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President Obama's Committee For The Arts And Humanities Pushes For Arts And Creativity
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Magic Dots And Research & Development
This exercise will help you to expand your ability to solve problems. Many times we set boundaries for ourselves when problem solving. We've got to think outside of the box, way outside of it. When literal definitions are not so important, we can redefine our creative process when deriving a solution to life's challenges. Who says that a line is completely without width? These dot puzzles will challenge you to rethink your creative problem solving boundaries.

Rena Klingenberg : How Your COC Can Help Your Craft Business

10 Ways Your Chamber of Commerce Can Help Your Craft Business Grow

By Rena Klingenberg

Joining your area's Chamber of Commerce can be a smart move for your jewelry or craft business. Because businesses that participate in this group promote each other and work together, your own business can grow and prosper quickly. Here are just a few ways you can benefit by joining your local Chamber of Commerce:

If you make it known that your jewelry or handcrafts make great client or employee gifts, you could wind up with a very nice flow of business from your fellow Chamber members.

You may be able to line up some lunchtime sales or parties featuring your products at local businesses to help employees with gift shopping (especially at Christmas, Valentine's Day and Mother's Day).

You may qualify for less-expensive health insurance and business insurance available to Chamber of Commerce members.

You can find out about local events where you might set up a booth and sell your handcrafted items.

You'll meet good, reliable sources for products and services like accounting, printing, computer support, etc.

You'll be referred to other Chamber members' contacts.

You have a good chance of meeting local retailers who may be interested in carrying your work.

You'll have an opportunity to do joint ventures with other local businesses, such as cooperative advertising or trunk shows.

Your business name can be associated with improving your community, since Chambers of Commerce generally work on civic improvement, legislation favoring local businesses, and economic development.

You may have access to mentors who can help you develop your business; or you may be able to serve as a mentor to someone else.

These are just a few of the many ways this valuable networking and marketing system can help you grow your jewelry or craft business.

You can find your local Chamber of Commerce in the business listings of your phone book. •

Rena Klingenberg is a jewelry artist, author, and publisher of creative ideas for making and selling jewelry. More »

Updated 12/18/13