Perceptions

My boss recently brought to my attention his perception of some of my jewelry. We do not generally share similar tastes but I was truly surprised by his comments.

The biggest surprise to me was his comment that some of the chain I used looked "cheap". I always thought the thin chain I used looked delicate and pretty.

He is a big guy and did buy his wife one of the larger linked Tiffany's necklaces. But still, I was genuinely surprised that he thought the chain looked cheap.

Can't things that are dainty and small be high in value? Do things have to be large to be viewed as "expensive" looking? The chain I used for the pendant above is not inexpensive and it's deceptively strong.

Now I'm looking at my selection in materials slightly differently...perhaps what I perceived as delicate others see as cheap.

Thoughts?

Do You Stumble?

I'm not a huge fan of social networking for the sake of promoting my business. I just don't have the patience or the energy to really put a true effort into doing it "right."

And apparently it would be a waste of time anyway.

This is a great article by someone I found linked through the Switchboard forums (love that place) and I found her insight to be refreshing. And comforting.

It's good to know that my efforts can be better spent actually designing jewelry than making myself crazy twittering and stumbling and pimping myself on Facebook.

I enjoy Twittering actually but not as a marketing tool...just for fun. I've also learned some great information about a variety of topics from those folks I follow. I do post sometimes about my work but mostly it's personal stuff or interesting tidbits I think others will find interesting.

So don't knock yourself trying to get the most stumbles or tweets. Everyone else is doing it and I've found that when everyone else does something I usually want to go the other way.

Viva La Moda

A very cool online magazine I found via Lennox Knits - VivaLaModa.

"VivaLaModa is a bi-monthly magazine created to show the greatest and coolest fashionable and hand made things that we can find. But we don’t want to talk only about fashion or beautiful stuff we find. This magazine will also host articles about green products, toys, decoration, product reviews and many more things.

We want to support indie designers and crafters who make things with their own hands (not to forget we also love vintage!), and give readers information about the handmade world."

Excellent. The more focus on Indie designers the better, I say!

Their site says they are currently looking for people who design their own line of clothing, with focus on different collections throughout the year. It's a great opportunity for exposure so contact them.

New Affiliate Program

So I don't do affiliate programs really. I have some links to products that I use like ING but I don't consider those affiliate programs. My goal with my blogs was never to make money...it's more of a social outlet where I can share and vent. =)

However, when I do believe in something I feel like I should share it...and if I can make some extra money doing so, all the better.

I decided to sign up for a jewelry related affiliate program with David Weiman who I have followed for several years. He even included some of my information in an online book he created...I should go find that. :) He writes and shares his knowledge through his Marketing Jewelry website, book, and e-mails.

So while I will earn some money if you click his link I did not join for that reason. I truly think that his advice on jewelry - selling, marketing, and making - is valuable for a jeweler at any level. I hope you think so too. I won't inundate you with links or posts about the Marketing Jewelry site, but when he posts updates or e-mails that I find valuable I will share them.

Feel free to give me your feedback as well. If you don't find it valuable then I may opt out of the program. Though I honestly think you'll find the information useful.

Calling All Bead Makers

I'm a member of an e-mail list called Help a Reporter Out (I highly recommend signing up) and today brings a query for bead makers! I just had to share with those who make beads and read my blog (thank you by the way).

21) Summary: Beadmakers

Category: Lifestyle & Entertainment

Name: Cyndi L

Email: [I don't want her to get spam so contact me through my blog or website and I'll forward you her e-mail]

Title: editor

Media Outlet/Publication: b5Media.com blogging network

Anonymous? No

Specific Geographic Region? No

Region:

Deadline: 5:00 PM EASTERN - November 30

Query:

"I would like to hear from people who create beads, either from
lampworked or fused glass, polymer clay, metal, stone, or other
unique materials. I'm looking for those artists who would like to
share an artist statement of one to two paragraphs, and up to three
images (72dpi res) of their work, along with a link to their site.
www.jewelryandbeading.com is a blog with a very large readership.
The majority of the reader make handmade beaded jewelry, and they
are always looking for new sources of high quality artist beads. "

I'd love to see some of the very talented bead makers that I know get some PR.

Sending Newsletters Is Fun

Should that be "are" fun? No...I think is is right. *grin*

I finally sent a new newsletter out today, after being MIA for several months. I think my last one went out all the way back in MARCH. Oh the shame.

Sending a newsletter is stressful and nerve wracking, but ultimately a lot of fun. It's the one chance I get to communicate with everyone who has signed up or purchased something in the past.

This latest newsletter announced and explained all the new changes regarding my website and my Etsy shop. I'm sure some folks will not want to purchase via Etsy, but hopefully the positives will outweigh the negatives for people.

