Freebies – Business Cards, Tutorials, & Consulting

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When you’re just getting your business started, the onslaught of expenses can be staggering. After all, it takes money to make money – right? Definitely…but sometimes the best things in life are FREE!

Getting Started

Every new business needs a website, which I found to be one of my most daunting tasks. Web designers are expensive, and it’s easy to get taken advantage of when you don’t know much about web development. Check out our last article about websites and you’ll be well on your way to getting started for free, with minimal technical knowledge.
Business card examples
Business cards
are an absolute essential for networking; you never know where you’ll be when someone asks for your information. Pulling out a stylish business card looks much more professional than scrambling to jot down your number on some scrap paper you found in your purse. Vista Print and Zazzle both offer free business cards, with plenty of design templates to choose from.
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If your business involves selling merchandise, check out the United States Postal Service‘s array of free shipping supplies. You can “purchase” your supplies online, and have it shipped right to your door.

Education & Designs

The education process is endless. You may have already “learned” your trade, but keeping up with the latest trends and techniques takes some serious dedication. While I recommend saving up for workshops and conventions, it’s understandably expensive. Keep your skills fresh between classes by dabbling around on Youtube; there’s tutorials for everything from cheek art to prosthetics, henna, and more. Some of the biggest names in face & body art keep active channels, full of advice and tutorials.

Check out Silly Heather and Jinny for starts!
Heather Green - Face PainterJinny Makeup Artist

Business Consulting

Even with all of the right supplies and talent, a small business can fizzle out if you’re not prepared for the management end of things. SCORE (Service Corps of Retired Executives) is a nonprofit consulting service for entrepreneurs to help you build your business from a solid foundation. In addition to their free business counseling services, they host low cost workshops and webinars.

Managing your money and resources from the start will afford you more success in the long run. Fancy business cards and high end websites are great, but pace yourself! Grow your business thoughtfully; every penny matters.

Wishing you all so much success,
Caitlin St. Angelo

Networking

Join us at the 2012 FABAIC

As we seek higher achievements and greater success, others can help us. As a matter of fact, some will take pleasure in doing so as long as they feel that we are trustworthy and deserving of their help. This is why it is important to understand that it is not only having connections, but keeping in contact with them and providing value to them that will make them effective.

The FABAIC offers a unique opportunity to network within your industry. Attending the convention allows you to connect with painters in your area, manufacturers of face and body art supplies, photographers and models.
To make the best of your networking at FABAIC bring with you the following:

Attitude
The twin of friendly is smiley and since most people like to do business with their friends, the most important tool you have is your smile. Remember that we only have one chance to give a good impression. Everything from our hair to our shoes is an indicator of who we are. The way we communicate and the way we are perceived by others depends much on a positive attitude and the ability to look at someone in the eye. Doing so displays confidence.

FABAIC Fun

Business cards
Never leave home without business cards in your pocket. I also carry a business card size portfolio that I can show along with my business cards once the conversation about face and body painting gets going. A picture says a thousand words and because our business is so unique, having them on hand to illustrate our point hooks people into wanting to know more.
Check out this Faba Blog article on Business Cards for more information on making the perfect card for your business.

Enthusiasm
The secret to success in networking is being prepared to engage another person in a way that they will be interested in you and what you do. Whatever you tell people, be proud of it and be enthusiastic about it. It helps to write down a 30 second introductory commercial for yourself and your services that can be used over an over as a key to open the doors that lead to success.

Face Painting Business

Make a commitment to network and grow your business. At FABAIC we offer an extensive marketing track to help you learn more so you can earn more. Not only are there classes for networking, the whole convention is full of possible new networks and business opportunities. Allow us to help you succeed.
-Marcela

The FABAIC – Face and Body Art International Convention is being held May 23rd-27th, 2012 at the Hyatt Regency Bonaventure Conference Center and Spa in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida.
Website: http://www.fabaic.com

Business Building on a Budget

As the saying goes it takes money to make money and nothing could be more true. In order to create and grow a business you need funds to invest in business cards, licenses, a website and so on. But building and bettering your business doesn’t have to put you in the poor house. The Internet is an endless abyss of information, deals, and resources.

Budgeting your Business

Creating a professional image is important because it’s a reflection of your company. DIY ( do it yourself ) sites have pre set templates that let you plug and paste your logo, pictures, create a website without hiring a webmaster. The website hosting service Go Daddy has hundreds of templates that are easy and functional for even the least web savvy person.

My favorite find of the month is a website called Fiverr, where there are hundreds of people offering their services for $5. Many of the services are graphics related, so if you are looking for a new logo, pictures Photoshopped, or website help, you can hire someone for only $5!

Other great resources for creating business cards, and professional promotional materials is Vista Print. They offer free business cards and very inexpensive flyers, brochures and magnets. Remember you want to put your information in as many hands as possible, and vista print helps you do that without breaking your wallet.

So just when you get discourage about needing a new logo or needing funds to upgrade your image, just start googling and get your $5 ready. Your biggest investment should be your time you are using to research, write content, and improve your business.

Happy painting! -Silly Heather

New Year, New You? | Business Card Basics

Your business card is your traveling billboard. Even though we are in the middle of a cyber society, having a physical card is still as important as ever. Whether I am mid-flight heading to visit family, or visiting the grocery store, you never know where potential business might be blossoming.  When I travel I try to speak to as many people as possible. I always ask for business cards because I like to get to know the person. Whether you know it or not, a business card can say a lot about a person. A blank white card with just a name can relay the message that you are plain person, someone that is on the surface and this is what I do and how to reach me. A card with more colors and photos than you can make sense of, screams that you might be a colorful person that lacks focus. Creating a powerful card that can stimulate your business and send the message that you are open for business and know your stuff. Most of all, business cards make you seem more professional.

After running through my last batch of business cards, I wanted to try something new. So I bought a package of reflection paper from Michaels crafts and cut pieces about 1.5 inches by 2 inches and I glued them to the back of my business card. So when people turn it over they see their reflection and it says, ““A smile is a curve that sets everything straight” Hope to see you at your next party or event!”

The responses I’ve received are priceless. I honestly feel people like my card more and are less likely to throw it away. Some people might even keep it to check to see if there is food in their teeth. How ever you decide set up your business card, make sure to include your name (real name or contact name of the person who books events), No one wants to ask for Pickles the Clown. Include your phone number, website, and email. Keep it simple and effective. One great picture goes further than a collage of 100 images that they can’t see.

Here’s some business card examples.

Business card examples