I am SO excited about this series ya’ll! As you may remember, a few months ago I got a copy of The Handmade Marketplace by Kari Chapin (I posted my initial review of it over on Stuff To Love, check it out!). I’m seriously so in love with this book-my copy has notes all over the margins and bits of paper sticking out all over the place. With all the “life crap” recently this series got pushed to the back burner, but now I’m finally ready to roll it on out!
You’re probably wondering “What the heck is she blathering on about? Dishin’ About Business?”, well let me tell you! One of the things talked about so much in this book is community, how important working together is in order for any of us to reach success, we can’t do it alone. That’s what blogging is about too, is it not?
My hope with this series is to dig into this book, go through bit by bit and get a serious “round table” type of discussion going-all of us talking about our successes, our tips, suggestions for one another, our struggles and SO much more. Each week, using the book as a guide, I’ll be posting about a topic, telling a bit about my views on that area, asking questions of you all, and giving you an “assignment”. Don’t worry, no grades, it’s purely an exercise in making our businesses more successful!
Remember, no one suggestion will work for every person, but I certainly hope that won’t stop anyone from participating. Some of the topics will be:
- Preparing for success-mentally, physically, etc.
- Branding
- Getting Legal
- Marketing
- and SO much more!
And just as a starter question for ya’ll to think about-what is your biggest stumbling block to success for your business? For me personally, I could point at a bunch of little things (5 small children, lack of funds to buy a great camera, husbands unemployment, etc.) or I could get to the root of it. This is something I’ve thought about quite alot, and it boils down to low self confidence. That affects everything, and not really in a good way. But I’m just as afraid of success as I am of failure. Quite the conundrum!
So hop on over to Amazon and get yourself a copy, even if you don’t participate in the series with us, I don’t think you’ll regret it if you’re even THINKING about starting your own handmade business! So come on back on Monday, ready to kick your business to the next level! (Oh, and friend willing, I’ll even have that little bloggy button up there ready for you to grab and post on your blog as well!)
Disclosure: The book links are affiliate links through Amazon, if you choose to buy a book after going through that link I get like 1/2 a cent or something..just to be totally honest! But even if you don’t buy it through that link, you should still buy it lol.
Wow Mika, COUNT ME IN. I have this book so much information and to the point. I am going to start reading it again and make notes as you did in yours. As for the biggest stumbling block — FEAR!!
of failing, finding the right group to connect to, not understanding what it takes to have a successful blog, of website not working. Basically just not believing in myself.
Looking forward to Monday.
Oh believe me, fear is a huge one for me too. I’ll actually be talking about it off and on throughout the series. Part of my goal with this, is to take it in baby steps-and with the support of all who become involved, help us all keep one another’s fears at bay!
I’m right there with you-fear
Can’t wait to start discussing on Monday (although I just now ordered the book).
Owning the book isn’t a prerequisite for participating-I’m hoping to keep the conversation to a point that everyone can join in. Although having the book will be helpful for so much more than just our discussions. So glad to have you joining in!!!