I have a confession. One of my biggest hang-ups is…meeting new people. It’s true. I get so nervous every time I am going to be in a situation that requires me to meet a bunch of new people. Why? I don’t know! I am an extroverted person when it comes to my work. I love crowds of enthusiastic people who share a common interest with me and I love talking about crafts, business, and the handmade world. I love it! So why do I get butterflies? Who knows, but I’ll tell you how I approach it…

Whether I am helping a friend at her craft show booth or working a conference, the best approach for me, (someone who gets a bad case of what I call Sudden Shyness) is to simply dive right into it and smile at every person I see. I challenge myself to walk right up to strangers, simply introduce myself, and I ask them questions. After I do this two or three times, my Sudden Shyness is a thing of the past. It’s sort of like ripping a Band-Aid off – once it’s over, it’s over. And I’ll tell you that I’ve never once had someone look at me funny and I’ve never once regretted doing it. Usually people seem to be so happy to have someone approach them.

Here are a few more quick tips to help you prepare for when you have the opportunity to meet a bunch of new people:

Put out a call, like I did above, inviting people to approach you if you’re going to be at a conference, or a place with a bunch of other people.

Practice icebreakers by thinking of questions that are relevant to the event you’re attending.

Have an elevator speech ready to go when someone asks what you do; also remember to have your business cards on you and at the ready.

Try to keep in mind that a lot of people are shy or may suffer from Sudden Shyness. I’m not alone, right? So making the first move is what a lot of other people are hoping someone will do and why shouldn’t it be me?

What do you do to help yourself prepare for big events? Do you consider yourself shy? Leave your answers and helpful tips in the comments below.

 

This past Thursday I had the wonderful privilege to be invited to speak for the Twist O’ Wool Guild‘s monthly meeting in Middlebury, Vermont. There were just about 30 people there and I talked for an hour and a half about how I wrote The Handmade Marketplace and how crafters can overcome their fears and resistances to start a business based on what they love making.

A few guild members posed for pictures:

 

I am collecting photos of people holding these signs for a book trailer. Soon I hope to have signs available for download on this website, and readers can print them out and take their photo sand then send the photos to me. All of the photos will be compiled and used in the book trailer for The Handmade Marketplace. Meanwhile if you see me around at any events, chances are I’ll ask you to pose with a sign. I hope you’ll say yes!

Look up EmilLine‘s knitted fox scarf stoles on Etsy, Annie Delyth Stratton‘s hand-spun, breed-specific yarn, and LeeWeaves‘ towels, rugs, blankets, and yarn.

It was a fun night and I was so glad to meet some many wonderful people!

Thanks for having me Twist O’ Wool!

Hello! Here are a list of events and appearances I’ll be doing and taking part in over the coming months…

Thursday, February 7 - Twist O’ Wool Guild – Middlebury, Vermont. I’ll be talking at their monthly meeting, held at the American Legion on Boardman Street at 7pm.

Friday & Saturday, March 22, & 23 – Craftcation Conference – Ventura, California. This big event, held at the Crowne Plaza, features a whole host of great speakers…I mean, just look at this list of awesome people. I will be speaking four times on that Friday and Saturday. Click here for more information.

Monday, May 20 – Brookline Booksmith – Brookline, Massachusetts. I’ll be on a moderated panel with other craft book authors. I’ll post more information as we get closer to the date.

 

 

This year, we wanted to start off our year right, so we packed our bags and headed to Hudson, New York for a Team Chixon (Chapin + Nixon = Chixon) retreat to focus, plan, and conspire. It was a wonderfully needed opportunity to get our year organized from the get-go.

While in town, we stopped by Etsy’s Hudson office for a visit. This is the third Etsy office I’ve been to (the first was their original office in Brooklyn for their first birthday party, and then their newer Brooklyn office when I did an event there). Set in an old cannonball factory, their Hudson office is a neat combination of rough-hewn repurposed with modern wrapped in a bright, roomy package.

Ami, the office manager, showed us around.

