New Territory: Tips for Offering a Creative Service You've Never Done Before
Venturing into a new creative service can be an exhilarating journey filled with possibilities and challenges. In my life, I’ve often taken the leap into endeavors that pushed me outside my comfort zone. This studio is a prime example—it's a space I’m passionately developing into my full-time job, launched just one week after I unexpectedly faced a layoff. I like to think that I’m becoming a bit more comfortable with the discomfort of uncertainty, although if I’m completely honest, I’m not sure if that’s true. What I do know is that from each of those experiences, I’ve gleaned valuable insights I want to share with you today about starting new projects. If you’re preparing to embark on a service you’ve never offered before, here are some heartfelt tips to help you stay true to your vision while exploring this exciting new path.
1. Define Your Objective
Before diving in, take a moment to reflect on the essence of your project. What do you truly want to achieve with this service? Whether it’s enhancing the client experience, delivering a unique product, or exploring new facets of your creativity, a clear objective acts as your guiding star. Write down your goals and refer back to them throughout the process. These aspirations will be your North, guiding your decisions and keeping you aligned with your vision as you navigate this journey.
2. Establish a Tentative Plan
Creating a preliminary plan is like laying the foundation for your creative adventure. Break down your objective into actionable steps, considering timelines, resources, and potential challenges. Allow your plan to be flexible, embracing the idea that creativity often flourishes in spontaneity. At each stage, ask yourself, “How can I make this better?” Regularly revisit and adjust your plan, incorporating feedback and fresh insights. This fluid approach not only fosters innovation but also ensures that every step aligns with your ultimate vision.
3. Stay Flexible
While a plan is essential, adaptability is your best friend. As you embark on this new service, be open to shifting your approach. Embrace flexibility as a fundamental principle in navigating uncharted waters. Projects may evolve in unexpected ways, and remaining open allows you to respond creatively to new challenges and opportunities. Remember, rigidity can lead to breakage; instead, cultivate a mindset that empowers you to tackle projects with curiosity and resilience, even when the path isn’t straightforward.
4. Embrace the Learning Curve
Stepping into the unknown means encountering a learning curve, and that’s a beautiful part of the process. Many of us have been conditioned to view mistakes as failures, but as creatives, we know that errors can lead us down new and exciting paths. Each misstep offers a chance to refine our skills and discover fresh approaches. Embrace a mindset that sees mistakes as stepping stones in your creative journey. Document your lessons learned; they will illuminate your path and provide valuable insights for future endeavors.
5. Cultivate New Ideas and Continuous Inspiration
As you explore this new service, you’ll likely stumble upon a wealth of ideas for improvements or even entirely new offerings. Keep a notebook or digital document close at hand to capture these sparks of inspiration as they arise. Remember, nourishing our creativity is essential. Stay in awe of the art, nature, and vibrant life around you, and appreciate the connections you make with those you meet. Inspiration is ever-present, and by feeding your curiosity and wonder, you cultivate a rich well from which to draw. Regularly review your notes and assess how you can incorporate these ideas into your current offerings or use them to create new, complementary services. This proactive approach keeps your creativity flowing and enhances your evolving portfolio.
6. Reflect on Self-Discovery
As the brilliant Rick Rubin reminds us, “The purpose is self-discovery.” Engaging in a new creative venture is not just about delivering a service and moving on. Take time to reflect on the insights you gain throughout the process. How has this experience shaped your understanding of yourself and your creativity? True growth stems from introspection, and embracing your journey will enrich your future projects with authenticity and depth.
Stepping into the unknown can be daunting, but it’s also where true growth happens. Offering a creative service you’ve never done before is an opportunity to expand not only your skill set but your perspective as an artist and professional. By staying open to the process—planning thoughtfully but adapting freely—you create space for innovation and self-discovery.
Every project, whether familiar or completely new, brings you closer to understanding the depth of your creative potential. So, approach each venture with curiosity, courage, and a willingness to learn. In doing so, you’ll not only surprise your clients but also yourself.
And if you ever need support navigating these new paths, I’m here—let’s explore how we can turn your bold ideas into a reality.—book a free 30-minute Discovery Call.
