Wednesday, October 21, 2015

Creating Cohesion From Chaos

MagPie Approved: Wind Dancer Studios, Copper Butterfly
Copper Butterfly available in my Etsy


I’ve been working on creating cohesion in my shop for some time now. It’s a process, no doubt about it. I knew I could use a little help not just in defining what I wanted that to mean but in keeping that cohesion once I found it. We all ooh and ah over the next greatest everything, and while I don’t necessarily chase each and every butterfly that flits by, I do meander along in complete awe on occasion.

Last Winter/Spring I joined in on B’Sues Build a Line Master Class. It was three months of Master Minding, research, defining and creating. I found that thing that I do no matter what I make, I found the well spring of my inspiration and was able to finally put my thumb on what I needed to bring cohesion.

The last couple of weeks everything I’ve sold on Amazon, I created during my Build a Line participation. I resisted some of the ideas Brenda had presented to us and Amazon insisted on them. Once I implemented them I started making sales first day. I respect Brenda’s knowledge, she’s very laid back in her methodology, she’s quirky and bubbly, but don’t let that fool you. She knows what it takes.

MagPie Approved: Wind Dancer Studios, Vintage Style Brooch
Brooch available in my Etsy


I made a brooch during that time, cute little thing. Brooches are making a comeback, so far so good, I like being ahead of the trend. Then the other day Brenda says “the key to selling brooches is to have matching earrings”  ……what? Runs into studio, tinkers……. tadaaa!  Earrings to make a nice set with the brooch!  

MagPie Approved: Wind Dancer Studios, Vintage Style Brooch w. Earring Set
Brooch w/Matching Earrings


Brenda is offering the class again this coming year, if you’re looking for that little something and would enjoy a Master Mind group I can recommend this one.  Build A Line Master Class

While we’re at it. I’ve mentioned before I was a Business Management major in college, and I’ve looked at the different coaching programs around the web, then I realized they were all telling me to do what I already knew. I know I also told you about Marie Forleo at the time but this feels like a good time to remind you she has great marketing and business advice.  You can find her here and on You Tube.

One last business resource courtesy of Brenda’s business board on Pinterest. Debbie of Work Your Art has an email checklist she sends out - her site says weekly but I only seem to get them every other week. It’s ok valuable stuff anyway, I like the blog and the to do lists they’re great reminders to keep working.

Now I’m off to take MORE photos, yup I’m getting more of those pieces I had planned for Amazon puled together and am also trying to get a more cohesive look for the shop on Etsy, there’s that word again!

Thanks for stoppin by!

We’ll see you next time!

16 comments:

  1. Love this post and wtg on your latest sales. I wish I had the time I want to dedicated to my jewelry, maybe maybe by spring I will get that all worked out. I can't grow as a jeweler or as a business until I can make that commitment~! Hugs, Ne P.S. As always beautimous creations~! xXx

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hugs back!! Routine routine routine, get as much plugged into a routine as life will allow for, and be flexible. It's ok to do x tomorrow and y today just so long as they get done. :) And you have beautiful babies to play with which is always so much more important! xoxox

      Delete
  2. Thanks for the shout out, and Dana, I am so glad that over the months going forward, the Build a Line class is working out so well for you and yielding SALES!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank You, Brenda for the guidance and direction! It truly makes a difference.

      Delete
  3. Congratulations on your sales. Its been hard trying to look/create cohesive and good to know I was not the only one til now struggling at it. Think I have it together now and am creating the look. Great post.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Definitely not alone, I think we all struggle with it in one way or another.

      Delete
  4. Dana, great post and content! Wonderful reminder about the things we learned in the BALC Master Class. Wishing you continued success!

    ReplyDelete
  5. The BALC has increased my sales, too. What a pretty brooch and I love the earrings! I need to take that advice. Your butterfly is absolutely stunning. I really admire your talent for wire work.

    ReplyDelete
  6. Great post and reminders about what we learned in the first BALC, Dana. I still struggle with focus, so I'm taking the class again. I know I can stay focused for that length of time!!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. lol Thank you Marcia! I just might pull out my notes and play along unofficially, maybe develop a new line for the coming year. Beef up my impulse range some or update it ..... we'll see!

      Delete
  7. Great post and reminders about what we learned in the first BALC, Dana. I still struggle with focus, so I'm taking the class again. I know I can stay focused for that length of time!!

    ReplyDelete
  8. Thanks for information I missed what Brenda said about brooches.needing earrings. Great idea as I have trying to figure out how to move and sell brooches. I am very happy for your recent sales as well.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you Cindy! It was tucked away in one of her comments to someone who was thinking of making a brooch. She sneaks those gems in like that lol

      Delete