{Hand Embroidery by The Merriweather Council aka the author of this post–available for purchase}
There are currently seven interviews posted in ARTrepreneur. There is a ton of awesome information and insight within these interviews, but I wanted to share just a few of the simple but awesome things that have really stuck with me.
Regarding finding “the one.”
“As a creative you can do so many things, and do them well, but – what really resonates with you – that’s what you need to find.” – Lisa Lehmann
To me this means, find what you like to do – of course – but don’t do everything you like to do. Do what you feel really, super passionate about. Do the thing that makes you oh-so-happy. Just because you are good at a bunch of stuff, doesn’t mean you need to do it all nor should you. You’re probably better off, businesswise, pursuing only the things that truly get your wheels turning. You might be taking time away from your true calling by doing something else that you are good at but don’t truly enjoy doing. Think about it.
Regarding Ideas overload
“Have your ideas handy.” – Mayi Carles
Mayi suggests keeping your ideas close but in physical form. Get them out of your head and onto paper. Keep your ideas around you in the form of notes, songs, pictures, letters – whatever reminds you of those things you want to try. Keeping everything in your head is distracting and, as we all know, you probably won’t remember it all. Get it out! Write it down! Post it somewhere!
Regarding Etsy
“Renewing is advertising…. Advertising to people who are already there to buy.” – Jess Van Den
Just think about that for a second.
People who have come to Etsy are already there to buy, or at least browse things they might want to buy.
You want to be seen on Etsy when people are searching or browsing your category. Renew wisely and on a budget but also be mindful of your tags and keywords so that when people are ready to buy, they will find you and your awesome shop!
Regarding Twitter
“Think of Twitter as a way to chat with coworkers.” – Jessica Swift
This is one of the best things I’ve ever heard said about Twitter. So simple, so true, so encompassing. You don’t only talk to coworkers about work, but you also don’t share all your dirty laundry with them either. You also talk to coworkers like they are actual human beings. You wouldn’t stand up on your desk chair and peer out over the cubicles in your office and shout “just listed: 1960s floral upholstered arm chair, excellent condition” would you? No. Use Twitter to make natural conversations with people. Don’t just talk at people, talk with them.
About the Author: Hey there! I’m Danielle, and I am the artist/ maker behind The Merriweather Council! I am a 22 year old, recent college grad living and crafting in Boston, Massachusetts. My interests include traveling both near and far, reading books by Jonathan Safran Foer multiple times, drinking iced lattes and watching shows in which forensics are used to solve crimes (have you ever noticed it is often a fiber that cracks the case? A thread or a piece of fabric – totally way too awesome) and of course – making things! Ever since graduating in May, I’ve completely immersed myself in my crafty biz and I’m super excited to see what happens next!
The mental image of someone yelling a new listing over a bunch of cubicles is totally cracking me up. That is such a smart way to think of it! These are all such great tips, thanks for pulling them out of those amazing interviews.
I know…that got my funny bone, too!
haha I’m glad you liked that part!
“Think of Twitter as a way to chat with coworkers.” – Jessica Swift
So true!! With Twitter, we’re not alone anymore! It’s really like being at work and chatting with friends!
Yep, if you think about it that way, it’s easier to know how to use social media…by being social 🙂
twitter is the best, isnt it?
So good Danielle:)! I love the cubicle imagery:)! Such good points from awesome ladies, I will surely be coming back to it!
thanks Erin!
I love all of these insights especially the Twitter one. I am getting started on Twitter and appreciate this humorous and helpful advice!
glad you liked it Kerry! thanks!
I am not much of a twitter person but thinking of twitter this way is pretty helpful for the un-twitter person
its definitely not for everyone, but if you want to get started I think Jessica’s point is definitely a good one to keep in mind!
Twitter is complicated to me. I have a hard time striking up a random conversation. I must admit I do post things I list, but I do look for others to chat to – I enjoy seeing blog posts on there (like this one).
i post things too sometimes! It’s just not a good practice, in my opinion anyway, to ONLY post listings or to mostly post listings – also, to post them just like automated – rather, write your own tweet including something like “new design” or ask for input or something that like. Something that leaves room for others to respond, you know?
I recently told someone to not let the ideas become the stumbling blocks to the vision.
Like Mayi, I have to write down my ideas; and then digest them for a while before tackling them.
such a good point, erika!
Oooohhh, I LOVE these! The Twitter one really jumped out at me, and I love the analogy of shouting out over your cubicle, as well. 🙂 What a great way to look at it!
LOL I can’t stop laughing about the twitter office analogy. I would like Jerry Seinfield to expand on this idea + make a whole show about Twitter + coworkers. Jerry are you there?
Let’s call him!? maybe he wants to work with us!?
hi what do you meen buy ”Renew wisely’ ‘ i always wonder how to do that how much, same items or different ones, one at a time or a feu all together
no idea..
help please
When I said renew wisely I meant, in accordance to times when your traffic if highest (which you can find via your google analytics) and on budget according to your advertising plans. I also like to check my tags and keywords – and visit the merchandising report as well – before renewing! I hope that was helpful!
thank you
i will do that
all the best
Great information and wonderful advice! I especially like your comment about Twitter.
thanks Dena!
