RhondaK Florida Folk Artist March 21, 2008

How to Fail Better – Selling At Billy Bob’s as My Tire Flattened. Using

FEAR and STRESS for GOOD

On March 21, 2008 I went to sell at Billy Bob’s Beach Bar in Seffner Florida.

http://www.billybobsbeachbar.com

My success there has been modest, but I hoped my 3rd trip there would be better.

The Beach Bar has a variety of beach signs, tiki bar signs and is ground zero in Seffner ( East Tampa) for the sort of beachy style I call home. It has the best hamburgers and food. I am proud to be remotely affiliated with this restaurant.

While the bar was packed, I had about 100 pieces of work – I didn’t so well.

WHY? The days I did well at Billy

Bob’s, it was colder. Most people arrived in vehicles.

CAGES you might call them.

When it is warm, Billy Bob’s is packed with motorcyles, leather, denim, attitude and some rather sexy characters.

They weren’t that interested in checking me out on the corner.

This is my front section of my display. Usually this set up is my POWER house. Table. Hot Pink Spike. WITH a drift wood bit on top.

I SEE DRUNK PEOPLE.BEER TODAY GONE TOMORROW.GONE CRAZY BE BACK SOON.At the bottom, usually one of this

heavier hitters finds a home.

It didn’t. Why?

How do I get hot, sexy people out of Billy Bob’s to come look at my stuff?

Should I paint live? I’ve walk through handing out cards til I’m annoying. I hand out with people I have fun with. I put up signs and cards in the bathroom. The bar displays my work.

This is the front of my work.

While it seems being a tiki bar sign painter, Florida folk artist is simple. I regard it – when I’m at the top of my game – a narrative of what it is to be in Florida, a conversation of peace, a massage of drinking, tequila and FUN.

This set up I had up front: We’re all here because we’re not all there.HARLEY BAR: bikes, booze, beer, Babes. REPEAT

of the aboveFlorida Native: storm tested, barefoot loving,

100% realIf it makes you happy, it can’t be that bad.When life hands you Lemons..grab the tequila

and salt.I’d rather be fishing thinking about God than

sitting in church thinking about fishing.AND the wine version of the same.

I’m not TELLING you a story or SELLING you a mood---right? This configuration sank my night. Up front I need my best selling work—not new things I am trying.

This is my WISH YOU WERE BEER sign in front of Billy Bobs. When it is cooking…these parking spaces fill with hot bikers, bikes and good times.

How do I get people from THERE to ME?

My work … my inventory, I carry 30% items that’ll make it home on a bike.

These are some of the works of mine that are on display at Billy Bobs Beach Bar.

http://www.billybobsbeachbar.com

So why didn’t I sell much?

I did take off on a full moon ride with a hot biker artist.

But more KEY, people wanted custom work. Not hung, ready, signed work. Signs about their lives. THEIR place. Their ideas.

When you often work with found one of a kind wood—how can you manage that?

I met Michael Tharp. He builds custom furniture – often team ones like for the Gators. He also does “Margaritaville” style and can work with you. He’s a master craftsman. Michael does a lot of custom patio work. Even kids chairs. This loveseat with a table in the middle goes for $190. His kids chairs are only $80. He works out of Brandon and can be reached at 813-651-5683.

That is a picture of Carolyn ( also known as the HOTTEST most calm most REAL bartender I’ve ever met!) and John, the owner of Billy Bobs Beach Bar.

SO…why didn’t I sell?* maybe this a promotion point, not a selling point. The next day I got a call to make a custom sign. I generally make more money on a custom sign. I have been selling here 3 months…and have sold and delivered 4 custom signs.* maybe it is important to be where you WANT to be and not constantly worry about the bottom line. John and his staff treat me WELL. They ask how I’m doing and give me a hand up. It is great to work where you want to be, that is your THING and has the best hamburger in town.* I need to find out how to sell to the biker crowd. I sometimes do really well. It is varied but fun. I have to present and create a no pressure FUN time when at biker bars and avenues for individuality. I actually have to WORK on this. Not pretend it will happen.* I need to approach the bar about building a more permanent sales relationship. I have to define and pitch a mutually beneficial relationship.* I need to incorporate custom work into my set up. I need to follow through and be OPEN to on site or next day work. * I need to keep in mind that building relationships, reputation and custom selling opportunities IS selling and all good.

http://www.rhondakwrites.com