{UPDATE: The winners have been chosen! Live ticket – Gypsy Mel. Virtual ticket – Donna Heart. It was SO incredibly hard to choose (I had help) because each and every one of you deserve to be there. xxx}
So, you may have heard me nattering about this conference I’m speaking at in September. It just so happens that September – and the conference – are on next week!
I’ve been spending this morning working on my talk for the con (titled ‘What are you waiting for?) as well as my 2 workshops (on running a kick-ass mailing list and setting up a successful online shop) but I thought I’d better take some time out to get this blog post up… so you can get the chance to come along!
You see, Elle Roberts (the lady running the conference, and a good friend of mine) has very generously given me 2 tickets to give to 2 of my amazeballs readers – hurrah!
There’s one live ticket and one virtual ticket up for grabs – so no matter where you are in the world, you have the chance to be part of this amazing conference.
First, have a squiz at what the conference is all about…
The Artful Business Conference was born out of a desire to see an educational and inspirational event specifically designed for the creative entrepreneur.
This two-day conference is jam-packed with keynote presentations and workshops that speak directly to the micro-business owner and those of us who think outside the box.
If you run your business from the Right side of your brain – this conference is for you.
It has been made possible by our silver sponsor in.cube8r gallery and a myriad of small business sponsors, whose support has enabled Elle to create an incredible event for the creatives of Australia.
If you can’t make it to the actual event, held at Portside in Brisbane on Sept 5th and 6th –  you can join live online via simulcast.
The entire conference is being recorded and videos will be accessible for 6 months for all attendees to take their time watching and re-watching. This also means that even the workshops that are run at the same time can be viewed online later, so you are in fact getting three or four days worth of valued learning.
If you want to know more about the conference join Elle for a Q&A call this Monday between 2 and 4pm AEST – you can learn how livestream works, find out more about what will be taught at the conference, or
just stop by and say hello. Register your email address and you receive all of the call details.This event is about building a stronger creative community in Australia just as much as it about the learning. In addition to all the resources attendees will have access to a private facebook page where they are encouraged to introduce themselves and Elle will host a monthly live call on the first Wednesday of each month for six months after the conference.
You could win either one live ticket {valued at $397} or one virtual ticket {valued at $127}.
To Win: Leave a comment below telling me why you want to attend this conference
(and whether you can attend in-person or virtually)!
What difference could it make to your business? What’s holding you back from taking that next step?
{Entries close Thursday the 30th of August at 8pm AEST. Winner will be announced on Friday.}
Find out more…
web -Â www.artfulbusinessconference.com.au
facebook -Â http://www.facebook.com/TheArtfulBusinessConference
Twitter -Â http://twitter.com/artfulbizcon
Email – hello@artfulbusinessconference.com
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I would love to attend! (virtually tho, it’s a weeny bit far from Wagga…)
I think I’m on the right track – I’ve got lots of ideas (always!) but I am easily distracted, and it all seems to be happening too slowly (I’m sure that’s a common complaint). I think I need help staying on track & organising my time better – maybe I need a minder!
Oh I would so dearly love to attend in person because part of what is holding me back is confidence .. I need to mingle with other arty creative types again ( I’m trying really hard to overcome the negative comments and belittling from my now ex partner- 12yrs together rebuilding him and his dreams and I was lost along the way amid the abuse- now all I want is to be brave and succeed as me doing what I love even if it isn’t big business like he does) I went through a very rough breakdown and since have been rebuilding my life on my own and trying to find my inner sparkle through my depression .. All I know is nothing ,, NOTHING makes me as happy as when I’m creating and sharing with others .. I go for arty time at a local cafe several times a week and have beautiful comments and people asking me to teach art classes but truly , I long to but don’t know where to begin .. I have a name I have a very basic blog but other than that all I have is a burning passion and a dream to do well doing what I love and being a positive example to others to work through their depression and belive in themselves again .. ESP with mixed media and art journalling .. My little group of supporters are mostly special needs and kids and I love seeing their pride and joy at doing well.
