Getting into the New Year Swing of things!

The Year has begun and there is so much to do...
Where do we start and where do we go from last years sales heading into the future? Well allow me to share with you a few tips and pointers I am sure will get you off to a great start.

1. First of all breathe... For many, it was a hectic but extremely fun first year selling our crafts anywhere we can. To the pros out there...well Congrats on yet another great year. Back to us FRESHMEN we have to get things in order. So I suggest the first step being to go over last years stats. Review your books, evaluate you C.O.GS (cost of goods) Expenses compared to what you actually made. Be sure your books are in order because we are also entering tax season. Look at what you spent the most and where you made the most. This will surely be helpful 2009....
2. Concentrate on formulating a budget and sticking to it the best way you can. If you spent hundreds on things,whether items/projects or events, which had no return, you should reconsider doing that again...
3. If you didn't do your research last year then do it this year. Google the items or service you are providing and see what others are doing, charging and saying about it. There is always something going on out there and the best way to stay on top of things is to be in the middle of it...
4. Advertise! Yes I said it ADVERTISE!!! No I am not saying go buy a $300 ad on some website for a week, but do the FREE Stuff, keywords, pay per click, Project Wonderful, Own the Hour, etc. I did this last year in December, no lie I had 6500 views the next morning... Excited? Heck yeah I was! But then really mad with myself because I did so late in the year! The more people see you the more your name is burned into they subconsciousness.
5. Join Social Networks and do creative Blogging. Social Networks are great more because of the motivation that can almost literally jump out and get you. They do help get you a few sales too... (SMILE) But a Social Network is worth its weight in gold because other then motivation and new friends you find out things you never knew about selling, even about your craft. Blog? Sure why not! just be sure to be creative... I have seen so many blog doing the same thing its kind of nuts. They say blog as often as possible, like everyday. Funny thing is the some of the ones that do not blog everyday are way interesting and fun to look at and read then those that have a post for everyday...
   

Hey its just something to think about, to get you off on the right track for 2009!