Comments on: When You Don’t Feel Like Doing Art Business Tasks

By: Carolyn Edlund

Tue, 14 May 2013 14:05:17 +0000

Reminds me of a quote from Sandler Sales Training, “You never have to like prospecting, you just have to do it.” So true!

]]>

By: Alyson Stanfield

Tue, 29 Jan 2013 15:01:56 +0000

In reply to melissa.

Your mailing list is your #1 asset. You have to build it and nurture it and the only way to do this is to meet more people and ask them if they’d like to be included. Online is fine, but in person is where it’s at.
IOW, Don’t rest! Keep building the list. It’s THAT important because those are the people that are waiting to hear from you.

]]>

By: melissa

Tue, 29 Jan 2013 08:07:44 +0000

In reply to Alyson Stanfield.

Thanks!
I’ve read lots of your blog posts that mention the mailing list, though I’m not sure I entirely understand it! I actually use Etsy as a storefront (connected to my site) and they forbid unsolicited communications with buyers. The closest thing to a mailing list is my monthly newsletter, through mailchimp, which also only allows “opt-ins”. It’s only got 14 non-detailed sign ups and only half of them actually open it. It used to be more like 90% opens, I don’t know what went wrong there. A bit demotivating, but I try to keep moving… I need to figure out a way to transfer the youtube audience over! 😀

]]>

By: Alyson Stanfield

Tue, 29 Jan 2013 05:25:52 +0000

In reply to melissa.

How many people are on your mailing list, Melissa? I think building the list is the most important thing you can do. Forget the other stuff and focus there. That means lots of networking.

]]>

By: melissa

Sun, 27 Jan 2013 19:16:04 +0000

I always think I’m just sitting around procrastinating the marketing aspect, and I feel like I’m stuck at the point where I would certainly do it if I knew what “it” was.
Online, “it” turns out to be a mix of:
Blogging
Social Media
Newsletters
Website maintenence
I have no problem doing these things, in fact they are pretty fun! I’ve added youtube videos to the mix recently as well. I join in local juried exhibitions and take up a booth at juried craft fairs, all of which require a lot of time and money, but are rewarding in other ways too!
But what do you do if none of this is working? Gallery exhibitions are usually okay, though I never profit from a craft fair, for example. Even with the social media, blogging, youtube, and such, I’m lucky to make $35 gross per month. So I STILL feel like I’m sitting around doing nothing.

]]>

By: Norman Nelson

Thu, 24 Jan 2013 19:40:51 +0000

OK I’m guilty as you can be, but atleast I am in the studio painting. Marketing is hell, and procrastination makes it easier because you don’t really have to do it. I realize how important the marketing effort is so I have periods of marketing effort, mostly in the spring where I actually commit and really try to market myself. I do make some sales but I could do better. I try to show as often as I can even if it is in a gas station, Im not that picky, Im showing in a Outdoor equipment store right now. Marketing on the internet has been useless essentially. I like giving a biz card to someone so they can go to my website and see the work. I would not say it results in more sales. Sales for me are one on one sales, or friends who like me and my work. See I didn’t procrastinate writing something on this very help website

]]>

By: Christine

Thu, 24 Jan 2013 16:06:00 +0000

Strangely, though I hate doing web sites, I actually do mine quickly each year (either a total redesign or homepage look update). What I struggle with (and the reason I update the site) is SUBMITTING. I tell friends sometimes, “Look at so and so who has a show, or so and so who is doing so well with her art. I wish people liked my art like that.” And then comes the question: “Who have you submitted to?”
[insert sound of crickets]
Yes, this is fear. I need to submit to contests, galleries and online sites, but think I don’t have enough of a particular style, or haven’t ‘branded’ myself solidly yet. The good news is, I was just rejected by two sites (i.e. I submitted!). So, like Stephen King in his early days, I may just make a point of collecting rejections in hopes that one will soon turn into an acceptance!
:))
Christine

]]>

By: Mary Ahern

Thu, 24 Jan 2013 14:06:22 +0000

I am starting this year with an overhaul of my work focus. I’ve reduced or eliminated some outside activities & commitments to other organizations which don’t directly support my Art & my Art business & eat away the precious hours in my week. I am reviewing & redesigning all my marketing & promotional material with a new & fresh look. That includes website, Facebook, business cards, brochures & all print & online graphics including logo.
I am taking a renewed look into what direction I want to take my Art & studying some tutorials to spur on my juices.
In order to accomplish these goals efficiently I keep lots of lists. I use paper & pencil, a cloud based website called http://www.teuxdeux.com, a database program for Mac called Daylite for my email lists & tickler files.
Gotta go. I’m busy!

]]>

By: Raymond Huffman

Thu, 24 Jan 2013 14:01:34 +0000

In reply to Paula Scott Molokai Girl Studio.

Great comment Paula.

]]>

By: Alyson Stanfield

Thu, 24 Jan 2013 05:07:42 +0000

In reply to Indigene Theresa Gaskin.

Indigene: You’re nice to call them nudges. 😉

]]>