When reflecting on setting up shop and turning a passion into a profession, top tips for starting a business are all too often concerned with logistics: financial management, business plans, and funding. While these are essential to good business practice, they overlook the heart of what actually makes every company, and indeed the world, work: people.
If asked for our top advice on running a business, we list the human lessons long before advising on anything administrative.
Emily & Anna leading a workshop together
1. You Cannot Do It Alone
To quote the musical Chicago - murderous nightclub singers aside - “I Can’t Do It Alone.” Starling Arts has always been a double act. While we regularly work with freelancers and expand our team to assist with day-to-day operations, our 'Starling sisterhood' is at the root of our company.
There is conflicting advice about going into business with a friend, but for us, it was a case of “when you know, you know.”
Find someone who has a completely different yet complementary skill set.
Talk regularly; not just about business, but as friends.
Ensure you trust them with every fibre of your being.
If you tick those three boxes and still want to hang out at the end of the day, you have struck gold.
2. Love Your Philosophy and Product
People regularly say to us, "You are so lucky you love your job." We would not have set up Starling Arts if we did not love the concept. While running your own business is incredibly rewarding, it also involves a lot of hard work.
You still have to manage everyday administrative tasks alongside 'following your bliss'. You must love your philosophy, your product, and your brand inside out. When you do, that passion shines through in every part of your work, creating a better business and making routine tasks far more enjoyable.
3. Think in Circles
We like to think of everything as a circle, letting ideas and projects bounce off the edge of an all-encompassing whole, rather than getting stuck in the corners of a rigid shape.
This metaphor applies literally in business, too. We frequently use circles in our arts-based workshops because they make it easier to share, communicate, and collaborate. For many, 'Circle Time' was left behind in primary school, but sitting or standing in a circle is a democratic way of engaging with everyone you work with. It removes hierarchy, opens up space to create, and encourages flexibility to respond to people's needs.
4. Listen to People
Making music with others offers the invaluable gift of listening. In life and work, we all need other people to get by, and the best way to do that is by listening to and understanding one another.
We constantly share our thoughts and feelings with each other, and we extend that same open communication to everyone we work with, from our regular community members to clients we may only sing with once. By listening and responding to their feedback, we continuously make improvements and grow. No one knows everything, but listening to people helps you learn.
5. Be Patient and Learn from Mistakes
Having patience and a firm belief that things will work out keeps a business thriving through changing times.
We have had projects that fell flat, but ultimately led us to valuable contacts or brilliant opportunities. We have tried ideas that now seem laughable, but without testing them, we would not have discovered what made artistic or business sense. Do not give up just because an initiative loses money or misses expectations. Review the outcome, learn from the experience, and use it to make better choices in the future.
6. Believe in People
Belief is at the heart of the Starling Arts philosophy. When you believe in your co-workers, your clients, and your community, you are rewarded with repeat business, strong relationships, and a positive workplace culture.
Whether you are looking to launch a social enterprise, build a great working environment, or navigate life's challenges, keeping people at the centre of your journey makes all the difference.
— Anna & Emily