“I just don't understand computers. I have gottenalong without them so far, why should I start now? ” “I would like tohave a website, but I don't know anything about how to set one up –what should I do?” “With pedophiles, internet cons, and identity theftout there why should I use a computer?” Whether you are technophobic,a person who fears modern technology gadgets, or knows someone who is,this blog is for you (them). While, the media helps fuel the horrorsabout technology, the solution is to be more educated about what isgoing on in the tech world as it really does make our lives easier. Ifyou are stranded with a flat tire, a cell phone call for a tow truck iseasy as 1-2-3. Having a business website opens the doors for people allover the world to learn about your business and purchase what you make.By setting up an online payment account it makes it easier to payreoccurring monthly bills. I find it most useful to find raw materialsuppliers easier and compare prices with others via the internet.Technology is all around us and helping those who are techonophoic seeit as not something scary but easy and fun, can help bridge the gapbetween people of different ages/generation gaps. Here's my adviceregarding learning how to use computers and other tech gadgets.
Question24 – What can I do to be less technophobic and use technology to helpme build my art business.
Go to stores, the library, and visitfriends who have computers if you don't have one. The best thing youcan do is actually look at them and touch them and learn what buttons dowhat. What you might find is that a computer is much like a typewriteryet instead of paper you have a t.v. hooked up to it. A lot of peoplehave fears that they might break their computer. The answer is, if youtake the time to learn just what a computer is, how it works, and howyou can operate one, you will be less likely to do something harmful tothe computer.
The next step is to take a class at a communitycollege, library, or a YMCA to learn how to use a computer and basicsoftware that comes with a computer. A simple course in Computers 101will tell you not only what a computer is and how it works, but how tooperate it in just a few simple steps. When you are done with a basicclass there are other classes available to help you learn software,build websites, and even learn how to do certain computer art forms.
Computerscan help those who have art/craft businesses too. Some basic skillswhen used with a standard computer you can set-up an email account andsearch the world wide web (also known as the internet). Being able toconnect to the internet opens the doors for finding art fairs, locatingmultiple art suppliers and purchase supplies online, find articles andinformation on experts in your medium, and that is just the tip of theice berg. As you find using computers easy to use, explore softwarelike Quickbooks or Microsoft Money to manage your finances, read booksor explore websites to help you decide whether you should create yourown website or have someone else design it, and play with desktoppublishing software so you can design and print your own business cards,letter head and product description tags /name signs (great when usedat art fairs).
If you know people who falls into this category,do them a favor and print out this blog and share it with them to shedsome light on why computers and technology are useful. Care to sharehow you got over your technophobia – use the comment button and tell uswhy you choose to embrace technology.
Lastly, I will be taking 1week for some R&R and while I am gone I want you all to vote, viathe comment button, for what you want the next Question for this blogseries to be. Choose from “How do I write a Press Release” or “Why do Ineed business insurance if I already have homeowners insurance” or“How early is too early to start pushing Christmas/Winter holidaycraft/art?” Have a nice weekend and wonderful 4th of July weekendeverybody! - Michelle Sholund, www.quickcraftartisttips.blogspot.com
Comments
With FB I am always trying to add new friends and people to 'like' my page. Friends of friends also like the page and it just goes on and on. Right now I have a bit over 100 people that like my page and it increases weekly. I post a lot of my jewelry photos on FB so they contact me about the pieces and buy them or order something similar but in colors of their choice. Some order custom pieces and I've gotten two weddings from FB to make jewelry for not only the bride, but also the bridesmaids. I handle the arrangements either via email or messaging on FB and it's proving to be very fruitful. I can then have them either send me a check, call me with their cc information, or pay via PayPal and then I mail them or hand deliver depending on their location, the jewelry via priority mail. It's just another avenue to sell my jewelry. Next up I hope will be some consignments and there's a discussion of being a part of an artist area in a retail store :-) I'm on FB as Crystal.Spirits Handcrafted Jewelry.
Will message you with my address and thank you again so much!
Linds
How do you get orders from FB?
I've been trying to work on a website but my patience often wears thin when trying to manipulate everything to make it presentable and easy to use.
Building a website and getting it going is cheaper than just about any art fair's booth fees. Really! My husband's costs about $13 a month.
Not sure how to really get started on this? Here is the perfect vehicle, Scott Fox's book Internet Riches. It is a practical primer for starting and building a web presence. In fact, I followed his advice in building my website.
It shrivels my ears when I'm going through an art show and a customer asks an artist if they have a website and the artist replies, "no." How can anyone afford not to be available 24/7?
Check out Scott's book. I think you'll really find it interesting -- in fact you can get it on DVD at Amazon and you can listen to it while you are driving to an art fair.
Plus, the next person who comments on this will receive a free copy, from me.