SEPTEMBER 2003 Greetings & Salutations: There has been much written, and said, about why and how people succeed. The contention being that, in order to succeed, you must learn, and then apply, the principles and techniques used by others who have gained success. But, knowing the principles and techniques used by others who have gained success doesn't qualify a person to succeed. If it did, all of those who have read and studied the various, and many, books, booklets, plans, and programs on the subject of SUCCESS would, by virtue of their knowledge thereof, be successful. Statistically, 98% of the people in this country never reach a level of anything more than sustained mediocrity; only 2% ever really achieve success. - WHY? The answer is simple. - They have never "qualified" for success, because they refuse to "pay their dues." These people (the 98%) are so wrapped-up in "protecting" and "maintaining" the level of mediocrity they have achieved that they will not risk one iota of what they have. It's like the young boy who, at long last, got his first pair of really fine shoes. Now, these shoes were exceptionally fine. So fine, in fact, that the boy spent many hours wiping and shining them - while keeping them safe from scuffs, neatly wrapped in paper, in their box under his bed. A number of opportunities presented themselves for the boy to wear the shoes, but he chose to safe-guard them and wore his older shoes instead. After all, if he wore them, he would run the risk of scuffing them or dulling their glittering shine. When the day finally arrived, when the occasion was most important, the boy learned, to his disappointment, that his feet had grown and the shoes no longer fit him. (I gave that pair of shoes to a more needy neighbor - and, from that day forward, I have never again been afraid to lose anything.) Unfortunately, most people are like that boy. - They read all of the books, booklets, plans, and programs about the principles and techniques used by others to gain success. As the boy did with the shoes, they let the opportunities to use what they have learned pass them by - or, they make a half-hearted start, but never continue past their first small and futile attempts. Why do they hold back? - Because they fear losing what little they have. They "protect" their meager and mediocre position so well that they never lose it. At retirement age, those people look back with pride at the fact that they have ventured little and lost nothing. But, not unlike the boy and his shoes, they learn, to their disappointment, that that which they protected so well will not sustain them after their retirement and they are forced to seek aid and assistance from their government, family and friends. Those people have never "qualified" for anything better, because they have never "paid their dues." If you haven't, yet, gained success, look around you. What are you protecting? If you lost it all tomorrow, would you really lose anything of great value? People fail, not because they cannot succeed, but because they are unwilling to risk what they have. They "protect" their mediocrity until it is all they have left. The struggle to achieve success is not unlike any great battle in any war. - The victorious army is always the one that gives-up the position it has won in order to advance against a better, more advantageous position. Only the losing army stands and defends a mediocre position. A young Lieutenant once asked a wise General, "Why should we try so hard to reach a position at the top of the hill? As we charge up the hill, our enemies will surely take the positions behind us, and we will lose what we have gained; even if we take the hill." The General, a very wise man, replied, "Yes - but, it is much easier to charge down-hill. When we have taken the higher position, we will charge back down the hill and recover all that we have lost. Then, we will charge down the other side of the hill." The people who make up the 2% that achieve success are forever charging up the hill - losing all behind them - and then charging back down the hill, on both sides, to regain anything they may have lost and achieve even more success. Think about it. -- How hard would it be to recover (buy back) everything you have lost when you have succeeded in making a fortune and have enough money to buy anything you want? - Instead of buying back what you had lost, you would probably buy bigger and better to replace it. Not unlike the losing army, most people will never succeed, because it would mean that they would have to give-up the mediocre position they have protected for so long. In order to succeed, you must first "lose" your mediocrity. - Success doesn't happen any other way.
SEPTEMBER 2003
Greetings & Salutations:
There has been much written, and said, about why and how people succeed. The contention being that, in order to succeed, you must learn, and then apply, the principles and techniques used by others who have gained success.
But, knowing the principles and techniques used by others who have gained success doesn't qualify a person to succeed. If it did, all of those who have read and studied the various, and many, books, booklets, plans, and programs on the subject of SUCCESS would, by virtue of their knowledge thereof, be successful.
