From a thread of conversation over at Twitter. Thanks, tweeter friends!
Craft business tip (1): Always carry your business cards with you.
Craft business tip (2): Wear your craft jewelry wherever you go.
Craft business tip (1+2=3): Wear your jewelry and hand out your business cards. It’s amazing how many people have told me about someone approaching them asking “Where did you get that great jewelry? Oh my gosh, you made it??” The next step from there is obvious: snag a new customer.
Craft business tip (3+1=4): Make a t-shirt that artfully invites, “Ask me about my jewelry!” How about a button too?
Ask me about my etsy store!
It works.
Share a story about “conversation starters” that led to sales–leave a comment!
3 Comments
I am always on the look out for a potential customer and the only way I can get that potential customer is to have an opportunity to tell them about what I do, and invite them to see what I do by giving them my card.
I have been complimented on my jewelry, and I thank them and wait for the question – ‘Where did you get it’. That is when I tell them a little about what I do. I offer them a card, and I hand write on the back a discount code I have for my site for 10% off and tell them it is my way of saying thank you for liking what I do enuff to approach me about it.
I also approach women who wear the type of jewelry I make. I compliment their piece, ask where they got it, and allow the converstation to lead me to give them a card, and a discount again.
My boldest move that lead to a sale – I saw two women browsing the jewelry section at a local retail chain. I walked up and gave them a card, and told them they deserved something original, not mass produced. Why look like everyone else in the crowd? I got an email and a sale from that!
Great tips Dave! I especially like what Tish had to say about approaching women in a retail jewelry store! Very courageous. I think that handing out business cards is essential. I am all about networking and that would be one of the first rules. I love it when I am with someone who has worn my jewelry and they are complimented. They then give me the greatest testimonial and in with a potential client. And my blog…it is not necessarily about jewelry, but more about finding creativity in everything. But because I strive to make one of a kind and not mass produced and tell the unique story of my clients through wearable works of art, I have actually had people commission jewelry just from reading what I write. They know that I will take great care and create something special just for them! Thanks for the timely tips, Dave! Rings & Things rocks! Enjoy the day! Erin
The personal stories both of you shared are the best craft business tips possible, so let me thank you profusely and encourage you to visit here often 🙂