How many ways can I avoid sitting down and filling my pre-paid orders????? I own a home based business making faux-floral wedding bouquets. And some days, especially Mondays, it’s a challenge getting focused. Do you ever feel this way? Hmmm. I can write this blogpost about avoiding my orders! I mean, others must feel this way too so I MUST share it! I can take … Continue reading 10 Ways to AVOID Doing Your Job!
Every now and then I come across a post that resonates with me. When I read this topic about negative feedback I realized it’s a common problem, especially with online sites where leaving feedback is encouraged. WeddingWire is a great resource for my button bouquets and alternative bouquets. But they also offer tips like this one, “How to respond to a negative review.” I especially like the … Continue reading Negative Review? How to deal with it.
Do you jump right into your new creations? Or do you savor the moment when you begin? Or maybe you avoid starting a new project, studiously working on any number of legitimate busywork to put it off. Everyone has a different process. Do your ideas come fully formed? Sometimes mine do, but mostly with my custom orders it is a building process. I often put off … Continue reading What’s your Creative Process?
I’m learning, in my mid-50’s, that everything is a process. I knew that intellectually all of my life, but NOW I am really getting it! Since beginning my business, Angela’s Artistic Bouquets, I have had to face the reality of process. It hasn’t been easy for me. I am an impatient person. Like many people, I want to see results now! We frequently hear, “Practice makes … Continue reading 3 lessons I learned about building a business
When you take an order, do you worry that it doesn’t look exactly the same as the photo on your website? Even given the variable that each piece is handmade, I fretted about making my bouquets match the photos as closely as I could. I would be so stressed about recreating an exact replica and worried that brides would look at it and say, “This special button … Continue reading Creating custom orders – does it stress you out?
Most of us, with the best intentions, create New Year’s Resolutions. In the New Age philosophy, you carry the wave of the freshness of the New Year through the first week or so. I find that goal setting makes me nervous. Sets me up for failure. Oh, I know I have to have some daily goals and lifetime goals to reach for. But in between … Continue reading Checking in with our New Year Resolutions
Over the last few months, my business has been very busy. So busy that I have had little time for play. I have recently come to realize that when this happens, I must get back to basics. I must continue to CREATE. I mean make new things, work on new projects. As I fill orders and focus (like I believe someone who owns a business … Continue reading Don’t shirk your business, but fit in PLAY time!
Having just finished a weekend at a craft fair where I sold so much on Friday evening that I was up at 4:30am Saturday to create more, I thought I’d share what I gleaned: You won’t get your hourly worth at a craft fair. People just aren’t going to pay you what you’re worth! Adding $20 to an item to give you your hourly wage … Continue reading 10 Things I learned from Craft Fairs this year.
Feeling discouraged about your business? From what I’ve read and heard, it’s normal. Businesses go through flush times and lean times. And if you’re not where you want to be financially, there can be an added element of fear, despondency, a sense of wanting to give up. So what do you do about feeling discouraged? Here are a few tips I’ve gleaned: Make a list … Continue reading 10 Tips When you feel discouraged with your business
Being a manager comes naturally to some; for others it’s a learned experience. Perhaps you’ve gotten to the stage in your home-based business where you need to hire help; these tips are a great place to start being a manager others will want to work for! Secrets to being a good manager and getting the best from your staff: The attitude that you come in … Continue reading 5 Secrets to Being a Good Manager
Angela DiCicco - The Italian Grandmama's Guide 