Statistically, 98% of the people in this country never reach a level of anything more than sustained mediocrity; only 2% ever really achieve success. - WHY?
The answer is simple. - They have never "qualified" for success, because they refuse to "pay their dues."
These people (the 98%) are so wrapped-up in "protecting" and "maintaining" the level of mediocrity they have achieved that they will not risk one iota of what they have.
It's like the young boy who, at long last, got his first pair of really fine shoes.
Now, these shoes were exceptionally fine. So fine, in fact, that the boy spent many hours wiping and shining them - while keeping them safe from scuffs, neatly wrapped in paper, in their box under his bed.
A number of opportunities presented themselves for the boy to wear the shoes, but he chose to safe-guard them and wore his older shoes instead. After all, if he wore them, he would run the risk of scuffing them or dulling their glittering shine.
When the day finally arrived, when the occasion was most important, the boy learned, to his disappointment, that his feet had grown and the shoes no longer fit him. (I gave that pair of shoes to a more needy neighbor - and, from that day forward, I have never again been afraid to lose anything.)
Unfortunately, most people are like that boy. - They read all of the books, booklets, plans, and programs about the principles and techniques used by others to gain success. As the boy did with the shoes, they let the opportunities to use what they have learned pass them by - or, they make a half-hearted start, but never continue past their first small and futile attempts.
Why do they hold back? - Because they fear losing what little they have. They "protect" their meager and mediocre position so well that they never lose it.
At retirement age, those people look back with pride at the fact that they have ventured little and lost nothing. But, not unlike the boy and his shoes, they learn, to their disappointment, that that which they protected so well will not sustain them after their retirement and they are forced to seek aid and assistance from their government, family and friends.
Those people have never "qualified" for anything better, because they have never "paid their dues."
If you haven't, yet, gained success, look around you. What are you protecting? If you lost it all tomorrow, would you really lose anything of great value?
People fail, not because they cannot succeed, but because they are unwilling to risk what they have. They "protect" their mediocrity until it is all they have left.
The struggle to achieve success is not unlike any great battle in any war. - The victorious army is always the one that gives-up the position it has won in order to advance against a better, more advantageous position. Only the losing army stands and defends a mediocre position.
A young Lieutenant once asked a wise General, "Why should we try so hard to reach a position at the top of the hill? As we charge up the hill, our enemies will surely take the positions behind us, and we will lose what we have gained; even if we take the hill."
The General, a very wise man, replied, "Yes - but, it is much easier to charge down-hill. When we have taken the higher position, we will charge back down the hill and recover all that we have lost. Then, we will charge down the other side of the hill."
The people who make up the 2% that achieve success are forever charging up the hill - losing all behind them - and then charging back down the hill, on both sides, to regain anything they may have lost and achieve even more success.
Think about it. -- How hard would it be to recover (buy back) everything you have lost when you have succeeded in making a fortune and have enough money to buy anything you want? - Instead of buying back what you had lost, you would probably buy bigger and better to replace it.
Not unlike the losing army, most people will never succeed, because it would mean that they would have to give-up the mediocre position they have protected for so long.
In order to succeed, you must first "lose" your mediocrity. - Success doesn't happen any other way.
Now, let's do some ... Questions & Answers, Comments & Other Good Stuff! Alan Magers wanted to know ... "I've always wanted to know more about the process of how to go about getting a license to reproduce or use a copyrighted character for a new product. Example: Reproducing a 'Batman' comic book cover for a line of posters. Who at DC comics would I query about this & How would I go about asking (purchasing) the rights to do this?" Alan: All you need to do is make a telephone call to DC Comics and ASK the person who answers the phone for the "licensing department." -- Simple as that. The licensing department will tell you everything you need to do to get a license and how much it will cost you.
Now, let's do some ...
Alan Magers wanted to know ...
"I've always wanted to know more about the process of how to go about getting a license to reproduce or use a copyrighted character for a new product. Example: Reproducing a 'Batman' comic book cover for a line of posters. Who at DC comics would I query about this & How would I go about asking (purchasing) the rights to do this?"
