What to do during your business downtime.

Businesses have their ups and downs--learn how to be productive during these tough and sometimes trying times. We've come up with a few tips to help you out.

Can you improve your current products? This includes images, item descriptions, etc. If you own a photography business do you include a picture of what your art looks like hung on a wall? If you own a jewelry business do you have a picture of what the jewelry looks like worn whether it be on a human or a display? For whatever business you own do you have pictures of the packaging? Customers like seeing how their items will arrive. It also gives your business a more professional touch.

Are your item descriptions simple and to the point? Do you include product dimensions? What about possible uses for your items? Customers may like a particular item and hesitate purchasing it because they do not know how to use it. Inspire them. Some people like to write little stories about their items or write the description in the viewpoint of the item. Get creative!

Is your packaging appealing? Do you send your items in a ziplock bag and call it good? Customers appreciate good packaging, and it also implies that you take pride in your business. Nice packaging doesn’t have to be pricey either. If you make key chains you can put them inside a ziplock bag inside of an organza bag. If you make jewelry you can put the item inside of a cotton-filled box. If you’re especially crafty you can even make your own envelopes, tags, and/or thank you notes.

Increase your inventory. Holiday preparation is a good idea when your business experiences slow summer days. Around the holidays your will be extremely busy, and having holiday items premade will save you a lot time!

Find new ways to promote. Local newspapers, flyers, post cards, classifieds, word of mouth, pens, shirts, car decals, etc! Be creative with your promotions.

Try something new. Is there a craft that you have been wanting to try? Perhaps you crochet, but you've always wanted to try making earrings. Go for it! You will broaden your customer base if you include a larger variety of items in your shop.

Start a blog. Blogs are a great past time, and people enjoy reading them. You can blog about your business including new item updates, special events, and more. You can offer advice, and you can make tutorials to teach people how to craft. Blogs are a fun way for customers to get to know the merchant behind the business.

Thank you so much for reading,

Christina
CM Designs
http://1337art.etsy.com
Elite Art for the elite at heart. Featuring jewelry for men and women, art collages, awareness items, bookmarks, cell phone charms, key chains, and more! Customs are accepted.

Small Business Advantages

When trying to juggle a full time job and your business with family and leisure time and daily life you tend to focus on the negative aspects of things. Time becomes a trivial concept. You're torn between running a good business and spending time with the people you love. Achieve the zen. There is a balance out there that is just waiting for you to discover.

You are the boss.

Take some time off. First off-breathe! Owning a small business has it's own little perks, such as being able to take off your "serious face" for a minute or two. Have fun with your job; don't let it own you. Go for coffee with a friend. Watch a movie with your hubby. Indulge in your favorite video game. (have fun!)


Play with new ideas. All work and no play making you a dull boy or girl? Is there something related to your business that you've been wanting to try? Do you, for example, own a photography business? Perhaps you could venture into making bookmarks out of your photographs...and greeting cards!? Try brainstorming new marketing ideas. Flyers? Thank you cards? Special gift wrap? Button pins?


Small business grants and loans. There are people out there who want you to be successful, and they are willing to give you money to help you prosper! It is definitely worth looking into local grants and loans to help give you the jump start you need. Here's a link to help you get started if you are in the United States:

http://usgovinfo.about.com/library/weekly/blstategrants.htm

Extra income. You may not be able to financially survive on your business yourself yet, but extra income is always helpful. You can afford small luxuries and invest even further into your business.

Self fulfillment. Did you grow up thinking you would run a business? Well here you are selling products that you have made yourself! It's okay to reflect on the goodness that you feel, and there's no shame in recognizing this. Always remember how high and good you feel when the tough low times come...you will always prevail as long as you know you can do it.


Thank you so much for reading,

Christina
CM Designs
http://1337art.etsy.com
Elite Art for the elite at heart. Featuring jewelry for men and women, art collages, awareness items, bookmarks, cell phone charms, key chains, and more! Custom orders accepted.