Articles

Someone once said the 'object' of learning is not just to learn but also to “live.” Teaching for me is also about "living."

First, teaching is about making a difference in someone's life... helping to awaken an interest, kindle an enthusiasm and empower wishes. Being part of someone's discoveries and magic moments as they learn the art of jewelry making is especially rewarding. Seeing their early designs mature as they acquire new skills or being a mentor as they progress is at the core of my teaching.

Second, teaching is about continuing to learn myself. In a sense being a student in my own class. Hearing new viewpoints, meeting people with different experiences and interesting goals sparks my creativity and enriches my life. Mutual learning also defines why I love teaching.

I'd like to revise a famous quote about education to now read... "Desire and aptitude without opportunity is like silver ‘in’ the mine." Being able to open a door, offer an opportunity and encourage someone to follow their dreams, or talents, is one of life's best experiences. The rewards I receive from teaching are silver ‘from’ the mine. Teaching is a living experience I'd highly recommend!

As the saying goes... You can't "e-mail a smile, or fax a handshake" ...not in the flesh anyway. Like this truism suggests there's no substitute for personal contact with clients... or is there?

The messages we convey to others by what we do, say and display make a statement about us, our degree of professionalism and expertise. Equally the tools we use, to convey these messages, influence people's perceptions of us.

Traditional marketing tools were -limited to- business cards, brochures, catalogs or other “printed media.” These ‘visuals’ allowed us to express basic information about who we are, what we do and how we work. By taking advantage of Web 3G (device) technologies that allow communication avenues incorporating "multimedia," individuals and businesses can bring together the best features of all marketing plans and maximize their communication efforts.

Employing the power of multimedia using video, narration, soundtrack and motion graphics, you’ll connect to others in a far more compelling manner than by only using traditional messaging aids to showcase your products or services. A couple minutes of video published online, to disc media for pass-out, or encoded and sent to client mobil devices will transform your marketing success bringing faster and more consistent results. All it takes is an inexpensive video camera plus entry level editing software and it's easy to put together short marketing pieces with emotional impact bringing positive results to reward your efforts. Employing these strategies in your business messaging is the 'key' as it can combine the best parts of traditional marketing with the addition of powerful multimedia.

A multimedia project begins with a concept idea keeping a targeted market in mind. A outline is written to inform, educate or entertain the viewer. Using creative composition, good lightning and conversational narration, with a personalized style of delivery that speaks directly to the viewer, your marketing messages will come to life.

While the 'methods of marketing' continue to evolve the basic goal remains the same, “Communication.” Multimedia excels in this area being a cost effective, persuasive and valuable tool with exciting capabilities to assist these goals.

As you work to sell your products or services, with a desire to enrich peoples lives, consider employing the power of multimedia marketing to 'personalize your communications’ with a richness rivaling that “Smile & A Handshake.”

How do you capture people’s interest in your jewelry? Do you wear it, use attractive displays and good lighting in your sales presentations, hand out business cards or employ colorful mailers? All good ideas... but do these things make a personal connection between what you’ve made and other people?

Whether jewelry making is a hobby or your profession, a story about your work will personalize it in people’s minds in many, beneficial ways!

Imagine sitting around a campfire telling someone about your work. Talk about the techniques you use, the procedures you employ and the way your designs evolve to their finished stage. People are interested in how your jewelry is made.

This marketing strategy is called “Romancing Your Work.” Inviting people into your creative process through interesting information paints a vivid picture of your work and "you" as an artist. Stories will define your jewelry and bring it to life! People respond when they’re engaged in this manner; sales become easier and long-term (customer) relationships and loyalties are built.

Someone who shows they love what they do and is excited about conveying this to others replaces the bland, one-dimensional salesperson. Using friendly, conversational narration explain how you work, share facts about your materials, the origins of your gems, what inspired a piece of work, or how you got started. These details will add layers of attraction that individualize your jewelry.

Develop the habit of sharing informative facts about your creations. Friends and customers will love it, better sales will prove it works and you’ll be providing a service people will remember and reward you for.

Your jewelry has a story…“Romance it” and share it with people!

“Silver In The Mine”

by Richard Paille

“Smile & A Handshake”

by Richard Paille

“Romancing The Stone”

by Richard Paille