Book Club Reboot: Stephen Covey’s “The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People”

Book Club Reboot: Stephen Covey’s “The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People”

by | Sep 25, 2023 | Learning

Book Club Reboot: Stephen Covey’s The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People

Adding a reading habit to your routine can offer valuable ideas for your art business.  To encourage you in that effort, Artisan Advantage is getting ready to reboot the Artist Book Club.  This time around, the Club is going to be a more interactive model.   While details are put into place, we’re going to review some books on past Artisan Advantage reading lists.  Hopefully, you will find something helpful here for your business.

Here we’ll revisit Stephen R. Covey’s timeless masterpiece, The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People.  This book has guided people of all professions seeking personal and professional growth. In this past book club pick, Covey presents a holistic approach to self-improvement that goes beyond productivity tips. Here’s a bit of what makes this book a universal classic.

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7 Habits Recap

Covey’s first three habits revolve around personal effectiveness. The foundational “Be Proactive” encourages taking responsibility for your choices, while “Begin with the End in Mind” stresses the importance of setting clear goals. “Put First Things First” urges prioritization based on importance rather than urgency, a concept that can revolutionize time management.

The following three habits deal with interpersonal effectiveness. “Think Win-Win” advocates for a mindset of collaboration and mutual benefit. “Seek First to Understand, Then to Be Understood” highlights communication – critical in building meaningful relationships. “Synergize” emphasizes the power of teamwork and the creation of solutions greater than the sum of their parts.

Covey’s final habit, “Sharpen the Saw,” emphasizes self-renewal through physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual development. This habit underscores the importance of continuous growth and balance in our lives.

Covey’s principles are not quick fixes but enduring, guiding philosophies.

Get your book here. 

How Can I Apply This to My Art Business?

While the book doesn’t focus specifically on the art industry, its principles are universally applicable and can be adapted to various professional contexts, including the art world. Here’s how these habits can apply to an art business:

1 – Be Proactive

To be proactive means taking control of your business. Instead of waiting for opportunities to come your way, actively seek out exhibitions, collaborations, and networking events. Take responsibility for your artistic direction and business decisions.

2 – Begin With the End in Mind

Define your vision and long-term goals. Consider where your art business will be in three, five, or ten years. This habit helps you create a roadmap for your artistic journey.

3 – Put First Things First

Prioritize your art marketing and proactive business activity. Allocate time for creating new artwork and developing your skills. Don’t let distractions consume all your time; focus on what will move your business forward.

4 – Think Win-Win

Collaborations and partnerships can be very beneficial for an art business. Approach negotiations and collaborations with a win-win mindset, seeking mutually beneficial outcomes. Building positive relationships with galleries, collectors, and fellow artists can lead to long-term success.

5 – Seek First to Understand, Then to Be Understood:

Effective communication is crucial in your business. Understand the needs and preferences of your target audience and collectors. Listening and empathizing with their perspectives can help you create art and communications that resonate with them.

6 – Synergize

Collaboration can lead to innovative projects and increased exposure—partner with other artists, galleries, or organizations to create unique exhibitions or events. Combining your strengths can lead to greater success than working alone.

7 – Sharpen the Saw

Self-care is essential, particularly with a self-owned business. Take time to nurture your creativity, mental well-being, and physical health. Continuous learning and personal development will enhance your artistic skills and business acumen.

Applying these habits to your art business can help you become a more effective artist-entrepreneur. You can build a thriving art business that reflects your passion and creativity by aligning your actions with your artistic vision, improving communication, and fostering positive relationships within the art community. Covey’s principles provide a framework for achieving personal and professional success in art.

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How to Choose the Perfect Email Marketing Template for Your Art Business

How to Choose the Perfect Email Marketing Template for Your Art Business

by | Sep 18, 2023 | Channels

How to Choose the Perfect Email Newsletter Template for Your Art Business 

Email newsletters are invaluable for you to connect with your audience. When setting up your email marketing system, choosing and using a consistent template for you to use each time you send a message, makes it easier to communicate effectively on a consistent basis.  

Set up your email marketing system. 

If you subscribe to my weekly newsletter, you might notice that it looks consistent from week to week.   This is because I have a simple pre-designed template that I use to create my messages.   I use the same header and information is presented in the same format each time I send a message.   This system allows me to easily create my messages, without having to recreate the wheel.

