We Never Know When An Opportunity Will Happen

I wanted to share this story even though I've talked to you before about the importance of always being ready to wear or market your work and have those business cards available as well!
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Over the years I've made jewelry for my mom and my sisters to wear. They are some of the best advertising I can ask for and they carry my cards as well. My oldest sister was wearing one of my creations the other day in her office. I told her that I should take that piece back from her because I could probably sell it and we had a good laugh about it.

Later that day a client stopped in and my sister said she noticed her starring at her necklace. The client asked her about her necklace and complimented her on it and she told her about me. She told her that she wanted to talk to me because she wanted to see about adding my jewelry to her store. My sister gave me her email address and we've chatted and it looks like my jewelry will be added to her store soon.

That same evening my sister stopped at a gas station out of town after going to dinner and she was still wearing the necklace. The lady working the counter commented on the necklace and told her she loved it. My sister told her who created it and she gave her my website and the lady said she'd be getting in touch with me. And she did!

So with one piece of jewelry, I've gained another retail location and a sale.

Are you always wearing your products (if you can) or sharing your work with others? If not, you should be! This is some of the best marketing and advertising that money can buy you! A little time invested in materials and creating the item is all you are out. But what it could gain in return is going to be more than worth it.

I encourage you to always be ready with your merchandise and also your business cards. Opportunities can happen when we least expect it!

I wanted to share this with you all as a friendly reminder to always be prepared and always market/advertise whenever you can! I've talked about this with you all before. Be bold and talk about your work. And find others who will talk and share your work as well.

Until next time--Blessings! ~ Dawn

How Do You Package Your Orders?

When I first opened my store and started getting orders I never thought too much about my packaging. I put each piece in its own little plastic zip bag and put a label on the outside that had my store website address on it. I would then put those in a padded envelope with a little tissue paper and my business card.

The packaging worked and was fairly cost effective, but as time went on, I didn't think my plain, non-personal packaging was appropriate for my style. The customers were taking the time to visit my store and spend their money on my jewelry, why couldn't I give them a few minutes back and take the time to personalize each package I sent? I knew it was time to change the packaging I was using.

I decided to go with a plain jewelry box that I could "dress" up myself. Since my colors are black and white I thought a white box was appropriate. I designed a label that says Thank You and also has my store website on it. I added a little design element to it to dress it up and of course used my "logo" of black pearls on the label as well. I then ordered a bulk size spool of curling ribbon in black. So now I was ready for orders!! ;-)

With all the new materials I'd gathered for shipping my orders I was now ready to send out a more professional looking package, without spending a fortune! Now each piece of jewelry gets put in a box that is cotton filled. Then I put my special thank you label on the top of the box. I then take the black curling ribbon and tie a bow around the box and leave a couple of longer pieces that I curl with my scissors. That box then goes in the envelope. But, before I seal the envelope, I take a couple more minutes to write a personal thank you note to each customer and thank them and let them know I appreciate their business. Of course I also make sure that a couple of business cards go in the order...one for them and one to share!

I feel much better about my packaging now for a couple of reasons. One I feel it protects my products much better as it travels around the world through the postal service. And two, I feel it gives me a much better appearance when it arrives in my customers hands.

I hope they realize that I've taken a couple of extra minutes to say "thanks" for shopping with me. I do truly appreciate their orders and I want that to show.

How do you package your orders? Do you think your customers know you appreciate their order? If you aren't sure, maybe its time to look at your packaging and change it up for the new year!

As always, Blessings! ~ Dawn

That's Nice! - Thanks I Made It! - Here's My Card!

How many times has that happened to you? Whether you are wearing a piece of jewelry you have created or you are wearing a scarf you have knitted, I'm sure its happened to all crafters at some point, no matter what you create or design!

I know for me this has happened a lot. I always make sure I am wearing my jewelry. Whether it's a necklace, earrings, bracelets or a combination of those items it seems I always get asked about something I'm wearing. I also make sure that my mom and two sisters are wearing my jewelry as well. They all have different tastes so this allows me to really show different styles of my jewelry through them!!

When I get comments on my jewelry I immediately say "Thanks, I made it." Which usually leads them to asking if I have a website or a store and I reply "I have an on-line store, here is my card." I immediately pull out my business card and hand it to them. And my family does the same thing for me!! They always have my cards on hand to share when they get asked as well. I've handed business cards out to ladies at the drive-thru window, to waitresses, ladies working the register at the local stores I shop in, moms on the baseball field or basketball court and more!





Making sure you always have business cards on hand when asked about your craft is always very important. This allows you to "promote" your business no matter where you are! A clear, concise business card that shows all the necessary info about your business is key. A cluttered or hard to read card won't give your business the best impression. Remember, they've seen a little of your work and are impressed, keep that impression going by handing them a good business card!

Business card ideas and printers are available everywhere these days. Your local office supply store, copy or printing store and even on-line card businesses are readily available to help you get a professional looking business card ready to pass out!!

Get your cards designed and printed and start carrying them everywhere you go so you can promote your business!! :-) Include a couple extra cards in the orders you send out as well and encourage your customers to share them with friends!

You never know where you'll be when you'll get asked for a business card, make sure you are ready!