Books on running a face painting business?

So I've just started to get serious about the business aspect of face painting and I am on the hunt for some good books. I apologize if this has been posted before, but I didn't come across it...So far the only promising thing I've found is a "How to Start a Face Painting Business" manual by Philadelphia Tivoli. It's a bit on the pricey side for me, but it'd be well worth it if it's as good as it looks. Does anyone know of anything else worth reading or any reviews on the manual.

Thanks! :]

mOst people I know who got the book by Philadelphia were disappointed and asked for their money back. I really think that book is only good if you are JUST starting out.... like you have NEVER painted before and need to know everything.... so it depends where you are up to in your business.

Most of the things you need to know to run your own business are available either here or for free elsewhere on the net.
I can't think of a a subject to do with face painting that hasn't been talked about here. You can ask anything you need to know and someone will help you out or direct you where to go to get the information.
The $400 would be much better spent on a class then on a book.

I'm not sure if were talking about the same book, but I read another discussion on her "how to face paint" book where most people were saying it was too basic. I'm interested in her "how to start a face painting business" book which goes for $100 if you get the e-book version. I'm not new to painting, but am a complete novice when it comes to business, so in this case would the book on business be helpful or better to just go out and get a general small business guide?

I honestly have never heard much good about most of the books. If I were you, like Tash said, I would spend the money on marketing, supplies, or a class and learn the rest right here. Some of the best info on the the web is found right here on this forum. There are people here who have been doing this over 20 years which is way longer than how long Philidelphia has been doing it. Take advice from some people with experience.

I guess it might be helpfull...... maybe email her... she is here in Sydney Australia.... so I don't know how much her book would help you set up a business in Michigan USA.... different rules, laws and what have you, but you never know it may have the information you need. I'm pretty sure Shannon Fennell has a book about running your own face painting small business - she has pdf's you can download about budgets and expenses and all. She is on this forum and helps everyone out all the time....( lucky us). I'm not sure what her book is called .... she has her own site I would start there.

Tash is right about the extraordinary generosity of the folks on this forum. Something else you may want to look into is your local community college's small business training. Some of them have adult ed classes on starting your own business. Good luck!

Lyn

There are a lot of great books on running a small business - I would explore my local library before spending a lot of money on anything.

Shannon Fennell's resource page is here. She has lots of good resources available there for free. Her e-book/cd "The Business of Face Painting" (not free but not overly expensive) is described here.

I'm a DIY-er myself and prefer to learn things for free from the library or online, but I have to say that Shannon's book looks interesting (especially since she is Canadian, as am I, and I assume it has Canadian overtones - although it may not).

A basic business course is an excellent idea, and also a way of networking with other like-minded entrepreneurs.

Honestly, if you spend about a total of 6-10 hours reading *every* post here (break it up if it is too much!) you will have the WHOLE book... plus a lot, lot more. Then spend your money on supplies and marketing (or a class if you find YouTube not enough). You really can learn the entire thing right here. Just cozy up to your 'puter and you are part way there! I will join you... I am re-reading everything as a refresher now

Warm regards,
Barbie

I bought Shannon's book and don't regret it at all. It has a lot of great information. I have over 20 years in marketing, but find it really useful to have a concise book with specifics about the business in one place. She has sample documents to use as well.

This forum is the most direct assistance for me as everyone is so willing to share their experience. Youtube is good for watching techniques and getting an idea of what styles you like best.

I'm going to my first conference in August here in Canada (www.bodyssey.ca) and expect that will be an amazing experience too.

Good luck!

Yeah, my book rocks!

Thanks all for the advice! You guys are so helpful. :} I'm looking for books because my internet access is limited and I can't pick apart the forum all day. I think I will get Shannon's E-book. I need something that is clear and organized and can reference to easily when I need to. Thanks! :}

I haven't read Shannon's book, but I have to say that her advice is always tops here. I venture a guess that it is comprehensive, well-written, and will absolutely get you on track. Too bad about the internet connection!

Sillyfarm offers some books also. But, like everone else said, the biggest impact for my business was when I found Face Paint Forum. This was where I was challanged to become a better painter, learned how to market, make a contract, deal w/ difficult clients & the list could go on & on. It's free & fun!

I have Shannon's cds and she has sample forms on there. The info was great! Instead of reinventing the wheel, I was able to benefit from Shannon's experience and expertise. The forms can be changed to suit you but she had stuff on there that I would never have even thought about and has saved me money, time and headaches. A great investment.

I ordered Philadelphia's face painting e-book but was disappointed by its simplicity and she refunded my money.

There is a whole thread about Shannon's book somewhere... and her table of contents is listed on her site, I believe. And I agree... Shannon Rocks!