Antoinette Badenhorst on mon 3 jan 11
Good morning and Happy New year to all of you. May this be a blessed and be=
=3D
autiful 2011 to all of you.=3D20
This coming March we will celebrate our 12th year in the USA. With=3DC2=3DA=
0 al=3D
l our children=3DC2=3DA0 grown and out on their own now,=3DC2=3DA0Koos and =
I=3DC2=3DA0h=3D
ave new opportunities and new explorations to do.=3D20
Some years back=3DC2=3DA0our family =3DC2=3DA0started a gingerbread competi=
tion dur=3D
ing the holidays to fight cabin feaver. Everyone build their own house and =
=3D
then we build a city. =3DC2=3DA0It is so much fun, but by the time they are=
don=3D
e, we are so sick of all the candy ( and the demolishing of the cities down=
=3D
our throats!) =3DC2=3DA0that I started to think that we should add some me=
anin=3D
g to it and find a place where we can drop=3DC2=3DA0the city off=3DC2=3DA0f=
or chari=3D
ty, =3DC2=3DA0to people that will appreciate it all over again, but=3DC2=3D=
A0the tr=3D
ick lies in the appreciation. Maybe someone has some advice................=
=3D
.........=3D20
Back to clay: I started to send out proposals late in 2009 for workshops an=
=3D
d exhibitions and continued to do so in 2010. A s=3DC2=3DA0 it is, I am lea=
rnin=3D
g as I go and I=3DC2=3DA0started to see some results , but as you all know,=
one=3D
should keep people's interest in one's work warm. So..................=3D2=
0
Late last year I=3DC2=3DA0put all my courage together=3DC2=3DA0and for the =
first ti=3D
me ever sent out a newsletter. (available on my website at www.porcelainbyA=
=3D
ntoinette.com )=3DC2=3DA0Some of you will know that in the=3DC2=3DA0 South =
African =3D
=3DC2=3DA0culture it is very hard for us to stand up and put our golden egg=
s th=3D
at we=3DC2=3DA0collected out infront of others, without feeling (and often =
accu=3D
sed) =3DC2=3DA0that we are arrogant and cheesy (learned this word from Mel)=
. Ou=3D
r culture is such that we put our best out and then wait for others to disc=
=3D
over us and make no mistake, competition is high. We even have a saying: le=
=3D
t the sun shine on others too..........=3D20
So, what now? I sent out my first newsletter and I had a few good responses=
=3D
from that. Now I have to plan to proceed with this and I do not now how to=
=3D
do that in a way that people will appreciate it. This time I had lots to i=
=3D
nclude in my newsletter, but what about next time and when should next time=
=3D
be?=3D20
How about blogging and facebook and twitter and etsy and ebay=3DC2=3DA0and =
all =3D
the over stuff out there; how do one stay visable among so many other visab=
=3D
les? I've learned lately that finding a job via the internet became almost =
=3D
impossible.=3D20
What about networking....................? Does that still work?=3D20
Also: we had the advice so many times from persons like Mel, to keep busine=
=3D
ss simple and sell to your neighbors, but how do one start to do it in a bi=
=3D
g city environment where rules rule or in a rural area where you neighbors =
=3D
are miles away?=3DC2=3DA0=3DC2=3DA0=3D20
I am in the very fortunate position, where I can do pottery without money p=
=3D
ressure, but many of you guys out there have to earn an income from clay. H=
=3D
ow do you survive in the current economy?=3D20
We are at the beginning of 2011 and I think it is a perfect time to review =
=3D
the business side of clay. There are many about to graduate and to find dir=
=3D
ection, whiel the old hands have to keep up with an ever changing world.=3D=
20
So................what do you think....................?=3D20
Antoinette Badenhorst=3D20
www.porcelainbyAntoinette.com=3D20
Elisabeth Maurland on mon 3 jan 11
Happy New Year to you too!
Let me start by saying that I'm not surviving on my pottery. It's been =3D
my livelihood the last 17 years (before that, I worked for another =3D
potter, so I guess pottery was my livelihood even then), but when I had =3D
my first (and only) child six years ago, at about the same time the =3D
economy started going seriously downhill, it got very difficult. If I am =
=3D
to be honest, and I will, since I have hope, it will be economically =3D
impossible to keep going the way I have been.
I am looking into all the ways that you described, that the Internet can =
=3D
provide. I am lucky because over the years I have developed a fairly =3D
distinct style of decorating my pottery that can easily be imagined on =3D
other products, like textiles and paper. I have a pretty good group of =3D
cheerleaders to urge me on in that direction.
It's easy to imagine, harder to put into reality. It's something I've =3D
been working on since my daughter was born, but the Internet provides =3D
there too, in ways that weren't possible six years ago.
I took an Internet business class a couple of months ago, and I have to =3D
admit it made me nervous to see all the interested people.... hehe. What =
=3D
if I disappear in the crowd? How do I stay visible?
But I think it's like a city. As people get more and more used to =3D
shopping online, they are more likely to look for you and find you, just =
=3D
like even though there are a lot of stores in a city, they do well =3D
because there are more people. The more stores, the more business.
At least, that's my theory.=3D20
Of course, you have to market yourself a lot to make sure you are =3D
visible.
I come from Norway, where there exists sort of a folksy "law" that =3D
roughly tells you: "Don't think you are anything. Don't think you are =3D
better than anyone else. Don't think you amount to anything."
I have been in the U.S. for 26 years, but it's hard to shake that =3D
attitude. Art fairs have helped my self esteem quite a bit. I don't =3D
promote my work at the shows, I let it "sell" itself, but at least I =3D
feel that my work is good now, and at least online, I can try to be a =3D
little brash and self-promoting.
For me, there isn't a minute to lose. On to more research, then some =3D
pugging so I can get some orders done!
Good luck, everyone!
Elisabeth
On Jan 3, 2011, at 11:44 AM, Antoinette Badenhorst wrote:
> Good morning and Happy New year to all of you. May this be a blessed =3D
and beautiful 2011 to all of you.=3D20
>=3D20
>=3D20
>=3D20
> This coming March we will celebrate our 12th year in the USA. With =3D
all our children grown and out on their own now, Koos and I have new =3D
opportunities and new explorations to do.=3D20
>=3D20
>=3D20
>=3D20
> Some years back our family started a gingerbread competition during =3D
the holidays to fight cabin feaver. Everyone build their own house and =3D
then we build a city. It is so much fun, but by the time they are done, =
=3D
we are so sick of all the candy ( and the demolishing of the cities down =
=3D
our throats!) that I started to think that we should add some meaning =3D
to it and find a place where we can drop the city off for charity, to =3D
people that will appreciate it all over again, but the trick lies in the =
=3D
appreciation. Maybe someone has some advice.........................=3D20
>=3D20
>=3D20
>=3D20
> Back to clay: I started to send out proposals late in 2009 for =3D
workshops and exhibitions and continued to do so in 2010. A s it is, I =3D
am learning as I go and I started to see some results , but as you all =3D
know, one should keep people's interest in one's work warm. =3D
So..................=3D20
>=3D20
>=3D20
>=3D20
> Late last year I put all my courage together and for the first time =3D
ever sent out a newsletter. (available on my website at =3D
www.porcelainbyAntoinette.com ) Some of you will know that in the South =
=3D
African culture it is very hard for us to stand up and put our golden =3D
eggs that we collected out infront of others, without feeling (and often =
=3D
accused) that we are arrogant and cheesy (learned this word from Mel). =3D
Our culture is such that we put our best out and then wait for others to =
=3D
discover us and make no mistake, competition is high. We even have a =3D
saying: let the sun shine on others too..........=3D20
>=3D20
>=3D20
>=3D20
> So, what now? I sent out my first newsletter and I had a few good =3D
responses from that. Now I have to plan to proceed with this and I do =3D
not now how to do that in a way that people will appreciate it. This =3D
time I had lots to include in my newsletter, but what about next time =3D
and when should next time be?=3D20
>=3D20
>=3D20
>=3D20
> How about blogging and facebook and twitter and etsy and ebay and all =3D
the over stuff out there; how do one stay visable among so many other =3D
visables? I've learned lately that finding a job via the internet became =
=3D
almost impossible.=3D20
>=3D20
>=3D20
>=3D20
> What about networking....................? Does that still work?=3D20
>=3D20
>=3D20
>=3D20
> Also: we had the advice so many times from persons like Mel, to keep =3D
business simple and sell to your neighbors, but how do one start to do =3D
it in a big city environment where rules rule or in a rural area where =3D
you neighbors are miles away? =3D20
>=3D20
>=3D20
>=3D20
> I am in the very fortunate position, where I can do pottery without =3D
money pressure, but many of you guys out there have to earn an income =3D
from clay. How do you survive in the current economy?=3D20
>=3D20
>=3D20
>=3D20
> We are at the beginning of 2011 and I think it is a perfect time to =3D
review the business side of clay. There are many about to graduate and =3D
to find direction, whiel the old hands have to keep up with an ever =3D
changing world.=3D20
>=3D20
>=3D20
>=3D20
> So................what do you think....................?=3D20
>=3D20
>=3D20
>=3D20
> Antoinette Badenhorst=3D20
> www.porcelainbyAntoinette.com=3D20
Maggie Furtak on tue 4 jan 11
How do you get out there?
