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Sleazy, Slimy, and Coldhearted
A message about art marketing from Eric Rhoads I used to cringe when anyone suggested I go into sales. To me, a salesman was sleazy, slimy, coldhearted, and filled with lies. I did not want to become that, and that's why I resisted sales for many years. Then one day a mentor pointed something out… When your doctor is recommending surgery, she is selling. But you don’t look at it as selling, you look at it as prescribing. A fresh way to look at selling is serving. You and I buy hundreds of things in our lifetime that we did not know we needed, yet turn out to be some of the best things we ever bought. I resisted a dishwasher when I was first married. Washing by hand is easy, and fun. But someone talked me into a dishwasher, and now I’d never want to live without one. Was the person who sold that to me being sleazy, slimy, or coldhearted? Of course not. They offered a service, walked me through the benefits, listened to my issues, answered my questions, and helped me realize how much I really needed it. I’m living in the greatest house ever. I did not want it, because of the price. But once the benefits were pointed out, I bought it, and it was one of the best decisions of my life. [...]
Art Marketing Minute Podcast: Episode 107
In this Art Marketing Minute, Eric Rhoads answers the questions: “How do you negotiate an art show?” And, “How long does it take to know if my website updates are working?”
Art Marketing Minute Podcast: Episode 106
In this Art Marketing Minute, Eric Rhoads explains how to prepare early and make your upcoming exhibition a success; and insights on finding solutions if your sales have slowed down, and sell more art.
Art Marketing Minute Podcast: Episode 105
In this Art Marketing Minute, Eric Rhoads explains the best way to approach and get representation from an art gallery; and whether or not you should list the price of your paintings on your website.
Art Marketing Minute Podcast: Episode 104
In this Art Marketing Minute, Eric Rhoads shares how to create an improvement plan and the best investments to consider; and suggestions for pricing a portrait commission and why it’s different for a landscape artist.
Art Marketing Minute Podcast: Episode 103
In this Art Marketing Minute, Eric Rhoads shares reflections on how artists can plan for retirement; and options for putting your painting behind glass, and when you should (or shouldn’t).
Art Marketing Minute Podcast: Episode 102
In this Art Marketing Minute, Eric Rhoads answers the questions: Is direct mail still an effective way to reach buyers? And, how do you transition from a day job to being a full-time artist?
Art Marketing Minute Podcast: Episode 101
In this Art Marketing Minute, Eric Rhoads explains how to find the right society or group to fit your style; and if artists should have any direct contact with collectors when working with an art gallery.
Art Marketing Minute Podcast: Episode 100
In this Art Marketing Minute, Eric Rhoads explains what type of paintings you might want to include the next time you enter a work for an art show; and how to beat the odds when you launch an online advertising campaign to sell your art.
Art Marketing Minute Podcast: Episode 99
In this Art Marketing Minute, Eric Rhoads explains how to “visualize” your success and use this concept to make it a reality; and how to get past the habit of comparing yourself to other artists.