What’s a Template? 

A template in email marketing is a pre-designed layout or structure for creating email campaigns. It includes placeholders for text, images, links, and other elements. 

Using a template helps to maintain a consistent and professional look for your messages. Templates will also save you time and ensure consistency across your campaigns. They are customizable, allowing for the insertion of unique content while adhering to the established design, which enhances brand recognition and the overall effectiveness of your email marketing efforts.

But with countless options available, how do you choose the best template for your art business? Here’s a guide to help you navigate the process.

How to Choose Your Email Template 

Know Your Artistic Brand Identity

Your email newsletter should reflect your unique brand identity. Choose one that aligns with your colors, style, and aesthetics. Consistency is key to building recognition and trust among your readers.

Consider Layout and Content

Different templates offer varying layouts for content placement. Think about the content you’ll be sharing—new art, blog posts, or event updates—and select a template that presents your content in an engaging and organized manner.

Mobile Responsiveness:

 Choose a mobile-friendly design for today’s mobile-centric world.

Visual Appeal

Look for templates that allow you to showcase your artwork, photography, or visuals prominently. 

Customizability

While templates offer a starting point, the ability to customize is crucial. Choose a template that allows you to tweak colors, fonts, and layouts to make it your own.

Call-to-Action

Whether selling art, promoting an event, or sharing a blog post, ensure your chosen template provides ample space for clear and compelling calls to action.

How to set up your template.  

In a couple of weeks, I’ll post the steps to choosing and setting up your template in your email marketing platform.   Join my weekly newsletter here so you won’t miss the post.

More Resources

Want to learn more about email marketing for an artist ? You might like Building an Email List for Your Art Business. 

 



Grow an Email List for Your Art Business Using a Lead Magnet

Grow an Email List for Your Art Business Using a Lead Magnet

by | Sep 8, 2023 | Channels

Grow an Email List for Your Art Business with a Lead Magnet

Building a solid connection with your audience is critical to growing your art business. The best way to communicate with your contacts regularly is through regular email communication. But how do you gather emails and encourage people to subscribe to your list?   One effective way to engage your audience and expand your reach is by offering lead magnets –  incentives encouraging people to join your email list. Effective lead magnets help you capture potential fans, allowing you to nurture relationships and make sales.

Six Lead Magnet Ideas for Artists

Remember, not all of these will be appropriate for your business. What works for one artist might seem silly or irrelevant to another. Use ideas that make sense for you and your audience.

1 – Exclusive Art Tutorials

Are you a teaching artist? Share your artistic expertise by offering a free tutorial video or downloadable guide showcasing your unique techniques. Whether it’s painting, digital illustration, or sculpture, providing a sneak peek into your creative process can enthrall aspiring artists and enthusiasts.

2 – Printable Artwork

Craft a beautiful digital print of one of your creations that users can print and display. This introduces your art to their spaces and serves as a visual reminder of your talents.

3 – Behind-the-Scenes Content

Invite your audience into your studio or workspace with behind-the-scenes glimpses of your creative process. People love seeing the “making of” your art.

4 – Art Guide or Talk

Create a guide your target audience might find helpful. For example, you could create a guide about how engaging with art can be a form of relaxation or inspiration.  Or, put together a guide for art lovers in your local area of lesser-known art museums and venues.
You could also record an artist talk or tour of your studio as a special incentive.

5 – Art-Inspired Playlist

Compile a playlist of music that fuels your creative process. Music and art often go hand in hand, and sharing your playlist can help your audience connect with your inspirations on a deeper level.

6 – Early Access and Discounts

Offer early access to upcoming art collections or exclusive discounts for subscribers. This rewards your most engaged fans and encourages them to stay connected for your latest updates.

Remember, the key to a successful lead magnet is to offer something genuinely valuable that aligns with your art and your audience.   When promoting your lead magnet, use your social media platforms, website, and collaborations with fellow artists to reach a wider audience.

Maintain a Consistent Email Marketing Strategy

Lastly, while creating lead magnets are one piece of the puzzle,  it’s crucial to maintain a consistent email marketing strategy to nurture your newfound relationships. Deliver relevant content, engage in conversations, and provide updates on your art and accomplishments,   Combining compelling lead magnets with consistent engagement will transform casual followers into dedicated fans anticipating your next creation.

