Just got layed off.

[redring]

So we walk into work yesterday and our whole corperate offcice is there. They let everyone but my husband go. That included me. I have limited resources and cannot invest any more of our funds into my tatting. I have to find a new job. The hubby thinks this is the opertunity to get my tatting ramped up. But I cant afford vendor fees now. What do I do? any advice?

[RhiannaWillow]

I am a single Mom who has no had other source of income so I have had to build up the business in whatever way I can with little or no resources. Here are some of the things I have done to build things up.

Approach people looking for vendors with a proposition to give them percentage of sales rather than upfront vending fee. That way you don't need upfront money. Not all people are going to go for it but some will. I have several deals like that on the go. 20% of my sales is what I go with but you'll have to figure out what percentage works for you.

Do whatever free & extremely low cost marketing you can to build up your private parties & events side of the business as well. Take advantage of any free print & web ads that are available to you. Always have a bunch of your business cards on hand to hand out whenever the occasion arises. Any place where there are families you can approach people with your card mentioning you do parties & events. I have even handed them out while waiting in the grocery line when I notice someone with kids. Also a lot of places will allow you to leave a small pile of cards on display at their businesses. Take advantage of those as well.

The best thing of course if word of mouth so whenever you do get a private gig try to turn that into more by handing out cards to those at the party or ask that they be put in the goody bags. If you have a website or a facebook page ask them to go to it to "like it" and/or leave a comment about your service. And of course if you do a public festival or event be sure to have lots of cards & a sign mentioning to take one of your cards because you are great for any party or event. Also be sure to mention to people waiting in line that you do parties & events so take your card because people don't always notice signs.

I think your husband is right. This may be the Universe's way of telling you it's time to go for it as far as the tatting is concerned. I hope these few tidbits I shared help you out as much as they helped me out. Good luck & I hope things go well for you.

[redring]

Thanks! I hope so to. It would be wonderfull If I could start getting enough gigs to not have to find another job. Still ill start looking for a new job this week. I have been wanting to aproach some of the businesses here. Im afraid of steping on my own toes though. If I walk in and ask to talk to a manager, hand him my card and explain what I do. Will I piss them off? I just keep thinking there going to see me as wasting there time.

[Pushka]

So sorry to hear that you have lost your job.
This is a huge change for you,whatever direction you take.
So what do you have to lose? Take a chance and approach the businesses you mentioned, they are in business as well, they are trying to make a living as well. Doing this may well help you decide if it is something you want to do full time, or may just help tide you over until you find another job.

Good luck
Anna

[redring]

Your right.

[Temporary Insanity]

I agree put your cards where ever you can. small mom and pop gas stations.
I have mine in the discount smoke shops- i get a lot of hits that way.

Hang in there.