The holiday season is a prime time for creative entrepreneurs to increase sales, connect with new customers, and build lasting relationships with fans and clients. With a bit of planning and the right strategy, you can take advantage of the end of the year rush and make that a busy period for your business. 

Here’s some tips to help musicians, artists, and creative entrepreneurs of all kinds make the most out of the holiday season.

As a small business owner, staying on top of compliance requirements is crucial to avoiding unnecessary fines and keeping your business running smoothly. A major deadline is coming faster than you think: all LLC owners must file a Beneficial Ownership Report (BOIR) by December 31, 2024. 

This requirement is new under the Corporate Transparency Act (CTA), and many business owners may not yet be aware of it. We understand how challenging it can be to keep up with changing regulations, but we’re here to help make the process simple and stress-free. Failure to comply can result in severe penalties, so it’s important to act now to make sure your business remains in good standing.

At AKay Marketing, we’ve included this filing for clients who formed their LLCs with us this year. For clients with older LLCs, the new BOR requirement will need to be addressed. The good news? If you previously filed your LLC with us, we’ll assist you in completing this new requirement at no cost. If you’re handling it on your own, it’s a simple process, and we’re here to guide you every step of the way if needed.

Starting a business is exciting, but figuring out the best way to structure it can be overwhelming. For most small businesses owners, the choice often comes down to a Limited Liability Company (LLC) or a Sole Proprietorship. Both offer unique benefits, and selecting the one that aligns with your goals can significantly impact how you run your business, handle taxes, and protect your personal assets.

Here’s a breakdown of each structure to help you find the best fit for your business needs.

A strong personal brand can open doors, create loyal fans, and bring your work to life in new ways. Whether you're a musician, artist, creative business, or art entrepreneur, you probably already know the importance of standing out. But building a brand that actually connects with people and converts them into fans, clients, or customers? That can be a little more challenging. Here are a few tips on how to create a personal brand that truly resonates with people and drives sales.

If you’re a musician, artist, or working in any creative field, you know that talent alone isn’t enough. Success takes more than skill; it requires the right mindset. The creative journey is often unpredictable, and the way you think and handle challenges is really important in overcoming them. If you’re passionate about problem-solving, driving innovation, and creating value, developing an entrepreneurial mindset is what you need. This mindset helps you navigate obstacles, spot opportunities, and stay ahead. Here’s why adopting it is essential for your success and how you can start building it today.

Whether you’re a musician, artist, creative business owner, or just starting as an entrepreneur, your passion and art are what drive you. But turning that passion into a thriving business requires more than just talent, you need a plan. That’s where a marketing strategy comes in.

If you’re a creative—whether you’re a musician, visual artist, or run a small creative business—you may not think of yourself as a “business owner.” But in reality, once you start selling your work, offering services, or participating in events, you’ve crossed that line. And while your creative work is what you’re passionate about, it’s also important to think about how to protect yourself and grow your business.