Alan:
All you need to do is make a telephone call to DC Comics and ASK the person who answers the phone for the "licensing department." -- Simple as that.
The licensing department will tell you everything you need to do to get a license and how much it will cost you.
Wanna Play Golf in Your Own Backyard? Brian Curran wanted me to tell you ... "I sort of stumbled into this business while working another business. -- I've always had a passion for golf. Well, I found a business "Where Golfers' Dreams Come True!" - and - not only will it help your golf game tremendously, it will add value to your home and distinguish your property as a cut above the rest! -- Our Putting Greens are much more than just a High-Tech putting surface. Careful consideration is given to each element of design and fabrication that will make your putting green superior in function, durability, and style ... designed with YOUR personal preferences for speed, break and trueness. Not only will you have a superior surface for practicing your putting fundamentals, but your green will also hold a golf shot from any distance. And, this is grass you don't have to cut! -- Our greens are owned and endorsed by Golf Professionals, Professional Athletes, and some big name Corporations in the golf industry. We are #1 and our product has allowed us to gain that recognition. -- Here's what PGA Tour Pro Mark Calcavecchia has to say about our product ... "Southwest Greens created a putting surface in my backyard that not only putts very true, but will hold a golf shot from any distance. This gives me a chance to work on my short game at home." -- Mark Calcavecchia - PGA- British Open Champion "If any of your readers are interested in learning more, I would be pleased to talk with them personally. All they need to do is send me their phone number and the best time to call." Okay, gang ... If' you're one of those people who like chasing a little white ball around the cow pasture, you can find more endorsements and further information at: http://www.southwestgreens.com Then, if you want to pursue it, just send Brian an email ... he'll be more than happy to assist you.
Brian Curran wanted me to tell you ...
"I sort of stumbled into this business while working another business. -- I've always had a passion for golf. Well, I found a business "Where Golfers' Dreams Come True!" - and - not only will it help your golf game tremendously, it will add value to your home and distinguish your property as a cut above the rest! -- Our Putting Greens are much more than just a High-Tech putting surface. Careful consideration is given to each element of design and fabrication that will make your putting green superior in function, durability, and style ... designed with YOUR personal preferences for speed, break and trueness. Not only will you have a superior surface for practicing your putting fundamentals, but your green will also hold a golf shot from any distance. And, this is grass you don't have to cut! -- Our greens are owned and endorsed by Golf Professionals, Professional Athletes, and some big name Corporations in the golf industry. We are #1 and our product has allowed us to gain that recognition. -- Here's what PGA Tour Pro Mark Calcavecchia has to say about our product ... "Southwest Greens created a putting surface in my backyard that not only putts very true, but will hold a golf shot from any distance. This gives me a chance to work on my short game at home." -- Mark Calcavecchia - PGA- British Open Champion "If any of your readers are interested in learning more, I would be pleased to talk with them personally. All they need to do is send me their phone number and the best time to call."
"I sort of stumbled into this business while working another business. -- I've always had a passion for golf. Well, I found a business "Where Golfers' Dreams Come True!" - and - not only will it help your golf game tremendously, it will add value to your home and distinguish your property as a cut above the rest! -- Our Putting Greens are much more than just a High-Tech putting surface. Careful consideration is given to each element of design and fabrication that will make your putting green superior in function, durability, and style ... designed with YOUR personal preferences for speed, break and trueness. Not only will you have a superior surface for practicing your putting fundamentals, but your green will also hold a golf shot from any distance. And, this is grass you don't have to cut! -- Our greens are owned and endorsed by Golf Professionals, Professional Athletes, and some big name Corporations in the golf industry. We are #1 and our product has allowed us to gain that recognition. -- Here's what PGA Tour Pro Mark Calcavecchia has to say about our product ...
"Southwest Greens created a putting surface in my backyard that not only putts very true, but will hold a golf shot from any distance. This gives me a chance to work on my short game at home." -- Mark Calcavecchia - PGA- British Open Champion
"If any of your readers are interested in learning more, I would be pleased to talk with them personally. All they need to do is send me their phone number and the best time to call."
