I recognize and appreciate beautiful art, design, product branding and web-sites. I value the details, the time and the expense these things entail for business owners. I also notice that because there are so many beautiful examples one can view – it is tempting to make comparisons, and (fearing failure to achieve the perfect ideal) do nothing at all.
It is terrifying, at times, to post your work, your thoughts, your attempts/failures. But it is also exhilarating. If you haven’t made a business card, a website, an Etsy site or promoted your business in any way because you are afraid to look silly or have a less than perfect product.. I challenge you to do so. Don’t have a nervous breakdown, it will not be perfect, it will take some time, it will cost you a bit of money, it will feel awkward… and that’s OK.
No one will order a product they don’t know about, call a number they can’t find, you can’t hand out a card that doesn’t exist or refer someone to a site that isn’t there. You must begin. Don’t strive for perfection.. strive to get it done. Strive to have it “under your belt”. Perfect and chisel out details later. Get started now.
This week, I have stationary, gift certificates, business cards and personalized labels. They are not perfect. They are done. They tell the “who, where, what, when and why” of my business. I have accomplished this because someone asked me to participate in donating my work with the opportunity to promote it. I was so excited, but realized that while I had this lovely website and Etsy site, I had no real promotional material that could be handed out in conversation or mailed with my product. I didn’t have them because I was afraid to make a few decisions.
I just encourage you to start somewhere and pat yourself on the back as you accomplish these goals. Each of these steps gets you closer to your next job, your next big step.
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Tomorrow, I deliver this fun package for the Wichita Leukemia & Lymphoma Society Auction, 2014.
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I also decided to add the option of Gift Certificates to my Etsy site – I think it was a very productive few weeks.
Here are some links that might help you get started on your business goals:
Stephanie Macera 