Thursday, October 20, 2011

Power of Partnership: Leveraging the help of others to succeed

In Western society (particularly in the U.S.), being a lone hero is somehow encouraged and respected. We often feel that we have to do everything ourselves, saying “Yes, Yes, Yes” and multitasking several jobs at once. No one’s ever surprised when we finally break down or get sick, because it’s just not humanly possible to do it all!  
To be successful, there is strength in numbers. “Group think” is highly synergistic. This means that it’s better to have several people working with you, than just you working.
Finding partnerships is a catalyst for elevating you to the next level. These are some ways you can apply the group approach to help your business:
1. Join a Cooperative or Association: There is power in community! These groups are designed to pool resources together to help their members. There may be business associations, chambers of commerce and other such organizations in your city that are available for you to join. Also take advantage of communities online, such as ArtistaMundo.com, which provide each member with benefits such as an online portfolio and search databases.
2. Create a “Master Mind” Group: A Master Mind is essentially a small group of 5 or 6 like-minded and successful peers that meet once or twice a month. You share ideas, frustrations, concerns, advice and requests with the group. You brainstorm together, benefiting from the experience and knowledge of others, plus they provide third-party unbiased objective views. Make sure that everyone in the group wants to succeed and they are more positive than negative. The last thing you need is a pessimistic “Debbie Downer” contradicting or bashing all your ideas. Another option is to join a group coaching program that functions in the same way, but is led by a professional (in this case, me).  
3. Find an Accountability Partner: If you can’t find a whole group, just one other friend or trusted professional such as a Coach can serve to keep you focused on and accountable for your goals. Similarly to the group, this person can provide valuable insight and advice on a consistent basis. If it's your friend, you can cross-mentor each other. The advantage of having just one other person is the flexibility and attention to strategize your issues more intimately.
4. Find a Mentor: Sometimes you do need to seek out others you admire who are where you want to be. A mentor can be a former boss, professor or some other highly respected person you meet with regularly, or anytime you need advice. Another option is to ask someone you don’t know personally but respect, such as the CEO of a company you greatly admire. Depending on their availability, you can ask just to chat on the phone or treat them to lunch. They may be highly flattered for the request and want to help you because successful people like to give back! Take advantage of these situations to ask for advice and feedback.
5. Assemble your “Dream Team”: You excel at what you do best. Find other people that excel at all the jobs that take away valuable time from your creative process. Search online for concierge services that can hire a part-time assistant or intern so you delegate all the administrative work, social media or marketing that are time and energy zappers. Seek experts who are holding workshops or informational sessions in areas you need help in. Perhaps you need professional consultants such as accountants and attorneys. Ask your local SCORE or arts and business council if they recommend affordable professional resources. For example, in Miami there is a group called LegalArt that provides affordable or pro-bono legal services to artists. Even if you think you can’t or shouldn’t spend money on hiring these folks, remember that what you’re not delegating out may be costing you a fortune!
Sometimes all we need are little nudges along our path to success. Leveraging the help of others will help you tremendously, if nothing else to free your time and energy so you can continue to do what you do best. 

*If you need additional help on your road to success, check out some additional resources: my new book Sculpt Your Life From Sketch to Masterpiece(TM), join me in Individual or Group Coaching, check out an upcoming webinar or workshop.

Friday, October 14, 2011

Marketing your Art - Mini Training Video

Check out this 15-minute clip from a larger segment I did on Marketing for Your Art Business. I go over some principles of Traditional Marketing, Sales, Online Platforms and Branding. 


Hope you find it useful!




Find out more information on the "Masterpiece Marketing" DVD Training Series or one of the individual courses on marketing. 

Friday, October 7, 2011

"Masterpiece Marketing" Product Launch!

I'm launching a new marketing video training series! I've been working feverishly to complete this, as many of you artists who were unable to attend my workshops or the webinar series have been highly interested in the information. Here it is! 

Each of the 3 DVD Video Courses are sold separately.... but it's actually a better value to get all 3 video courses plus the bonus video for just $67!! This is a limited time offer only good for the next week as this is the product launch!

This is specifically made for Fine Artists, but the concepts and strategies can be applied to mixed media, commercial art and other arts genres as well. Below are more details and you can read about each one individually in the Products page.

Here's a short explanation on the series:

Here's to your artistic success!!!

"Masterpiece Marketing" 3 Video Course Series plus FREE Bonus Video!


 
Take Marketing, Sales & Branding to the next level with this "Masterpiece Marketing" DVD Video Training Series. Create strategic marketing plans for your business that are personalized and suited for you and your work! Based around Alexandra's 3 Keys to Marketing Success to allow your work to stand out!

Video Course #1: Traditional Marketing & Sales
Video Course #2: Online & Social Media Marketing
Video Course #3: Branding for Long-Term Success  

Plus BONUS Video & Workbook Questions: Targeting Your Ideal Audience - this 45-minute video and applicable workbook questions will help you identify your ideal clients, find new leads and organize your client lists (Valued at $19.99).

Alexandra's practical and easy-to-follow approach guides you through each of the video courses. Follow along to a step-by-step video presentation of the most important marketing topics relevant to fine artists. The Manuals, available as PDF's, include detailed Notes summarizing the video to easily read at any time. Take the lessons to a new level by answering intensive questions for each section, allowing you to better comprehend and apply the concepts specifically to your business. The programs also include suggested reading resources and Actionable Steps to further your business practice even further.

Buying all 3 Video Courses, plus the BONUS video, is an excellent value at just $97.00, and a must-have for moving your fine art business forward!!

Training Series Introductory Offer: Just $67.00 for a limited time only through October 17, 2011 at midnight EST!! (Price Originally $97.00). 
If you're ready to take your Marketing, Sales & Branding to the next level: 


P.S. - If you have used and are satisfied with this course or would like to refer any of the ArtistaCoaching products, sign up for the Affiliate Program to earn 30% commission on these products. 

Saturday, October 1, 2011

"ArtistaTip" Question: How to Attract Customers

Today's "ArtistaTip" question comes from Patty from Philadelphia who asks:

Q: I feel as though I'm running around in circles trying capture my clients; I wish they would just come to me. Do you have any suggestions?

~Patty, Philadelphia, PA

A: This is a great question and I've received many similar questions and concerns from artists lately. Without knowing your background or where you are in your business, I recommend focusing your efforts on a Branding campaign for you and your work. Branding is all about finding your niche and uniqueability, or your expertise that people remember you by. Once you hold that memorability factor, you can begin to attract more of your followers who love your work. Branding is not a short-term technique but a long-term strategy; however you can begin today to increase your efforts. Make small changes to your website or in your marketing material to reflect your You-niqueability. Ultimately remembering that you and your style are unique can build your confidence, which aids you in attracting more clients! 

For more information on branding or marketing, check out one of my upcoming Webinars or workshops Scheduled, topics include Branding on 4/23, Strategic Online Marketing and Publicity. 

Or check out my new success e-program Sculpt Your Life From Sketch to Masterpiece(TM)!

*If you'd like to submit a question for an "ArtistaTip", please email Alexandra@ArtistaMundo.com.