Okay, gang ...
If' you're one of those people who like chasing a little white ball around the cow pasture, you can find more endorsements and further information at:
Then, if you want to pursue it, just send Brian an email ... he'll be more than happy to assist you.
Casey Henry needed to find ... "I am designing a Take-One Program to offer Auto-related products. I have lists of very specific locations I want to distribute to. -- Although there are many companies offering to distribute to the College Campuses and other general locations, I need a company that will go to whatever locations I provide. -- The Search Engines have yielded only two companies that offer this kind of service. -- We obtain lists of auto-related businesses, such as Auto Repair Facilities, and the distribution company will simply walk in and place our brochure holder on the counter. When they return 30 days later they restock the brochure holder. If the holder is missing, they usually do not place any more brochures at that location. It is imperfect, but having to obtain permission in advance from each and every location and then offer incentives, which require tracking per location, is not feasible. -- Any ideas?" Casey: Bad move ... having spent my younger days (a lifetime ago) in the retail business, I can guarantee you that your brochure holder won't last more than an hour in any location. You might get away with it on college campuses but it sure ain't gonna work in the retail community. As a matter of fact, if you do find anyone who will go around placing your brochure holders for you, they are liable to meet with some physical violence at the hand of some irate shop owner. Suggest you come up with a spiel that gives the location owner a "reason" to allow you to place your brochure holder in their establishment. -- You don't necessarily need an "incentive" as such but a good "reason" why the placement of your brochures in their establishment will have a "benefit" for them ... such as building good customer relations, or some such. Then again, if you are not willing to spend the time to create the necessary backup tracking system for your brochures, maybe you should take another direction. Sorry ... didn't mean to burst your bubble.
Casey Henry needed to find ...
"I am designing a Take-One Program to offer Auto-related products. I have lists of very specific locations I want to distribute to. -- Although there are many companies offering to distribute to the College Campuses and other general locations, I need a company that will go to whatever locations I provide. -- The Search Engines have yielded only two companies that offer this kind of service. -- We obtain lists of auto-related businesses, such as Auto Repair Facilities, and the distribution company will simply walk in and place our brochure holder on the counter. When they return 30 days later they restock the brochure holder. If the holder is missing, they usually do not place any more brochures at that location. It is imperfect, but having to obtain permission in advance from each and every location and then offer incentives, which require tracking per location, is not feasible. -- Any ideas?"
Casey:
Bad move ... having spent my younger days (a lifetime ago) in the retail business, I can guarantee you that your brochure holder won't last more than an hour in any location. You might get away with it on college campuses but it sure ain't gonna work in the retail community. As a matter of fact, if you do find anyone who will go around placing your brochure holders for you, they are liable to meet with some physical violence at the hand of some irate shop owner.
Suggest you come up with a spiel that gives the location owner a "reason" to allow you to place your brochure holder in their establishment. -- You don't necessarily need an "incentive" as such but a good "reason" why the placement of your brochures in their establishment will have a "benefit" for them ... such as building good customer relations, or some such.
Then again, if you are not willing to spend the time to create the necessary backup tracking system for your brochures, maybe you should take another direction.
Sorry ... didn't mean to burst your bubble.
Daniel W. Tierney" was thinking about ... "I've recently gotten interested in mailorder as a business. I read the sales letter for your book at ... ... Question: Does your book involve the necessity of me having to buy, stock & ship out the products I'm selling? Or, can I do this business without those three steps? Or, is it more profitable to buy, stock & ship products myself?" Daniel: NO... it is best (and more profitable) if you do NOT buy, stock & ship anything. The method I teach involves drop ship selling.
Daniel W. Tierney" was thinking about ...
"I've recently gotten interested in mailorder as a business. I read the sales letter for your book at ... ... Question: Does your book involve the necessity of me having to buy, stock & ship out the products I'm selling? Or, can I do this business without those three steps? Or, is it more profitable to buy, stock & ship products myself?"
