Weekly Chat Cafe November 9 to November 16, 2015

[#1]

Welcome to new members, welcome back to returning teammates! If this is your first time here - this is a place to ask questions, share your most embarrassing secrets, or just chat about the slow and boring bits of your day…we want to hear from you!!

Be sure to check out the discussion board. There are games to be played and threads to explore. The more you promote your fellow team mates, the more you get promoted, so be sure to participate on a daily basis. Check out our blog and our Facebook page, as well as the other links provided below.

IMPORTANT LINKS:
* Facebook: www.facebook.com/groups/301427606658253/
* Etsy Calculator: salecalc.com/etsy
* Etsyology: www.etsyology.net/
♥ Online Photo Programs: fotoflexer.com/ or www.picmonkey.com/
treasurypin.com./ and editor.pho.to/
arwmedia.net/tools/pixlr_express.php
* Etsy Craft Tools: www.mycrafttools.com/
* Etsy Gadget: www.estygadget.com
* Craftopolis -Edit multiple listings: www.craftopolis.com/#com=ee
* Etsy Banner Maker: bannerfans.com/banner_maker.php?bnew=1&pses=1a256d05
* Craftcount - craftcount.com/teritory.php
* Google+ tutorials blog.kissmetrics.com/personal-google-plus-account/ and moz.com/blog/tips-to-use-google-for-s
* Chrome Treasury Box: brittanysbest.com/treasurybox-chrome-extension/
* Google+ information plus.google.com/communities/112658132414010568954
* Etsy team page: www.etsy.com/pages/aaasupport
* Check your keyword relevancy in search: www.tools4etsy.com/Wall-e/Relevancy/Keyword
* 50 Reasons you're not getting Etsy Sales: www.handmadeology.com/50-reasons-youre-not-getting-etsy-sales/
* Betsi Lite: www.blugrin.com/ (make sure you click on Lite at the bottom of the screen, as that is the free edition!)
* New Category List: www.etsy.com/help/categories/seller#node-id-1250
* Promoted listing guide m.youtube.com/watch?v=zXhsyqXBWPM

Also, don't forget our promotion thread on the forums! Here is the link:
www.etsy.com/teams/21915/promos/discuss/15267796/page/157

Good morning. Time is flying by and it will be December before we know it. Seems like Christmas just passed us by and a New Year began.

What were your goals for 2015? Have you come close to achieving them or have you surpassed them?

Each year, one of my goals is to sell more than I did the previous year and I have attained that goal by a small margin. Next year will be more difficult, but I'm hoping once again to achieve that.

Let's talk about goals and how to make them that you can achieve. Making goals that are impossible to reach is not what we're after. We need to set reasonable goals so as not to be discouraged.

You may talk about anything you like as well. It's always good to get to know one another better.

Have a wonderful week.

[naturepoet]

Rosario, sounds like you need great tags, a good title and some SEO keywords in your descriptions. It might also help to read the Etsy Seller's Handbook. It can be found at the bottom of this page.

In order to sell regularly, you have to work on your shop almost everyday. It's a lot of hard work to keep high in the revelancy.

[Former_Member]

Thanks, Mary, to be honest, I did work almost daily with promotion, but I will have to read the hand seller book, I don't have clear the SEO, I did change my tags frequently, but don't thing I have the right ones. If you guys can give more advices, Will be very appreciated.

[Former_Member]

Isobel, yes, because of an unusually strong El Nino this year the storms look to be exceptionally strong. We'll probably get some nasty storms this year as well.

Rosario, I would definitely read the Sellers Manual; some of the things have been changed in regard to Search Functions that you may find interesting.

Mary, congratulations on your new Dell! That's what both Pam and I have, and we both like them very much.

I got back from the the VA. Turns out all the pre-op work is coordinated by the neurosurgery department. I'm going to see my primary care doctor and find out then who refers what to whom.

Also when I got home, I found I had another sale! Yea-ha! I'll work on that tomorrow.

[Former_Member]

:) thank you mary

[Former_Member]

Hooray for the sale Alana! and thank you for your military service to us all ♥ happy veteran's day (yesterday)

[naturepoet]

You're welcome, Kippy.

