March 6th, 2010
by Shasta McLaughlin
The Extravaganza Craft Productions
copyright 2010
?How can you make your booth stand out at jewelry shows?
1. Specialize in something!
Artisans can specialize in:
* gold or silver jewelry
* vintage pieces
* bridal jewelry
* jewelry from natural gemstone, precious or semi-precious stones
* Western, outdoor, rugged, or nature jewelry
* Silverware jewelry
* Pieces inspired by any race or nationality
* Beaded jewelry
* remake antique jewelry
Your pieces can be inspired by a place such as all your pieces having the colors of the Grand Canyon or your favorite mountain scene. They might be inspired by your favorite city, or even by an industrial building.
The key in specializing is to choose a large group of people with similar tastes in handcrafted jewelry and design jewelry specifically for them.
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Categories: Art/Craft Business Tips, Jewelry Booth Displays
Tags: improve sales of arts and crafts, increasing profits from handcrafted arts and crafts, jewelry, marketing handcrafted jewelry, selling jewelry at art and craft shows
February 25th, 2010
The Extravaganza Craft Productions would like to thank Montana Arts Council for publishing the article “Grow Your Business During Tough Economic Times” by Shasta McLaughlin in their November/December issue of State of the Arts.
The article contains suggestions that help you cut costs at craft shows and market your business to grow your craft show business during tough times.
View the article at http://www.art.mt.gov/soa/pr.asp?ID=1289
Thank You Montana Arts Council!
Categories: Art/Craft Vendor Hints and Tips, Tools to Save Time or Money
Tags: Art/Craft Vendor Hints & Tips, Craft Business, craft show vendors, craft shows, increasing profits from handcrafted arts and crafts, make money selling arts and crafts, marketing handcrafted jewelry
February 24th, 2010
Make Your Craft Show Display Stand Out From The Crowd
If you have decided to try your hand at setting up at craft shows, festivals, or flea markets, then you’ll need to have the right craft show display to make your wares stand apart from the rest. This is especially important if you are selling something like jewelry or any other staple craft show item. Having a great craft show display can make a big difference between having someone walk right by you or stop for a look and hopefully a sale. Here are some great ways to create an eye-catching craft show display.
Craft Show Display Basics
When you first get started you will have to purchase the right equipment and this can be a bit of an investment, but if you think you will continue doing shows then you’ll need the following:
o Canopy or tent – The proper canopy or tent will protect your goods from rain and sun. Delicate crafts made from fabric, paper or handmade clothing can become damaged from just a few hours of direct sunlight.
o Tables – Most craft show displays require at least table or two for their set up. Buy the lightest, easiest thing to carry around. You can find many aluminum models that fold up with ease and can be tucked away in almost any vehicle. Don’t forget a small chair for yourself.
o Weights – Make sure you carry weights, large water bottles that can be filled, or small sand bags. You will need to tether these to your tables or tent with bungee cords in case of a windy day.
o Display cases – No matter what you are selling you can find the right craft show display case for your items. Look at retails suppliers or ask other vendors. A thrift store can give you some great items on the cheap.
o Quality fabric – Cover your tables in bright fabric. Take your time to come up with a great color scheme for your craft show display. Work your tent color, table covers, and products into a harmonious craft show display.
Beyond The Basics
Once you have the basic equipment that you’ll need for your craft show display then you’ll need a few creative ideas to get people into your booth.
o The set up – Make sure that your tables are positioned in a way that is easy for customers to see. Keep your tables near the front of the tent so people can walk by casually. Don’t expect people to walk to the back of your booth, it may seem obvious, but people want to keep going unless something really interests them.
o Height – Try hanging things from the tent to catch people’s eye from afar. This can work for a lot of items. If you can’t do that, make sure you vary the height on your tables. Use small shelves, boxes, or other display items to give the tables a richer feel.
o Mirrors – Always bring a mirror for people to look at things they may want to try on.
o Signage – Have a banner or business cards on display is a great idea. Even if someone doesn’t want something today, they can come back and find you or email you.
o Pricing – For many people seeing clear price tags on items is very helpful. Lots of shoppers don’t feel comfortable engaging in chitchat over every item in the booth. If you are getting really busy, this will save you lots of time from answering questions.
Hints To Keep You Ahead
If you are a newcomer to the festival scene then you may not yet realize what an ally other vendors can be for you. Although they may seem like the competition and in some cases they are, they can also help give you invaluable advice. Remember to always respect your boundaries with your craft show display. Most arguments between vendors center around just an inch or two! When space is at a premium people can become very territorial, just remember to take care with your craft show display and stay on your neighbor’s good side. He’ll be the guy you entrust with your craft show display when it’s time for a bathroom break. Follow these tips to have a great craft show display no matter whether you’re a newbie or a festival regular!
Categories: Art/Craft Show Booth Display, Booth Etiquette, Booth Supplies, Canopies & Tents for Art/Craft Shows, Homemade Trade Show Displays, Jewelry Booth Displays, Table Display Ideas, Weights for Canopies & Tents
Tags: Art/Craft Show Booth Display, Art/Craft Vendor Hints & Tips, Booth Etiquette, Canopies & Tents for Art/Craft Shows, craft show vendors, craft shows, Handmade Arts and Crafts, Homemade Trade Show Displays, improve sales of arts and crafts, increasing profits from handcrafted arts and crafts, Jewelry Booth Display, Weights for Canopies & Tents
February 13th, 2010
by Charlie Cook
©2007 In Mind Communications, LLC, all rights reserved.
www.marketingforsuccess.com
You’re in the elevator and your friend John introduces you to Barbara who is the CEO of one of the companies you’d like to do business with. Barbara asks, “What do you do?”
