Trend watching is key to sales success. Customers are always on the hunt for the “it” item, so preparation is key. Make sure you have the latest trend in stock and ready to sell when your clients come looking for it. To help you prepare your inventory for the new year, here are ten top…
Choosing the Right Craft Fair for Your Goods
Selling at craft shows takes a lot of time and energy, so you want to make sure you choose your events wisely. As an online maker business, you must make an informed decision about which craft and maker events to participate in to get the most from your investment. There are several factors to consider…
Spread Your Budget and Lower Overhead Costs
You have to spend money to make money, right? This is a fact of being a small business owner. Still, you want to keep your spending in check so that you can maximize your profits and grow your maker business successfully. Here are several ways that you can spread your budget to lower overhead costs….
Creative Ways to Grow Your Customer Base
As a home-based business owner and maker, it can sometimes feel daunting to reach customers outside your circle of influence. With craft shows you are limited to whoever shows up that day. With online shops, you rely on returning customers, referrals, and social media channels. If you are looking for fresh ideas for attracting clients,…
Top 10 STEAM Focused Blogs for Teachers
STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, and math) education is more than just a buzzword. STEAM is shaping what we teach and the way we teach. I recently touched on how STEAM education enhances student learning, and followed that up with ideas for how to budget for STEAM activities. Whether you are new to this style…
Follow Up with Your Craft Show Customers
Anyone who has worked a craft show knows that the job does not begin and end with the event. Prior to the show there is an enormous amount of prep work and planning to do. In addition to getting your product and booth ready, you also want to make plans for how to follow up…
Budgeting for Classroom STEAM Activities
I recently shared a post about the importance of STEAM education in the classroom. STEAM stands for science, technology, engineering, arts, and math. More and more educators are pointing to the need to integrate the arts with lessons as a way to enhance student learning. When I taught in an elementary school I often used art…
The Importance of STEAM in the Classroom
STEM has been an integral part of education for nearly a decade. The letters STEM stand for science, technology, engineering, and math. These subject areas are part of the fastest growing career fields in the world, and educational leaders have wisely chosen to make these topics core areas of study in order to prepare students…
From Craft Fairs to Selling Online
Many of you have turned your crafting talents into successful craft fair businesses. Congratulations! It takes a lot of dedication to turn your passion into a business. Are you ready to take the leap from selling locally to selling globally? Here are some tips for how to sell crafts online and turn your craft fair…
Top 5 Home Business Blogs to Follow
Sometimes even the most creative people need a little inspiration. Or some sound advice. While making might come easily to you, the business end of owning a maker business can be a little daunting at times. Luckily there are several great resources online, from professional publications to entrepreneurs who are sharing what they have learned….
