Transform your business through creativity

I’ve always been somewhat creative. Naturally, as an entrepreneur, I have a talent for out of the box thinking, and at different times in my life, I’ve dabbled in different creative pursuits, like photography, art, and design.

But if someone told me 15 years ago when I started my business the thing that would make the difference between failure and be building a sustainable, successful business was an art form that saw me playing with sticks and twigs and hosting a second solo exhibition this week; I seriously would have laughed. But that’s exactly what happened.

It was about six years ago where I was working flat out building my business. Like most entrepreneurs, running my business consumed me. I never really switched off, and I was starting to burn out from the intense pressure.

What’s more, my industry of public relations was (and still is) going through significant change. Dealing with the changing media landscape was like operating in quicksand, where I could be pulled under if I didn’t keep innovating.

Something had to change

I went through a process of reflection on what I wanted out of my business and my life, as the two were inextricably linked. I realised my ability to cope with change was being impaired; my creativity was being sapped. I needed to figure out a way to slow down and allow myself the space to problem solve and be innovative in responding to challenges.

I needed to find an outlet for my creativity that was tactile and not about perfection but more about exploration and play. I wanted to think in new ways and use creativity to gain new insights and perspectives.

Looking back now, I found an outlet that was opposite to my world as a business owner. I discovered the art of sculptural basketry – an art form that goes back to our primal roots and hasn’t changed for thousands of years. It was feminine, introverted, meditative and nature-based; compared to my entrepreneur life which was masculine, extroverted, technological and fast-paced.

A light was switched on

I began responding to change in new and unexpected ways. I wrote a book; I launched an online, productised side to my business. I started to work with my team in different ways so the business could leverage the collective strength of our ideas. The business became more stable, but more importantly, I felt more in control of where I wanted to take the business and what its purpose in my life was.

Through art, I was able to change how I saw things. It helped me to overcome business challenges and appreciate risk and potential in different ways.

Today my art is very much part of my identity

I conduct weaving workshops with my team, my office is overflowing with my sculptures, and I hold my own exhibitions – my latest ’11:11’ starts tomorrow.

And my business is better for it. There are still challenges, things don’t always go to plan, but how I respond to these situations is heightened with creativity and innovation. Rather than feel inundated and paralysed, I see the opportunities that are only limited by my imagination and creativity.

So is there anything in your business and life that would benefit from a creative approach?

Tweetable: Creativity can transform your life and business @CatrionaPollard bit.ly/2y1upHZ

By Catriona Pollard, Creative

Signs, jetlag and celebrating 15 years in business

Sometimes you get signs. You know what I mean. You’re thinking of someone and they call, or decide to catch the train to work to find out later you missed massive traffic jams.

This happens to me too. I was thinking about treating myself to a safari to celebrate 15 years in business. (Yes. 15 years. Crazy. What a ride it’s been).

I got caught up with life and I didn’t organise anything. I was thinking it’s all too hard…and then I got an invitation to the DELL Women’s Entrepreneur Summit in…wait for it…Cape Town, South Africa.

Crazy hey? So of course I went to the Summit and it was incredible, and then I went on my safari which was a dream come true.

Coincidence? I’m not sure. But I do know it’s about making the most of opportunities. As my Dad says, “You just make it happen and reap the rewards of being one of those free spirits.”

And that’s what I think about with my last 15 years. Being in business can be hard. You don’t make the 15 year mark by cruising along, you’ve got to make it happen.

And you get signs too.

It’s been two years since I released my book, From Unknown To Expert, and launched the online business associated with the book. While I was away I was wondering what my next move will be. Does anyone even read my emails I spend so much time thinking about and writing? Do people still find my book useful?

Then when I got back home I went shopping with my sister (actually we went to the playground with my nephew, and accidentally went clothes shopping on the way. Oops!).

We were trying things on, chatting away and Jo said “Catriona, do you like this dress?”. The shop assistant said “You’re not Catriona Pollard are you?”…. “Um yes”…. “I didn’t recognise you, but I recognised your voice and name.”
(Didn’t recognise me? Unwashed hair in messy bun, no makeup, no sleep for a week from insane jetlag…and dressed for the playground. Not really my best look!).

We had a wonderful conversation. She shared with me how often she has used my book, shares it with people, loves my emails, watches my videos and interviews. So thank you Anna Franklin. You were my sign to keep telling my stories and sharing my expertise.

So here’s to wonderful people, beautiful experiences, spotlight moments and listening to signs. I’ve learnt so much about myself over the last 15 years, and of course, about running a business. The future is so bright.

