This is not my average problem. Truthfully, I’m not talking about real-life, “friends.” I’m talking about opportunities (which I do treasure). There are are so many opportunities these days online for selling handmade work – new ones are cropping up all the time. It’s an exciting time for crafters and artists.
Keeping up with new “friends” is not always easy. Etsy wants to meet for a martini, Amazon wants to have coffee, and Houzz is having a pool party (FYI- we have not be invited anywhere) — there’s simply not enough time. It’s not just about joining up, it’s about keeping up appearances (not letting your shop get shabby). It’s a long-term commitment, and it takes work.
When you’re a creative person, keeping up appearances doesn’t always make it to the top of the list. What is at the top of the list? For us it’s, “what we’re making” and “how we’re making it.” And also, “who we’re telling about it.” It’s a big challenge to find balance in these things.
Let’s hope that when a new “friend” comes knocking, instead of serving up an “opportunity” – they’re offering to take something off our plate. My first recommendation would be a complimentary “product description” editing service. Then could come the roving product photographer… After that, someone to organize contacts. Who knows? The possibilities are limitless. What would be your wish?
