Marketing Your Handcrafts -- Are You Too Shy To Promote Yourself?
May 29, 2009 | By
It may seem unbelievable, but there are a lot of people out there who make beautiful handmade creations, but when it comes to selling them, they're paralyzed by shyness and a lack of self confidence. For a naturally shy person, going up to someone you don't know, and introducing yourself, can be a very hard thing to do.
However, if you ever want your hobby to become an income-producing operation, you need to move outside your comfort zone, and learn how to promote yourself and your work. Following the tips in this article can make it easier for you to take that first step.
Selling Your Work Requires That You Market It
This is a basic rule: nothing sells itself. You must work constantly to find new customers by letting people know who you are, what you make, and how they can buy it. This is what marketing is. There's no getting around it.
Are You Afraid To Contact Shop Owners?
It's very easy to avoid taking that first step simply by procrastinating and making excuses. Somehow you never get around to making that phone call, or visiting that shop. It's just too easy to come up with reasons why you can't do it right now. If it makes you feel better, I'm guilty of this one myself.
Stop and ask yourself, "What exactly am I afraid of?" Confront your fears, so they no longer have power over you to hold you back.
What's The Worst Thing A Shop Owner Could Do To You?
Stop and ask yourself this. Remember that the shop owner is not going to eat you for breakfast, or feed you to her dogs. The worst thing that can happen is that she'll say, "no."
That's not so bad, is it? Even if she's a bit short or brusque with you (which she probably won't be), you're still alive, and you're still a good person. Once you can get past this first hurdle, you're on your way.
And you know what? There's at least a 50-50 chance that she'll say "yes" instead!
Don't Be Afraid To Promote Yourself
Have you ever been in the supermarket, and the clerk says, "I love your earrings"? Did you just smile, and say "thank you," and that was the end of it? As you went out to your car, you were probably kicking yourself. Now's the time to plan how you'll respond the next time.
When somebody admires your work, hand them a business card, and strike up a conversation. Let them know that you make all your own jewelry. Most people are amazed to meet someone who is a craftsperson. Tell them that your one-of-a-kind items make wonderful gifts, and suggest that they keep you in mind when they need a present for someone. Point out the fact that you sell your jewelry at home parties, or at the shop down the street, or tell someone who's getting married that you specialize in wedding jewelry.
Don't be pushy or overbearing, as that turns people off. What you want to do is to let people know you who you are, what you do, and how to reach you. Not everyone will be interested, but you'll be surprised how many people will be. Ask them to tell their friends about you. Word of mouth is a very powerful advertising tool.
Go ahead, take that first step in marketing your business. Once you do, you'll be amazed at how easy it is to take the next one.
Image Credits: Wootang01, flickr.com
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