Unleashing Creativity and Innovation: DeKalb Entertainment Commission Hosts “The Art of the Business Plan For Creatives”

On September 13, 2023, DeKalb Entertainment Commission, a Division of Decide DeKalb Development Authority, hosted a special event at SolePlay Decatur, “The Art of the Business Plan For Creatives”.

This exceptional gathering, skillfully moderated by Brandon Butler, the creative force behind Butter.ATL, aimed to shine a ray of hope amidst the ongoing WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes. The objective was crystal clear: to provide a dynamic platform for individuals with innovative business ideas to reignite their creative passions.

Brandon imparted wisdom, advice, and practical tips from his years of experience (that include both wins and losses). Here are some key takeaways from the event:

Clarity Comes Through Articulation: When it comes to your business, the idea of having a well-thought-out business plan is all about investing time upfront. Sooner or later, you’ll have to face the responsibilities and challenges of your venture, and it’s better to address them sooner rather than later. While your business plan will naturally evolve, it’s crucial to capture your initial thoughts and ideas.

Embrace Technology – AI has the potential to reshape the world as we know it. Take, for example, ChatGPT, a powerful tool that can draft your business plan. While it’s an excellent starting point, it’s important to note that some adjustments may be necessary to align it perfectly with your vision. Think of it as a trusted assistant capable of interpreting your inputs and providing informative responses.

Businesses Die in the Middle — Many businesses meet their demise in the murky middle ground. To avoid this fate, it’s essential to make clear choices and embrace the edges. Recognize that you can’t cater to everyone’s needs; instead, you must commit to a specific direction. There will always be someone willing to undercut your prices, and engaging in a race to the bottom is seldom a winning strategy. Your strength lies in understanding where you want to position yourself and effectively communicating the unique value you offer to your audience.

Know Your Customers — Engage in conversations with your potential customers. Many individuals possess fantastic ideas but often refrain from sharing them out of fear that someone else might steal their concept. However, it’s crucial to shift this mindset and encourage others to take inspiration from your ideas because they won’t execute them the same way you can – after all, it’s your unique vision.

Perfect vs. Good Enough — Striving for perfection versus settling for “good enough” is a familiar dilemma. However, it’s important to remember that sometimes, being “good enough” is all you need to progress to the next stage. There’s no need to chase perfection relentlessly; “good enough” is perfectly acceptable. The key is to get your work out into the world and continue moving forward.

Redefine Failure — What does failure genuinely entail? It simply means that you keep progressing, keep moving forward. The human mind tends to make connections based on worst-case scenarios and extreme situations. We often create narratives because we lack complete information. It’s crucial to take charge of the story we tell ourselves. Instead of dwelling on the worst-case scenario, consider the possibility of success. What if everything goes exceptionally well, and you achieve significant financial gains?

In a world where strikes and challenges threaten to stifle creativity, this event served as a reminder that resilience and innovation can overcome any obstacle. With the wisdom that Brandon shared, aspiring business owners gained the tools they need to shape their futures and it was clear that this evening marked the beginning of a new chapter for all who attended this special event.

It was a testament to the power of community, creativity, and collaboration, proving that even in the face of adversity, the entertainment industry will continue to shine brightly in DeKalb County. After all, as Brandon Butler reminded everyone, You can only connect the dots of your life when you look backward – trust that they’ll all connect in your future.