If you have created a new craft or developed a new hobby and are comfortable enough in your skills or expertise, perhaps it is time to market your skills. While for most of us marketing ourselves is uncomfortable, there are many ways to make it enjoyable instead of nerve-wracking.
Marketing yourself does not mean that you have to hire a great big billboard with a picture of yourself smiling. Marketing can be something as simple as letting someone know that you can perform that skill or create that project.
Perhaps you are a party planner that specializes in centerpieces, or maybe you can play a musical instrument like nobody’s business. The whole reason you dived into your new craft or hobby is because of your love of it. So do not be ashamed of your talent; share it with others. There are many ways that you can market yourself so that you can share that talent with everyone around you.
Offer Classes
If you are a crafty soul and specialize as in the example above in making exquisite centerpieces, why not teach a class or two? You never know – one or more of your students may decide that making it themselves is not coming out quite the way that they had hoped. They may wish to hire you for your expertise instead.
Local Newspapers
Many newspapers are looking for freelance writers to donate an article or two, especially when it comes to the how-to market. If you have a craft that you love, then it will be easy to write about it, and you do not need any formal writing training. Let the love of your craft shine through.
Ask the newspaper in return if you can post your business card and website at the bottom of the article. In this way, you get some free advertising and the newspaper gets a really great article on how to create a craft.
Start a Blog
If you do not have a blog about your craft, then starting one should be easy and fun. If you have to, take a blogging workshop and get started. The sooner you start to blog about what it is that you love, the more exposure you will get. In this way, you will have fun making new friends, meeting new people and networking all at the same time. It will not feel like marketing at all.
Fundraisers
Fundraisers are an excellent way to network while having fun and doing good at the same time. If you have a craft or a basket you would like to donate, leave your business card with your website on it and you will be surprised how doing something good will return to you twofold.
These are just a few simple ways to market your hobby or craft without you feeling like a used car salesman.
