Your First $10K/Month Creative Business Checklist
by Penelope Stephens
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Step 1: Know what you actually sell
If your “services” sound vague, clients won’t pay premium rates. Define what problems you solve and what deliverables they’ll get.
Explore Services Guide.
Step 2: Create a portfolio that sells for you
No need for 20 projects. Two or three well-presented ones that show process + results are enough. Have no past client work? Add in passion projects.
Update your Portfolio.
Step 3: Systemise your client process
Set up your workflow before you get busy: proposal → agreement → onboarding → delivery → offboarding.
Set up your Client Systems.
Step 4: Charge based on value, not time
Learn your baseline rates, then price projects for outcomes. Avoid hourly billing unless it’s retainer work.
Step 5: Look legit
Consistent branding makes you look like a business, not a hobbyist.
Create YOUR Brand.
Explore the whole System.