I would be grateful for either experience – in person or online 🙂
I want to shine and help others shine too .. No matter what happens I’m grateful for the opportunity and really enjoy your blog and newsletters and how beautifully supportive you are to creative dreamers and artists.
My secret dream – to one day have an art school where everyone ( mostly women and children and troubled teens) can attend I’d name it after my mum who I lost to domestic violence at two yrs of age .. It would be an art therapy haven and creative outlet for people from all walks of life not just the wealthy .. Studio start up space as well as classes and a gallery cafe .. A home for the homeless who carry it in their hearts
Well now I’ve rambled on more than I guess is wise but I know there is no judgement here and for that I’m very grateful.
Best of success at the conference and may you inspire many many more to follow their dreams cheers gypsy Mel
Would love to go virtually as I’m working those days (earning so I can kickstart my creative business!) There’s always room for improvement, anything I can learn gets me steps closer to my goals!
Love a virtual ticket!! I’ve had my eye on this since it first advertised…it looks like a complete idea fest for us renaissance souls!!! I can’t attend in person this year…maybe in 2013….but a virtual ticket would be just the trick.
I would love to win a virtual ticket to this event! It sounds just the event to kick start my little business and the perfect opportunity to learn from people who have been there and know the pitfalls. Thanks for the great opportunity 🙂
I would love a real ticket,!!!! I’d travell the 4 1/2 hrs to get there for the in person experience that would entail.! Getting out there and mixing it up with the movers and shakers is the elixer I need to move my business along its trajectory. On ward and upward!!!
I would love a virtual ticket. Have a dream of making my passion of creating handmade toys and games into a full time job. I know I have the drive and I know I will be able to do it. But I need the confidence and most importantly the know how to take things a step or ten forwards. The Artful Business Conference sounds splendid and motivating and I just know I would come out at the end of the conference inspired, motivated and with the confidence to make my passion a paying business.
I would love to win a real ticket (I am in Brisbane and would be able to attend on both days). I have just lost my job at Queensland Health and although I am looking for a new one I feel that as long as I haven’t found it this is my chance to prove (to my husband…) that running my business can be my day job and provide us with the second income. So this conference comes at just the right time – only I can’t afford to buy a ticket!
I just started a small store on etsy and one on zibbet. I have also started a blog. I am trying to learn all I can as quickly as possible, but there is an awful lot to learn. It would be so great to attend the conference virtually so that I could learn more about how to run an artful business. I have so many ideas and I have been working hard to put them in action, but I am only beginning.
Oh my…what an opportunity! To see speakers that I have followed online like Jess, Tara and Jennifer live would be freaking amazing…not to mention super inspiring. I have never been to an event like this before and to be honest it’s because the idea of attending scares me. I would have to go alone…meet people I don’t know…and be TOTALLY out of my comfort zone. Guess this case of scaredy pants has also spread to my business dreams…floundering…unable to get my ideas off the ground and stuck. I find the business side of a creative business scary and overwhelming so I seriously need to face my fears and gain some practical business advice.
Oooops forgot…I would love to win a live ticket 🙂
Hi! I would love a chance to attend the virtual conference. I have been on the brink of starting my own business and have many ideas, however I have many questions and feel that I have much to learn before I get started. I also have so many concerns regarding manufacturing and shipping process, not to mention marketing and all new web tools available for advertising. I have subscribed to your newsletter and I’m amazed at all the creative and unique marketing/advertising tools you incorporate into your business and would love to learn more from the experts and those in the field. Thank you!
This conference sounds wonderful I would love to win a virtual ticket! We have just started our family business boodle & bear selling eco friendly and non toxic art supplies for children. This conference has so many fantastic sessions that could really kick start us off. We have great plans for this little venture, a art studio for children’s art parties, making our our dough, paints and crayons….the ideas are endless! I would love to be able to make this into something that both my husband and I could work on from home together (no more 9-5pm!). Thanks so much for the opportunity!!
