Why You Should Use Video to Promote Your Business

By on January 25, 2012 in Blogging Advice, Creative Business Development

You’ve got an online business. You want to connect with and engage more of your fans and customers.

What to do…What to do?

Use video.

Hannah and Emily from @flychicksonline requested that I talk about building confidence to vlog {video blog} and what to vlog about. Before delving into that, I talk about why you should use video to promote your business–and then I go into how you can build up your confidence to do it. Watch below to see what I have to say:

Next week, I’ll cover what you should vlog about.

Do you have any tips for building up confidence to put yourself on video? Have you recently started using video? Were you nervous? Share any tips below!

Quick Announcement: Enrollment for ARTrepreneur and Six Weeks to a Creative Business closes January 30th {that’s this upcoming Monday!}.

Comments { 16 }

Are You Keeping Up With Your New Year’s Resolutions?

By on January 19, 2012 in ARTrepreneur, Creative Business Development, Goals, Productivity

{Personal Image}

We’re nearing the end of the third week in January.

This is the point where I notice less people at the gym, because they’re starting to give up on their goals—their New Year’s resolutions.

They’re starting to realize that the goals they set weren’t realistic, they didn’t realize how tough it would be to make the change, or they don’t care enough about losing 15 pounds before bathing suit season to wake up an hour earlier.

This is also the point where I notice people not following through on their business plans. They started out the New Year strong and have tapered off.

I have a few suggestions on how you can deal with this, so you’re not one of those people who end up saying, “How did 2012 go by so fast? There was so much I wanted to do and change, and it didn’t happen.”

1. Don’t give up when you slip.

Making changes isn’t easy. That’s just the truth. So, when you decide that you’re going to work on your business for an hour after dinner at least three nights a week, you might realize that it isn’t as easy as just making that decision. Stuff comes up.

Scientists disagree on how long it takes to form a habit, but it usually takes at least 30 days. Once you’ve done something for a month, it becomes easier to keep doing it, because you start to do it more on autopilot. Before this time, most of us have slip ups. These slip ups determine whose going to make it and who won’t. The people who make big changes learn from their slip ups, they understand that making mistakes along the way is part of the process, and they keep moving forward.

2. Get to know your triggers and plan for them.

We all have triggers that keep us from our goals. I just started learning some new knitting techniques, and I’m really excited about them. I also have some episodes of Grey’s Anatomy sitting in the queue of my Tivo. I love to watch/listen to Grey’s Anatomy and knit. I don’t feel as bad about watching television when I do something else along with it—like knitting.

This is a trigger for me. I could be knitting and watching Grey’s instead of working and writing this post. I have to plan for that trigger. I have a rule about it. I’m not allowed to watch and knit until at least 5:45 pm. My husband usually doesn’t get home from work until 6:30 pm, so that gives me time to watch one episode and knit while fast forwarding through the commercials. I don’t get to do it every day, but having that rule in place keeps me from playing couch potato girl.

3. Tell other people about your goals and the changes you want to make.

Today, I spent an hour talking with Mayi Carles from heartmade. We were catching up, talking about our recent launches, and making plans for 2012. That hour inspired me, gave me new ideas, and will help me hold myself accountable. If I tell someone I’m going to do something, I’m more likely to do it. When I feel inspired because I’m around like-minded people, I’m more likely to stay motivated.

One way you can do this is by joining a community like ARTrepreneur {enrollment closes January 30th}. You’d be surrounded by people who want the same things you want, who are willing to tell you their secrets and failures, and who want to see you succeed. That’s one of the things that I love about it.

Tell me. Where you at with those New Year’s resolutions?

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How I Got Here: A True Story

By on January 18, 2012 in ARTrepreneur, Creativity

My mom and I share a lot of things. We have the same eyes and lips–when you see us in person, you KNOW we’re related. We both have sparkling personalities {ahem, tempers}. And, we both have a passion for creative pursuits.

My mom was my first creative business inspiration, and she’s a big part of why I do what I do.

Since, I’m launching a new program, Six Weeks to a Creative Business, and relaunching ARTrepreneur, I thought I’d share one of the big reasons I wound up where I am today.

Settle in with a handful of popcorn or a cup of tea {it’s really not that long}, and enjoy:

Has anyone inspired your passion for creating? I’d love to hear more about it in the comments below.

And, do you like today’s background? It’s a bunch of hanging ribbons!