#1. Get out there! It doesn't really matter what you make, or where you se=
ll
it, but you have to commit to the idea and take the plunge, even if it is o=
nly a
small plunge. I have a friend who used to flyer the neighborhood and sell =
pots
off her front porch one weekend a month. She did very well. I also know f=
olks
who live further out in the boonies and sell pretty much exclusively throug=
h
retail stores. They also do fine. Don't try to come up with the perfect p=
lan.
You'll never get out of the planning stage. Just try something, and then
evaluate and adjust your strategy as you go along.
#2. Keep at it. I sign up for lots of shows, and sell through lots of sho=
ps so
that I have to keep making pots. A great way to battle blank page syndrome=
. It
gives you a deadline. I also have a goal of x number of pots a day, so tha=
t I
will have to keep signing up for the shows! A great way for a shy person t=
o
battle the fear of putting yourself out there in public. If your house is
filling up with pots, sooner or later you have to sell some!
So many people don't succeed because they never really try. They diddle ar=
ound
a bit, but they are intimidated about really putting in a solid effort. (I=
f you
really try and you fail, then you failed. If you just diddle around and yo=
u
fail, you can tell yourself you haven't really tried yet.) If you fail, yo=
u
fail. Better to go ahead and get it over with and move on to new projects =
where
you may be more successful.
And with that, there are teapots waiting to be thrown, and I'm getting back=
to
work.
-Maggie
Pate Ceramics
pateceramics.etsy.com
pateceramics.blogspot.com
781-956-1364
517 Fellsway East
Malden, MA 02148
steve graber on wed 5 jan 11
extrem=3D
maggie:=3DA0 "you have to commit to the idea and take the plunge"=3D0A=3D0A=
extrem=3D
ely true.=3DA0 and an old saying i told myself back in my former gymnastics=
=3D
=3D0Adays when i didn't feel like working out, "the only way to get started=
i=3D
s to get =3D0Astarted".=3DA0 =3D0A=3D0A=3D0A"commitment" likely means diffe=
rent thing=3D
s thru your life.=3DA0 i once heard when =3D0Athere is ham and eggs for bre=
akfa=3D
st, the eggs in the pan are committed.=3DA0 the ham =3D0Aon the counter is =
simp=3D
ly involved.=3DA0 =3D0A=3D0A=3D0Ameanwhile, flailing about doesn't work.=3D=
A0 it migh=3D
t make you feel like you're =3D0Adoing something.=3DA0 but really are just =
scar=3D
ing the rabbits.=3DA0 read up on =3D0Amarketing, advertizing, business plan=
s, s=3D
etting clear goals.=3DA0 =3D0A=3D0A=3D0Ai'll never forget an old potter fri=
end i kn=3D
ew way back.=3DA0 he was always =3D0Adepressed.=3DA0 he did fine work but=
=3DA0was a=3D
lways upset that no one "discovered" him.=3DA0 =3D0Aas if somehow ceramics=
=3DA0mo=3D
nthly=3DA0was somehow going to learn of his existance?=3DA0=3DA0 =3D0Ameanw=
hile, he=3D
also wasn't doing ANYthing for anyone to DISCOVER him!=3DA0 =3D0A=3D0A=3D0=
Ayears a=3D
go i bought a magazine from=3DA0cosmo on "where the boys are" just so i'd =
=3D0A=3D
know where i was supposed to=3DA0be.=3DA0 ~ then after i got married i foun=
d th=3D
ey were =3D0Ain pottery classes....=3DA0 point is, GET OUT THERE!=3DA0 =3D0=
A=3D0A=3D0AS=3D
teve Graber, Graber's Pottery, Inc=3D0AClaremont, California USA=3D0AThe St=
eve =3D
Tool - for awesome texture on pots! =3D0Awww.graberspottery.com steve@grabe=
rs=3D
pottery.com =3D0A=3D0A=3D0AOn Laguna Clay's website=3D0Ahttp://www.lagunacl=
ay.com/b=3D
logs/ =3D0A=3D0A=3D0A=3D0A=3D0A________________________________=3D0AFrom: M=
aggie Furtak=3D
=3D0ATo: Clayart@LSV.CERAMICS.ORG=3D0ASent: Tue, J=
anua=3D
ry 4, 2011 10:18:25 AM=3D0ASubject: Re: Let's reflect on business.=3D0A=3D0=
AHow d=3D
o you get out there?=3D0A=3D0A#1. Get out there!=3DA0 It doesn't really mat=
ter wh=3D
at you make, or where you sell=3D0Ait, but you have to commit to the idea a=
nd=3D
take the plunge, even if it is only a=3D0Asmall plunge.=3DA0 I have a frie=
nd w=3D
ho used to flyer the neighborhood and sell pots=3D0Aoff her front porch one=
w=3D
eekend a month.=3DA0 She did very well.=3DA0 I also know folks=3D0Awho live=
furth=3D
er out in the boonies and sell pretty much exclusively through=3D0Aretail s=
to=3D
res.=3DA0 They also do fine.=3DA0 Don't try to come up with the perfect pla=
n.=3D
=3D0AYou'll never get out of the planning stage.=3DA0 Just try something, a=
nd t=3D
hen=3D0Aevaluate and adjust your strategy as you go along.=3D0A=3D0A#2.=3DA=
0 Keep a=3D
t it.=3DA0 I sign up for lots of shows, and sell through lots of shops so=
=3D0At=3D
hat I have to keep making pots.=3DA0 A great way to battle blank page syndr=
om=3D
e.=3DA0 It=3D0Agives you a deadline.=3DA0 I also have a goal of x number of=
pots =3D
a day, so that I=3D0Awill have to keep signing up for the shows!=3DA0 A gre=
at w=3D
ay for a shy person to=3D0Abattle the fear of putting yourself out there in=
p=3D
ublic.=3DA0 If your house is=3D0Afilling up with pots, sooner or later you =
have=3D
to sell some!=3D0A=3D0ASo many people don't succeed because they never rea=
lly =3D
try.=3DA0 They diddle around=3D0Aa bit, but they are intimidated about real=
ly p=3D
utting in a solid effort.=3DA0 (If you=3D0Areally try and you fail, then yo=
u fa=3D
iled.=3DA0 If you just diddle around and you=3D0Afail, you can tell yoursel=
f yo=3D
u haven't really tried yet.)=3DA0 If you fail, you=3D0Afail.=3DA0 Better to=
go ah=3D
ead and get it over with and move on to new projects where=3D0Ayou may be m=
or=3D
e successful.=3D0A=3D0AAnd with that, there are teapots waiting to be throw=
n, a=3D
nd I'm getting back to=3D0Awork.=3D0A=3D0A-Maggie=3D0APate Ceramics=3D0Apat=
eceramics.=3D
etsy.com=3D0Apateceramics.blogspot.com=3D0A781-956-1364=3D0A517 Fellsway Ea=
st=3D0AM=3D
alden, MA=3DA0 02148=3D0A=3D0A=3D0A=3D0A
Snail Scott on thu 6 jan 11
On Jan 5, 2011, at 10:42 PM, steve graber wrote:
> ... i once heard when=3D20
> there is ham and eggs for breakfast, the eggs in the pan are =3D
committed. the ham=3D20
> on the counter is simply involved...
Heard it as: The pig is committed, the chicken is merely involved.
-Snail
Lee on thu 6 jan 11
On Wed, Jan 5, 2011 at 10:42 PM, steve graber wrote:
> extrem
> maggie:=3DA0 "you have to commit to the idea and take the plunge"
>
> extremely true.
I share this about once a year:
"Anything you can do, or dream you can, begin it.
Boldness has genius, power, and magic in it. " - Goethe
"Until one is committed there is hesitancy, the chance to draw back, always
ineffectiveness. Concerning all acts of initiative (and creation), there is
one elemental truth, the ignorance of which kills countless ideas and
splendid plans: that the moment one definitely commits oneself, then
Providence moves too. All sorts of things occur to help one that would neve=
=3D
r
otherwise have occurred. A whole stream of events issues from the decision,
raising in one's favor all manner of unforeseen incidents and meetings and
material assistance, which no man could have dreamt would have come his
way."
