F.E.A.R – False evidence appearing real. Does fear stop you from reaching your goals, dreams, desires? Feel the fear and do it anyway. That is has been my motto as an adult. That’s how I raised my children. One day I heard my son say, “I hate bridges.”” I didn’t know that. He had just crossed a huge bridge and I asked him why he did … Continue reading FEAR – 6 Steps to Help you Move Past It.
My daughter recently asked me, “Do you see yourself as successful?” In my home-based business creating button bouquets, I’ve sold them in 8 countries and all across the U.S. & Canada. Am I successful? I’ve raised three beautiful children who are independent thinkers and productive members of society. Am I successful? Ultimately, the question comes down to, “What does being successful mean to me?” Success … Continue reading How Do You Define Success? Here’s 6 Ways.
Have you ever been blocked creatively? Can’t focus on which direction to take? Or maybe you’re overwhelmed with ideas? You don’t know where to start? Your mind floods and maybe you even shut down? Well, “Pick 6.” This idea is the creative genius of my friend and artist Shirley. When you’re beginning a project, when you’re stuck, when you’re overwhelmed, just pick 6 different items. … Continue reading Pick 6 – A creative process
I used to look at other shops making button bouquets and see the number of sales they had and be….slightly depressed. They had more sales – way more sales! And my bouquets were just as colorful or creative! Their prices were lower or higher. I began to wonder about every decision I was making. Maybe I should increase my prices or decrease my prices or … Continue reading How to handle shop envy (Or stop comparing yourself to other shops!)
If you’re like me, everything you see is a potential craft or art project! Every scrap of fabric, each piece of yarn – what could I do with that? What would I do with that? We save textured paper, tissue paper, buttons, felt – you name it, we’ve got it just waiting for a project! I find myself scanning through magazines and books and thinking, “Wow! … Continue reading A new technique for exploring art. Try it….
Being organized is imperative for a well-run organization especially if you ARE the organization! It’s so easy to fly from one thing to the next, busy as we are creating, marketing, ordering, selling. I often leave a mess in my wake. However, when all of my buttons are in their bins and my ribbons color coordinated, my work flow is smoother, faster, easier and that … Continue reading How to Organize Your Home Office
Quick! What’s the one thing today you want to get done for your business? Having a home-based business can be overwhelming. We are everything – artist, admin, marketing. And who hasn’t had the experience of frittering away time on the computer? Here’s my #1 solution – the best idea, the most useful tip, the one that works each day: I ask myself, every morning, “What do … Continue reading My secret: The MOST important thing to do today!
Fortunately, I haven’t had the rejection experience with craft fairs or bridal shows. I believe that’s because I have such a unique product. I create button bouquets: If I created, say, jewelry for a living, there would be so much more competition! At each show, thoughtful jurors want to create a unique experience for buyers with a wide array of beautiful handmade art in all its … Continue reading Rejection. It hurts. What can you do?
Short term goals: Make 2 button bracelets today. Make one contact. Return phone calls. Fill 2 orders and mail out.Long term goals: Complete my BA in fine arts. Be a jillionaire within 10 years! Recently, I felt very stressed when my short term goals conflicted with my long term goals. Which is more important? Do I work on my short term goals at the expense … Continue reading Do your short term goals conflict with long term goals?
Mary Kay used to say, “The curtains may need to be washed, but not today!” I regularly remember that as I look around my house during the day and see dishes, laundry, sweeping that needs to be done. What REALLY needs to be done? My business. That’s my focus if I am to build a successful home-based business. I love the Wikipedia definition of time … Continue reading 10 Time Management tips for Home Based Businesses
ART with Angela DiCicco, The Italian Grandmama's Guide 