Establishing Your Storytelling Business
Chapter 7 - Establishing Your Storytelling Business
“Now here's a story I heard tell...”
In this chapter… • Building a Support Network • Establishing Your Identity • Your Trade Name • Trademarking Your Name • Types of Businesses • Small Business Assistance • Setting Up a Checking Account • Business License • Business Plan • General Liability Insurance • Insuring Your Equipment and Merchandise • Keeping Track of Your Income • Tackling Taxes • The Business of Storytelling • Resources
Establishing a storytelling business is like establishing any other business. You will need to create a business name, produce a business plan, set up a bank account, secure the proper licensing, and manage financial matters. Most importantly, you will need to build a nurturing support network.
Building A Support Network
Embarking on the journey of a self-employed artist is challenging. In addition to being “your own boss,” you are also the company’s Director of Marketing, Booking Manager, Public Relations Agent, and Office Administrator. Wearing all of these hats can be overwhelming at times. Build a support network of people who will encourage you to succeed. Your support network will be a group of people – family, friends, and professional colleagues you can turn to when you need a little extra encouragement, feedback, and advice. Even professional sports teams rely on their support network. Basketball and football teams enlist the cheerleaders to cheer the team on and lift their sagging spirits when the team is down. Don’t underestimate the value of a good support network. They are your personal cheerleaders.
Who are You?
Your professional identity will define you for many years to come, so think carefully about creating a “label” for yourself. Your name, or moniker, is your calling card. It’s how presenters find you and how audiences follow your work. In short, it’s who you are.
“Now here's a story I heard tell...”
In this chapter… • Building a Support Network • Establishing Your Identity • Your Trade Name • Trademarking Your Name • Types of Businesses • Small Business Assistance • Setting Up a Checking Account • Business License • Business Plan • General Liability Insurance • Insuring Your Equipment and Merchandise • Keeping Track of Your Income • Tackling Taxes • The Business of Storytelling • Resources
Establishing a storytelling business is like establishing any other business. You will need to create a business name, produce a business plan, set up a bank account, secure the proper licensing, and manage financial matters. Most importantly, you will need to build a nurturing support network.
Building A Support Network
Embarking on the journey of a self-employed artist is challenging. In addition to being “your own boss,” you are also the company’s Director of Marketing, Booking Manager, Public Relations Agent, and Office Administrator. Wearing all of these hats can be overwhelming at times. Build a support network of people who will encourage you to succeed. Your support network will be a group of people – family, friends, and professional colleagues you can turn to when you need a little extra encouragement, feedback, and advice. Even professional sports teams rely on their support network. Basketball and football teams enlist the cheerleaders to cheer the team on and lift their sagging spirits when the team is down. Don’t underestimate the value of a good support network. They are your personal cheerleaders.
Who are You?
Your professional identity will define you for many years to come, so think carefully about creating a “label” for yourself. Your name, or moniker, is your calling card. It’s how presenters find you and how audiences follow your work. In short, it’s who you are.