I had a great laugh today compliments of this article
http://www.soloseo.com/blog/2007/11/03/what-the-customer-actually-wanted/

I think that this cartoon really hits the nail on the head. How many times do we have communication issues (see what the customer wanted first and last frame: tiered swing instead of tire swing), under budget for all those great projects, and get caught up in crazy marketing strategies or sales pressures?

We all must live in a media saturated world. Everyone must promote themselves be they doctors, lawyers, tradesmen, or small business owners. The big questions are, for me and anyone with a small business: How do we compete with big business? How do we market ourselves? How do we gain exposure? How do we show the value of what we do for a living?

I'm personally not a competitor. I'm a fighter if I think I (or my family and friends) have been wronged( my husband would say tenacious, driven, protective). But I hate competing with others. A competitor is defined as any person or entity which is a rival against another. I hate rivals. I like friends. I hate being a business rival of my friends business. And yet that is where I find myself. So I looked into many venues when I started. Some have great exposure, some have great tools for the sellers and others have great people.....can you guess which is my favorite?

I am lucky to be in a selling venue where people not profits are valued most. Don't get me wrong everyone is gearing up for the holiday season and hoping that sales increase. What I mean is that while I sell jewellery and so does the next person we work together on problems, marketing, sales tactics. There is still competition but not at the expense or detriment of another. So, I am learning how to be a competitive business. I am using a unique yardstick. I am competing against myself. Can I design a better piece? Can I bring up my sales? I am a difficult boss and I am not very good at all of the technological aspects which irritates me as I am usually pretty okay at most things that I attempt to do. Maybe that is why I get bored with them so quickly. So here I am lousy at marketing, a technological newbie, hates being in competition with others, and I start my own jewellery business one of the most saturated competitive areas of the handmade movement. Not to mention the competition from low quality, inexpensive (dare I say cheap), mass produced big box store offerings. For me there is no competition. A handcrafted one of a kind unique item is worth a packing box full of mass produced offerings.

So what do we do when we are pushing for that sale, gunning for that promotion, wanting to get ahead? Do we mud sling, defame, undermine others? Or, do we employ honesty, camaraderie, and support? Maybe the mud slingers and defamers will get ahead in the short run but there is no better way to be able to look yourself in the mirror than to show honor and integrity. Let your work speak for itself, work harder, work smarter, and don't get caught up in the" I have to be the best to be happy at all costs mentality."

Today I was featured in Kim's blog http://vabeachquilter.blogspot.com/2009/08/jewelled-trellis.html

I thought I'd put a copy of the article on my blog. Please check out Kim's blog it is nothing short of fantastic!

Thanks Kim for your support!

Jewelled Trellis
Robyn owns the "Jewelled Trellis" shop on Artfire.She specializes in "period" piece jewelry but also makes more contemporary pieces. All of her items arrive packaged in a gift boxed and tied with a ribbon.She has cameo pendants and earrings;

mother's or grandmother's family necklace (with customized birthstones); earrings; necklaces; and more! I just think the cameo set is simply BEAUTIFUL!
Posted by VaBeachQuilter at Wednesday, August 19, 2009

Looking for a unique gift???

Around this time of the year I have to start Christmas shopping. I know it seems really early but as a mom of five kids the earlier I start the better especially when I'm looking for something original. I also hate the Christmas crowds. My extended family has also made this the handmade Christmas. We are only allowed to give each other handmade gifts. No big box stores allowed. I love the idea of a more traditional Christmas full of thoughtful handmade gifts. Even if you can't make it yourself there are lots of crafters available to help. Anyone who feels like I do and wants a more handmade gift selection really needs to look no farther than Artfire for unique gifts for the upcoming holiday season.
If you are looking for handmade jewellery look no farther than my artfire store http://jewelledtrellis.artfire.com.

Sunburn and Smiles

Whew. I have all my plants bought for the year. I'm not going to mention what they cost...eeek....but they are mostly fruit trees and bushes so they are a one time cost. I have a wicked sunburn on my nose and cheeks but I love looking out my windows and seeing all the new baby trees. Now I need to plant the rest of my garden......I must plan.

It's Hailing

Today was a little cool but our rain has misread the seasons. It is hailing. It isn't enough to linger but it sure made an impression on my garden beds. They may not look large...about pea sized but boy do they sting. My oldest and I had quite the time tarping the tomato patch and covering the cucumbers and peppers. I love that you can see the hail in the last picture falling.

Let it Snow, Let it Snow, Let it Snow

Okay I love snow as much as anyone but it is May......May and we have snow flurries. Sigh....only in Alberta.
How could you explain frostbite in the spring????

Anyone who left for work this morning wearing seasonal atttire and forgot their parka is in trouble now.

I hope it doesn't stay. My poor flowers can't take it.

Homeschooling

I agree with this homeschooling mom 100% I too am tired of well meaning family, friends, clergy, strangers on the street who think they know what is best for my children.

Here are her comments on homeschooling. I hope she doesn't mind me reprinting them here:

Thursday, April 30, 2009

Reader Tired of Getting Slack for Homeschooling

Submitted by a reader.
Dear Anonymous Mom,
I am a homeschooler. I have been teaching my children at home for 5 years. I guess I should be used to it by now but I am so tired of all the questions and unkind remarks my family gets on a weekly basis for homeschooling.

Yes, people it IS legal.

NO it is NOT a form of child abuse!

Why should my children be quizzed in public at the store to see how much they know? I don't go around quizzing your public school kids, asking them what their IQ is!

My children are more "socialized" than the kids of my family and friends. They are more active and are involved in many programs and community volunteer projects then any of the public school children we know.

Stop assuming I am what you call a "religious nut". Yes, I am a Christian, but my reasons for homeschooling are more academic then for religious reasons.

Stop assuming you know why we do what we do!

Yes my children will be able to go to college, we get transcripts and everything!

When we decided to homeschool our children it was not an easy decision. It was not a decision we made lightly and I really do not think it is anyone's business, especially complete strangers.

I do not understand why people seem to think they have a right to tell me how to raise my kids but would be pissed if I told them how to raise their own children.Spend more time worrying about how you are raising your kids and let me raise mine. I have done a terrific job so far without any help from you!

Anonymous

ReaderProudly sponsored by Moms United in Business, LLCDedicated to supporting you as both a Mom and Business Professionalhttp://www.momsunitedinbusiness.comhttp://joinmomsunitedinbusiness.blogspot.com

The full blog is located here: http://bloggingmomsanonymous.blogspot.com/2009/04/reader-tired-of-getting-slack-for.html