Get real, get creative... and get results
By Helen Barber - 2B Creative

After being in the creative game for 20 years, there were times where I would have rather poked my eye with a sharp stick than sit down and do the bookkeeping for my business and I know that there are many others who feel the same way.

And it’s not just us creative types that have a fear around this, all sorts of business people have ‘accounting aversion syndrome’ are you one of them?

I would suggest that it may be wrapped up in people being afraid of money and what it means to them and also, that they need to stay focused on what they do best and let someone else,  ‘do’ the books. Well that’s all good in theory, however, I for one can tell you from experience that this can really work against you.

Business is like a human body. There are many elements that work together to keep it functioning. The head is where the ideas come from, the hands do the production, the feet do all the running around, the heart is for your passion and relating to your customers and the blood is the cash flow.  

Without money (the blood) the rest of the body cannot function.

I found out the hard way that I was being bled to death by someone I trusted to ‘do’ the money side of my business. You see I was so busy creating marketing campaigns, dealing with customers and managing staff that I didn’t have time (or the inclination, let’s be honest) to check.

I had to lose a business, house, my confidence and credibility in order to learn a huge life lesson – be responsible for every part of your own business, don’t trust others with it, make it your job to know what your real position is and make your decisions based on where you are right now.  Be real.

Many people blame the other person and take the view - “how could you do this to me?” and let me tell you, there was a lot of that in the early days when I was trying to comprehend the betrayal and unfairness of the situation, but now, do I take responsibility for my fall, absolutely! Why? Because I dropped the ball, I didn’t keep a handle on my business situation and handed over the responsibility.
It’s only when you go through something like this  that you find you are not alone and unfortunately, the story is more common than you may think.

I am certainly not suggesting that you need to get a degree in accounting or that you can’t delegate the actual bookkeeping process (heaven forbid!), but I do believe that you need to make it your business to know enough to keep your finger on the pulse.

Make it your business to understand how to read a Profit and Loss Sheet and Balance Sheet. Get into the habit of entering your receipts, invoices and payments regularly and once a month (or at least every quarter) check your pulse. Remember, you can’t manage what you can’t measure.

The good news is that creative people, in particular, are already streets ahead when it comes to looking at things from another perspective.

All you artists, musos, writers, designers (and all you amazing creative business people from every profession) have the ability to find a way to make the money part of your business more fun. Yes, I said FUN, people! You just need the tools to help you; and in my workshops I give you the tools.

Think about the ways you learn and seek out someone that can teach you in your way. If you are visual (like me) then you need to be shown how to do things rather than read from a book. If you are auditory, then find someone who can explain in clear concise language.

I was fortunate enough to see a group of creative business people have the most incredible ‘AHA’ moment when they were shown a formula for working out their hourly rate at a recent course I was co-facilitating. Most were undercharging, most were challenged by the reality of what it costs to actually run their businesses and most were afraid to ask for what they really needed to make, even though they knew they were worth it. Does that sound like you?

Then we took them through a ‘cash flow’ game that really gave them an understanding of what their real financial position is after a transaction with a customer. It was a priceless experience to view and there was a lot of laughter and joy in the room. See, I told you it could be fun!

I have found from experience that finance and marketing are the two things that creative business people most commonly want help with and I know there are loads of people out there who want to help you, including me – all you have to do is ask around. Ask your colleagues, get referrals, go and see some of them and see if they are a good fit for you.

Remember to ask lots of questions, it’s ok that you don’t know this stuff, give yourself permission to be open to learning. People are more gifted in different areas and it’s just fine. I know a lot of accountants that aren’t crash hot at marketing or colour choice - lucky for them that us creative types can help them with that! See it works both ways.

It is really about finding the right connection (both within your network and within your own brain) for you to have your own ‘AHA’ moment about your money.  

I now know what I need to take the pulse of my business when needed and make an informed diagnosis. It’s just taken me a while to ‘get it’. I am sincerely hoping it doesn’t take you as long.

Working with the right person for you is imperative for your piece of mind and success of your business.

If you are serious about thinking outside the square and ready to take your business to the next level, then I am serious about helping you get there!

Helen Barber is available for one on one business coaching sessions and she also runs marketing workshops in Brisbane and the Sunshine Coast on a regular basis – the next one “Less Spin, More Win Win” is in October on the Sunshine Coast – dates and venue to be confirmed. For more information please call Helen Barber on 0431 122 197 or visit www.2bcreative.com.au