Bonspiel Creation
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Goddam Martha Stewart! And you can win a thing!
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She's such a good businesswoman. Even though something about her company rubs me the wrong way, (the waspy smugness perhaps? Or the corporatization of folk-skills of domesticity?) I paused at her book, " The Martha Rules--10 Essentials for Achieving Success as you Start, Build, or Manage a Business" in the thrift shop. It's a slim hardcover with the grande dame herself smiling on the cover, which made me almost put it back. But I've been lost in the forest of small business low-season anxiety for a while now and so I cracked it open to see if anything resonated. I got enough of a whiff of wisdom to spend the four bucks and bring it home (along with Dave Eggars' "What is the What", but that's another story...)
Well, half an hour into the book, Martha kicked my ass. You may be pleased to know that it was while deep in the chapter about loving, honoring and respecting your customers I had a revelation. Turns out I have been treating my endeavor more from an artist's point of view than a businessperson. Which is fine if I don't want to make a living or "grow" (in the parlance of our times) my business. But I do, I really do. And what has been missing is my connection with my customers. Am I really making things that you guys want enough to lay out your hard earned money? Or am I making whatever the hell I want as an artist and then crossing my fingers that others will appreciate it too? God damn you Martha Stewart. And thank you.
So what to do with this new information? For starters, I'm going to test drive some new, low-priced do-it-yourself kits and see if they have appeal for you, my customers. Maybe you're as creative as I am, and want to put something of yourself into a little project. I DON'T KNOW. But I aim to find out. Yesterday I started with the concept and by the end of the day had designed, sourced materials for, created, packaged, photographed and listed this Glasses Case Kit in my Etsy shop. Productivity is not one of my shortcomings!
It comes with written instructions but I will also have photographic steps on this blog with an opportunity for people to ask any questions they may have about the construction of the kit. So let me know what you think in the comments and I will pick a winner and give away either a kit or a completed glasses case, your choice.
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6 Comments
megan says...
If you ever figure out a way to develop a wholesale line, I would be happy to put feelers out with my main repping company for you. They specialize in stationery (which btw, have you considered silkscreened cards?) but awhile back Carina (the honcho) mentioned considering picking up a gift line. They are in Seattle, Portland, San Francisco, LA, and New York, so it's a huge territory. Let me know - I'm happy to help out. megan@ghostacademy.com
ellen says...
Wicked suggestions megan! I have heard a few similar stories of people who would not normally spend that much on a bag, saving up for one of mine. I myself can't afford them! I have been tossing around the idea of a wholesale line, some products I can replicate on an ongoing basis instead of sourcing unique leathers and making one of a kind unreproducible bags. I tried poppytalk, if you pay them for promotion you also get featured a lot in their blog. It didn't really generate any additional sales for me but maybe I didn't give it enough time. I have always scrimped on advertising but it might be time to rethink that too. Thanks for your considered comment! --ellen
megan says...
I think everything you make is amazing and gorgeous. I bought a bag from you like a year ago and have used it every day since. But that may be part of the problem with a higher sales volume - the people who are drawn to your bags are probably not the same people who own like 15 $400 purses. For me, I had never bought a bag for more than like $25. But I loved yours so much that I saved up and bought one. I think when you make things that are high quality and last a long time, the trick is to find a really big customer base. So maybe promotion is the key? Maybe going after placement in a high profile blog like poppytalk? I also think you should develop a line aimed at the wholesale market and try to get a sales rep. I started making cards in 2008 as a hobby... I've never really sold on etsy. But I print like 1000 cards a week to send to stores. All because of wholesaling.
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