Have you thought about sending a newsletter before? At one point in time I used Constant Contact but for someone as small as me the cost was insane. It's a monthly fee even if you don't send out a single newsletter. And the fee goes up if you want to send more than a certain number of e-mails (It was 200 for my small account) - which may not sound like a big deal but you'd be surprised how fast you can build up a 200-300 member newsletter list.

So last year I switched to Mail Chimp. I LOVE IT! They've gone through a lot of growing and changes but their communication is excellent. So is their pricing structure! I don't pay a dime unless I actually SEND an e-mail. Imagine that!

Instead of a monthly fee, you pay for credits - each credit represents an e-mail address. So if I have 500 members on my list I will need 500 credits to send an e-mail to them. Prices range from $0.03 a credit down to $0.01 a credit. I go with the in between because I don't have a ton of e-mail addresses - so each person "costs" me $0.02 to contact. My last newsletter cost just over $10 to send out.

Think about that...It's a lot cheaper than the mail service. And the layout is a lot nicer looking than just a regular text e-mail. And for about $10 I was able to communicate with over 500 people! And I'm not going to be charged another $15 monthly fee or anything like that.

Plus isn't the monkey cute??? *grin* Their monkey mascot cracks me up.

You can use Mail Chimp for all kinds of newsletters, not just for business. If you have tons of family and don't want to shell out the big bucks for fancy holiday cards or announcements, Mail Chimp is a great option. Or just to keep in touch.

The Monkey lets you sign up for a free trial account too. So you can try it out at no risk and if you decide to sign up (and you do so from my link here) you will earn $30 in credit! Woohoo! And so do I! Woohoo again! Win Win.

I'm not loving on the Monkey (so to speak) just to get credit though. I really do love their service. Any time I've had any issues (only twice...and trust me it was user error) the staff has been more than helpful. Plus they've done a bunch of upgrades lately and their site is even easier to use than it was before (and it was easy to use before!).

So let's all keep in touch, k? =) Feel free to sign up for my newsletter ... I'm going to try to be better at sending one out at least once a month...maybe once every six weeks.

Oh...I forgot to mention that it's really easy for people to sign up for your distribution list too. There are all kinds of tutorials on how to build a sign up page - although I had my web lady do it because I'm too dumb for that kind of thing. hahahaha

You can also manually enter e-mail addresses (and I think you can upload them too) as long as you have permission.

Spread some monkey love today! =)

Women Owned Small Business?

If you are a female owned small business you need to be a member of The Switchboards. I cannot express enough how great this forum is. I have learned so much in the time I've been a member.

It doesn't cost anything and the level of professionalism is priceless.

There's also a "Private" part of the forum that is beyond helpful. You must apply to be part of this section and it is a wonderful place to discuss sensitive issues that you may not want to be viewable by just anyone.

I can't recommend this forum enough.

Charging More - You're Worth It!

So often, artisan jewelers do not value their work and end up not charging enough. David Weiman of Marketing Jewelry put together a little video to explain why we, as artisan jewelers, need to value ourselves and our work.




There's no need to gouge people and it's difficult to find that *sweet spot* price. To me the most important thing is covering costs and making some sort of profit - even if small. It needs to be big enough to reinvest in your business. Because if you are selling you are in business - even if you think of it as a hobby.

Admittedly, I am not perfect when it comes to charging for my work and I often do undervalue myself. But I am working on it. =)

Are you Indie?

Promoting your business is super important and especially difficult for us small fish in this large pond of retail. Especially for a price that doesn't break the bank.

Total Indie Coupons are a fantastic way to get your name out to a variety of different buyers - and the great thing is that these buyers are known shoppers of Indie. How can that be you may ask?

Because people who are ordering from an Indie person, like me, get a pack of these coupons with their order. So we already know that they are ordering or buying from an Indie person.

You are exposed, not just to your customers, but to the customers of all the other participants in these coupons. That comes to 5,000 potential hits from shoppers! For only $50!!!

Not only that, my customers love to get them. They're introduced to new and fun small businesses and get great deals.

Round #8 is up and available for sign up but I know spaces are going fast. Last I checked there were only 8 left.

Is your site on Etsy? No problem! I know Etsy won't do coupon codes, but you can offer a free gift with purchase and the "code" can be entered at checkout.

I've participated in nearly every round of these coupons and signed up for round 8. I have a feeling I'll go through my Round 7 set sooner rather than later. *hint hint* *wink wink* =)

So hurry and grab your space to take advantage of this great marketing opportunity!

You Like Me...You Really Like Me!