Love what you’ve said about Twitter! Here’s my current Twitter problem. I jumped on the Twitter bandwagon way back when it first came out, or shortly thereafter. I didn’t really know what I was doing, so I just started following as many people as I could, without really getting to know who they were, what they did, what sort of relationship we could have, etc. Then I stopped tweeting for a while, and I feel like so many friendships were formed amongst the people I follow, and I sort of got left behind… So now here I am, finally “getting” it, yet I am stuck following thousands of people who I really have nothing in common with. It’s too distracting to even find people that I truly find interesting, amongst all the “not for me” people I am following. I wish I could go back and start all over… Is that even possible?
Sarah – you can feel free to unfollow people – if you have absolutely no interest in them, and what they are tweeting bores you – don’t feel obligated to follow them! If you are currently following someone who you do enjoy following – see who they are following and follow a few of those people, this way you are staying within your network.
I also sometimes check to suggestions on twitter – “similar to” – I think it’s called which you can view for people who you’ve added and such.
If there is a blog you like to read, see if that blogger has an account on twitter – if there is a shop you like, see if that shop owner has twitter.
Also, I suggest interacting with others by responding to questions or jumping in on chats.
i hope that was helpfuL!
The funny thing is I sell cubicles and it is amazing what we yell over them in our sales area! I never thought about yelling about my jewelry, it would be funny since I work with all guys!
yes please try that out!
Great post+points, Danielle. I too love, love what you said about Twitter. Like so many of us here, I am alone a lOt and I’ve found Twitter a great way to connect and beat that feeling of isolation that can creep up on you.
yeah! twitter is great!
PS. I’m a JSF fan as well. I met him at a book party in New York a few years back where he was one of the featured guests. I was a total dork and said it would be really “premium” of you if you would sign my book (Everything Is Illuminated) 😉
You met him!? Ahhh that’s amazing!!
I love that you said premium. I love him/his writing so much! thanks for sharing that!
thanks for this, Danielle, because I just joined twitter and don’t want to shout over the cubicle wall!
I could really relate to your “Finding the One” and “Ideas Overload” topics. I am currently a jewelry designer who creates simple artistic one of a kind jewelry. I also like to sketch and write, which seem to all go hand in hand, but with me, it doesn’t.
Some jewelry artists start with a sketch, but if I sketch a piece of jewelry, there is a very good chance I’m not going to make that beautiful piece of jewelry because the idea has manifested itself right there on paper – I no longer feel the need to make it.
I do enjoy sketching jewelry, perhaps even more than I like making jewelry. Hmmm…something to think about…
I also enjoy buying jewelry supplies more than I like making jewelry. (Ohhh, I feel like such a traitor! LOL!) Actually, I have been trying to give myself permission to stop making jewelry for the last 3 years…I just could not figure out what to do next!
Wow that is really interesting! Such a different approach. Maybe you could just collect the supplies and use them to draw from life the jewelry pieces that you imagine – i could see some really awesome sketches of jewelry on archival paper or something … or drawings of just the supplies you feel inspired by. Hmm… definitely interesting. Maybe some lovely watercolor type sketches? I think you should try it out!
interesting thoughts, Danielle, thanks for writing this down. i find the section about ideas overload so true 🙂
Thanks for the reminder on renewing and checking tags and keywords.
Also I think I need to utilize google analytics better, and really get a read on my traffic.
I probably need to utilize my 14 year old son more this summer….have him help me come up with some fresh ideas and some computer know how.
deana – I think google analytics is great even if you just scratch the surface of it. Good luck! If your son can’t help, let me know, I’ll help you find some articles 🙂
Twitter is just a lot of small talk nonsense….and a time waster…I would rather put my energy into something constructive.
I completely disagree. I’ve actually formed a lot of relationships on Twitter–and I get sales from Twitter.
Shelly, I’m sorry you feel that way – you’re not following the right people, i think! As April has said, I’ve also made a lot of great connections through twitter. I’ve made sales through twitter as well! It can absolutely be an epic time suck, but you have to use it correctly, is there something you’d like to know? Maybe we can help!
I like the suggestion of writing ideas down. so often I buy or order supplies knowing exactly what my plan is and then by the time I get them all together – I can’t remember my idea because I have moved onto something else.
Thank you for the tips
Angel, yes! i do that too! write those ideas down… and then put the list somewhere you wont forget to look it! ha thats the other hard part…
I particular find the “keep your ideas handy” very handy. Very often the ideas come and go without a trace. This will be a very good tips
Ok, I am rethinking the way I send out my new listing notifications. I don’t want to be the one yelling over the cubicle walls anymore. I will search for a more gentler way to get the word out that I’ve listed something you might like to see. WIthout screaming it over the walls.
Thanks for helping me see the light. 🙂
OK, I’m convinced that re-listing is a good idea. I like your analogy very much. In the past year, I’ve finally come around to Facebook, and I see its value. Now, you are persuading me to use Twitter, something I never thought I’d do……
I love all of these insights especially the Twitter one. thanks for sharing that! I am getting started on Twitter and appreciate this humorous and helpful advice! Maybe we can help!