Posts tagged business tips

Who Are You and Why Am I Here?

As a long-time marketing consultant, I’m always amazed when I arrive at a Facebook Fan page, a blog, a twitter channel or online store and don’t immediately know who you are and why I want to be here.

I and the Rose of Sharon Jewelry Facebook Fan Page have been busy participating in an Etsy forum-based Facebook link love campaign with tons of creative artisans and crafters “sharing the love” and building network connections. Since the posted invite or networking listing is usually just a URL, I am often a surprised visitor.

Good marketing dictates that a visitor should immediately (you’ve only got their attention for less than 10 seconds) know “Who you are” and “Why the visitor should stay.”

Take a close look at your Facebook personal page and fan page along with your blog, Etsy store and twitter account. Would a stranger know immediately what you are creating/selling?

Don’t forget to include the http:// in your web addresses to make them clickable in many sites, forums, message boards, etc.

Be specific!!! I repeat BE SPECIFIC. Saying you “craft everything” means absolutely nothing. Select a primary focus of your business and concentrate on that. Online marketing is niche marketing. Set yourself apart – create an image – let the world know you make the best ___________________.

So to all my new Facebook Fans who are promoting their own businesses – Make certain no one has to wonder about who, what, where and why when someone comes visiting.

Still confused? Leave a comment here and I’ll continue the marketing lesson or answer specific questions.


So You Want to Sell Your Handmade Jewelry

Skimming the Web for info on the handmade jewelry industry, I repeatedly encounter articles on how to earn money by selling jewelry you make yourself. Noble occupation and one I stumbled into a few years back after becoming burned out on writing. But it’s the money-making slant to these articles that I object to. I don’t want to rain on anyone’s parade; but as a published author and former consultant on entrepreneurship and small business development, I simply feel compelled to sprinkle a bit to help you be committed to success. If you are thinking about selling your handcrafted jewelry or have recently launched your jewelry business – this series is for you. Don’t forget to subscribe via RSS or email so you don’t miss a single installment.

It’s In Our DNA

It is seems to be in the DNA of Americans to want to strike out on our own and that’s a very good thing and a major reason this recession is only temporary! Millions of people start businesses every year. In fact,  in this weak economy, even more people are taking the leap to owning their own business. The reasons are as varied as  the businesses – some are motivated because they lost their job and don’t see any alternative, some simply need extra cash to make it from paycheck to paycheck and others just don’t want to wait any longer to realize a dream. The flip side to the rapid growth of new businesses is that most will fail. Wow! No one wants to start out thinking they are going to fail – but you must expect the best and prepare for the worst.  Jumping blindly into any entrepreneurial adventure can be costly – financially, physically and emotionally. A failed business can eat through your savings, make you sick and strain your family relationships. I’m not trying to discourage you – I just want you to be fully informed.  If you are armed with knowledge, you’ll be better prepared to succeed. Remember even “just selling a few necklaces” at a local craft show or home party is a REAL business with all the inherent ups and downs.

Don’t miss the next installment: Are You an Entrepreneur?


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