How do you make money selling your art, craft, performance or concessions? Early Spring was wretched at most festivals - rain, cold, wind seemed determined to do them in. Later in April & some weekends in May, the weather was better, but those few weekends didn't always bring in the money exhibitors & performers lost earlier. So most entrepreneurs who depended solely on shows just weren't coming up winners.

Do you market your products other ways? Through galleries or gift shops? Open Studio tours? On the internet?

I'm always tickled when exhibitors tell me they can't afford to wholesale. What do they think gambling on a show, traveling, staying overnight, buying and always upgrading display materials, investing in websites and collateral is? I counter those odd statements with "You can't afford NOT to wholesale!"

In the past month, I've been pleased to participate in several Open Studio tours. A brand new Art Stroll in Washington Georgia was a great start to what can develop into a strong stream of income. Galleries, workshops and individual artists' studios/homes opened to the public. A few hundred visitors attended, enjoyed meeting and talking to the artists, having locally-prepared snacks and wine, and often, buying artworks. And several of the artists picked up workshop/classes patrons.

The internet has dozens of sales venues, even if you do not want to do your own Online Store. Etsy.com , RedBubble.com , www.handmadecatalog.com , www.fineartamerica.com and www.gmgg.org are a few sites offering low cost/no cost, easy setup.

I just read a Grand Re-Opening ad from Cabot Lodge in Ridgeland MS... "Please join us for guided tours, fantastic hors d'oeuvres, cocktails and craft demonstrations from some of Mississippi's finest artisans." Could an activity like this turn into a Stream of Income? Perhaps... Look at the possibilities.

Management from Cabot Lodge HQ, the architect, the developers, the builders will be meeting and greeting; chamber/CVB reps will be on hand. Other attendees may include restaurant and other local business owners, and your friends and neighbors. The occasion may be excellent for NETWORKING. The old saw "It's not who YOU know, it's WHO KNOWS YOU" is right on the money. What better way to make sure your product is in the minds of leaders and buyers than to participate in a gathering...

Most exhibitors go slowly in the hot Southern summers. Take some time to think about and develop other streams of income.