Alyson Stanfield Focuses on Promotion for Artists…& Other Businesses
Artist and author, Alyson Stanfield visits Home Biz Notes today answering questions about her book, I’d Rather Be In The Studio! The Artist’s No Excuse Guide to Self-Promotion. Although the books focuses on promotion tips for artists, you’ll find much helpful information and suggestions for any home business owner.
Alyson is here as part of the blog tour to help promote the book and is also giving away a free copy.
Alyson: Thanks for inviting me to your blog, Mary Emma. I’m honored to have you on the blog tour.
Mary Emma: Since there are numerous books out there with advice about promotion and marketing, I was wondering what your book has to offer in regard to self-promotion that’s different from others on this topic?
Alyson: Mary Emma, I’m not sure I’m the best person to answer this. I won’t profess to know all of the other books about self-promotion. I can, however, tell you how my book and my approach differs from others who have written about art marketing.
Alyson: My work is all about building relationships with people. I believe that this is the most sincere form of marketing and is easiest for most artists. My experience as a museum curator and educator plays a prominent role in the book.
For ten years it was my job to help the general public connect with the art on the museum walls. So I learned how to talk about art in a way that is different from what one learns in art school. In a nutshell, communication is more prominent in my book than in other art marketing books. A number of non-artists have found great value in the book because they recognize what I’m advocating is common business sense.
Mary Emma: I’m sure artists and others involved in promotion will fiind those aspects of your book helpful. Now to another question, if you had to give one tip . . . what is the most important action an author/artist can take to promote his/her book or business?
Alyson: Before I answer that, I need to be clear that there isn’t just one thing you can do to promote your business. I know you know this and it isn’t what you asked. But I think it’s important to say that while I can give you just one tip, you still have to do a lot more in order to find your success.
Like your work, self-promotion is a commitment. It takes persistence, consistency, and the desire to seek knowledge and better ways of working.
With that out of the way, I suppose the one piece of advice I would give to an artist or author trying to promote themselves is to come from the heart. Be sure you’re passionate about your art, your writing, and what you have to share with the world. It’s that passion–that excitement about what you do and where you’re headed–that will ignite interest in others. People will sense apprehension and doubt. We’re looking for red-hot fire.
You have to be in it to win. Your efforts can’t be half-baked. There’s too much competition out there. The enthusiasm you have for your work will distinguish you from others and, at the same time, light the path for you.
Mary Emma: Thank you, Alyson, for visiting Home Biz Notes today and sharing some self-promotion tips with our readers.
If you have questions, ask Alyson in a comment below. Also, iin winning a free copy of I’d Rather Be in the Studio! The Artist’s No-Excuse Guide to Self-Promotion? Link here for the free book giveaway instructions.
Jennifer Hofmann, of My Organized Biz (another b5media Business Channel blog), also hosted Alyson as she tours the blogosphere introducing us to her book. You’ll be able to learn more about Alyson here because, of course, Jennifer has asked different questions.
(c)2008 Mary Emma Allen
Tags: , Alyson Stanfield, artist, artist self-promotion, home-business, home-business-promotion, My Organized BizShare This
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POSTED IN: Books, Entrepreneurship, Interviews, Promotion
6 opinions for Alyson Stanfield Focuses on Promotion for Artists…& Other Businesses
Media Districts Entertainment Blog » Alyson Stanfield Focuses on Promotion for Artists…& Other Businesses
Apr 18, 2008 at 2:02 am
[...] Home Biz Notes placed an interesting blog post on Alyson Stanfield Focuses on Promotion for Artistsâ�¦& Other BusinessesHere’s a brief overview [...]
Jennifer Hofmann
Apr 18, 2008 at 6:05 pm
Thanks for the mention, Mary Emma!
I agree with Alyson’s comment that the best self-promotion comes from the heart. Whether you’re an artist or a bookkeeper, people want to hear the passion in your voice about the work you do.
Robin Maria Pedrero
Apr 19, 2008 at 5:09 am
Mary Emma,
Alyson’s final answer is right on target. It really does come down to communicating what is in your heart, being true to yourself and having passsion for what you do, doesn’t it.
Yvonne Russell
Apr 21, 2008 at 7:11 am
Thanks Jennifer & Robin
Being true to yourself and passion are key in any area for steps to success, especially the creative field.
Mary Emma Allen
Apr 21, 2008 at 6:19 pm
Jennifer, Robin, and Yvonne, I’m pleased you’ve found Alyson’s information useful. She has written a great resource in I’d Rather Be in the Studio!.
Home Biz Notes Mentioned At Art Biz Blog
Apr 22, 2008 at 2:07 pm
[...] Be In the Studio, The artist’s No-Excuse Guide to Self-Promotion. “Mary Emma Allen, of Home Biz Notes, wants to know what is the most important action an author/artist can take to promote his/her [...]
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