Saturday, June 20, 2009
In August of 2008 I started my first online business on Etsy. I had no idea what I was getting myself into or what it would take to make it work! My thinking was "If I like what I make other people will too so this should be easy!" Since then I have learned it is not easy!
Online selling has opened up a whole new world that I did not know existed! I had no clue how many artists and craft people were in the virtual world creating all these communities. There are ning sites, fan pages, forums, and even a radio station committed to indie artists of all kinds! Blockheadradio.com
Every site offers something different for it's sellers and buyers, but for me the most important thing is community. I want to know that I am an important part of the system that is in place that I call my online home. If I don't get that, there is no need for me to stay.
I'm happy to say I have found that place at artfire.com. The Administration there has set a respectful tone for us as sellers there. That same tone can be found in the forums and this allows us to get to know each other not only as artists but allows an atmosphere where friendships are born.
Friendship has been the key to my success at ArtFire. Just like in our own communities where we live, to be successful and have good word of mouth spread about you, you have to build relationships and trust before people will buy from you. You get to know them as people and not just other sellers or buyers. While this may only be one aspect of online selling it has been the one that has worked best for me!
