Publicizie yourself! September 16, 2008

 

Oh my…I have not been a diligent blogger as you may see.

 

But hey, now that I’m selling online, publicizing my shop is a key task and I just realize how much work goes into making yourself heard!

Working in advertising, I can’t believe now I’m doing this for myself and I can be so lazy about it!

Keep up my blog here is a comfort, but then I have to get onto groups, chatting forums, update my flickr, get onto delicious, update my facebook, posting on facebook group, update my blogspot, update my xanga…etc

And then there are all these flea market I have to start going to.

I need to look into printing business cards. In addition to making jewelry, taking pictures, posting them and writing about them, start making packaging for these goods if they get to be sold…

It’s never-ending!

 

When you blog, you review yourself as a person and your life with critical eye.

When you start publicizing your work, you review your quality as an artist and your talent in various dimensions.

I see sellers talking about self-doubt before a show at an event,

my first showcase is coming up on Sept 18 and I’m starting to wonder the quality of my work as well.

But after going around reviewing other people’s stuffs, I know my pieces are actually pretty good.

I guess I was hoping for an unbeatable quality that would automatically sell.

It’s hard. Jewelry is not rocket science. It’s art but not really an art piece that’s super personal and unique.

I hope after I started selling with some additional income,

I can start making more unique pieces above and beyond necklace and bracelet.

Meanwhile, I just want a sale to pacify myself.

A little reward…

 

Super handmade products!

 

 

My first showcase coming up! September 13, 2008

 

The biggest challenge selling anything online is creating awareness.

Etsy is such a major space for hand-made jewelry the competition is huge.

I just bought advertising space and my first showcase is coming up Sept 18.

Based on the showcase result, I’ll see

1) if weekday advertising works;

2) which piece is most popular based on views

3) if there is any sales for high view pieces – if not, maybe I need to adjust pricing?

 

It’s going to be a learning curve. Very excited about it.

If you want to see, visit on 9/18 at http://www.etsy.com/showcase.php?showcase_id=5

 

Support my shop 😀

 

I got my first heart! September 4, 2008

 

Etsy is an amazing site I have to say.

It’s a mini-ebay without auction.

And in the world of hand-made products,

it’s probably a king.

Just yesterday alone, there are 400+ pages of postings of products.

And pages after pages of groups on facebook about it.

People are selling full time on etsy and making their passion a business.

I’m getting closer one step at a time.

 

Yesterday, my shop is added by a person as a favorite shop.

My first "heart" on the score card.

I’ll try my best and my immediate next step is to look for ways to promote the shop.

 

It’s great to be finally doing something for myself –

a business that I can control and grow.

Something I really love.

 

That’s super cool!

 

 

My online store is open! September 2, 2008

 

This is a great move for me. Finally, I am putting my hobby into business.

And the online store is just the first step.

Check out my products and click on the link to go to my store.

Or just type in nikisha.etsy.com

 

Happy shopping!