[Snowgoose]

I make custom leather horse tack and have found 2 celebrities who really like our product and have praised our work very much. They are open with us and willing to let us quote them and use their image with the gear. I am a sole proprietorship wanting to become bigger. I'm entrepreneurial and passionate about what I make, but a novice/dumb at general developing and reaching a market. Those of you with actual business degrees, what am I missing in knowing how to capitalize on this praise and celebrity stuff?

[JudyKayTee]

Please don't attempt to limit the people answering to those with degrees in business. I was an English major and I run two businesses.

What do you mean by "what are you missing?"

How do you advertise your product currently? Mailings, print, TV, something else?

Your advertising ex is the best person to ask BUT I've managed trade shows and used "celebrity" photos and endorsements on the initial mailings (with all the consents signed, reviewed by an Attorney) with great success. You need people to be interested enough by the initial contact to check your website, store, catalog, whatever you have. A celebrity recommendation will only go so far.

It also depends on why the person is a celebrity. If the celebrity is somehow related to the product, can be pictured using the product in the mind of the potential customer, it goes a long way to sort of ratify your product.

Have you taken any classes or attended any lectures about marketing?