I began working with wood in the mid-80's. A vision of making outrageously beautiful pieces that would that would touch people's hearts and remind them of their interior lives began to take hold in my mind. While I was successful in attaining my goal of having my boxes sold in the very best galleries in the country, I found that despite hard work, long hours, and outstanding product, it was difficult to make ends meet and to justify the amount of personal and financial investment.

In 1999 the World Wide Web, as it was called then, was just beginning to be taken seriously as a marketing tool. I began to imagine what it might be like to sell directly to the customer instead of through galleries. While it concerned me to give up the security of the standing orders each show generated, the business to business marketing model and accompanying margins simply were not sustainable. I decided to create a web site and my wife and I worked together to design, write copy and create product photographs. It felt a bit like being an explorer in the New World: not a lot of maps and no one in my situation from which to ask for advice. But the business case for the site was compelling--selling my products directly to customers at twice their wholesale price made the margins a lot more workable. The site went live that fall and I spent most of the Christmas season on the phone selling product--my site delivered solid financial results. And the rest is history.

This story might be yours as well. As a crafter, you know the attention to detail you take in creating your products. That same dedication can be put forth into building your presence on-line. Creating a solid on-line presence is similar to the effort that goes into each piece. Each detail can’t be overlooked. Here are some things that have helped me along the way.

• Hire a good photographer. This is crucial to any web site, especially if you only sell on-line.

• In the beginning you'll want to hire a good webmaster, but eventually, if possible, you should learn how to maintain your site yourself. You'll save yourself money and gain a better understanding of the business.

• Investigate generating sales through Pay-Per-Click campaigns such as with Google AdWords and Yahoo's Overture.

• When you're on-line, much of the personal element is lost. To make up for lacking a "store front" where
  Are You Sure It Is A Job You Want?
  Well do you want a job, or a career? The difference is one, the job, is something you do to make some money and that’s about it. A career is something you get personal satisfaction from and normally something you plan to do for your entire working career.The difference is huge once you understand what each is for. It seems we all need money to survive. If you only need some money then anything that pays what you want will do.
  them of their interior lives began to take hold in my mind. While I was successful in attaining my goal of having my boxes sold in the very best galleries in the country, I found that despite hard work, long hours, and outstanding product, it was difficult to make ends meet and to justify the amount of personal and financial investment.

  In 1999 the World Wide Web, as it was called then, was just beginning to be taken seriously as a marketing tool. I began to imagine what it might be like to sell directly to the customer instead of through galleries. While it concerned me to give up the security of the standing orders each show generated, the business to business marketing model and accompanying margins simply were not sustainable. I decided to create a web site and my wife and I worked together to design, write copy and create product photographs. It felt a bit like being an explorer in the New World: not a lot of maps and no one in my situation from which to ask for advice. But the business case for the site was compelling--selling my products directly to customers at twice their wholesale price made the margins a lot more workable. The site went live that fall and I spent most of the Christmas season on the phone selling product--my site delivered solid financial results. And the rest is history.

  This story might be yours as well. As a crafter, you know the attention to detail you take in creating your products. That same dedication can be put forth into building your presence on-line. Creating a solid on-line presence is similar to the effort that goes into each piece. Each detail can’t be overlooked. Here are some things that have helped me along the way.

  • Hire a good photographer. This is crucial to any web site, especially if you only sell on-line.

  • In the beginning you'll want to hire a good webmaster, but eventually, if possible, you should learn how to maintain your site yourself. You'll save yourself money and gain a better understanding of the business.

  • Investigate generating sales through Pay-Per-Click campaigns such as with Google AdWords and Yahoo's Overture.

