This is the last of the five-part series for the Six Dreaded Words. It’s also the start of a short hiatus from the E’s of Selling Art Blog series that numbers in the dozens of entries. I hope they have made a difference. However, I have a few projects that need more attention. These are projects which I know will bring some very good things to all of you. But before I move off this blog series…
I invite you to please join my “Marketing” blog list.
It’s a pretty terrific series of posts and will help you in many ways. To make sure you get alerts for next week’s post (and every two weeks thereafter) be sure to sign up below. You won’t be signed up more than one time per list no matter how many times you subscribe to my list(s). So just to be on the safe side, click below
CLICK HERE! You can unsubscribe any time at the bottom of every email you get!
Remember your core goal
At the critical moment of that declaration to “think about it”, you must remember what your core goal is when someone is smitten with your art. Whatever the price and whatever the medium, you have created something of importance. This is art. This is not a washing machine or a cell phone. This is a purchase that brings layers of unbridled joy, emotional value, and intrinsic significance.
Your art changes people’s lives every time they have even a brief interaction. Whether it’s on a wall, or on their hand, it’s cherished. Whether it’s in their garden or in their kitchen cabinet, it’s much more than utilitarian – even if it’s “just” a coffee cup or a bird feeder.
You know this is true because they have told you this when you see them again. You know this is true because you have “objects d’art” in your own life that give you that small buzz of enjoyment repeatedly when you come into contact with that art in your home and life.
You know you are creating treasures and beloved items worthy of good homes. You know this is true because your passion and that sensation that rushes through you when you complete a piece are genuine. You know this because, whether someone buys from you or not, they praise your work and they genuinely praise you and marvel at your skills.
Your goal is to find loving homes for your art.
Your goal is to transform some corner of a room or the morning coffee ritual into an artful experience for years to come. It’s easy when you remember your impact on their lives.
When you know that you risk only having someone say, “no”, you owe it to your art, to the collector, and to yourself, to ask for the sale. And when they say, “We need to think about it.” you know they didn’t say no….yet. And your job – your responsibility – is to make sure you give them an opportunity to say “yes.”
Read, study, re-read and practice – every chance you get – and go through the “13 step departure list”. Your art deserves your best engagement and best efforts to find good homes and positively affect lives.
Believe in yourself. Believe in your Art. Believe in your impact.
Hi Mckenna,
Thanks for this encouragement. Most days I get an opportunity to put your advice into practice. I did leave a couple on their own the other day who were struggling to make a decision and had a cup of tea in the sunshine outside! I feel I’m building confidence all the time although sometimes I put my foot in it when the words don’t come out right! Believing in your own value and the value of your artwork is certainly the first step in being confident around in person sales.
Now I’m going to ask what you’re up to! Is it your courses perchance?
Well said, Rebecca. Believing in your own value is key. And we all get the dreaded foot-in-mouth disease from time to time. That is why we need to practice and ask for the sale even in the most unlikely scenarios.
Meanwhile…the suspense is killing me: you left them alone and…..????? What was the outcome?
As for the hiatus…you caught me. Yes…the courses are on the front burner finally along with some other projects for the local college and my local government agencies, too. I will keep you posted on the courses, of course!
About the couple, yes they bought a framed etching. When I went back in they’d narrowed it down to two. It was the lady’s birthday so I was pretty sure they were going to choose something. Then she simply couldn’t make her mind up between the two. I wanted to say “take them both” but it seemed a bit cheeky – they were quiet, reserved people. I offered to pop out again and said to take all the time they needed. In the end she came to an impasse and the two of them went out themselves to get some air. After 10 mins they came in and chose the more expensive of the two. She emailed later to apologise for dithering. In retrospect, I should’ve been a bit more firm about leaving them alone again or waited till they called me the first time. But it ended well all the same.
Glad to hear you’ll be working on courses!
Yes… waiting for them to come and get you is ideal! Congratulations. This is such a great outcome. Thanks so much for sharing the details!
I was wondering about the decision too! To leave them totally, to go outside and have a cup of tea – oh, that is nerves of steel. Obviously, you did the right thing. We have to remind ourselves about how realtors show homes -they mention a few features and then they step back and let the customers walk around looking on their own. They are not opening every cupboard door, every closet, and pointing out every unique detail, saying “Look at this! Look at this!” Good for you for giving the information and then stepping away!
Nice analogy, Patricia! When you read through my series here and/or when you read the “13-Step Departure List”, this is my standard advice. There is a deep need, for couples especially, for private time to reflect and confirm their desires or concerns. At shows, where you may not have the room to just walk away, you still need to find some way to give them space. It’s a hugely important and very authentic way to handle those critical moments when people are in the “Decision Stage” of the buying journey!