FROM ONE-OF-A-KIND TO PRODUCTION
Monday, September 26th, 7-9
Designing for production (no matter what type of art you make) is a great way to approach building a business. Designs that can be consistently reproduced often lead to more overall sales and a more profitable business yet many artists struggle when it comes to taking their one of a kind ideas and turning them into a production line. In this workshop, we'll look at how to identify the unique attributes of your one of a kind work, and how to translate that into production. Then, we'll talk about strategies for efficient production, ranging from making products yourself to getting help to outsourcing. And finally, we'll look at strategies for pricing your production work, as well as how to balance making production with one of a kind.
Workshop Archive
I Heart Art: Workshop 1
REALITIES OF RUNNING AN INDIE BIZ
TUESDAY, JANUARY 25th, 2011, 7-9pm
Your own business: will it be a dream come true -- or a nightmare? This two-hour workshop is designed to give you a running start in the right direction. It combines a few key insights on "The Biggest Challenge" (selling your stuff) with useful tips and tricks. The last half-hour of the workshop will be used for questions and answers from the live audience and the online community.
The workshop leader, Greg Conderacci, brings 40 years of marketing and communication experience as a Wall Street Journal reporter, head of marketing for major companies (including America's oldest investment bank), a sales coach, a business school faculty member, and as head of his own independent business. Visit www.goodgroundconsulting.comto learn more about Greg's consulting business.
Workshop Archive
I Heart Art: Workshop 2
FINDING YOUR MARKET
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 22nd, 2011, 7-9pm
Do you know the best market for your products? Can you pick your ideal customer out of a lineup? Finding your market is essential for success in any business. In this workshop, we'll look at the two elements that make up your market - the stuff you make (your products) and the people who buy it (your customers). We'll look into why serving a niche market makes good business sense, and why there really is no such thing as mass appeal. Then we'll talk about how you can conduct market research to build a detailed profile of your ideal customer. And finally, we'll tie it all together by looking at how you can use this information to pick the venues, locations, places, and times where you'll have the most success marketing and selling your products.
Megan Auman is a designer, maker, educator, and entrepreneur who has built a multi-faceted business around her passion for great design and sustainable business. Her eponymous jewelry line is sold in stores across the US and online. In 2009, Megan founded Crafting an MBA, www.craftmba.com, a website aimed at helping designers and makers develop their business skills.
Workshop Archive
I Heart Art: Workshop 3
TAX TIME
TUESDAY, MARCH 29th, 2011, 7-9pm
It's almost that time! April is synonymous with spring-budding trees, chirping birds, and dreaded taxes. Learn about the tax implications of various business entities such as sole proprietorships, general partnerships, limited liability companies, S-corporations and regular C-corporations. Independent contractors and freelancers will also get pointers that make tax time a breeze-or at least, less of a headache.
Anthony G. King, MS, CPA, has over 30 years of corporate finance and public accounting experience. He has extensive experience in evaluating and implementing financial plans, procedures and cash management controls. His broad spectrum of activities have included banking and treasury applications, insurance and risk management, tax accounting and research, compensation and benefit functions, as well as evaluations and designs of technology based financial information systems. Tony is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, Maryland Association of Certified Public Accountants, Information Systems Audit and Control Association, and the National Association of Black Accountants. He is a licensed CPA in Maryland, New York, New Jersey, and North Carolina. More information is available at www.king-king.com.
Workshop Archive
I Heart Art: Workshop 4
WEB MARKETING
TUESDAY, APRIL 12th, 2011, 7-9pm
It's now easier than ever to create a business selling your arts and crafts online, or is it? If you build it, will they come?
This workshop will cover strategies and secrets for marketing your business online. We'll talk about why it's important to build an online home base for your business, why your "About" page is the most important page on your website, and whether you really need a blog. We'll also talk about which social media sites you should be on and which you can skip!
Megan Auman is a designer, maker, educator, and entrepreneur who has built a multi-faceted business around her passion for great design and sustainable business. Her eponymous jewelry line is sold in stores across the US and online. In 2009, Megan founded Crafting an MBA, www.craftmba.com, a website aimed at helping designers and makers develop their business skills.
Workshop Archive
I Heart Art: Workshop 5
GROWING YOUR ARTS BUSINESS
TUESDAY, MAY 3rd, 2011, 7-9pm
Are you ready to take your arts business to the next level but aren't really sure what the next level looks like or how to get there?
This workshop will explore strategies for growing your business. We'll talk about setting goals, business strategy, and creating a road map for growing your business. We'll also look at the importance of developing multiple streams of income, and how to get help for your business by using independent contractors and employees.
Megan Auman is a designer, maker, educator, and entrepreneur who has built a multi-faceted business around her passion for great design and sustainable business. Her eponymous jewelry line is sold in stores across the US and online. In 2009, Megan founded Crafting an MBA, www.craftmba.com, a website aimed at helping designers and makers develop their business skills.
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