Asking for Money: Part 1

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You need money for art supplies, building your website, your marketing efforts, and, well, just to live! One challenge is figuring out where to look for the money you need. But a second challenge is equally pressing: being able to ask for what you need and want. Here are tips for doing just that:

1. It isn’t begging; it’s advocating

If you are doing work that you believe in, then it is on your shoulders to advocate for that work. Doesn’t the work you’re attempting need a friend, an advocate, and a spokesperson? To begin with, you must be that person! And what if you don’t quite believe in your own work? Then either believe in it better, do better work, or both. And then advocate for it.

 

2. Money is a necessity and not an embarrassment

Just as we may feel shy or embarrassed to give a little speech or ask someone out on a date, we may feel shy or embarrassed about asking for money. Try to get your head around the fact that there is nothing embarrassing about asking for money; money is a necessity and not some luxury, life incidental or indulgence.

3. Asking needn’t make you feel one-down

You needn’t feel like an orphan asking for more gruel. Work on feeling as an equal to the person you are asking for money: because you are! If you feel one-down, it is your work to change that feeling, and remind yourself that wanting and needing money doesn’t make you weak, obligated or second-rate.

It may be a shame that we have to ask for money but it’s nothing to be ashamed of. Our work needs us to advocate for it, and part of that advocating is bravely asking for financial support.

Read more of Eric Maisel’s financial tips in Part 2 of “Asking for Money”


And don’t miss Eric Maisel’s latest book, SECRETS OF A CREATIVITY COACH.