Free PDF Gift: 50 Great Jewelry Selling Techniques

Woot. I feel like it's my birthday and I've just been given an awesome gift......50 Great Jewelry Selling Techniques by one of my favorite resources, David Weiman.

David usually sells this e-book for $17 so you can see why I'm so excited. That's the equivalent of
how many beads? ;-)

It can feel like your birthday too. You can get the free PDF, 50 Great Jewelry Selling Techniques, by signing up for David's e-mail updates here OR just download it here. The choice is yours!

Let me know what your favorite selling technique is from the guide! Leave a comment....
~Randi

Celebrate and Have a Jewelry Sale

Celebrating an event and having a sale on your jewelry is a great way to bring customers back for repeat business and an opportunity to acquire new customers.

August is a great month to celebrate with these 3 holidays:

1. August 1st is National Bestfriend's Day
2. August 3rd is Sister's Day
3. August 15th is Best Friends' Day

Offer a limited edition jewelry design to help customer's celebrate and honor the special people in their lives. Why not include a quote in your packaging to make it an even more meaningful gift?

"But friendship is precious, not only in the shade, but in the sunshine of life; and thanks to a benevolent arrangement of things, the greater part of life is sunshine."
- Thomas Jefferson

To your jewelry marketing success,

Randi

Marketing Idea -Corporate Business Gifts, Incentives & more

3 Marketing Ideas for your Jewelry Business
A niche market for repeat business-the corporate world

1. This is probably one of my more unusual marketing ideas but I'm sure there are opportunities out there!Last year, I was approached by a start up venture that wanted to include a pair of my 14k GF earrings in their direct mailing with the "motto"...."We think our customers are precious just like gold." This was a paid wholesale order and the bonus was the company included my url on their direct mailing piece in case someone wanted to "order more" and yes, I did make more sales off the referrals. Do you have jewelry or other items that could be used to market another's business? Pitch them!
   
2. Market your jewelry to business for corporate gifts and "major events" to recognize employees like years of service.
3. Do you know of a company that offers incentives based on performance? Approach them with a jewelry design that can have "charms, beads, etc" added on to through the year for various achievements (sales goals, etc). I would like to say this is my idea but I would be fibbing! Check out this success story by Lynn Kvigne on Rena Klingenberg's, Home Business Jewelry Success Tips, blog (which you should be subscribed to if you're serious about making money with your handcrafted jewelry!).

I know many of you reading are having a light bulb moment thinking of "business types" you could pitch with an idea like this. For those who think this doesn't apply to them, how about these "business types"--

• Realtor's-many successful realtor's are composed of teams. Learn who is top dog and pitch them (make sure to include something for men & women!).
• Pharmacy & medical sales-these folks are driven by their numbers. Go to the company's website and call HR to see who would best be able to make an decision. Learn a bit about the company and pitch that person.
• Spas & salons-think about how many women attend a spa or salon everyday??? A staggering amount I guarantee you! Pitch the business owner in these two ways and remember to instill the value of treating clients and employees well!
  

1. Most salons/spas have pamper packages. Pitch the owner to include a FREE jewelry gift for clients who purchase any package over $100.
2. Most employees at salons/spas "rent their space", ask the owner if they offer incentives each month/quarterly to "push products and/or services". Inquire how your jewelry could be used as an incentive for employees to take a proactive step in boosting sales by upselling clients on products and services. This is a win-win situation!

Now, grab the big yellow phone book and look at different business types that you could pitch. Make a list and "customize" your pitch. I would love to hear your success stories. Make a comment !

How to Attract Customers to your Jewelry Booth

Want More Customers Visiting your Jewelry Booth??
.....Give them a REASON to visit

• If you've done this show/event before, who was your best customer? Does the promoter have an e-mails list that you can promote to before the event? Target your customers before they've even come to the show with a pre-show offer via direct mail or e-mail with an offer they can NOT resist!
• Is the event promoting goodie bags/swag bags or a silent auction? If so, promote your jewelry by donating actual product or a "stuffer" that gives them an incentive to visit you (free gift with purchase, show special, prize drawings,etc...)
• If promos are not in your budget yet, do your best at getting a visible spot with traffic. When potential customers stop your job is to KEEP THEM INTERESTED by telling your story. Please note, I did mention any selling. You must establish a relationship with your customer before they will buy from you. Get them involved....get them emotional...ask questions like, "Why were you drawn to that necklace?", etc...so you can engage them for as long as possible.
• Have an incentive to get their e-mail address (free drawing in exchange for sharing their details) so you can stay in front of them and offer a post show special.
• Make sure you have business cards, fliers or other marketing materials to hand out so they have a way to contact you.

