We’ve not had many updates lately and it’s well past time for a new podcast.  Dean and I will be in the studio next week.  Meanwhile I’ve uploaded a 16 minute podcast. I hope you enjoy it.

Rosh

Dean offers a thoughtful solo podcast on the value of a question.

Dean and Rosh talk about “neophobia”, renewing and who is your best customer. Comment line 206 338 6642.

We talked about this video

Who’s creative : Artist Ed (Gonzo) Stross

Dean calls in from the road and we chat about “making connections”.  We talk about blogging, twitter, facebook and how to best share who you are.  How do you communicate and what are the best practices?

This podcast is about 30 minutes long.

No who’s creative this week.

Rosh

Word of mouth has been a very powerful tool in my business.  It usually starts based on my words from my mouth.  I am very careful about how talk about my company and how I train the people around me to talk about my company. 

We keep our words, ideas simple and easy to understand.  But, we also work hard to make those words interesting.  Boring ideas will not be repeated. 

Every time you talk about your business to your employees, business partners, people on the street or family members you are starting or continuing a word of mouth campaign.   That is why it’s important to keep it positive or say nothing at all. 

Even of the cuff remarks made to your spouse or close business associates will most likely be repeated in future conversations. You will likely talk to numerous people about your business over the course of a year.  It is important to think about what you are saying.

Have you thought about the topics you should are sharing.  The concepts and ideas you are hoping to spread.  Do you have a word of mouth campaign plan?  I do and so should you.

When people ask me about my business, they will hear about my travel.  Why? Because, it generally creates a positive impression about my company. If people are willing to spend money to fly me around the country to use my services or hear me speak, the impression is that I have the needed skills to do an exceptional job. 

I talk about my specialties; people, food and interiors.  I let them know about my low risk per image pricing system and why it’s a good way to do business.

If time allows, I will share stories and present some of my images.  But, usually I keep it simple.  I don’t want to overload people and create a bunch of static.  My goal is to share just enough information to peak their interest enough to make it worth remembering and repeating.

So, what words are you going to share?

Rosh

When you listen to our podcasts or read our blogs you will notice a number of themes. Below is a list of some of my favorite Prosperous Artists business and marketing ideas. These ideas are what work for me and I believe they will work for you.

1) Do what works: It’s amazing how many business people continue to do what doesn’t work thinking they will do it better next time rather then try something new.

2) Test: Test your ideas on a small scale to see if they work. This saves a lot of time and money. It’s OK to be wrong. That is how we learn and become better business people.

3) Make it easy to do business: Some business people spend too much time protecting themselves. When barriers are placed in front of prospects and customers, it’s almost impossible to create a win-win relationship.  Remember service is about them.

4) Risk reversal: Put the risk on you not the customer (within reason). This is a
good step in making it easy to do business with you.

5) Learn how to network: Building business is about people.

6) Know your worth: Chances are you undervalue what you do.

7) Focus on the Niche: Creative business people that become the best in a small niche often make many times more then the average, generalist or Jack of all trades.

8 ) It’s OK to make money doing what you love to do: Many new creative entrepreneurs think they are cheating or stealing when they ask people to pay them for something they would love to do for free. It is wrong to think that only physical, boring or complex labor is worthy of pay.  Just because it’s easy to you or you enjoy the task doesn’t mean there is no value in it.

9) Get involved in new/social media: Become an expert in what you do.

10) Never stop trying to do what you do better: To stay ahead of the curve, keep
your skills sharp and be a leader in your field.  You need to continue to study and innovate in your area of expertise.  Never stop learning.   If you’ve learned everything. Quit.