Last week’s column ended with a challenge for clarity, to begin to look closer at what you do and how you do it. Clarity is important to identity and identity helps others when they are sorting out where you belong in their minds. When potential buyers are in need of something they automatically … [Read more...]
The Art of Going Pro: an identity crisis
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Today we’ll be starting another series this time looking at language and meaning so we can begin to settle on a way to describe ourselves, what we do and our “value position” in a larger context. We’ll also examine the differences between an amateur and a professional to see how increased … [Read more...]
Going Wholesale Part 3:Terms,Orders and General Details
Some important things to know and make sure you have on hand when venturing into a wholesale show. Order forms/ contracts (in duplicate): Although several vendors had their own custom-made purchase orders with the information they needed, I did not have time to pre-print my order forms. So, I … [Read more...]
Part 2: Preparing to do wholesale. My initial questions.
As soon as I knew I was attending the Buyer's Market of American Craft (BMAC), I wrote a couple of notes to Wendy Rosen. She’s an amazing woman and a terrific advocate for the artist. She is the founder of the Rosen Group and the Buyer’s Market of American Craft. She immediately suggested … [Read more...]
Surviving the Buyer’s Market: my first wholesale show
Deciding to do the show. So, as I was looking through Arts/Craft Show application deadlines online, I found the application for the "Buyer’s Market of American Craft" (BMAC) at the Philadelphia Convention Center. The jury fee was $10.00 and I decided to apply along with several other … [Read more...]
Getting started on the right foot: part IV
Before you start As in everything we have covered so far, revisit your business goals because the extent of those goals will determine what you do at this stage. Be honest and don’t expect your self to reach rock star levels with out the investment of time and skill building. Also, don’t … [Read more...]
Getting Started on the right foot: part III
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Start investing in yourself because you are your business While this may feel like it belongs in last week’s Mindset section it also belongs here as one of most important cornerstones of best business practices, especially for very small businesses. Why? Because, small businesses tend to sell … [Read more...]
Getting Started on the Right Foot: Part II
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I know last week I said this would be two parts but after getting a head of steam built up I decided I would break it down into more bite size pieces....I know I have a propensity for verboseness! Anyway today and next week we'll focus on the business end of making a living from your art by taking a … [Read more...]
How to get started on the right foot, Part 1
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This is the first of a two part series designed to help you start the new year off. So instead of biting off a mouthful of resolutions you may or may not be able to achieve read this carefully and pick a couple of steps that you think would work for you over the next year. Select no more than six … [Read more...]