Alanna, we got the new Dell and got a terrific deal. So far, so good, but still have all kinds of things to download and can't find my printer disc. Ugh! I was hoping it would go smoothly and it will, just as soon as I find that. I did print all my outstanding orders before I changed the computers.

The timing was perfect. This is the last one they had left in stock. And on sale at $200 off. We had been saving the money, but we didn't think we had enough. Turns out we had $200 left over, so that is a bonus.

How in the heck do you make the screen smaller. I have an old monitor and this resolution doesn't fit. Tried making the resolution smaller, but didn't do a lot of good. I guess it's time for a new monitor...a wide screen.

Have patience, please guys and gals. It's going to take a while to get used to this thing.

[COLDHAMCUDDLIES]

Congratulations on the computer deal, Mary - and commiserations in the frustrations in learning how to get used to the darn thing!! Will be worth it in the end though.

As for your printer disc: never fear. If you know the model, then google it, and you should be able to download the driver off the producers site and load it on that way. Did that when I changed my computer a couple of years ago - and it means one doesn't need to panic if the disc isn't immediately available. These days, with the new computers, one can it with just about anything seemingly.

Abigail did blow in, and fortunately missed our bit of the UK, although we're getting the after effects. Some of the Northern Isles, off Scotland, caught a packet though. We're forecast lots of rain over the next two or three days, and some areas of the country could have flood issues. Fortunately where Kirkby in Ashfield is located, is on top of the former mining fields of North Nottinghamshire, and many of the road drains go into the former mine shafts - so we don't have that risk as much, so long as the drains can cope!!

The torrential downpours we now get though are more reminiscent of the Monsoon storms I recall from my childhood in India. When we were in Canada, and suffering the summer storms in Alberta, Peter often used to fondly recall "the gentle pitter patter of English rain". Alas, that is now long gone!!! My flat looks westwards, and as the predominant wind direction most times is from the west if it rains, it lashes against the living room window. If it's a south-westerly, it's a reasonably warm direction: if it's a north westerly though, that's another matter. Today, it's definitely the latter, but I've finished outside and am roasty toasty warm, so the weather can do it's worst - until tomorrow morning.

Graphic designer called in late evening yesterday and took away the three new Hedgehogs for their photo shoot. Expecting them back, together with pics, "sometime over the week-end" I'll then list the new ones, and - as I think I said yesterday - offer the originals on special for Black Friday, which God forbid, is only a couple of week's away!!

Am going in for a BNR Marathon Party on Sunday - not sure what I've let myself in for, but if I survive, will let you know what happens afterwards.

[Former_Member]

I'm working on the sale I got yesterday. In fact, it's done and all I have to do is wrap it and ship it. Then I'll work on embroidering my Christmas stuff. They're pretty designs, with a background of blue baroque snowfakes, red ribbon, and gold objects (tree, ornaments, reindeer, etc.) I'm doing them on black totes, because the colors really shine with that background.

I hope to have them posted by next Monday, them I'll have my 50% off sale in November and possibly until December, depending on when my surgery ends up being scheduled.

Mary, I understand the frustrations of breaking in a new computer all too well, and I sympathize. I still haven't figured out how to transfer my music from the CD to my hard drive. The computer really wants to put all my music on a Microsoft cloud, and I'm still not comfortable with that form of storage. I guess I'll give in eventually.

It's a glorious day here -- bright sunshine, but cold temps. I think I'm going to spend most of my winter in bed. Exercising outside will be unlikely, so I'll have to make do with exercising up at the VA. Fortunately, they have a transportation system that will pick me up and drop me off.

Hoe everyone has a great day!

[naturepoet]

Alanna and Isobel, I'm getting this computer figured out and I love it. Works so fast and smooth, but it is still confusing. Finally figured out how to upload photos and have a new listing. It took long enough. Really not difficult, but like I said, a bit confusing.

Alanna, do you have Windows 10? If so, I understand your frustration. BUT we will conquer it. I'm bound this thing will not defeat me. I've taught myself all I know about computers and am continuing that learning curve, though it is driving me crazy. LOL

Here is the new. A very popular one I sell as a digital as well.

https://www.etsy.com/listing/256037691/singer-sewing-machine-cotton-fabric?ref=shop_home_active_1

[BedlamSoapery]

I am so behind, I have all these gift baskets to make up and list for Christmas and well, I haven't even started. 450 sales in I need to make time to get them listed.
Got knocked out with a stomach bug for the last two days - seems to have cleared now thank goodness.

