Reading Right Now

I have been reading several books lately, about having an online business, marketing, and working from home. I wanted to share some of the titles that I thought had some good ideas.

The Boss of You by Lauren Bacon & Emira Mears (They also have a great website)

Guerrilla Marketing on the Internet by Jay Conrad Levinson, Mitch Meyerson, and Mary Eule Scarborough

101 Ways to Promote your Web Site by Susan Sweeney, C.A.

Crafters Internet Handbook by Genevieve Crabe

Internet for Artists 101 by Constance Smith with Susan F Graves

3G Marketing on the Internet by Susan Sweeney, C.A.

Don't for get to check out the books from Tuesday's business post - a book review.

You can click on all the titles on the right sidebar to be taken directly to Amazon.com. Thank you for your support.

I hope you can find some tips to help your business grow and succeed.

Father's Day Specials

Father's Day is just around the corner (June 21). Buy your Dad something unique this year, shop handmade.

Check out all the cool items on Etsy and 1000 Markets.

Additions Style Special Deal

Purchase a gift for your Dad from my collection of jewelry, cuff links, key chains, and money clips in my Etsy shop and receive a FREE pair of earring with your purchase! (Available from 6/1/09 - 6/12/09)

Its like getting two gifts in one.

Don't forget about flat fee shipping. Read all about it here.

Thursday's Thoughts

"The best part of one's life is the working part, the creative part. Believe me, I love to succeed; but the real spiritual and emotional excitement is the doing."

Garson Kanin

What I learned at the Chicago History Museum

Over the holiday weekend my family and I went to the Chicago History Museum.

Not being originally from Chicago (we have lived here for 12 years) I will admit I did not know much about its history. Now I am not really into history, like my daughter who love it so much she took history as an elective in high school, but I did find the museum interesting.

I found the information about the Great Chicago Fire of 1871 interesting. They had several artifacts that I really connected with. They say that this fire burned so hot that it melted glass and even melted together iron washers (see photo). The temperature to melt iron is 2800 degrees.

Some basic facts I learned about the fire:

The fire started 10/8/1871 at 9:00 pm in a barn

2000 acres were burned

The fire burned for 36 hours

300 people died

100,000 homes were lost

$200 million in damages

There are several sites to find out more information about this fire as well as information on the Chicago History Museum website.

We also check out the Chic Clothing exhibit which had some amazing dresses from the 1800's to 2004. Here are a few examples of the dresses they had on display.

Paul Poiret Evening Gown, 1913

Charles James Ball Gown, 1954

Halston Evening Gown, 1976

These are a couple of things I found interesting at the Chicago History Museum. There is so much more to see, if you are ever in the area its worth checking out.

Business Tip Tuesday - Book Review

This week is not so much a tip but a recommendation.

I have been checking out a lot of books lately, as I work on trying to use my time more effectively and grow my business. I have a list of several books that I have found helpful and I will post the list on Friday, so stop back and take a look.

Today's book I found especially helpful and I think you should check it out. Its called

500 Internet Hints, Tips, and Techniques by Dan Oliver.

This book is full of inside secrets to Blogger, Flickr, Facebook, You Tube, Twitter, My Space, Google Calendar, and more. Each page gives you tips on how to set up an account on each site, short cuts, and links to sites that will make each site better. It has screen shots for each tip, easy to follow instructions, and it is a quick read. Read through the whole book or just the information you need.

Its a book you will go to often and worth owning.

Also, in this series is 500 Simple Website Hints, Tips and Techniques by Jamie Freeman and 500 Photoshop Hints, Tips, and Techniques by Mike Crawford.

All the books are available on the right side of my blog, just click on the title you want and it will take you right to Amazon.com.

Happy Reading!

Quick update on last weeks post

I spent several days working on my Etsy and 1000 Market shops and I have them just about where I want them. I need to add a few more items and change a few photo's but both sites are much better.

This next week on I am working on all those social sites I have profiles on and I am going to eliminate some and update the sites I am going to keep. After next week I hope to dedicate a day to working on each venue, making each more effective and controlling how much time I spend online.

