by Nettie Hartsock

In this week’s “Five Questions for Creatives” we turn to Lisa Haneberg, author, blogger and management guru. Lisa is the author of the much-lauded book, “Two Weeks to a Breakthrough” and blogs at managementcraft.com. Lisa’s web site can be found at www.lisahaneberg.com.

Lisa shares her insight on all things creative.

Five Questions for An Author, Business Strategist and “Breakthrough Champion”

Q.What do you think is one of the biggest challenges to being a successful creative person?

Lisa: Giving yourself the time to allow you mind to wander. Often we expect creativity within a two minutes – and creativity doesn’t happen like that.

Q. What are three tips you would give to anyone who wants to empower their creative career, whether it be as a copywriter, web designer, artist?

Lisa:
1. Plan time and create a space that makes you feel good. This can be a home office or a favorite chair in the local coffee shop.

2. Create the context for creativity.

Q. What is most rewarding about being on your own and working to grow your creative business?

Lisa: Having choice about how I spend my time. This is also at times a burden and can feel like pressure (pressure to produce, pressure to get clients).

Q. What inspires you to be creative?

Lisa: Intrinsic satisfaction of something well-crafted.

Q. What is the greatest benefit to working as a creative professional?

Lisa: My mind stays fresh and I am always learning. After I crossed the 40 year old mark, it became crucial that I do work that helps me learn and keep my mind engaged.

Bonus Question: What is your favorite book about business or creativity?

“The Art of Possibility” by Rosamund Zander and Benjamin Zander

“Make the Impossible Possible” by Bill Strickland*

*Note from the editor: Bill Strickland and Manchester Bidwell Corporation are friends of ours at Oddpodz! Check out his and the MBC story, both are truly inspirational.

About the author: Nettie Hartsock is a digital strategist helping authors, creatives, musicians and companies create actionable how-to 2.0 programs to establish a powerful base for attracting both blogger and journalists attention. Her website can be found at NettieHartsock.com.