Saturday, December 20, 2008

We've received a foot of snow in the past 24 hours. I've used my time fairly well, having posted 20 pieces of new jewelry to the website. As the year winds down I can feel my anxiety rise as the start of a new year is never a good time for my business. November and December were very good (especially given the economic state of this country) and now I need to focus on other avenues to bring in business if I want to be able to survive as a small business owner. I am doing as much networking as I can muster, given that it is not natural for me to try and "sell" myself or my jewelry. If I could I would likely have a PR person doing that for me so that I could stay in my studio and create. But alas, that's not my situation. I'm usually signed up for a number of craft fairs by this time of the year, but I haven't committed to anything for next year. My fear and hesitation is that it may not be a good year for shows and I don't want to commit the money until I have a better sense of what things will be like. I will likely apply for some, but not as many as in the past. I believe I did 20 or more shows this year. It was exhausting, and only half of them were successful financially. I would love to hear from others who are struggling with similar thoughts.

6 comments:

  1. Congrats on the new blog, Terry! I love your jewelry so much, and as a small business owner myself, I understand how hard it is for you to promote yourself. But that's why you have us - those of us who are such big fans of your work! All of us who wear your jewelry are walking ads for you - when people compliment me on one of your pieces, I give them a whole spiel about you and suggest that they check out your website and/or contact you when they're looking for gifts for friends and family. I always stress that you're a local artisan, because I know lots of folks around here are into buying local. Good luck - I look forward to future posts!

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  2. I have the same fears when it comes to those craft shows. As a result we only did one this holiday season. I can only get myself to the less expensive ones so that at least we won't be in the hole if it is not successful. I know I know, it takes money to make money, but ....

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  3. I so agree. I did a couple of shows that cost me close to $500 a piece and I just made back my fees - they each took three days of my time for so little. I think I will also stick to shows close to home that are not so expensive. Of course if I would stop buying beads and sterling I would have more money. I am really trying to spend less, only replacing what I really need, and using up some of what I have collected. I have enough to open a bead store, which has crossed my mind. But the bead stores in this area haven't been doing very well either.

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  4. The blog is a terrfic idea. Your honesty has always made you my hero. The new jewelry pieces you are doing are great. Your technique and style keeps changing and growing. luv it.

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  5. Hi Terry. Best wishes with your new blog. Thank you for the invitation to join in the conversation. I was struck by your comment about the seasonal changes in your business. As a business and executive coach, I notice a real decline in coaching sessions in Nov. and Dec. I get referrals but it is a difficult time for people to commit to 'just one more thing'. Summers are typically less busy as well...all that vacationing. Knowing this about my business, I try to use that time to get organized, plot new ideas, write articles, stuff that I can't seem to do when the client schedule is full. I look forward to it now and just pace my finances accordingly. Mind you, it took about 4 years for me to figure this all out. How do you take advantage of your cycles?

    As to networking and 'selling' myself...I hear you on that one. I was actually resentful of the need to do that initially. So much of my success with networking has come from both practice/exposure and a shift in attitude. I now refer to it as finding and building relationships. I put the 'selling' part in the background and it helps me to sail through events.

    I don't know what lies ahead this year. I just keep my creative juices flowing and do my best to surround myself with positive energy. Thinking smart helps too. I chose two conference to focus all my energy on this year rather than try to have a presence at too many. This way, I can get excited about making my first 'touch' with as many women as possible at these events. Then, I move forward to build a relationship with them over the months following the event.

    Great talking with you. Missed you at BNI the past two weeks. Happy Holidays all.

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  6. Hi Terry, If you decide to buck the snow and come to Florida - you might consider looking in to the A & C shows in the various areas within the Tri-County. We just had one on Los Olas Blvd.
    Congrat's on becoming a grand parent. I was not aware that Windy was pregnant. How exciting for you and Elaine.
    Keep up your good work. Maybe a fairy God -mother will pass by and take over your operation for a hefty fee... NO I am not drinking!!!
    Take care ,

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