Small Biz: 5 Great Podcasts for Creatives

I love that we live in a time where there's so much information available in so many different formats all hours of the day. Podcasts are one of my favorite ways to learn about new things and hear about other people's lives and work. Fortunately, there are a bunch of great podcasts around that are focused on creative small business. I listen to at least one of those podcast during my average work day. They enrich the time spent doing otherwise menial tasks (folding and packaging greeting cards, anyone?) and keep me inspired in my own business and interested in the work of others.

And coincidentally, I've had the pleasure of meeting all of these ladies in person at Craftcation. Happy accident!

Raise Your Hand. Say Yes. by Tiffany Han
"A podcast about the creative adventures of (extra)ordinary people." I love Tiffany's no-nonsense approach to creative work and her podcasts never fail to inspire - whether it's to get off the computer to get some real work done or to tell those negative inner voices that everything will be fine. Really.
Favorite episode: Crazyfaith. Tiffany's interviews with creative businesswomen are so interesting and super inspiring, but I especially loved this episode with just Tiffany talking about something called crazyfaith.

While She Naps by Abby Glassenberg
"I talk with designers and makers about what it really takes to build a creative business. Then we recommend great stuff we're loving right now." Abby's interviews are so engaging. She asks the best questions, but also lets the dialog flow so it feels like a casual chat. 
Favorite episode: It's a tie between the interview with Heather Moore of Skinny LaMinx and with Steve Fraser, Co-founder of Spoonflower. I'd want to be Heather when I grow up and Spoonflower has opened a lot of doors for me and my small business, so, enough said!
 
Crafty Planner
"A City Planner Making Crafty Things" I love the relaxed feel to Sandi's interviews. I always feel like I really get to know the guests just by listening in on the conversation.
Favorite episode: Interview with sewing pattern designer Christine Haynes. I got to chat with Christine in a long fabric cutting line at Super Buzzy right after Craftcation and she is so sweet! I enjoyed hearing about her work and the workspace she's created in her home.

Explore Your Enthusiasm by Tara Swiger
"I lead adventures for makers (like you!) who want to explore your best work, your most-right people, and your own definition of success." Tara's business tips and tricks are so helpful! 
Favorite episode: What to say when "networking." The best advice for knowing when to hand a business card to that person you just met.

Dear Handmade Life
"Drinks and discussions on creative business, DIY, craft and design for entrepreneurs and makers" It probably isn't much of a surprise but the ambitious ladies behind Patchwork Show and Craftcation also have a podcast! 
Favorite episode: Wheels to Bricks with Carlos Salgado. I'm not involved with the food scene, but it was really interesting to learn about one guy's experience transitioning from food truck to brick and mortar restaurant.

So those are my current faves. Do you have any that you'd recommend? I'm always looking for new ones to listen to, so I'd love to hear your suggestions! Just let me know in the comments.

Have a great weekend!

Small Biz: Craft Fair Packing Checklist - A Free Printable!

Spring is in full swing and if you're an entrepreneur of the crafty variety you may be considering your craft fair schedule for the year. My mini is still loaded up with inventory that I took to Patchwork Show last Sunday so craft fairs are still fresh on the brain for me. I've done enough of them by now to have a fairly good system in place to make sure I have everything I need, but the panicky feelings still creep in sometimes when I'm on the way to a show - "Did I forget my tablecloths?! Do I have my change?" Feeling totally prepared helps take the stress out of the equation so I decided to write up a craft fair packing checklist. And since some of you may be in the same craft fair schlepping boat I decided to share it here. Click here to download your own copy!

Check off each item as you load it in to the car! I included a few blank lines for you to add anything additional or specific that you use in your setup. I hope it's helpful! And I hope you have a wonderful weekend!

P.S. Thinking about kicking off a new creative venture but don't know where to start? Feeling like you need to read a few more articles about SEO and product photography before you launch that new Etsy shop? Check out my post about getting started.

Small Biz: Getting Started (and a free printable!)

I announced this blog series last week and I'm so excited to dive right in! I have lots of ideas for very specific topics but I don't want to get ahead of myself, so let's start at the very beginning!

So you have a great idea for a handmade business/podcast/blog/craft workshop/whatever. Now what?

Just Get Started

Yep, that's it. Just start! If there's one thing we all have in common it's that we all have to start somewhere. Usually that somewhere isn't glamorous or perfect or exciting, but it's somewhere. And that's all that matters.

I'll use my experience as an example: Back in 2007 I taught myself how to screen print and started making greeting cards. I thought, hey, people might want to buy these! Back then my plan back then was never to start a business, it was just to have fun and make a little money to support my new hobby. But either way, hobby or business, I had to get started! I opened an Etsy shop, snapped a couple pictures of my new cards, wrote a little description, guessed at a price, and clicked publish on the listing. And there it was! My creation was out in the world for people to see! So exciting! My first card sold within a couple of days and I was officially hooked, excited and ready to work on more products and designs and get other stuff listed.

Sounds great, right? Well, it wasn't as perfect as it sounded. My photos were bad. Terrible, even. I only had 2 products to choose from. I didn't know what my brand was, at all. I didn't have a logo. My prices were too low. Even though all of these things were "wrong" at the time, it's what got me started and gave me the energy to continue. And guess what? I learned everything else along the way! I learned how to take better photos, effectively price my products, focus my brand, and diversify my product line in these past 7 years of doing business. Honestly if I thought I had to have all of those things nailed down when I wrote my first listing I probably would've been too overwhelmed to ever start.

Here are my do's and don'ts for helping you to just get started with a new creative endeavor.

Do:

• Outline what needs to be done. What are the steps that will get you to your goal? Focus on the necessary ones, only.
• Give yourself a deadline and stick to it!
• Enlist a friend to help hold you accountable. Tell someone about your goals and ask them to check in with you about them. It'll be harder to procrastinate if you know someone's expecting you to deliver on your promises.
• Quit thinking and start doing! Don't get stuck with analysis paralysis.

Don't:

• Don't get distracted by the details.
• Don't feel like everything needs to be perfect.
• Don't spend hours on end searching Pinterest.

I love this quote by Maya Angelou and think it's so fitting for starting something new, doing your best, and learning from it! I liked it so much I made a hand lettered printable for you! Download it right here if you'd like.

I'll continue this series of blog post with other topics, but please let me know if there's something specific you'd like to see covered here. Just leave a comment or send me an email. :) And have a great weekend!