Daniel:
NO... it is best (and more profitable) if you do NOT buy, stock & ship anything. The method I teach involves drop ship selling.
Richard Curry, Jr. was looking for ... "Do you know, or are you aware of, any directory that has updated listings of U.S. Mailorder Houses? A listing containing address, phone number and contacts? -- I'm not having much luck in finding such a directory (or one that is current). " Richard: The "Standard Rate & Data Service" has been the leading directory of mailorder companies, mailing lists, brokers, etc., etc., for as long as I can remember. You'll find everything you need at: http://www.srds.com
Richard Curry, Jr. was looking for ...
"Do you know, or are you aware of, any directory that has updated listings of U.S. Mailorder Houses? A listing containing address, phone number and contacts? -- I'm not having much luck in finding such a directory (or one that is current). "
Richard:
The "Standard Rate & Data Service" has been the leading directory of mailorder companies, mailing lists, brokers, etc., etc., for as long as I can remember.
You'll find everything you need at: http://www.srds.com
Sairam Mahadevan wanted me to tell you ... "I am very happy to subscribe to your newsletter. It really gives good and genuine information. -- I would like to mention that I found a very good source to get a lot of software (both for our personal use as well as business) and e-books for a very reasonable price, from a good company. They have over 70 software products and over 100 e-books for a very low price of $39 one time cost. And, they keep adding more software and e-books regularly. One can access all of that for ever, without paying any further amount. I would suggest you to pass this information to your subscribers." Okay, gang .. If you're interested, you'll find it at: http://www.msairam.com
Sairam Mahadevan wanted me to tell you ...
"I am very happy to subscribe to your newsletter. It really gives good and genuine information. -- I would like to mention that I found a very good source to get a lot of software (both for our personal use as well as business) and e-books for a very reasonable price, from a good company. They have over 70 software products and over 100 e-books for a very low price of $39 one time cost. And, they keep adding more software and e-books regularly. One can access all of that for ever, without paying any further amount. I would suggest you to pass this information to your subscribers."
Okay, gang ..
If you're interested, you'll find it at:
David Joy has a new product .. "With all the hoo-hah about household cleaning chemicals and how they may be affecting our health, I've formulated an eco-friendly, safer water-based disinfectant/detergent cleaner. At present it is being sold as part of an aftercare package to my bath refinishing business but I want to expand. The profit margin is quite high. I can make a 100% profit with no problem. But who would be willing to sell a product like this?" David: The best way to find distribution methods for any product is to search out any & all similar products on the market. See how they market their products ... adopt & adapt their methods. If I were doing it, I would start by searching for "Household Cleaning Products" and start reviewing their products and marketing methods. -- I would also sign-up for some of their sales programs to see what they offer to their sales people.
David Joy has a new product ..
"With all the hoo-hah about household cleaning chemicals and how they may be affecting our health, I've formulated an eco-friendly, safer water-based disinfectant/detergent cleaner. At present it is being sold as part of an aftercare package to my bath refinishing business but I want to expand. The profit margin is quite high. I can make a 100% profit with no problem. But who would be willing to sell a product like this?"
David:
The best way to find distribution methods for any product is to search out any & all similar products on the market. See how they market their products ... adopt & adapt their methods.
If I were doing it, I would start by searching for "Household Cleaning Products" and start reviewing their products and marketing methods. -- I would also sign-up for some of their sales programs to see what they offer to their sales people.
Branko Lemaic was wondering ... "I live in Melbourne, Australia and would like to know how to get in contact with affiliates in the US who have products for sale over there that I can sell for them over here in Australia. That way we can all make money. -- Can you tell me how such deals are structured and what sort of commissions or bonuses are generally charged? -- Basically, I would like to become a distributor for any new successful products available in the U.S. Do you think there are plenty of people in the U.S. looking for people such as myself in Australia?" Branko: Most businesses are always looking for good sales people ... that's what affiliates are (except they really don't "sell" anything). Just find the products you want to sell in Australia ... then, contact the provider and tell them you want to sell their products in Australia. They will tell you what you need to do.