[naturepoet]

Glad you're feeling better, Kitty.

[Former_Member]

Mary, yes, I have Windows 10. Aside from the music problem, I actually like it. Surprise!

Kitty, glad to hear you are feeling better.

Only got two Christmas totes done today (this in addition to the sale piece). Tomorrow I want to push for 4, but if I only get 3 done I'll be content. Sunday I'll shoot to get 1 done in the morning, before the Ravens game, and maybe 2 after the game. I've also got some chores to do over the weekend.

[Former_Member]

Oh my God. My thought and Prayers for those injured in the Paris attacks. Those who died are already at peace. My prayers are for their families.

How do you fight an enemy who has no capital and is everywhere, seemingly?

[ItsSewYouDear]

Hello team. Stopping by today to express my deep sorrow to our French team members. My heart aches for the beautiful city and her people. Prayers are with all the victims and their families. Words aren't enough in the face of this much evil. Praying and hoping for peace in our world.

Hoping everyone else has been doing well.

Mary, I love that fabric block.

Peace to all.

[naturepoet]

Candi, the fabric blocks are so pretty when incorporated into a cushion, quilt etc. I made Mom several for a baby's quilt for my great-niece and it turned out fantastic.

[naturepoet]

Alanna, I don't mind Windows 10, but can you tell me how to get my pictures moved. They went into a folder when I plugged in my jump stick and they won't move out of there. The place where I bought it said they probably won't be able to be uploaded to the Internet. I know there's a way.

[Former_Member]

That's weird, Mary. I couldn't begin to tell you you what's wrong. Normally I use List Manager to move things around on a computer. I've never tried moving files from the computer to the internet. I'd look for a computer guru if I were you.

I can't believe this is my second Etsyversary! I've made 47 sales in those two years, and had 19 reviews. I wish I had done better, but I should be happy with 47, because the last few years have been Hellish in terms of time i've had available to work on my shop. Still I've made it through 2 years, and I'll work still more on promotions next year.

We're having some some friends over this afternoon to help us move some living roon furniture around. Then we need to move book cases out of the hallway. Once clear, we can have Best Buy come out and and remove that old TV of Pam's.

Hope everyone is having a great weekend!

[COLDHAMCUDDLIES]

Can't stop, because I've yet to have a go on that BNS thingy I was talking about the other day. May be back later, but definitely will try to get back tomorrow.

Just posted the latest ColdhamCuddliescalling bulletin -

coldhamcuddliescalling.blogspot.co.uk/

[Former_Member]

Isobel, what is a BNS, anyway? Whatever it is, I hope it's fun or profitable.

We had two friends over yesterdat who rearranged our living room by switching the love seat and recliner. It really opens up the living room, and makes room so that I can now take a walker around the living room and hallway, which I'll need to do after the surgery. The next step, this weekend, is to have a "moving" sale - although we're not moving. Books, jewelry, knick-knacks and a console are due to go -- I hope.

I'll be embroidering all week, but can't list until I get everything off the dining room table for the sale. I'm going to do that on Friday, have the sale on Saturday, and collapse on Sunday. Monday I'll list.

Have a good day, everybody!

[COLDHAMCUDDLIES]

The BNS thingy was a washout Alanna - because when I went to sign in, I couldn't find the darn thing. If I'd been on, the theory is that one buys something on the treasury site, and then adds one of your own to the Treasury - and then someone else comes in, hopefully, and buys your new item and so on. Have never figured out how they really work, largely because I'm too mean to buy first and then hope for someone to come along afterwards! However, one can still go on the site, comment on the Treasury - after hearting everyone - and still get one's Shop seen. Would have been fine, as I said - but could not find the darn link when I began looking.

As it happened, another Team I'm on had a Sweet Sixteen Treasury Challenge going to which I had signed up earlier in the week, and that kept me busy - and hopefully resulted in more views etc. for the Shop. Certainly, have been kept busy checking who visited by looking through my Activity Feed. Hearting and commenting and promoting all 16 takes a goodly time to do!!

