I was at a show this last weekend. As usual, I was demonstrating one of my techniques. What I started to notice was that in the middle of a conversation with a potential customer, I would bury my head in my work. I was basically ignoring my customer!
Once I recognized that I was doing this, I tried to
Once I recognized that I was doing this, I tried to
stop. When I finished with my short demo, I forced myself to keep talking to the potential customer. It was really hard to do. My hands instinctively wanted to keep working. I felt my eyes drifting back to look at my demo piece. I had to consciously look up at the customer.This is definitely one of the pitfalls of doing demonstrations in your booth. However, if you are aware of it in advance, you can take steps to insure that you don't neglect your customers.
If you feel yourself starting to drift back to your work. Look back to your customer and ask them a question to get the conversation going.
If it looks like your customer is about to walk away, continue your demo by pointing out the next thing you are about to do. Then start doing it with a running commentary. Explain how the technique you are demonstrating relates to the finished pieces you have for sale.
Most important: always remember that your ultimate goal for being at an art show is to sell art, not to teach art.
If you feel yourself starting to drift back to your work. Look back to your customer and ask them a question to get the conversation going.
If it looks like your customer is about to walk away, continue your demo by pointing out the next thing you are about to do. Then start doing it with a running commentary. Explain how the technique you are demonstrating relates to the finished pieces you have for sale.
Most important: always remember that your ultimate goal for being at an art show is to sell art, not to teach art.
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