Do Not Focus on the Slow Sales Today. Prepare for More Sales Tomorrow!

Yes, times are slow right now for many reasons! It’s the summer so families are out and about instead of buying things. Also, some families have added expenses like summer camp! People are just enjoying the weather, going on vacations and not being the usual consumer. It’s typical with Summer to have a slow season so do not let it discourage you! Look at the silver lining... you have a bit more time on your hands to take advantage of!

If you allow this slow time to bring you down then you will only sink yourself! Be positive and utilize this time to prepare for the holiday season coming up! Plan ahead and get cracking on those marketing and business plans! Stay busy and stay positive. I have always honestly thought that the Summer was a WONDERFUL break to allow us to prepare for the Christmas rush.

Have you started increasing your inventory? Have you started working on your marketing plans for the holiday season? Have you considered what added bonuses you will offer your customers to make their lives easier during this insane time? Have you formulated any sales plans to increase traffic? What about holiday marketing? What will YOU being doing to stop focusing on the slow sales today and prepare for the quick increase of very very soon!

-I’m looking at different banner advertising on Mom forums.
-I will be donating goods to various non-profits for sweepstakes in exchange for advertising on their websites and things of that nature
-I am increasing my inventory and will be offering only in stock and OOAK outfits instead of a lot of Custom Made to Size
-I will be offering gift wrapping
-I am going to be sending out postcards to my previous customers and anyone that signs up for my Newsletter that will include promos for them for the holidays

These are just a few off the top of my head. What will you be focusing on to move you forward through the slow times?

How Much Is Negativity Costing You?

A Positive Business is a Productive Business

There is no room for negativity in the workplace. At all. None. So stop it like yesterday. Negative energy will only weigh you, the company, your employees and eventually your clients down. If you want to have a productive and successful business you have to start with your own energy and how to control it.

Let’s say your competitor is ahead of the game. They make more sales. They get more exposure. They get better reviews. You have a few options from this point forward.

A) Throw a fit. Be negative. Make claims on how they don’t deserve it. Bash them in hoping others will turn on them. Make yourself feel better short term by expending this negative energy that will eventually sink like a ton of bricks on your shoulders.

B) Do nothing.

C) DO something about it! Change it! Use it to motivate you! Figure out what the other guy is doing that you are not. Why aren’t you?! Don’t steal ideas! No, I don’t condone that. However, I do encourage changing your business practices and how your customers perceive you. You don’t always have to undercut the other guy and get your prices lower to make the sale. Sometimes you just have to improve yourself to make you worth your asking price. Notice I said you, not just your products, YOU are an integral part of your business and your customer knows this.

How does one do this? Simple and not simple. You have to start somewhere so I suggest starting with looking at yourself. Critique yourself. Ask others. Find REAL constructive criticism and take it well. Take it happily. Reach out to your previous clients and ask for input. Don’t be spammy. Offer something in return for their valuable time. Free shipping! 10% off for filling out a survey. Did someone tell you that you have poor customer service? GOOD! Now what can you do to make it right? What can you change to prevent that from ever happening again.

Also, stop blaming the other guy. Stop with the negativity. How is that productive? Spending an hour being angry over something you feel has an impact on your business will do absolutely nothing to move you forward. It will simply hold you back. Stop choosing to let YOU be your worst enemy!! Sure, get upset but then push yourself forward. Do something positive about it. Anything positive! Just get off of your butt and do something positive to progress your business otherwise you are going to sink yourself.

I'm taking a break... but, not really...

The kids are sleeping and I just got done getting dinner ready to be cooked tonight. Everything is sauced up, chopped and soaked. MmMmMm.

I also cut all the fabric for the clothes I am putting together today.

I folded laundry, oh I need to start another load!

I cleaned up and loaded up the dishes from breakfast and lunch.

I've just started replying to convos, messages and e-mails. I'm almost done.

I've browsed a bit on the forums.

I picked out books and printed work sheets for the kids after they wake up from their naps.

The grocery list is done for shopping after we read and color.

So yeah... that is what I do when I have a "break". Maybe I should make some more coffee. LOL Thank you for peeking into my world. Hope you enjoyed the chaos ;)

New Designs for Big Girls!

First I have to give some credit to these designs to my daughter... she is 6 years old. Her and I came up with this whole half back skirt tutu design when she wanted to add "a bit more awesome" (as she puts it) to her wardrobe. We started doing this a couple years ago and its evolved into many different things. Here are a few new things I've listed the past two days for girls who want to add a bit more awesome!

Skull Tutu Tank-
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=13629646

Ruffle Tanks-
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=13605401
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=13605538

Sweet Skulls Treasury by Tizzalicious

It always makes me so happy to be in a treasury!! This awesome treasury was put together by Tizzalicious

http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5119701

She makes Kawaii and Rockabilly accessories! Check her out!

The Treasury can be found at this link for the time being http://www.etsy.com/treasury_list_west.php?room_id=17256

Lets Put A Smile On That Face Treasury

Here is a Treasury West I made for the DIYscene Team July Theme! Its been really difficult not to purchase every single Joker items these amazing ladies have come up with!

The Goods:

WinterLights: http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5140244
TheClayPony: http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=13459966
MarianBlack83: http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=13423743
DIYTrixie: http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=13507166
MeanLook: http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=13509687
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=13463621
Platipuses: http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=13468212
DIYSewrad: http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=13481688
XPoppysWickedGardenX: http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=13364154
JenellesRevenger: http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=13481237
Dinogirl66: http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=13452886
pzcreations22: http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=13474535

Super Hero Treasury

DIYscene Team ( www.diyscene.com ) has a July theme of Comics/Super Heroes going on right now. This has gone over VERY well!! Everyone made absolutely amazing items!

Here is a treasury I was included in: http://www.etsy.com/treasury_list_west.php?room_id=16862

It was made by MsChrista: http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5325142

Making the front page of Etsy!

I'm really modest about my designs and what I do... although I am overly confident in all the other aspects of my life... aka Cocky! Okay, seriously though I am really modest.

I was once chatting on the forum on Etsy and a buyer said, "This is really exciting... I am a HUGE fan of yours!"

Who are you a fan of? Huh? Wait, me? Seriously? WOW. *faints*

The whole idea of having fans of my work is really flattering. Extremely flattering. Almost something that I didn't even think was possible. Again, modest I suppose. So when I make a treasury that is made by someone I don't know, or who isn't on my Etsy Team then it stuns me. I end up taking a screenshot of it and store it away. That might seem silly. I would love to know if anyone else does the same!!

So I have now made the frontpage of Etsy twice! TWICE! They were about a month apart. In one day I was on 3 treasuries, had a showcase and made the front page. It was the great day I needed and a huge motivation for me. The same cherry ruffle onesie by the same awesome seller. Here is a picture of my hour of fame on Etsy...





The seller is Spongetta: http://www.spongetta.etsy.com/

I see her all over the forums being supportive and giving sage advice. She has great bags and a great book cover for trashy novels and I have many friends that can use those!