Sunday, June 7, 2009

Starting 101 Part 2

By Ian Kleine

Remember, there will be a whole lot of people there aside from you who will be vying for your customer as well, so be on your toes and keep yourself alert and in tip top shape. Keep in mind that all your fellow artists sans competitors will have products equaling or even exceeding the workmanship of your own. Think of ways for your own product to stand out, and by that I don't mean making your table as gaudy and brash as possible. Advertise, but do it subtly, and do it with consideration. It is also considered rudeness to muscle in on your fellow artist's space.

Personal appearance. Pay attention to what you wear. It will be the first thing your customer will see on you, hence almost all first impressions usually come from what you are wearing for the occasion. A power suit, for example, would exhibit class and finesse, and oftentimes it would also denote elite-ness and a very expensive atmosphere. A casual jogging outfit, would denote the idea of fitness, and would easily suit a more fitness-themed routine.

The important thing is to dress neatly, appropriately and properly at all times. People come and go, and you have but little time to draw their attention towards you. And by drawing their attention, I mean that in a positive way.

Don't humiliate yourself of course, other than it would cause them to laugh at you, it would also demean yourself and make you lose more customers (especially those that were planning to take a look at your craft but decided against it because of your little shenanigans).

Sample sizes. Lay out your craft in small, easy to handle and easy to see samples. You don't have to display the actual things you are going to sell, but just display samples that portray similar quality to your actual product.

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