- William H. Murray, The Scottish Himalayan Expedition
--
=3DA0Lee Love in Minneapolis
http://mingeisota.blogspot.com/
=3DA0"Ta tIr na n-=3DF3g ar chul an tI=3D97tIr dlainn trina ch=3DE9ile"=3D9=
7that is, =3D
"The
land of eternal youth is behind the house, a beautiful land fluent
within itself." -- John O'Donohue
Antoinette Badenhorst on thu 6 jan 11
I know two very successful potters, selling high volumes right there in the=
=3D
ir own communities. Both are average (kind of on the same level)=3DC2=3DA0a=
nd b=3D
oth push forward vigorously. There is a very important difference between t=
=3D
he two and that is how they push forward. The one aggravate people, while t=
=3D
he other one draw people closer.=3D20
As I mentioned before, I am in the process of learning (does one ever get t=
=3D
oo old to learn!) how to do all of this with finesse and I think I am okay,=
=3D
but it is an ongoing process. How much is too much, how much is too little=
=3D
.=3D20
I know someone that lost his job 5 times in a row because of circumstances =
=3D
beyond his control. It becomes harder to believe in one self if something l=
=3D
ike this happens. Drawing this job loss through to potters: How does one me=
=3D
asure yourself and how do one gain enough confidence to do the right thing?=
=3D
=3D20
I am just musing about this, but for many potters out there it is a very se=
=3D
rious issue.=3D20
That brings me to something that I often wonder about=3DE2=3D80=3DA6=3DE2=
=3D80=3DA6=3DE2=3D
=3D80=3DA6.potters are technically very skill full, how much are they busin=
ess =3D
orientated and skillful at it?=3D20
Antoinette Badenhorst=3D20
www.porcelainbyAntoinette.com=3D20
----- Original Message -----=3D20
From: "steve graber" =3D20
To: Clayart@LSV.CERAMICS.ORG=3D20
Sent: Wednesday, January 5, 2011 10:42:47 PM=3D20
Subject: Re: Let's reflect on business.=3D20
extrem=3D20
maggie:=3DC2=3DA0 "you have to commit to the idea and take the plunge"=3D20
extremely true.=3DC2=3DA0 and an old saying i told myself back in my former=
gym=3D
nastics=3D20
days when i didn't feel like working out, "the only way to get started is t=
=3D
o get=3D20
started".=3DC2=3DA0=3D20
"commitment" likely means different things thru your life.=3DC2=3DA0 i once=
hea=3D
rd when=3D20
there is ham and eggs for breakfast, the eggs in the pan are committed.=3DC=
2=3D
=3DA0 the ham=3D20
on the counter is simply involved.=3DC2=3DA0=3D20
meanwhile, flailing about doesn't work.=3DC2=3DA0 it might make you feel li=
ke y=3D
ou're=3D20
doing something.=3DC2=3DA0 but really are just scaring the rabbits.=3DC2=3D=
A0 read =3D
up on=3D20
marketing, advertizing, business plans, setting clear goals.=3DC2=3DA0=3D20
i'll never forget an old potter friend i knew way back.=3DC2=3DA0 he was al=
ways=3D
=3D20
depressed.=3DC2=3DA0 he did fine work but=3DC2=3DA0was always upset that no=
one "di=3D
scovered" him.=3DC2=3DA0=3D20
as if somehow ceramics=3DC2=3DA0monthly=3DC2=3DA0was somehow going to learn=
of his =3D
existance?=3DC2=3DA0=3DC2=3DA0=3D20
meanwhile, he also wasn't doing ANYthing for anyone to DISCOVER him!=3DC2=
=3DA0=3D
=3D20
years ago i bought a magazine from=3DC2=3DA0cosmo on "where the boys are" j=
ust =3D
so i'd=3D20
know where i was supposed to=3DC2=3DA0be.=3DC2=3DA0 ~ then after i got marr=
ied i fo=3D
und they were=3D20
in pottery classes....=3DC2=3DA0 point is, GET OUT THERE!=3DC2=3DA0=3D20
Steve Graber, Graber's Pottery, Inc=3D20
Claremont, California USA=3D20
The Steve Tool - for awesome texture on pots!=3D20
www.graberspottery.com steve@graberspottery.com=3D20
On Laguna Clay's website=3D20
http://www.lagunaclay.com/blogs/=3D20
________________________________=3D20
From: Maggie Furtak =3D20
To: Clayart@LSV.CERAMICS.ORG=3D20
Sent: Tue, January 4, 2011 10:18:25 AM=3D20
Subject: Re: Let's reflect on business.=3D20
How do you get out there?=3D20
#1. Get out there!=3DC2=3DA0 It doesn't really matter what you make, or whe=
re y=3D
ou sell=3D20
it, but you have to commit to the idea and take the plunge, even if it is o=
=3D
nly a=3D20
small plunge.=3DC2=3DA0 I have a friend who used to flyer the neighborhood =
and =3D
sell pots=3D20
off her front porch one weekend a month.=3DC2=3DA0 She did very well.=3DC2=
=3DA0 I a=3D
lso know folks=3D20
who live further out in the boonies and sell pretty much exclusively throug=
=3D
h=3D20
retail stores.=3DC2=3DA0 They also do fine.=3DC2=3DA0 Don't try to come up =
with the=3D
perfect plan.=3D20
You'll never get out of the planning stage.=3DC2=3DA0 Just try something, a=
nd t=3D
hen=3D20
evaluate and adjust your strategy as you go along.=3D20
#2.=3DC2=3DA0 Keep at it.=3DC2=3DA0 I sign up for lots of shows, and sell t=
hrough l=3D
ots of shops so=3D20
that I have to keep making pots.=3DC2=3DA0 A great way to battle blank page=
syn=3D
drome.=3DC2=3DA0 It=3D20
gives you a deadline.=3DC2=3DA0 I also have a goal of x number of pots a da=
y, s=3D
o that I=3D20
will have to keep signing up for the shows!=3DC2=3DA0 A great way for a shy=
per=3D
son to=3D20
battle the fear of putting yourself out there in public.=3DC2=3DA0 If your =
hous=3D
e is=3D20
filling up with pots, sooner or later you have to sell some!=3D20
So many people don't succeed because they never really try.=3DC2=3DA0 They =
didd=3D
le around=3D20
a bit, but they are intimidated about really putting in a solid effort.=3DC=
2=3D
=3DA0 (If you=3D20
really try and you fail, then you failed.=3DC2=3DA0 If you just diddle arou=
nd a=3D
nd you=3D20
fail, you can tell yourself you haven't really tried yet.)=3DC2=3DA0 If you=
fai=3D
l, you=3D20
fail.=3DC2=3DA0 Better to go ahead and get it over with and move on to new =
proj=3D
ects where=3D20
you may be more successful.=3D20
And with that, there are teapots waiting to be thrown, and I'm getting back=
=3D
to=3D20
work.=3D20
-Maggie=3D20
Pate Ceramics=3D20
pateceramics.etsy.com=3D20
pateceramics.blogspot.com=3D20
781-956-1364=3D20
517 Fellsway East=3D20
Malden, MA=3DC2=3DA0 02148=3D20
Lis Allison on thu 6 jan 11
On January 6, 2011, you wrote:
> ..... Both are average (kind of on the same
> level) and both push forward vigorously. There is a very important
> difference between the two and that is how they push forward. The one
> aggravate people, while the other one draw people closer.
This is something I find very difficult. Selling from my booth at shows or
the Farmers' Market, I try to sense what the person coming in wants.
Usually I just smile and say 'hello' or 'good morning' and sometimes this
is right and they smile and chat.... and maybe buy, but other times it's
clearly wrong and they seem to pull back and sidle away. How do you know
what to do? Conversely, what is aggravating?
Appreciate any clues!
Lis
--
Elisabeth Allison
Pine Ridge Studio
website: www.pine-ridge.ca
Pottery blog: www.studio-on-the-ridge.blogspot.com
Garden blog: www.garden-on-the-ridge.blogspot.com
penni stoddart on thu 6 jan 11
This past November I happened to inquire about self employment benefits =3D
the
government offers (I'm in Ontario, Canada) and less then a week later =3D
ended
up in workshops and classes working with the local small business =3D
centre.=3D20
Not what I thought I'd be doing but it is THE BEST thing that could have
happened to me. There is much growling and gnashing of teeth at the =3D
moment
as I am working on my business plan. My business advisor who although he =
=3D
is
a photographer, has no idea about the pottery business. What is involved =
=3D
in
making pots, how to sell them (retail, consignment, wholesale etc) or =3D
how
much might be too much for on person to handle (with regards to =3D
production).