Are you on a lot of social sites (We love Etsy, Indiepublic, etc)? Do you find them effective in helping your business? How much time do you spend on these sites? Any ideas to make the experience better? Please Share!

Mix it up this Holiday Weekend

I really like it when we have a long weekend and I can convince my husband and teenage daughter to hang out.

Since we can't travel this weekend, we are going to mix it up and go to the museum. The Chicago History Museum is having an exhibition called Chic Chicago - a showing of garments from 1861 - 2004. Since we are all into fashion (even my husband) we are looking forward to this show. The rest of the weekend is going to be spent planting our garden, relaxing, and hanging out at home.

What are you going to do to mix it up this weekend?

Thursday's Thoughts

"You can't use up creativity. The more you use, the more you have.

Maya Angelou

New Shipping Policy

New in my Etsy or 1000 Markets shops, purchase as many pieces as you want for a flat rate shipping cost.

All packages are sent through the United States Postal Service (USPS) first class mail with delivery confirmation (domestically only).

New Rates

$3.00 within the U.S.

$4.00 internationally

Now you can purchase as many piece as you like with no extra cost.

Included with this new shipping rate is new packaging and business cards!

Ribbon colors vary

I Would love to know what you think of my new packaging.

Business Tip Tuesday - Action Steps

In my quest to make the most out of my marketing efforts and less time on my computer, I have been reading information on goal setting. That is a huge topic and I am not going to get into that today, but I do want to share a couple of tips that I am going to try to help keep me focused.

Write down what you want to accomplish
Do this weekly it will help to keep your goals small a focused. Break them up into action steps and if you need more then three then your goal is to big and you need to narrow its focus. Another benefit, you can cross thing off as you go, giving you an even greater sense of accomplishment.

Start with steps that will give you immediate results
This will help you stay motivated. Having a couple of things you can accomplish immediately will help your business in a positive way.

Reward yourself for your achievements
This will help you stay positive and to not lose focus. It could be something small or big (new supplies, a night out, an afternoon off) just make sure to write it down with the tasks you want to complete that visual will help you stay on task.

Staying focused and getting the most from my online marketing efforts with less time on the computer is my main goal, what is yours?


Update from last weeks post

I have used the blog posts How Much Time and Tracking Time to help me stay on track, and it seems to be working. I stuck to my computer schedule for a couple of days, but there are days it sucks me in and I lose track of time. I did work on my Facebook account, adding a couple of posts, I got 5 new fans, and I ran and ad for 2 days. I am getting people from Facebook checking out my sites and blog everyday, but I did realize that I am not hitting my target market so I need to keep working on that.

This next week I am going to work on my Etsy and 1000 Markets shops, updating them, changing some photo's, and finding better ways to market. I hope this helps to generate some sales. Next week I am going to work on my social networking sites (I have several) and figure out which ones are most productive and eliminate that ones that are a waste of time.

Again, I want to thank everyone who commented on the Tracking Time post. There are some good ideas in the comments section, so check it out.

Do you set goal for your business? How do you set them monthly, weekly, daily? Do you have some strategies to help you meet your goals? Please share!

Creativity Boost

Do you need a creativity boost?

Work with a creative partner

It can be productive to work alone, but sometimes you need that extra boost that working with someone else provides. Its nice to have someone to talk to about art, to help keep you motivated, and to brainstorm new ideas.

I have a couple of creative partners, my sister who helps me with marketing and promotions, and a friend who is a clothing designer. We talk about fashion, trends, and keep each other motivated to take our designs to the next level. They both live in different states, but with online chats and skype its not that hard to connect.

Your creative partner can be anyone you feel will keep you motivated. They don't have to be an artist or create the same type of art you do, you just want someone you can share ideas with and that will give you a boost when you need one.

Do you have someone to keep you motivated?

Etsy Treasury

Check out this cool Etsy treasury I found this piece in today.

Working Hard

It is so beautiful this time of year when the trees and the flowers are blooming, the air is clean and crisp, and the sun shines high in the sky. But some days I miss all that because I work in my basement with no windows.

Sometimes I take my laptop outside to work, but then I spend all day on my computer and I don't create anything. Its such a dilemma trying to work it all out and still enjoy this time of year.

