End of January

Feeling pleased that I have done quite a bit for the business in January and even in the past week.

Took possession of new business cards and jewellery tags last week. So professional to have the latter. Now I'm thinking that I need to have printed cards for earrings, but the list goes on and I need to prioritize. Got quotes for banners this week and quite inexpensive but not keen on PVC...I think it will look tacky. Hoping that Paul comes up with something more innovative.

The big leap forward this week was creating the prototype for display of my necklaces at BCTF. I have purchased several wooden picture frames in charity shops this week, and with a hammer, tacks and cord, I was able to display a necklace as wanted. Huge relief. Now I can move ahead with painting the frames and enjoy creating the overall display. Also bought a trog from the garden center that will be great to hold bracelets and earrings.

My designer agreed to polish up any designs that I created for A6 promotional cards needed for BCTF. I enjoyed doing this and came up with 4 that I was happy with. Sent to Paul, but he has asked for the original photos, so think he's going to come up with something quite different (and no doubt much improved)!

Spent most of a day this week taking photos, resizing and sending off with blurb, to Angela Jones who has set up a business ARTISANS-UK (online website for craftpeople). It's a young business, but I like the site and her aims, so it's worth a try.

My website continues to be an issue. Does it ever end? I wasn't happy that the new design of the home page categories meant 2 clicks away from products instead of 1. A phone call with the designer has resolved this, but now it needs polishing up with the addition of thumbnail photos.

Met the web-guy at Wymondham Rugby Club this week to discuss the possibility of me going on their site as a merchant. It would be good publicity as a local business, but don't want to layout money upfront for this. I designed a banner and sent to him. Now waiting to hear.

My bookkeeping course last week was really valuable. Most of the people there were new to business and I realised that I should have taken this a long time ago. I came away knowing that I had to reorganize all of my accounting records. I'm quite chuffed that I have got on with it (three late evenings this week) and now have a more organized and clear appraisal of my transactions.

Next week, onto creation of a CD-ROM for BCTF and creation of an Ad for their catalogue.

It's never ending.....

A day at the computer

No creativity today. Had an uncontrolled brainstorming session in the night related to my display for BCTF. Have jotted down all my ideas, but need to get moving with the logistics of it all. I need to create a mock layout at home....I think I need to rethink the size of my banner (don't think there is room for a stand-up one). Where do I start? Help!

Contacted Paul, my designer, to ask him to send workable file of my logo. Then I can at least start to play around with creating a publicity card (that he will probably take over!).

Spent the day at the computer. Let's see if creating new links to my online social media groups makes a difference. Have joined the East Anglia SME business forum, a new local networking group which seems v relevant. Also Everywoman network which should yield useful info for me.

Arranged meeting later this week, with representative from Federation of Small Businesses. Again, seems a pertinent organization that will be there when I need advice.

At last I have made use of my free business link voucher. Decided to get some marketing expertise. Made contact today and await an appt for a one-to-one consultation.

Alex Parr has written a fantastic recommendation for me on Linkedin. Very kind of her and feel as though I'm moving forward.

Took delivery of much needed beads and components today to create samples for Monkey Puzzle, York. Look forward to working on these this evening. Creativity at last.

Attended WIRE meeting last night (Women in Rural Enterprise) and the need to blog was reinforced. So here I go....

My jewellery business (designing and creating) is moving on. Now focusing on preparations the BCTF trade show in Harrogate in Spring. Have redesigned my logo and now need to get a banner created, CDs reproduced and handout A6 cards. Still not sure how to manipulate pdf file to play around myself and need to ask the designer. Having had a year of blanking on how to design my display at BCTF (which is a tiny space!) I now have some ideas I think. Have taken a couple of books out of the library this morning. I need to think of arty stuff that can hang from hooks and display necklaces in a stable fashion. AHhh... Time is running out, but I must not panic.

Frustrated at the moment for having missed a Fed Ex Delivery of beads that I need to complete an order.

The first newsletter has produced sales which is great, but teething problems with the way in which it was sent. Hopefully to be resolved by the next issue.

Going to a book keeping course this week in Great Yarmouth. My accounting is fit for me, but apparently not the way it should be done and I know that I need to create a cashflow chart. Not really looking forward to any of this.

It was good to meet familiar faces at WIRE last night and hear about others problems. It is supporting to know that we (self-employed women) all battle the same difficulties. Meeting each other, gaining knowledge, tips and having a moan is good and pushes us forward. So onwards....