Coming Out!
No matter what your profession - painter, sculptor, actor, poet, dancer,
writer, etc., you must expose yourself to the world - over and over.
This is torture to many artists who rather just do their "art." Well,
just doing "art" and not paying attention to the business side is where
the phrase, "starving artist" was born.
To take the sting out of "marketing" look at the number of CEO's who
are successfully leading million dollar businesses because of their
creativity and innovation. Bill Gates, Stephen Speilberg, Ted Turner.
Basically, three shy men who value their private lives. But they understand
marketing. Can you imagine not hearing about a new Microsoft product?
When do you see Speilberg the most? When he has a new movie coming out.
He knows he has to promote. Would he rather be behind a camera or with
his family? Of-course!
What Are You Selling?
A
painting, an idea, a book, crafts, music, yourself? Clarity is crucial
regarding defining who you are and what you, your service or product
does.
Who is Your Market?
Who needs, desires or appreciates what you have to offer? Create a profile
of your target market - define their emotional needs. Can they afford
you? Make a detailed description of your core customer. How old are
they? Where do they live and work? How much do they make? What's important
to them? What are their problems and concerns?
How will You Reach them?
Where are they located? Ask yourself, "If you were a customer, where
would you look for your services or products? Once you've found them,
what is your approach? Phone calls, appointments, U.S. mail, e-mails,
website or e-mail? What promotional material will you give them; brochure,
fact sheets, resume, artist's statement, business card, proposal, marketing
plan (book publishers), sample products?
What will You do once You have Reached them?
Are you prepared? Have you done your homework & researched your market
well enough that you can fill their needs? What are they looking for?
If you're an actor read Variety and the Hollywood Reporter. Ask for
informational interviews with people in your field. How did they do
it? Do they have contacts? And always send thank you notes or make follow-up
phone calls. Remember, the other person wants to be acknowledged as
much as you do.
Need
better information about your area of interest? Ask for informational
interviews with people in your field. How did they do it? Do they have
contacts? Most people are quite generous and willing to help when it
comes to sharing about their professional endeavors.
© Copyright 2006 Susan
Ann Darley. All rights reserved.
COACHING - Take conscious control of your life and live
creatively in the solution.
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here to
learn more.
