TikTok on the block? Problems with relying on one sales platform, any one resource.

Tik Tok on the block?

I’m writing this Friday morning before the Supreme Court makes its ruling.  Our future president says he will save it, no one really knows what the outcome of the ruling will be at 7 am this morning but it does showcase the reason for diversification.

When I started working as an artist, I had a small craft store in my area.  It used to be a fairly reliable chain of craft stores but as time went on, many of the franchises changed and moved more towards home décor.  I had to learn at that time how to work with online distributors for my art materials.  I learned to work surfaces that weren’t traditional because of the expense and difficulty in getting supplies. Other pastelists ask me my favorite pastel brand, and I tell the I use about 13 different brands because I had to use what ever I could get my hands on.

Relying solely on tiktok for your business is a bit like only using one surface and one brand of pastel.  You never know when your supplies or platform will go away.  Businesses who can figure out how to be flexible now, are the ones that will be able to get funding for growth.  Lending institutions look to see the longevity in a business plan.  They want to know that a business has diversification for reaching their client base.  While tiktok provided business a way to reach a huge population, this court case showcases how shaky the ground can be under those businesses.  It is similar to having a store font on a main throughfare and relying on foot traffic.  What happens when road construction diverts your customer base?  How do you plan for that?  What is your plan?  If you have a business, it is best to plan for the worst and hope for the best.  When a city decides it needs to work on infrastructure it can’t always consider the health of local businesses.

Legal ramifications aside; free speech and national security, if you have a business who solely relies on one social media platform you will make your company vulnerable again in the future.  Our president elect might be able to secure TikTok’s future for the next 4 years but what happens when his term if fully over?  Laws can be overturned; see Roe vs Wade, and until TikTok is owned by and American firm or one who is committed to friendly relations it will remain vulnerable.  Look to your business and how you sell your work.  Seek ways to expand your sales platform while you still can afford to do so.