The business of art

     The second session of my business class was tonight.  Again, an enjoyable time and lots of learning.  Last week we focused on our financial health and ability to borrow money for our business.  (I hadn't really planned on borrowing money for the business, but one never knows.) 

 

     This week we were deciding exactly what it is we want to do, what we have to offer the public and who we will be marketing our product and services to.  Marketing myself is an area I know I need help in.  Interesting to think about such things.  There are four artists in the class and that is nice, as we have similar needs and similar people to market to.  Already I have some new ideas to help.  Such things as a wish list, (so men don't have to think about what to buy).  Someone even suggested cards be sold so the men have one stop shopping.  Gift certificates also help those looking for gifts for others.  Having a list with names, addresses and emails of customers wanting to be notified when things are happening.  (This list might include a range of ages for people to fill in so we know the target age of our customers.)  It was also suggested to have one of the booths in the mall hallway around the holidays. 

    We were reminded that the business is not about us, but about our customers.  How can we make it easy for our customers to do business with us and how can we differentiate ourselves from the competition.  The instructor gives us lots of information and lots to think about.  

     This is supposed to be a part time business, but getting it going successfully is a full time job. My husband is complaining now that he doesn't have a wife since I am gone so much.   Hopefully his patience persists.  It all takes time!