John Jantsch of Duct Tape Marketing writes, "If you are like most, when you receive a compliment, you look down at your shoes, shuffle your feet, get a little blushy and stammer something like, shucks, it was nothing."

Well don't.

He goes on to say, "... this is the perfect time to ask for and receive a testimonial, a lead, new business or a referral. You don't have to fall all over yourself acknowledging how smart you are. You can seize the day tastefully by simply being prepared to suggest that your client might know someone else who would like these kinds of results."

It seems to me that this is perfect advice for artists.  Next time you're at a show and someone compliments your work, especially someone who has purchased the work, ask for a referal or a testimonial.  It could be as easy as, "That's very nice of you to say....you know what would really help me out is if we could put that in writing for use on my web site."  Most people are delighted to help out artists and a referal or testimonial is an easy way to do that.

For John's complete article, or more Duct Tape Marketing insights, visit the Duct Tape Marketing site.