How To Monetize Your Talents

Did you know that your talent alone isn't enough? 

In 2018, I narrowed my focus on my art talent for that year. This move was a deliberate season with an intent to add value to people and grow in financial success.

I finished that year with a fractured ankle after a stairway misstep at a conference. While I was still trying to heal, an opportunity to apply for a juried international exhibition came my way. I applied and got approved to exhibit my product line of art-inspired goods to potential buyers at a big buyers' market. 

It usually takes many people about six months to prepare for an exhibition of this size. I only had less than four weeks to complete product development, product barcoding, and the countless tasks needed to bring my products up to international trade standards. There were nights when I went without food and sleep to make it happen. 😩😩

The whole experience was beyond my comfort zone. I drove in a cargo van with all my products, shelves, and displays to set up and present my work to a potential global market. It was a make-or-break situation. I literarily invested everything I had. 

Sadly, the outcome was worse than I hoped. I barely made any sales. Buyers would take a peek or stop by to pass lovely compliments. However, my sales sheets remained empty. After many dreadful tears, a whopping $250 in sales from a local buyer, and a verbal non-guaranteed promise from another, it was clear that my $10,000K+ investment was heading down the drain, or so I thought. 

After about two days with zero sales on my board, I felt inspired to shift the focus away from my tears to what I needed to learn.

Here is what I learned:

1. I worked hard and prepared, but it wasn't enough.

2. I invested in a remarkable presentation, but it wasn't enough.

3. I designed beautiful products, but it still wasn't enough.

Here is what you should know:

It's one thing to be gifted/talented/skilled. Knowing how to make your abilities relevant to those or the market around you is another. 

Many buyers who stopped by my booth enjoyed my work and saw my potential. However, they ultimately wanted my art on products that they valued and not on what I thought.

My eyes became opened.

Here is what I did and you should too:

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