Peaceful Thanksgiving

Peaceful Thanksgiving Plan

1. Remember what its about.  Really reflect on what you are thankful for.  Its not about who brought what food or who is seating where but its really about getting together and being thankful.  Go around the table and let each person share what they are thankful for.

  

2. Grandparents, know your limited role.  Grandparents need to know their boundaries and not contradict the parents.

3.  Choose not to fight.  Make it a plan ahead of time to choose not to fight.  Let things go, its a time to enjoy each other not to pick fights or get angry over little things.  Most fights are usually over little things anyways and its just not important to ruin a holiday by being angry.

4. Don't miss the innocent moments.  Take time and enjoy the innocent moments with the little ones. A smile a first impression.  Look for the special priceless moments.

5. Delegate.  Mom or grandma doesn't have to do it all.  Let others help in the cooking and clean up.  Share the work load and the mom/grandma won't be overly tired and they can enjoy the company in the kitchen.

6. Keep your focus.  Don't dwell on the problems in life you experiencing but instead be thankful what you do have and enjoy each others company.

7. Curb you high expectations. Don't expect things to happen a certain way, allow for the unexpected and go with the flow.

8.  Challenge tradition.  Don't stress yourself out by over committing to travel, over committing time, money you don't have.  Give yourself permission to make changes.  Its nice to see your parents or grandparents but if you don't have the time or money its okay to just call them.

9.  Don't set the bird on fire.  Remember to take the bag of giblets out of the turkey before baking.

4 Tips to Help Your Business

This is a New Year and as a business owner I always want to think of ways to improve my business and add to its success.  So when there is some great reading materials out there I try and read all I can.

The other day I was reading from a seller who had large sales over at Etsy and she had some great tips for us online marketers.

                                           1. Give things away

                                           2.  No free giveaways

                                           3. Celebrate Sales

                                           4. Listen to customers

                                           5.  Be found

                                           6. Advertise

Give item away:  here its recomended to give a few products away so people will have your product in there hands and these people can encourage and share with others the great products you carry.

I have done this and I do believe that giving items away does help your sales.  I encourage others to think about what to give away and to who.  The more your items are out in the market the more sales you will get.

Don't do free giveaways:  Don't have a contest where you give a free item away to one lucky winner.  They just might not like the gift and be an unhappy customer.

I have done this too and don't recomemd the free giveway contest either.

Celebrate sales:  Have a goal and when you reach it celebrate by having a special appreciation gift offered for your customers.  Start with several special items ( maybe 10) and offer it at a really low price but you still will win and not loose money.  So it would be a win win situation.  Then plan for the next goal and what special item you will offer.

This is new thing for me.  I will have to set a goal and think of what to offer special to my customers.

Listen to customers:  Take into consideration what customers say about your products.  Take note of what sells and what does not.  Make adjustments to your line of products on the cue of your customers.

This is something I was already considering.  In thinking of the new year,  I was thinking about what to add and what to drop in my shop.  It's hard to know what to do at times but you must think of your customer and what are their needs. 

Help customers find you:  Make sure you market your product in various places and in different venues.  Include facebook, twitter, blog,  website, public email address.

I already do this.  I have a facebook page, twitter, blog, and have a public email.  I do not have a website because I have not found having a private website as marketable for me as belonging to different marketplaces to advertise my products.

Advertise:  Buy advertisement clicks on websites like facebook.  Choose the clicks that are very low priced like .10 or .20 instead of the $1 and $2 per click.  These help generate more sales.

This one I haven't done but have thought about it.  I will need to look into this one more.

Source:  Lisa Jacobs, 450 Sales in the First Three Months on Etsy

Craft Show Tips

Today I was reading about how to have a better craft show and what are the basics. I've only done a couple so far but feel I've missed some important things to do and include in my show. So I feel maybe there are some others who need so help too. Below are some basic tips for better craft show presentations.

photo by Syko

Participating in craft shows can be very exciting. Its a great way to meet new artists and expose your work to lots of people.

Here are the basics:
• Prop your items up with boxes, tables or stands, (boxes match table cover)..
• Include a DVD player or digital photo frame to show past work.
• Bring plenty of business cards.
• Have multiple price points.
• Price everything.
• Take credit cards!

What to Pack 

• Pens, markers
• Paper (scrap and nice paper for signs)
• Invoice book
• Scissors
• Labels and price tags
• Tape (EVERY KIND YOU CAN THINK OF: double sided, duct, scotch, packaging. If they make it, bring it.)
• Mini-first aid kit (band aids, pain relievers, eye drops, antacids, etc)
• Tools (screwdriver, hammer, pliers, wire, zip ties, aka The Crafters Need to Have Supply!)
• Weights and tarps for your tent (Tip: bring milk jugs and fill them with water to use as weights)
• Apron or waist pouch for change
• Plenty of change to put in your apron or waist pouch
• wet wipes and hand sanitizer
• Water and snacks

More info at Etsy's blog

Carb Tip

No carbs after 9 p.m. Eat no bread, cereal, or pasta until morning. Extra carbs eaten at night often convert to fat.

Ice Water Tip!

Drink 8 glasses of ice water every day. Cold water speeds up your metabolism while keeping you hydrated. New weight loss tips!