It’s the small actions that we can do every day—that in the end—make BIG things happen

As a self-employed person, I know how hard it can be to dedicate quality time to your art business. Sometimes we set our daily goals too high, with huge and time consuming projects. So huge, that we often don’t get around to doing them—we are simply overwhelmed. Has this happened to you lately?

Don’t be too hard on yourself, it’s human nature to look for “life” distractions (family, home, TV and web surfing—even grocery shopping . . . ) to avoid tackling the big project. This happened to me recently when I found myself “volunteering” to go grocery shopping to avoid staying in my studio and getting work things done.

It’s time for change!

I’m suggesting we (I say we because I’m committed to change too) step outside our usual behaviour patterns to avoid becoming overwhelmed.

The Plan: To take on several smaller, strategic, marketing actions—do at least one thing everyday. Even if they seem small, I know that in “doing”, we will see big results for our art businesses!

With the coming of summer weather, good times, company and vacations it will become even harder to stay on track with my marketing to-do list. So I have bookmarked marketing guru, Seth Godin’s Blog. When I’m in need of some marketing motivation I’ll spend 10 minutes with Seth.

In this popular post Seth writes:

“Make something happen today, before you go home, before the end of the week. Launch that idea, post that post, run that ad, call that customer. Go the edge, that edge you’ve been holding back from… and do it today—just go.”

10 Small Things That Will Make Something BIG Happen

In the words of Seth Godin, “Go Make Something Happen”

1/ Make that call to a retailer you would like to exhibit or sell your art

2/ Do a research of the galleries you would like to exhibit your work

3/ Send out a letter/email requesting a portfolio presentation

4/ Followup with an old customer who collects your work, email them some images of your new work

5/ Ask for a testimonial for your website

6/ Email an interior designer introducing your artwork and give a link to your website

7/ Post something new on your art blog or your Facebook Fan Page

8/ Input the names and address from your Guest Book or Gift drawbox into an Excel file

9/ Call 10 customers and get their current email address

10/ Add your name, an image and website address to an art or business directory (e.g. www.artslant.com)

I’m challenging you to take today (and follow through everyday for the next 9 days) to implement Seth’s advice. “Make Something BIG Happen” by attacking your day with the small things on your list.

Let me know how you made out and how you motivate yourself to get going and make things happen. Share it with our readers by making a comment.

Good luck and have a productive and great day!

Karen

P.S. Sorry Lionel (my husband), you’ll have to do the grocery shopping next week!