Of the biggest hazards of building a creative enterprise is that most artists work in isolation.

Why is that a hazard? Isolation is not good for business.

Why is isolation not good for business? Because relationships equal revenue.

Crass as that may sound, we all know, that “it’s not what you know but who you know.”

And people buy from other people who they like and who they trust.

It takes time for people to get to know you and to get to like you. 

So how much face time are you clocking with prospects?

When I start coaching artists, they are never spending enough face time with prospects or other people who could expand their professional network. 

Very often they are marinating in self defeating thoughts because there’s no one to get them out of their head.

Many artists are hoping that social media and email alone will generate sales. It won’t.

Who are these artists spending most of their time with? Often it’s their family, friends, and other artists.

But the other artists they are hanging out with are also struggling with a frustrating pursuit of the traditional scarcity and permission based art establishment.

This is why I baked a close-knit Master Mind community component into my 8-week course Making Art/Making Money. 

Here’s what some of the recent graduates learned about the value of community, the importance of thier new colleagues.

“I have been used to living a very solitary existence as an artist throughout my career. Maybe it is because I have worked with agents from the beginning, so until recently, I felt it was their job to promote me.

Yes, I know that was a dangerous misconception. There was always the idea that artists all compete with each other…don’t share or tell anything.

I didn’t necessarily believe this, but knew others were kind of weird about associating with other artists because they felt that they were trying to get information rather than be a part of a beneficial community.

With this mastermind group, I never felt that way, and it was refreshing to be with other women who were generous with their insights and willing to share their own hits and misses.

I feel like I have turned a corner in developing my practice as a business, and I look forward to many successful years ahead.”

-Johanna Kolb, Illustrator

“As an artist I work in isolation.

When I feel fear or doubt, there are few people to talk to who understand.

Being able to talk to a friend in a similar situation, who will support and encourage me, can make the difference in my success or failure.”

-Kate Bradley, Portrait Painter

“I now have this community of artist peers who I can call on for support and discuss issues, problems and questions with.

We have also decided to keep a weekly Master Mind meeting for support.”

- Alie Vidich, Choreographer

The point is you have got to find and connect to a supportive professional network. 

If you can connect with successful entrepreneurial artists, that’s great!

If you don’t know artists successful entrepreneurial artists, you are not alone.

Apply to Making Art/Making Money or reach out to other entrepreneurs.

Givers gain. Demonstrate initiative, a willingness to give before you receive, and be eager to learn and earn. 

You will attract people who will show up to help smooth your path.

Take an action step. Can you think of two people to reach out to?  Call them today.