*giggle* Okay...so that might be a bit much...but I did win an award recently. And it always makes me blush to win awards where other people nominate me. I certainly didn't campaign for it.



Woohoo!

If you've never visited Posh Mama you really should. It's a great online networking and female support community.

Sky High

The price of silver, gold, and platinum continues to rise.

My hope is that it will not rise too much more, but I am not a market analyst. What I have come to understand is that so far the market is not nearly as bad as it was in the late 70s and early 80s. In April of 1987 silver spiked 35% in just seven days. So far this year silver has risen 35%, as it rose over $20 an ounce yesterday, though it did take two months. It was down around $0.50 as of today though.

Remember that jewelers don't buy their wire or metal components at the market price. We may be seeing some sharp increases in jewelry prices - and not just sterling. Base metals also rise with the commodities markets. And Gold is just an outstanding $980 some odd dollars an ounce. Ouch! So much for me starting to work with gold anytime soon.

Some people actually want the price of silver and other metals to rise because they are making money. And predicting the market future is just as hard as predicting the stock market. And can be just as dangerous to those who speculate.

I'll keep buying my metal as painful as it may be - though customers will start seeing a price increase in my work. It can't be helped. I want to keep my prices reasonable but also have to factor in my costs.

As long as the U.S. dollar is weak, silver will remain high. Markets fluctuate and I expect that we'll look back on $20 silver as a memory ... though who knows when.

Hang in there!

I'm So Excited

But I have to hide it. ha!

I got this really neat idea and I'm super excited about it. You'll get to find out eventually.

If you haven't signed up yet for my newsletter you might want to...newsletter members are going to get a sneak peak.

I love doing fun things!

Let's Shop!

Join me and my Posh Mamas tomorrow for a me.dium tour. It's a lot of fun and informative too!

Tomorrow - 3 p.m. ET / 2 p.m. CT / 12 p.m. PT.

Me.dium is a social networking surfing site. It requires a download to your computer but it's fairly simple. I have mine downloaded...and it means that you can see where I'm surfing online! It's online shopping together - without being in the same room, city, or even country!

Don't worry...it turns off automatically when you go to sensitive sites like banks or credit cards or anytime you have to enter a password. It's intuitive that way.

Three Day Weekend, Here I Come!

This has been a very stressful week for me. Work has been absolutely insane and it won't stop being so today either.

I also was in SheFinds Jewelry Showcase and have several orders (some rather large) to fill from that. And my Mother in Law's birthday is tomorrow and I am in charge of planning and coordinating. *sigh*

And to add to my depression (I use the term loosely here, I'm not actually depressed...just stressed) the first two things I read this morning are total downers.

First, the absolutely adorable looking Snow Buddies was made with underage dogs, some of whom died. This ticks me off because I know how important the first eight weeks of a dog's life are with their mom. My MIL wanted this movie but hell if I am going to buy it now.

And then on Rachel Lucas' blog I read a supremely sad and distressing story of the worst customer service EVER. There is a time to follow policy and a time to throw the rule book out the window. This was one of those times. Screw the rules. Give the guy his daughter's phone. Jeez. What is wrong with people? This is how NOT to do public relations.

I'll have to update the blog again today because this is just too depressing to keep up all weekend long. But I had to get it out of my system. If the T-Mobile story from Rachel's blog makes you as angry as I am, feel free to spread it around the net and even call T-Mobile. If I were their customer I'd totally be canceling right now. BAD corporation! I like big business but companies like this give big business a bad name. :(

Professional Matters

Being a small business means having to compete with the big boys. Some people don't give Indie designers the respect they deserve and it is up to us to earn that respect with extra effort to customer service and professionalism.

I buy a LOT of indie stuff. I love supporting artists and crafters and I have found some really unique and special gifts that you can't find at Walmart or Target.

As a buyer, not just a seller, of Indie designs I pay very close attention to the way a person conducts themselves as a business entity. Do they contact me after my purchase? Is my purchase shipped quickly? And when received is it professionally presented?

Tips for Professional Presentation:

• Go the Extra Mile - Do not simply put your item in an envelope and ship it off. It's tacky. Take time to carefully wrap it to protect it if needed. Add a ribbon or something special to present it to your customer. Even a simple piece of gift tissue paper with a sticker works.
• Do Not Reuse if it's Not Clean - I reuse bubble wrap and peanuts but that's it. I do not reuse bubble mailers. I sometimes will be able to salvage tissue paper but that's only if I haven't ripped it. If I ship in a bubble mailer it is new and clean. I find it very tacky to receive a used bubble mailer taped up and patched when I've ordered a new and clean item. I *will* reuse boxes if I can completely remove or cover writing and make it look new again.
  
