In our latest interview, educator / encourager Mickey Smith, Jr. reminded us why it's so important to "keep on going."
And that phrase has been resonating with me ever since - especially in my home state of Florida.
Due to severe budget cuts, a lot of my fellow creatives have been feeling very defeated. However, it's reminding me that we have faced way greater obstacles before.
Just 4 years ago, we were faced with a world-wide shutdown, and yet the arts flourished in other ways. We found ways to share our craft, make sales, and reach our communities without the live venues we were accustomed to.
The same is true now, no matter what you're facing - economic, relational, or spiritually.
God is for you, so who can be against you?
Do like we're doing in my community - rallying your friends, creating more events and opportunities, and let your actions speak louder than your words.
I promise you, if you keep your faith in your Creator and keep exercising your creative gifts, things DO turn around.
Sometimes you fall flat on your face - and people notice.
It's NEVER easy to hear 'constructive criticism'. โ
Because it usually feels like you're just being told "you're not good enough."
But it's a good thing to find out that you CAN improve.
That's what I felt when our website, God and Gigs, got an SEO audit from a recommended expert (this is why having membership in God and Gigs 360 is so beneficial by the way. I never would have found this referral without the people in our membership)
To say that our website needs some love is an understatement.
The audit revealed that we're not being intentional about the way we show up online and in search engines.
This DOESN'T mean we're changing everything. I'm happy with the growth in our YouTube channel, etc, but our website is an area I want to improve.
What does this bit of tough love mean for you?
First, I'd love to know - what problems do you want us to solve for you on our site? If you could click one time and get an answer to a burning question, what would that question be? That's what we'll put on the website to make sure it works for you.
Second, it's a reminder that you too should search for honest feedback from your peers and trusted experts. It's not a bad thing when people show you holes, flaws and mistakes. It's a sign that they are rooting for you and want you to be your best!
Stick with us as we renovate this area and let us know what we can do to improve our site. In fact, take a look now and see what you think!
While we don't talk sports a lot in God and Gigs, it's impossible to avoid all the noise about superstar LeBron James and his influence in having his son drafted by his team. โ
Kind of poetic that I also work along side my son at our church in Miami.
โ
It got me thinking about our own creative businesses. Are you willing to bring on your family members to be a part of your business? Is that a recipe for disaster, or the way things SHOULD be?
I've written about what to do if your family doesn't support your creative vision, but this is a different question.
Are you willing to bring your family in on your creative decisions and business goals? If so, what does that look like?
I'd love your feedback, and this LinkedIn post got a lot of folks talking so feel free to join the conversation there!
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