As much I am trying to educate him about my business I also need his
expertise in writing this dang plan!=3D20
I used to think it was just a matter of make it and they will come...... =
=3D
uh
yeah, not so much. After all the workshops I've taken, I have lots of =3D
ideas
for marketing and selling myself as well as the goals I am setting for
myself.=3D20
Now my husband can truly tell people he is married to a "working girl" =3D
who
is out there "selling herself"!=3D20
Official business launch is the 25th of this month. Watch for it!!!!! =3D
=3D3DoD
=3D3Do) =3D3Do) =3D3Do) =3D3Do) =3D3Do) =3D3Do)
Penni Stoddart
London, Ont
Penelope's Pots
penelopepots.bravehost.com
=3D20
No well behaved woman ever made history
Do not meddle in the affairs of dragons for you are crunchy and taste =3D
good
with ketchup
-----Original Message-----
from Steve...
meanwhile, flailing about doesn't work.=3DA0 it might make you feel like =
=3D
you're=3D20
doing something.=3DA0 but really are just scaring the rabbits.=3DA0 read up=
=3D
on=3D20
marketing, advertizing, business plans, setting clear goals.=3DA0=3D20
Antoinette Badenhorst on fri 7 jan 11
Lis there is a guy that did a great deal of teaching in this regard and I f=
=3D
ound it very helpful when I was doing shows. http://www.bbakerinc.com/ =3DC=
2=3D
=3DA0I even contacted him once for a phone consultation regarding my slides=
. =3D
Follow up on it and see what it might do for you.=3D20
Best wishes.=3D20
Antoinette Badenhorst=3D20
www.porcelainbyAntoinette.com=3D20
=3DC2=3DA0=3D20
----- Original Message -----=3D20
From: "Lis Allison" =3D20
To: Clayart@LSV.CERAMICS.ORG=3D20
Sent: Thursday, January 6, 2011 2:25:49 PM=3D20
Subject: Re: Let's reflect on business.=3D20
On January 6, 2011, you wrote:=3D20
> ..... Both are average (kind of on the same=3D20
> level) and both push forward vigorously. There is a very important=3D20
> difference between the two and that is how they push forward. The one=3D2=
0
> aggravate people, while the other one draw people closer.=3D20
This is something I find very difficult. Selling from my booth at shows or=
=3D
=3D20
the Farmers' Market, I try to sense what the person coming in wants.=3D20
Usually I just smile and say 'hello' or 'good morning' and sometimes this=
=3D
=3D20
is right and they smile and chat.... and maybe buy, but other times it's=3D=
20
clearly wrong and they seem to pull back and sidle away. How do you know=3D=
20
what to do? Conversely, what is aggravating?=3D20
Appreciate any clues!=3D20
Lis=3D20
--=3D20
Elisabeth Allison=3D20
Pine Ridge Studio=3D20
website: www.pine-ridge.ca=3D20
Pottery blog: www.studio-on-the-ridge.blogspot.com=3D20
Garden blog: www.garden-on-the-ridge.blogspot.com=3D20
----- Original Message -----=3D20
From: "Lis Allison" =3D20
To: Clayart@LSV.CERAMICS.ORG=3D20
Sent: Thursday, January 6, 2011 2:25:49 PM=3D20
Subject: Re: Let's reflect on business.=3D20
On January 6, 2011, you wrote:=3D20
> ..... Both are average (kind of on the same=3D20
> level) and both push forward vigorously. There is a very important=3D20
> difference between the two and that is how they push forward. The one=3D2=
0
> aggravate people, while the other one draw people closer.=3D20
This is something I find very difficult. Selling from my booth at shows or=
=3D
=3D20
the Farmers' Market, I try to sense what the person coming in wants.=3D20
Usually I just smile and say 'hello' or 'good morning' and sometimes this=
=3D
=3D20
is right and they smile and chat.... and maybe buy, but other times it's=3D=
20
clearly wrong and they seem to pull back and sidle away. How do you know=3D=
20
what to do? Conversely, what is aggravating?=3D20
Appreciate any clues!=3D20
Lis=3D20
--=3D20
Elisabeth Allison=3D20
Pine Ridge Studio=3D20
website: www.pine-ridge.ca=3D20
Pottery blog: www.studio-on-the-ridge.blogspot.com=3D20
Garden blog: www.garden-on-the-ridge.blogspot.com=3D20
steve graber on fri 7 jan 11
i heard years ago even though i never went the teacher route exactly, that =
=3D
if =3D0Ayou didn't like teachers strolling up and down isles, don't do it y=
ou=3D
rself.=3DA0 for =3D0Ame i take that snippit and say if i don't like salespe=
ople=3D
who "attack" you =3D0Aright away in a store, don't do it at a show either.=
=3D
=3DA0 now inside a 10x10 booth =3D0Athat's hard to do sometimes.=3DA0 =3D0A=
=3D0A=3D0Ape=3D
rsonally at the day job i don't like salesmen calling me up all the time =
=3D
=3D0Aperstering me to buy this or "when do you think you might buy again" q=
ue=3D
stions.=3DA0 =3D0Aso for my tool i generally do not do that either.=3DA0 i'=
m sure=3D
i miss sales by not =3D0Apestering all the time.=3DA0 but i think i have a=
nic=3D
e little thing going with the =3D0Avarious stores when they do call up.=3DA=
0 =3D
=3D0A=3D0A=3D0Athere are many brain schemes writen up.=3DA0 math people, so=
cial peo=3D
ple, people who =3D0Atalk and talk and visual people.=3DA0 trying to disern=
who=3D
is waht is hard even for =3D0Aprofessional profilers.=3DA0 for me i simply=
try=3D
to shut up even if only for a few =3D0Aminutes.=3DA0 =3D0A=3D0A=3DA0Steve =
Graber, Gr=3D
aber's Pottery, Inc=3D0AClaremont, California USA=3D0AThe Steve Tool - for =
awes=3D
ome texture on pots! =3D0Awww.graberspottery.com steve@graberspottery.com =
=3D0A=3D
=3D0A=3D0AOn Laguna Clay's website=3D0Ahttp://www.lagunaclay.com/blogs/ =3D=
0A=3D0A=3D0A=3D
=3D0A=3D0AThis is something I find very difficult. Selling from my booth at=
sho=3D
ws or=3D0Athe Farmers' Market, I try to sense what the person coming in wan=
ts=3D
.=3D0AUsually I just smile and say 'hello' or 'good morning' and sometimes =
th=3D
is=3D0Ais right and they smile and chat.... and maybe buy, but other times =
it=3D
's=3D0Aclearly wrong and they seem to pull back and sidle away. How do you =
kn=3D
ow=3D0Awhat to do? Conversely, what is aggravating?=3D0A=3D0AAppreciate any=
clues=3D
!=3D0A=3D0A=3D0A
Antoinette Badenhorst on fri 7 jan 11
Maybe Steve, but what I've learned is that you might also come over as grum=
py or unhelpful. The magic word is "if" "Good morning, if you need any help=
, please let me know" And then.............for pete sake, do not go hide so=
mewhere, dust the same stuff that you've dusted a million times that mornin=
g AGAIN, or shift things around. It creates an energy that make people curi=
ous and does not make them feel they desturb you.
Antoinette Badenhorst
www.porcelainbyAntoinette.com
----- Original Message -----
From: "Steve Mills"
To: Clayart@LSV.CERAMICS.ORG
Sent: Thursday, January 6, 2011 6:40:15 PM
Subject: Re: Let's reflect on business.
I find watching "body language" best. The self sufficient ones will turn an=
d ask, the unsure show it and are looking go help.
I very rarely initiate conversation; I find it does put people off - they t=
hink you're being pushy!
Steve M
Steve Mills
Bath
UK
Sent from my Itouch
On 6 Jan 2011, at 20:25, Lis Allison wrote:
> On January 6, 2011, you wrote:
>> ..... Both are average (kind of on the same
>> level) and both push forward vigorously. There is a very important
>> difference between the two and that is how they push forward. The one
>> aggravate people, while the other one draw people closer.
>
> This is something I find very difficult. Selling from my booth at shows o=
r
> the Farmers' Market, I try to sense what the person coming in wants.
> Usually I just smile and say 'hello' or 'good morning' and sometimes this
> is right and they smile and chat.... and maybe buy, but other times it's
> clearly wrong and they seem to pull back and sidle away. How do you know
> what to do? Conversely, what is aggravating?
>
> Appreciate any clues!