The main working floor of Etsy Hudson. Despite all of the people busy working, it was almost completely silent. Most of the people who work here do customer support-type jobs. Because they have an open floor plan, occasionally they need to make a call in a more private setting, so they built several small rooms with phones. The rooms were decorated by a local artist.

When decorating and furnishing the office, they tried to go with handmakers first, then use vintage. I saw a beautiful boardroom table that was built by a local crafter who used repurposed wood from old barns in the area.

Downstairs was a very large open room that is used for teleconferencing, meetings, and events. Ami said that they occasionally hold events and lectures for the public here. Also, no proper online business would be complete without a pool table.

I really enjoyed my time at Etsy, and especially Ami. Here’s her Etsy store where she sells goat milk soap, and here’s her great blog about her goaty posse.Thanks, Etsy for the groovy tour. I love this kind of behind the scenes stuff.

 

 

I’ve never done this before but this year, for many, many reasons, I am choosing a word to help guide and to ground me in 2013.

Part of why I have never done this exercise, even though I’ve wanted too, is because it has always seemed really crystals-dippy-woowoo to me. Turns out, I am the sort of person who IS crystals-dippy-woowoo. In fact, I am really, really interested in all of that sort of thing. In fact, I’m all about it in my personal life – I’ve just been too scared to write about it before and share that part of me.

Well, NO MORE! One of the things I’m going to work on working on in 2013 is letting go of my fears. I am really going to try to figure them out – and I’m starting with this one.

Why have I been afraid of letting my readers know about this part of me?

Mostly because I’m afraid that I’ll be taken less seriously as a good business writer if you know that I wear mala beads, have a talisman, feel like foxes are my spirit animal, burn incense, have a daily intention list that I review, love learning about crystals, and adore most positive psychology. I believe in positive thinking, manifesting, law of attraction, and so much more.

I have been afraid that if my readers knew all of this about me that it would dilute the hard work I’ve put into writing my books.

I hope that I’ve been wrong all of these years. A lot of those skills and beliefs that I have are what allowed me to write those books. This way of thinking and those practices have helped me make my dreams come true.

I’m going to embrace it. And that is where my GROWTH begins.

My word of 2013 is GROWTH. I am going to do all kinds of growing y’all.  2013 is going to be the best year yet for my business and I’m going to finally let it happen.

If you have a word of the year, or decide to choose one after reading this post, or know of any good positive think resources I should check out, leave it in the comments. I’d really like to know others are doing this with me.

xoxo

 

Zoe! A girl who loves vintage buttons is a girl after my own vintage-y button heart. Check out all of her cleverness first chance you get and become friends with her by joining her in Fresh Start 2013.

 

Kari – What’s the story behind why you do what you do? Why do you make what you make?

Zoe – I love to buy vintage – buttons, fabric and supplies. I enjoy shopping at vintage and resale shops. I love to collect and then combine things – different patterns, colors, and textures. I make a variety of things because then I can buy and use those supplies in the process. Pompoms and felt are some of my new favorites and you’ll see that in the wreaths, stitched hoops, gloves, and pillows that I create!

 

What is your best business tip or trick you have to share with your fellow creative business owners?

The more you do – the better results you get. And don’t do it if you don’t love it!

What is your favorite thing about owning a creative business?

It’s amazing that others want to buy the things that I create. It’s gratifying and inspiring and I appreciate the creative community I’m a part of!

 

What are you looking forward to in your business in 2013?

I plan to do more – a goal is to host four trunk shows in 2013. I hope to increase my sales, increase my listings on Etsy, and refine and polish the details such as photos, descriptions, and the business side.

What made you decide to participate in Fresh Start 2013?

I’ve read your book Handmade Marketplace – it’s very smart and very doable. Aspects of selling and marketing my things intimidate me but I love creating them. So I hope to gain confidence and practical tips because I know I’m talented but I think I just need to have a real focus/direction.

 

Where can we find you?

I’m on Etsy at: ezmireldagirl.etsy.com

 

Hey you guys! Meet Megan! She makes some super duper cute things – like dolls, candles and tarts. We are tart people over here. As in we have tart burners in most of rooms and love them year round. I am looking forward to working with Megan next year

Join us! There is still time to sign up and still opportunities to be featured on my website and all of my social media stops. You can choose to have your feature next year any time before November, 2013. Come right on over here and check it out: Fresh Start 2013

 

Kari – What’s the story behind why you do what you do? Why do you make what you make?

