Networking – Local Arts And Crafts Events Combined With Online Social Communities
Recently I did a little poll on my forum asking other lapidaries how their online sales have been doing. There were a couple of comments that stood out. First, although the number of folks utilizing the poll were few, online gemstone and jewelry sales seem to be in decline past few months. The month of July stood out the most for myself.
One comment that really stood out was how it is local artists, various shows, and events that a great deal of sales as well as new business opportunities are coming from. I do know from experience not related to lapidary how successful attending local shows can be. Both from sales and equally important… Networking ! Meeting local artists and lapidaries ! Online social networking can be very successful towards these. A comment was made on another forum about the importance of utilizing “local” online social networking from a “networking” perspective.. Not to focus on “local” online social networking for sales, but concentrate on using it as a local networking tool..
What do some of these thoughts and experiences have to do with the title of this blog entry? For myself it is obvious the importance of getting involved socially on a local level.
If we think about it, not everyone has access to computers, or many that do, are not using them to introduce themselves to national and international online businesses related to their artistic niche. A couple of months ago I had a sale from someone local.. The very first in three years of selling various items online. I am sure there are a whole lot more than just this one who share common interests with me !
Yes, we are certainly in a recession/depression.. No question. It has hit home for myself, family and friends in many significant ways unrelated to my online business.
“When things are tough, the tough get going” ! In other words… Get out there and socially meet some folks from my community !
I think there is kind of a separation for many online business owners like myself. Many are solely selling online as compared to a storefront on Main street. We maintain and operate our online businesses. A store on Main street operates with many of the same promotional/marketing trials and tribulations except one is online and the other is on Main street. Many brick and mortar type stores utilize online sales right along with their store. Then again, many do not.. An ideal way to close the gap on that separation as an online business owner would be to combine online social networking with selling at local niche events / shows.
I think you get where I am going. Most likely your already well aware. Maybe much like myself we realize what we need to do, and just need to get out there and become locally active within the arts community.
I hear a lot of successful events/shows cheers from many online jewelry designers, and artists after completing their shows.
There are some things that I started to do a couple days ago, and perhaps you can do if your interested in learning how to become more active locally.
Searching online for as many local crafts type events as I could find. Some are “juried” events. Meaning a business license and State tax number are required. Plus we have to be voted or somehow accepted into these juried events. Fees are required just like a non juried event.
I used key search words/phrases like, “Spokane Washington gemstone jewelry shows”, “Spokane crafts hobbies shows”, “Spokane arts festivals shows”, etc…
I found many ! From little events at various jewelry and bead shops, park events, and larger shows at fairgrounds. Both local and in near by communities.
So for myself, I feel it is important to get busy. Get out there and start socializing locally. Network with other lapidaries, jewelry designers and other gemstone related artists who may be interested in my business just as I am in theirs. Trading, and bartering are possible outcomes. Business building and networking possibilities are another and will likely present themselves quickly. Any number of things can happen when business owners who share interests within a common niche network, share new ideas, products, and services.
I decided to take the advice of another CST forum member and am in the process of creating a Spokane area social community within the Ning network. It is brand new and much work to do yet, but it’s a start ! A Ning site that will be completely devoted to, and focuses upon various related and common interest niches for Spokane, and surrounding communities.
So…, the purpose of this blog entry is sort of both a kick in the butt for myself and of course create some discussion and feedback from other online gemstone and jewelry designers/artists who are presently, or may be considering the same things. How to bring some of those local artists who visit the areas community stores into our online world.. Consider local community social networking to compensate for declines in our online businesses.
Forgive much of the repetitive rambling. Thanks too for stopping in and reading through.
Don’t be shy.. ! Please reply with any suggestions, comments, feedback, personal experiences, info about shows and events in the Spokane area, etc… !
Have a great day !
