Taking Mini-Risks

[#1]

Hi team!

I bumped into the most inspiring blog post today:

How to Pick Up a Stranger (or Produce Brilliant Work)
http://www.jonathanfields.com/blog/how-to-pick-up-a-stranger-or-produce-brilliant-work/

The moral of the story is this: Building up your confidence by facing your fears can lead to highly productive (and creative) workdays!

So today I challenge you to take one mini-risk. Let me know what it is in this forum thread and let's face them together!

xo
Danielle

[PaperStatement]

I made a BIG risks exactly one month ago,on February, 8. I decided to make a sabbatical until september, to give a chance to my 25-years-lasting dream: To live not only FOR my art and craft, but live also ON it. I told it the same day to my "boss", and the next day was my last day. For weeks now, I hope I can expand the the sabbatical for years ;-)))

[wildwomanbeads]

Very good idea!

Today I signed up for a class in the next level of jewelry making skills I need to produce the highest quality pieces of jewelry. I want to make my own bronze PMC pendants and earring charms, and I don't know how, so I searched for a teacher in my area and asked her to teach me.

I'm excited!

[InYourBones]

Well, I did I. I answered a bunch of questions about myself and my little shop. Like an interview. I don't like to brag about myself and I'm really quite shy....but none the less I did it. And then something wonderful happened, I spent the rest of the day stripping (fabric) and drawing in my book, I got Dio much done.

[Former_Member]

I took a huge "mini" risk - I finally got the courage up this week to open my little shop. I am one of those that enjoys research and doing homework. I have studied Etsy for a good while now. And the longer I studied, the more changes seemed to be made. (I joined the first time with my other shop - also empty - back in 2010 so that is about a year and a half trying to "learn" Etsy).

It really took a huge leap of faith for me. But now that I have started, I can see me taking more and more risks. I thought it very appropriate this article came out this week. Learn as you go by doing - not just researching! Thanks for sharing the blog article.

[Former_Member]

I need to take more mini risks......hehe Thanks for the inspiring post!!

[Former_Member]

Interesting blog post. I tried some new art ideas today. It will be a mini challenge showing them to see how they are received.

[Former_Member]

great post! i'm taking mini-risks in responding quickly to queries, when usually i would wonder and ponder for far too long.
bj

[Former_Member]

I learned how to install and use a new foot on my sewing mating today, a "walking foot" and used it to sew with a new material for me, minky fabric.

[Former_Member]

This has inspired me to stop procrastinating and trying to get everything perfect, before I open my store. I need to open it , then perfect it

[barebranchjewelry]

Needed this! Thanks for sharing!
I've found myself less & less likely to take risks since my mom became quadriplegic from a simple fall in the home.....but without risk you get no rewards!

[PaperStatement]

Howling artists: You absolutely should!!! You are here since 2009......

[Former_Member]

WOW!!
Thanks for this post Danielle!

This is a much needed post for me, I battle with my shyness on a daily basis.
I have an important uni presentation coming up as well as a dreaded one-to-one job interview.
I have bookmarked this and will start the day off by reading this every morning to motivate me!!

[AggieRay]

This is so true... love this and it does give you a boost of confidence...

[HuggableHound]

I have a meeting tomorrow with a local pet grooming/pet supply store that wants to carry my line of collars and leashes. This will be a first for me and I'm very excited and nervous all at once!

[Former_Member]

I decided to take another mini risk this afternoon while I was taking photos. I decided to change up how I normally take them and offer a different look. So, I took a huge step and actually included my hand in the pic and came up with this:
http://www.etsy.com/listing/94833682/blue-bead-chunky-beads-reclaimed-vintage

I feel oddly exposed, yet satisfied that even though it is different, it is an accomplishment.

[Former_Member]

nice article! I never thought talking to stranger would ease someones anxiety...but if it works...why not?

Thank you for the share!

[NeedlesnPinsStichery]

My mini risk today was starting my new blog. I have been working on it for a couple of weeks, but was always afraid to have it go "live" with a post as I am a very private person and writing about myself was really, really hard, but I did it and the response I have gotten has been wonderful! :)

[Former_Member]

I recently applied to be a vendor at a huge event for women called Spoil Me. It was a big chunck of change to get a table and for me to just break even I will have to sell a lot of hats, blankets, and/or photo shoots. But I feel like if I get my name and brand out there, it will be a benefit down the road. It is close enough to home that I would be able to travel there for photo shoots, but far enough away that I expand my client base. Hopefully it all pays off in the end....That is why my shop looks a little empty at the moment. I am trying to stock up my supply for the event but if you are interested in custom crochet orders let me know. I would be happy to meet your "needs" :).

[Former_Member]

This is a wonderful post! In my life has happened to take mini-risks to overcome my shyness taking the initiative.

About my business I'm thinking to take a mini-risk adding in my shop the category "Animal Miniatures", maybe people not like them, or perhaps do not fit in my shop...but I think I will it!

[Former_Member]

My mini risk was taking two orders and not even having a pattern made!! But I got it done and challenged myself!

[Former_Member]

Yesterday was the first time in my photography career that I made a cold call. I've never tried putting myself out there with out first having some kind of connection. I was proud of this concept and cold calling was really the only way to get my concept to turn into something real. Today I got the first call back from my series of cold calls. They were just as excited as I was about it. Getting this feedback really gives me a push to think of this positively and see that it is possible and not just listen to that little voice who keeps reminding me of all the potential obstacles.

[Former_Member]

People scare me. No kidding. As a child I would get sick to my stomach if anyone came to see us. In grade school, I would hide in the bathroom and eat my lunch there as the lunch room was too much for me to face. Later I learned how to survive and make friends, but people still sap my energy and strength. I am married to the exact opposite, a man who is a prof. musician and loves to be before people all the time! On etsy to face my fears, I started a etsy street team, OCEANTEAM and actually emailed a few local people on etsy that were in my own town to see if they wanted to be in a street team. That was like 1998 I believe, and we still all meet every week to this day. Stepping out has sure helped me, and every day I try to keep it up, for the days I do not are the days I do not produce as well. I do however and will always need days of complete quiet and be alone to create. It is a balance that must be kept. great article!!

[OlazabalFinery]

I have some problems with the language, I'm from Lima-Peru, and I'm learning english right now. So, this week I took two risks. Today, i sent my application for a local show, but I don't really know if it is a good show or not. And, two days ago, I wrote an email to the owner of the most beautiful boutique near to my house. She gave me an appoitment yesteday, I went and we talked in english and she wants my work in her shop. Now, I have an space in her boutique since the next monday. she told me, "now, this is your shop!" that sounds great!!

[Former_Member]

I think that just putting yourself out there, and opening a store on Etsy is a risk. "what if noone likes my stuff" "what if I never get a sale" - "I'll be so embarrassed. I think that all of us here on Etsy have taken a leap, and put our egos on the line. Proud of us.

[Former_Member]

Well, I think this posting has helped me finalize my decision to open a 2nd shop. I plan for the 2nd shop to specialize in high end, one of a kind bridal and couture type hair pieces. I'm working on gathering modeled pictures and creating a banner, hoping to open within the next 2 weeks. It's kind of been a thought and idea for awhile, but so excited to finalize that decision. Hoping the inspiration for the name comes to me in the next day or two!!