Business Slow? Don't Give Up!

Do not dispare my fellow small business folk! I am writing this post to strike hope into the hearts of all of you who are just inches away from giving up. I know that following your dreams can be hard, especially in this economy. No, I don't have any magic formula or guaranteed way to start making you millions today..but if anyone out there has one please leave it in a comment!

I am only here today to say "I know how you feel". I started my business at the 1st of the year. I mean literally January 1st. It was my goal for the year to start a successful business that would generate me a full time income, doing what I love, ART! I have a business degree, the know how, some experience..it will be a snap! Or so I thought. Months go by, like 7 of them and the only sales I've made are to my family members. God bless um'. But that simply was not what all I had in mind for my business.

So after a while of being completely disappointed and nearly abandoning my ETSY Shop altogether. *ah ahh ahhh, Angels singing* I happened to be cleaning out my abandoned email and I see it. Congratulations On Your First Sale! What?!? I can't tell you the excitement and re-established motivation I had.

I contact the lady, seeing as it had been a few days, and 2 stock orders turned into 4 custom orders. Wow! Not to mention the much needed compliments and belief that this woman has that I will one day be a well known artist.

God doesn't stop there. Just to show me he's been listening and that his hand of blessing is on me, the very next morning I receive a text from a customer who wants me to paint a custom mural in his back yard. If you feel that you are on the path God has lead you to, be patient, the blessing will come in due time. Keep praying and see what The Lord is teaching you in your time of drought. For me I knew even when it was happening he was teaching me patience and perseverance. Most of all , don't give up!

Hobby or new way of life??

Are you a crafter or "hobbyists"? Well you obviously love what you are doing or you wouldn't be taking the time from your schedule to do it, ya? So how do you know your not really on the path to your new life; your new you?! 

Have you ever sold anything you have made? Has anyone ever seen your work then asked you to make one for them? If you answered yes you might want to start giving yourself and your lil hobby some more credit. If people are showing a genuine interest in your work you probably have the potential to make an actual income from your creations.

Intimidated? making excuses yet? STOP BEING NEGATIVE! With some patients, concentration, and good support you may be closer to being an entrepreneur than you think.

I personally have been to college for entrepreneurship & business tech and mngt. BUT DON'T BE MISTAKEN...when it came to sitting down and starting my own business..all my education and training retreated to their original hiding places inside of my mind. Sure, I could sit down and write an impressive business plan for someone else's dreams. When it came to my own, the intimidation of failure and being completely overwhelmed took over.

HOWEVER, I have a wonderful support team. AND THIS IS THE 1ST TIP I GIVE TO YOU MY FELLOW CRAFTERS!! THE ONE TIP NO ONE EVER TOLD ME...Get someone or someones behind you that TRULY believe in you. I'm not just talking about pats on the back and half sincere at-a-boys. I mean you need to team up with at least one GOOD person that WILL PUSH you. For me that person is my husband, John. If it were not for him I do not think I could be where I am now..(where am I now you ask? I am now earning a part time income, just from doing what I love WHILE staying at home with my children)

What do I mean by someone willing to push you...here are some qualities to look for in your 2nd hand man (or women):

They DO NOT accept "I can't", "I'm not sure", "not today", "maybe later", "I don't wana" or ANY other B.S. answers/excuses.

They are willing and have the authority to make SOME decisions for you. (for me it is making those necessary investments into myself and business that I am too intimidated by failure to make)

They are SERIOUS about your business. 

They are willing to INVEST TIME into your business. (John, helps with babysitting and bookkeeping)

So with this first gem of wisdom I leave you for now and say "DARE TO DREAM MY FRIENDS, THEN DARE TO TAKE ACTION"

-Sheanna Marie