New Year’s Resolutions? I’m not a fan. 

It’s not that I don’t like self improvement – I love that.  It’s just that New Year’s resolutions seem so big and damning.  I’ve never had much success with big changes. 

If you’ve read any of my little (but growing) blog, you know I’m a big fan of goals (read that post here.)  What’s the difference?  For me, it's about attitude and planning.  Maybe it's just that, in the past, my resolutions have been unrealistic (too big) or not specific enough (no plan.)

When I set goals they are specific, and they are backed up by solid plans. I’m not talking about general goals like “become rich” or “find happiness.”  Setting a goal works when you have a plan behind it.  Yes, most people want to make more money and/or be happy.  It’s the “how” that’s important.  You got to have a step-by-step plan.

So it’s time to set personal and business goals for 2014.  Personal goals are easier for me so I’ll start there.  One personal goal I have is to compete in a swim meet this year.  I’m a 47 year old former collegiate swimmer who is freaking out about diving off the starting blocks (what if I strain my back? What if I belly flop?  What if I simply fall off?)  To address this concern, I’m going to practice.  Seems pretty logical to me.  Practice swimming fast.  Practice diving off the blocks (it’s been a while.)  I’m entering a meet in early February and will report back on how it goes (that should be a funny post, so come back and read it!)

Setting business goals are more difficult for me.  After the busy holiday season, when I participated in my first craft show, I need to regain some focus.  If I’m calling this a business and not a hobby – which believe me, Uncle Sam says it’s a business - then I need to pay more attention to details. 

Business Goal #1: Get a handle on the record-keeping.  I have been pretty hippy-dippy about how much I’m spending vs. how much I’m bringing in.  I know I’m making some money (I’m not THAT hippy-dippy) but I really couldn’t tell you exactly how much.  See that bulging envelope over there? It holds all the receipts (at least I have them!) So that’s my dirty little secret confession and Business Goal #1.  Get the books in order.  (My husband is doing a little happy dance right now.)

Business Goal #2:  Take it a little further.  Expand my horizons. 
I enjoy creating all sorts of things.  I have a well-documented love for fabric.  I like making jewelry.  I’ve fallen in love with my little bird and heart ornaments.  But I want to take it further. 

I want to step out of my comfort zone and exercise a muscle that has been sedentary for too long. I want to paint.  There, I said it.  I have this little voice in my head that says “you need to paint something. Anything.”  The voice is getting louder.  As I swim my laps I have all sorts of conversations with myself – and sometimes with others, but they don’t know I’m talking to them because I’m underwater (an entirely different post.)  Lately, the underwater conversations and images that accompany them are all about art – painting and multi-media specifically.

So goal #2 will include some paint, some paper, some glitter (for sure) and a canvas or two. And if I'm feeling brave I will share it here.  I’m not necessarily going to sell this art, but I’m excited to get back into it.  I’ve done a few multi-media projects in my time and really enjoy the process and outcome.  Friends who hike with me are always curious about the stuff I pick up off the ground, bottle caps, tags, chain.  Now we'll see what I can do with it. 

I’m contemplating participating in an online painting course like this one by Kelly Rae Roberts  or Brené Brown.

Have any of you taken an online painting/creative course?  Let me know what you think.

Business Goal #3  But wait!  There’s more!  Goal #3 will be to have a blast with the fabric that I already have (and I have a lot of it!) and create more scarves (which I still love) and a few other fabric-related products that are on my “to-create” list.  I’m excited about that too.  UPDATE: I just learned that my sewing machine needs to go in for service.  It will be gone for 2 weeks.  Before I send it away I'm going to whip up a few things - using some of the fabric that has been calling my name.  Nothing like a self imposed deadline to get me going!

Goal #4  Finally, Goal #4 is a combo personal/business goal:  Watch better t.v.  Not less t.v.  I love my programs, but I have to kick some (most) of the reality shows to the curb.  I know they are entertaining in a sick fascinating way, but I’m starting to get a bad taste in my mouth whenever I see them.  No judgment here though. You keep on watching them.  I understand the draw.  I’m just going to resist.  I wiped them from my DVR, readjusted the recording options and will stay away from the Bravo On Demand feature.  Plus, Downton Abbey started so I’m happy.  And Revenge. And Nashville. (There’s some stupid stuff, but I love it!) 

The reason Goal #4 falls into the personal and business sections:  I like to watch t.v. while I’m making things.  I look forward to the hand-sewing parts of my projects so I can click on the tube and watch those women be so mean to each other.  Now I will stitch to lovely British accents instead (although Downton has it’s elements of Housewives… that Edith and Mary relationship is messed up.)

One reason I started this blog was to share the joys and challenges of turning my love of making things into a business.  I really am a beginner though, so if you came here for expert advice, well, sorry.  But if you came here to see how I’m doing or are in the same boat, welcome!  Stay a while!  Leave a comment.  We’re all in this together.  Kumbaya. 

-Mary

A word about goals.  Setting them, working toward them, getting (and staying) focused.  The word is: YES.

In my last post I wrote about trying to become more focused on my goals.  I needed to shake off the glow and haze of summer that left me a little fuzzy on what was ahead for me.  I woke up and saw that each day passes and I really want to make them count - to have something to show for those 24 hours.

So I wrote a post about setting goals. And guess what happened?

July 31, 2013  -- (this date is sort of funny. sort of pathetic. sort of well … real life!)