Branko Lemaic was wondering ...
"I live in Melbourne, Australia and would like to know how to get in contact with affiliates in the US who have products for sale over there that I can sell for them over here in Australia. That way we can all make money. -- Can you tell me how such deals are structured and what sort of commissions or bonuses are generally charged? -- Basically, I would like to become a distributor for any new successful products available in the U.S. Do you think there are plenty of people in the U.S. looking for people such as myself in Australia?"
Branko:
Most businesses are always looking for good sales people ... that's what affiliates are (except they really don't "sell" anything).
Just find the products you want to sell in Australia ... then, contact the provider and tell them you want to sell their products in Australia. They will tell you what you need to do.
Calvin Thompson has growing pains ... "I have bought a couple of your courses and just love your newsletter. Thanks for the information. -- I am a photographer and have a good and steady clientele but the business is growing slowly. I am not a marketer and average salesman. I always look at products that you recommend. -- I was hoping you could tell me a course you would personally recommend that I could get detailed information on how to grow a business offline." Calvin: Since you already have a steady clientele, you already know how to get into business. What you need to do now is study everything you can about advertising & marketing - BECAUSE - advertising & marketing are the ONLY things that separate the going & growing businesses from the stagnant slow movers. You can learn from any of the books on advertising & marketing ... believe me, if you study them, you will learn something you can adopt & adapt from each & every one of them. That's why my personal library is over 5,000 books.
Calvin Thompson has growing pains ...
"I have bought a couple of your courses and just love your newsletter. Thanks for the information. -- I am a photographer and have a good and steady clientele but the business is growing slowly. I am not a marketer and average salesman. I always look at products that you recommend. -- I was hoping you could tell me a course you would personally recommend that I could get detailed information on how to grow a business offline."
Calvin:
Since you already have a steady clientele, you already know how to get into business.
What you need to do now is study everything you can about advertising & marketing - BECAUSE - advertising & marketing are the ONLY things that separate the going & growing businesses from the stagnant slow movers.
You can learn from any of the books on advertising & marketing ... believe me, if you study them, you will learn something you can adopt & adapt from each & every one of them. That's why my personal library is over 5,000 books.
Philip Langley had this to say ... "I receive your newsletter and enjoy it heaps. I sell online advertising to clients, and often use your website as a good example of a site which actually SELLS ... unlike most of the no-hope sites they all seem to have. -- A couple of years ago I set up an online business for my wife's proofreading skills. -- We are proud to have done work for Joe Vitale, Delcan Dunn, Larry Dotson, Chayden Bates and a host of other less-well-known (but still super-important) clients. Apparently Marlon Sanders recommends us on one of his new CD sets (which is how we got our most recent client). -- If YOU think that making sure what is written is free of mistakes, particularly in business where first impressions are SO important, and you think that you'd like to bring it to the attention of your readers, then feel free to tell them about my wife's Free Report - "21 Steps to Perfect Proofreading".-- In it you'll see a reinforcement of why you should proofread your work and 21 hints and tips for doing the job yourself." Okay, gang ... Go get your copy of the Free Report, at: http://www.proofreadingservices.com/21steps.html Then check out "How to Start and Operate Your Own Online Proofreading Business" on the home page.
Philip Langley had this to say ...
"I receive your newsletter and enjoy it heaps. I sell online advertising to clients, and often use your website as a good example of a site which actually SELLS ... unlike most of the no-hope sites they all seem to have. -- A couple of years ago I set up an online business for my wife's proofreading skills. -- We are proud to have done work for Joe Vitale, Delcan Dunn, Larry Dotson, Chayden Bates and a host of other less-well-known (but still super-important) clients. Apparently Marlon Sanders recommends us on one of his new CD sets (which is how we got our most recent client). -- If YOU think that making sure what is written is free of mistakes, particularly in business where first impressions are SO important, and you think that you'd like to bring it to the attention of your readers, then feel free to tell them about my wife's Free Report - "21 Steps to Perfect Proofreading".-- In it you'll see a reinforcement of why you should proofread your work and 21 hints and tips for doing the job yourself."