Well today I have decided to work for a while and then I am going to go and sit on the deck. I hope you find a way to enjoy your day too!

Do you work 7 days a week?

Accessory Style - Stacked Braclets

The hot new trend for spring & summer 2009 is stacked bracelets.

Update your wardrobe with bangles and cuffs putting a new spin on wearing jewelry.

♦Do all one color in different sizes and shapes

♦Create texture by mixing your prints (zebra, tiger, and wood)

♦Wear a tight cuff with a loose bangle

♦Wear gold, silver, copper and brass together

♦Stack up skinny bangles with beaded bracelet, charm bracelets, and a bangle

The combinations are limitless. Create your own look, mix the bracelets you have with some fun new styles from Etsy or 1000 Markets.

Don't forget you can stack your necklaces too. Wear two or three at a time and instantly create a new look.

Thursday's Thoughts

"The secret of health for both mind and body is not to mourn for the past, worry about the future, or anticipate troubles, but to live in the present moment wisely and earnestly."

Buddha

It Feels Christmas

I love to get packages in the mail, and today I received this package (above photo) from my sister. As you can see she is doing her part, and recycling.

The packaging made it feel like I was getting a Christmas present and inside the most wonder hardware in a variety of colors and shapes. Opening the package made it feel like Christmas all over again. Every little package I opened was better then the first, and there were so many cool things that I can't wait to start creating!

My head is spinning with new ideas so be on the look out for cool new stuff coming soon!!

Business Tip Tuesday - Tracking Time

I was in the Etsy Forums last week and read a great post from Flyingbuttons about creating a marketing calendar. It's a quick read so check it out.

Tracking what you are doing to market your shop, is a great way to see trends that effect our business. It's a way to see what marketing efforts are effective and what are not, as well as the best time to do certain marketing projects. I bought an expensive calendar today and I am going to start tracking next week. I know it seems like work, but I know this information will make it easier to cut back on my computer time so I can get the most out of my marketing efforts.

Update from last weeks post

I want to thank everyone who commented last week on the How Much Time Post, it seems we are all struggling to make it work with the time that we have. Check out the comments for other ideas and suggestions. I would love to here about any changes made over the week that have helped with your business.

Over the past week I have cut back on some of my computer time to be more creative and it seems to be working. I also worked on my blog. I added a few items and took off a couple of out of date things, and I do plan to add a sign up box for a newsletter I am going to start, before the week is over. Do you have a newsletter? Here are some ideas to get you started. Plus, this is a new venture for me and I would love to here any feedback you would like to share on the success of your newsletters.

May 12 - 18

-I am still going to try to cut back on my computer time even more and start working on my Facebook account. Still trying to figure out how to attract new fans and add interesting content.

Here is my plan for the next couple of weeks:

May 19 - 25

-I am going to see if I can stick to my 3 hours on the computer a day and mix it up a little by doing 3 days of morning computer time and 3 days of afternoon computer time.

-Work on my Etsy and 1000 Markets shops, adding new items, working on my photo's, update my descriptions, etc...

May 26 - June 1

-Create a computer schedule (my daughter will be out of school and I hope to spend some time with her)

-Work on my Social Networking sites

By June I hope to be a more organized, have my computer usage under control, and doing thing that will help my business grow. A tip Ramblin Mama shared in the comments of last weeks post How Much Time was devoting a day of the week to a certain marketing task: Monday-my shops, Tuesday-blogs, and so on making sure everything is covered over the week without spending a lot of time on the computer. I think this is a great idea and hope to incorporate into my daily routine.

Since last week have you made any changes to your schedule? Do you have plans to change your schedule for summer? Have you cut out any venues that have not been successful? Please share!

Creativity Boost

Do you need a creativity boost?

Deprive yourself of media.

For a day or two don't watch the news on TV, or listen to the radio, or read a newspaper. It's hard to hear our voice of inspiration above the noise of the media.

You will be amazed how positive you will feel without the clutter of the news in your head. You will also find that you will have more creative ideas and time to create.

If after the couple of days you find that you like living without all the clutter of the news in your head and listening to your voice of inspiration instead, do it for a few more days, until you only need the news once or twice a week.

