Networking is the key to growth!

The other day, my friend posted a picture of her daughter online wearing a headband I had made her. That was what I needed. Everyone kept asking her where she got the headband and she told them it was from me. Message after message was popping up in my inbox for orders. It's amazing. One photo can be such a huge game changer for you. Even the right person finding you. Now I have a busy weekend ahead of me making a bunch of headbands to send out next week but it's worth it to me.

I just met another crafter a few nights ago. She's so great at what she does. Her company makes the cutest little headbands and my favorite part is she has Seahawks themed headbands! Only, she is so new to this and has no clue how to find business. Here little birdy, let me take you under my wing and help you. When I started, there was no one around who would help me. It was all so hush hush. People had the mentality that if they did all the work then why should they share the secrets? I didn't understand that. There is plenty of business to go around for everyone. This is why I was more than happy to share my secrets with others.

She was so surprised by the things I was telling her. She didn't realize about PayPal invoicing to hide her privacy or that there were so many free ways to market. If you get a minute, stop by her Facebook page and show her some love Macey's Closet.  We have teamed up for a fun little giveaway coming next week on the blog to help her gain exposure and gain more business.

One of the best ways to network is to just be friendly with other businesses. Like their Facebook pages and participate in conversations. Tweet with them. Love their Instagram photos. More often than not, these companies will return the love. There are also plenty of linkup parties online too. Just search business on Facebook and you will be shocked at how many resources you can find. It does take time to grow but the best companies have been around for a long time because they were patient!

Don't give up!

*Alyssa*

Trial and Error of New Products: Painting Faux Pumpkins

As a business owner, I follow a lot of other business pages. Not only is a great way to network but you also can see what's selling and for how much. I enjoy seeing other people's failures, not because I'm cruel but because it shows they have a real passion for what they are doing. They are willing to keep working until they get it just right. I don't like to fail but I know it's going to happen. So I've made sure that when I have a new idea for something, I should practice it.

With the season turning into Autumn, I thought it would be a great idea to get some items in that theme for the shop. So I bought Audrey and I some "testers" to play with. We have these small faux pumpkins from Dollar Tree that are "carvable". I'm not vey good at carving a real pumpkin so I was very hesitant with some Styrofoam pumpkin. So obviously my next thought was to decorate them. I've been seeing such fun things online about decorating pumpkins with paints, glue, and my favorite, GLITTER!

 

I tested out a jack-o-lantern style pumpkin. I'm going to have my nephew try it out.

As you can see, it's not as tall as a soda can. Perfect for small hands. You can't see it in the photo but I made marks on the pumpkin as my outline.

 

Then I painted in the areas I outlined with black paint. I used my acrylic enamel this time but if you are doing it with a child, then you will want to use Tempera. It's a non-toxic paint that washes off of everything, including clothes. I didn't like how light the stem was so I went over it with a darker brown paint.

 

I think it turned out pretty cute and I have a feeling my nephew is going to love it.

 

I can't wait to make more and show them to you.

 

*Alyssa*