Go get your copy of the Free Report, at:
Then check out "How to Start and Operate Your Own Online Proofreading Business" on the home page.
Bud Campbell couldn't find an answer ... "I am taking advantage of your offer of asking a question. I have asked many "pros" who claim to be knowledgeful, but as yet no Bingo. -- If I possess ebooks with Resale and Master Resale Rights on my computer, how do I transfer them to to a website so I can write or "borrow" a sales letter and attempt to sell them? I am a neophyte and would need detailed instructions." Bud: You upload a PDF file (or .EXE file) the same way you upload your web pages. Open your FTP application ... go to your site. Click on the "Put File" button ... select the PDF file for uploading. It will be loaded to your web site just like another page. P.S. -- I'm just about as computer literate as my ol'yella cat - but - I have two 19 years old grandsons who teach me new things all the time.
Bud Campbell couldn't find an answer ...
"I am taking advantage of your offer of asking a question. I have asked many "pros" who claim to be knowledgeful, but as yet no Bingo. -- If I possess ebooks with Resale and Master Resale Rights on my computer, how do I transfer them to to a website so I can write or "borrow" a sales letter and attempt to sell them? I am a neophyte and would need detailed instructions."
Bud:
You upload a PDF file (or .EXE file) the same way you upload your web pages.
Open your FTP application ... go to your site. Click on the "Put File" button ... select the PDF file for uploading. It will be loaded to your web site just like another page.
P.S. -- I'm just about as computer literate as my ol'yella cat - but - I have two 19 years old grandsons who teach me new things all the time.
Peter Eurich was in a quandary ... "Love your Lyceum stuff, but never see any advice on how to get you're work out to be seen if you are a starving artist. I have read so many marketing tricks and lessons I could write a book about it, but no one seems to address artists. I have tried PR, mailing lists, display ads, classified ads, mingling etc., etc. Despite the fact that I have moderate success, and literally hundreds of testimonials of clients that just love my art, I am still looking for that special way that will put my sculptures before a larger audience. Can you find something from your vast experience? I am sure there are more artist like I that have the same problem." Thank You, Sigi ... Selling "art" is no different than selling anything else - but - in all too many cases, artists overlook the obvious and try to artistically reinvent the wheel. -- For a quick course in establishing distribution for your products, please read the August, 2002, issue of my e-Letter ... Aug02.html Instead of trying to learn how to sell your art yourself, look into using the established markets ... selling through agents, distributors, dealers, retail stores, whatever. Then, all you'll have to do is keep up enough production to meet the demand your representatives create for you. -- Just think about it ... 100 dealers selling only 1 item per month is 100 sales; then again, if a dealer only sells 1, you need to replace him/her with a dealer who will sell 10 items per month - then - 100 dealers selling just 10 items per month is 1,000 sales per month. -- Get the picture?? By the way, gang ... if you want to see Sigi's jewelry sculptures, go to: http://www.sigidesign.com
Peter Eurich was in a quandary ...
"Love your Lyceum stuff, but never see any advice on how to get you're work out to be seen if you are a starving artist. I have read so many marketing tricks and lessons I could write a book about it, but no one seems to address artists. I have tried PR, mailing lists, display ads, classified ads, mingling etc., etc. Despite the fact that I have moderate success, and literally hundreds of testimonials of clients that just love my art, I am still looking for that special way that will put my sculptures before a larger audience. Can you find something from your vast experience? I am sure there are more artist like I that have the same problem."
Thank You, Sigi ...
Selling "art" is no different than selling anything else - but - in all too many cases, artists overlook the obvious and try to artistically reinvent the wheel. -- For a quick course in establishing distribution for your products, please read the August, 2002, issue of my e-Letter ... Aug02.html
Instead of trying to learn how to sell your art yourself, look into using the established markets ... selling through agents, distributors, dealers, retail stores, whatever. Then, all you'll have to do is keep up enough production to meet the demand your representatives create for you. -- Just think about it ... 100 dealers selling only 1 item per month is 100 sales; then again, if a dealer only sells 1, you need to replace him/her with a dealer who will sell 10 items per month - then - 100 dealers selling just 10 items per month is 1,000 sales per month. -- Get the picture??
