by Jess | Other, Podcasts, Time Management
Can you be ‘successful’ in handmade business AND have a day job?
The question of ‘should I quit my job?’ is not an uncommon one.
Answering this question is a tad tricky as there are variables, and the answer will be different for different people.
However, there are three points that are key to remember as you ponder this.
One, there is no rush! Don’t just quit rashly and end up regretting it.
Two, you can hold a day job and run a successful business.
Tnd three, perhaps most important, do not compare yourself to anyone else! You can be a successful handmade business owner AND hold down a day job – the two are not mutually exclusive.
In this episode I cover a number of key points that you need to consider before you chuck in the day job.
by Jess | Other, Social Media, Thriver Circle
Are you ready to harness the Power of Pinterest?
The #PinterestChallenge is happening again in June (more info below if you’re new to this) so I have recorded a podcast episode to help you get set up for success!
If you are new to Pinterest, this episode will help you set up all the important elements of your account. If you’re not new, it will be a great refresher!
by Jess | Branding, Interviews, Other, Podcasts
Jill from For Strange Women works with natural ingredients to make perfumes. Which she sells – with wild success – on the internet.
Jill started on Etsy in 2009, and today, she not only sells online, she also has her own store in downtown Kansas City. With over 35,000 sales in her Etsy shop alone, Jill’s business is incredibly successful – and all based on selling something – scent – that people can’t even smell until they’ve bought the product. Jill formulates all her perfumes, and even today, it’s just her and one assistant running the whole business.
So – how has she grown such a successful business? I believe it’s been via the power of her branding and storytelling – and the fact that she’s remained true to herself, even when she was surrounded with doubters.
In this episode, we discuss the importance of being true to you in your business, and the way Jill’s business has naturally grown to where it is today.
If you would like to hear a beautiful and peaceful approach to running a handmade business, don’t miss this one.
by Jess | Etsy, Organisation, Other, Podcasts
A lot of potential issues with your handmade business customers can be side-stepped through the judicious use of policies.
A well-planned policy preempts a lot of issues, and makes sure everything is spelled out clearly to your customer prior to purchase.
It also keeps everything fair and transparent, and makes sure you can’t be accused of making up one set of rules for one customer, and another for others.
It’s as much about your protection and peace of mind as it is about informing and protecting your customers.
In this episode, I discuss the ins and outs of policies – what you NEED to have in there (no matter what platform you use), and give you some Etsy-specific guidance, as well.
by Jess | Marketing, Organisation, Other, Podcasts
As per popular demand in the Thriver Circle (my membership community for makers) – this premium episode is all about stats.
I cover the what, why, when & how of tracking stats in your handmade business – and I’ve got a downloadable spreadsheet you can use right now to get started!
by Jess | Etsy, Other, Podcasts, Set Up Shop
Selling your craft online via etsy, another venue, or your own website has so many benefits.
Having an online presence is one of the most important things you can do for your handmade business.
If you are yet to launch your online shop; are on the fence as to whether it’s worth it; have been thinking about it for a while and don’t know where to start; or you have one but you aren’t sure about how improve it – this episode is for you!
I outline the main benefits of having an online shop – even if selling online is not your primary venue of choice.
I also share the 5 things you need to get a handle on before you can start successfully selling your work online.