  • When you're on-line, much of the personal element is lost. To make up for lacking a "store front" wher
    Contemporary Bar Stools Keep Businesses Sitting Pretty
    The only thing that does not change in this world is change. The business world is no exception. At Wall Street, stocks and bonds rise and fall due to hostile takeovers. Multi-billion dollar mergers are a daily thing. Executive decisions are made with the goal of saving a corporation's bottom line, not jobs. In the blink of an eye, seemingly unlimited amounts of money can be zapped from Wall Street to Main Street. In today's every-ch
    rned me to give up the security of the standing orders each show generated, the business to business marketing model and accompanying margins simply were not sustainable. I decided to create a web site and my wife and I worked together to design, write copy and create product photographs. It felt a bit like being an explorer in the New World: not a lot of maps and no one in my situation from which to ask for advice. But the business case for the site was compelling--selling my products directly to customers at twice their wholesale price made the margins a lot more workable. The site went live that fall and I spent most of the Christmas season on the phone selling product--my site delivered solid financial results. And the rest is history.

    This story might be yours as well. As a crafter, you know the attention to detail you take in creating your products. That same dedication can be put forth into building your presence on-line. Creating a solid on-line presence is similar to the effort that goes into each piece. Each detail can’t be overlooked. Here are some things that have helped me along the way.

    • Hire a good photographer. This is crucial to any web site, especially if you only sell on-line.

    • In the beginning you'll want to hire a good webmaster, but eventually, if possible, you should learn how to maintain your site yourself. You'll save yourself money and gain a better understanding of the business.

    • Investigate generating sales through Pay-Per-Click campaigns such as with Google AdWords and Yahoo's Overture.

    • When you're on-line, much of the personal element is lost. To make up for lacking a "store front" wher
      Trust Fundraising Applications - the Do's and Don'ts!
      Are you considering putting in a fundraising application to a grant-making Trust or Foundation?If you're wondering how to write your application, what to include and how to complete the funding application form, here's a few simple pointers about what to do and what NOT to do:- Prepare well - research and find trusts, preferably locally, who fund projects similar to yours.Do read the information sent
      ble. The site went live that fall and I spent most of the Christmas season on the phone selling product--my site delivered solid financial results. And the rest is history.

      This story might be yours as well. As a crafter, you know the attention to detail you take in creating your products. That same dedication can be put forth into building your presence on-line. Creating a solid on-line presence is similar to the effort that goes into each piece. Each detail can’t be overlooked. Here are some things that have helped me along the way.

      • Hire a good photographer. This is crucial to any web site, especially if you only sell on-line.

      • In the beginning you'll want to hire a good webmaster, but eventually, if possible, you should learn how to maintain your site yourself. You'll save yourself money and gain a better understanding of the business.

      • Investigate generating sales through Pay-Per-Click campaigns such as with Google AdWords and Yahoo's Overture.

      • When you're on-line, much of the personal element is lost. To make up for lacking a "store front" wher
        The A-Z of Exhibiting Overseas
        Exhibiting overseas is one of the fastest and most cost effective ways to identify the best foreign markets for your products/services. International trade shows and fairs offer opportunities for multilateral contacts and business deals. They allow you to test your product’s export suitability; explore the strength and scope of your competition; and gain exposure to potential suppliers, in-country distributors and customers before ma
        d photographer. This is crucial to any web site, especially if you only sell on-line.

      • In the beginning you'll want to hire a good webmaster, but eventually, if possible, you should learn how to maintain your site yourself. You'll save yourself money and gain a better understanding of the business.

      • Investigate generating sales through Pay-Per-Click campaigns such as with Google AdWords and Yahoo's Overture.

      • When you're on-line, much of the personal element is lost. To make up for lacking a "store front" where you can interface directly with your clientele, put as much of yourself and personal style into your web site as possible. This includes indicating that you, the handcrafter, are available by telephone or e-mail to support any questions.

      Making the transition to selling handcrafted pieces on-line may not be for everyone. It’s a competitive market out there today, but there are many tools available. You have the passion and desire to create beautiful crafts. Why not take the initiative to ensure that your work is available to as many customers as possible? It’s worth consideration.