I recently completed a task from my self inflicted “to-do” list, “revising my coaching intake form.” When I start coaching a new creative entrepreneur, there are certain things we almost always dig into. As I analyzed my old questionnaire and revised it to this new one I kept thinking, “Man, if people knew these things about their business, they would have a much easier time ideating strategies and next steps.”
With this in mind, I thought I would share that intake form with you in hopes that it helps you analyze and strategize your business. Without further ado, here are things you should know about your creative business.
You Should Know These Things About Your Creative Business
Revenue:
- What was your annual revenue last year?
- What is your annual revenue this year (to date)?
- What do you project your annual revenue to be by year-end?
- How much money did you invoice 2 months ago?
- How much money did you invoice last month ago?
- How much money will you invoice this month (projected)?
- How much money will you invoice next month (projected)?
- How much money will you invoice in 2 months (projected)?
- How many projects/client engagements did you pitch/propose this year?
- How many projects/client engagements did you win this year to date?
- What is your average price per project/engagement?
Expenses:
- How much were your business expenses last month?
- How much will your business expenses be this month (projected)?
- Do these numbers include payroll for owners/partners? If so, how much income do owners/partners take from the business each month?
Business Strategy:
- Who are your ideal clients?
- What problems do you solve for your clients?
- What services do you offer to solve these client problems?
- Why do your clients hire your business instead of a competitor’s business?
- Where do most of your clients come from?
- What ongoing services do you offer your clients to retain them beyond single projects?
- What sales and marketing tactics do you use?
Current Business Structure:
- How is your business structured? LLC? Sole Proprietor? Corporation?
- Who owns the business? (Include percentage ownership.)
- How is the work completed? Staff size? Contractors? Who does what?
Goals and Vision:
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- What is your vision for the future of your business? Staff size? Studio space? Small? Large?
- What goals do you have for you business? Revenue? Awards? Dream clients? Services? Products?
- Are there other businesses that you admire and want to become like in the future? (Include URLs)
- What things may inhibit your ability to realize this vision of your business?
Current Challenges:
What are the biggest challenges your business faces right now? (List any and all challenges you face.)
This set of questions should help you see the reality of the business situation you face. Once you have a clear picture of your business situation, you will be more equipped to strategize ways to improve it!
If you’d like to download this list as a PDF, use this link.
