Execution 101 for the multi-hyphenate creative with Andrea Lewis

Hi, I’m Andrea Lewis! I’m so excited to team up with Invoice2go, a Bill.com company, and present this free workshop as part of Grow – an initiative with $200,000 of awards for marginalized business owners.

This workshop is for any passionate entrepreneur who has big business ideas but just doesn’t know where to start. Here you’ll learn how to execute and how to put everything together so that it starts to make sense.

I understand what it’s like to have a million ideas and want to do them all right now. As an actress, filmmaker, writer, producer, social media lifestyle blogger, and mentor, there’s always plenty on my plate.

So, let’s explore how to define your purpose, build your team, and start taking action today. Click here to start now, or read on for 5 key takeaways from the course. 

1. Define your purpose to build your personal brand and clarify your path

Being a multi-hyphenate creative is like building a layer cake. These pieces will make sense and come together, and you will see a beautiful cake in the end that represents your personal brand.

Examples of great multi-hyphenates include Issa Raey, Donald Glover, and Gary Vee. They execute on many ideas and combine passions that make sense with their overall brand – which is key. While they all have different passions, they’ve managed to put them together cohesively. When they present something new, we're not confused. 

Exercise 1: Write your dream bio and define your purpose

Begin to manifest your future. When somebody looks at your bio in 5 years, what do you want them to read? Where do you live? What do you want to be doing, and what have you accomplished?

Next, define your big life goals. Think about the work you do and your most meaningful moments. Be specific as you write because that’s key to building a solid brand and clarifying your next steps. Imagine a magazine rack with hundreds of magazines. Only a few of them will draw your eye or connect with your interests – and that's what makes them successful. 

Defining your purpose and creating your personal brand will lead you to production and clarify what you should be working on now. Let’s do it!

2. You have a lot of goals – it’s time to prioritize them

You don't have to be out there killing the game right now – you just have to get started. Clearly defining what’s important to you is essential because it helps you work smarter. Your energy will no longer be spread thin, and you’ll likely find that you have more time.

Exercise 2: Write out your goals and decide what’s most important

What are your big ideas right now? Write them down. It can be challenging to do this exercise, but it is essential to start to execute. Remember: we don't just want to talk about it, we want to be about it.

Next, categorize and prioritize the most important goals. What feels close to home and what can wait until next year? Narrow your list to 3 big ideas and how they fit into your career.

Finally, if you had only one business idea you could work on for the year, what would that be and why?  That answer will say a lot about your passions and point you forward.

3. Start where you are now and work backward when you feel overwhelmed

For me, executing means starting an idea and not stopping until it becomes real. I don't put a timeline on it or get anxious about how come it hasn't happened yet. I just say to myself, the only thing I need to make sure of is that this thing becomes real.

If you get overwhelmed as you go, try working backward. Look at your dream bio. What are the steps to move you in that direction? For example, if you want to direct your first film by the end of the year, how can you ensure it happens? 

Also, focus on what you have to work with now. What is around you, and who can help? For example, let’s say you want to work on a film but don't have a big budget. Do you have places where you could shoot for free or people who would support you somehow?

Exercise 3: Write a list of trusted people you can ask for help

List 10 people you think could help you. They could be friends, family, or people from your network. Choose people you believe will be genuine. Then, ask for direct help to advance your creative endeavors.

I understand that networking can be nerve-wracking, but it’s one of the biggest things you can do to advance your career.  

4. Build your team and expand your network

We cannot do this alone, no matter how hard we try. Often, that means working with strangers and expanding your network. What is it that would help you to execute right this moment? How many team players do you need? We all need at least one person to help us get going.

This can be as simple as deep diving on Instagram hashtags to find talent. It could be reaching out to an accountant, a lawyer, somebody to have your back when it comes to your dream. Many can feel intimidated by reaching out to new people, but you’ve got to step out of your comfort zone and steer your ship where you want it to go.

Exercise 4: Write out your strengths and weaknesses

Write out your strengths and weaknesses when it comes to leadership. When it comes to building your team, what are you afraid of? What is empowering or exciting? The answers to those questions can help you hone in on who you need to ask for help.

5. Don’t be afraid to invest in yourself

Some people fear investing in themselves because they think that they're going to run out of money or not be able to pay for it. Sometimes they feel that they're not worthy of this investment.

While you want to be cautious with your time and money, don’t let your mindset prevent you from executing. We have to invest in our career in our advancement and do it smartly.

For example, perhaps you can borrow equipment rather than buy it new. Also, you have to be honest with yourself and define what will help you get closer to your goal now. Maybe that means buying a new lens for your camera or editing software. Perhaps it means hiring an editor to do the work for you.

How could you invest in yourself now? It could be one small thing that will help you execute on your vision. Let's take the fear out of investment and invest smartly. Think about it in an intelligent way that prioritizes your purpose and drives you forward.

Exercise 5: List ways that you could invest

I really hope you enjoy this course and that it helps move you towards your goals. Remember: defining your purpose, being specific, and prioritizing your ideas are all essential to execution. Mapping out your network, reaching out for help, and investing in yourself are also vital in achieving more and improving the quality of your work.