Net working

I am not the most articulate writer , but bare with me

Often new artists truly overlook the value of networking, It is why I say it's important to be on the same page as others in your area. If you charge way below what the established artists in your area are charging, they can't and won't be able to afford to network with you! Just like coming to these forums for help from other artists , don't overlook the value of networking with those in your own area and asking for help!!!!

I know many new artists complain that the established businesses in their are don't want to have anything to do with them , but it is ALL about how you approach some one!!!

Several years ago 2 new artists moved to my area, one called me up and asked to meet for coffee, we did, She said she did not want to step on anyone's toes or undercut anyone. We had a long chat , and I liked her right away. I started having her come with me to events, then booking her out, She has made thousands of dollars over the years working with me . She also loves going to workshops and conventions too! So I always have a traveling mate

The second painter contacted all my clients and offered to work for free, One took her up on it..the City!!! The city use to either PAY or allow myself and another painter to set up and charge PPF at their events. This twit ruined it for everyone, and I and the other painters in town do not network with her at all.Her and several others are destroying the market.

So many people just do not get that we can help each other with our businesses, It is difficult to run a successful business all on your own without any help!!!Being friendly and helpful with your "competition" is far more beneficial than trying to undercut and screw everyone in your area over!

I was once told that business is business and it's cutthroat, well I have always said "why" why can't people be nice to each other, and not just anonymously on a forum!!! I use my name openly and where I am from, I have nothing to hide

Networking, one of the most overlooked important part of this industry!!!

Amen sista!

I heard a saying last night on some TV show...can't remember which one...

"Ya gotta network to get work". Thought it was short, sweet, catchy and TRUE.

Well said, Shelley!
xoxo
Lisa
P.S. I have connected with Barb, a fabulous face painter on this forum. We are of like minds on the whole face painting addiction and charging.

Totally agree... I have trouble networking with other face painters in my area. I guess I just have to really convince them that I'm not trying to step on their toes or steal their business! It doesn't have to be so cut-throat!

I've got 3 jobs calls in the past few weeks as a result of networking. Australian painters are generally a lovely bunch and there's plenty of work to go around!

I love my local face paint forum buddies. (Zildy and Denise, I'm talkin to you!)

I agree with this so much...Angela or billblic messaged me on here and told me she was in my back yard..well an hour away but still close..we have talked on face book and on here..she is very nice and doing quite well.. I hope to finally meet her some day..she actually works where I use to ..small world...

Shelley, your avatar mask is gorgeous!

I have to confess, I still have to call Kerry Ann Smith (SHE'S the closest painter to me! - yikes!) but I have done nothing to try to steal her customers. I have literally started by marketing in my own backyard to my own friends, coworkers, my kids' school, my church, and rely mostly on word of mouth to get my name out to their friends and their friends' friends.

I want to introduce myself to her, but I am a little (ok, a lot) intimidated by her internationally renowned super-stardom! I would find talking to a movie star less intimidating. Weird, huh?

I have many people in my area trying to screw me over, and frankly I am tired of it. I simply wish that other painters realized that we can actually help each other, and not try to hurt each other. Yes I am the big fish in a little pond, but that does not mean I won't help others!
I know of areas in Canada where the artists get along ( for the most part )They help each other when multiple artists are needed, they help each other when someone is sick, or if they can't make a gig. It's all good.
Here in my little corner there are now 14 painters or companies that offer painting, in an area of 120,000. Except for one, everyone is nasty, real cuthroat. You would not believe the things people do here to one another. I think it is awful...and I am sick and tired of it I just simply wish that others understood the value of networking!!!!!!!! We often pretend in this industry to be all helpful...on the forums. In reality, in people's areas , we are getting stabbed in the back.
So I just wanted to say to those in my area...STOP IT, we should be helping one another!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! NETWORK, it really does work

p.s. Thank you Kat!