Friday, July 20, 2007

Prim Talk Radio Show #66




Today’s Show:




  • Angie

    host of




    Heartland Graphics


    will be sharing a segment on how to sell on Ebay for the Holiday Season this
    is Part 2


  • We have a Featured Crafter Interview
    today with Michele from


    Holly Tree Primitives
    we encourage you to
    click on her banner below and visit her great NEW site today!



  • Michelle Lammers


    from

    Scrappin with Army Wife


    talks trying to find time to spend with
    your kids, some alone time for yourself and some alone time with your husband.



  • Mary
    Jo Elliott our newest staff member from



    Fine Country Living Primitives


    talks to you using Pip Berry Vines and Wreaths in your prim decorating, she
    also has a wonderful summertime recipe she will be sharing with everyone!



  • Heather our newest staff member from

    Cotton
    Pickin Prims
    is here talk to us about getting your booth ready for
    the upcoming Fall Craft Shows



  • Grab
    our

    Advertising Special 6 months


    of Front Page advertising plus mention on every show for 50% off normal prices
    the total is only $50 for six months!


    Click here
    to order!



Click below to listen to our show
OR
Click here to visit our site


Saturday, July 14, 2007

Improve Your Craft Sales Results

Want to improve your craft sales results?
You have to change the process to change the results.

It's estimated (and I can well believe it) that of every ten sales people, only three will actually ask for the business. Of those three, only one will be successful in closing the deal. Are you the one who makes the sale, or are you part of the nine who don't?

If you're in business for yourself, it's because you have something to sell. Are your results what you expect or would like them to be? Do you think (or know) that you could do better?

Improve Your Craft Sales Results - Can You Sell?


It's a common scenario - for example: You make something that everybody loves, so you decide to start selling your products in the hopes that you'll build your little business into something big enough to sustain a full time income, but you're just not selling enough to be able to quit your job and work for yourself.

It may be that you've never been trained in sales - this is not unusual, you're an artist or crafter for a reason, if sales is what you were born to do, that's what you would be doing. It may be that you're not very comfortable with or confident at selling - also not unusual if you've never been taught sales skills and techniques, because it takes time to develop the confidence to sell when you first start out.

Improve Your Craft Sales Results - Develop Your Skills


Whatever the reason, the good news is that it's really easy to turn the situation around so that you start closing one deal after the next, resulting in a much improved cash flow!

Yes, it does take confidence, and you will build that confidence up sale by sale, because it also takes skill and technique - once you've learned how to sell, and you apply your new skills, you'll be so thrilled with the results that your confidence will grow in leaps and bounds, and so will your sales!

I'd like to share a personal anecdote on this topic, because what I'm writing about here is what I've experienced myself.

Improve Your Craft Sales Results - A True Story


At one of my previous jobs where I worked in a customer service role, my employer thought I showed promise to do more, and offered me a position in sales. I accepted, wanting to improve my earnings and climb up a notch. However, I didn't do very well at all. My employer hadn't offered me any sales training, and all the other sales consultants came from experienced sales backgrounds, so they didn't need to be trained (or so he thought).

I didn't want to lose this opportunity or fail at it, so I made some enquiries and I found a one day seminar that offered sales training for beginners. I asked my employer if he would pay for it and allow me to go - he wasn't very keen at first, but he could see how enthusiastic I was, and he was impressed that I'd been proactive instead of just giving up.

Well, that one day practically changed my life! I didn't realize it at first, of course, because the techniques seemed like such a "hard sell", and I didn't think I was confident enough to go through with it all. But little by little I started trying a few things out - a different rebuttal if a customer was giving me a reason s/he didn't want to buy; or a different introduction to the beginning of my sales pitch - and I could see that these things were having an effect on my customers, an effect that was positive for me.

Improve Your Craft Sales Results - Take Action!


A lot of people think you have to be a "born salesperson", but I can testify that isn't true. When you learn the right sales skills and techniques, and you apply them, you can become a successful salesperson. And if you want to run your own successful craft business, you have to become a successful salesperson - your business depends on it.

There are a number of ways you can go about learning the sales skills and techniques you need:

* Search the internet
* Find out what courses are offered in your area
* Browse your local library or book store, etc.

Generally speaking, not everything of value that you find is going to necessarily be free or inexpensive, but very often "you get what you pay for".

Article by:

For more free craft business info and resources, visit Craft Business Home.com - the free guide on how to turn your craft into a profitable home business!