Do NOT judge a show by the "sales" just at the show. I often get sales up to 4 weeks after the show (that post show special ) . Plus, increasing my customer base (via e-mail campaigns) is worth its weight in gold.

Joint Partnership-GiveAways & Promos

Funky Finds has a monthly giveaway that brings a lot of traffic when I participate. I've donated jewelry and a fused glass wine bottle stopper and have more than recouped my costs. Yeah! This is just one site online that you could possibly partner with to gain exposure for your handcrafted jewelry/art designs.

How do you decide which joint partnership is best for you and your business?

• Consider their target market and yours ......are they the same? or are you trying to break into or test their target market?
• How much traffic do they get and is it consistent? You can also do your own research to see how much traffic a site is getting through free services like Alexa for example.
• How long have they been online and do they have a good reputation?
  
• What do they offer you in turn for your giveaway?Do you get a full editorial or only a link?

These are just a few questions to ask yourself. If you are looking for more online blogs and websites to have paid and unpaid joint ventures, please leave a comment and I dig through my marketing files to help you! :)

Wear Your Jewelry Out Just in Case Opporunity Knocks

It has been a crazy "weather" week in N. Texas. We've had flooding, hail, tornadoes and now sunny skies. Spring is here!

Today, my two BFF's and I went to a local bead shop that was having a parking lot sale that included not only beads and bead supplies but STORE DISPLAYS! Yeehaw......I couldn't wait to see what goodies that I might find!

I was fortunate enough to get a 1/2 hanging mannequin that is literally BRAND NEW for only $35. I have priced them on the internet for over $170!!! I can't wait to show these off at my next show! Yeehaw!!!

I also picked up an incredibly LIGHTWEIGHT folding easel to hold my sign for a whopping $2! As the years go on, I'm always looking for displays that fold down, are lightweight and can function in more than one way!!! The great thing about an easel is you can set it up with a padded frame and hang jewelry on it too! Versatility, I'm telling you!! :)

Plus, being a N. Texas girl and the Dallas Designing Diva I just had to buy the acrylic cowboy hat. I will use it to collect newsletter and drawing information at shows. It is just too darn cute and ORIGINAL for all of $5! My kids thought it was a hoot and had to try it on and giggle themselves silly.

So, I have my purchases and I'm ready to pay cash when I get a chance to meet the owner of the shop. She was curious what I was going to do with my menagerie of purchases. I told her that I'm a fused glass & metal artist and wanted some great props on the cheap to spice up my retail and wholesale display for shows. Then she asked to see one of my designs.....I had to look no further than my neck-I was wearing a chocolate and pastel pink fused glass pendant. After a little more chatting, we decided that we should get together for coffee next week and see about her shop possibly carrying some of my art glass beads, a workshop /class, a video, etc.....When she asked, "Do you have a card on you?" I didn't even have to hesitate because I always carry a handful wherever I go (and I mean wherever...even when I walk the dog!).

As you can imagine, I walked away with a giddy feeling and NOT just from my "bargains"! :) Opportunity knocked today and I was ready not only by wearing my jewelry but also by always carrying a handful of business cards in my purse!!!

Sometimes we are presented opportunities but are NOT prepared......don't despair....learn and when another opportunity arises (and IT WILL)....you will be ready.

Here's to your success with your jewelry business! Have a fantastic weekend!

Promoting your Handcrafted Jewelry

“Without promotion a terrible thing happens, nothing!”
P.T. Barnum

What does promotion include?

• Press releases
  
• Advertising
  
• Marketing (yes, the dreaded M word)
• Branding
• Publicity
• Public relations

In order to attract customers and have a financially successful handcrafted jewelry business, you must promote you wearable art and your business. There is NO magic formula-it just requires consistent daily activities that produce results which means "work"! You can't expect your jewelry business to take off and be an overnight success without promoting your wearable art consistently.

It can be overwhelming as an emerging jewelry designer /artistic entrepreneur to have to deal with the business side so you must take the "bite size" approach when you initially start.

The internet is fabulous way to get started. You can start your own blog and share you art or join social networking sites (Facebook, MySpace, etc) to find folks with similiar interests; these are fantastic tools to share your personal stories and passions that will allow you to "connect and have a relationship" . Whether you realize it or not, you are in the business of having a series of conversations/relationships with your customers .....if you tell and do NOT sell, you will blow the competition out of the water. Engage your potential customers. Whether they buy from you today or not, is irrelevant; find a way to connect with them and stay in front of them and when the time is right, they will be knocking on your door!!!!