Megan – I have been making primitive dolls for around eleven years now. About three years ago, a friend suggested I try soy candles, and I really enjoy that too. I love making both candles and primitive dolls, and like the challenge they still give me as well as making people happy with my creations.

 

What is your best business tip or trick you have to share with your fellow creative business owners?

The best tip I would share with fellow creative business owners is to find your niche and stick with it.

What is your favorite thing about owning a creative business?

My favorite thing about owning my own creative business: it’s in my heart and soul and is part of me.

 

What are you looking forward to in your business in 2013?

2013…what will you hold for Candle Threads? I’m most looking forward to the excitement of not knowing what’s to come.

What made you decide to participate in Fresh Start 2013?

I decided to participate in Fresh Start 2013 because there is so much more to learn from Kari Chapin, and fellow crafters. I want to learn as much as i can.  I loved Kari’s books, I am so looking forward to more information….

 

Where can we find you?

You can find me at:

Website – www.candlethreads.com

Facebook – www.facebook.com/pages/Candle-Threads

Email – candlethreads@hotmail.com

Hello, Blog readers! Below is a copy of a newsletter I sent out this week to the folks who subscribe to that. I’m really excited about thsi Freshh Start session and I hope to have you there with me.

_________

Happy end of 2012 you guys! This is one of my favorite times of the year! I love endings AND beginnings so marking the end of the year is always a wonderful time for me. I love wrapping things up and planning for the future. Truth be told, I love beginnings a little bit more than I love endings, so HELLO 2013!

I am so psyched about the new year. My goals for both my business and my personal life are bigger and more exciting than ever. I’m not joking – sometimes when I think about what I’m going to do next year, I feel like my own mind is blowing. Not only and I scared and nervous about what’s coming up – I am over the moon excited. I am really ready for a lot of the big, exciting changes I’m going to make and I am so glad that I have an actionable plan, already in motion, to help me make my dreams come true.

And I want that for you too. I want you to feel the same way about your own creativity and your own business. I want you to have a plan and to feel good about where you’re going in 2013. I want to help you feel empowered, encouraged, courageous, and motivated!

That is exactly why I hope you will join me and other creative business owners for Fresh Start 2013. Since I first told you all about it, I’ve gotten quite a few emails filled with great questions about Fresh Start, and I wanted to share those with you. I want to share with you some of the benefits of taking part in this accessible, fun eCourse.

Fresh Start 2013 FAQ (if you have any questions not answered here, please send me an email to hitherekari@gmail.com)

