James had an original concept and he needed an investor. He had a compelling business idea that was a sure winner with the right financial backing. James painted a great picture of the vision he had for his business, but there was just one problem: James wanted to be a businessman, when he needed to be an artist.

They say that a picture is worth a thousand words; effectively, an artist uses his/her skills and talents to create and tell a story on canvas and a business owner should be no different.

Every business owner Ive ever consulted has been pretty good at painting a verbal picture -------colorful and imaginative. Enthusiastically they share visions, goals and objectives. Unfortunately, far too many are painting pretty pictures, but failing to commit them to canvas. This is why James decided to call. He recognized that his idea would only get him so far. He knew that he had to get something on paper in order to convince an investor to back his vision.

A picture (your vision) is nothing more than an ideal, the first step for bringing forth life. All artists, like entrepreneurs start out the same ------- with an idea and a blank canvas. Differentiation begins with those that are willing to commit. As a business owner, you may have an ordinary idea or you may have a masterpiece, but if you dont commit it to canvas, the world (and more importantly, you) may never know.

Years ago when I worked in social services as a case manager we were told, If you dont document it, it didnt happen. In other words, what we did and said wasnt important. If we didnt document it in the client record it was as if it hadnt happened at all.

Imagine what it might be like had, da Vinci perhaps, decided to paint verbal pictures? Do you think you could have imagined the intricacies of his paintings without actually seeing them? Do you think you would have pictured the Mona Lisa the way da Vinci had? I doubt it.

This is why entrepreneurs must become not only savvy business men and women, but also brilliant artists that paint pictures and then commit them to canvas.

The details, depth, and key to successfully starting and running your business begins with the picture you paint. It evolves and grows as you put it on canvass. When you commit your ideas to canvas, you give yourself, potential investors, and ultimately customers a visual of your work.

Here are 4 Tips for Becoming an Entrepreneurial Artist.

1. Be Observant Artists often paint or draw from observing things nature, people, landscapes, etc. Observing people, potential clients, other businesses, entrepreneurs, and industry professionals is a great way to begin conceptualizing your vision, setting goals, and understanding your market.

2. Take Notes Make notes of the things you see, things that work, make you smile, ideas you have, and positive quotes. Carry a journal everywhere you go.

3. Be Creative Explore new ideas, products, and services. Do something different. Entrepreneurs are synonymous with creativity.

4. Commit to canvas After completing steps 1 through 3, commit your ideas to paper in the form of a business plan, proposal, sales strategy, marketing plan, new brochure, card or flyer.