by Alyson Stanfield on February 9, 2010
Before you do anything else, read this post from Nathan Hangen on the Copyblogger blog: The Art of Shameless Self-Promotion.
Now, let’s talk about why I sent you there.
I used to teach an online class called Shameless Self-Promotion (the closest thing I have to it now is Cultivate Collectors). I also used to have a workshop with the same title. As it turns out, it’s a good title–so good that the folks organizing my upcoming workshop in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware have chosen to call their workshop Shameless Self-Promotion.
Nathan Hangen speaks for himself in his blog post, so allow me to give you my side.
The word “shameless” doesn’t mean shameful. It means lack of shame. Shameless Self-Promotion, therefore, implies pride–pride in your work, your art, your ideas, and your accomplishments. You don’t lie, you don’t embellish. Instead, you tell the truth with “lack of shame.” You don’t apologize for your good ideas. You hold your head high while you give an enthusiastic plug for what gets you excited about them.
There’s an entire chapter in my book called “Share, Don’t Sell.” This is how I want you to think. Don’t look for the latest sales speak or closing techniques. Instead of worrying about selling, get excited about sharing your art.
Anthony Frudakis, Andromeda. Bronze. ©The Artist
Until you are excited about sharing your art, how can you expect us to be overly eager about looking at it or buying it? Our level of fired-up-ness will never exceed your own. There is a direct correlation between your energy surrounding your art and our response to it.
There’s something else to think about that relates to your personal well-being.
You’ll have a hard time promoting your art until you are uber excited about it. You’ll whine, you’ll complain, and you’ll make excuses. Just don’t let me be within earshot of any of these time-wasting activities. They are unproductive and will suck the life out of you, your art, and everyone around you.
I will tell you the same thing I say in my book, in my classes, and in my workshops.
You should be so excited about sharing your art with the world that you can’t wait to get out of bed!
Are you there yet?
by Alyson Stanfield on February 8, 2010
Not sure how to label your CD for an exhibit submission?
Call the organizer or gallery and ask.
Unclear about the instructions for a grant proposal?
Call the organization and ask.
Wondering how to best promote a speaker or workshop presenter?
Call the speaker and ask!
Years ago I visited the offices of the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) in Washington, D.C. to talk with them about the grant proposals we were submitting on behalf of the art museum. One piece of advice has always stuck with me. The gentleman said something to this effect:
“We are here to answer questions. Use us! Seek our advice as you are writing your proposal—not at the very end with the deadline in sight.”
Karen Martin, On the Cusp of Old Age (Self Portrait). Oil, 30 x 40 inches. ©The Artist
Too often we flounder because we’re afraid of asking for clarification. We’re afraid of the answer, so we’d rather guess. Or we’re lazy. Picking up the phone and dialing a number these days requires so much effort.
Asking doesn’t make you look unknowledgeable or stupid. On the contrary! Asking makes you look smart. Here are four benefits of asking for clarification.
1. It puts your name in front of the person on the other end. “Hi, this is . . . and I’d like some clarification about . . . “ Putting your name in front of people is always good business.
2. It shows people that you want to honor their guidelines and preferences.
3. It proves to the other person that you are a professional—especially if you make your call in advance and don’t wait until the day before a deadline. You got past any fear or laziness and picked up the phone.
4. It gives you peace of mind because you know you did it right.
FINAL WORD: If you’re confused or unsure about guidelines or requirements, ask for clarification. In all of the examples above, I encouraged you to pick up the phone and dial a number rather than send an email. I stress this because it’s easy to be further confused by email. A live conversation will be much more fruitful and will often be faster than exchanging email messages.
Speaking of live conversations, don’t forget to check out my
spring workshops in Wisconsin, Pennsylvania, and Delaware. You should be there!
podcast
The podcast is an audio version of this content.
