I'm at the stage where I need to make some tough choices in regard to my "art business" and in addition could use some help with questions like: "What's the next best step, how to best handle financial end of the business, how much time and effort to invest in social media, how to drive more traffic to my website, how to find and approach a gallery, how to generate more income, how to identify more clearly and tap into my audience, how to spend more time my studio and less on paperwork, internet, etc., etc." I realize that this is a long list and may need to find someone who just deals with a few of these themes. Help with getting the "big picture" of where to go next in regard to investment of time and money would be great.
Any comments about how you have worked with a coach, was it worth the money, how you found your coach, what to look for, where to find a good one, people you would recommend, etc. would be appreciated.
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SCORE definitely. I took business courses, after a job layoff. And realized I wanted start my own business with my Jewelry. My Score mentor was extremely valuable in guiding me on how to find out what I needed to know... from the business plan on...how to research shows, Artists organizations in my area, programs for business start up training, etc. I am still in contact with him today! I still ask questions about my future steps, bounce ideas and plans off him for feedback, and get another point of view. INVALUABLE.
Thanks for the tips.
Also, I'll bet SUNY Cortland (paticulary the economics program) would be helpful. Often business bound students are given projects with small local businesses in the area. It could be a marketing project, distribution project, etc. The faculty serve a student mentor and the service is free.