How do you become successful on Etsy? How can I make my craft my full time job?
I get asked these question ALL the time.
So I thought I would share a couple pieces of advice.
1. QUIT!
So I thought I would share a couple pieces of advice.
1. QUIT!
You have to quit what else you are doing full time. If this is what you really want to do, you need to take the plunge. You need to make your craft your number one priority. I know it's a risk, but that is what fuels being an entrepreneur.
2. COMMITMENT.
2. COMMITMENT.
Quitting your day job and plunging takes commitment. You WILL sacrifice your time. You WILL sacrifice your freedom. But...you get to do what you love. Just remember, it takes time to build a business.
3. SUPPORT.
3. SUPPORT.
SURROUND yourself with supportive people. Here on Etsy, find a team, find a place you can go to ask questions...a place to vent...a place for feedback...a place to celebrate your wins. The people I have met on Etsy through my teams have become some of my very best friends. I rely on them...and they on me. It's a give / take relationship.
4. WORK IT!
4. WORK IT!
Retake your photos. Work on your tags. Rewrite your descriptions. Never think you can just remain static.
5. BE SOCIAL.
5. BE SOCIAL.
Social media. Find a place you are comfortable spreading the good news about your items. Do you love Twitter? Develop relationships there first and then share your items. Do you love Facebook? Make a fan page and let them fall in love with you! Do you like to write? Then blog your passion.
6. CREATE.
6. CREATE.
You have to spend time fueling your passion and making new items, or you will grow stagnant and your followers will grow bored. Take time each day to sketch, plan and make! Just do SOMETHING!
Those are just a few of the tips I offer people when I'm asked. The biggest mistake I see is people thinking those that have made it, or those that are successful just got lucky. Pshaw!
It.Takes.Work.
But being in business for yourself and doing what you love? PRICELESS!
and never forget...
Those are just a few of the tips I offer people when I'm asked. The biggest mistake I see is people thinking those that have made it, or those that are successful just got lucky. Pshaw!
It.Takes.Work.
But being in business for yourself and doing what you love? PRICELESS!
and never forget...
BE creative!
~ lisa
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| my custom made hoop from http://www.etsy.com/shop/merriweathercouncil |
You are so right Lisa:)! And I have learned this more than ever recently:) I work hard, and more than I ever have in my life and I couldn't love it more:)!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the tips! I am still fairly new at my Etsy store, and it is definitely a learning curve. I will keep plugging along until I am noticed!
ReplyDeleteAli
http://www.etsy.com/shop/Teachingmyown?ref=si_shop
And I have to add, Lisa rocks her biz like no other:)!
ReplyDeleteExcellent advice and you are a great example of someone who is doing it right!
ReplyDeletethanks erin :) i <3 you!
ReplyDeleteand thank you abby!
You are courageous, my friend! Great advice. Some day I hope to open my own private practice...or work with someone else at theirs. Not having a guaranteed paycheck makes me so nervous.
ReplyDeleteIt is hard...it's supposed to be! you can do it rachel! just take the leap!
ReplyDeleteGreat tips on staying put in your business!
ReplyDeleteAlso, your jewelry is beautiful... Good job.
Norma Doiron@Health, Wellness & Weight Loss
Great post Lisa!! I remember way back when I created jewelry...was talked into making what was my love & passion of creating into a business...unfortunately...my love waned because of the pressure when I should have simply kept it a hobby...your work is beautiful and I commend you on your persistence...oh and I have tons of beads to sell if you are interested:) Great job!!
ReplyDeleteGreat post Lisa! It makes me mad when I read so many stories out there from marketers who tell you "how easy it is" to start a business. It does take work! It's 7 days/week, 12-20 hours a day when you are first starting out. EXPECT your life to be out of balance for at least a couple of years while you are building your business. THAT is the real story!
ReplyDeleteNorma, thank you!
ReplyDeleteDr. Daisy - you do need to decide...hobby or full time. it can't be both.
Kelly, thank you so much. balance? what is that you speak of?
Absolutely correct. Every business takes work and time to fully reap the benefits. As yours is a creativity-based business, its success totally depends on how your ideas will click among the people you're targeting.
ReplyDelete