Happy Mother's Day

Happy Mother's Day

Thursday's Thoughts

"If I had permitted my failures, or what seemed to me at the time a lack of success, to discourage me I cannot see anyway in which I would ever have made progress."

Calvin Coolidge

Little Beaders

What a day I had yesterday!
Four sessions with 25 third graders in each session, and a big bucket of beads.

A school in my area was hosting a Fine Arts Week and invited me to come a do a demo of jewelry making. I brought in some of my fun tools which the kids were delighted to see and thought everything I did was amazing.

After a few minutes with the tools, I pulled out the trays of beads and let them make their own bracelets. This of course was the highlight of each session. What I found amazing was watching them look through the beads, they seemed to find this more fun then making the bracelet.

It was a long day, but the excitement of watching those kids kept me going all day. It was a great experience.

Want to recharge your art, spend a day making art with kids!

Business Tip Tuesday - How Much Time

I was in the Etsy Forums today and someone asked the question - Are we doing to much?

Trying to get your name out there, getting people buy from your shop, and networking is a lot of work and time consuming. I have my Etsy shop, 1000 Markets shop, this blog, Facebook, Twitter, and Cosa Verde that I participate in regularly. Of course there are social networks and business sites such as Indiepublic, Handmadeolgy, We love Etsy and more, and if you are like me blogs to read and comment on. I could go on but you get the point.

I spend hours on the computer, but I don't see a lot of sales, or people checking out my sites from these venues (according to Google Analytics) is it a waste of time? Or am I just building my business?

I know this post should be a business tip, but I thought I would share with you an experiment I am going to try to see if I can still get customers to my shop by spending more quality time on my online and offline business needs.

I am going to schedule my computer time so I spend fewer hours on the computer and each week concentrate on one venue to build a good base of core customers.


Week one - May 5 - 11

-I will be on the computer in the morning only - 3 hours max (checking my shops, sending and answering e-mail, twittering, reading blogs, etc...)

-Work on my Blog to grow my followers


Week two - May 12 - 18

-I will be on the computer in the afternoon only - 3 hours max (by the end of this week I hope to know which time of day produces the best results morning or afternoon)

-Work on Facebook to grow my fan base and create a nice page

Next week I will post what I am going to do in week 3 & 4.


When I am not on the computer I am going to create more pieces and start building my inventory. I also want to start working on a collection to sell to retail stores. I have a retail store in Alaska that is going to start carrying my pieces at the end of this month (they found me on Etsy) I would like to do more of that.

Doing this I hope to find balance and more creative ways to build my business. Maybe putting my efforts into fewer venues and giving them my best effort I hope to see a growth in my business.

I will let you know next week how its going!


Question of the day - Are we doing to much?
Do you think spending more quality time on a few venues is better then spreading yourself around to attract more customers? Or is more better?
I would love to here what is or is not working for you. Please share your experiences.

Creativity Boost - Creative Environment

The Wall above my desk

Do you need a creativity boost?

Create and environment that inspires creativity.

If you create in an office, studio, or a corner of your family room, decorate your space with some of your favorite things.

Include inspiring photos, candles, art objects, or even books. Excite your spirit by having your favorite color around you, playing music that comforts you, and scents that awaken your senses.

The happier you are in your environment the more creative and productive you will be.

Need more of a creavitity boost check out these posts as well.

What do you like to have around you when you create?

Candy for Mom

Want to give your Mom a box of candy for Mother's Day? Why don't you indulge her with a box of eye candy that she will love.

Check out this sparkling eye candy from some wonderful Etsy shops.

Monte Carlo Bangle by thebijoubabe

Windswept Daisies, Sterling Silver Floral Cutout Charms with Hessonite Garnets by briguysgirls

Blooming Citrine Stack by kyleannemetals

Damaris Necklace by firelilyjewelrygems

Stunning Sterling Silver with 8mm Sapphire Necklace byBatizJewelry

Dainty Petite in Faceted Amethyst by SASessories

Want to give your Mom flowers try the unique ideas in Flowers for Mom.

Shop Handmade this Mother's Day!