Jumpstarting Your Scrapbooking Business With Genealogy

When thinking about how to market your scrapbooking business, don't overlook the huge and ever-growing market - genealogy.

Most cities have very active genealogy groups and organizations - you can find them through an online search, by thumbing through your local phone book, and in the newspaper's Local Events section under "clubs and groups". (They may even have a booth at the local craft or community fair.) Naturally, their leaders and group members know the importance of photograph and memorabilia preservation, but don't know as much about scrapbooking and proper preservation. And because genealogy is so time consuming, they may not have the time or energy to properly preserve the photographs, stories, memorabilia and other treasures that they gradually uncover. That's where you, the scrapbook expert, comes in!

First, introduce yourself to these organization leaders. They would LOVE to hear from you, and will probably invite you to attend, and possibly to visit as a guest speaker. They usually book their speakers months in advance, so you'll have plenty of time to prepare. Think of it as a home party, since the leader usually arranges everything, including inviting the members, advertising, booking the room, and even serving hors d'oeveurs. :-) All you have to do is prepare and show up to an eager audience! This is especially ideal if you're new to an area and you don't have family, friends or other contacts to whom to initially target your business.

Earlier this year, I was approached by two unrelated genealogy groups. The first, larger group wanted a basic, overview class, whereas the second smaller one wanted time to dig in, and start some pages. I was equally impressed with both groups in how eager they were to learn about scrapbooking, and photo preservation. After my "speeches" there were many interesting questions and inquiries. Most were surprised that there was a scrapbook industry dedicated to preservation of photos - and many were shocked that there were stores around the country that sold "only" scrapbook supplies.

Overall, it was a great feeling to be with them aiding them in their mission to preserve their family history! THAT's what scrapbooking is all about. Both groups wanted follow-up lectures and workshop classes. They were hooked!!!

If you are a retailer, this would be a great opportunity to introduce yourself as a knowledgeable source with many products to assist them.

If you are a consultant, let them know the variety of products you offer and the flexibility you have to teach future classes.

If you are a scrapper-for-hire, let them know that you are a knowledgeable and dependable designer, ready to help them scrapbook their family's treasures (while they remain in the research side). They may even be interested in someone to help organize their photos.

If you are an instructor, let them know you are available for specialty, and/or group or one-on-one classes.

Since they knew I was a retailer, both groups asked me to bring products for sale. I was truly amazed - I sold out of most items I brought. If you bring plenty of idea books such as "Memory Makers Heritage Scrapbook Ideas," and other products pertaining to their needs (Un-Do, Archival Mist, heritage-related products, and high quality archival albums) then you're really doing them a great service as well (whether they are available for sale or not).

The best item I brought was one of my customer's Heritage Scrapbooks to show as a sample. It was priceless for them to be able to see a real album! See what their album could look like. This particular customer had just recently finished researching her family history - so it was perfect! If you can't get an actual album or pages, bring photocopies.

But wait, there's more! You're not alone. By entering just this one field, there are a lot of opportunities for business and growth through networking. Network with Photo Preservation specialists, Digital Preservation and Imaging specialists, and even the local Kinko's store. Your new genealogy students will likely have photos that need to be restored, duplicated, and copied. And once their pages and albums are complete, they'll most likely want additional copies for family members, in hard copy as well as digital copies on disk, etc, etc.

Be there for them from the beginning to the end, and you're sure to feel a sense of accomplishment and satisfaction like no other as you help them compile their family's scrapbooks. And don't be surprised if you make some wonderful new friends and get a glimpse of history along the way! Good luck!

Guest article provided by Caroline Meisel, owner of My-Memories.net, http://www.my-memories.net
Caroline is an online scrapbook retailer, lecturer, and album designer. She can be reached by emailing
caroline@my-memories.net

Do YOU have a scrapbook business article you'd like featured here and on the site? Please email us with your idea and let us know!