Audio Books and Marketing

I just recently started listening to audiobooks because they get me through the boring chores, and driving back and forth to school.  The last one I've been listening too is In Praise of Stay-at-Home Moms CD.  It has been enlightening to say the least.  Some of it I believe and other parts just aren't for me.

The other audio book is called Inbound Marketing: Get Found Using Google, Social Media, and Blogs (New Rules Social Media Series)) about marketing your brand on the web.  I have never been very good with the marketing side of things.  I have worked on my photography, verbiage, and even my technical skills so this is the last thing that I really need to work on (besides a website). However, the bane of the small business is that I have to learn to do everything.  It takes away from my creative time but if I can't sell what I make then my business won't grow.  I can only make so many necklaces, bracelets, and earrings for myself and family. 

The one thing the book got me thinking about is how I don't really specialize in anything.  I suspect to get repeat customers I need to pick one unique thing about my business and promote it.  This is hard for me since I am sure I have crafting ADD.  I have been making jewelry going on nine years and I still move from one project to the next without a central focus. 

I have pretty much decided to aim most of my businesses at moms, babies, and children.  It encompasses a huge variety of jewelry.  Plus I can always work on the other stuff when I get time.  It works for me because I still get to work with a variety of materials but the focus will be on family.

That should be easy since my focus right now is my family.  So, next I will be making a plan on how to do that.  It isn't as fun as making jewelry but the rewards will be great.  I wish it came natural but I'm thankful there are easy references.  I wonder how everyone else markets their business online?

Earrings

I finally got around to making those earrings I posted the other night.  I wanted to learn the technique and what I learned is that I need more practice.  Still it isn't too bad for a first attempt :)







I'll most likely make another one sometime today.  I had a rough night sleepwise and I am feeling the pull of a nap!

Hello 2011

The kids came home today from my mom's. They had a wonderful time but were totally exhausted. So our plan to visit the aquarium got canceled until later. I think we are meeting up with Tabby on Monday to go to the Putt Putt Fun House. The kids will enjoy visiting with Korben.

Kind of sad we didn't get to visit much this holiday. Oh well, at least the strep is gone and we are all healthy.I was going to bead tonight but I got all caught up in programming my remote. We managed to save up and buy a TV and Blue Ray player. Totally cool how they all hook together these days.

I think I am going ton try and make some earrings like these:

bye 2010...its been fun :)

Last post of the year.  I don't really do resolutions but i do make goals.  Last year was the year I get my house in order.  It isn't perfect but, I did very well.  As of yesterday I can have company over again.  It's been a long while since I have been able to say that.  The kids rooms need to be cleaned up and the carpet shampooed but other than that we are good to go.

So, this year I am going to work on all things financial.  I want more budgeting, a bigger emergency fund, and all around making more and spending less.  So, this seems like a small goal but it really isn't.  I shop when i am stressed about money and other things which is detrimental to financial security.  So, I have to learn to manage my feelings instead of hide from them at the store.

I have also named 2011 the year of awesome.  Positive thinking!

Now for something a little different

One of the things I love to do besides jewelry is to shop for deals.  I just found really good printable coupons for Campbells soup.  They are sponsoring a new contest to try something new at sweepstakeslovers.com.  If you want to play the contest or print the coupons go to:

http://www.sweepstakeslovers.com/sweepstakes/?p=TryCampbellSoup.com

Now, back to your regularly scheduled blog :)

Mommie musings

While driving the kids to school, I asked the what they want to be when they grow up. My daughter piped up with I want to be a jeweler and work with you momma. My son said he wanted to be a salesman, and sell my jewelry. It was so flattering to hear but bittersweet at the same time. I try to be realistic when they say things like that. Mostly because I know how they will change in just a few short years.
My son always wants to sleep in our bed. Last month, I cleaned up his room and got him to sleep in there full time. With the start of school, he started sneaking in our bed at night. I keep encouraging him to sleep in his room but a little part of me misses him. I know it won't be long before my mere presence will embarrass him.

My daughter always tells me that she never wants to grow up so she can stay with me. I tell her that she is welcome to stay with us but she doesn't really have a choice about growing up. My heart breaks a little everytime she makes this statement. I know that not only will she grow up but the last person she will want to be around is me.

Someone posted on facebook that they would love to go back in time and hold their children as babies again. That resonated with me because of our conversations. I've tried to savor it and slow it down but it still feels like these eight years have flown by.

Necklace and other fun stuff

I am having such trouble being motivated lately.  It is like a took a lazy pill and it won't wear off.  I have been managing to do everything on my three step action list (sort of like a todo) but it is HARD. I got all my orders off and finished resizing a ring.  

I hate resizing rings.  I am finding that just because I can doesn't mean I should.  I just don't have the equipment to do it in a timely manner.  It takes me three days from start to finish with all the torchwork and polishing.  So, I'll do it but I am charging for the service.

I started working on a necklace for me tonight.  It is an orchid carved out of agate really pretty an unique.  I am using agate, Italian onyx, and glass beads for the necklace portion.

I also made this necklace with doing wire work.  I worked the chain out of a design I saw in a magazine.  It listed it on Etsy just yesterday.

http://www.etsy.com/listing/51027916/wire-wrapped-chain-necklace-with-faceted




I think I am going out with the guys tomorrow to see the new Predator movie so that should be fun.  This weekend is all about cleaning!