design*sponge biz ladies post

Today I'm excited to announce that I've got a guest post in the Design*Sponge biz ladies series. Its all about finding a (local and reputable) manufacturer for your product ideas.

I've also posted some additional resources for finding a manufacturer over at Crafting an MBA.

Please take a look - I'd love to hear your thoughts!

crafting an MBA - business thinking for designers & makers

I alluded to it in my last post, but I wanted to officially announce the launch of my new website - crafting an MBA - business thinking for designers and makers!

Its seems long overdue that I would start a blog focused on business thinking - its something I always love to talk about. Over at craftMBA, I'll be sharing useful tips on running a business, marketing, pricing, social media and more, my recommended and currents reads (which are sure to triple since I got a Kindle for Christmas!) and my thoughts on trends in the craft and business world.

Its only because of the support I've received on my business related posts here that I had the courage to start crafting an MBA, so thank you! Won't you join me in my new space? The new year seems like the perfect time to focus and get our businesses into shape!

(No worries, I'll still be blogging here as well.)

recent press

I've had two very busy days in my Etsy shop thanks to some really wonderful press. First, Grace featured the cozy/cuff on design*sponge. Then Tara did a lovely post on the cozy/cuff and my new ornaments over at INK + WIT. Thanks, ladies!

You might be wondering how I was lucky enough to get such nice press, but truthfully, it wasn't all luck. I actually emailed both ladies (along with several other bloggers). It really is as simple as that. (Sort of.) The key is to make sure you send a polite, personalized email with great pictures and a clear description of your product. To a blog that's right for your work. And don't get angry if they don't feature you. And be sure to say thank you if they do.

Thanks again, Grace and Tara! And thanks to everyone who bought something. And thanks to you for reading this! This is one of those weeks where I can see how truly blessed I am, and what an amazing job I have. Thank you!

what I'm reading: craft inc business planner

I just received the Craft Inc. Business Planner by Meg Mateo Illasco for my birthday, and I have to say I highly recommend it. Its the practical companion to Meg's book, Craft Inc., which is an invaluable resource for anyone running a crafts business. The business planner includes lots of useful tips and tricks, plus worksheets to help you plan a budget, price your work, or plan a marketing campaign. Not only will I use it as a resource for my business, but also when I'm teaching my students about running a business.

And speaking of teaching, I really do love teaching all aspects of running an art, design, or crafts business. I had a blast earlier this year when I did a professional development workshop at Arizona State and presenting about micro-production at Kent State (where I went to grad school). And I'd love to come speak to your school, group, or guild as well. Just drop me a line at meauman(at)yahoo(dot)com - I'd love to present on any of these business related topics - pricing, marketing and promotion, wholesale and retail shows, web 2.0 and social media, and lots more. So send me an email, I'd love to work with your group in 2010!

four weeks of marketing

Today I went to New York to present to FIT's Home Product Development Club (more on that tomorrow) but I came back a woman on a mission.  I've decided - no more designing new objects until I properly market the ones I'm currently making!

And I decided the cozy/cuff is a great place to start - its simple, but has a clear purpose, and people seem to be responding well to it.  So tonight, I came up with a list of tasks I can do to better market/promote the cozy/cuff - and I'll be sharing the steps with all of you as I work my way through them.  Hopefully, in 4 weeks time, the cozy/cuff will be a household name!

damages

I am going to try to refrain from making this a "my life sucks" kind of post, and instead keep it to a "things could be a whole lot worse" kind of post.  This weekend I had a piece come back from a photo shoot damaged.  And of course, I didn't have a contract.  (If you haven't seen Margaux's post yet, now is a good time to read it.)  Fortunately, the borrower is going to reimburse me for the damaged piece,  so its not the end of the world.  I will remember to have a contract from now on.

This afternoon, my bank called to confirm some questionable charges on my debit card.  Turns out, someone had managed to steal my card number.  Now I have to get a new card, but at least the bank caught it right away, and I won't be responsible for any of the theft.

Then I decided to go for a bike ride, to, you know, relieve the stress of the bank card incident.  As I was heading home, I came through an intersection.  I had no stop sign, and was going straight through, so I had the right of way.  Unfortunately, a driver stopped at the stop sign didn't see me, and decided to pull out.  I managed to swerve, and he clipped my back tire, causing me to spin out onto the pavement.  I'm ok, other than some very scraped up knees.  My bike will definitely need a new rear wheel, other than that, I'm not sure until the shop looks at it, but the driver did agree to pay for the damages.  I do feel like the accident could have been much, much worse than it was - I feel fortunate to have been able to walk away.

I think I've had a full enough day, so its off to bed.  Hopefully your Monday was less eventful than mine.