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I've been helping a new Mural Business owner get her business off the ground. She asks a good question about how to advertise a new mural business...

I was reading a book on how to start a mural business and they said to make flyers and bring them  door-to-door. Have you ever done this? What form of advertising has  gotten you the most business? I know word of mouth is a great referral, but do you have some advice for someone who has yet to do a  commissioned job??  Talk to you soon   Jennifer

And my answer:

Hi Jennifer

Mural Business Advertising
Creative Commons License photo credit: límite~increíble

Regarding Fliers:   

I have not done fliers… I did put business cards on doors of new  homes…   

The flier idea is a good one though… My niece who is just starting her business again, is doing fliers.   

She has posted them on store bulletin boards, in doctors offices and even at day care providers.   

My advice for getting referrals:

Stay away from interior designers…  they are usually into the prima donna thing and want a large percentage of any job you do.   

I got to know every window blind sales person I could find. They go into peoples homes and measure windows and recommend blinds or drapes. The subject of interior decorating often comes up. This is your foot in the door.

If the blind person and you have an agreement to hand out each  others cards and recommend each others services… it's win - win for  both of you.   

I would also go in and see every small business owner you know. Your lawyer, accountant, flower shop, doctor, dentist, eyeglasses, carpet  store… etc. that you know personally.   

Tell them you have an idea for their office… for a faux painting or  mural accent… and you would like to trade services. Don't do it for  free. This will give you a place to build your portfollio and raise you up as an expert in your field.   

These are just some suggestions to get you started on how to advertise your mural business.    Good Luck!  Debra

Technorati Tags: mural business advertising, advertising painting business, faux painting business advertising

Getting mail from from new faux finish artists... is like getting a fresh new copy of my favorite faux painting magazine. Because faux painting is a visual art… I usually get pictures! This is great fun and always gives me new ideas. :)
 
Here is a letter from:
Dianna Steeves
Mason City IA
 
Hi Debra… THAT Painter Lady, 
 
Just had to share, this is my latest job and I hope you get a chance to come and shop this store! I am thrilled with how it turned out and hope this is my launch into painting here in Iowa!
 
Did the entire store, bright white on the ceilings with a chocolate border around the outside, a beautiful burgundy red in one room, chocolate and caramel colors everywhere else. Lots of plaster to create great texture and a beautiful faux plaster finish in black and gold!
 
The name of the store:
 

Eva Marie's Home and Gift

907 N. 9th St Clear Lake IA 50428
 
Would you like to see the pictures she sent???
 
Faux Finish Artists
Faux Finish With Plaster
Faux Painting Tuscan Are you ready to get going Starting A Painting Business?

Technorati Tags: starting a painting business, faux painting business, mural painting business, how do i start a painting business

What is keeping you back from starting a painting business? I bet I know… Motion. Just do it… thinking about it doesn't mean your in business.

I recently received an email from a gal who "just did it". She is now on her way to making a true business out of her passion for painting. 

Good Morning Debra!
 
I think every job has a story doesn't it…My business is Paint Me Gourmet and I have been painting for about 4 years.
 
I LOVE IT!
 
At the over 40 range it was a pleasant surprise to finally find the job I was supposed to have!
 
Anyway, I pitched a job for a retail store and like you said in one of your emails, if you don't know how to do it but know you can learn it….fudge it with your client and you will get the job done(or something like that)!
 
So we talked about breakaway brick and I said I can do that, and gave her the proposal, and off I went to my computer and found you!!!
 
I ordered your faux finish DVD about breakaway brick and went into my studio and started to practice.
 
The retail store I was going to do was an old home that dates back to 1910, so you know you are going to have some sort of structural issue somewhere along the line!
 
The entrance way was my starting point and it already had a funky texture on it, but we were shooting for a Tuscan style finish so I started re plastering with my Versaplast and as I am smushing and peaking, off, comes a big chunk of plaster onto my trowel!
 
O.K now what? I start to peal some of it away and before you know it I have a section about a foot across and 18" down and by the time all is said and done I have 4 of the most perfect areas to put my brick in!!!!
 
It could not have worked out better! So here are some photos that I wanted to share I thank you for giving me that extra little bit of confidence to get the job done!
 
 
Dianna Steeves
Mason City IA
 
Now… you get to see the pictures she sent!
Faux Plaster Breakouts
Faux Painting Business
Faux Brick Breakouts
Faux Exposed Brick
Brick Breakout Plaster
 
Didn't she do a great job? Remember… she is just starting a painting business!  

 

Technorati Tags: starting a painting business, faux painting business, mural painting business, how do i start a painting business