Managed to finish the second Mommy Hedgehog, and almost finish the next Daddy - while I wait for the original new models to return from their photoshoot. That may (may not) happen later this evening. I can't push too much, as the guy is doing it for me free of charge!!!

Meanwhile, have sent my first funds to both Tiggywinkles Hospital (in Bucks, near Philippa - who is agreeable to us going to visit the place when I'm down there over the Christmas break) and West Midlands Hedgehog Rescue. Also, I sent off a letter to the MP who last week raised the idea of making the Hedgehog the national Animal for the UK in the House of Commons. So, I've been quite busy one way or another.

There will be a real competition over the Animal thing I guess. Because the Red Squirrel (also endangered), Badger (already protected in the UK) and Fox all have their rabid supporters!! Should be fun, and meanwhile, am keeping my fingers crossed that the Coldham Cuddlies can become the "go to" figures for the fight. Keep them fingers crossed for me, please folks. As I've said before, I'm enjoying myself as I haven't done for several years - whatever the outcome.

[Former_Member]

Wow! Now you're talking to MPs about your Cuddlies! It would would be so cool if they choose the hedgehog as the National Animal in the UK. Will keep you in my thoughts and prayers! You're going to be really busy; best of luck!

[KrochetKingdom]

I have been catching up on reading the latest chats.

Alanna- I wish you much success on the upcoming surgery. Isn't it good to have friends who can come in, make some changes and voila!! Now you have room to maneuver after surgery.

Isobel - I can feel your busy fun schedule. It would be wonderful if the hedgehog is named the national animal in the UK. Keep moving, doing your thing; it's what makes life interesting.

I am ready to launch my website, am excited and a little nervous. I put a lot into this and am taking a leap of faith that it would be successful. Web address: krochetkingdom.com. Now I can get back to my etsy business.

Have a good evening all.

[COLDHAMCUDDLIES]

Well you can blow me down with a feather - just spent the day, with Clare and Elliot, visiting Peter's grave at Walsingham and got back to an order - AFTER ALL THIS TIME! And, guess what? It's for Colin!! This time, though, there's plenty of time to get him to his destination, and he's specifically wanted as a Christmas present!! Hope he'll be on his way by the week-end.

Waiting for the new Hedgehog models to be returned from their photo shoot. Meanwhile, another family set is completed. Hope to start on a third family either later tonight or tomorrow. Letter sent to the MP who wants to have The Hedgehog become the official UK Animal. Sent by email yesterday: t'will be interesting to see if there's a response, especially as I'm not actually a constituent of his!! In my day, long a go now, letters (snail mail variety) had to be responded to within a week of receipt!! And it was EVERY letter, no matter from whom!!! My that was a long time ago now, though.

Ready for my evening meal now - only had a toasted tea cake and a cup of coffee for lunch, following an early breakfast so we could do the 3 hour journey to the Shrine at Walsingham. A wonderful experience there though: when Elliot was shown where "Grandad Peter" lay, his right arm was raised - with palm open as though he was going to do a "high five". At the same time, he looked up to the sky!! Amazing. Both Clare and I were speechless and, actually, both of us well-up a bit. We all feel Peter is with us all the time, but here it REALLY felt he was. Definitely made all our day.

[Former_Member]

That's amazing, Isobel! Some would call it a string of coincidences, but in my book there is no such thing as coincidence. Call it divine providence; I believe that all things are connected, both from within and without. Elliott must be a very sensitive soul.

Was having lunch today - well, desert, actally, when I heard a distinct "crunch". Sure, enough, my dentures are broken once again, this time through the bottom plate. So I have to call my dentisi tomorrow and see about getting them fixed. It'll probably have to be redone.

I also found out that my primary care doctor, or PCP, does not do the referrals for all the various tests that need to be done pre-op. The orthopedic clinic department does them. So now I've got to get a guestimate as to when the surgeries are going to be to done, because Pam has about 5 surgeries waiting to be done. So I'll call my orthopedic surgeon tomorrow and see what kind of time frame we're talking about. If they're looking at December/January, Pam could probably have surgery on her left wrist done first.

It's getting very complicated, it is . . .

Hope everyone has a nice evening!

[naturepoet]

Please go here for this week's chat.

https://www.etsy.com/teams/14664/aaa-support-team/discuss/17074484/page/1?post_id=302654140