Architecture of Meaning

Cultivating Meaningful Engagement for the Highly Sensitive Person

Are you open for business?  Here is a brief list of details to consider that can help you evaluate whether you are actively making yourself visible in the world.

Can We Find You?

• Are you in the phone book/ listed in information? If you have a cell phone , you aren’t in the white pages on line.
• Are you googlable?
• If you use only a cell phone do you say your name when you answer your phone. Is your name on your voice mail?
• If you have a business card, does it have updated information on you, does it include an email address? Do you carry your card with you?

Legibility of Your Studio Space:

• If you have a studio - do you have predictable hours?
• Are  your hours posted at your studio, on line, on voice mail? 
• If you have a studio at your house - is it legible where to park? Is there a clear and clean entrance, is it welcoming and safe?

Personal Communication:

• When you meet someone, do you have a succinct way to describe what you do and the nature of your work? (elevator speech)
• Are you at ease in sharing about yourself/your work? Does it feel good to talk about your work?
• Is there energy behind your words or are you apologetic or vague? 

Your Web Presence:

• Do you have a web presence?
•  If you don’t have a website, I suggest you consider creating a free blog at  blogspot.com  - this gives you an online address to put on a card, it gives you a place to show your work for free and to put a bio and any other information you would like. You can also end up being found thru google this way.
• If you have a website, have you gone thru it as a user? Is it easy to navigate?
• Do you have an artist’s statement on your website? Is it updated to reflect the work you are doing now?
• Is it easy to figure out how to contact you?
• Is the contact information correct?
• If you have a link to your email -does it work?

Keeping Track of the Public:

• If you have a studio, do you have a book where people can leave email addresses?
• Do you keep information on people who inquire about, or purchase your work?

These are some of the most basic elements of being “open for business” in a clear and conflict free manner. If any of these pieces causes you discomfort or conflict, they are places to explore.