If you are a Fisher... ♥

When I was in college, while attending a small business class, my professor mentioned something that really hit home for me. At the time, I did not have a small business yet, but I knew some day I would...

His words were... 'There are two different types of businessmen (or women) in the world. There are Hunters... and there are Fishers'.

A hunter will go out and find his customers, he'll hunt for them, bait them, and encourage them to purchase his goods.

A fisher will bait the hook, dabble it in the water... and wait.


I tend to know about myself that I'm a fisher not a hunter when it comes to gaining new customers or making more sales. And I also know things I could do that would make me more like a hunter, but the truth is, I'm just not sure it's within my comfort level.

It sounds picky to say that in such a tough market, but the truth is that I believe very much so, if we want to do something with our lives that makes us happy, we shouldn't encourage doing things that make us unhappy or nervous, or perhaps just don't feel right. But then on the other hand, how does one grow a business if they are not testing their own boundaries? It's called having a marketing plan, and knowing how to use it.

That said, I've been looking for new ways to develop my shop into something that makes more consistent sales... I know I have the potential to be one of those sellers, but how? Of course, some days are going to be better than others... but the general idea here, is to find ways to make more sales and grow your business within your own comfort levels. If you can find productive ways to help yourself move forward, the best yet to come.

So, if you are a Fisher like me... here are some of my ideas... ♥
* * *
1. Get Organized!! It's summer, and I don't know about you, but for me, this the time of year when my business is at it's slowest. It's the time I can spend on weeding out old things, trying new ideas, and getting better organized and ready for the holidays that are just around the corner. De-stash supplies you haven't used it a very long time, donate old items to goodwill or send them to a charity {think tax deductions for donations}, get yourself some boxes or hang new shelves and really get organized. There is nothing that sparks my creativity more, than a fresh clean workspace, where I am ready to create a new masterpiece.

2. Make yourself a daily work schedule and hang it on the wall where you can see it every day. If you can see what you need to accomplish each day, and there are constant reminders... it'll be easier to get things done. I also like to have note pads, and sticky notes on my desk as well. Being able to take notes and make lists helps keep me on task with what I want to get done. Anything you can do to help yourself be a more effective worker in your own creative space is an ante up on reaching your goals.

3. On top of simply making yourself a calender, allow yourself to simplify. Forget about that mile long list of things to do... Just pick one or two things each day, and get them done. By the end of the day, you'll feel like you've accomplished the tasks you assigned, and you'll be proud once you start noticing this trend each and every day. You'll feel more productive! (I know I do, now!)

4. Read this article from Modish Biz Tips about writing a business plan, and getting your ideas down on paper. This is something I still need to do, but I know in general that writing my ideas down on paper, makes them feel more concrete and also helps me really truly brainstorm.

5. Do a Craft show! I know this is un-treaded water for some of us, but even if you are a Fisher like I am, you can still stand happily behind your booth and show the love when people stop by. If you really are truly excited about the product you make, doing an art show or craft fair is a lot of work, but can have a lot of benefits too. You don't have to go knocking door to door to find new customers, they come to you! If you are shy, do your first show with a friend. The more you do them, the more of a routine you develop for your display, your set up and take down... and you'll also get a feel for what your local market demands compared to those on etsy or otherwise. Each market you approach may be different from another, but there's nothing wrong with diversifying. This will help your small business Grow!

Okay, now I know I've got some work to do today... and so do you!
So get with it Missy!

Go forth and conquer!!
♥
Janell