More Shameless Self-Promotion

Shameless Self-Promotion by Ann Sheppard [of Such Pretty Colors]

Sometimes Self-Promotion can be hard for us. We are taught not to 'brag'. But you can positively and enthusiastically promote yourself without bragging.

This column will give a tip each week, just little ways you can promote your business in your daily life.

Tip #2 - Things to do with your business cards

1. Put one in every customer's bag. Say, "My business card is in the bag in case you need me again."

2. Give one to every customer you talk to, even if they don't buy something. Say, "Would you like my card in case you decide you'd like to get one [of my items] in the future?"

3. Keep a few in your bag or pocket, ready to give out in unexpected situations. :)

4. Put them on the bulletin board at cafes, coney islands, Whole Foods, the Co-op, etc. Restock them as needed.

5. Give a stack to your mom. When she is bragging about you to the lady behind her in line at Meijer's, she can give her your card. Give some to your best friend and your spouse, too.

6. Make them into bookmarks and give those to your customers. Then they will keep them around and see them often.

7. Put a magnet on the back so your customers can put them on the fridge.

8. If a repeat customer tells you that her friends constantly ask where she got the item she bought from you, ask her if she'd like a stack of your cards.

9. Ask your suppliers if they keep business cards on hand. For instance, the JoAnn fabric on Ann Arbor Saline Rd. used to keep business cards in the drawer under the register, in case their customers inquired about seamstresses for hire. Ask the local beadshop or scrapbook store, or whatever is appropriate to your craft, if they keep cards on hand for this reason.

10. Trade a stack with a fellow crafter. Put his on your table, and ask him to put yours on his table.

11. What NOT to do: Litter. Some people suggest you stick your cards in random library books or put them on counters and shelves in stores and other public places. This is just littering and won't get you a good return. Think about the planet and skip this one.

Go give 'em! Next time, let's stick our toes into the internet. :)

Our wonderful Ann (aka Such Pretty Colors) has volunteered to put together a series of articles on ways that artists can promote themselves. Here is the first, hope you find it useful.
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Shameless Self-Promotion by Ann Sheppard of Such Pretty Colors [in spots #118/119]

Sometimes Self-Promotion can be hard for us. We are taught not to 'brag'. But you can positively and enthusiastically promote yourself without bragging.This column will give a tip each week, just little ways you can promote your business in your daily life.

Tip #1

Make sure you have a good, professional looking business card. Your business card represents you, and it's a little piece of you that people keep around to remind them of you. You want it to look good. It's part of your 'brand', so try to keep it in line with the aesthetic and level of your work. :)

Things to include:

• Business name
• Your name
• What you do - my card says 'Patchwork and Other Goodies'
• Phone number [although some people might not want to share this with strangers]
• Email address
• Website
• Where you can be found - for instance I put 'Sat Sun & Wed at A2 Farmer's Market April-Xmas' right on my card
• Any other info you want to give customers - my cards say "custom work available"

Some resources:

Go in and talk you your local neighborhood printer. Supporting local is great, and remember, you will save shipping. Ask to see examples of finished work to make sure it looks good.

http://www.copymax.com - I couldn't get onto this site because I have a Mac. :( But, I believe you can get a basic business card from Copy Max [in Office Max] at a great low price.

http://www.VistaPrint.com - be careful with these guys. You get 250 free business cards and only pay $5.65 shipping and handling. They offer GREAT prices, but they do it by trying to trick you into accidentally signing up for 'FREE' offers that charge you $20 or $30 per month on your credit card. DO NOT accept any free offers [other than their product] or check any boxes. You can order 1 of each free product on each order [sometimes magnets, sticky notes, pens, etc]. 250 color business cards costs $5.65 total. You can also upload your own graphic for an extra charge, $4.99 I believe.

http://www.overnightprints.com - people who want to stay away from VistaPrints shady practices often like Overnightprints. :) I've heard some minor complaints about the colors being off, but have heard other folks say they are perfect.

http://www.moo.com/ - these are the Cadillac of business cards. Moo cards have your photos on the front and your info on the back. You can use a different photo on each card, or any mixture you choose. You can upload the images directly from your computer or from a variety of image-hosting sites like Flickr or even Etsy. [Flickr and Etsy will get their own columns later!]. They are narrower [and more exciting] than regular business cards.

If none of these are right for you, you can always Google for other online printers...Go get 'em! Next time, we can talk about what to do with them once you have them.