Getting it Together.....

Happy Monday Everyone! Hope you all had a good 4th of July. And those of you who get an extra day off today.....ENJOY!!! We had a quiet evening at home....grilled pork steaks on the grill, baked potatoes, peaches & cream sweet corn.....mm mm gooooood! =) Anyway, it's back to business for me today.....

First up: Two weeks ago, i asked for tips on scheduling, marketing, etc. Anything that you think might help me. I didn't get as much response as i had hoped, but what i got was very good!

My friend Karen T summed it up best: "Organizing your week is an absolute must, otherwise you have a lot of half completed tasks." And Karen seems to have it under control....
   <><  Keep an ongoing shopping list on the fridge.
   <><  Have a message/note area.
   <><  Laundry ONCE A WEEK!
   <><  Cleaning: Everyday - wipe down the bathroom, declutter & wipe down kithchen counters. Schedule 1 day a week to vacuum, dust, mop floors, etc.
   <><  Make a "project to do" list. It is easier to visualize what needs to be done & checking off what you've gotten done is very gratifying.
   <><  Schedule computer time & craft "work" time.
   <><  Schedule a little down time for simple pleasures: reading, phone calls, take a walk, etc.
   <><  Learn to say no to those extracurricular activities that can set you back. 

It seems that just because we work at home, some people think that we have all the time in the world to do whatever. NOT! We do have a business to run. However, there is no sense in getting too stressed out if you do run a little behind. After all, the only one who would dock you pay, write you up, or fire you....is yourself. =)

My friend Jeanie H. was very complimentary of my work. Thanks so much Jeanie!!!! Her suggestion for marketing, was to beef up my shop. To put more of myself out there. My own personal website is something that i have been researching & for just that reason. Good minds think alike. =)  Another of Jeanie suggestions is to check into ad in local free papers. With that in mind, & another opportunity that was presented to me, i made up a flier last week. 

 Jane N-J directed me to Mommy the Marketer & i found this article:
http://etsymomentum.com/2010/06/16/time-management-101-for-creatives-amber-jordan/.  Mommy the Marketer is a great place to go for helpful info. Thanks for reminding me Jane!


I had a couple of others who, i believe, had planned to send me tips, but i didn't receive anything from them. And since i said that 3 would receive an item of their choice from my shop, congratulations Karen, Jeanie, & Jane! Send me an email (ifrogcraftslive.com), & let me know know which item (www.ifrogcrafts.etsy.com) you're choosing & your mailing address. =)


I've gotten my studio set up, except for a few homey decor items. Will share those pics with you next week! Until then, i pray that you all have a wonderful week ! <><