How Do You Get People Interested?

[tracyteachout]

Hello Everyone!!

I have been stamping/scrapbooking for about 6 years now and have a fair amount of experience under my belt. In addition to my own dating my husband/wedding/pets scrapbooks, I've done 2 other wedding scrapbooks for a couple of friends, four baby scrapbooks, and have made all the invites, thank you cards, etc. for three weddings. I've done all of this at no charge to my friends, especially since it was a great "excuse" for us to get together!!

However, I quit my job as a legal assistant at the end of March after three and a half years of verbal and emotional abuse from my employer. I know, everyone has their "sob story" to tell, and there are folks out there far worst off than my husband and I, but going from two incomes to one is very challenging. At any rate, after nearly 5 years of marriage, my husband and I would like to start a family, and my heartfelt desire is to be a stay-at-home mom. So, for the past seven months I've been trying to find ways to supplement our income. My husband has been encouraging me to market my cards and scrapbooking gifts/talents, but I have no idea where to even begin.

Who do you sell to? How do you get your name out there?

Any advice would be greatly appreciated!!

Tracy

[shirolives]

Hi. First, I wish you well on your new journey!!

Second, to market your cards, pages, services, here are my thoughts for ya:

Get online and research/google: how to start your own craft business

Network like a madwoman. Keep in touch with everyone in your day timer, email and address book. Talk to people everywhere--at the grocery store, in your neighborhood, at your kids' school. While keeping in touch, mention your new endeavor. Mary Kay calls it warm chatter when you take time to talk about them...it works.

Get reference letters. In writing. Copy those bad boys and give 'em out!

Check out www.etsy.com sell your stuff online--handmade only there!

Make your own business cards. Make them eye catching = interest = business.

Get published--add that to your new resume baby! With pictures.

Perhaps join the bloggers of the world! I love lurking and reading about people accross the world. There must be a kickback on selling stuff from your blog/web page.....read: not experienced here....but bloggers love to blog and if you e-mail them, it's free and I bet most would be helpful to you.

Don't give up on your dream. I admire you for starting!!!

Again, best wishes on your journey.

hth

[jill031070]

just sent you a PM

[angelPR]

Sent you a PM!

Love,
Diana

[tracyteachout]

Would love some more input!!

[PaperBouquet]

Shirolives advice was really good. I'd also add that a good idea might be to include links to the sites where you are selling and/or your blog in your signature lines for SCS and e-mails.

Olivia

[luv my dolly]

Good luck to you in your new endeavor. I would recommend leaving a business card everywhere and start a website.