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Creative Business Growth Hub

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4 contributions to Creative Business Growth Hub
Are you scared of being too salesy?
Let’s talk about the shame around sales. I see it all the time. I used to feel it myself. The truth is, I’ve always been good at sales. But for years, I was ashamed of it. As if being “good at sales” was something a creative or intellectual person shouldn’t admit. So I denied it. I made excuses: “It’s just the product.” “It’s just good timing.” “It’s not really me.” But deep down, it was me. As a teenager, I worked at a sushi restaurant as a door girl. My job was simple: stand outside, smile, and invite people in. For each guest I brought in, I got extra pay. One day, my boss pulled me aside and said: “I don’t understand. You’re not even that good looking, and yet you get the most people to come in.” (It was meant as a compliment — I think ) But it made me realize something: I wasn’t doing anything special. I was just being myself. Talking to strangers as if they were old friends. And that’s the key to sales. You don’t have to be “salesy.” You don’t have to trick people. You don’t have to be the prettiest person in the room. You just have to: Notice people Listen to them Make an honest offer “Maybe you’d like some sushi today?” It took me years to understand this is actually my superpower. And there’s nothing to be ashamed of. Now, it’s what I teach my students in The Workshop Way: That selling isn’t about pushing, it’s about connecting. That they already have what it takes to sell their workshops. That their creativity deserves to get paid. And when I see them light up, the moment they realize “I can do this”, I think back to that sushi restaurant. To that boss who accidentally gave me the best lesson of all. By the way, that’s me in the front row, third from right Back then I had no idea that “inviting strangers in for sushi” would one day become the foundation of how I teach creatives to sell their workshops. How is your relationship with sales?
Poll
2 members have voted
Are you scared of being too salesy?
@Anna-Liisa Reppo Good question again. In my case it's the responsibility feeling. What if the client is unsatisfied? What if the product does not fulfill the expectations in the long run? When I sell somone else's stuff, I don't have this reponsibilty until the item is not trash or dangerous or whatever in my opinion based on my personal knowledge.
@Anna-Liisa Reppo very proud and happy.
New free E-Book for workshop facilitators!
📢 Do you love your craft but hate sales? You’re not alone. Many talented artists and crafters create amazing workshops… but then struggle with the selling part. Empty seats can feel discouraging — but it doesn’t have to be this way. That’s why I created a short, practical guide:“From Empty to Sold Out: 5 Steps to Sell More Workshops.” Inside, I share 5 simple things you can do right now to attract the right people and start filling your workshops with eager participants. 👉 Grab your copy for free here: https://bit.ly/3V4DYOA I’d love to hear from you: What feels harder for you — planning your workshop or selling it?
Poll
3 members have voted
Actually I'm not sure 😃
There are parts of the planning process which are very easy. But then something gets stuck. I still don't know what exactly it is. And the selling process can also be pleasant if I have the feeling that people like what I do and want to participate. But those situations are not created by me but they pop up by chance. When I try to plan such a situation I get stuck.
If you could teach one thing from your craft tomorrow, what would it be?
A lot of creatives I talk to hesitate when it comes to teaching their craft. They say things like: “I’m not ready yet.” “I’d rather just focus on making.” “If I teach, I’ll give away my secrets.” But here’s what I’ve seen again and again: 👉 Teaching your craft is one of the smartest business strategies you can add. Why? Because teaching doesn’t just share your skills — it grows your business in ways you might not expect. Here are 5 reasons why: 1️⃣ You build authority. The moment you start teaching, you position yourself as the go-to person in your field. 2️⃣ You create trust. Sharing your process and knowledge shows transparency and builds strong relationships with your audience. 3️⃣ You open a new income stream. Workshops, courses, and training can bring reliable revenue alongside your main work. 4️⃣ You attract opportunities. Speaking engagements, collaborations, and partnerships often come to those who teach. 5️⃣ You expand visibility. Teaching puts you in front of people who may later become your customers, collectors, or biggest supporters. And about that “secret” fear? ✨ The truth is: people don’t just come for your techniques — they come for you, your perspective, your way of guiding them. Teaching doesn’t take away your uniqueness, it highlights it. That’s why I created The Workshop Way™: a step-by-step method that helps artists and makers turn their craft into profitable workshops. It’s not just about teaching — it’s about creating a business model that supports your creativity and your income. Pleasw share with us: If you could teach one thing from your craft tomorrow, what would it be? 👇This is me, mid-workshop — and proof that people are eager to learn what you already know.
If you could teach one thing from your craft tomorrow, what would it be?
I guess I'd start by teaching how to look at things in different ways.
Lesson 3: Turn Your Idea Into a Simple Offer
Now, sketch your first offer using this simple formula: I help [WHO] go from [BEFORE] to [AFTER] in a [FORMAT] workshop. Examples: - I help total beginners go from nervous to proud as they sew their first tote bag in a 2-hour hands-on workshop. - I help creative women go from stuck to inspired by teaching intuitive watercolor painting in a 90-minute session. You don’t need all the details. Just this first version is enough to start sharing or testing. Share your idea in the group using this sentence: “I help [WHO] go from [BEFORE] to [AFTER] in a [FORMAT] workshop.” Share your workshop idea with the community. Who knows, you might even find your first customers ;)
0 likes • Aug 25
I´d love to help you getting started! Going from anxiety of failing to falling in love with the process of creating and respecting your pieces in a 6x180min. workshop.
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Suzanne van Rissenbeck
1
5points to level up
@suzanne-van-rissenbeck-1218
Suzanne, 56, geb. in Aachen, chaotischer Lebenslauf zwischen pädagogischer Arbeit, Kunst und verschiedenen Job- und Fortbildungsversuchen.

Active 6h ago
Joined Aug 14, 2025
Berlin