Design Spot I design a luxury accessory that I am trying to get to market, how can I get them on the luxury market?
I have been to the highend stores, they like them but say the item is very classic, and will cost too much for me to lease a spot as an unknown designer, it is my passion and I need to share it, help please!
What they said to you in the high end stores you visited is an indication that maybe you should make your classic style item more edgy and modern.... just a little redesigning. There are so many fledgling designers out there and it is a tough business, but don't give up. Maybe you have to redesign a little to stay more in the now...and then go back to the high end stores and show your new product redesigned a little. Then see the reaction. If it is your passion if you stay with it, you will eventually succeed. Someone will take a liking to your product. Don't ever give up your dream.
Have a website designed. Make a catchy name with beautiful graphics and maybe music and place your items on your website. Sell your product on line and see where it goes. Also ebay is a great way to sell your product. I a a seller on ebay and it is great. Also, you could rent a spot at a high end craft show in your area for a weekend and see what reaction your item gets. Go back to the high end stores and speak with the buyer and ask if they would just buy a few pieces outright from you and they can sell them. They will want the wholesale price, not retail from you but it is worth it. If they sell them, I assure you they will call you for more. I think that is the way to go.
Also contact designers who do trunk shows in your city. They do trunk shows at ladies luncheons, charity organizations; and ask them if they would use your accessory free of charge at their shows if your name is mentioned. It is a very good way to get exposure. I do wish you luck on your adventure and never give up your dream.
Martin MX10 Scanner Elation Design Spot 250 Martin Wizard Extreme Chauvet Show Xpress DJ Lights
Designing the right business card can increase your business
As many business owners know, one of the main tools for promoting your business to potential clients is distributing business cards. They are collected in such situations as business networking meetings and events and can really be a big influence on a person’s opinion of your business and effect their first impression. They are then retained by business people alike as a record of past, present and potential business and vice versa so it is important to remember that what the card displays has to be appropriate. Many countries have different etiquette that need to be followed if you are distributing your card not just local but internationally. To get the best response from your business card, it is best to do some research on various countries. This will avoid offending people and it will show that you have taken some time to learn about their culture.
Small changes such as multilingual information on your cards can make a massive difference. If you travel somewhere where they are unlikely to speak English, it would be a massive benefit to get some cards printed with not only English but whichever language that country speaks underneath the English. This instantly gives off a more professional impression which means someone is more likely to do business with you. It may cost a little bit more but it will be so much more worth it.
As well as this, things such as certain colouring can be offensive in some countries and good luck in others, as well as symbols and words. The number 6 is an extremely lucky number in Chinese culture, yet in the UK or other places where Christianity is a strong religion, the number 6 is associated with the devil and bad luck. It is best to stick with simple ideas in the design because even though you may not think it, the smallest details can affect the way someone looks at your business.
In European countries, you should always carry your card, and only distribute at the start or end of a meeting/chat/networking event and only give the person your speaking to one card. If you do give more out, then explain the purpose for this, the reason could be for them to then distribute it to people they deal with to aid business development.
Never underestimate the power your card can have, if you get the design spot on, you will really see the benefits. When attending business networking events, a lot of cards are going to be passed around and you really want to make sure yours stands out at the end of the day when everybody leaves, especially if there are other businesses in the meeting or event similar to yours. There are guides online on how to create the perfect business card.
Also try and put as much contact information on the card. A lot of people forget to add simple details such as their name or fax number. This can make all the difference so make sure you remember to use the space provided wisely and appropriately and the next time you are distributing your cards to potential clients, your card won’t get lost in the pile.
About the Author
DCM are a Newcastle Business Networking group and Business Development community. Mancala are their Internet Marketing Partners.
