Wholesale Matters

100 Small Actions #45 and #46

45.        Donate old copies of art/craft magazines to your doctor’s office

 

Not too old, please. We don’t want anyone thinking the contemporary craft movement consists of macramé plant hangers or hand-thrown ceramic fondue pots, so keep your . But those three-month-old copies of Ornament, Metalsmith, or Ceramics Monthly might just get picked up and read by someone who will gain a new appreciation for handcrafted work while they wait for their annual physical.

 

Frequency: Every three months

 

 

46.    Link to artists’ and retailers’ sites from your blog, website, Facebook or Twitter account.

 

Spread the love. The more you can connect your visitors with other artists and craft retailers, the stronger the entire community becomes. If you have a Twitter account, participate in the #followFriday campaign, where each Friday you recommend other Twitterers to follow. If you keep a blog, devote one entry a month to giving links to other artists and/or retailers you admire. If you have a Facebook page, become a “fan” of artists and retailers.

 

Frequency: Depending on your social media outlet of choice, weekly to monthly.

100 Small Actions #43 and #44

43.  Compliment a stranger on something they are wearing that might be handmade

 

“Those are lovely earrings. Are they handmade?”

 

“What a fun handbag? Did you buy that from an artist?”

 

Even if what they are wearing isn’t handmade, they’ll still be flattered that you think they have such good taste. And you’ll be spreading the gospel, perhaps to someone who never even considered owning something made by hand.

 

Frequency: Once a week

 

 

44.    Send a handwritten note to someone you used to do business with

 

It could be a former customer, a supplier, even an old employee. Don’t try to conjure up new business with them – just write a short, friendly note that will remind them of your previous connection. Ask how they are. Tell them you hope they stay in touch.

 

Frequency: Twice a year