How to keep going in the slow season?

I started my business in May of this year, and have been busy every week and weekend until the end of Oct, nonstop! And now, I am dying to get some business, does anyone have advice on how to get your name out there in the cold months? Its going to snow here tomorrow and it just gets worse until March-AHHHH!

First of all....beautiful avatar.... I'll definitely be using that for inspiration.

Here's my advice, for what it's worth...because we're in the same, cold and frosty boat together. Around here...lots of craft shows everywhere... but they really only attract adults. You could look into some of the bigger ones and try your luck. Talk to the organizer and see if they would let you set up a small area with little or no fee. I think you'll get to paint a few faces but for the majority of the time you will just be sitting. Make sure you and maybe some children models are fully painted. You may get a few holiday party bookings from it. But there are lots of birthdays in the winter months and parents are looking... you need to inspire them and make them want to hire you!!!
Also, check and see if you have any local restaurants that have a weekly kid's night. This happens more and more in the winter... Strike a deal with one. Offer them a reduced rate, let them pay you, let you put out a tip jar and business cards... and also give you a free meal...lol Works for me.

I have NEVER had any luck at craft fairs. Ever. Doesn't mean YOU won't but... I haven't.

Most communities have lots of holiday events. Tree lighting, holiday parties, parades. Check with your local chamber of commerce and parks and rec departments and find out what is coming up. You might be suprised.

I put out business cards at party supply stores and holiday themed stores. Now that I mention it, I need to run some errands today and replenish my cards at those stores. People might think of you when planning their holiday parties if they see your card there.

Ronnie is right about nailing a restaurant gig. Even if it's not much, it might be just enough to keep you afloat.

Continue to spread the word about your business everywhere you go. In gorcery lines, bank lines, around the water cooler. Paint yourself as often as possible when you go out, even if it's just the grocery store or walmart. If you don't like to wear paint, like I don't, get a tshirt or tote bag made. My purse is a canvas tote that says I <3 Face Painting. People notice, comment, I whip out a card, and another client is born!
Good luck!

Holiday parties. New years Eve glitter and masks for adults(and charge a TON more than usual) Photo with Santa places. Family restaurants might want a "face painting elf" for the holidays. Contact independant salons and offer a commission if they book you for doing glitter and Fp party makeup. Send postcards to any social or service clubs in your area for their holiday parties (Kiwanis, moose, elk, girlscouts, ) Partner with someone who offers bounce houses or some balloon folks, and offer to put together a "Kids Zone" for stores during the black November sales.

I would love some ideas along these lines, I am not looking forward to the sloooow season! But I must say I love your avatar too!

Holiday parties, especially corporate or union parties. Restaurant gigs & birthday parties.
If you are in the south & it's not super freezing, there are a few festivals. It doesn't slow down as much here in FL as it does up north. January & February are our slowest months. I do a lot of expos geared towards families & kids(it's usually for trade not pay, but gets me seen & out there). The slow season is also great for getting your practice time in.

Bellies!!! Advertise at local OBGYN offices and such.

Zeebee... let me know when you find out. lol.

Thanks for all the advice, I was wondering the same thing about the slower months...

Kat's FacesForFun wrote:Zeebee... let me know when you find out. lol.

AUGH! It's SO slow here right now I am even cruising the local events websites to try to GIVE away my services, but even the fundraisers have frozen-over it seems. And the only events on schedule are adult outdoor activities where it wouldn't be appropriate.

I've contacted all the local restaurants where they have kids nights; called the managers and gave my information with website etc. but no luck... I've contacted all the local township offices, the mall and just don't know where else to turn.

I really need to work again soon, for the practice and for the extra money it can bring in... my next booking's not until April and it's driving me craaaaazy! (Okay, so it didn't have to drive far for the crazy thing, but still... )

Thanks, this is great!! I was wondering the same thing. Very helpful

I'm getting a few March bookings... But it's my first year so I'm not getting many... Haha

Take the time to work on your business plan, do some marketing, and get your paperwork up-to-date... and practise.

I've got stuff on my blog about marketing and the business plan (excerpts from my book).

Thank you for your blog(s) Shannon - very informative and interesting... kept right on reading, in fact

Shannon is so right. I work up my business plan every Jan.

I have a restraunt that I paint at..you may also try some of the schools. prom will be comming up..and maybe some basket ball games at school..
also promote those birthday parties..and look at shannons post she know the business very very well.