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When you operate your own company, you always have the choice as to how you go about things.

Everything from sales to marketing, approaching decision-makers to completing the project. The beauty about running your own show is that you keep learning and keep growing as a creative professional. Being an entrepreneur is an art. Your temperament changes and nothing stays stagnant over the years.

The corporate world teaches you how to be tough, rigid and results-driven. These skill sets are an asset if they don't rule your existence. Making money can be addictive. Closing new accounts is rewarding. The problem lies in your approach. Are you hooked on the

chase or on the actual project that you secure?

Along your professional journey you will meet people who challenge your typical way of doing things. This is fantastic. It can be highly uncomfortable at times. Peoples' ideas will rub off on you. Be mindful of the company you keep. In the first few years of business you might need to learn "how to sell." What better way to do this than work closely with a salesman everyday?

Are you fulfilled?
Four or five years later you might forget why you are selling because you're so used to going after the business and securing new deals. Is this fulfilling? Building a business is not only about securing more deals, but its much, much more than that. You wake up doing what you love to do everyday. You get inspired by others and by new creative ideas that are generated. Your need for change is fulfilled. Whether you're a graphic designer, facilitator or photographer, the need for professional growth is strong, and only becomes stronger over time.

When you start in business, your energy is high. Your enthusiasm and creative ideas speak to you in the middle of the night and you are forced to write them down. Then you get turned down, pushed around and get left behind by decision-makers who question your credibility when you first meet with them. You need to learn the necessary skill sets to stand on your two feet. You need to learn persistence, how to communicate what you want and why others should deal with you. This takes hard work. You need to keep your spirits high during questionable times.

As your progress in your journey, you become tougher, smarter and much less creative. The reason: Your focus has shifted to closing more business as opposed to being really passionate in your business.

You went through a battle of an uphill climb to get to where you are today. You may have forgotten why you got into business for yourself in the first place.

This becomes especially problematic when you hire staff. Your employees are looking up to you to be a motivational force. They also need encouragement for their individual creative expression.

If you've become a business man or business woman, you might have forgotten why you bothered to get there in the first place.

Being creative can be tricky
Being creative and being in business is a tricky task. Can you be both at the same time? Integration is the key.

Over the years, operating your own company will teach you different skill sets at different times.