• I live far away and can never seem to jump in on video chats or live calls. There will be no live calls, or exact times when you need to stop what you’re doing and check in. The course will be self-paced and you can come and go as you’re able. I hope everyone can chime in each week and of course I hope for a lively group, but I understand that everyone, each and every one of you, has lots of other commitments.
• I’m so busy. I don’t want to miss anything. It’s just not the right time for me, but I’d like to take the class in the future. When will you offer it again? All information will be available to you when you’re ready and have the time to focus on your creative business. So no matter your time zone, what country you live in or whether you have a full time day job or five kids, when you have the time, the class will be there. I only offer this course one time a year, and always in the beginning. While I may turn it into a downloadable course that you could purchase, that won’t come with the individual and group connections that you and I can make with each other, and one another. In 2013 I’m going to be on deadline for two books and starting a new business of my own. (That’s still a secret!) So unless something really major changes, I don’t think I’ll be offering anything with this level of my own involvement until Fresh Start 2014.
• I want to join in, but I’m not ready to take you up on the offer to be featured on your blog. Can I save that option for later on, when I’m more prepared? If you are not able to take part in my awesome offer to have your business featured on my website and my social media spots (exposure to over 11K people!) because your business “just isn’t ready for that” – no fear! I’ll give you most of 2013 to get ready. As long as you take me up on it before November of 2013, we’ll be all set. So if you get a great idea and begin to make something completely new, this bonus option is still available to you.
• I’m interested, but not exactly sure what kind of business I’m going to have yet. I have so many ideas…It’s okay to take the course, even if you’re not exactly sure what you want to do yet. Remember up above when I was talking about beginnings and how much I love them? I know and love that many of you are also beginners. The things you’ll learn in Fresh Start will be of service to both your personal life and your business life. Learning to use social media can be good for your promotion and your planning, and that’s just one tiny example of how this information will be helpful to you and overlaps in the various areas of your whole life, no matter where you are in your business life.
• How many people will be in the class? I’m shy – I get lost in crowds. Right now the class size is still pretty small, which is a-okay with me. I’m looking for a group of people that I can really bond with here – people who want to be a part of something good, sustaining and useful. I want this group of creative to get to know one another, form tight bonds and be a support network for one another. Lots of times it’s easy to get lost in big groups and I’m looking to build something here. Something amazing. (More on this below!)
• What if you don’t live in the US? Will the information still apply to you wherever you live? Yes. While I can only speak to the tax and license systems in the US, most, and I do mean MOST of our content will be relevant to where ever you live and no matter what your local laws and rules are. After all, tracking expenses and pricing your goods is pretty universal. Budgeting and business planning is the same no matter where you live or what your laws are. So yes, there may be a tint bit that only applies to US residents, but no so much that you won’t useful, beneficial information.
• I keep saying I’m going to start a creative business, but I never do anything about it. Maybe If I sell XYZ or accomplish a few of the goals I set for myself in 2012, I’ll feel better about signing up. Hey, we’ve all been there. Most of us create “carrots” to reward ourselves for completing something. I know I do. The reason I think this kind of logic doesn’t exactly apply here is because maybe, just maybe, you’re not accomplishing those goals because #1 – those aren’t the right goals for you and you just don’t know it because you don’t have all the information #2 – perhaps a community of people that will cheer you on, support your ideas and encourage you to follow through is exactly what the Business Doctor ordered.

Here’s a break down of what we’re going to be doing:

Week 1: Setting The Scene For Success

Week 2: Branding Your Business

Week 3: Establishing Basic Business Practices

Week 4: Marketing Basics

Week 5: Your Craft Community

Week 6: Blogging

Week 7: Advertising and Publicity

Week 8: More Online Marketing networks

Week 9: The Craft Fair Scene

Week 10: Selling In Online Stores

Week 11: Selling In Brick-and-Mortar Stores

Week 12: Getting Creative: Other Selling Options and Opportunities

Each week, you’ll be expected to have read the chapter that we’ll be focusing on and we’ll tackle it head on. I’ll give you my current thoughts on the subject matter and ask you for your thoughts or feedback. You’ll be able to discuss the content with all of your fellow students.

Every week you’ll be able to submit any questions you may have to me and I’ll answer them on Fridays.

Each chapter discussion will come with a list of goals for you to work on based on the chapter material. You’ll get between three and five actionable steps to help propel your business forward, based on the week’s lessons.

You will have access to your classroom for the remainder of 2013 – which means you can stay in touch with your fellow creative business owners, continue to lean on one another, and support each other through the challenges and successes you’ll experience in 2013. And of course, I’ll be checking in on you throughout the year too.

You’ll be able to communicate directly with experts who can help you hone your skills, like a photographer during Week 4 and a graphic designer to talk to you about what makes a great design during Week 2.

I’ve decided to close the membership down when I reach what I think a comfortable number of participants is. I’m not telling you this so that you’ll BUY IT RIGHT NOW, I’m telling you this because I want to be upfront with what I’m doing. I’m not sure of an exact date, I’m looking more for a feeling, a sense of whose in the course and therefore whom I’ll be hanging out with for the year, and how that group fits together. So far we have designers, illustrators, natural soap and candle makers, jewelry designers… and several people who aren’t quite sure where they are going yet.

As far as whose gonna be along to teach us things, I have an amazing photographer, a super talented web designer, a several life/business coaches and a accounts person (yes! She’ll be able to help people with more than just US taxes!) and lots of check in’s from members of the Creative Collectives.

