My Business?....

~Be ready to embarrass yourself.  80% of the people I approach say no, I never see this as an insult just that they are not looking for my type of art or  product.  Rejection is education.

~Don't just build customers...build repeat customers.  They will in turn promote your product and service.  There are many many ways to do this the main ones being awesome service and awesome products.

~Be realistic about what you can and cannot do.  I probably could spend 8 hours a day on the computer if I wanted but I know after a certain amount of time my focus drifts off.  I also am aware of my I can produce in various amounts of time, I am still human.

~Educate yourself.  Find things that inspire you to learn different things.  Expand your horizons and knowledge base.  This also keeps you from getting bored.  I am an avid buyer of 'how to' books and I will eat up magazines.  I also find other artists and business people and stalk them and mimic what I like so much about their business and art.  

~Take good pictures.  There are many many sources online for taking good pictures of your product and art.  Use it.....your photos will be the ONLY connection to what you have to offer which can be a barrier. 

~ Expect the ups and downs.  For me I expect to take a hit in the tourist off season and get a surplus in the tourist season.   As a consequence I tend to stash money and supplies like a ground squirrel.  

~ Be a real business.  Keep real records and learn what that means for you.  I absolutely throw a fit every time the tax season rolls around.  I  stomp around the house and moan and complain.  But I always do what I supposed to do to run a business, you don't want to get in trouble later.  This also includes knowing the rules about buying and selling Native crafts.  For way too much information you can visit the Alaska state site, and look up CITES.


Well that's the quick and dirty Business post! I hope it helped some and I would be happy to answer any questions I can. You can also post your info and contributions in the comments as I know all input is always valuable!