Corporate Skills for Creative Ventures
How having an amazing corporate job prepared me to succeed as a small business owner and creative.
For those of you who are familiar with my ‘9-5 dropout to small business owner and entrepreneur’ story, you would be pretty used to me talking about how I left a graduate role under a dark cloud, and it took me months (if not a couple of years) to regain my confidence and self-belief.
Other times, you might hear me raving about an amazing corporate role that made me the person and businesswoman I am today. Suffice to say, you might be left feeling a bit confused – but they were two entirely different experiences.
In 2018–2019, in my final two years of university, I worked part-time for a tertiary institution. These were the best ‘real jobs’ I have ever had. I use a plural, because I shifted through a few different roles across a couple of different sectors. I struggle to put into words what these positions did for me: they course-corrected my life, and anchored me when my personal life felt like it was falling out from beneath me.
I found my stride in one of these positions, and was promoted to a role with more responsibility six months later. I had a wonderful team; an incredibly supportive group of superiors and mentors who believed in my potential, and gave me every opportunity to develop as a professional. Much of what they taught me, lay the foundations for the professional I am today.
The only thing that really stood between me and a career in this sector … was me. And the locale; I wanted to be in the country, and it was an on-site job in the city. It was ultimately about where I wanted to live, because I actually loved my job – but I loved the country more.
You might be sitting here thinking: doesn’t that go against everything she says in her podcast? Doesn’t she hate the 9-5 world? Isn’t she trying to spark a revolution against 9-5 jobs?
The simple answer is, no. Firstly, I’m slightly ashamed if I’ve given you that impression: a lot of my family and dear friends (happily) work within the corporate world, and I’m very proud of their tenacity and successes.
But that said, what I do stand for, is that the 9-5 world is not for everyone – and much of my work through Courageous Creatives Podcast, and now The Creative’s Toolkit, is about empowering other creatives to pursue fulfilling careers on their own terms.
Above all, I want to make one thing absolutely clear: I would not be the creative and small business owner I am today, without the work experience I gained in the corporate world prior. And here’s why:
Where two worlds collide:
While the corporate world may seem like a different realm altogether, my experience in an amazing corporate job played a significant role in preparing me for the challenges and triumphs of entrepreneurship. My time in the corporate sector equipped me with invaluable skills and insights, enabling me to flourish as a small business owner and unleash my creative potential.
Building a Strong Work Ethic
Corporate environments thrive on discipline, punctuality, and a strong work ethic. As an employee, I learned to embrace responsibility and adhere to deadlines, which fostered a sense of commitment and discipline. These attributes have been invaluable as a small business owner, where self-motivation and the ability to manage time effectively are crucial. The foundation laid during my corporate tenure has allowed me to approach my entrepreneurial ventures with a proactive mindset and a dedication to deliver high-quality results.
Developing Effective Communication Skills
In a corporate setting, effective communication is essential for collaboration, teamwork, and achieving organisational goals. Whether it was presenting ideas to a team, or communicating across various departments, my corporate job taught me the art of clear, concise, and persuasive communication. These skills have proven instrumental in pitching my creative ideas to other businesses and publications. In the customer-facing aspect of my corporate roles, I honed my professional communication, interpersonal skills, and improved my confidence, which has led to me presenting incredibly well to prospect clients and developing strong industry relationships in my own business. The ability to articulate thoughts effectively has not only enhanced my brand image but also facilitated seamless collaboration with other professionals and creative partners.
Nurturing a Strategic Mindset
One of the most significant advantages of working in a corporate environment is the exposure to strategic thinking and problem-solving techniques. In small business and entrepreneurship, this skillset is arguably the most crucial: in the ever-changing financial landscape, on the back of the pandemic, pivoting might as well have become an olympic sport. Much a like a muscle, I grew my capacity to problem solve in a corporate setting; I had to learn to analyse situations critically and devise effective solutions. This exposure honed my ability to think strategically, and identify market gaps, and seize opportunities within my current industry. The experience of crafting business strategies and implementing them has been invaluable in shaping my small business, ensuring its growth, and mitigating potential risks.
Understanding Numbers + Statistics
Anyone who knows me well, understands that maths gives me a lot of anxiety – and always has! I stopped maths after Year 10 in school, and thought I would never be good enough at it. In my corporate role, I had to fight that discomfort and encounter numbers in different ways: gathering engagement statistics, and comparing outcomes and growth. This has all been integral to my understanding of social media analytics and numbers, which has driven much of my business strategy and successes. My corporate experience also equipped me with the knowledge to track expenses, optimise resource allocation, and ensure sustainable growth. Furthermore, it helped me establish a firm grasp on financial forecasting and long-term planning, empowering me to make sound financial decisions for my business.
Embracing Adaptability and Resilience
As my roles changed over the course of my employment, I learned to become flexible within fast-paced environments. This adaptability and resilience have proven to be invaluable as an entrepreneur: the ability to pivot strategies, embrace change, and bounce back from setbacks has allowed me to navigate the uncertain waters of small business and entrepreneurship with confidence. Moreover, my corporate experience has instilled in me the importance of continuous learning and staying updated with industry trends, which has enabled me to remain agile in the ever-evolving landscape of small business ownership.
A lasting impression:
I’m a huge supporter of all things creative, and building a career on your terms – which is exactly why I still tell baby creatives to this day, to go and gain industry experience from veteran companies or businesses. They can’t teach you how to be creative (that will always come from you), but you will learn a phenomenal set of transferable skills.
The professional toolkit I gained, the insights, and mindset I cultivated during my corporate tenure have proven to be indispensable assets in my entrepreneurial journey. From developing a strong work ethic and effective communication skills, to embracing adaptability and strategic thinking, my corporate background has equipped me to thrive as a small business owner and creative individual.
While the corporate world and entrepreneurship may seem poles apart, in my world they run parallel. By leveraging the skills acquired during my time in the corporate sphere, I have been able to unlock my professional potential, overcome challenges, and drive my small business towards new heights of achievement.
Thanks for reading!
