EVERYTHING STARTS WITH WHERE YOU WANT TO END UP
When making resolutions in the new year, I used to arbitrarily and somewhat wistfully make my resolutions. It was often based on some kind of nostalgia for what I used to be (10 pounds lighter!) or what I thought I *should* be.
Like so many people, I was letting the past and arbitrary expectations dictate my goals. They weren’t bad per se, but they weren’t based on the realities of my current life and the path I wanted to take to make improvements.
Owning my own business has given me a bit more clarity into my resolutions. It’s grounded me in reality a bit more. Instead of letting whims, wishes and external comparisons guide my goals for the year, I now think: Where do I want to be at the end of this year? Then I work backwards.
I know that asking “Where do I want to be at the end of this year” seems arbitrary and that it even could become wishful thinking. However, I find that when I have to ask myself this question it is actually quite grounding. I have to create a picture of the end. Of all of the achievement. And even qualifying it with “by the end of this year” gives me the “T” in SMART goals already (time bound).
Starting with the end and working backwards is the best way to set goals. It makes things feel less overwhelming and also helps you evaluate if you are playing too small (or might be biting off more than you can chew).
On the podcast Isaac discusses the idea about looking at the end with two makers: Holly Marsh of Marshmueller and Melissa Wert of Print Therapy. Both work toward their goals in different ways and have also changed course along the way. I think you will enjoy it if you haven't already listened.
I'd challenge you to think about how you can apply this in your own business.
Some questions to think about:
#1: Are your goals related DIRECTLY to getting you to where you want to end up?
#2: Have you tied your goals to a timeline and realistic action items?
#3: Have you made goals a priority or have you made busy work?
The Price is Right?: Two Perspectives
Price is personal. Especially for handmade businesses, where there is such a clear labor of love for sale. Sharon and Isaac share their perspectives on a tricky part of business. It's also extremely personal for this week's podcast guest, Kristen of PF Candle Co., who has to price her products to support her, her employees AND a growing family.
Why It's Hard for Makers to Find Mentors (and How to Change That)
Aside from the occasional craft show or visit to a local stockist, makers largely do their work alone (except maybe a cat walking across your desk or a child tugging at at you). It can be hard to get peer camaraderie and advice from other makers who are more advanced in their career path.
Mentors can be an invaluable to a young and growing business, or to a business looking to make some "next step" leaps. But often they can be hard to find and even fleeting.
3 Reasons Why the Answer Isn't Another Course (or a Free Blog Post)
It feels like the easy and smartest thing to do when you're stuck-- take a course to help you with whatever it seems like you are struggling with or maybe even peruse the internet for a blog post or podcast for something, anything, to help!
Courses are GREAT! But we see all the time that a lot of people are afraid to make moves in their business and the answer is to course hoard.
Here's why a course might not help you the next time you're feeling stuck.
Learning the Ropes of Craft Shows with Maria of Remnants of Nature
Your first craft show or even first couple can be pretty overwhelming (especially if you're an introvert!). The day is usually long, you're on your feet, you're answer a lot of different questions and you're always in that awkward balance of wanting to sell your stuff but not be pushy or hover. Community member Maria Aranes shares the lessons she's learned as newbie seller.
Getting Clear on What You Want Out of Your Handmade Business
One of the things we've noticed in talking with thousands of makers about their businesses, is that frustrations often come when makers don't have a clear idea about what they want out of their business. They think they see a business on Instagram or see them on store shelves and think "Yes, I want that!" But the realities of that are much different than they realize.
We talk with three makers about how they adjusted expectations and had mindset shifts that helped them grow their businesses.
Why We Created Our Latest Program: Jumpstart Your Handmade Business
WHY YOU NEED HEADSHOTS
I cannot tell you how delighted I was to put this post together today! It included seeing the beautiful faces of so many makers in our community AND I got to relive the fun time we had at Craftcation with Sarah Deragon shooting our new photos. I hope you enjoy seeing the transformations as much as I did and that they inspire you!
PACKAGING JEWELRY FOR SHOP DISPLAY: RETAILERS SHARE THEIR THOUGHTS
This past spring at Craftcation we hosted a Think Tank (group feedback session) on packaging. We did not anticipate the high demand for this class. Apparently a lot of you have questions about the best way to package your products, especially for wholesale and especially about jewelry. So, we thought we'd get some of the smartest shop owners we know to share what they like to see when it comes to jewelry packaged for their shop.
LEARNING FROM THE PERFECT FAIL
Back in May our theme for the month was The F Word: Failure. In our community forums we explored the topic of The Perfect Fail-- essentially the idea that you can do everything *right* and still come out with a bummer result. Maker Lynn Quire got vulnerable and shared the time that she new she literally had to close up shop. I think we all can relate to a lot of the things in this, especially making hard decisions despite what people will think.
Using Wholesale Starter Packs to Land New Buyers
We've noticed a huge trend on Etsy Wholesale: Starter Packs-- essentially putting together what you think would be a good typical first order for a shop. It makes a lot of sense since buyers don't have to guess quantities to buy or popular items, deal with minimums, etc. Starter Packs happen outside of Etsy Wholesale too, but they have especially taken off on there!
I asked our members to share their experiences with them-- both our members that are sellers AND buyers so you get different perspectives. Read on to see how Starter Packs can help you up your wholesale game.
Working with a Big Brand: Inside Robert Mahar's Collaboration with Knock Knock
One of my very favorite Jack-of-all-crafts people is Academy of Handmade Master Maker Robert Mahar. He is crazy talented and and any deserves any success that comes his way! Recently he collaborated with stationery brand Knock Knock on a line of vintage and crafty gifts. So we asked him how that happened and all of the behind-the-scenes to bring his vision to life.
HOW TO CREATE A SUCCESSFUL CRAFT SHOW BOOTH (FROM THE EXPERTS!)
Want to know who is really good at telling you what booths work and which ones don't? Craft show producers! A couple of our favorite show producers are the ladies behind Indie Craft Parade (they are accepting apps until 6/20 so get on that!) and they are sharing standout craft show booths from the stellar artists who sell at their shows. If your booth needs sprucing up or you are about to create your first one, then read on for some inspiration and tips!
FROM HOBBY TO BUSINESS WITH KENDAL KEITH OF K KEITH DESIGNS
There often comes a point when makers realize they have more than a hobby on their hands-- they can actually make their passion a business. Kendal of K Keith Designs shares with us her transformation and learning some hard lessons. I was so delighted to meet her in person recently at Craftcation. Like so many of our members, she was incredibly business savvy and generous with her knowledge! I am so impressed with how thoughtfully she has managed her business. Enjoy what she has to share (and keep an eye for her business-- she's headed for big things!).
Brick & Mortar AMA with Rosalie Gale and Kiley Handy
What's it like your running your own brick & mortar shop? We talk with two shop owners about it! Next week I'm excited to sit down with two incredible #ahasmembers about what it's like to own and manage a physical retail space. We're letting you get to know them a little more today. I hope you'll join as we talk to them more about their businesses and answer your questions. Read on to learn about their shops.
Making Your Work Process Scalable for Wholesale
Our most common question by makers here is: How Do I Get Ready for Wholesale? There are a lot of pieces to it and it looks a little (and sometimes a lot) different for every business, but if you're a maker thinking about scale is HUGE. It will help you make sure that you are maximizing your margins and don't find yourself in a "oopsie" pricing situation. Thanks to Dawn from our Austin Chapter for sharing her insights!