2014 Goals.

https://www.etsy.com/listing/169172544/cheers-to-the-new-year-print?ref=sr_gallery_7&ga_search_query=new+year+print&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_ship_to=ZZ&ga_search_type=all


Happy New Year!

I am thrilled to welcome in a new year.  Even though I know it's really just another day, it's the classic fresh start, like a giant reset button.  I think it's great to take a good look at where you are and make a plan for where you'd like to end up.  It may not work out completely, but having a goal in mind at least gives you a starting point and may make you feel a little more accountable throughout the year.  Having looked back at 2013 yesterday, it's time to look ahead to the coming year and the things I would like to accomplish.  Unlike last year my list this year is mainly business-based.  I'm hoping to make more efficient use of my time and be able to grow the business this year.
  
1. Spend less time in front of the computer. (sub-goal: stop looking at gossip sites.)

This may seem completely counter-intuitive first goal given the fact that I am running an Internet-based business that, by definition, requires lots of computer time, but I find myself glancing at my computer every time I walk by it, or hanging around it looking at nonsense like People magazine online.  I would like to cut out a lot of the junk computer time this year.  I would like to make my online time more productive, possibly setting aside specific time in the day for emails and convos, for finding and ordering supplies, for listing items, and for writing blog posts.  Which leads me to item #2:

2.  Find a clear direction for this blog.

In my mind, I know exactly what I want this blog to be and how I want it to work.  I can envision the content and the beautiful photography and sleek design.  Putting it into action is a whole other thing.  The problem is I have never felt like this blog falls into any particular category, so I'm hoping to determine my purpose here and define some sort of theme and stick to it for the most part.  (That's really clear and decisive, right?)

3. Maintain the shop at over 100 items.

I have the hardest time keeping up the amount of inventory in the Milo and Molly shop.  It usually hovers between 50 ad 75 items, but I would like to beef up the amount of each of my products, to hopefully become more searchable, and just because I have so many ideas that I want to put bring to life.  So, I would not only like to get up to 100 items, I would like to keep it there.

4. Branch out locally.

This is a tough one for so many reasons.  First you have to find places that might want to sell your stuff.  Then you have to get them to sell your stuff.  (I am not an outgoing person.  Talking to people I don't know is scary and anxiety-inducing.  Talking about stuff I make is even harder- I'm sure it shouldn't be, but I have a really hard time explaining what I do, so I generally feel like I end up sounding like a bumbling idiot.)  You have to decide if you want to try to sell wholesale, or if you are okay consigning.  You might consider contacting local media outlets, you might look into your own retail space.  You might try to find local craft shows, which can be a crap shoot as to which will be the most successful for you.  This is exhausting for me to even think about.  But, I think it does help when people can actually look at what you're doing and can see and touch your product so this is something I want to start investing some time in.

5. Join a treasury team on Etsy.

I would love to see one of my items on the front page of Etsy.  I really, really would.  So I decided that this year would be a good one to join a treasury team.  Belonging to one of these teams helps get you into more treasuries and the more treasuries you are in, the better your chances of front page exposure are.  Now I just need to find the right team.  I actually tried applying to one of the very exclusive treasury teams on Etsy but got denied because my items were too similar to those of others on the team.  So I am sure that will be a process but I hope to find a good fit.  This works directly into the next goal:

6. Improve product photography (again).

This is a constant work in progress, and though I feel like I've already come a long way, there's always more that can be done.  Clearer, brighter shots, artfully styled, beckoning shoppers to click on them, or give them a favorite- that's my hope.

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I have my work cut out for me, that's for sure, but I'm excited to see what the year holds.  What are your goals this year?

Comments

  1. Paige @ Little NostalgiaJanuary 1, 2014 at 12:10 PM

    Totally with you about computer time. It's unavoidable, but I know I could streamline my process and be more physically active during my "business hours."


    What treasury team did you apply to? I spent a year and a half on the TAGT team and loved it. It was a big time commitment, but the money you save in advertising is worth it.

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  2. The computer is a HUGE time suck. I have really improved on that since this summer when I first started full time. Some times I feel like I miss out on stuff that's going on in the online world, but then I realize that I'm not missing out because I'm being more present in my own life. I still want to improve on that, but I'm getting there. A clear direction for my blog (and shop) are also things I want to work on! Part of that will have to go hand in hand with me thoughtfully planning what I blog. I had a goal to blog 5 days a week which I could keep up for a while, but then fell off the wagon. I'm hoping to go for 3, with meaningful posts. I feel like I have an idea of what I want my blog to be as well, but just haven't taken the time to get it there. Funny how we have some similar goals-- I'll be writing mine out on the blog soon.

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  3. I hear you on the ever-evolving product photography. That's a work in progress over here, too. Let me know if you find a good treasury team - I've been interested in that, too.

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  4. Love the goals! I am ALWAYS getting distracted on the computer, too.

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  5. Since I started freelance writing, I have become more disciplined than ever before about my computer time. It is way too easy to be networking professional on Facebook or researching for an article or blog post on Pinterest and waste a lot of time.

    I know what you mean about product photography, too. I have come so far in the last five years, but there is always room for improvement. Without consistent effort, you end up stagnating, which isn't good, even when your photography is high quality.

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  6. You have some great goals which are totally doable. I really need to get a new camera this year which is one of the reasons why my shop hasn't been updated much. And joining a treasury team is a great idea. You may want to check out Avid Treasuers - I'm on that team. :)

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  7. Thanks- I will totally check that team out! I just took charge of a CT team, too, so I'm hoping that will help in the local effort. I need to update my shop, too, so I'm hoping new photos will give me a push to start in on that. Happy New Year!

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  8. The computer can be the worst. I deleted some of my go-to time wasting sites from my drop down bar so I won't be tempted to go there. 3 days in, so far, so good LOL!

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  9. Photos can be the worst- you take all that time and end up with duds once they get to the computer. I'll keep you updated on the treasury team!

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  10. Elite 16. I don't think I was fancy enough for them LOL! I will look into the TAGT team, though. I love recommendations!

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  11. I'm going to use some of these tips to help me stay on track: http://witandwhistle.com/2013/10/17/productivity-tips/ The blog is another huge piece. I see these gorgeous blogs and I know I can't yet do it myself, so we'll see where I go with that.

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  12. Yes, online time has to be really, really monitored or else I will sit here for hours (as I've been doing today since it's 10 degrees out and we have no plans to go anywhere) looking at nonsense. Something to work on, for sure.

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  13. This year I'm sticking to monthly goals - here are mine for January http://fallenpeach.wordpress.com/2014/01/01/first-meetup-of-2014-january-goals/

    Mostly, it's get back on track with everything I took a break from over the past couple of months. But there are some fun things on the horizon for me too !

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  14. I love that you've categorized everything to help keep it all in order. That's what I did last year and it felt good to have challenges in so many areas. This year I really want to push the business, so that's why I stuck to that stuff, though I have other personal goals- like get on my elliptical more than once a year!

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