>
> Lis
> --
> Elisabeth Allison
> Pine Ridge Studio
> website: www.pine-ridge.ca
> Pottery blog: www.studio-on-the-ridge.blogspot.com
> Garden blog: www.garden-on-the-ridge.blogspot.com
Antoinette Badenhorst on fri 7 jan 11
Uncore Steve!=3D20
Antoinette Badenhorst=3D20
www.porcelainbyAntoinette.com=3D20
----- Original Message -----=3D20
From: "steve graber" =3D20
To: "clayart friends10" =3D20
Sent: Friday, January 7, 2011 9:42:32 AM=3D20
Subject: Re: Let's reflect on business.=3D20
i've had 12 jobs in 32 years.=3DC2=3DA0 several for about 7 years, yet 6 ar=
e go=3D
ne-out of business-out of state.=3DC2=3DA0 others i simply left because the=
y=3DC2=3D
=3DA0were not good fits with me.=3DC2=3DA0 thru it all i=3DC2=3DA0stopped i=
dentifying=3D
myself as a "worker" for any particular company and more as a stand alone =
=3D
engineer or artist type.=3DC2=3DA0 much more independent.=3DC2=3DA0 and muc=
h more c=3D
onfident of myself and my work.=3DC2=3DA0 i think people who go from a subo=
rdin=3D
at frame of mind to a leader style will be more successful in general, havi=
=3D
ng business experience or not.=3DC2=3DA0 one big detail there is to know yo=
urse=3D
lf where you are good or bad in knowledge and being open to learning more i=
=3D
n any=3DC2=3DA0area=3D20
=3DC2=3DA0 Steve Graber, Graber's Pottery, Inc=3D20
Claremont, California USA=3D20
The Steve Tool - for awesome texture on pots!=3D20
www.graberspottery.com steve@graberspottery.com=3D20
On Laguna Clay's website=3D20
http://www.lagunaclay.com/blogs/=3D20
From: Antoinette Badenhorst =3D20
To: Clayart@LSV.CERAMICS.ORG=3D20
Sent: Thu, January 6, 2011 8:41:42 AM=3D20
Subject: Re: Let's reflect on business.=3D20
I know two very successful potters, selling high volumes right there in the=
=3D
ir own communities. Both are average (kind of on the same level)=3DC2=3DA0a=
nd b=3D
oth push forward vigorously. There is a very important difference between t=
=3D
he two and that is how they push forward. The one aggravate people, while t=
=3D
he other one draw people closer.=3D20
As I mentioned before, I am in the process of learning (does one ever get t=
=3D
oo old to learn!) how to do all of this with finesse and I think I am okay,=
=3D
but it is an ongoing process. How much is too much, how much is too little=
=3D
.=3D20
I know someone that lost his job 5 times in a row because of circumstances =
=3D
beyond his control. It becomes harder to believe in one self if something l=
=3D
ike this happens. Drawing this job loss through to potters: How does one me=
=3D
asure yourself and how do one gain enough confidence to do the right thing?=
=3D
=3D20
I am just musing about this, but for many potters out there it is a very se=
=3D
rious issue.=3D20
That brings me to something that I often wonder about=3DE2=3D80=3DA6=3DE2=
=3D80=3DA6=3DE2=3D
=3D80=3DA6.potters are technically very skill full, how much are they busin=
ess =3D
orientated and skillful at it?=3D20
Antoinette Badenhorst=3D20
www.porcelainbyAntoinette.com=3D20
----- Original Message -----=3D20
From: "steve graber" < slgraber@YAHOO.COM >=3D20
To: Clayart@LSV.CERAMICS.ORG=3D20
Sent: Wednesday, January 5, 2011 10:42:47 PM=3D20
Subject: Re: Let's reflect on business.=3D20
extrem=3D20
maggie:=3DC2=3DA0 "you have to commit to the idea and take the plunge"=3D20
extremely true.=3DC2=3DA0 and an old saying i told myself back in my former=
gym=3D
nastics=3D20
days when i didn't feel like working out, "the only way to get started is t=
=3D
o get=3D20
started".=3DC2=3DA0=3D20
"commitment" likely means different things thru your life.=3DC2=3DA0 i once=
hea=3D
rd when=3D20
there is ham and eggs for breakfast, the eggs in the pan are committed.=3DC=
2=3D
=3DA0 the ham=3D20
on the counter is simply involved.=3DC2=3DA0=3D20
meanwhile, flailing about doesn't work.=3DC2=3DA0 it might make you feel li=
ke y=3D
ou're=3D20
doing something.=3DC2=3DA0 but really are just scaring the rabbits.=3DC2=3D=
A0 read =3D
up on=3D20
marketing, advertizing, business plans, setting clear goals.=3DC2=3DA0=3D20
i'll never forget an old potter friend i knew way back.=3DC2=3DA0 he was al=
ways=3D
=3D20
depressed.=3DC2=3DA0 he did fine work but=3DC2=3DA0was always upset that no=
one "di=3D
scovered" him.=3DC2=3DA0=3D20
as if somehow ceramics=3DC2=3DA0monthly=3DC2=3DA0was somehow going to learn=
of his =3D
existance?=3DC2=3DA0=3DC2=3DA0=3D20
meanwhile, he also wasn't doing ANYthing for anyone to DISCOVER him!=3DC2=
=3DA0=3D
=3D20
years ago i bought a magazine from=3DC2=3DA0cosmo on "where the boys are" j=
ust =3D
so i'd=3D20
know where i was supposed to=3DC2=3DA0be.=3DC2=3DA0 ~ then after i got marr=
ied i fo=3D
und they were=3D20
in pottery classes....=3DC2=3DA0 point is, GET OUT THERE!=3DC2=3DA0=3D20
Steve Graber, Graber's Pottery, Inc=3D20
Claremont, California USA=3D20
The Steve Tool - for awesome texture on pots!=3D20
www.graberspottery.com steve@graberspottery.com=3D20
On Laguna Clay's website=3D20
http://www.lagunaclay.com/blogs/=3D20
________________________________=3D20
From: Maggie Furtak < pateceramics@YAHOO.COM >=3D20
To: Clayart@LSV.CERAMICS.ORG=3D20
Sent: Tue, January 4, 2011 10:18:25 AM=3D20
Subject: Re: Let's reflect on business.=3D20
How do you get out there?=3D20
#1. Get out there!=3DC2=3DA0 It doesn't really matter what you make, or whe=
re y=3D
ou sell=3D20
it, but you have to commit to the idea and take the plunge, even if it is o=
=3D
nly a=3D20
small plunge.=3DC2=3DA0 I have a friend who used to flyer the neighborhood =
and =3D
sell pots=3D20
off her front porch one weekend a month.=3DC2=3DA0 She did very well.=3DC2=
=3DA0 I a=3D
lso know folks=3D20
who live further out in the boonies and sell pretty much exclusively throug=
=3D
h=3D20
retail stores.=3DC2=3DA0 They also do fine.=3DC2=3DA0 Don't try to come up =
with the=3D
perfect plan.=3D20
You'll never get out of the planning stage.=3DC2=3DA0 Just try something, a=
nd t=3D
hen=3D20
evaluate and adjust your strategy as you go along.=3D20
#2.=3DC2=3DA0 Keep at it.=3DC2=3DA0 I sign up for lots of shows, and sell t=
hrough l=3D
ots of shops so=3D20
that I have to keep making pots.=3DC2=3DA0 A great way to battle blank page=
syn=3D
drome.=3DC2=3DA0 It=3D20
gives you a deadline.=3DC2=3DA0 I also have a goal of x number of pots a da=
y, s=3D
o that I=3D20
will have to keep signing up for the shows!=3DC2=3DA0 A great way for a shy=
per=3D
son to=3D20
battle the fear of putting yourself out there in public.=3DC2=3DA0 If your =
hous=3D
e is=3D20
filling up with pots, sooner or later you have to sell some!=3D20
So many people don't succeed because they never really try.=3DC2=3DA0 They =
didd=3D
le around=3D20
a bit, but they are intimidated about really putting in a solid effort.=3DC=
2=3D
=3DA0 (If you=3D20
really try and you fail, then you failed.=3DC2=3DA0 If you just diddle arou=
nd a=3D
nd you=3D20
fail, you can tell yourself you haven't really tried yet.)=3DC2=3DA0 If you=
fai=3D
l, you=3D20
fail.=3DC2=3DA0 Better to go ahead and get it over with and move on to new =
proj=3D
ects where=3D20
you may be more successful.=3D20
And with that, there are teapots waiting to be thrown, and I'm getting back=
=3D
to=3D20
work.=3D20
-Maggie=3D20
Pate Ceramics=3D20
pateceramics.etsy.com=3D20
pateceramics.blogspot.com=3D20
781-956-1364=3D20
517 Fellsway East=3D20
Malden, MA=3DC2=3DA0 02148=3D20
Bonnie Staffel on fri 7 jan 11
When I had my shop and a visitor walked in, I opened with "So nice to =3D
see
you." If it was a returning customer, I didn't let on that I didn't =3D
remember
them. If it was a new customer, it was a non-threatening greeting. I had
other opening phrases like,"you look familiar, have you been in before?"
Often I had returning customers but I could not recall their name, I =3D
would
say, "So nice to see you again." I would then engage these customers in
conversation about my work like showing them what I was making that was
new, or some such thing, and sooner or later I would get their name. I =3D
could
sense if my visitors might feel uncomfortable as my gallery was in the
country and usually they were the only people in the shop. Makes exiting
very difficult without buying. However, we had exit objects like my
husband's small gift enclosure cards at a very low price. I had other
opening statements but since I closed my shop some 25 years ago, they =3D
are no
longer fresh in my memory. But our business grew in this remote place =3D
and we
became one of the places to see especially when the summer people would
bring their guests. Learning how to deal with people is a very =3D
interesting
subject.=3D20
I used to be in craft fairs in the early years of having our shop up =3D
north,
so I would always greet them by asking if they know about my work. Later =
=3D
I
would tell them about my gallery in northern Michigan by asking if they =3D
ever
visited that part of the state. Lots of conversation lead-ins would =3D
generate
a good rapport with those people. After a couple of years of doing this, =
=3D
we
finally had enough business to let go of the craft fair route as we were
sustained by the flow of visitors to out part of the country and our =3D
place
was very attractive from the road. I also emphasized the rural nature of =
=3D
my
shop with dried wild flowers, cedar shake shingles on the building as =3D
well
as our showroom being rustic and inviting.=3D20
I feel that selling your wares only on the craft fair route is too =3D
fleeting.
