Dear Danielle:
You raise a lot of questions! I will try to answer the most pressing one
first: inexpensive labor. While sweat shops may be popular for certain
segments, I wouldn't want my business built on one, would you? It sounds like
you have a great and unique product. Why not contact a local art school, pay
students reasonable wages and give them some training in an art form at the
same time?
Now, to protect your work: Ideas are not copyrightable, but the expression
of them is. Be certain to ask any workers you hire to sign a non-compete
agreement. "Copyright" your work by including some type of signature
design (a metal clasp with your name on it, etc.). The patent process can take
months to years, so it's best to make a mark with your design so the original
ownership is not up for debate.
As far as marketing your jewelry, it sounds like you have a good start in
local shops. Giving away to celebrities (local and national) is also a great
idea. You can also send samples to style editors at magazines along with a
press release or fact sheet on who you are and how you got started, and any
notable successes your business has had. And if a celeb has been photographed
in your design, mention that! Good luck, Danielle. Let us know how it goes.
And by the way: J. Lo got her own perfume line by becoming famous first.
Work hard, and we may see your name on the perfume counter soon.
Yvonne
About
the PowerHomeBiz.com Guide:
Yvonne
Buchanan is a 20-year veteran of public relations, marketing and advertising.
She teaches public relations courses online for career changers, freelancers
and students through The PR Academy www.learnpr.com
and is co-founder of Real-World PR www.realworldpr.com
, a public relations information provider for small businesses. Real-World PR
offers public relations toolkits (manual/CD combinations) that allow small
business owners to create and maintain their own public relations programs.
