Beading Class Competition-Need some advice.

by Julz
(Ghana)

I used to teach kids how to make simple beaded jewellery a couple of years ago for workshops and it was fun. I started making jewellery for sale just recently and love it.

My boyfriend told me to start a beading class in addition to my business and I thought it was a great idea since I need some extra money to expand my own range of beads but the problem is the students. I am afraid I wont get regular students because in my country, beading classes are becoming very common and I don't have much experience to compete with others. I'm a bit skeptical on starting the class.

Julz

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Beading Class Competition-Need some advice.

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beading classes
by: Janice

where are you located? we are trying to find people to teach some basic beaded jewelry and maybe some seed beading classes and can't find anyone

choose one technique
by: pat barden

design the class around a single technique or style--not just beading in general--pick one style you know--fronto back and back agane--and teach that to the class--start to finish. like simple beaded stick earrings--bring supplies enough so everyone leaves w a pr of stick earrings they made--$30 class, even withe sterling silver, a few decent beads--itll cost you at the most 4 bucks a person

Response
by: Julz

@Janice- I'm in Accra, Ghana

@Pat - yea that would set me apart from everyone else...good one, thanks.

beading classes
by: Anonymous

Julz -- guess your too far away to travel and teach for us!
So nice to hear about beaders/crafters in other countries.
I think having a series of classes, the next one building upon the previous one, is a nice idea. Someone who goes through the series would end up with a set of jewelry. But also people could take the first few to learn some of the basics.
Just like anything else we do - your passion will really show through and you will pass that on to people you teach - people will love taking classes from someone who really enjoys it too!
good luck --
Janice

find someone to do the marketing for you
by: French Elegant Jewelry

I teach through the local parks and recreation I have found in my area that people like to take a one time class with supplies and tools included. I have my tools for 8 people the max I do or it just gets to crazy and I pick a certain project to do. I just set my price per class and it goes in the newsletter. I put pictures and details of the projects on my website and the newletter has the link to my website. it has taken 3 years but now I teach full classes with waiting lists. I tried teaching at home no interest, tried advertising for beading parties I have done one in 3 years. So I checked out my local community center that sends out class schedules in the paper 3 times a year and has sign ups on line and they had no jewelry classes. so I found my nitch. They only take 20% - provide the place and the advertising so it is a great deal. I charge between 15 and 25 dollars a class which is low but In Idaho people won't pay much for anything.
i actually go to the next town over to teach as my town already had classes, and expanded to teach at several towns.

Cultivate a winning personality!
by: Luann Udell

I think all the suggestions are excellent ones.

Here's something I learned from a friend in a totally different business (dog training!)

His competition are other trainers who have more credentials and actually charge almost twice as much as he does. He actually has more hands-on experience. But people often start out with the other trainers because they advertise more and because with their credentials, they look so good on paper.

But people switch to him again and again because....

He's so nice to be with!

He is easy-going, accessible, patience and caring. He stays calm yet is always in control, even in difficult situations. He's also very funny, in a nice way that makes everyone feel good about their efforts.

Ultimately, you also realize you get better results with his teaching methods, too. But what people notice IMMEDIATELY is how comfortable they feel with him. His training sessions are enjoyable and FUN, and the time seems to fly by.

So make your customers and students feel truly welcome, make their experience enjoyable, and you may find you are their number one choice!

Why Compete?
by: Dianne Culbertson

When I first began making jewelry I found the competition daunting. What I have discovered however is that everyone does better(especially me)if the focus is on cooperation rather than competition. Why not look into initiating a teaching guild that you can be a part of? This way of thinking puts my head and heart in a much better space for creating and takes a lot of the stress out too! It also opens you me to learning new techniques well. It is a win-win!

Local Bead/Craft Store?
by: Fran

Is there a craft store that you can hook up with to find customers? Even as just a place to put up a sign advertising your business?