Small Business Recap 2012

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I posted my business goals for 2012 back in December of 2011. I also did a recap in April this year. Now its the end of 2012 and lets see how I did. 

Goals:

1. Create new/test products on regular basis. I don't think I will ever be happy with the amount of products I create/test. I found through out the year this is not really a goal but good business practice for growing your business. You and I should always be thinking out of the box and keep coming up with new ideas.   
2. Streamline where I can. I am going to mark this goal complete! I streamlined my paper inventory which really helped. I also started shipping free paper color samples to customers which has helped a lot for them to see and touch the paper before ordering. No more surprise colors when your order comes in the mail. I FINALLY (I put finally in all caps since I must have been living under a rock for not starting this sooner!) started using paypal for shipping. Talk about streamlining! Just printing shipping labels at home has saved me money, time and gas. I still go to the post office for international orders but that is fine by me.
3. Cutting costs. This one is kinda part of #2. Streamlining and cutting costs go hand in hand. I will also say I made good progress for this goal with shipping via paypal.  
4. Making my name known. I make some progress, but again I don't think it could ever be enough. I reached out to local vendors (only had a couple of replies), I advertised on a wedding blog which I know brought traffic to my site but not sure how many sales came from it. A new goal for 2013 is to open my own online store other than etsy and artfire. I just feel its time, I don't want to have all my eggs in one basket.

Another goal I had was my sales goal for the year. I am happy to report I made it! I didn't make it until late December but I made it and that is what counts.

Small Business Check In

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I had posted my business goals back in December. I know 1st quarter has already pasted by, but I wanted to touch on what I have done so far.

Goals:

1. Create new/test products on regular basis. This is still a struggle with my day job and orders. Here and there I have created new products thanks to great customers asking for something not already created. It forces me to get have fun and create something new. 
2. Streamline where I can. I created a new color chart with fewer colors. It has really cut down my trips to retail stores and getting small qty's of certain colors. These colors were not as popular and harder to find. I know I have had to say no to some customers asking for a color but overall it has really helped. If I don't have a color their the custom will go with a neutral or not. I am ok with this.
3. Cutting costs. This also goes with #2 cutting down my paper choices has saved me time, gas and money. I have not seen a impact in sales because of it. I was afraid I would lose customers but you can't please everyone. 
4. Making my name known. This is a work in progress. I had a friend of my (she is writer) create messaging for me to reach out to local vendors. I have yet to do it but I now have what I need to do it. It's on my ever growing to do list. If you know you need help with something ask for help. I know I am not a strong writer. I am thrilled with what she created and I am sure it will help get my name out there.
   

1000+

I am so very happy. I had my 1000th & 1001st sale today. The item(s) sold are going to a wonderful etsy customer. She is throwing a baby shower for her best friend. Her theme is mama and baby (bird). The theme is birds and she ordered some light blue and light pink birds. I am going to include more bird goodies for cupcake toppers, confetti and more!

Blue birds

Thank you to all my friends, family and customers that has made this happen. I am so happy to have a wonderful thriving shop on etsy.