To Do List Guide to Starting a Creative Business
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To Do List Guide to Starting a Creative Business + Useful Links for Starting A Creative Business!
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If you’re thinking of starting a creative business, Aimee Claire’s guide should be right be right up your alley. PLUS, check out our Useful Links to Start Your Creative Business…
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A guide to starting an offbeat business in London
Not every business fits into a neat category. For many businesses, starting something new is a key factor in standing out from the crowd and discovering a unique selling point. The quirkiness may lie in an innovative product or service, or it may involve a fresh take on how to operate in an existing market. In any case, some tips may help an offbeat business to avoid the pitfalls that may otherwise take away the thrill of being daring.[/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image=”23573″ img_link_target=”_self”][vc_column_text]
Why London is brilliant for offbeat businesses
All businesses need customers. This is as true for an alternative start-up concept as it is for a mainstream company or corporation. One benefit of setting up in London is that it has a large and diverse population that is almost certain to include people who will be attracted to a good, fresh idea. London is also renowned for its vigorous cultural and business scene, which makes it possible for an offbeat business to tap into the commercial energy that is already humming in the city. This may involve the multicultural London population, or it may involve the many international visitors who visit London looking for something a bit different.[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]
Some offbeat businesses now in London
The tourist factor is behind several business ideas that may seem strange but that have succeeded in London. A zombie-inspired fantasy adventure, at wish.co.uk, is one such example. Retail ideas are another case in point, and shops that include a focus on the offbeat scene, such as Rough Trade, can attract locals as well as visitors. Other ideas can appear so weird that they seem almost certain to fail, but business visions such as ‘adopt a pickled onion’ have become unusual success stories.[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]
Top tips for consideration before starting an offbeat business in London
A lot of the fun of the offbeat is the feeling of breaking away from the mainstream. However, some standard practices do still need to be followed. It is wise for any business, no matter how offbeat, to seek help with tax, for example. Other tips can also ease the birthing pains of a start-up, and those below are just a few.[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]
Get creative with location
London may be offer extensive market potential, but costs can also be high. Check in the business plan that overheads such as rent and utilities can be covered. Alternatively, try to find a novel location that may be a little cheaper. Virtual office space may also be available in the city centre.
Travel little and employ few
Staff, travel, and shipping can tear up a budget in London. Start off conservatively with employees, travel, and any need to transport goods.
Don’t be above seeking help
London-based advice, available from local government websites, is not just for the mainstream. Get hold of as much information as possible and use it according to needs.
Enjoy business life
The time, effort, and expense that can be involved in setting up a business mean that it should be enjoyable for the entrepreneur. Plus, the sense of fun that comes from this should carry over to customers and create a positive buzz around the new concept.
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Useful Links for Starting A Creative Business
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Art Quest
A great resource for finding links and advice about starting your business as an artist or maker.[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]
British Library
The Business Centre at the British Library is a great place to get advice on networking, IP rights and market research.[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]
CIDA
CIDA aims to help put the business into creativity, providing support to creatives in need of professional business advice.[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]
City Business Library
Expert staff and an extensive archive of business-oriented resources, not to mention a quiet workspace in the city – plus, regular events and workshops to help you make progress with your business.[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]
Empty Shops Network – Pop Up Business For Dummies
Written by Empty Shops Network’s founder Dan Thompson, an indispensable guide to devising, planning and delivering a pop up project.[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]
Ideastap
An arts charity which supports young, start-of-career creatives, helping with funding, jobs, career development, advice and networking.[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]
London Pop-ups
Advice and a list of resources for prospective pop-up proprietors, collated by Dan Calladine at the London Pop-ups blog.[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]
Somewhere To
Help and advice for young people (16-25) searching for space (physical and digital) to do their stuff.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/1″][vc_column_text]
Also, be sure to check Eventbrite & Meetup for free networking events & training in your industry.
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I am Joint Editor at To Do List. I like: nice pubs, film marathons, not doing real marathons, bad comedy, plays/musicals with shorter second halves, and the Oxford comma.
