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Many of you know that in June I attended HEROES CON 2011 in Charlotte. HEROES CON is a comic book convention that showcases the creative work of corporate and independent artists, writers and publishers.
Not only did I enjoy the event as an artist and writer, but the business side of me gained some great insight that I want to pass along to you.
Here’s What They Were Doing That Worked____________________________________________________1. Reach the People MOST LIKELY to Buy From You:
The event was filled with artists who KNOW exactly who their fans are…and are not. Rather than spending time and money to reach a general, mainstream audience that may ADMIRE their work, these artists have focused on a smaller niche audience that both ADMIRES and BUYS their work.
2. Engage Your Audience:
I’ve been to many trade shows and I must say that most are filled with business representatives that may be good at their business but bad at connecting with people. HEROES CON and other comic art related trade shows often have artists who easily connect with attendees to the event by drawing for them on site. You will find many booths with the art lover (or comic reader) conversing with the art creator. Something that doesn’t happen beyond a simple “Hi” at many mainstream tradeshow events.
3. Look the Part:
Another trend that I noticed at the event was no matter how big or small the artists were in their career, many of them had professional grade signage, banners and visuals that branded their business and their work. There have been occasions where I’ve seen mainstream entrepreneurs at other tradeshows with second rate visuals that hurt the business owner rather than help.
…And As Good of a Job as They Did, Here’s What Many of Them Missed________________________________________
4. BIG observation from HeroesCon 2011: I saw hundreds of artists at this event, INCREDIBLY talented, and all there for 3 days to attract more readers and customers. What was missing? None (that I noticed) were getting email or cellphone data of the interested prospects that were engaging them. Yes, they passed out business cards and postcards. Yes, they promoted their website addresses. But none (again, that I saw) asked for an email address, cell phone gathering or anything that allowed them to build their list for further contact and business.
So, HEROES CON 2011 was an event that not only inspired my creative side, but also allowed me to see a few business building methods in action.
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