Today's guest author is artist, Terry Howell Stanley. This article has been edited and published with the author's permission. Find out how you can become a guest author.
Recently, I attended a telesummit designed for artists that contained a great deal of information on topics such as marketing art, social networking, legal issues, and the like. When I mentioned this seminar to other artists, I got a totally unexpected reaction that boiled down to,
Why would you spend money on something like that?
Interestingly, I've heard similar statements where taking art workshops are concerned, and I have a sneaking suspicion that these sentiments might indicate a cross-industry issue. Here are three responses that I'd like to present to people who share these sentiments.
1) If you know everything you need to know, you might as well just lay down on the railroad tracks and wait for the evening train. NO ONE
with the possible exception of my mother and Jack Richeson knows everything, and even if you DO know know everything, approaching and accepting new ideas may lead you to a different perspective that will cause you to improve your art (or other business), your life or your self-awareness.
2) Paying money makes you listen harder. You'll want to get the most out of the seminar or workshop. Additionally, if you've done your research before signing up, you will already have ascertained that the person you're paying is successful in their field and has a good reputation as an instructor in their particular business. And here is an added bonus - professional training in your field is tax deductible!
3) Even if you (wrongly) think you're the best in your field, incorporating new ideas, techniques and strategies, you will prevent you from stagnating. Plus, if you acknowledge that you need to build upon current success in order to keep from stagnating, you'll stay ahead of the competition while keeping your work fresh. Your competitors might just end up nipping your heels instead of passing you by.
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