Crafty Business Lessons

The scrapbook I made yesterday

Yesterday, I traveled a couple hours south to Toledo, Ohio with my friend Deni to attend a scrapbook party. I picked up a few interesting lessons and thought I’d share them:

Get Out Of Your Comfort Zone: It’s very common to get stuck in a pattern and sometimes, you gotta break it up a bit and try something new! If  you’ve heard me teach an online class or have seen me speaking at an in-person event, you may not believe that I can be kind of shy. But it’s true. Especially when I’m in a small group of people that I’m meeting for the first time.

Just like yesterday’s scrapbook party! That’s right. I didn’t know anyone who was attending. The people at the party were all co-workers of my friend. They all work for the same company, based in different areas in Michigan and Ohio. But I went and I had fun and I met a bunch of new people. And by the way – the friend that I went with is a relatively new friend, as well. I met her last summer when I went to a party thrown by another friend.

So get out of your routine. shake it up, and see what happens!

Don’t Second Guess Yourself: One of the people who attended the party had never scrapbooked before and was not feeling very confident about her pages. She was second guessing herself, but the truth is, she was making some very cute designs! Believe in yourself! If you don’t, know one else will.

Getting Started Is The Hardest Part: When we arrived at the party, the first thing we did was set up the food table (can you blame us?). And then we all sat there, looking at our supplies…  Starting a new project is always the hardest part. Whether you are starting a new business altogether or are just thinking about doing something new within your business (like creating a press page), getting started can be the hardest part!

As for the crop last night, once we started playing with the papers, stamps, and other tools, we were on a roll. Everyone was coming up with new ideas. And that’s exactly what it will be like with your business. So just get started with something and see where inspiration takes you.

Don’t Spend Too Much Time On Facebook: Near the end of the party, the hostess’ laptop got brought out and the person who rode with my friend and I got on Facebook…. Well, we didn’t end up leaving Toledo until 11:30 pm and that meant we didn’t get home till around 2 am.

It’s important to use social networking tools like Facebook and Twitter in your business, but definitely watch how much time you are spending on them. Don’t let it get in the way of the other parts of your business!

Now it’s your turn! What are some of your favorite crafty business lessons???