Art Marketing Action from ArtBizCoach.com

Art Marketing Action
Alyson's Weekly Steps for Taking Charge of Your Art Career

Handle Business Cards with Respect

November 21, 2005

It's always a dilemma: How do you hand someone your business card without seeming overly aggressive or obnoxious?

Beth Stafford, Petal. Oil and inkjet on
paper, 12 x 7.5 inches, 2005.
© The Artist
http://www.bethstafford.com

This very issue was discussed in last Monday's telegathering with members of the Artist Marketing Plan and Shameless Self-Promotion classes. North Carolina artist Beth Stafford asked, "I'm finding it really awkward to pull out my cards unless someone asks specific questions about my work. Any suggestions to make it smoother and more natural?"

I think there is too much pressure to hand out a lot of business cards. Business cards are easier to hand out when you take the time to get to know another person. When you're constantly thinking about an agenda ("gotta get my business card in her hand"), your mind wanders and you lose focus. You hand out business cards to establish a relationship.

Don't become one of those annoying people who hands their card to anyone and everyone. When cards are treated with such disregard, most of them end up in the trash--at your expense. Be discerning.

You should feel comfortable sharing your business card with:

Anyone with whom you have had an in-depth conversation. It doesn't even have to be around your art. Your card is a reminder of your meeting.
Anyone who has asked questions about your art.
Anyone you want to invite to your open studio or exhibit opening.
Anyone who asks you for something that requires follow-up.
Anyone who hands you their business card.

Of course, the absolute very best thing you can do is to be fascinating: have colorful things to say about your art and the conversation skills to intrigue any listener. This will make almost anyone want to know you better and ask you for your card before you can say "shameless self-promotion."

A business card used to be a calling card and would serve as an introduction, but we don't use them like that any longer. Business cards are now viewed as something for the recipient to take home and remember you by. Read the history of business cards: http://www.belightsoft.com/products/composer/history.php

Business card etiquette is different in other parts of the globe.
For instance:

> When doing business in an Islamic country--and many parts of Africa and Asia--you should always offer a business card with your right hand: The left is considered unclean.

> In Japan, presenting a card with two hands conveys respect. When using both hands, hold your card by the two upper corners.

In my opinion, it is even better for you to collect business cards from others than to see your cards in their hands. Read why in tomorrow's Art Biz Blog

KNOW THIS	I don't care what the business books say. You shouldn't have a quota for passing out business cards.
THINK ABOUT THIS	Instead of setting a quota for a minimum number of business cards you need to pass out, set a quota for a minimum number of people you need to have a 10-minute conversation with.
DO THIS	Treat your cards and those from others with respect. Pick up or make yourself a handsome card case that looks great when you pull it out. This often encourages a discussion in itself. More about business cards on the Art Biz Blog: http://www.artbizblog.com

SHAMELESS SELF-PROMOTION : :
Begins today, November 21.
The most popular ArtBizCoach.com class contains basic bread-and-butter information that every artist should be implementing. In fact, it's so important that I've decided to run it more frequently than the other classes. Join us! Info & Enrollment

BOOK : :
"What to Send to Galleries & Why," part of The Visual Artist's Kit, is featured on pages 34-40 of the "2006 Artist's & Graphic Designer's Market" (Mary Cox, editor. Writer's Digest Books.) You can find it through my Amazon link.

The entire Visual Artist's Kit can be purchased only at ArtBizCoach.com

THIS WEEK:
►More about business cards
►She set up a street gallery to sell her work
►Get into the holiday spirit

Find out more: Art Biz Blog

Individual Consultations Writing and Editing Ongoing Support Marketing Plans Classes Paving Your Career Path Setting Up

Copyright © 2005 Alyson B. Stanfield. All rights reserved.

I encourage you to forward all or part of this newsletter as long as you include the above copyright information and this link: http://www.artbizcoach.com . Internet Explorer users can forward this page by selecting "File," then "Send" then "Page by E-mail."

The Art Marketing Action newsletter is sent only to subscribers. You can subscribe using the instructions in the column at left. Instructions for unsubscribing and changing your email address are at the bottom of each issue delivered to your inbox.