This event represents the collaborative creative world we are becoming. It’s such an exciting time for artists and designers! I live and operate my business in regional NSW. I am very fortunate to have the creative freedom to be my own boss, yet sometimes this can be quite lonely and isolating. Such an event like this is an amazing opportunity to hear from and interact with other like minded creative entrepreneurs. It will be inspiring and reassuring. I’m thrilled that everyone who has come together to put this event on has put in the effort they have. It’s a big step forward for our industry.
It would be a privilege to have the opportunity to attend this event.
Hi Jess, I would love the chance to attend either actual or virtual at the conference. As a typical right brainer, I find that I need help to use that right brain in conjunction with my left brain to build my creative business. I would particularly love the awsome opportunity to mingle with a variety of other same minded people whilst learning from the movers and shaker who are generous enough to share their hard earned knowledge and experience. I am an artist and starting a business providing painting weekends away for other budding artists and established artists who enjoy the company while they paint! Fingers crossed.
Hi Jess – I’d love to be in the hat for a virtual ticket please. I began my own business making art two and a half years ago – but being a single mum to two wee ones has meant slow going. I’m now on the cusp of them both being at school full time next year and want to hit the ground running full time with my biz. I see this next 5 months as a preparation and foundation time, consolidating my ideas, vision goals etc so that I can really run with it next year. Although there are things on offer globally, I think this being an Aussie conference is absolutely gold – as we do have our very unique environment and peoples and I really want to sow into this market and community here, building our creatives, and offering something wonderful to our community. I think this conference would really help to equip me for the journey ahead – thanks so much for the opportunity! X Donna
A real ticket is the way to go for me! I am a creative entrepreneur and teach children how to start their own creative businesses. I would love to attend to share, meet, grow, inspire, create new people, ideas and businesses for myself and others! This conference is the experience I need right now to motivate me in this growth phase in my business and assist me to get out of my own way on my trajectory to achieving my dream of making a living out of what I do best and what I’m passionate about – enriching and nourishing the creative lives of children and their families. Who knows I might meet one person at this conference who unlocks the door to a whole new level for my business.
Hi Jess, congrats in your involvement in this enterprise! Is it just me or are we all riding a wave of handmade revolution? Feels great to be involved in Australias crafting community. For me, goal setting is an issue. Everyone says that goal setting is the key but I feel like I’m chasing the end of a rainbow. I dont know whats at the end, what I expect to find and if I’ll ever get there, but this impossible dream is what I enjoy! To be honest as long as I don’t trip and drown in a puddle, any move forward is the stuff that my dreams are made of, the rainbow comes and goes, but there will always be an end to chase. These conferences are great because the ideas they feed you with are like little nuggets of gold. Perhaps one rainbow will end with an actual real life visit or presentation at a crafter’s conference rather than just a virtual one, but hey I take virtual for now!
