Seriously, though, as small business owners selling on Etsy and at craft fairs, we can often feel overwhelmed and lost in a sea of other artists and makers. When we feel this way, it can help to take a step back and get introspective about who we are and what unique points of view, skills, and strengths we have to offer the world. Then we can use that powerful information to present ourselves and our products in a way that no one else can. Unlock your special pop-tartness right now, with these steps.
Know your greatest qualities.
We all have pre-conceived notions of what makes us special, but the people who know us, love us, and work with us can tell us what they consider to be our best qualities from a totally different perspective. So ask them and don’t be shy about it. Set up a free account with Survey Monkey and create a one-question online survey asking at least 20 people you know what they think your 3 best qualities are. You can make it anonymous if you like so that people can respond freely.
Once you have the data, rank the responses until you can see what your top 5 best qualities are according to those who know you best. Consider these top qualities and reflect on whether these traits are reflected in your brand and the way your present yourself to your customers. Write down at least one specific example of how you can better incorporate or represent your top 3 qualities into your brand.
For instance, one of your top qualities may be that you are detail-oriented. That quality will surely be reflected in your work, so promote that unique selling point. Make it obvious for your customers. Mention it in your Etsy listing descriptions how every detail is carefully considered by you before being executed.
Tell your unique story.
Each one of us is a product of our experiences on this Earth. We all have stories that make up who we are. What are the big stories that have shaped your life? Write down at least 5 one-sentence story points that define you that you feel your ideal customer would relate to; things like family stories, overcoming adversity, why you do what you do, how you discovered your art, accidents, near misses, exhilarating moments, losses, life experiences, momentous occasions, fortuitous events, etc. Then turn each of these story points into a full-fledged story (write it down!).
Once you have these stories, you can use them in different ways as your present yourself and your business to the world – through your About page on Etsy or your website, blog articles, or biographies for shops or galleries where you sell your work.
Think about your goal – you want to establish connections with customers who appreciate what you have to offer and who return to see what else you are producing. For instance, when potential customers read your About page, they don’t want to just learn about you. They want to learn what it is about you that can help them get what they want. So make sure that you tell a story in your About page that shows customers what they can expect from you that they can’t find anywhere else.
Remember, there’s only one of you in the history of this world and what you have to offer is of value to others. What is your unique story that will connect you to your customers?
Resources.
Want to learn more about yourself, your strengths, and your best qualities? Here are some resources:
Strengths Finder 2.0 by Tom Rath
Take Action Now! Follow the steps above then leave a comment below.
Great tips! It's often hard to sell yourself & realize what's special about your own creations, these are great ideas to help.
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