Renée Phillips is the Director of Manhattan Arts International, an author of several books, and a public speaker. She is known as "The Artrepreneur Coach" and provides empowering life and career strategies for creative individuals.

As a fellow "Artrepreneur" I agree that the marketing activities of our business aren't on the top of our list of priorities, but we know they are essential. As The Artrepreneur Coach, I provide simple and practical advice that really works. I've put together some winning selling ideas that are sure to power up your sales. Try using a few and let me know what happens!

1. Develop a distinctive and consistent vision. Don't spread yourself all over the artistic map or your customers will get lost. If you try to satisfy all of your creative whims and customers' tastes you will end up satisfying no one. Strive to be the best artist in your niche. Move forward with pride and confidence. Georgia O'Keeffee said "I had to create an equivalent for what I felt about what I was looking at - not copy it. To create one's world in any of the arts takes courage."

2. Know your customer and "customer profile". Look at your top buyers. Where do they live and spend vacations? What are their professions, special interests, ages and life styles? What kind of art do they purchase and at what price levels? This information describes your customer profile. You can then determine where to place your efforts to attract more clients who match the profiles.

3. Know why your work is selling. Record the reasons your customers give when they decide to make the purchase. What qualities attracted them the most? Then follow up after they have hung your work to learn how much they enjoy living with it and why. This information is valuable for making future sales proposals.

4. Spend money to make money. Experts say you should spend at least 10 percent of your gross sales on promotion and marketing. Spend it wisely based on a sound financial plan. Don't skimp on the essentials: web site design; printed materials and experienced legal and other professional services.

5. Make your next reception memorable. Whether it be at a prestigious gallery or an Open Studio create a special ambiance that will attract people, keep them there and make a lasting impression on them. (The same is true of your Web site!) Be different. It can be as simple as having live music or a "Champaign and Chocolates" reception or a live portrait demonstration.

6. Build second tier relationships. It is important to reach out to your ultimate buyer but equally important to establish relationships with those they rely on for leads and expertise. Your relationships should be with interior designers, architects, real estate agents, house stagers, corporate buyers and private art dealers. Let them bring the buyers.

7. Network outside your circle. Think creatively. Talk to your banker, accountant, dentist, florist and doorman. Ask them for business referrals and do the same for them. My step-father gave me my first lesson on marketing through networking. He was a diet specialist and he told me he built his hefty medical practice getting referrals from his tailor.

8. Keep close contact with your best buyers. There is a general business rule that says 80% of your sales come from 20% of your customers. It would be wise to focus attention on your most productive markets. Consider sending out a special mailing, or even making direct phone solicitation, to the 20 percent of your customers who have bought the most from you in the past. Share information regularly with them about your newest pieces, as well as career achievements, new artistic projects. This has become a simple task through Email News and Web blogs. Also ask them to forward the news to friends and associates.

9. Diversify, diversity, diversity. I like to use the rule of thirds. Set up three different promotion and marketing practices and use them regularly: direct mail; e-mail marketing; and word of mouth. Also set up three different price brackets for your work. For example, Low, "out-of- pocket" sales; medium price sales; and highest price sales. By offering your customer choices they will ask themselves, "which one shall I buy?" instead of asking, "should I buy or not buy"?

10. Be consistent and persistent. Whether the market is up or down, whether the weather is hot or cold, your confidence and your activities should be unrelentless and steady. Set aside a block of time each week to devote to marketing and promotion. You will find the time spent really worthwhile. Never, never, never give up.

Bonus Tip: Ask for help. Don't feel that you have to do the marketing in a vacuum and don't be too proud to ask for help. No one is an expert in everything. There are great books, business workshops and mentors. SCORE "Counselors to America's Small Business" (www.score.org) is a nonprofit association dedicated to educating entrepreneurs. There are articles available to read throughout the Internet. The Manhattan Arts International Reading Room has a Career and Business section for artists with many articles from which to choose. To provide creative and insightful advice for artists I have written a book titled "Success Now! For Artists: A Motivational Guide for the Artrepreneur". And, I am available for career consultations in person or on the phone.

Renée Phillips is the Director of Manhattan Arts International. Known as The Artrepreneur Coach, counsels artists worldwide. Learn more about her private consulting services available in person or by phone.

For an appointment contact Renée by phone at 212.472.1660 or email at renee@renee-phillips.com

She is the author of The Complete Guide to New York Art Galleries and Presentation Power Tools For Fine Artists, as well as Success Now! For Artists: A Motivational Guide For the Artrepreneur. Learn more about her books.

She is a member of the International Association of Art Critics (AICA). She is the Director of Manhattan Arts International.

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Links to all articles by Renée Phillips.