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FREE Module: Choosing Products and Getting to Know Your Target Market

By on January 17, 2012 in Creative Business Development, Marketing

Mentioned in the video module:

1. Jessica Swift’s amazing rain boots.

2. Target market biography worksheet: download here.

3. Example of a plan of getting to know your target market: download here.

This is a module from, Six Weeks to a Creative Business, which is currently open for enrollment here. Enrollment closes on January 30th. If you enroll in ARTrepreneur, you automatically get access to this course for FREE. 

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An Inside Look Into ARTrepreneur

By on January 16, 2012 in ARTrepreneur

Want the details on ARTrepreneur or see how I tied together Gilmore Girls and ARTrepreneur? Check it out here. Enrollment ends January 30th.

If you’re not ready to join ARTrepreneur, but you need help getting your creative business up and running, check out this new ecourse: Six Weeks to a Creative Business. If you do join ARTrepreneur, you get access to this course for FREE. Just sayin’.

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Why You Need a Marketing Plan + Basic Steps to Put One Together

By on January 11, 2012 in ARTrepreneur, Creative Business Development, Marketing

{Personal Image}

You have a product that you’re proud of and want to sell. You tell your friends and family members, and they all hope that you’re just going through a phase. In a condescending tone, your mother asks, “Do you really think you could make a living selling YOUR paintings?” Instead of throwing a tantrum like a two-year-old, you take a deep breath, plaster on a smile, and try to explain that people actually do make a living by selling their art.

You spend hours taking pictures. You realize your pictures suck–they’re too dark and blurry, and the polka-dot background completely distracts from your products. You read your camera manual and learn some tips on lighting and macro photography. You spend another few hours retaking pictures. They’re much better than the first batch, especially after you edit them.

You try your very best to write product descriptions that don’t sound too pushy and salesy. You attempt to write in your own voice to make them sound unique, because that’s what everyone says you should do, even though you don’t really know what that even means.

You bite your lip and start to sweat as you put a $15 price on a product that took you three hours to make, because you really want to sell something. {If this is you, raise your damn prices!}

You upload your products on Etsy…and you wait…and you wait. You check your shop every 3 minutes hoping that someone has favorited one of your items or actually purchased something.

Then, you think, “Maybe I’m not good at this. Maybe I’m crazy to think people would actually want to buy my stuff. Maybe I should give up.” That’s when you reach for the wine bottle and have a glass or two or three and hope that no one asks, “So how’s that little online art business of yours going?”

This is where today’s lesson comes in.

Even if you have a unique product, magazine-worthy product photos, and well-written product descriptions, you still have to bring people into your shop. You need a marketing plan. Now, watch the video below:

If you don’t have a marketing plan, I have two suggestions for you:

The first is a blatant way for me to sell one of my products. Buy my digital guide, Marketing for Creatives: How to Spread Your Message and Boost Your Sales, and learn how to market your stuff. {See how I’m marketing to you right now?}

The second is a basic way to start a marketing plan. Follow these steps:

1. List six places {blogs, websites, online magazines, print publications} where you would like to see your work featured or you would like to be featured.

2. Assign each of those places to one month over the next six months. Example: February: Design*Sponge, March: Oh My! Handmade Goodness, April: Real Simple, May: Decor8, June: Creature Comforts, July: Artful Blogging.

3. For each month, concentrate on getting your product featured on that site or in that publication. Learn what you need to do to submit your work and submit it.

Note: Your work may not get featured in that month. For instance, you might submit work to a print publication that doesn’t get featured until six months down the road. That’s okay. It’s just important to focus on getting these features.

Leave me a comment below letting me know one place where you’d like to see your work featured in 2012. I love hearing about your plans!

Announcement: ARTreprenuer {the membership site that helps you turn your creative dreams into reality} will be open for signup January 16th-January 31st. I’ll be offering a special discount for email newsletter subscribers on January 16th. Want to be on the list? Sign up below:

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Thinking like an ARTrepreneur: A Must to Succeed

By on January 9, 2012 in ARTrepreneur, Creative Business Development

{Personal Image}

What would it mean for you to have a business that revolves around your lifestyle? What would it mean for you to have a business that revolves around your strengths, your creativity, and your passion?

Can you imagine filling your day with creativity, passion, and self-care while profiting and producing meaningful products and services?

This is what it means to be an ARTrepreneur.

ARTrepreneurs treat their businesses like businesses—not like hobbies. They let their creativity and passion lead them to make unique products and services that add something beautiful to the world. They focus their businesses on their strengths, and they don’t apologize for their prices. They love what they do, and they don’t buy into the idea of the starving artist.