Seriously, send me any questions you might have about You + Fresh Start 2013.

I can’t wait to meet you and get to know both you and your business better,

XOXOXX, Kari

If you’re in – and I hope you are! – there is a PayPal button right over here!

 

 

I’m so excited to welcome Julia Glukhoy to Fresh Start 2013! Look at how amazing she is! Julia is a scientist, an amazing illustrator AND lives on a farm… so many neat facts about one person. Julia, I’m so glad you’ll be joining us in 2013

Kari – What’s the story behind why you do what you do? Why do you make what you make?

Julia – I am Julia Glukhoy the artist & scientist behind the artwork from Moogbee. My background is in biotechnology and if I am not growing cells, making vaccines, analyzing viruses, or building forts with my kiddos, I paint and work on new designs.

My mother was an artist, and I grew up surrounded by different types of art, textiles, ceramics, illustrations, and photography. As I grew up, I developed an appreciation for everything handmade and artistic. I became a person who wants to create things with her hands. I began my business with a desire to create motivational and inspirational art prints and critters that inspire kids and adults alike in anything nerdy. I saw a lot of correlation between science and art, and how these two different areas of study have something in common: they both build on ideas and small parts to build something bigger, which helps to connect and understand the world around us.

 

What is your best business tip or trick you have to share with your fellow creative business owners?

No matter where you are in life, or what you do, if your creative inner voice is telling you to paint, build, saw, or create listen to it and let it flow through your body, mind, and soul. Follow through and let it express it.

What is your favorite thing about owning a creative business?

The best thing about having your own creative business is having that niche where your creative voice can freely express itself. Each one of us has our own unique voice, our own story to tell. Owning a creative business gives me the opportunity to tell my story and be part of this collective community of unique voices.

 

What are you looking forward to in your business in 2013?

I am looking forward to leaping out of my comfort zone, and learning new techniques to expand my product line.

What made you decide to participate in Fresh Start 2013?

I want to connect with like-minded creative business dedicated enthusiasts, build friendships and relationships. I think it’s vital to have that connection with others who are on going through same journey.

 

Where can we find you?

Website – www.moogbee.com

Facebook – http://www.facebook.com/moogbee

Twitter – https://twitter.com/moogbee

Online Shop – www.moogbee.etsy.com

Pinterest – http://pinterest.com/moogbee/

Instagram – http://instagram.com/moogbee

Flickr – http://www.flickr.com/photos/moogbee/

Hey everyone! I want you to meet Christina! She’s taking part in FS2013 and I’m looking forward to getting to know her and her business better next year.

 

If you’re interested in being a part of Fresh Start 2013, it’s not too late to sign up! You can use your blog feature anytime you want in 2013 as well! I hope you join us.

Now… onto Christine!

 

Kari – What’s the story behind why you do what you do? Why do you make what you make?

Christina –  I am a graphic designer by profession, and also trained as an illustrator – back in the days before computers! Even as a child I loved to paint, draw and make things. A few years back I spent some time out of work and fell into making jewellery as a way to keep occupied and keep some creativity going. It seems to combine all of my creative skills into one – perfect!

 

What is your best business tip or trick you have to share with your fellow creative business owners?

My business tip would be to do what you love, and feed your passion!

What is your favorite thing about owning a creative business?

I love being able to make jewellery that other people want to buy and wear. It gives me a great feeling of satisfaction that someone is willing to part with their hard-earned cash for one of my creations.

 

What are you looking forward to in your business in 2013?

I am looking forward to connecting more with like-minded people in 2013, and establishing some solid business connections. I would also like to get more of my work out into the general marketplace, and get one of my designs into a beading magazine.

What made you decide to participate in Fresh Start 2013?

I work better to a deadline, so signing up for Fresh Start 2013 will give me the incentive that I need to finally begin to move my business forward. I would also like to get to know some other people who want to do what I want to do.

 

Where can we find you?

I do have a website page but it is still in progress, and currently does not yet feature any of my work. I can be contacted at my email address: christina@groovygems.com.au.