Tweetable: Signs, jetlag and celebrating 15 years in business @CatrionaPollard http://bit.ly/2avI7ol

Business, By Catriona Pollard, Thought Leadership

Why solitude is good for business (and your life)

Recently I decided to have a holiday on my own. I’m not talking about booking a room at a fancy hotel for a couple of days R&R. I chose to walk about half of the world famous (and gorgeously beautiful) Great Ocean Walk in Victoria on my own.

While I’m a born hiker, I’ve never walked on my own. While some of my friends and family were concerned, I just knew I would be okay. I just knew it.

The thing was. I craved solitude.

Why it was joyful
I loved the solitude because I deliberately chose it. It didn’t have any tinge of loneliness because it was self imposed and intentional which felt positive. It allowed a settling of thoughts and a burst of creativity. It allowed me to simply let ideas and concepts float to the surface.

Walking my own path
I didn’t need to fit in with other’s priorities or needs, just my own. So often in our lives – personal and professional – we can walk on paths that others choose for us – or that circumstances of life chooses for us.

As I was walking all I could hear were my footsteps, the crashing of waves against the massive cliffs and the rustling of gum leaves in the trees. At times, I was joined by butterflies as I walked my path. It truly felt like my path.

Connected but isolated
Even though I was on my own I felt really connected. So incredibly connected to the world around me, to my creativity, to my thoughts and ideas, to my sense of self and to the people who texted me every evening to make sure I was safe.

Seeing the beauty
As I walked I took the time to create ephemeral sculptures. Finding interesting sticks, stones – whatever caught my eye, I created sculptures which I simply left there. This practice represents the transitory nature of our lives, our problems and issues we face. We can create beauty from simple things around us.

My walk was a gift to myself
My limbs were aching, my toenails bruised, and as I finished the last few kilometres I felt like a warrior woman. You know the “hear me roar” kind of feeling. I’m now back at work with renewed ideas energy for myself and my business.

Tweetable: Why solitude is good for business and yourself @CatrionaPollard bit.ly/20D4Pxp

Business, Creative, My Passions

Reap the rewards of sharing your opinions

I have a habit of reading the news before I get into work. In winter, I get up grab my iPad from the study and get back into bed and read various news sites. I may walk out onto the balcony and take a photo of the sunrise on the way… 😉

This habit makes me money. Seriously. Let me tell you how.

One morning last week, I read that President Barrack Obama tweeted for the first time from @POTUS (President Of The United States). His first tweet caught the attention of ex-president Bill Clinton which evolved into a witty Twitter exchange between the two politicians:

What do you think of this? A witty exchange between two leaders? Obama has a POTUS Twitter account, who cares?

I think….what a great story. I wonder if I can wrap an angle around it and pitch it out so I can make a media comment on it.

When I got into the office I pitched to a journalist at the AFR who writes about social media and technology. My clients (and potential clients) read the AFR, so that’s a good publication for me.

I wrote:

“I can explain how Obama is using Twitter as another vehicle to showcase his carefully crafted personal brand – one that is accessible and compelling to people from many walks of life. Obama has been very smart in his use of media, and now social media, to build a personal brand that shows him as human, intelligent, strong, patriotic, and someone who doesn’t mind making fun of himself.”

“I can discuss what business leaders can learn from Obama’s own personal brand and why it’s important when creating one to have a well thought out brand personality, brand messages and to stick to a specific niche. Please let me know if this is of interest, I’d love to chat with you”.

It got picked up immediately. I did the interview and it was syndicated across the Australian Financial Review (AFR), Sydney Morning Herald (SMH) and NZ Business.

Then I got a call from a prospective client, asking me for a new business meeting, saying he had read the article and wanted to build his personal brand and business profile. Boom! This happens often when I’m featured in the media.

Your opinions, when shared with the media, can make you money. So start thinking about how you can pitch your ideas today!

PS. Want a bunch of cheat sheets on how to pitch to the media just like this? I have complied25 media pitches and 25 media releases that have resulted millions of dollars of media coverage in my Unknown To Expert Acceleration pack at unknowntoexpertfaster.com. Get your copy today!

Tweetable: Reap the rewards of sharing your opinions, ideas and content @catrionapollardhttp://bit.ly/1GzkNky

Fast track your journey from unknown to a recognised expert and thought leader! Buy Catriona’s book From Unknown To Expert: How to use clever PR and social media to become a recognised expert. Accelerate your personal brand with the Unknown To Expert Acceleration Pack, packed with media lists, blogger lists, blog posts and media releases formats which have generated millions of dollars in coverage, more than 73 templates and so much more.

Business, Public Relations