[100] 10 Truths About Running a Handmade Business

  Welcome to Episode 100 of the Create & Thrive Podcast! And it’s double celebrations, because it’s not only the 100th episode, but also the 2nd birthday of the podcast this week. *throws confetti* To celebrate the 100th episode, I decided to look back over the last 2 years of episodes, as well as ruminate on my (almost) 9 years running my own handmade business. To wit, I have recorded what my best friend would call a ‘real talk’ episode – where I lay down 10 (sometimes hard) truths about running a handmade business. In short: Is it hard work? Yes. Is it worth it? Heck yes! I hope you find this episode heartening and grounding. It’s been a joy to produce this podcast for you over the last 2 years, and I look forward to bringing you a new episode each week into the future! Almost 9,000 people listened to the show in March (2017), with over 13,000 downloads – which, compared to previous months, shows me that more and more of you are discovering the podcast and enjoying what I have to share with you. So – thank YOU for being here, and I hope you continue to enjoy every episode I bring your way! Jess x   Download or Listen to This Episode You can also subscribe to the podcast and listen to this episode on iTunes + Stitcher)   Quotes and Highlights from this Episode: * 1. Everything will take longer than you think it will * Website, photos, social media posts, growth of your biz – absolutely everything! * Give yourself twice as much time as you think each task will take. * For more on this make sure you listen to Episode 30 – 5 Time Management Hacks You Should Try Today. * 2. You can’t compete on price – so find something else that makes you stand out * ‘If you are competing on price you are treating yourself like a commodity’ {Jess} * You need to make people fall in love with what you do. * You need to find your unique selling point to make you stand out from the crowd. * ‘Not competing on price but because what you make is so special that nobody else does it: that’s when you will find success’ {Jess} * For more on this make sure you listen to Episode 53 – Why You Need to Find Your Micro Niche. * 3. You WILL have unhappy customers * It will happen at some point along your way so you must be prepared. * If you have done your best, it is probably not your fault but you need to be equipped to handle it with grace. * For more on this make sure you listen to Episode 3 – How to Provide Outstanding Online Customer Service and Episode 82 – How to Deal with Unhappy Customers. * 4. There will be days/weeks when you fall out of love with your biz/lose your passion * Don’t panic – this is normal and happens to most of us. * Accept the creative cycle and learn to work with the ups and downs. * ‘Take the time to recharge yourself and re-energise’ {Jess} * For more on this make sure you listen to