Having your own place and/or your own website, gives you a sense of
permanence.=3D20
Bonnie
=3D20
=3D20
http://webpages.charter.net/bstaffel/
http://vasefinder.com/bstaffelgallery1.html
DVD Throwing with Coils and Slabs
DVD Introduction to Wheel Work
Charter Member Potters Council
=3D20
Steve Mills on fri 7 jan 11
I find watching "body language" best. The self sufficient ones will turn an=
d=3D
ask, the unsure show it and are looking go help.=3D20
I very rarely initiate conversation; I find it does put people off - they t=
h=3D
ink you're being pushy!
Steve M
Steve Mills
Bath
UK
Sent from my Itouch
On 6 Jan 2011, at 20:25, Lis Allison wrote:
> On January 6, 2011, you wrote:
>> ..... Both are average (kind of on the same
>> level) and both push forward vigorously. There is a very important
>> difference between the two and that is how they push forward. The one
>> aggravate people, while the other one draw people closer.
>=3D20
> This is something I find very difficult. Selling from my booth at shows o=
r=3D
> the Farmers' Market, I try to sense what the person coming in wants.
> Usually I just smile and say 'hello' or 'good morning' and sometimes this
> is right and they smile and chat.... and maybe buy, but other times it's
> clearly wrong and they seem to pull back and sidle away. How do you know
> what to do? Conversely, what is aggravating?
>=3D20
> Appreciate any clues!
>=3D20
> Lis
> --
> Elisabeth Allison
> Pine Ridge Studio
> website: www.pine-ridge.ca
> Pottery blog: www.studio-on-the-ridge.blogspot.com
> Garden blog: www.garden-on-the-ridge.blogspot.com
KATHI LESUEUR on sat 8 jan 11
On Jan 7, 2011, at 5:59 PM, Bonnie Staffel wrote:
> When I had my shop and a visitor walked in, I opened with "So nice to =3D
see
> you." If it was a returning customer, I didn't let on that I didn't =3D
remember
> them. If it was a new customer, it was a non-threatening greeting. I =3D
had
> other opening phrases like,"you look familiar, have you been in =3D
before?"
> Often I had returning customers but I could not recall their name, I =3D
would
> say, "So nice to see you again." I would then engage these customers =3D
in
> conversation about my work like showing them what I was making that =3D
was
> new, or some such thing, and sooner or later I would get their =3D
name......>>
Long before I was a "professional" potter I was a Bonnie Staffel fan. =3D
I'd go up north and, while there, always visit her studio and store. She =
=3D
always made everyone feel welcome. The range of things for sale made you =
=3D
just want to leave with something. When I started selling my pots I =3D
remembered how Bonnie would treat her customers and applied it to my on =3D
approach to customers. So now, when someone enters my booth who I don't =3D
recognize, it's like I've just met my new friend. And, often that's =3D
just what they become. Loyal customers and friends.
A number of years ago I got an interesting lesson on why so many artists =
=3D
do poorly at shows . I had stopped doing the Ann Arbor Summer Art Fair =3D
and so when my partner's cousin called and asked if we would take him to =
=3D
see the show we said, "Sure, come on down." John had never been to an =3D
art fair, but he had plenty of money to spend at one and was looking =3D
forward to it. Those of you who've done Ann Arbor know just how big that =
=3D
fair is. We took him to two thirds of it. Not one artist engaged John in =
=3D
conversation! They sat reading their books or talking with the artists =3D
next door. We would stop. I would tell him something about the work, how =
=3D
it was made, and if I knew the artist I'd introduce them. They'd say hi =3D
and go back to their book. John came home empty handed and never went =3D
back.=3D20
Artists think they are selling their work (or think the work "sells =3D
itself"). NO. You are selling your story. They want a reason to buy from =
=3D
you rather than Macy's. Tell them. I have lots of opening lines. Bad =3D
weather? I thank them for taking the time to come to the show in such =3D
bad weather. Nice weather? I thank them for coming when they could be =3D
outside in the garden or something else. It doesn't take much. But for =3D
G-d's sake don't say, "If I can answer any questions just ask." They =3D
won't. If you are reading your book they won't want to bother you. If =3D
you are talking with another artist they won't want to intrude. If you =3D
are talking to another customer, though, they will listen in or join in =3D
the conversation. Make sure that when they leave the booth, having =3D
bought or not, they feel good about their time in your booth.
KATHI LESUEUR
http://www.lesueurclaywork.com
Lis Allison on sat 8 jan 11
On January 7, 2011, Antoinette Badenhorst wrote:
> Bonnie, what your realy did was creating an experience with a story
> added to it. Stories sell. You were comfortable in your environment
> and you transferred that to your customars without putting them under
> pressure. Beautiful story.
>
Yes, indeed.
Guess I'm not doing so badly. I seem to be doing what you and others are
suggesting. Maybe some people are having bad days and my trying to be
friendly just hits them the wrong way.
I do find it's much easier with people who come to the Studio. They are
expecting me to interact. My friend Border Collie, Kip is a big help here
except with the rare person who is afraid of dogs, and even then it helps
because we have to talk about me putting him in the house. (Funny story -
I once had a sweet Chinese woman come into the Studio, and when Maya, my
former pooch, wandered in, she leapt right up onto my work table!
Terrified of dogs, poor lady.)
It's at shows and the Market that I sometimes bomb. I find knitting is
great for slow times - keeps me busy, but open to greeting someone, and
often the knitting starts a conversation. As for things to chat about, I
have lots of topics because I can always talk about my designs, how to use
my pots, what to cook, eat, serve in them and so on. If I recognize the
person, I start of with 'Hi, how are you today?', if I don't, I stay with
the more neutral 'Good morning'. Mostly works.
Lis
--
Elisabeth Allison
Pine Ridge Studio
website: www.pine-ridge.ca
Pottery blog: www.studio-on-the-ridge.blogspot.com
Garden blog: www.garden-on-the-ridge.blogspot.com
James Freeman on sat 8 jan 11
For a very long time before I started making pots, my wife and I were rathe=
r
serious shoppers at art fairs, open studios, and such. While every custome=
r
is different, I can share some of my own thoughts and impressions as a
customer, based on things I have seen or experienced, offered in no
particular order:
I think the best first approach is to say something simple, such as "Hi,
folks. If I can answer any questions, don't hesitate to ask." This
acknowledges me as a customer, makes me feel welcome in your booth, but
doesn't obligate me to make chit chat.
Hovering is very annoying. I don't want to feel as though I am being
stalked or watched. I liked it best when the booth owner sat outside the
booth, so I felt free to browse at leisure. If you sit in the back of the
booth, looking out, I think it is best if you pretend to be occupied with
something. Restock a shelf, straighten your bags and tissue paper, dust a
pot, something. It is very creepy to feel like you are being watched.
Also, I want to feel that I can discuss a piece or make comments with my
shopping partner without you being able to hear. Frankly, it's really none
of the artist's business when we are discussing the very personal pros and
cons of a prospective purchase.
I think it is fine to attempt to engage the shopper if he or she appears
confused by something. If they seem not to be confused, but are simply
looking at a piece for a long time, I don't think a conversation is in orde=
r
(If I had a question, I probably would have asked), but there is nothing
wrong with testing the waters with a simple "I have that in other colors if
there is something you might like better", or "I also have that in a larger
size", or "if you are interested, I discount 10% for sets of six or more".
These types of statements allow the shopper to respond with a simple "OK,
thank you" if they have no serious interest, yet still break the ice in cas=
e
I was just too shy to ask a question. I think the worst thing is when the
booth owner jumps in with a comment about every single piece I pick up or
pause in front of. That type of behavior just makes me leave the booth.
Whatever else you do, do not make me feel trapped in your booth. Leave a
clear shot to the exit without obligation. No one likes to be made to feel
guilty or as though they have to buy something. If you talk me into or
guilt me into buying something, while you may have made a sale, you have
also left me with a very bad taste in my mouth.
Some people want and need direction and want to chit chat, but others would
much rather keep everything arm's length and professional. You need to use
your judgment as to who is who, but I think it best to err on the side of
leaving people alone to shop.
I personally think pets in your booth or open studio are a big no-no. Whil=
e
your adorable dog may break the ice with other animal lovers, there are an
equal number of people on the other side who just plain don't like them and
don't want to be around them. For everyone in the middle, your pooch will
at best be neutral. Ask yourself if your customers really want dog slobber
or snot on their hand or pant leg, even if they like dogs. Did they come
into your shop to get animal hair rubbed onto their clothes? Cats have the
added disadvantage in the surprisingly large number of people who are
allergic to them. This advice against animal presence applies especially t=
o
anyone selling fiber work. No one wants to buy a quilt or sweater with dog
hair on it, or even the remotest idea that your cat may have nested on it.
I think it is great to have quiet music playing. It helps to fill what
might otherwise be an uncomfortable silence. I think it is a particularly
bad idea to have anything political on the radio, such as NPR or Rush (the
guy, not the band, though the band is political too, but I guess libertaria=
n
doesn't count). Whatever political show you choose, you risk pissing off
half of your potential customers. Not a good idea. Likewise with wearing
political, religious, or anti-religious tee shirts. Best to confine all
potentially divisive proclivities to oneself and one's friends. Though
there are certainly social aspects to this business, it is still a business=
.
