Polite honest self promotion in tough times

With the economic monetary crisis filtering down to all walks of life and nations throughout the world many of us are afraid for our livelihood and for our business.

This financial storm that is rattling the world will be weathered, but the question is how are you preparing to minimize the damage?

A lot of us who make and sell jewelry full time have noticed a decline in sales as the public tighten their financial belts cutting back on luxuries.  This season could be difficult for you depending on your preparedness and your labors.

I have found that how you sell yourself directly affects how your creations will sell. Friendly, polite, knowledgeable, honest, and professional are all traits that I bear in mind when "setting up shop".  Self promotion is important and you will never find me without business cards or wearing examples of my work.

Striking up friendly conversations with as many people as possible is key to promotion. I like to open a conversation with an honest compliment; usually a piece of jewelry, accessory, or a feature about the person in question.  One should never be overbearing or dishonest, take this comment for example:

"Oh, such a lovely lapis necklace it really brings out the color of your eyes"

Is an honest compliment that will often lead to talk about jewelry, gemstones, and a peak in my hand case of fine works that is never too far away, and a business card passed.

Often I ask about loved ones or relatives and how they will be expressing their affection this season.  I can never forget the loving look in my beachcombing grandmother's eyes when she opened the druzy starfish tree agate pendant I made for her.

I heard on NPR that with the frugality of consumer spending these holidays that consumers are taking more time to research their products then making rash decisions.  For this reason it is essential to have your online gallery, etsy, or MySpace, listed on your card; where your work can be seen and all the information examined. Next blog we will discuss how to set up a gallery online for free and promote your etsy shop with a limited budget.

See Part two Thriving Sales in a Frugal Economy

 

 

 

Creativity and the Busy Life

Creativity and the Busy Life

Where do I find time to be creative with all the other things that have to be done?

With a small child, husband, work and household to care for, I often find I have no time to create jewelry. At the end of the day, after work, making dinner, giving my daughter a bath, brushing her teeth and reading a bed-time story; all I really want to do is lie down on the couch and zone-out.

But I have found a way! After reading some of my favorite author's blogs and journals (Neil Gaiman and Roald Dahl),

I realized that time must be set aside specifically to nurture the creative process. Both these authors talked about finding the best time of day and keeping it sacred! During that time, their families and friends knew not to disturb them. So following these examples, I now have my 'creative time' first thing in the morning. I am able to get up about an half hour earlier than my husband and daughter and I have the kitchen table to myself! With a cup of coffee (ah! the elixir of life!) I spend some time journaling and sketching whatever pops into my head. I allow myself toremember last night's dreams, last year's vacation, that interesting article about fish life cycles, and so on ...

After a week (yes, only one week!), I have found so many ideas popping out that I am ready to design a line for next Spring! Flowers seem to be occupying my dream time so taking that cue I have made this necklace.

- Emily Silver Rose