By Fred Kopp - IDEAMAKER
IDEAMAKERS client, Elaine Rittler, owner of Elaine Rittler Fine Art, comments on her recent business startup success… “Business has been gradually building. I now have 5 senior homes who have booked me for (art instruction) classes right through April. I’ve already had my first class and it went very well.”
“I have had 2 successful art shows” states Elaine. “Not only did I do respectably well with selling of my art, but they were the 5th home to book classes. I also got a commission out of it (which I just completed) from a customer and the facility also asked me to do a solo art show there in the spring. A quadruple whammy…”
In addition to doing art commission work, Elaine has been busy generating business mailings and has begun follow up on those. After the holidays, she plans to market herself publishing companies.
Here are Elaine’s recommendations: “First, line yourself up with a SCORE representative. That way you’re not operating in a vacuum and they’ll advise on everything from concept to launch and then some! Then, do your research to be sure your idea seems like a good one – one that will fill a need. Develop a well-thought out business plan and stick to it.”
“Get with a great marketing firm like IDEAMAKERS who will help you with all the necessary marketing needs. For example, developing a professional looking website and business cards will show customers you’re serious. Also, establishing the right price to open doors is critical especially if you’re an unknown quantity.”