If you have a promotion question, leave a comment so others can learn too!

Stand Out from the Crowd with a Personal Touch

The internet has allowed us to reach out and touch customers around the world 24/7 and e-mail has replaced much business & personal communications but somehow we are more disconnected than ever .....

Although I run an e-commerce boutique and Etsy shop, I get the most satisfaction out of doing trunk shows where I can meet my customers face to face and share my story and jewelry and glass gifts.

Whenever possible, I try to inject personal touches in an increasingly impersonal world. With each order, I include a handwritten note that may include information about the inspiration behind the design, something unusual about the materials used or just a simple thank you for your business. I can't tell you how many times I've had a customer contact me when they have received their package to thank me for the note. I hope you noticed that they never said a word about the item they just purchased.......that simple handwritten note was as good as a simple conversation-the human touch/connection we all crave! Do NOT underestimate this powerful way to connect with your customers to make a positive and lasting impression.

I also package each handcrafted jewelry treasure or glass gift as thought it were going to my dearest friend. That means attention to detail-tissue, packaging, etc....This reflects on their perception of what they've just purchased and how valuable it is.

Pick up the phone! Yes, that's right actually talk directly to your customers. My e-mail box is over flowing everyday but I always make time to pick up the phone and touch base with my customers about their orders. Yes it takes time but it is an opportunity to connect , have a conversation and make an impression that will last a lifetime.

I urge you to make personal touches in your business and watch the ripples come back to you in unexpected ways!

Do you do something to stand out from the crowd? Please share with others and leave a comment.

New Jewelry Marketing Resource: The 5 Keys to Selling Handcrafted Jewelry by David Weiman

Boost Your Handmade Jewelry Sales: Get The 5 Keys to Selling Handcrafted Jewelry DVD

Genius Idea-Make What You Love.....
I've always believed this and am passionate about creating in my voice and NOT driving myself crazy by "thinking" I need to produce what everyone else is doing!!! Check out this video clip by David Weiman the mastermind behind the DVD to Boost Your Handmade Jewelry Sales:

When you come into contact and have conversations with potential customers, it only makes sense that they will feel & hear the passion when you tell the story of the jewelry you design and they will snap it up!

This new DVD and workbook by David Weiman is so timely considering I just posted about the importance of personal and business development! How much MORE JEWELRY could you sell if you knew ...

• -- how to set and achieve your goals in a way that would
• help you, even when you're not consciously thinking about it ...
• -- how share your goals with others so that you are more likely to achieve them ...
• -- how to start taking massive action for maximum success ...
• -- how no identify any obstacles you might face in pursuing your
  business goals and dreams ...
• -- why you should write a business plan and an outline that will help you write one quickly and easily ...
• -- what the elements are of a successful marketing plan ...
• -- why you should focus on what you love to make ...
• -- how to write a great description of your products ...
• -- how to assess your competition ...
• -- how to price your jewelry correctly and avoided under-pricing ...
• -- how to identify the prospects who are your ideal customers ...
• -- how to identify the right places to sell your jewelry ...
• -- options for promoting your jewelry selling business ...
• -- how to correctly handle the common objections that
  prospective buyers raise about your jewelry ...
• -- how to raise the level of your selling skills ...
• -- how to increase your product knowledge so that buyers feel confident and comfortable with you ...
• -- why story-telling is so important to selling
  jewelry and how to do it well ...
• -- how to represent yourself in the most effective way so
  that you form a strong relationship with prospective and
  current clients ...
• -- how to develop a set of customer service principles
  that will ensure you give extraordinary service ...
• -- what books, magazines and websites you can read to supercharge your business knowledge ...

The DVD & workbook costs only $97. I DARE you to sit down and write all your marketing money and shows you've done with less than stellar results....how much did this cost your handcrafted jewelry business? If you are like me, I wish I had this resource several years ago when I started....whether you're new to the business side or been around the block, you will find this the best investment you made this month even if you do have to give up Starbuck's for the month!

Get yours now.... Make More Money from Your Handcrafted Jewelry! The "5 Keys" DVD Shows You How

Teach a Jewelry Making Class at your Local Bead or Rock Shop

Want to establish yourself as an expert? Why not teach a jewelry class in your community!

As jewelry artists, we all have a variety of special skills & knowledge from simple beading, basic wire wrapping to advanced metal smithing, stone setting, and other embellishment techniques (like enameling, etc).

