This week in Business
Here are a few of my favorite pieces from the week!
These are all available either in my ETSY store or webstore.
Etsy has a new look! What do you think of it? I like it! I like that I can pick a banner size- I really love that because I could create a banner that looks quite similar to my website.... making the transition almost seamless. They are moving in the right direction. I think if they were to come up with some different themes to choose from, or photo size options, I'd be smitten.
I do not have plans to use their new option for website (called PATTERN) only because I really like my Indiemade shop and I can link it to my ETSY store, and I don't have to pay them commission on my sales. But I know that this will be a nice option for some sellers.
The past few months, business wise- has been kind of a roller coaster. I'm sure a lot of you handmade makers out there can attest to that as well. What worries me is, it's tax season and shouldn't sales be UP? not DOWN??
I'm trying hard to stay motivated to keep creating new things even during this tumultuous time but it's becoming harder and harder. I think that this particularly difficult time, has resulted in some mild depression that seems to lightly dissipating as Spring approaches. I keep waiting, each day telling myself, maybe tomorrow will be better.
I started looking a little bit (ok I spent maybe 3o mintues) looking at part time jobs in the area, and I must admit. This caused even more anxiety.
How do you battle the business blues?
You mentioned that you went to a local yarn store , what about working there?
ReplyDeleteWith your education I'm sure you could find a good thing Lorelei! I just feel everything just a bit *all over the place* like with so many places to sell and blog things seem to be watered down. Maybe I'm wrong? Do you get this feeling too? Your always so a fresshe with your jewellery Lorelei..your very talented! Chin up! ox
ReplyDeleteeeee you used the compass!!! I'm so glad you like it!
ReplyDeleteAnd yeah, it seems like times are tough for a lot of makers right now. :( Good luck!
Have to say I haven't taken the plunge with full time business. I work part time to have a small but steady income, however, as a result I have a hobby that generally pays for itself rather than a 'business' that generates an income. The trade-off is not having time to focus 100% on building a business. Really love your designs by the way and hope to own a piece soon.
ReplyDeleteHave to say I haven't taken the plunge with full time business. I work part time to have a small but steady income, however, as a result I have a hobby that generally pays for itself rather than a 'business' that generates an income. The trade-off is not having time to focus 100% on building a business. Really love your designs by the way and hope to own a piece soon.
ReplyDeleteI think when I feel anxious, I focus on one area to improve...like marketing. If I focus on too many things at the same time, I don't get much return on the time investment. Your jewelry is lovely, I'm sure business will pick-up soon.
ReplyDeleteCheers!
Lori in Atlanta
Oh, so sorry to hear you're feeling a bit blue! Totally know how that goes, been there a bit myself lately. That really takes a whack at one's creative joy! I don't sell for a living but my jewelry sales ground to a halt about four or five months ago. I have to wonder if it's the specter of a presidential election year looming--no one knows what to expect so they're being more careful with their money. It will change, but I'm sure it's a nail-biter in the meantime! (Your pieces are as light and joyful as ever--I especially love that second to last piece with the lampwork donuts. Makes me happy to look at it!)
ReplyDeleteI think the past few months have been especially tough for retail in general, having spoken to a friend who owns a bricks and mortar knit shop, who had been chatting to other friends who own wee shops on the same street - plus online shop folk too. I am hoping to ride it out. My bead sales have been down a LOT in the past few months, but things are beginning to pick up there, so I am *hopeful* that perhaps the rest will follow suit. I have also taken to thoughts of a part-time job outside the house, but I'm really hoping to not have to go down that road just yet! We will see! I hope things pick up for you - remember, you're not in this alone!
ReplyDeletePeaks and valleys are part of business and life. When the cycle at the same time the blues set in. It's not you, other than your response. Sometimes you need to stop trying to fix it and ride the wave. The elections always tend to cause a slump in the economy. Uncertainty does that. What do you do to feed your spirit? Take care of you! Hit the conservatory, museum, gym, theatre. Whatever feeds your spirit. The light will peak through and help the clouds lift. Having suffered from depression most of my life I have found this helps tremendously.
ReplyDeleteKeep moving forward, it's hard to get through the times like this but take a look at what you really love making and focus on that for a while. Also, maybe reach out to some blogs that feature handmade and offer to do some interviews to get your work in front of fresh new eyes. Have you tried targeted FB ads? They really do work. You can pick the age, area they live, what magazines they read, what shops they like (like anthro and sundance). How about a local shop that would host a trunk show for you? Maybe teach a jewelry class at a local art center, you are published author on the subject. Cleaning out the old and getting ready for the new should be helpful too. Revisit some of your best selling designs. When I'm feeling a pinch in sales, that's when I try something new and exciting and dig deep into making what I really love. I truly believe people buy your joy - we all want more joy in our lives, objects that have special meaning and a story. Beady hugs!
ReplyDelete