Guest Blogger: The Secret Life of a CFD

The Secret Life of a CFD

I’m a CFD, now what?

By Laura Bray

I was certified in November 2007 and I have a confession to make.  I haven’t completed a single demo.  I came home from the training, dropped the CD I was given on the desk and didn’t look at it until July 2008!  I wasn’t sure of where I should start.  I live in Southern California and there aren’t any A.C. Moore stores around me.  Then Nikki announced the development of the CFD blog and then the Yahoo Groups.  I dug through my desk files and found my CD.  I started thinking about how I could use the wonderful training Fiskars gave me (for free!) to help both my business and spread the word about Fiskars.  

I have an MBA, so I’m pretty business focused as well as creative.  I try to use this to my advantage, but I also really want to see other artists and crafters make a living from doing what they love too, so I approached Nikki about being a guest blogger and here I am.  I’m hoping to occasionally check-in with you and share the steps I’m taking as I try to develop the CFD program into my business & life.  I believe that there’s no point in reinventing the wheel, so you are free to follow along and shadow me through the process.  Or just use this information as inspiration.  Do what feels right for you and the success will come.  The most important thing is consistency.  I know this can be hard.  I am the primary caregiver for my 3 year old daughter and I squeeze these steps in when I can.  If you feel overwhelmed, just do one thing each week.  It’s better than nothing!

So, how what did I do to get started on my CFD journey in August?

• I went through my studio and pulled out every Fiskars tool I own and put it in a box.  This box has handles, so once I start going out on demos everything will be in one place.
• Then I went through the training CD and printed out all the pages that are relevant to the tools I own and place the pages into a binder. 
• Next, I needed to start brainstorming for some projects to do for demos.  When I approach stores or groups, I want to be able to give them a “menu” of demo projects they could chose from.  I decided to develop a year’s worth of demos.  Two projects for each season.  To get my ideas going, I visited the Fiskar site and looked at the projects that are there.  I listed the demo ideas and placed them in my binder.
• Finally, I brainstormed about where I could demo.  I went through the phone book and looked for scrapbook stores.  I also thought about my mom’s group and some scrapbook groups I could approach about doing demos for too.  You might want to look at websites like www.meetup.com and see if there are any local groups you could approach about doing a demo for.  Once I had a good list, I placed that in my binder as well.

See how I broke everything up into baby steps?  It keeps me from feeling so overwhelmed that I don’t anything.  So what’s on the schedule for September?

• Start developing the demo ideas I came up.  Make samples and create my supply lists and handouts. Of course, I’m going to start with my Fall & Winter ideas since those will be the classes people are most interested in. 
• Develop a marketing packet to give to my target stores and groups.  The packet will have the “menu” of classes, the cost, and some pictures.  I’ll also include my bio and a little explanation of what a CFD is.  All of this will be printed onto glossy paper and put into a cardboard, two pocket folder.  (Buy the folders now, while the Back to School sales are on!)  People will think you are incredibly professional when you present a package like this. 
• Once I have the folders ready, I will approach at least two of my targets.
• I will also get in touch with my Fiskar sales reps.  They will get my marketing folders, which will help them understand what I am up to and how we can work together.

See, that’s not too hard, is it?  I would love to hear about what you are doing to get started.  I would also like to see your marketing folders.  Maybe you could take a picture of yours and post it in the Yahoo Groups pictures?  I’ll be back soon to talk about how September went and share my plans for October.  

 

Laura Bray is the founder of katydid designs.  She makes a living with her artwork and helps other artists and crafters develop their creative businesses.  You can read more about Laura on her website at www.katydid-designs.com or on her blog at www.katydiddys.blogspot.com.

Comments

[Laura Bray]

Thanks for inviting me to be a guest blogger! It was a blast to write this entry.

[lisa]

Laura,

I have not done anything yet to actually hold a demo. Your post is very helpful and very inspiring. I have an opportunity to go to a get together that might be a good place to demo, so I will start with what you have listed here and see if I can work something up. Thanks!

[Cindy Brooking]

Thank you for writing this blog entry. Like you, i have been trained as a demonstrator. The closest AC Moore is in Columbus, Ga which is two+ hours away. Thanks for breaking down the steps to be successful with this program. i am going to start those steps now.

[Maya]

Awesome post!

P.S. Love your picture :)

[mardi #2569]

Thank you so much for the motivation and ideas!

Mardi

[Ellen #3409]

Great information, thanks for sharing.

[Amy 3888]

Thanks for the tips Laura. I'm moving right along with you. I have demo'd only two classes so far, but am ready to hit the road and pitch some classes to lss's. I have sent an email to my local Fiskars rep so I hope that starts me off on the right foot, too.

[Jennifer Priest]

Great ideas--I'd be interested to see what the projects are that you are going to demo. I'm already teaching classes ate retreats and LSS in Southern California and use Fiskars tools but they aren;t necessarily Fiskars demos--I've been wanting to offer demos to some of the stores where classes aren't necessarily filling (due to costs I think) but customers want to come learn something.

[Don Pelham]

This was a great service. I would only add; you have to be aware of what the store sells if you teach at a store. Typically, if they don't sell it you can't use it in your class/demo. The store is hoping the student will rush out to the sales floor and buy the latest and greatest tool just demonstrated.

[Patti Behan]

Thank you for all the tips, Laura

[Pan]

That is great! It is pretty much what I have done except I asked my local store what classes they wanted as part of how I got going. I have developed my classes as I have tought them and the same goes for my Class Menu. I offer my stores a fresh display every month using product that is slow to sell. Wow... it will fly out the door.
I use the store products and my Fiskars tools. (all in one box just like yours)( Fiskars, how about a tool cady for CFD's)My store allows me to keep the display product at the end of the month. It is a win win for all of us. I made a craft apron (crisp, clean and white) and pined my training button to it. Aprons are for sale at the Fiskars Store.

Thanks for your post.
Living the dream in Southern California
Pan

[Michelle]

Thanks for this, Laura. I like it.

Here's a question for you... it sounds like you are designing your own classes. Is that something you are doing in addition to the classes Fiskars provides?