I think that above all else, you should attempt to make folks feel
comfortable in your booth, and not trapped. The worst thing we ever
experienced at an art fair was when we were in a potter's booth, and a
friend whom we had not seen in some time happened to wander in. While
talking to our friend, the booth owner came up to us and said "Can you folk=
s
take your conversation somewhere else? I am trying to run a business
here." The really funny thing is that we had purchased from him the year
before, and were in fact finalizing our decision as to what pieces to buy
this year when our friend entered. That bunghole lost a good sale, and a
repeat customer.
Anyway, just a few thoughts from an outsider, for whatever they are worth.
All the best.
...James
James Freeman
"...outsider artists, caught in the bog of their own consciousness, too
preciously idiosyncratic to be taken seriously."
"All I say is by way of discourse, and nothing by way of advice. I should
not speak so boldly if it were my due to be believed."
-Michel de Montaigne
http://www.jamesfreemanstudio.com
http://www.flickr.com/photos/jamesfreemanstudio/
http://www.jamesfreemanstudio.com/resources
<#>
<#>
<#> <#>
Lis Allison on sat 8 jan 11
On January 8, 2011, James Freeman wrote:
> .....>
> I think that above all else, you should attempt to make folks feel
> comfortable in your booth, and not trapped. The worst thing we ever
> experienced at an art fair was when we were in a potter's booth, and a
> friend whom we had not seen in some time happened to wander in. While
> talking to our friend, the booth owner came up to us and said "Can you
> folks take your conversation somewhere else? I am trying to run a
> business here." .....
Yikes. I love it when people meet and chat in my booth! I have a double
booth at my Farmers' Market just because of that. Moms with strollers can
come right in..... friends can discuss the pots out of my earshot.....
since my booth is also at the bottom of the stair/ramp, it tends to
accumulate people anyway. I have a chair for those who need a little rest,
too. Well used. Friendships have started in my booth, business
arrangements have been made. Yes, sometimes it is busy in there, but I
find people soon notice it and step to the side.
BTW, in many shows, here at least, you aren't allowed to stand outside
your space. It's considered soliciting sales and is usually stopped
quickly by other vendors objecting. Maybe that's just a local thing,
though. I know books about selling at tradeshows tell you to do it.
Lots of good points, thanks!
Lis
--
Elisabeth Allison
Pine Ridge Studio
website: www.pine-ridge.ca
Pottery blog: www.studio-on-the-ridge.blogspot.com
Garden blog: www.garden-on-the-ridge.blogspot.com
Antoinette Badenhorst on sat 8 jan 11
Bonnie, what your realy did was creating an experience with a story added t=
=3D
o it. Stories sell. You were comfortable in your environment and you transf=
=3D
erred that to your customars without putting them under pressure. Beautiful=
=3D
story.=3D20
Antoinette Badenhorst=3D20
www.porcelainbyAntoinette.com=3D20
----- Original Message -----=3D20
From: "Bonnie Staffel" =3D20
To: Clayart@LSV.CERAMICS.ORG=3D20
Sent: Friday, January 7, 2011 4:59:57 PM=3D20
Subject: Re: Let's reflect on business.=3D20
When I had my shop and a visitor walked in, I opened with "So nice to see=
=3D
=3D20
you." If it was a returning customer, I didn't let on that I didn't remembe=
=3D
r=3D20
them. If it was a new customer, it was a non-threatening greeting. I had=3D=
20
other opening phrases like,"you look familiar, have you been in before?"=3D=
20
Often I had returning customers but I could not recall their name, I would=
=3D
=3D20
say, "So nice to see you again." I would then engage =3DC2=3DA0these custom=
ers =3D
in=3D20
conversation about my work =3DC2=3DA0like showing them what I was making th=
at w=3D
as=3D20
new, or some such thing, and sooner or later I would get their name. I coul=
=3D
d=3D20
sense if my visitors might feel uncomfortable as my gallery was in the=3D20
country and usually they were the only people in the shop. Makes exiting=3D=
20
very difficult without buying. However, we had exit objects like my=3D20
husband's small gift enclosure cards at a very low price. I had other=3D20
opening statements but since I closed my shop some 25 years ago, they are n=
=3D
o=3D20
longer fresh in my memory. But our business grew in this remote place and w=
=3D
e=3D20
became one of the places to see especially when the summer people would=3D2=
0
bring their guests. Learning how to deal with people is a very interesting=
=3D
=3D20
subject.=3D20
I used to be in craft fairs in the early years of having our shop up north,=
=3D
=3D20
so I would always greet them by asking if they know about my work. Later I=
=3D
=3D20
would tell them about my gallery in northern Michigan by asking if they eve=
=3D
r=3D20
visited that part of the state. Lots of conversation lead-ins would generat=
=3D
e=3D20
a good rapport with those people. After a couple of years of doing this, we=
=3D
=3D20
finally had enough business to let go of the craft fair route as we were=3D=
20
sustained by the flow of visitors to out part of the country and our place=
=3D
=3D20
was very attractive from the road. I also emphasized the rural nature of my=
=3D
=3D20
shop with dried wild flowers, cedar shake shingles on the building as well=
=3D
=3D20
as our showroom being rustic and inviting.=3D20
I feel that selling your wares only on the craft fair route is too fleeting=
=3D
.=3D20
Having your own place and/or your own website, gives you a sense of=3D20
permanence.=3D20
Bonnie=3D20
=3DC2=3DA0=3D20
=3DC2=3DA0=3D20
http://webpages.charter.net/bstaffel/=3D20
http://vasefinder.com/bstaffelgallery1.html=3D20
DVD =3DC2=3DA0Throwing with Coils and Slabs=3D20
DVD =3DC2=3DA0Introduction to Wheel Work=3D20
Charter Member Potters Council=3D20
=3DC2=3DA0=3D20
Bonnie Staffel on sun 9 jan 11
Hi Kathi,
Thanks so much for that nice memory. To relate another story about a bad
situation, we saw some art work that intrigued us so went to visit the
nearby gallery where this artist was having a show. We had money in =3D
hand,
ready to buy something. However, when we got there, saw the beautiful =3D
art
work and tried to approach the artist, found that she was very tipsy and =
=3D
was
also busy making out with someone at the back of the gallery. This left =3D
such
a bad taste in our mouths that we didn't purchase her work as it would
recall the bad experience.
I too have noticed artists are busy reading a book or talking to the =3D
booth
neighbor, etc. Never could figure out the reason for such shyness.
Businesses succeed or fail on customer relations. A superior attitude is
also not acceptable to me as well. One doesn't need to be too humble =3D
either.
Present oneself with a positive attitude, being hospitable to those who
visit your booth or gallery. One of the artists living up here is my
favorite. He has that gift of reaching out to people and he is selling =3D
in
these down times expensive items. It is a lot more difficult to make a
living where we are so we appreciate the visitors who come a long way to =
=3D
our
gallery.=3D20
I don't show at the local art fair any more because it is too much for =3D
me
now. However, the last few years that I did, my daughter and two
granddaughters took over the setting up, selling and closing down of my
booth while I just sat in my tall chair, hugged and greeted old friends =3D
and
customers. They related stories of past visits that stayed in their =3D
memory
book or that they are still using such and such that they purchased so =3D
many
years ago. Their children now grown remember my shard pile as well, =3D
their
favorite place to explore while the folks shopped in peace. The current
owner had an artist gather the shards to make a 4X8' mosaic which is =3D
shown
in the patio area as former visitors would come in to ask about me. I =3D
miss
that. However, I still make enough pots to give to local galleries and =3D
keep
my presence alive.=3D20
Bonnie
http://webpages.charter.net/bstaffel/
http://vasefinder.com/bstaffelgallery1.html
DVD=3DA0 Throwing with Coils and Slabs
DVD=3DA0 Introduction to Wheel Work
Charter Member Potters Council
C Sullivan on sun 9 jan 11
Good Mornin' Bonnie
I would love to hear more about your "shard" pile!
What exactly did it consist of ?
The words call up an image of broken pieces of pottery in a box that
young'uns could pick thru. But is that what it was? How did you present
this?
The reason i'm asking is: it sounds like a delightful idea ! and i would
love to adopt your custom !
Hugs
Chae
On Sun, Jan 9, 2011 at 9:28 AM, Bonnie Staffel wrot=
e:
> Hi Kathi,
>
> Thanks so much for that nice memory. To relate another story about a bad
> situation, we saw some art work that intrigued us so went to visit the
> nearby gallery where this artist was having a show. We had money in hand,
> ready to buy something. However, when we got there, saw the beautiful art
> work and tried to approach the artist, found that she was very tipsy and
> was
> also busy making out with someone at the back of the gallery. This left
> such
> a bad taste in our mouths that we didn't purchase her work as it would
> recall the bad experience.
>
> I too have noticed artists are busy reading a book or talking to the boot=
h
> neighbor, etc. Never could figure out the reason for such shyness.
> Businesses succeed or fail on customer relations. A superior attitude is
> also not acceptable to me as well. One doesn't need to be too humble
> either.