In the ever-evolving landscape of artistic expression, strategically using lead magnets can help you grow your list of dedicated fans and followers, ultimately increasing sales and growing your business.

Stay connected

Would you like more information about marketing your art?  Get my weekly information drop here. 

 

Blogging for An Art Business – Upcoming Art Marketing Roundtable

Blogging for An Art Business – Upcoming Art Marketing Roundtable

by | Sep 6, 2023 | Events, Your Hub

Join in An Art Marketing Roundtable about Blogging for Your Art Business

As a visual artist, you pour your time, energy and money into your creations. But how do you get people to notice your work?  Consider adding a blog to your marketing mix, where you can share your work, connect with your audience, and ultimately boost your art business.

Blogging is an often overlooked and misunderstood tool for artists.

Blogging isn’t just about writing—it’s about weaving a narrative around your art and creating a digital space where your creativity can flourish.

blogging-artist-roundtable-art-marketing

Understand the Challenges

At September’s Art Marketing Roundtable, we will discuss some common challenges around blogging.

Lack of clarity

Many artists need help deciding what to blog about. But, in reality, artists have many worthwhile things to share with their audience. Sometimes, it takes a little time and thought to hash them out to develop a content plan.

Maintaining Consistency

Starting a blog is easy, but maintaining a consistent schedule is harder. With some simple planning, you can avoid writer’s block and stay on track with your blogging tool.

Fear

Sharing your personal stories and creations can leave you feeling vulnerable. How do you conquer the fear of putting your work out there?

Time!

Amidst the commitments of an artist’s life, finding time to blog can be challenging. How can you balance your studio time with your marketing efforts.

The impact of these challenges can be profound. Inconsistent blogging may lead to an unclear online presence, a lack of engagement with your audience, and slow business growth.

Overcoming the Challenges

Here are some strategies we will discuss to help overcome these challenges.

Creating an Editorial Calendar

Plan your blog posts ahead of time. Set achievable goals and maintain a consistent posting schedule to engage your audience.

Build Credibility Through Blogging

Your unique perspective as an artist is valuable. Sharing events, accomplishments, and new work consistently with your audience helps to build credibility.

Time Management

Block out specific time in your schedule for marketing, including your blogging, just as you do for your studio time. Prioritize tasks and eliminate distractions to stay focused.

Find Tools and Resources

Arming yourself with the right tools can make your blogging go smoother. At this roundtable, we will cover all these topics and some simple tools that can help the process.

What’s An Art Marketing Roundtable?

Art Marketing Roundtables are casual but informative events where artists join together around a topic to help their art business. You can participate as much as you like or just listen in.

These are free events via Zoom.

Register Here!

Out of the Box Art Marketing: 10 Ideas to Get Your Art Noticed

Out of the Box Art Marketing: 10 Ideas to Get Your Art Noticed

by | Sep 5, 2023 | Learning

10 Unique Ideas to Market and Sell Your Art Without Gallery Representation

Many artists consider art galleries the primary avenue to showcase and sell their work. However, in today’s rapidly evolving art landscape, they may only sometimes be the optimal choice or a possibility for every artist. When gallery representation is not on the table, what does an artist do to get their work marketed and sold?

The Good News 

The digital age has ushered in a new era where artists can harness the power of online platforms, social media, and e-commerce to gain visibility and connect directly with art enthusiasts. Embracing these alternative approaches offers artists greater control over their careers. And it opens up new avenues for reaching a wide audience.

You Need a Strategy 

But where do you start if you want to make direct connections with collectors? You need strategies that work for your art and your business goals. You need a plan to stand out among the plethora of marketing on social media and in the marketplace. The best way to do that is to create a unique strategy for you, your work, and your business goals.

GET YOUR FREE GUIDE HERE 

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Get Guide Here 

Unlock your artistic potential and supercharge your art career with my FREE guide – 10 Unique Strategies to Market and Sell Your Work…

Discover ten unique art marketing strategies to sell your artwork outside of gallery representation. This guide gives you ten approaches to consider to formulate your marketing strategy. 

Download your FREE guide now and embark on a journey towards thriving as an artist in the modern world!

Requesting this Guide includes a complimentary subscription to the Artisan Advantage newsletter. You’ll receive emails with a weekly art marketing tip, resources, and more relevant to building an art business. You can unsubscribe at any time.

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