Create Your Own Crafting Space

If you are at the place where your crafting is becoming more than a passive hobby, it may be time to consider having your own space in which to craft. This space can come in many forms but the important thing is that you need a space of your own.

Many crafters start out working at their dining room table or kitchen. However, most of them eventually find they long to have separate space. Crafting at the dining room or kitchen table can work for small projects that are completed fairly quickly. As you get into projects that require more time to complete, you will find that the clutter left in those rooms can quickly become overwhelming. Plus your family members may not appreciate the clutter of your crafts in a room that is utilized by everyone. It may be time to seek out a solution and create your own crafting space.

A lot of crafters may be limited to they type of space available to them. Perhaps they don’t have a spare bedroom they could use. In cases like this you have to get creative.

Let us explore some of the creative spaces you might consider.

1. Attic
An attic can be an ideal space if it’s easily accessible, like a walk up attic. Be sure your attic is cool enough in the summer. Also, make sure there enough head room for you to stand up. Attics can be delightful spaces in which to craft especially if they are large enough and have windows for natural lighting.

2. Large Walk In Closet
Some homes have very large walk in closets that can be easily turned into an ideal crafting space. Be sure there is access to electrical outlets and that you have enough space to place a work desk and storage.

3. Large Outdoor Shed
If you don’t have any ideal options for a crafting space inside your home, consider an outdoor shed, preferably one that is insulated and made from wood. Sheds can be purchased in various sizes ranging from 8 x 8 feet all the way up to 10 x 15 feet on average. If you do not already have a shed in your backyard, purchasing one may be an alternative. If you or your husband is handy in carpentry, you could also build your own. It’s important that your shed is wired for electric and meets all the safety standards. Check with your local county for more information. A outdoor shed can be as simple or elaborate as you want and can be delightful crafting spaces.

4. Basements
If you have a finished basement that is comfortable and has access to a lot of natural light, this may be an ideal option. Basements that are dark, cold and uninviting are usually not good options. You don’t want to feel like you are descending into a dungeon each time you go down to craft. Remember that your craft space should be a pleasant place to work.

5. In Plain Sight
Perhaps you live in a apartment, loft or small home where additional space poses quite a challenge. In cases like this you may need to consider creating your crafting space in plain sight, sort of. Consider using room dividers to create a separate space in a existing room. The dividers will not only separate your crafting space from living space but they will also serve to hide any craft related clutter.

Regardless of the location you choose for your crafting space, it’s important to remember to make it a inspiring place in which to create. Once you have determined the location, consider the following.

1. Natural light or the ability to create enough artificial light is a must.
2. Be sure there is adequate space to allow for storage of your supplies.
3. Consider wall colors that will create a light and pleasant crafting space.
4. Decorate your space to surround yourself with things that inspire you.
5. Think about if you want access to a radio, TV or phone in your space.

Even if you may not have the ideal crafting space, you can create a wonderful work place with a little imagination.

Article by:

© 2007 Kelle Arvay is the owner of Pattern Mart with offers customers access to thousands of craft patterns that they can purchase and download instantly. Additionally, she is the owner of eCraft Classes which is dedicated to online craft classes. She has been a crafter and pattern designer for many years. www.PatternMart.com www.eCraftClasses.com

Prim Talk Radio Show #65 Friday July 13th

Today’s Show:

* Angie host of Heartland Graphics will be sharing a segment on how to sell on Ebay for the Holiday Season this is Part 1
* Michelle Lammers from Scrappin with Army Wife talks getting crafts ready for the Holiday Season
* Mary Jo Elliott our newest staff member from Fine Country Living Primitives talks to you about Auctions and Estate Sales
* Aurelia Williams our Personal Development Coach discusses put more balance in your life
* Renae from Prim Clipper is on vacation!
* Vicky will be talking about how to make Tie Dye Crafts with your kids
* Feathured Crafter Interview this week is with Michele from Holly Tree Primitives
* Grab our Advertising Special 6 months of Front Page advertising plus mention on every show for 50% off normal prices the total is only $50 for six months! Click here to order!
* Our Top 5 Partner Program-Get your site listed for FREE
* Aurelia’s Podcast-“Parenting My Teen”
* Jessica Archer-Song “At Last”
* Tim Armstrong Band=Song “Listen to your Heart”
Click here to visit our site
Click here to download our show