Friday, April 23, 2010

The go-to "How-To" craft selling book

In my way of curing boredom and stepping out of my [introverted] little realm, I decided to take a trip to Barnes & Noble and check out their craft book section. I hardly ever walk out with a book in my hand on these adventurous trips. I mostly go just for the random inspiration a book about bead-work can give me for a purse sewing project.
As I was looking at sewing patterns for a felt teddy bear (in order to get ideas for a recent crafting business project my Prince Charming came up with), my eyes rolled off the page about a bear's button eyes, down to my untied show, and up to the second to the bottom shelf of the "Crafts" sections. A book title called something like "Turn Your Hobby into a Career" grabbed my attention. I've always dreamed about selling my art work, making some extra money if not a career, and having people all around the world enjoy my products, but that's such a huge thing. I mean I don't even know where to begin. Well, of course, the first thing to do is create a product good enough to sell, but what's after that?
I put down the how-to teddy book and started searching through the craft business "how-to"s.
Barnes & Noble's variety is so vast that I usually get intimidated by the huge selection of books. I ended up having to weigh out the pros and cons of three different books for about an hour.
I settled with this book:
"The Handmade Marketplace" by Kari Chapin

I definitely suggest this book to anyone who is new to the craft selling world. It's such an interesting way to make money that it's complicated. But, with "The Handmade Marketplace" all my questions about selling online, at art shows, in a local shop, and all the legal work were answered.

The first part of this three part book introduces you to the steps of craft busniess
  • Chapter 1: Setting The Scene for Success
Teaches the crafter how to set their own personal goals, build a comfortable work space, tips on how to find inspiration once it's lost, and translating a new idea into reality.
  • Chapter 2: Branding Your Business
Explains how to identify your target customers, the fool-proof way to identify your company name, and develop a company id or logo.
  • Chapter 3: Establishing Basic Practices
Helps the crafter with legal issues, collecting money, and the right way to hire help.

Part 2 of this book:

  • Chapter 4: Marketing Basics
Tips on advertising and how to take killer photographs of your products.
  • Chapter 5: Your Craft Community
All about making connections online and within your own community

  • Chapter 6: Blogging
Identifies the importance of blogging, the steps on how to set up a successful blog, and how to use your blog to connect with customers.
  • Chapter 7: Advertising and Publicity
Tips on how to be your own advertiser

  • Chapter 8: More Online Marketing Networks
And last, but not least...
The third part of "The Handmade Marketplace"
  • Chapter 9: The Craft Fair Scene
  • Chapter 10: Selling in Online Stores
  • Chapter 11: Selling in Brick-and-Mortar Stores
  • Chapter 12: Get Creative: Other Selling Options and Opportunities

If you think you're ready to start planning your own career path of owning your own craft business, I really suggest you check this book out and plan from there. Becoming an entrepreneur is a wonderful thought, but kinda intimidating if you don't know where to start. Kari Chapin has given the world an awesome tool to start their dreams of becoming their own boss by making money doing what they love.

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