Mar

12

When The Shoe Fits

Filed Under Business purpose, Working smarter not harder | 

When The Shoe Fits

In my work with entrepreneurs, I sometimes come across the person who is in business for all the wrong reasons. It happened just the other day. I was visiting an art gallery with a friend who knew the gallery owner. We started talking and during the conversation, the owner explained that business was not great. He felt that the gallery was not well received or supported by the community.

I have made a commitment to myself to coach only those who hire me to do so. Sometimes, I have to admit, I break my own rules. This was one of these times. I felt the frustration of the person across from me. I wanted to offer something. I asked a few questions and tried to make some suggestions only to realize what I have learned repeatedly. You can’t help those who don’t help themselves.

I sensed a resistance to being proactive and trying new things. Above all, I sensed that what the gallery owner had always wanted was to be an artist. For whatever the reason, he talked himself into being a gallery owner instead. I think that may have been the key. Knowing thyself is one of the golden rules in business, in my book. It’s extremely important to have the business that is the perfect fit with who you are. The business that gives expession to your values, your interests, and your priorities is the business you will be most successful in.

As an artist, one is responsible to his or her art. The main objective of the artist is to create. Some may even feel, that selling their art or trying to make others see the value in investing in their art, is distracting. Many artists I know would not be seen as public relations experts.

As a gallery owner, one has to be willing to get out there, meet and greet, and rub elbows with many people. As a business owner, marketing has to be in the forefront. Connecting with as many people as possible is a priority. Keeping an eye on the finances of the business is crucial. You have to be flexible in your dealings with the public and the artists themselves.

What I am trying to say is, that you have to like people to be in a people business. You also have to be willing to accept responsibility when the going gets tough. How else are you going to make the right choices?

© 2008 Yota Schneider, Open for Success. www.openforsuccess.com
May be distributed if full attribution is given and copyright notice is included.

Comments

One Response to “When The Shoe Fits”

  1. Ginger Hanrahan on March 13th, 2008 11:38 am

    The gallery owner story rings a bell! I must admit as an artist I always feel like I am required to perform a constant juggling act. I am supposed to market, create art and manage the business along with networking and making polite sometimes intelligent conversation at art openings. Frankly, it feels like a three ring circus that I don’t think most people are qualified to handle.
    I really appreciate your commentary regarding the gallery owner and it describes in a nut shell the type of representative you don’t want.
    Thanks for the observations Yota!

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