Your jewelry class can focus on a single project that that teaches the "basics" or it can be more complex (chain maille design), etc...That is the hard part, choosing the project that you are willing to teach to a group.

Once you've decided on a project, you need to research and put together a list of materials required and instructional materials for your students. These preparations can be a lot of work but once done you have a "teachable class" ready to go for future use!

Things to consider:
**How many students can you supervise & not be overwhelmed?
**Will you provide supplies with your class cost? or will your students purchase on their own?
**What basic tools will your students need?
**How long will the project take for a beginner? (ask a few girlfriends over to try out your new project and get some feedback)

Once you have your project, your materials, & costs figured out, it's time to market your skills!

Call on your local bead or rock shop and see if they would like to sponsor a class. Be prepared to show your "final" project, materials list, costs, etc to the owner or manager! What about your local community college or even high school arts program? How about a "slower" week night at a local coffee shop---they will appreciate the extra business brought in by you and your students. Then there's moms clubs, ladies groups and church groups as well.

Students love making things with their own hands and will be begging for more classes. If you have the space, why not have one on one instruction and charge more for your time!

Do you have any great project ideas or places to market your "jewelry class" that you would like to share?

Please feel free to drop a comment!

Still time to capture the V-day market

January can be a real sluggish month sales wise and such a let down after the "holiday" frenzy. No worries though, you can still make up for the slump in January with V-day .....and there's still time! Here are a few ideas to get your creative market juices flowing:

• Reach out to your mailing list with a "special offer" just for subscribers.
• Offer a BOGO for repeat customers.
• Have a V-day drawing and create some buzz....blog about it, send a press release out, etc..
  
• Host a trunk show in your home or try to get into a local salon. Network....for a girls night out with a "hostess" getting free jewelry....have a theme...."Love yourself first and have a little girl fun!"
  
• Offer a "wish list" service....let your customers choose items and you be their secret cupid by forwarding their wishes to the "designated" person.....include a "may also like" with a special offer!

Leave a comment if you have any other great V-day marketing inspiration!

Market your Jewelry via Social Networking-online & off

If you are not taking part of the online Social Networking opportunities, you are missing out on a huge marketing revolution for your handcrafted jewelry business ( or any business for that matter).

As an individual, I have a variety of interests outside my "artistic entrepreneur" ventures from being an avid reader to belly dancing! Online social networking allows me to be "me" and share all of my "passions"; this transparency...I'm not there to "sell" anything but tell my personal story....my jewelry/home decor business is just a part of it. As a result, I get a huge amount of traffic because of these "virtual" connections that I've made with people.

I'm not going to review the networking sites but you've been living in the Dark Ages if you haven't heard of Facebook, My Space, Ning, etc.....I encourage you to scout them out and determine which is the best fit for you.

Plus, don't forget to network socially in everyday life....share your passions and business with everyone you come in contact with. Join your local Chamber of Commerce and get active in the community. Are there any other artistic entrepreneurs who would like to get together for social/business coffee chats? Bring your latest project and you'll be amazed at how many strangers will walk up and talk to you about your work; don't forget to hand them a card so they can get in touch with you to buy.

Got any other great networking resources? Feel free to post a comment!

Promote Events---Shameless Plugging Works

Phew, 2 big shows with one day in between......crazy but in a GREAT way!

I just did Shecky's Girls Night Out in Dallas and it was spectacular! I owe my success at the show to a few things ( I spoke to 2 other jewelry vendors...one made NO sales and another only sold 2 items):

1. I contacted everyone on my local contact list to let them know I was a vendor at this event and that the sample sale would be for up to 40% off at this event only! Guess what....I had several of my customers come because they didn't want to miss the 40% off !!

2. I blogged about the event and told potential customers about new designs that were going to be previewed at the event (which sold out BTW).

3. I was mentioned as one of the local designers (pre show) in the Dallas Morning News.

4. The height of my one table display ( literally I went up 3 1/2 to 4 feet) because we only got one 8 foot table!!!

5. I know you are thinking...it must have been location....NO! There were NO assigned spots and I was directly across from 2 jewelry vendors, had one on my left (one space over), had one on my right (one space over) and one right behind me!!!!

My sales were great for the night and I got valuable feedback from my target market. I tripled my mailing list in one show! Now, that is marketing success! I "plugged" my next big "public" show ....the Urban Street Bazaar...I got Dallas excited about the Indie Artist Holiday Shopping opportunity!! Woohoo.

Make sure you promote your events...verbally, online, press releases, mailing list, etc....it DOES and CAN make a huge difference to your sales at any show!