Want to be successful as a creative business owner? Then, you need to start thinking and acting like an ARTrepreneur:

1. Know your numbers.

ARTrepreneurs know how much they make. They know how much their materials cost. They know how much they need to price their products to make a profit. They keep these numbers organized, because they know it’s important to keep track of how much is going out and how much is coming in. You can’t know if you’re profiting without this information.

2. Invest in your business.

Most creative entrepreneurs don’t have to spend a lot of money when they first start their businesses and this is a really good thing. But, you do have to be willing to invest in your business when necessary. And, when I say invest in your business, I don’t just mean money—I also mean time. For example, if you don’t know how to take magazine-worthy product photos, you’ve got to invest the time {and probably a little bit of money} to make it happen.

3. Set business goals.

ARTrepreneurs know what goals they are striving to reach. They know how much money they want to make, and they know what steps they need to take to start reaching these goals. They plan on success.

4. Brand your business.

ARTrepreneurs understand that they have to put time and money into branding their businesses. They know that all the details matter. They also know that each aspect of their business should relate to their brand—the packaging, shop banner, blog design, and email signature should be cohesive.

5. Have multiple revenue streams.

ARTrepreneurs know that they need multiple revenue streams, because one could dry up. They know that it’s best to sell their products in different stores and online. They know that more than one product line encourages multiple purchases and repeat customers.

Here’s something else that ARTrepreneurs know: You aren’t born knowing how to do all this stuff. You have to learn how build and run a successful creative business.

If you’re striving to be an ARTrepreneur, you’re in luck. ARTreprenuer {the membership site} will be open for signup January 16th-January 31st. I’ll be offering a special discount for email newsletter subscribers on January 16th. Want to be on the list? Sign up below:

 

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Hitting a Post-Holiday Sales Slump? How to Use This Time Wisely

By on January 4, 2012 in Creative Business Development, Goals, Productivity, Success

We all want sales, but downtime can be your friend if you use it wisely.

In between big projects, I always give myself more time to do fun stuff like baking vegan chocolate chip cookies, reading a new Jodi Picoult novel, and watching girls breakdown on The Bachelor. But, I also use the time to get ahead, plan out creative marketing ideas, and stock up on blog posts.

In this week’s video, I give you five ideas on how you can use time in between sales to your advantage. Check it out:

Wanna quick recap? Here are the five ideas on how to fill your downtime:

1. Make a marketing plan to get out of your feast or famine cycle.

2. Pitch a guest post or interview.

3. Stock up on your best-selling items.

4. Stock up on blog posts.

5. Take a class related to your craft or a business class that will help you move forward in your business.

Have you heard?

In a couple weeks, I’ll be launching a group coaching program for crafters, artists, and creatives who want to turn their passion into a business. It’s a simple, straight-forward course that will walk you through each step to setting up a successful creative biz. Want to know when it launches and get in on the special only for newsletter subscribers? Sign up below.

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FREE Digital Guide: The Best of Blacksburg Belle 2011

By on January 2, 2012 in Creative Business Development

I can’t put into words how excited I am for 2012. I’ve got BIG plans. I mean BIG.

But, before I move into 2012 full force, I compiled some of the best posts from 2011 in case you missed some of them, wanted them all in one place, or wanted to reread some of the most popular ones.

Download your copy of this 65-page FREE digital guide right here.

In a couple weeks, I’ll be launching a group coaching program for crafters, artists, and creatives who want to turn their passion into a business. It’s a simple, straight-forward course that will walk you through each step to setting up a successful creative biz. Want to know when it launches and get in on the special only for newsletter subscribers? Sign up below.

 

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How to Increase Customer Loyalty In 2012

By on December 28, 2011 in Creative Business Development, Success

Do you want to increase your sales in 2012? That’s a big, fat yes, right?

Did you know that it’s easier to keep current customers and turn them into repeat customers than it is to get new customers? It takes less time and money to focus on your current customers than it does to bring in new customers.

In this week’s video, I detail how you can focus on your current customers in 2012 to turn them into loyal, repeat customers.

I’ve also put together a handy worksheet to make this even easier for ya. You can download it here. {You need Adobe Reader in order to download the worksheet.}

I’d love to hear how you’re going to make your customers feel extra special in 2012 in the comments below.

Quick Announcement:

In January, I’ll be launching a group coaching program for crafters, artists, and creatives who want to turn their passion into a business. It’s a simple, straight-forward course that will walk you through each step to setting up a successful creative biz. Want to know when it launches and get in on the special only for newsletter subscribers? Sign up below.

Comments { 31 }
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