Marketing yourself! (Part 2 - Networking)

Hi, everything has been a bit busy at the moment so I'm sorry I've been away from blogging for a while. I did manage to fit in a networking event last week and this and a few other incidents have made me keep thinking  about self-promotion. I mentioned in my last marketing blog about how I had it drummed in to me that YOU are the best marketing tool for YOUR business.

Having been to a few networking events now I realise how very true this is. I don't find it an easy thing to do, and have to put myself in my positive confident frame of mind. I also tell myself that everyone else must feel a tiny bit anxious about talking about their stuff but I would be interested to hear what they have to say so hopefully it would be the same for them.

At times in different situations I do cringe when people ask me what I do. I still haven't quite defined my role and how to describe myself and my business. I think the problem is that basically I am just an artist doing what I love! But I do think going out to networking events is a great way to tell others what you do and to help define it for yourself. I've also found that it really is a great way to meet people too.

However, I have realised that although most people are generally interested and even excited when I explain what I do,  some people do have a completely different impression. I received a very derogatory comment about a particular product last week, this was without the person seeing it. I think it was a misunderstanding but it did make me realise first impressions really do count and if you don't sell yourself and your products straight away you could have blown it with that person!

This did make me very aware that I should always be promoting my goods in a way that represents them professionally and adequately.  I am very proud of the quality and uniqueness of all my products and this comment actually helped me realise this, the freshness and individuality of my work is what makes it very special and it is this that I should be getting across every time my work is being assessed.

I am still not sure exactly how best to describe my work but I am definitely going to work on my elevator pitch for both written and verbal communications so the next time I get a "Really?" comment it will be, "Really? They sound great!!!"

I would love to hear how you have managed to talk about yourself and your work effectively, and any tips you have.

best wishes,
SamX

My wee man!

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