Here is your chance to make a connection with a prime member of your target market. You want to get her attention, make a positive impression and get her interested enough to continue the conversation. You’ve got about fifteen seconds to do this.
Do you have an elevator speech?
Whether you are in the elevator, or on the phone, the way you start the conversation will determine whether or not it will continue. You could tell anyone what you do if you had half an hour, but with fifteen seconds you’re likely to simply label yourself, as most people do.
Labels don’t tell us much. Imagine you told Barbara, in the elevator, that you are a coach or a consultant. Are you talking about working with high school kids, senior managers, or actors? Few job labels tell your audience who you work with. Most labels are not only vague but don’t help to prompt the conversation to continue.
You could be more specific and tell your prospect you are a tax accountant or an automation specialist. That gives people some idea of what you do, but still doesn’t explain why your prospect should care.
Instead of using a label, you could tell your prospect how you do your work, the processes you use. You might say, “We analyze light manufacturing companies to identify areas where the addition of a programmable logic controller could boost throughput.” If she understands what you are talking about, you still haven’t given her a reason to contact you.
Whether you are an executive coach, lawyer, accountant, or automation specialist, when you start talking about the processes you use eyes glaze over and minds shut down. While you may have developed processes that no one else uses, prospects don’t car about the process, at least not initially.
One of the most common mistakes people make is assuming their message should be about themselves. If you are in business to provide services and products to clients and customers, your marketing message should be about their needs and wants. Here’s the difference:
• “I’m a marketing coach.” (It’s about me, and who really cares?)
• “I help independent professionals attract more clients and make more money.” (It’s about what I do for others and should prompt the question, “How do you do that?”)
Your prospects’ primary concern isn’t you. They want to know what you can do for them and how you can help them profit, financially, physically or emotionally. They want to know if you can solve a problem for them.
To get attention with a short sentence about the problems you solve, you might tell Barbara you “help reduce manufacturing operating costs and increase profits”. Cost containment is a continual problem for any CEO and should pique her interest and prompt follow up.
Stop shutting the door to new business with your business marketing message. When people ask you what you do, avoid using a label or a discussion of process. Instead, quickly clarify who you help and what type of problems you solve. One sentence should do the job.
Talking about what you do in a new way takes a little getting used to. The first couple of times you stop yourself from saying, “I’m an executive coach or consultant” and replace it with a marketing message or elevator speech that describes how you actually help clients, it will feel awkward. Keep using and fine tuning your small business marketing message and soon it will not only give prospects a clear idea of what you do but you’ll be comfortable using it.
Once you have a 15 second marketing message that works you can use it in the elevator, in the airport, on the phone, and at parties and watch your business grow.
You’ll b e more successful with a brilliant marketing message and elevator speech. You’ll be able to quickly help people understand how you can help them so they’ll buy from you.
The author, Charlie Cook, helps small business owners and marketing professionals attract more clients, whether you are marketing in print, in person or online. Sign up for the Free Marketing eBook, ‘7 Steps to get more clients and grow your business‘, full of practical marketing strategies you can use to increase profits at www.MarketingForSuccess.com
Categories: Marketing
Tags: marketing handcrafted jewelry
February 12th, 2010
Hello Artists and Crafters,
I’m having a hard time finding the motivation to write here. Usually it’s because of personal problems but it doesn’t help that I just don’t know what you would like to hear about.
Are you having trouble with your craft show booth display?
Craft show promoters are you having trouble finding craft show vendors?
Need to know how to make more sales in your show booth?
Email me the specific questions that are plaguing your craft show booth. I’ll do some research and do my best to answer your questions here on the blog.
I’m sure that if you’re facing those problems someone else is also. So let’s help each other out send me your questions and I’ll do my best to get back to them.
Thanks,
Shasta McLaughlin
The Extravaganza Craft Productions
Categories: Uncategorized
February 11th, 2010
by Shasta McLaughlin
The Extravaganza Craft Productions
copyright 2008
Recently I signed up to do business with a big company and have had nothing but a terrible experience. They have however helped me to realize what good customer service is and what it is not.
Good service is delivering what was promised, on time. It is realizing that as a business person it is your job to deliver value for your customers dollars.
Good customer service is having a way for your customers to reach you regarding any problems they are having with your art or craft, your policies or your business in general. It is having a clear effective way for them to report problems. It is listening to them and valuing their opinions.
Good customer service is NOT giving people the run around. It is NOT making them call and leave several messages to resolve a problem. Customer service is NOT WAITING two weeks before returning phone calls. It is returning their calls within 2 days of them calling even if it is only to tell them you are sorry for the problem and working to resolve it. Then resolve it and let them know.
Providing good service ISN’T about correcting customers misconceptions about your business after they happen. It is preventing them in the first place, or taking responsibility for them if they do occur.
Good customer service is having a 100% satisfaction guarantee that states:
If you are unsatisfied with our product or service for any reason we will refund you money completely. No questions asked. However if you would like to tell us what is was wrong with our product or service we would be happy to listen so we can improve our business in the future.
It is informing all your employees of this policy. It is telling them that listening means not talking. It is giving them the authority and resources they need to refund the customers money.
Lastly good customer service is about seeing upset customers as an asset. Upset customers can do the most damage to your business OR you can see that they are your best opportunities to grow. By hearing your customers complaints you know the places that your business needs improvement. If you resolve their problems with your business satisfactorily they may even become your best customers.
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Categories: Art/Craft Business Tips, Art/Craft Vendor Hints and Tips, Tips for Promoters
Tags: art craft show customer service
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