• Creativity is One Thing - This goes back to the reusing issue ... Some people seem to think that they have to use every piece of cardboard or paper in their home. I've heard of packages shipped in cereal containers and toilet paper rolls used to package items. Not cool. Would you ever receive a toilet paper roll from a major business??? NO! Even businesses that are so called "green" would not do this. It's tacky ... beyond tacky. Just recycle your food containers and toilet paper cardboard, k?
  
• Include an Invoice - Especially if you sell supplies, but anytime you ship an item that was purchased you need to include an invoice of some sort. Even half a slip of paper with the purchase written down is better than nothing. Have you ever ordered from a major business and not received some sort of invoice? Nope. Not going to happen. I know it is an "extra" piece of paper but do you really think a forest will die if you include an invoice? Use recycled paper if it bothers you that much.
  
• Thank you - Thank you goes a long way. Include some sort of hand written note thanking your customer. I have received packages with absolutely no personal touch at all and I hate it! At LEAST write thank you on the invoice. At the very least. I include a hand written special card with a couple sentences handwritten thanking my customers for their purchase.
  
• Make It Pretty - When I open my package do I "oooo" and "aaaahhhhh"? Or do I at least smile? I hope that my customers enjoy looking at their purchase before they even see it. I have custom boxes that I tie in a ribbon. Inside pieces are placed in a silky custom gift bag. I believe it's a lovely presentation. You don't need to be that fancy but it should look like you put some extra effort into your packaging.
  

It is the small things that make customers remember you. Your packaging also helps brand you. The more they see the same logo or packaging the more it will be associated with you. Tiffany's won't be changing their little blue boxes any time soon. =)

Have You Joined MyWares?

Selling online is tough. There is a lot of competition and getting your name to potential buyers can be a challenge.

If you are looking to expand your wholesale accounts, as I am, you should look to join MyWares. I've heard some good things about their website and several folks I 'know' (in the virtual online concept of knowing them at least) have had wholesale orders because of this site.

The best news? It's FREE to apply and join if you are accepted.

Simply go to their website and click on the Join link. Fill out the application fields and send a couple photos and details via e-mail. It's that simple. If you're approved you will get to create a page for free.

Good luck!

Don't Fall for it

I'm not normally a naive person. I've become more and more skeptical as time has gone by, but sometimes I get a little off my game and slip up a little. Wednesday was one of those days apparently.

My website has a 'contact me' page. I prefer this to having people try to e-mail me directly. Mainly because if they e-mail me from their own e-mail address the Spam filter might snag it, but when using the contact page the message always comes through just fine. The only drawback to me is that when I see that I have a message I get a little excited...somebody is contacting me!

Lately, I don't get nearly as excited. Maybe 1 in 10 queries is an actual customer who wants or has a question about jewelry. The other 9 times it is someone who wants to sell me something, link to me (nothing wrong with that), or wants me to join something. Sometimes these are also important messages, but often they are not.

Soooo...I got a message on Wednesday:

"Dear Madam:Our affluent readers have questions about your items for sale.When is the best time for me to call or email you?
Sincerely,Lisa M.
Fashion Avenue News Network"

Her contact information was also listed (phone, web address, e-mail) but I don't really want to give them a free link. Go ahead and google them if you're interested.

Needless to say I must have been tired that day because I actually fell for it! I e-mailed her back with my contact information and that I'd be happy to answer any questions. *sigh* Yesterday I get a reply...and what a shock. She's asking me if I'd like to give her $500 to advertise on their website. Some question.

I love their pitch (*enter sarcasm here*). Trick me into thinking they're actually interested in an interview or my work. Then ask me to give them money: "Our affluent readers have questions about new designs - where to find the latest designs? We want to suggest your name to all our affluent readers."

Okay, I get it. You think your readers are affluent. Try another adjective. K?

Please don't try to trick me into advertising. I may fall for the initial inquiry but $500 is not a small amount of money and I'm slowly learning what avenues are worth my advertising dollars and which are not. I'm sure as heck not going to invest in some company that tries to trick potential advertisers. To me that is dishonest and a little too 'slick willy' if you get my drift.

My Words in Print

I'm so jazzed. I've been quoted in a really neat online magazine - Jewelry Selling Insights. The article I am in is about doing home shows. I've only actually done 4 shows total but I really do feel that my experiences are valuable for others who haven't done any.

Check out October's newsletter and read up on a variety of interesting topics, including home shows. (newsletter requires Adobe Reader to view - it's a free program available to download online)

This is a great, short, newsletter that is packed with valuable tips and tricks for any jewelry designer.