Back on the Saddle

Today was a day of getting back on the saddle for my endeavors. It actually felt good, getting rejected by people who were so into their own thing, not wanting to be bothered, they didn't even hear the question, "Are you a coffee drinker?" Many times, the answer was,"No thank you" as opposed to, "No, but thank you" which is a major difference. The first says, don't bother me, I don't want to hear what you have to say, the later, answers the question and thanks me for asking... I was asking to be able to invite coffee drinkers, and art lovers, to see my art, while enjoying a FREE tall coffee at a local Starbucks, this Friday evening. I was outside of the neighboring grocery store. Amazingly though, as I approached others in other areas, they welcomed the invitation. Granted I didn't have to ask if they drink coffee, I politely excused myself and invited them out. I supposed I could have asked another question, but this FREE coffee is most appealing to coffee drinkers...and if they don't drink coffee, more than likely don't frequent Starbucks. I hear you, Starbucks offers more than coffee...but that's what is going to be free and people come for free stuff!

What's my point in rambling on about my encounter? When you are starting a new business, the not so glamorous work has to be done, initially by you because if you don't, you won't know how to better meet the needs of the people. You won't identify with the people you will hire later to do the grunt work. I met some great people, people that had seen my art in the shop and now can connect the art to the artist. Had one person ask about a painting I did and titled it, "Mean Green Joe" he wanted to know if I named it after the football player. I didn't, but have been asked that before.

If nothing else, it raises awareness of my art. I was asked if I have a gallery, and am hoping to have one this year. It also helps me to remember what being the everything of a start up feels like, it reminds me to not take No as a rejection, and it reminds me that the destiny of my business is up to me. Although it doesn't feel good to get rejected by people who don't know me, my cause or my product, I can't take it personally...and ultimately I still get excited when people say no, because it means a yes is right around the corner.

Stay on the saddle, you'll get used to the soreness!