> Present oneself with a positive attitude, being hospitable to those who
> visit your booth or gallery. One of the artists living up here is my
> favorite. He has that gift of reaching out to people and he is selling in
> these down times expensive items. It is a lot more difficult to make a
> living where we are so we appreciate the visitors who come a long way to
> our
> gallery.
>
> I don't show at the local art fair any more because it is too much for me
> now. However, the last few years that I did, my daughter and two
> granddaughters took over the setting up, selling and closing down of my
> booth while I just sat in my tall chair, hugged and greeted old friends a=
nd
> customers. They related stories of past visits that stayed in their memor=
y
> book or that they are still using such and such that they purchased so ma=
ny
> years ago. Their children now grown remember my shard pile as well, their
> favorite place to explore while the folks shopped in peace. The current
> owner had an artist gather the shards to make a 4X8' mosaic which is show=
n
> in the patio area as former visitors would come in to ask about me. I mis=
s
> that. However, I still make enough pots to give to local galleries and ke=
ep
> my presence alive.
>
> Bonnie
>
>
>
>
>
> http://webpages.charter.net/bstaffel/
> http://vasefinder.com/bstaffelgallery1.html
> DVD Throwing with Coils and Slabs
> DVD Introduction to Wheel Work
> Charter Member Potters Council
>
Philip Poburka on sun 9 jan 11
Hi Lis, all,
As for me, I reject that there is any such thing as 'Business', or that
there would be or could be, to any wholesome and self respecting and other
respecting Pilgrim, or Soul.
It is an artificial schism inflicted upon Life, upon Conscience, and or
upon the human psyche as a kind of License to lie, and to exploit, for bein=
g
lied to and exploited by the license givers...it is a 'Danse-of-Death'...an
inimical reciprocal enablement of victims, to
one's self first
maybe, and, then to others, definitely...it is an inuring and eroding
pathological deterioration, a mental illness, a psychosis or a distortion
borne of psychosis, a sociopathology, which has it's own sorry aetiology an=
d
reliably bad prognosis.
The word has long since been a pejorative term to me anyway, and it pains m=
e
to find I am in so small a minority to feel this way, that if all of us
together who did ( feel this way), were to have a Convention, we could do i=
t
in a Phone Booth or Shipping Crate, probably.
As for me, I am not 'in business' and I never will be 'in business'.
Anyway, when I have been an exhibitor in the 'nceca' Commercial Hall, or, i=
n
various Antiquarian Arms Shows ( for other of my occupations ) I always fel=
t
that my Booth ( or Table ) was part of, or a pro-tem extension of, my Home.
My 'Home', being in practice, or esprit, my Workshop, whose products ( of m=
y
Labors, ) I am representing or presenting.
So I always feel a sort of 'Hospitality' mood and mode, when in those
situations.
I have no idea what I usually say, other than I may or may not say anything=
,
other than I do subtly reach out to connect or softly invite (
a ) connection, if it is amenable to others, with whom-ever is at my Table
front or Booth or in some cases, merely passing by.
Even though this may be silent, I am confident it is palpable, and, often, =
a
passer by will pause when just about passed, or even passed a ways, and wil=
l
then turn, walk up, look at my items, and, say "Hello!", and, maybe we have
some conversation then, about what the items 'do' or 'are', about what I do=
,
what they ( the person at my Booth or Table front ) do, and or if the twain
shall meet, and it just might, too.
As for whether I talk or explain or ask things and so on uninvited, I
might...but, everyone who may
pause to look is different, and I adjust to that somehow...so, maybe I
initiate some conversation, or they do, or nothing is said.
I have had many transactions where nothing was said.
The person or couple walks up, smiles, makes Eye contact, looks at my items=
,
elects one or two or three or whatever, holds them out to me, I wrap and
package them ( the items that is, ) , they hand me some dough, I hand them
some change if need be, and, we nod or smile, and, they leave.
Probably we each say "Thank you..." and that's it.
I really enjoy doing 'Shows'...and, I enjoy the conversations ( and
non-conversations ) which do occur.
But even with enjoying that, I do more talking at 'nceca' over a few days,
than I do
the whole rest of the year as-a-whole....to a point where usually, I get
hoarse from it by day three, Lol.
I need to remember to bring one of those ancient Atomizers like what Opera
Singers used to use, so I can pause, lean back, theatrically do a few
'Puffs', and,
resume talking...
But, what to have in it???
Hmmmmmm...maybe some Peruvian 'Elm Bark' extract and a dib or dab of who
knows what yummy else...that might do it..!
Love,
Phil
L v
----- Original Message -----
From: "Lis Allison"
> On January 8, 2011, James Freeman wrote:
>> .....>
>> I think that above all else, you should attempt to make folks feel
>> comfortable in your booth, and not trapped. The worst thing we ever
>> experienced at an art fair was when we were in a potter's booth, and a
>> friend whom we had not seen in some time happened to wander in. While
>> talking to our friend, the booth owner came up to us and said "Can you
>> folks take your conversation somewhere else? I am trying to run a
>> business here." .....
>
> Yikes. I love it when people meet and chat in my booth! I have a double
> booth at my Farmers' Market just because of that. Moms with strollers can
> come right in..... friends can discuss the pots out of my earshot.....
> since my booth is also at the bottom of the stair/ramp, it tends to
> accumulate people anyway. I have a chair for those who need a little rest=
,
> too. Well used. Friendships have started in my booth, business
> arrangements have been made. Yes, sometimes it is busy in there, but I
> find people soon notice it and step to the side.
>
> BTW, in many shows, here at least, you aren't allowed to stand outside
> your space. It's considered soliciting sales and is usually stopped
> quickly by other vendors objecting. Maybe that's just a local thing,
> though. I know books about selling at tradeshows tell you to do it.
>
> Lots of good points, thanks!
>
> Lis
> --
> Elisabeth Allison
> Pine Ridge Studio
Bonnie Staffel on mon 10 jan 11
About the shard pile!!! We had our studio for about 20 years. I also had
apprentices, so with all that work activity, I had some boo boos or
unacceptable work that needed the hammer. I also had some glazes that =3D
would
run if not glazed carefully, so there were broken birds (the favorite =3D
find
by the kids) as well as other pots. My studio was in a big chicken barn =3D
and
had a door at the back of it. So whenever I decided to break up a pot, =3D
it
would go to that pile. In my studies of potteries of the past, it was =3D
always
the shard pile that told the story of the pottery work. So continuing =3D
that
tradition, I had this one. Hope this answers your question.
Our studio was on a 100 year old farm of five acres in the country. We =3D
had
plenty of room to work with landscaping and places for the children to
explore. Even had a little pool by the front door made from a maple =3D
sugar
evaporating pan found under one of the buildings. 'Scaped it with rocks =3D
and
pond life. One time I was able to photograph a small raccoon at this =3D
little
pond. When Lady Bird Johnson, the wife of the president, introduced the
money to set up wild life ponds on appropriate farm land, we had one =3D
made as
we had the perfect clay base to hold the water. We wished for a stream =3D
to
feed it, but that wasn't the case. Had to rely on rainwater to keep it
filled. We built a small viewing house down near the pond so that one =3D
could
watch the birds who visited the pond. We fished in the other nearby =3D
lakes to
catch sunfish and other little creatures to load into our pond. The pond =
=3D
was
also filled with pollywogs and when they developed into frogs (peepers),
their nighttime songs were neat to hear.=3D20
My other decorative addition to my shop was to fill it with dried wild
flowers. I even found a place by the roadside that had the tiny =3D
cattails. I
dug a few roots up and planted them at the edge of my pond so that I =3D
could
use them for arrangements for customers. The yarrow, tansy and baby's =3D
breath
were other wildflowers I would dry and hang from the ceiling of our =3D
shop.=3D20
With this wealth of free adornments to our shop was like I had died and =3D
gone
to heaven. What beauty surrounded us. So after creating a showroom that
reflected this northern Michigan scenery, we next had to attract =3D
customers.
The cars were whizzing by our showroom at a fast pace and our first =3D
efforts
at making a sign was not stopping them. From one side the woods was =3D
behind
the sign and from the other was the sky. Had to choose the size and =3D
colors
to stand out in these situations. Our final sign was a 4' X 8' sign =3D
painted
black with large white letters of the name of our shop cut out of =3D
Masonite.
Finally we had found the answer. Our business grew with our efforts to
advertise and word of mouth. I gave talks to various organizations =3D
showing
my work, we put attractive posters around various stores. There was an
organization that put out a brochure listing all the studios in the =3D
northern
area. They expanded the territory to include our studio. We were the =3D
first
studio artists to settle in that area. Everyone was very supportive so =3D
our
operation attracted newspaper stories as well.=3D20
We made our living for about twenty years in that location. I have many
interesting stories about this adventure including having apprentices. =3D
May
get to answer that tomorrow..=3D20
Thanks for listening.
Bonnie
http://webpages.charter.net/bstaffel/
http://vasefinder.com/bstaffelgallery1.html
DVD=3DA0 Throwing with Coils and Slabs
DVD=3DA0 Introduction to Wheel Work
Charter Member Potters Council
| |
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