Summer is nuts.  Every routine I established during the school year is out the window.  Exercise? Not so much.  Dinner?  PB&J is legit.  Laundry?  Sorry, maybe tomorrow.  Cleaning? Well, lets not pretend that ever really happened.

I could explain how busy I’ve been with two kids on summer swim team, a dog that doesn’t get walked enough and a husband who works from home. (see how I just explained that?) But I think most of us are in the same boat.  Regardless of if you have kids, dogs, husbands/wives/partners – summer just throws a wrench into the routine. 

Don’t get me wrong, we’re having (had) a fun time – lots of swimming, vacations, friends and family.  It’s great -- just different.

But that’s ok because it is officially Fall.  I love this time of year. Time for change.

As I mature (really?) I realize that I’m not so great with change.  I have a tough time getting on board with a new schedule.  It takes a while.  I’m working on that. 

It’s no surprise that my creative business on Etsy (the online store where I sell my handmade goods - Infinite8Creative) took a back seat over the summer.  I see it sitting there, in the waaaay back.  With the laundry.

In an effort to get focused, I read books and articles about growing an online business. I’ve found these very helpful:

Sell Crafts Online 
The Complete Idiot's Guide to Selling Your Crafts on Etsy

I’m also a huge fan of Brian Tracy’s GOALS!
At first look I thought GOALS! looked like a cheesy “get rich quick” type of book.  But it surprised me with its’ simple message: you are responsible for your life.  Don’t blame other folks when you’re not where you want to be.  Get focused, set some goals and head in that direction.  Pretty simple.

I tend to pick it up and randomly read from any chapter and it helps me focus, and not just on my business, but on my life goals as well.  You should check it out.

My “get back on track" reading gives me lists of things to do.  I love lists! And I can’t wait to put some little check marks next to each item.  There are some really great suggestions about marketing – SEO (that means Search Engine Optimization!), research (who’s selling what and where?), pricing (what’s my product? are other people selling the same thing? how are they priced? how can I make my products stand out? etc.) 

Etsy has a blog section with all sorts of advice for improving your business. 

I recently read one blog post on Etsy that inspired me to step out of my box a little more.  The article described some of the most successful craftspeople on Etsy offer the most unique items.  Don’t be afraid to be bold and unique.  Stay true to your artistic vision.  If you want to be known as the seller of porcupine art, or grasshopper sculptures, then do it.  And do it big. 

I’m going to try to bring more of that uniqueness to my shop.  More of “me.”  That’s exciting!

My Goals!
When I first started out on this little adventure in March 2013 my goal was to sell something online – put my toe in the water and see how it felt.  My friends and family came through in a big way.  Thank you!  Then I thought it would be really cool to sell something to a stranger.  I’ve sold some items to complete strangers (thank you Bethanne in IL - you were my "first stranger sale.") - which still surprises and thrills me! 

New Goal: I want to do better on Etsy.  However, it’s not enough to say “do better” or “sell more.”  I need to be specific with my goal. 

So, this week is about setting that specific sales goal, ramping up production on my existing products and introducing one new product. 

Oh, and I will make sure my family has clean underwear.   

Go out and set yourself a goal for this week, or month.  It can be anything, seriously.  It can be “do the friggin’ laundry, and actually fold it and put it away.”  See what happens.  I’d love to hear how that goes for you.  Leave a comment.

-Mary

I'm back!  Woo hoo!

Summer is busy with shepherding kids around and trying to keep up with my Etsy store - Infinite8Creative.

On my last (and first!) post I promised to explain the name of my business - Infinite 8 Creative.  It was inspired by these lovely ladies.

This is my girls' group (I'm in the middle, pink shirt) - we have been getting together on the first Thursday of each month for the past 11 years.  Some of us have been friends since the womb - our mom's were pregnant together.  Most went to the same high school.  Some met in college.  Two are related by blood, but we are all sisters.  We came together as a group 11 years ago and I look forward to every first Thursday since then. We have been through a lot together (you know... laughter, tears, etc.)  I love each and every one of them. 

We are always trying to come up with new names for our group.  First it was Bunco because we did attempt to play that game at our first few meetings.  However, it became clear that none of us had any interest and soon we referred to our meeting as "bunco" using the air quotes.  Several names have circulated over the years.  The most recent identity has been The Infinite 8.  Sort of super-hero-esque.  We each own the same infinity sign necklace and wear it often. There are eight of us.  The number eight looks like an infinity sign.  Get it?

Long ago we decided that our group is closed to new members and/or guests.  Have a cousin visiting?  Sorry, you'll have to leave her at home.  Old college roommate?  Nope.  The conversations are too personal (and goofy) to share with an "outsider."  Our meetings are a place to vent and celebrate and laugh 'til we (I mean ME) pee.  Bringing a visitor would upset the vibe.  We also can't meet in public places because of previously mentioned laughter, tears and occasional peeing.  We used to try to dine out and were asked to leave.  Plus our meetings go on for approximately six hours - a server's nightmare!

So my group of ladies - The Infinite 8 - are a support system like no other.   Each of them, while I can already hear their protests, is creative in their own right.  If and when they would like to sell something in the Infinite 8 Creative shop, they are welcome as my featured guest artistes.  They are my girls and I wanted to name my shop after them.  So there.

Here are a few goodies from my shop - happy July to you all!  ~Mary