| Get
'em While They're Hot |
March 20, 2006
Do as I say, not as I
do.
While I am not marketing my art, I am running a business and have
many of the same trials and tribulations as you do in yours. I
selected the topic of this week's newsletter so that you will learn
from my failings.
Last month, I was on
fire. I had artists contacting me left and right for help. I had
momentum. I had so many inquiries that I didn't know what to do
with them all. The stars were in perfect alignment, as far as I
was concerned. And, then, I goofed. Here's what I did...
I blocked out the last two weeks of the month to finish my book
proposal. I continued to work with existing clients, but didn't take
on new clients. For each inquiry, I responded that I would get back
in touch with them after I handed my book proposal to the editor by
my March 1 deadline.
Well... my book proposal was sent to the editor on February 28 at 10
p.m.-- a full two hours before my deadline. I immediately made good
to contact all of those people I had put on a waiting list. Guess
what? It shouldn't be a surprise, but very few of them responded.
Maybe my initial email response to them was worded poorly. Maybe
they didn't like the questionnaire that I use for every potential
client. Or, maybe, I just didn't strike while the iron was hot.
We are a society of instant gratification. We want what we want and
we want it now. If someone can't help us when we need it, we'll find
someone who will. I know this and understand it because I'm the same
way. When I make up my mind to take action, damn the torpedoes!
It's okay for me. I'm still busier than ever. I had my priorities
and I honored them. But, if sales and money were paramount, I
would be toast. I could still be toast if they were unhappy with
my responses and tell their artist-friends. Personal recommendations
are a huge part of my business and I can't afford to jeopardize
those.
What can you learn from this? Get 'em while they're hot! When you're
asked to do a cushy commission or contact a gallery for an exhibit,
do it immediately. They may not want you tomorrow.
|
KNOW THIS
|
People want what they
want when they want it. |
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THINK ABOUT THIS
|
If you don't follow up
immediately, you might lose out on the opportunity. |
| DO THIS
|
Get 'em while they're hot! Create a
system to follow up on leads and opportunities. In the Shameless
Self-Promotion class, I encourage members to create a "leads
notebook" and give them a form to use for leads. You can create
your own by keeping track of names, dates of contact, and other
pertinent information about each person. If you want to
maintain an excellent reputation as a professional, following up
with potential buyers is paramount. Don't let anyone slip
through the cracks.
More on following up in the
Art Biz
Blog. Please leave your own thoughts in the "Comments"
section.
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CHOOSING THE RIGHT CAREER
PATH
Begins today, March 20
If you're confused about which direction to take your art career,
this might just be the perfect class for you. Success doesn't look the
same for every artist. You have to know what's right for you. Only $35.
Details
SETTING UP YOUR ART
BUSINESS
Begins Monday, April 3
This popular four-week class helps you get organized and refocused
on your business. Includes discussion group and telegatherings.
Details
NOTE: Time Change
for Class Telegatherings
Beginning immediately, all class telegatherings will be at 3 p.m.
EST, 2 p.m. CST, 1 p.m. MST, and 12 p.m. PST. The time change reflects a
desire to allow more of our overseas members to join in on the
conversations.
"Self-Promotion Essentials" comes to Mobile, Alabama,
on Thursday, April 6 and Jackson, Michigan, on Saturday, April 29. For
contacts and more info, see the links in the tan box at
ArtMarketingAction.com
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THIS WEEK:
►Arts
Advocacy Day
►New virtual groups for
all artists
►Art
photography at auction
Find out more:
Art Biz
Blog
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Individual Consultations Writing and Editing
Ongoing Support Marketing Plans Classes
Paving Your Career Path Setting Up
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