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Starting an art and craft business can be an isolating career at times. You work from home, usually on solo projects, and except for the occasional Skype or Facebook participation, you don't have the opportunity to interact with others much.
Some newbie creative entrepreneurs take the isolating career to extreme levels. They are never interested in branding their name, they are watching blog posts from the sidelines, they are just too scared to put themselves out there for judgment in the marketplace.
My art and craft business advice is to network.Networking will help you make big gains as a creative entrepreneur. First and foremost, it helps you brand your name in the marketplace. You'll always want to participate in your marketing niche, even if it's not the niche you're making money with. So converse with other creative people, share interesting resources or just advice about working in a creative field.
The reason for this connection is because you can find potential Joint Venture (JV) partners who are in the same or similar niche as you. These relationships and bonds you build with other creative entrepreneurs could serve you well in the future.
Always put your sights on someone who's a step above you on the ladder of success. This will help you build your own business because you're catapulting your momentum forward rather than taking a step backward as an unknown.
If at all possible, try to attend seminars within your creative niche. You'll meet people and gain valuable insight that isn't sold on the internet - secrets shared as good friends rather than sold to a general public.
Seminars can help you bounce ideas off of others and generate some new ideas based on what you learn. It can also help you locate products and services that will help your business.
You might meet graphic designers, freelance writers, who could give your product or site a mention on his or her blog. If you attend a seminar, have some business cards ready to hand out to people that include your name, email address, and website.
Get cards from others, too and then follow up on those contacts to remind people of who you are - thanking them if they provided you with any information that helps you on your journey to becoming a successful creative entrepreneur.
After you attend enough seminars, you may even be asked to be a speaker at one, which is when you'll be the main focus of the networking party and everyone will be competing for your time and attention.
Be Fabulous,
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Your blog site is so useful … keep up the great work!
Posted by: United Gold Direct | April 19, 2011 at 05:40 AM
You certainly deserve a round of applause for your post and more specifically, your blog in general. And i also believe that school you can create a creative business.
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