Something I’ve been reflecting on: As artists, we pour ourselves into creativity, expression, and craft. But once we start sharing, selling, or performing our work… we’re also stepping into the world of business. Marketing your art? That’s branding. Setting your prices? That’s financial planning. Building a following? That’s customer engagement. Balancing passion with sustainability? That’s entrepreneurship.

Many performers and creatives struggle with the balance between mastering their craft and running the business side (marketing, branding, finances, etc.). Which side do you find harder, the art or the business? And how do you balance the two?

There’s a phrase that keeps popping up in small business, entrepreneurship, management, and business advisory circles. Honestly? I hate it. Not just the words, but what it stands for. To me, it feels like a lazy shortcut that people throw around instead of addressing the real challenges of building and running a business. But here’s the thing a lot of people seem to buy into it, repeat it, and even build strategies around it. So I’m curious: What’s your opinion on this saying? Do you find truth in it? Or do you, like me, feel it’s holding entrepreneurs and creatives back?

One thing I’ve learned from both the performing arts world and the business world is that starting out is often the hardest part. Whether you’re launching a new dance program, opening a creative business, or building your personal brand, the “start-up” phase comes with a unique mix of energy, risk, and learning curves. Here are a few truths I’ve seen over and over: Clarity beats hustle. Without direction, it’s easy to burn energy without results. Ideas are cheap, execution is everything. The value is in how well you deliver. Cashflow matters. Many start-ups collapse not from lack of talent, but from poor financial planning. Community accelerates growth. The right network saves you years of trial and error. Creatives need structure. Passion alone doesn’t build sustainability systems do.

1. Treating it Only as Art, Not a Business- Many creatives focus solely on the craft dance, music, acting, design without building business skills. They avoid learning about marketing, branding, finances, or contracts, which leads to missed opportunities and undervaluing their work. 2. Undervaluing Their Time & Talent- Beginners often work for “exposure” or undercharge out of fear of losing gigs. This sets a precedent and makes it harder to raise prices later. Your talent has value pricing properly builds respect and sustainability. 3. No Clear Brand or Niche- They try to do everything for everyone, rather than establishing a unique identity. Without a defined brand, it’s hard for audiences, clients, or employers to remember or recommend them. 4. Poor Networking & Industry Presence- Many performers assume talent alone will open doors. In reality, relationships, visibility, and reputation often drive opportunities. Neglecting networking, collaborations, and online presence is a costly mistake. 5. Ignoring Financial Planning- From not saving for tax obligations to failing to track expenses, creatives often overlook the “money side.” Without budgeting and systems, income can feel unpredictable even when they’re working hard.