Don't put all your business in one place.

Tiktok is on the block; well maybe but the point must be made.  You shouldn't put all of your hopes for your business on one platform.  People are being interviewed all over the country and many of them are saying, "If TikTok is banned, my business will go under."  I hate to be callus but, it's kinda your own fault.  You built your business on one platform and here you are now looking at loosing everything you have built.  One plant guy is all about how TikTok is the beginning and end of his entire business.  Look at the word "Platform", a platform  is a raised surface that is higher than the adjoining area.  It is generally built on stable supports to keep it level and hold a lot of weight.  Consider Tiktok one leg of a platform.  Now you can stand on that one leg, it will lift you up above others around you but, can you sustain that position forever?

Here is a business man who has done this very thing, and he has no other legs to stand on.  People who use only one support, find themselves without a leg to stand on.  We should always be looking at opportunities and alternatives.  If this plant man had worked at finding other social media platforms to rely on, he wouldn't be so panicked about loosing his one business outlet.  

Now, how do we diversify as an artist?  Many of us are constantly chasing down new shows but that can still be rather like putting all of our eggs in the same type of basket.  I do shows, I also work organizations to reach different markets.  I have a profile on 2 different social media platforms and I also work my website.  Some of this is easy but not everything together.  I keep looking for something that will help me move my business forward and maybe simplify things (wish me luck).  The plant seller is the reason I do this.  I have to keep moving forward so I don't find myself being shut down.  Grants, shows, social media, fellowships, galleries, organizations......  Why do we want to be an artist? because I don't like working for anyone else.  While doing all of these things, I still get the chance to do what I want.  

Life is a lot of hard work with moments of joy sprinkled on top.  You can't avoid the work so I keep doing it to support what I enjoy.  Ultimately, if Tiktok is banned, everyone will have a chance to find new platforms.  They aren't doing it overnight and it isn't like laws take a moment to go into effect.  While the people in the government are running around trying to figure something out, take a moment to diversify.  Well that is it for me today,  I'm off to work in the Co-op gallery.  I'll be at Avenue West today until 4pm if you need to find me!  I'm working on a new project to support my love!.