Handmadeology

Success Interview: Jodi Ohl on Running a Creative Business Today I’m pleased to introduce you to a fellow artist turned friend, Jodi Ohl. Tim and I were honored to have her as a member of our Build a Better Creative Business course, and that’s where I first met her. Now she’s back to share with all [...]

When I hit 100 sales in my first month of business, I was beyond ecstatic. To me, it meant: I really have something here! I saw a full-time job and a second income in my near future.

What is the most important thing you have learned about selling online in these last two years?

In one word… Photographs! Perfect your photos… and then perfect them again. I can’t stress enough the importance of great photos. Have a look at the successful shops on Etsy. One thing they all have in common, is great photos. Online selling is a visual avenue… your customers can’t touch your product, they can’t pick it up, smell it or feel it’s weight in their hands.

Your customers and clients are always telling you exactly what they want, and to figure it out, all you need to do is make sense of their patterns.

This new course has the best of the best in our community stepping up to the plate to seize their full potential. I can hardly wait to get down and dirty with this amazing group! Where have you guys been all my Life?!

Genius can show up in as many ways as there are human beings.” That list of things you do well is full of genius. Your unique talents hold the secret to funding all the travel around your dream map.

You either take those small steps, or sit on the park bench wondering why you don’t have what you want. And it seems simple, but few people actively move toward their dreams.

Creative businesses are built on, well, creativity. That typically means that your creation isn’t just one seed that produces one plant.

First off, how do you feel about change? Personally, I love it, though I know how uncomfortable it can be. Change can break hearts, cause grief, make you hurt, and induce fear and anxiety.

Have you taken the time to identify what you want your business to become? What does your ideal work day look like?

As we are all crafting and in business, our time is valuable—we build our careers with our own two hands. You’re probably starting the year off with new goals and resolutions, so it’s a great time to review these 7 productivity pitfalls to avoid:

Janee is a great example of how to create an interactive and thriving relationship with customers through social media and blogging.

There are currently over 269,000 open shops on Etsy and, I’m proud to say, one of those belongs to me. I’m Lisa Jacobs of the Energy Shop—a spirited little spot where I sell mostly bracelets. Jewelry is a crowded market on Etsy, but I’ve made over 800 sales this year.

Shop Fundamentals Q and A My first e-program, Shop Fundamentals launched November 8, and I could not be more proud of the results. The program has reached hundreds of creative business owners, and the feedback I have received so far has made my heart swell with joy. I’m very pleased that you’re all so pleased! I’ve taken [...]

I just want to make my NEXT sale. My views aren’t converting into purchases. I think something FUNDAMENTAL is missing from my shop.

Diane’s an Etsy veteran, having been on the site for more than five years now. She acts the part by kindly contributing to and commenting in the Etsy forums.

Kelle inspires you to believe that childhood dreams were meant to come true. Enjoy the interview:

I believe that businesses DO grow organically, but I also believe that you can fertilize your business for a more aggressive growth rate