New Year, new business goals

Lower expenses – if you don’t need it, don’t buy it.  As a hobby-business owner your mantra should be SAVE, SAVE, SAVE.  If something is free, use it until it can’t serve its purpose anymore, or your business has grown and requires more.  A lot of media sites offer free features or pages, like Tumblr, Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Google +; and a whole host of others.  It’s free to get your name out there! Also, try to find the most economical deals.  For example, when I replacemented for storage bins for my supplies, the most useful ones were from the discount dollar store!  I also use old glass jars, from things like pickles, salsa, coffee and jams.  Just be sure to thoroughly wash the jars so your supplies don't smell like food.

Join a business community or networking group– this is a great way to exchange ideas, meet and get to know other crafters or artisans, finding tips & advice within your craft, finding the best suppliers, and learning new techniques.  There are many clubs, societies or organizations that are available in communities, by checking your local library, community centre, arts centre, even online forums; you may find groups that fit your crafting needs.

Learn how to delegate (if you can afford to) – I quickly learned that I cannot do everything all the time.  Do some rereplacement in your community, there may be a marketing student looking to bulk up their resume, and will provide their marketing expertise for free or at a reasonable affordable rate. This works well too for photography students, art students, journalism / creative writing students.  Think of your circle of friends and what they do for a living, and make a trade with them – their expertise for one of your products.    

Learn for your business – learning new skills & improving old skills always makes us better people, whether it’s for your business or personally.  Check your local library, region or city, which may offer free business seminars for new entrepreneurs.  These can include topics like marketing, taxes, and book-keeping.  If you feel ambitious, enrol in a college or university level course.  If you have a part-time business, maybe some formal education can also help you advance in your day job?!    

Consistently promote your business– my advice is do invest in business cards.  Business cards are the most easy and convenient way to promote your business.  Leave a card here, leave a card there.  If your product is small enough, place it in your car hanging from the rear view mirror or use a corner of your back windshield to display your product or a sign.  Remember your vehicle moves from place to place with a wide audience all around, be creative in using your vehicle to help promote your business (provided you don’t block your driving view or distract other drivers).  Use your family & friends as your support system as well by leaving samples in their offices or to give to their clients as gifts.        

Give back to the community– I’m a big believer in karma, what you do in the universe will always come back to you, whether it’s positive or negative.  Giving back can be as simple as donating a couple of your items to a cause, organization, fundraiser, or even a door prize.  Slip in a few business cards and you’ll be noticed…and more importantly remembered.  Giving back can also include teaching your craft to locals, kids, seniors; hosting parties, being a sponsor for a charity; making a monetary donation in the name of your business.  This is all good press that you want your business to receive.  Giving back to the community not only makes you feel good inside, it helps you and your business become a part of the community.  

Get more customers– easier said than done, I know.  And there’s no ONE sure-fire answer…at least I haven’t found it yet!  I can only offer you what I’ve learned:

Don’t sit back and wait for customers to just come.  Be out there promoting, selling, sharing, teaching, involving yourself.   

Hard work always gets results & recognition.

Orders for handmade items are usually based on customer referrals. 

Quality over quantity. 

Setting and achieving business goals will definately get people noticing.

And finally, Remember you– work, school, kids, chores, hobby.  Sometimes we run ourselves ragged trying to get things done.  I know for most, crafting is a way to relax, unwind, re-boot, by just focusing on what’s to be done at hand, you escape from this chaotic world.  But do remember that your craft is a hobby which should be enjoyed.  If you begin to feel like it’s work, then stop and take a break, go for a walk, soak in the tub, play with your kids.  If your “craft” is more of a business than a hobby, take a vacation, you deserve it. 

Feel free to share your goals for the new year, business-related or personal.  Feel free to post any other goals, advice or comments.  

Give Back pic courtesy of SheKnows Cares website