Tips for Creative Professionals to Set Up Their Small Business for Success

By AG Zheng, Executive Director of the SMB Segment for Lenovo’s Intelligent Devices Group

 Today’s modern workforce of creative professionals has more individuals carving out their own independent path by freelancing, contracting work, landing “side hustles” or “gigs,” with most eventually starting their own small to medium size businesses (SMBs). According to a recent survey, 73% of U.S. workers say they will either start freelancing or continue freelancing – highlighting this growing entrepreneurial movement.

As this trend continues to rise, creative professionals are increasingly transparent about the challenges of starting a business including negotiating contracts, meeting deadlines, and consistently finding new clients. When we think of the most common challenges for creative professionals in industries like graphic design, animation, copywriting, web development, digital production, etc. who are launching an SMB, we often think of the lack of resources as the primary challenge, however, there is another potential roadblock that is often neglected which requires thoughtful navigation: obtaining efficient technology.

With this in mind, I’ll be highlighting top tips on how innovative tech can help SMB owners streamline workflows and spread creativity to the world without a hitch. 

Stay up to date on Technological Advancements and Trends

For creative and technology-focused entrepreneurs who run their own small businesses, it’s vital to be informed on the latest industry-specific advancements. SMBs that leverage technology platforms and solutions directly employ or support the employment of more than 99.8 million jobs in the U.S. and contribute $17.7 trillion to the economy annually, according to research published by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.  Keeping a pulse on emerging trends and tools can help creative SMB professionals maintain a competitive edge. Allocating time for continuous learning is essential through vendor services, attending industry conferences, and learning from peers via direct conversation or online forums.

Information is key. The latest tech innovations need to match the needs and objectives of the business and can help entrepreneurs improve efficient workflows and creativity. By staying informed, it is easier to adapt to industry shifts that impact your business and your client’s ever-changing needs. This also allows the opportunity to provide cutting-edge solutions and position yourself as an expert in your niche.

Invest in Quality Hardware for Productivity, Creativity, and Efficiency

Creative SMB professionals rely on tech tools to deliver high-quality work. With this, purchasing reliable hardware that is most suited for tasks today and tomorrow is an investment that will pay dividends down the road. The most significant benefit of using more powerful hardware is increased efficiency and a more streamlined workflow. Whether it’s faster rendering, editing, or data analysis, speed, and efficiency will reduce compute times so you can spend more time doing what truly makes a creative professional successful – creating.

Efficiency is everything. By using collaborative technology tools, freelancers, entrepreneurs, and SMBs can all increase productivity when leveraging the right technology. Additionally, for optimum productivity and efficiency, it is key for tech, tools, and techniques to offer the flexibility and freedom provided by hybrid work. Mobile workstations are portable and easy to take on the go, yet they must also provide high-end graphics and an extended battery life to empower creative workflows. With lightning-fast processing and innovative technology, you can feel confident knowing your device can support all creative demands.

Prioritize Secure Devices

Creative professionals often manage sensitive client information, such as confidential project files, proprietary designs, or personally identifiable information. Maintaining data security and protecting client privacy is paramount, whether materials are stored in the cloud or on-premise. According to Accenture’s Cost of Cybercrime Study, 43% of cyberattacks are targeted at small businesses. Thus, cybersecurity threats, data breaches, and potential loss or theft of client data are significant concerns. As a result, it’s critical to implement robust cybersecurity measures, utilize secure file transfer methods and regularly back up their data to mitigate risks and maintain client trust.

A built-in suite of security features will provide peace of mind. Solutions should also be engineered to evolve as the business grows and security threats change. This will be extremely vital to keep information protected and minimize the possibility of security breaches.

As the next reality continues to take shape, technology will play a pivotal role in creating efficiencies and opportunities that transform how the creative small business community evolves. By staying informed on advancing tech trends, investing in a quality hardware ecosystem, and prioritizing security across all devices, creative professionals can set up their small businesses for success.