Sunday, November 3, 2013

More Tips AND Got My Studio Together!!

Hi Chicks!!

Well, I did it - I FINALLY got my studio space together!  Compromised with the hubby and I am just delighted with my "new" space :)

I originally wanted to use our family room, which is in the back of the house, but it would've entailed him having to rewire all our cable.  After some consideration, we decided together that since we really don't use our living room, which is in the FRONT of the house, if I promised to keep it neat and presentable when people are walking in, I could revamp it into my studio.  You can see it here and here.  I've been happily creating in my new space and working on getting some decorations up on my walls.  My class ladies were just blown away at October's Calendar Club :)  It was so much fun to see them using my cutting table and admiring my artsy space!  It's good to be the Princess :)

Some shirts my friend & former downline "blinged" for me :)
Anyway, I did want to share some of my little triumphs with you all today.

In June, I treated myself to having a professional web designer revamp my blog, Stamp With Jeni (check it out!!).  I'd gone on a trip to Atlantic City and won some money gambling, so that's what I spent my winnings on - great investment!   Julie at Webics Designs is great to work with and really did a fantastic job with my blog - I just love it!

Since September, I've also been setting aside time every Sunday to schedule blog posts for the week.  If you happened to notice, in October I had new blog posts up every day!  So far for November, I'm caught up as well.  Blocking out time on Sunday has worked for me, and scheduling a whole week's worth of posts at one sitting takes the pressure off - I write away like crazy, sometimes detailed, sometimes just quick and dirty - and that's it til the next Sunday.  It's kinda like giving myself homework.  Because I went on crop weekends in September and October, I was able to design and create a lot of cards, which I've been using as "feed" for my blog postings.

I know this plan won't work for everyone - you all may have different obligations and work schedules than I do - but if you set aside time in your planner or calendar to consistently blog in a way that works FOR YOU, it's a great feeling!  I still don't have many followers, but I've been getting some comments and noticed more of a traffic feed, so it's encouraging!

Another thing I worked on last weekend was to sit down for a few hours and plan classes for January through June and GET them on my Events page.

I told you guys back in May that I've been disappointed in myself for not meeting my Senior Supervisor rolling sales quota.  With that in mind, I've decided to feature a product-based class each month starting in January to drum up some sales, along with keeping my Calendar Club going.  I did revamp my Calender Club slightly, starting in September, offering it at an a la carte fee of $15 OR free with a $25 purchase the night of Club.  That's really helped my sales!  I'm still not where I need to be for rolling sales, but I'm getting there!  The last few months have been over $400 months for me - I'm excited!!

Now, since I've also found a few new students recently, I decided to start incorporating some monthly basic techniques classes for $5 each starting in January as well.  This'll cover my supplies without scaring anyone away or making them feel as though they need to purchase something (I hope).  I also hope by teaching these enthusiastic new stampers to "begin at the beginning", they'll STAY excited and continue with more advanced classes later!

Anyway, that's what I'VE been up to for the last five months - how about you?  If I can help you with anything or you need a little brainstorming, I'm here for you!  Drop me an email or give me a call.  I'd love to help you boost YOUR business, Crafty Chick or not - we're all here to help each other :)

That's it for now, my peeps!

Jeni