Regards
Davina
This might be just what I need to take the leap. It sounds incredible. Virtual for me – stuck in NSW with three small kids 😉
Hi Jess, before having my daughter 4 and a half years ago i worked for 20+ years in fashion management and buying, which was a very successful and comfortable career for me. I spent most of that time harbouring a desire to go it on my own, as i am a qualified fashion designer/manufacturer, but it is hard to walk away from money and security. I have spent the last 4+ years as a stay at home mum and now i am suffering from loss of confidence (from being out of fashion/creative circles) and the ‘if it doesn’t happen now it never will’ line running through my head. So i think i need a leg up, so to speak. I can’t come to Brisvegas with a 4 year old at kindy, but the virtual ticket would be a fabulous opportunity to see what other creatives have done to kick start the next stage of their career, and maybe help me get my mojo back. PS i have really loved reading Bespoke, it’s a great format. I am hoping that if all goes well maybe one day i could contribute my success story about starting my own creative venture. xxx
Hi Jess, I would love to win a virtual ticket! Thank you for the opportunity. I’ve been waiting patiently for an event like this to happen in Australia, so thanks to Elle for coming up with it. I can’t attend in person as all my annual leave is taken up. I’d love to attend the virtual conference because I am stuck right now, stuck in a pattern of not getting much art or creating done for my creative business which I’ve been working (more like not working) on for several months. I battle with the fear of putting myself out there, even though that is the ultimate goal – to create and share my gifts with the world hoping that someone sees in my work all the love and effort I put into every painting and every piece I make, and that the wholehearted messages I write touch & boost women and girls everywhere. The conference will equip me with the knowledge I need to move forward with my gifts. I already have a plan I just need to take the leap : )
As the owner of a handmade store and art gallery (and part time crafter when I can fit it in!), many of the creatives I represent are dipping their toes in selling for the first time. Seeing them succeed is one of my driving forces; I am constantly searching for insights that will help me to help them build their businesses. Each day I am asked for advice (from pricing to copyright, online selling to event management!), not just from my stockists but from many of the wonderful makers in our local community. I would LOVE to attend the conference (in person would be amazing! I’d make my way there from Central VIC) because I’m certain I would come away with a wealth of information that won’t just help my business, but will help the community of creativity we are building here.
Dear Jess,
I am on my way to starting my own business, would love the expert advise that will be given. I would pay for it myself but I am at University and working two jobs to pay the mortgage. Pleeeeeease help!
Thank you
Ellana
I would love to attend virtually.
My little hobby has all the elements (quality items, great customer base etc) to help turn it into successful artful business. I think this conference would give me a load of wonderful tips and advice to get my business brain working for the greater good!!
Thanks Jess for the opportunity to excel in handmade business.
Christine
WOW what a wonderful opportunity for you to speak at the conference, your talks sound very interesting and I’m curious to know more. I run an online etsy shop (with varying degrees of success!) and last year had my first contact with selling in a brick and mortar shop. I am learning as I go, but I feel like I could really use some top advice to help me build momentum, and spend my time working on things that will send me in the right direction.
I’m really interested in building my following, and running an online shop, as well as spreading to more stockists, both online and brick and mortar, and connecting with lots of like-minded people all over the world!
I design and create handmade chain scarves called Hoop-las. I’ve had overwhelmingly positive feedback about them – I just need some help to turn my passion into my tiny one-woman business!
I am in France, so if I were lucky enough to win, it’d be the virtual conference for me please 🙂
OOooh, I have all my fingers and toes crossed, I would absolutely LOVE to be able to attend this conference and reap all its rewards 🙂
Keep up the great work,
Katie. xxx
I would love to win a virtual ticket, Jess! I’m always on the lookout for tips on growing my business, website, and sponsorship program, and am sure I’d come away with useful information from the Artful Business Conference.
Hi,
I’ve been thinking about starting an online business for a while but have been too chicken ! It would be great to be inspired by going to the conference in person. Getting practical help would be brilliant. Thanks for the chance to win a ticket.
A virtual ticket would be an amazing opportunity, to be inspired by those succeeding at artful businesses!
I would so love to win the virtual ticket! I’ve been laid off for the past two years and am looking to start a new venture by going back to my creative roots. I would love to get some tips, ideas and inspiration from successful business owners to give me the nudge I need so I may begin to reinvent myself.
would love a ticket as I am turning my hobby into a business
Hugs
Tracey
Hey all,
Thank you for such great entries! I know Jess had a very hard picking the winners! I would like to offer each of you a half priced ticket, either Live or Virtual – you just need to email me at hello@artfulbusinessconference.com, let me know you entered this giveaway and I will send you a private link to purchase your ticket at half price!
Thank you again and I am very excited about this conference and about the massive amount of creative small business people here in Australia.
Warmly,
Elle Roberts