91: What to Ask Before Signing the Check

What to Ask Before Signing the Check Most makers approach show selection one of two ways. They say yes to everything that sounds interesting and figure it out later. Or they talk themselves out of it entirely because the whole thing feels like too much. This episode is for all of you - and for the makers who are actively building a show roster right now and making real decisions about what stays in and what comes out. Before the framework, two things get addressed directly. First - shows are not for everyone and this episode is not here to argue otherwise. But the seven-question framework covered here is transferable to any placement decision: a gallery, a pop-up, a collaborative event, an online marketplace. Anywhere you're putting your work in front of buyers the questions apply. Second - there is a meaningful difference between a genuine reason not to do a show and an excuse dressed up as one. The episode names a few common ones. The framework itself covers seven questions worth asking before committing to any show. We talk about everything from the venue, to the marketing and what total commitment actually costs - including the cost of not doing it. A free downloadable worksheet with all seven questions is available at www.virginialeighstudio.com/showframework. The VirginiaLeighStudio Home page: https://www.virginialeighstudio.com The Fabric & Fiber Studio: https://www.virginialeighstudio.com/thestudio Chapters 00:00 - The Question Underneath Every Show Decision 02:17 - Shows Are Not for Everyone - But the Framework Is Transferable 03:14 - Excuses vs Genuine Reasons: Knowing the Difference 05:33 - Reframe: A Show Is Not Just a Sales Event - The Gift Story 08:05 - Give Any Show 2-3 Tries Before You Write It Off 08:40 - Question 1: Who Does This Venue Already Serve 10:46 - Question 2: Who Is Actually Doing the Marketing 13:18 - Question 3: Track Record Under Current Leadership 15:12 - Question 4: What Price Points Has This Audience Paid 17:05 - Question 5: Scout It as a Visitor First 19:37 - Question 6: What Role Does This Show Play in Your Ecosystem 21:19 - Question 7: What Does Total Commitment Actually Cost 22:58 - Managing Your Roster Within Your Total Business Footprint Connect with Virginia: Website = https://www.virginialeighstudio.com Instagram = https://www.instagram.com/virginialeighstudio/ Facebook = https://www.facebook.com/virginialeighstudio