By the way, gang ... if you want to see Sigi's jewelry sculptures, go to:
Well ... that's it for this month. -- In order to make every issue responsive to YOUR needs, please send me your questions; or tell me what sources or resources you need to build your business; or give me any thoughts you want to share with your fellow members. Believe it or don't ... I ain't a mind-reader. -- If'n you doesn't tell me what you need, I may never touch upon the information, sources or resources you need. This is your publication for you to use to your benefit ... I am just your moderator. Until next month, keep well ... J.F. (Jim) STRAW Grande Panjandrum
Well ... that's it for this month. -- In order to make every issue responsive to YOUR needs, please send me your questions; or tell me what sources or resources you need to build your business; or give me any thoughts you want to share with your fellow members.
Believe it or don't ... I ain't a mind-reader. -- If'n you doesn't tell me what you need, I may never touch upon the information, sources or resources you need.
This is your publication for you to use to your benefit ... I am just your moderator.
Until next month, keep well ...
J.F. (Jim) STRAW Grande Panjandrum
Thought For The Month! "An idealist believes the short run doesn't count. A cynic believes the long run doesn't matter. A realist believes that what is done or left undone in the short run determines the long run." - Sydney J. Harris
"An idealist believes the short run doesn't count. A cynic believes the long run doesn't matter. A realist believes that what is done or left undone in the short run determines the long run." - Sydney J. Harris
Can you stump the old master? -- Betcha can't! Over the past 40 years (man and boy), I have made bundles of money in direct selling, service contracting, wholesale merchandising, entertainment (I was a professional Trumpet player, vocalist & Radio Announcer), freight forwarding, import/export, retail merchandising, warehousing, real estate, electronics manufacturing, finder's fees, closeout merchandising, financial brokerage, business consulting, steel fabrication, gold and coal mining, offshore banking, mailorder, writing, and publishing. -- That being the case ... No matter what business you're in ... whether you're just starting, well on your way, or at the top of the heap ... I've probably been where you are, done what you are doing. -- So ... Anytime you have a question about 'how' to do something in your business - or - if you have any comments about anything I've said in issues of this e-Letter; or if you want to add your 2 cents worth ... just "ask" me or "tell" me. Send your Questions, Comments or 2 Cents Worth to ... with "Question" - "Comment" - or, "2 Cents Worth" in the SUBJECT. If I, personally, don't have an answer to any question you may ask, I will contact some of the professionals in your field of endeavor (I will probably know one or more personally) to get the real 'skinny' for you. Note: If you want to ask a question anonymously just tell me so when you send in the question. -- Nobody but you and I will know who asked the question.
Over the past 40 years (man and boy), I have made bundles of money in direct selling, service contracting, wholesale merchandising, entertainment (I was a professional Trumpet player, vocalist & Radio Announcer), freight forwarding, import/export, retail merchandising, warehousing, real estate, electronics manufacturing, finder's fees, closeout merchandising, financial brokerage, business consulting, steel fabrication, gold and coal mining, offshore banking, mailorder, writing, and publishing. -- That being the case ...
No matter what business you're in ... whether you're just starting, well on your way, or at the top of the heap ... I've probably been where you are, done what you are doing. -- So ...
Anytime you have a question about 'how' to do something in your business - or - if you have any comments about anything I've said in issues of this e-Letter; or if you want to add your 2 cents worth ... just "ask" me or "tell" me.
If I, personally, don't have an answer to any question you may ask, I will contact some of the professionals in your field of endeavor (I will probably know one or more personally) to get the real 'skinny' for you.
Note: If you want to ask a question anonymously just tell me so when you send in the question. -- Nobody but you and I will know who asked the question.
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