When it comes to collecting art most people feel inadequate or intimidated. We have been led to believe that you require specialized knowledge to be an art collector. The critics and most experts don’t offer any help either. Some are more interested in selling their particular showings rather than educating you how to become an art lover and a long term collector.

Collecting art can be very profitable and enjoyable. It is one of few areas where you can have your proverbial cake and eat it too. Anyone can become a successful art collector. All it takes is to learn a few ground rules, most of which are common sense. Since you have read this far you have demonstrated that you possess common sense, now all you need to learn is a few basic rules.

However, before I get into basics one point needs to be clarified. I am not writing about collecting works of masters such as Dali, Monet, Van Gogh etc. For this type of collecting you do indeed need specialized knowledge that comes from years of study. Most of these works have proven their investment quality and serve as motivation for us to find next great masters. And there will be new masters! The only question is which ones.

That’s where fun in art collecting is! You just may be one of few who started buying early works of an artist who suddenly becomes famous. It is possible! Imagine for a moment having purchased some early works of an unknown artist named Picasso. Early in his career his works were affordable and easily available to anyone. Now, look where prices for originals have gone to – some sell for millions. And since we have already established that you will be buying art anyway, why not buy art as an investment? Who knows, in 5, 10 or 20 years artist may be next Dali.

Collecting art for investment purposes is much like treasure hunting. You have to dig through a lot of dirt to get a few gems, but they do exist. Collecting art is very affordable. Remember we only want to buy works of yet undiscovered. There is a lot to choose from so be discriminate.

In order for you to build a collection, a valuable collection, lets go over a few basic rules. I call them basic because it is enough to get you started with confidence. Once you begin you will be able add to your knowledge from your own experiences. The great part about treasure hunting is that there is always something new to discover. So never stop learning!

Now to basics…

Collecting Art for Profit and Pleasure

Step One - Evaluate

Evaluate employee and his job role by asking yourself following questions:

1. Is job role clear? Does employee understand role?

When expectations of a position are not clearly defined, you've got a recipe for failure for both employee and company. When a shoe doesn't fit, you get blisters. When an employee doesn't fit, you get blistering performance.

2. Have you told employee your performance expectations?

Often managers fail to communicate job expectations and performance standards. Without an understanding and agreement of successful outcomes and practices, employee may proceed down wrong path.

3. Does employee have willingness to do job?

People have different levels of willingness to perform various tasks and activities. Willingness refers to "I will" or "I won't" factor in performance.

4. Does employee have ability to do job?

A person's ability refers to an individual's level of competence or proficiency in performing task, activity, or behavior required. Ability is often described as "I can" or "I can't" factor in performance.

5. Does employee's behavioral style support his role and environment?

We are born with characteristics that make up our behavioral styles. These traits influence our ability to perform certain tasks and sway how we interact with others. Since there are different personal styles, we can misinterpret people's intentions based on their behavior. For instance, someone who is naturally social, but not naturally detail oriented, could be assumed to be a poor performer if placed in wrong job.

6. Does employee have a good relationship with you, her manager?