Don Debelak, author of One Stop Invention, lists Nine Mistakes that Producers and Inventors Make and what to do to avoid them. Although Don’s tips take us a step beyond selling to gift stores, but many of these nine points…
Category: Business Planning
Taking Your Hobby to a Business
I quit my job as a book store manager with a large chain store in 2000 — nearly 12 years ago! A change that was one of the scariest things I had done for a long time — but looking…
When Does a Hobby Become a Business? Part Two
After I wrote my first post on this top, When Does a Hobby Become a Business, I was sharing insights received from a LinkedIn Group called Arts and Crafts Community. Since my last post, more great ideas have been shared…
When Does a Hobby Become a Business?
While checking out some of the industry groups and lists I participate in, I found this question posed by Ellen: When do/did you start seeing a (your) hobby business as a ‘real’ business, and is that different from us shop-owners…
Thinking Outside the Box with Your Business
With all the challenges to product based companies, we all need to learn to ‘Think Outside the Box’ with Our Business. Some of the old methods and tips no longer work — we need to think of something new! Megan,…
Are You Sabotaging Your Business?
Unfortunately, many of us are sabotaging our business without realizing it! One of my favorite websites, Mogul Mom, features an article by Anne Samoilov on the topic. She lists the following three ways we may be sabotaging our business; 1.…
Being Creative with Possibilities …
The following article is written by Carolyn Edlund from her Artsy Shark blog. I love this article as it demonstrates many creative ways to make a living with your business. Maybe the economy looks bad, but if you look beyond…
Planning a Success Business
Running a success business is not a hit or miss endeavor. It takes planning, focus and persistence. Early in the year, I often reflect on my plans, how business transpired the previous year, and what I want to do differently…
What is the Difference Between a Hobbyist and a Business Person?
If you don’t know the answer to this, or if you are unsure, you need to read this article. The sad story from Handmadeolgy does not list an author, but I would like to give him/her credit for being honest…
Defining Selling Seasons
The gift industry is segmented into two primary buying seasons: The winter/spring buying season (for purchase of summertime and travel industry inventory) The summer/fall buying season (for purchase of holiday inventory) As a result, you will see lots of activity…
Sales Forcasting for Your Wholesale Gift Business
I recently got the following request for information from Debra, and thought some other people might be interested in this kind of information. Debra wrote: “Sandy, I just started reading your book and so far I am very excited. I…