Building a Business

You know, I don't care what anyone says, building a business, especially on a limited start-up capital, is very difficult. Add to that the fact that we are in such a horrible economy at this time, no one is wanting to spend money on things that are non-essential. Unfortunately for those of us in the crafting business, this business is often looked at as non-essential. But, if you truly think of it, at least in the same way that I do, my crafting is a form of therapy for me. It gives me a chance to escape from the everyday problems of life and focus on something fun and beautiful. I can forget all the turmoil going on around me for a while and focus on creating something special! If it weren't for crafting, scrapbooking, cardmaking, I know I would be in the looney bin by now!! I can go in my room, close the door, turn on my music and everyone knows to leave me alone unless there is a dire emergency!! This allows me to relax to the point that my creative juices start flowing and before I know it, I have pumped out several scrapbook pages, or cards, or both! I am very thankful to have the resources available to me that I do, to give me the encouragement I need along the way. There are so many different resources available to me that I did not previously have! I just have to be cautious in the way that I use them, so I don't OVER use them. I just thank God for providing me with these resources.

 I'm sure you have heard this same story from several others but I am going to share it with you once more if you don't mind. I have started using the LateNightStamper Bootcamp for business builders. My plan is to use this program and hopefully make my minimum this month, because if I don't sell $400 by the end of July, that's it for me as a demo!! I don't want that to happen, but when you live in a small rural town it is so hard to get your message to the right people to get orders!! I did however have a halleluiah moment yesterday when I got a bite on my DBWS. This customer was so excited to find someone close to her home, which happens to be my home town as well, and she told me that she is willing to do whatever she can to help me stay afloat! PRAISE GOD!! I was seriously about to throw in the towel, but God knew better! Thank you Lord for that encouragement, and a renewed sense of desire to make this work!!
So, if you are struggling and just can't seem to get your program to work, try the LNS Bootcamp, and prayer. I don't think you will go wrong with either one!
Happy Stamping everyone!!
Judy

Samples, samples, and more samples

Bottom line is just this, I have to get more samples done for my workshops that I have coming up. Plus I have to decide what kinds of cards we are going to make and get the supplies ordered! I am so excited about my first workshop! I want it to go really well! And I'm not just referring to sales, although, yes, I want to have a good amount of sales because this hostess deserves it!!! But mostly I am looking forward to the opportunity to fellowship with friends and show them some techniques they haven't tried, and have them leaving this show with at least one card they have made and possibly a kit to make a second! I want to have lots of samples to show, some really simple, and some in the difficult stage. I hope I can get some committment to a monthly club! That reminds me, I need to make up a sign up sheet for the club. AND, I need to make plans for an open house!!!
I have an excellent location, provided it's not in use on the day I choose. My main concern is advertising. I can't afford to spend much on advertising, so I'm thinking about putting flyers out at a couple of businesses that I know won't mind, as well as asking all of our local photographers, to come and see what I have to offer, as well as recommending to their customers to come by!
Any of you that have had open houses in the past, I am ready for any suggestions you may have. I was thinking of having one or possibly two simple make and takes that look like they were a lot more work than they actually will be. And, I will have samples on display with prices listed and take orders for them, or possibly sell the ones I have on display. I would really rather not do that though, because if I sell one of my examples early, then those who come later won't have the chance to see it!
I also want to have a door prize, at least one! Please, give me any suggestions you may have about that. What should I give as maybe hourly door prizes (maybe a 3D project?) and then a grand prize at the end of the day. Question is, what should I give as a grand prize?
Since I am just getting started, my supply of Stampin' Up! inventory is pretty much non-existant, with the exception of my starter kit. I was kind of thinking of the grand prize being a small tote with lots of little goodies in it such as stickers, maybe some paper, bling. Things such as that will come out of my personal stash of stuff and help me to reduce my non-SU items. Although I will also include SU items, just not sure what as of  now. Suggestions PLEASE.
I pray you all have a wonderful, stamp-happy day tomorrow and stay warm!!!!