Events

HATE SELLING? TRY STRATEGY INSTEAD. Marketing is one of the most despised and least understood aspects of running a creative business and being an arts entrepreneur. Most creatives hate to sell, and would rather be making than hustling. There is a simple secret to making marketing more palatable – understanding the strategy behind the sales will make a huge impact on your creative career. This down-to-earth and enjoyable workshop explores the mystery behind the marketing magic, specifically for creative professionals. We’ll also examine:+ The key elements of a successful marketing campaign;+ How to understand clients, customer and competitors;+ The deeper meaning of word-of-mouth marketing;+ The importance of social media;+ How to make a website with impact … and much more! Our Creative’s Guide to Marketing workshop is tailored specifically to creative people who are (or want to be) self-employed, from students and start-ups to experienced freelancers and arts organisations. What do I get?All participants of this workshop also receive:+ Lifetime access to a dedicated Creative’s Guide to Marketing dropbox folder full of additional resources and help;+ Access to a dedicated webpage full of links and resources to help them get ahead in their creative business. Who should enrol?This workshop is […]

PRESENTED IN PARTNERSHIP WITH SOUTH EAST ARTS I Hate Networking is a surprisingly fun event designed to encourage creative people to get to know each other while acknowledging the horror of networking and sharing a few tips at the same time. While it’s a vital skill in the creative industries, many practitioners consider networking to be the stuff of nightmares. I Hate Networking combines education with the opportunity to practice in a safe and friendly environment while embracing the discomfort of the whole process and having a laugh. Tips that will be shared include:+ Success is before you start – preparing before the event;+ Mastering the art of the introduction;+ Overcoming shyness, awkwardness and the urge to run away;+ Dealing with wankers and other difficult people;+ Getting the all-important follow-up right. You’ll learn how to network in the first half of the session, and practice your skills in the second half. What do I get? All participants in this workshop also receive:+ Lifetime access to a dedicated I Hate Networking Dropbox folder full of additional resources and workbooks to help continue the learning after the workshop is over;+ Access to additional free webinars to supplement the material covered in the workshop;+ […]

HOW MANY WAYS CAN YOU THINK OF TO MAKE MONEY? Creative businesses often need help to brainstorm all the possible ways to diversify their income streams (especially now!) and become more financially sustainable. Diversify Your Creative Income is an interactive online workshop that allows participants to discuss the various general ways that creatives can make money (including services, goods and passive income), and includes practical exercises to help brainstorm those ideas. This workshop examines:+ Identifying your Core and Complementary Skills;+ The Minimum Viable Offering;+ Using a Skills Audit to inspire ideas;+ How to identify a ‘good’ idea;+ Helpful resources and more! What do I get?All participants of this workshop also receive:+ Lifetime access to a dedicated Diversify Your Creative Income Dropbox folder full of additional resources and help;+ Access to a dedicated webpage full of links and resources to help them get ahead in their creative business. Who should enrol?This workshop is ideal for recent graduates, freelancers and anyone struggling with time, work and creativity. It’s also relevant no matter what your profession – filmmakers, writers, designers, visual artists, musicians, composers, dancers, performers – everyone can benefit from a quick introduction or refresher to the basics of time management and […]

DOES SOCIAL MEDIA HURT YOUR BRAIN? Social media is a complex and challenging marketing tool for a lot of creatives, who find it hard to strike the balance between constantly talking about themselves and ignoring the platforms entirely! This friendly and up-to-date workshop covers the basics of how to kickstart marketing using social media, with a focus on the main tools at your disposal and the strategy behind the socials. We’ll also cover:+ Understanding your Brand online+ Understanding your Tribe+ Choosing the right platform for your clients+ Tips and tricks on staying up to date … and much more! What do I get? All participants of this workshop also receive:+ Printed materials to help in class;+ Lifetime access to a dedicated Social Media for Creatives dropbox folder full of additional resources and help;+ Access to a website full of links and resources to help you get ahead in their creative business. Who should enrol?This workshop is ideal for recent graduates, freelancers and anyone struggling with the business aspects of their creativity. Who is presenting?Lillie Brown is a freelance marketing strategist and Marketing Manager of Creative Plus Business. Lillie works with small to medium creative businesses to devise and implement marketing and […]

LET’S GET READY TO RUMBLE! Curious about turning your creative practice into a fully-fledged small business?  This fun and friendly workshop will cover all the essentials you’ll need to get the basics right and avoid some of the most common pitfalls for creatives as they enter the world of self-employment and freelancing.  You will learn all the following, with a focus on the arts and creative industries :+ Making a plan for your start-up journey+ Understanding ABNs, structures, business names and licences+ Getting ready for the money+ Preparing for the market+ Where to go for more (free) help. What do I get?  All participants of this workshop also receive:+ Lifetime access to a Dropbox folder jam-packed with resources+ A Creative Business Start-Up Checklist+ A One Page Creative Business and Marketing Plan+ The option of more one-to-one advice from a creative business specialist.All questions are welcome in this relaxed, safe and inclusive workshop. Participants are also encouraged to share their own experiences and network with their fellow practitioners. Who's presenting?Ann Niddrie balances creativity with a love for data and strategy. From early beginnings as a photographer she expanded her skills into online marketing and producing and directing public art projects. More […]

WE KNOW WE NEED ONE – BUT WHERE TO START? A website is so much more than a passive online portfolio display. It can be a centralised place to showcase services, a marketing tool to share stories, and an educational platform to help clients understand your craft. Talking About.. Your Website is a practical and comprehensive workshop that examines the best ways for creatives to present their websites, with real-life examples of best practice, and helpful resources for DIY design. Tips that will be shared include:+ Why? Outlining the goals for your website;+ Making a Site Map and organising the content;+ Do It Yourself or Hire a Designer? The pros and cons of each;+ Choosing the best platform for a DIY website;+ Thinking SHOP not GALLERY.Resources and links will be shared throughout the workshop to help guide participants. What do I get? All participants of this workshop also receive:+ Lifetime access to a dedicated Talking About.. Your Website Dropbox folder full of additional resources and workbooks to help continue the learning after the workshop is over;+ Access to additional free webinars to supplement the material covered in the workshop;+ The possibility of further one-to-one business advice, mentoring and support from […]

HOW TO LAY THE FOUNDATIONS OF A COMPELLING BRAND Branding can be a tricky concept to comprehend and many creative freelancers and arts organisations don’t understand how to make it work. In a marketplace full of mixed marketing messages, a compelling brand can help a creative practitioner or organisation stand out from the crowd. Creatives who make the most of their branding can build a loyal community of clients and customers that are engaged and interested, willing to spend money, and happy to spread the word.  In this down-to-earth workshop, participants will learn about:+ The basic concepts of branding, and why it’s so important;+ Personal and professional branding, and how it applies to creative practitioners;+ The ingredients that make a compelling brand;+ Practical steps to help participants bring their branding A-Game What do I get?  All participants of this workshop also receive:+ Lifetime access to a dedicated Understanding Branding Dropbox folder full of additional resources and workbooks to help continue the learning after the workshop is over;+ Access to additional free webinars to supplement the material covered in the workshop;+ The possibility of further one-to-one business advice, mentoring and support from one of our creative industries business specialist advisors.All questions […]