I already have my own website. What are the benefits of joining the Craftsmanship Network?

The Craftsmanship Network is more than a website. It will be designed to connect members so you can tap into their existing networks for potential leads, referrals, and other valuable information.

 

What is your definition of a Craftsperson?

Our working definition of a craftsperson is: anyone who possesses the knowledge, skill, and ability to manipulate specific tools and materials to produce a product or artifact of practical value. SEE LIST BELOW.

Builders/Constructors: Contractors, subcontractors, and individuals who work in the construction or allied trades. Examples include carpenters, tile installers, cabinet makers, drywall installers, electricians, plumbers, painters, etc.

Manufacturers: Individuals who manufacture components or systems for useful products. Examples include tool & die makers, machinists, foundry workers, mold makers, etc.

Artisans: Individuals who build, manufacture or restore components for a variety of useful products including: metalsmiths, glass blowers, wood workers, furniture restorers, potters, stain-glass makers, fiber artisans (clothing), etc.

Professional Support Services: Individuals who support our primary market, but do not directly build, manufacture, or make the product or artifact. These may include, but are not limited to: interior designers, architects, engineers, graphic designers, real estate brokers, financial service providers, marketing professionals, website designers, educators, coaches & trainers, etc. If you are unsure if you fit into our network, do not hesitate to inquire as to the applicability of your profession.

 

Will I be able to get help in creating my profile page?

Yes. Just use the contact form and someone from the Craftsmanship Network will contact you to give you the help you need. 

 

How will the Craftsmanship Network screen its members to ensure that each member is trustworthy, professional and meets the standard of ethics and business practices of the Craftsmanship Network?

A sub-committee of the founding members is being assembled to determine the criteria for each type of industry. For example, a contractor must upload a copy of his/her contractor’s license and/or insurance to be kept on file. Also, new members will be referred by existing members thus providing instant references.

 

Now that the Craftsmanship Network has been successfully established in Colorado what will happen next?

The Craftsmanship Network management team plans to build upon the success of the Colorado network in other states around the country.

 

What kind of advertising / marketing is the Craftsmanship Network going to do to continue to promote and grow the Network?

The Craftsmanship Network will leverage the power of the Web with an emphasis on social network marketing. By creating a referral network of members, CraftsmanshipNet.org will become the premier national source for locating and engaging community craftspeople.

 

What if I do not have an email address?

An email address is not required in order to be a member of Craftsmanshipnet.org. However, if you don’t have an email address, we recommend that you sign up for a free email address from Gmail or some other free email service. This will allow you to stay current with the events, activities, and announcements on the Network. You can use this link to sign up for a Gmail account.

To join the network without an email address we will need to manually create your account, you will not be able to sign up directly on the web site. Please contact us and we'll take care of getting your account set up.

 

On the right hand side of the page I see company logos that are "Partners." What is a partner?

Partners are individuals that have contributed above and beyond their member status to the National Center for Craftsmanship and/or the Craftsmanship Network. Contributions can be: one-time cash donations, gifts, significant volunteer hours and tools for deconstruct projects.

 

What is a "Chapter Founder?"

Chapter Founders are members that have been carefullly selected to represent and diffuse the core mission of the Craftsmanship Network in their community. The Chapter Founders are individuals who have a history of being intimately involved with a variety of organizations in their community.  A Chapter Founder is also a contact person for that town or county.

 

What type of discounts are available?

Member to Member: The Craftsmanship Network team determined that it will not establish any fixed percentage amount of discount in "member-to-member" transactions. However, we encourage members to discuss discount amounts that are agreeable to both parties involved in such transactions.

Network to Member: As the Craftsmanship Network grows many other services will be offered such as banner advertising, business management classes and technical mentoring sessions. All of these services will be discounted for members.

Member to Client or Customer: The Craftsmanship Network team determined that it will not establish any fixed percentage amount of discount for "member-to-community" transactions. Each member has the option to decide if they want to offer discounts on their products or services to clients or customers who found them on the Craftsmanship Network.