also be used as a lead magnet to grow your email list, which can help you promote your other services and grow your network. It’s one idea that can impact many areas of your business!

It’s also important to remember that growth doesn’t always mean adding something new. Maybe it’s time to refine your current services or update your portfolio to attract more of your ideal clients. Focus on strategies that will build momentum across the board and energize your way of thinking.

Equip Yourself with the Tools and People to Grow Your Business

Now is the time to think about logistics. To grow your creative business, you need the right tools and people in place. What do you need in order to accomplish those 3 strategies? Is it learning? Find a course or coach. Is it equipment or software? Start researching! Is it a teammate, an assistant, or a freelancer? Find that person that you can actually hand things off to—the person that specializes in exactly what you need done.

For example, if SEO and blogging aren’t your forté, working with a digital marketing expert (like me!) can relieve you from the stress of marketing while ensuring your website and content are working around the clock to attract new clients. Want to explore that more? I’d love for you to get in touch and we can hop on a call!

Whether it’s learning new skills, investing in technology, or outsourcing, don’t be afraid to delegate! Think about what’s holding you back—whether it’s time, knowledge, or resources—and start researching tools, courses, or freelancers that can help lighten your load. If a task feels outside of your zone of genius, it would probably be more successful if you hand it off to an expert rather than trying to slog through it yourself. 

Once you’ve solidified your strategies, come up with an action plan broken down into 6 months. Be as specific and granular as possible about what steps you will take, and then hold yourself accountable. You’ve got this!

Ready to Outsource Your Digital Marketing?

Growing your creative business doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. By taking time to think big, focusing on high-impact strategies, and finding the right people to support you, you can confidently take your business to the next level and find freedom in your life. If you’re feeling ready to outsource tasks like SEO blogging or Pinterest marketing, I’d love to be your partner. Together, we’ll make your business grow while giving you back the time to focus on the aspects of your business that truly light you up!