Get published. There are many ways to gain free publicity and marketing, but getting published is one of the best ways to get exposure and to talk about something you love to do. It is the one way to reach thousands of people globally without spending a dime.
Lisa Rae has been an active artist since her teen years and recently quit her corporate life to dive into her full-fledged art career. She is an abstract painter and photographer and loves the way light, texture and color captures life. Her art is a direct reflection of her life experiences. She recently launched a campaign focused on creative expression called 30 Days the Movement. The campaign is a call to re-commit to a form of creative expression on a daily basis; to allow art to find its way back into your life and become more of a daily practice. You may view more about Lisa through her website: and may learn more about her campaign by visiting .
Where did the idea for 30 Days the Movement come from?
I have been an artist since childhood, but just recently decided to make it a full-time focus. I started my 30 Days the Movement campaign following a life-changing trip to Costa Rica this past summer. I feel that creative expression is such an important component to our lives.
What does your typical day look like and how do you make it productive?
I don’t really have a structured day, so that allows me the creative freedom to work on whatever projects I wish to dedicate time to. It can vary from going out to do a photo shoot to editing existing photos to working on a painting. The best part of my day is engaging with my art.
How do you bring ideas to life?
Ideas typically come to me through experiences. I use color and texture through my paintings to bring emotions to life. I use the lens of my cameras to bring my point of view to life.
What’s one trend that really excites you?
The use of Instagram and other social media tools to share art with the world. Social media is such a powerful tool and the best FREE way to market your work.
What is one habit of yours that makes you more productive as an entrepreneur?
I manage my time well. In order to stay on task, I put reminders in my calendar to keep myself accountable.
What was the worst job you ever had and what did you learn from it?
The worst job I ever had was working on 100% commission right out of college. I did learn how to cold call there, which was rather useful later in my career.
If you were to start again, what would you do differently?
Everything that led me to where I am now is exactly how it should have gone, so I would not change one thing. Life experience is priceless.
As an entrepreneur, what is the one thing you do over and over and recommend everyone else do?
Having the freedom and flexibility to plan my days as I need to.
What is one strategy that has helped you grow your business? Please explain how.
You have to collaborate and network with other like-minded entrepreneurs. I find that your peers offer a different perspective and can greatly affect the way to shape your business.
What is one failure you had as an entrepreneur, and how did you overcome it?
One failure was that I didn’t invest enough time and energy into creating my own branding/messaging. You have to know your audience to successfully market yourself and your business.
What is one business idea that you’re willing to give away to our readers?
Get published. There are many ways to gain free publicity and marketing, but getting published is one of the best ways to get exposure and to talk about something you love to do. It is the one way to reach thousands of people globally without spending a dime.
What is the best $100 you recently spent? What and why?
Getting a massage. Self care is critical to staying in optimal health. If you are in optimal health, you can dedicate 100% of yourself into your business.
What software and web services do you use? What do you love about them?
Since I am an artist, I am investing in spending money on online advertising through social media like Facebook and Twitter. I also use an online PR firm to help build my portfolio of press.
What is the one book that you recommend our community should read and why?
Everyone should read Think and Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill. He was way ahead of his time with the content and methodology he presents in the book.
What people have influenced your thinking and might be of interest to others?
Joe Vitale: mrfire.com, facebook: Dr. Joe Vitale
Alexi Panos: alexipanos.com
Preston Smiles: prestonsmiles.com
Eric James: erictothemoon.com
Brad Hart: makemoremarbles.com
All are amazing speakers, bloggers, authors and visionaries with a unique perspective on life and how to be your own success story.
Connect:
30 Days the Movement on Facebook:
Lisa Rae on Twitter: @lisaraehealing
Mario Schulzke is the Founder of ideamensch, which he started a decade ago to learn from entrepreneurs and give them a platform for their ideas.