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

[Former_Member]

This could not have come at a better time for me either. It seems this year is full of risks. Many changes for me in my personal life and with my etsy shop.
I am quitting my job at the end of this month and currently am only down to about 6 hrs a week.

Also I will be incorportating swimwear in my etsy shop. I went to school for fashion design and designed swimwear before but it has been about 10 yrs. I am kinda nervous but really excited.

Those are mini risks for me. My huge risk is moving. We are moving to Florida later this year.

[Former_Member]

I'm taking a risk by writing this. I have learned a great deal just by reading everyone's interesting comments. I need to learn more about getting my work out there and will take that risk soon. The best part is making my pieces but getting the word out is difficult. I need more confidence.

[Former_Member]

Not so much a mini-risk as a BIG risk...I'm in the process of rebranding my entire business. Over the next coming weeks will introduce new labelling, new packaging, new logo, new avatars and banners, new and improved photos, new containers for my body souffles and lotions, new thankyou cards...new *everything*

While incredibly exciting, it's also downright scary because I have no idea if my regular customers will recognize me in my new face, how my wholesale clients will react to the new packaging/labels, etc. But it needs to be done---haven't changed our packaging in about 6 years now...we need to change with the times and trends and continue to adapt around the needs of our present target audience and attract a newer one as well.

As we introduce the changes in our shop slowly...(nothing new in there yet!)..we'll be biting our nails for sure!

[Former_Member]

Best wishes, Everybody!

[Former_Member]

I love the quote that "Life is either a daring adventure or nothing", yet I think for so many of us creative types it is a stretch to step outside of our comfort zone and take risks. Being an introvert, one of my biggest challenges is posting replies on blogs, forums, etc., but thankfully I am stepping out and have been embraced and encouraged by others. On the creative side, learning to work with a torch has been at the top of my risk list, but also allowing myself to fail and keep on trying.

[Former_Member]

The article made the statement: "You take the risk. You win. Period."

This past week I applied to be a part of a local art display. I am also thinking about doing my first craft show for the summer - I have one in particular in mind.

Thanks for the great article!

[Former_Member]

Thanks for an inspiring article!
We have to remind ourselves that risks are what bring us success. :0)

[watermediaworks]

I'm starting to pull together a collection of some of my best photographs of Boston and I'm going to have a book made of them. Then, I'm going to approach high end gift shops and see if I can get them to stock them. While painting is my primary love, I take lots of photographs and I have to look at broadening my income stream.

[Former_Member]

Great post! Inspiring and I know it is the ultimate truth - No risk- No success!

[Former_Member]

i'll take the risk and go to a local shop here, called "talent from the neighbourhood" in Antwerp and hope they'll like my buttons, magnets and keychains :)

[GardenPartyFibers]

buying a quality fleece from a local farm, washing, dyeing and spinning a fun and crazy new yarn is always a risk. That's my favorite part of the adventure.

[Former_Member]

Love the response to this article! You guys are so inspiring :D

[Former_Member]

I started a second shop on etsy.. I'll be back to show you.
look below.

[Former_Member]

see my second shop, big risk.....taking the chance is never failing. Not taking the chance is definate failure.

[LindylooDesigns]

I took a risk a few days ago, armed with my clothes and accessories I went into a couple of local boutiques and asked if they would like to stock some of my designs.
The first one said' no' but the 2nd said 'yes' and was really excited about my designs. She took some in and has already had success in selling something.
Woohoo! What a buzz!
Stop thinking about that idea and just DO IT!
I always ask - Whats the worst possible outcome? Whats the Best possible outcome?

[birdmom9726]

I had an idea for a "remembrance" key chain/bookmark, whatever you want to use it for - diffferent from anything I've ever done, but it just came to me when I saw a certain bead with a message on it - and now I'm going to make it and offer it in my shop. For me, that's a big chance to take, offering something so different from my regular jewelry. But I think there'e a market out there for things like this, so I'm going to try it -

[Former_Member]

I had been out of business cards -- I finally got around to ordering new ones. Now that I have them -- I've got to do something with them. I am really uncomfortable talking about my business with friends - passing out business cards at church or on the job etc. Anyone else have that problem. I mean it's really easy to sit behind a computer and promote your business -- it's really risky with family and friends. I'm going to work on passing out my business cards each day.

[Former_Member]

I make wonderful, organic,vegan, body products.
Getting my product to the people is a very big challenge.
I live in Fayetteville,N.C. and near the military base and it is a very open, crafty town.
My challenge to conquer my fear is to talk to store owners and try to get my product into their stores and really get out here and get busy. When I think of this my mind starts imeediatly thinking of a million other things I could be doing.
To get over this I am putting together a proposal packet with consignment and wholesale prices, making display pictures, and a nice introdutory letter.
Then next week start by visiting a few store, introducing myself, and hopefully leave a packet or two. I get the eebie jeebies just thinking of it. And I am a people person. Must be the rejection thing that rattles me so much.
Wish me luck. Do we say break a leg for business like they do in the theater?
Ms. Scarlet Faith

[Former_Member]

My mini risk, really a maxi risk, was to send info and links to my shop to all of my family and friends for the first time. I have not been pleased with either my shop's look or stats. I spent lots of time on photos and rearranging. When I got it the way I wanted it, then I let everyone know. The stats are showing much improvement. Many smiles.

[Former_Member]

I've asked a high school acquaintance who is now quite a celebrity in the cooking scene to wear my items and help me promote them.
She never emailed me back.
The risk I was willing to take (and deal with) was getting "No" for an answer.
Out of 10 "Nos" one will be a YES!!!
:-)

[Former_Member]

Thank you Danielle x

[susanstreasures]

Just celebrated my 5th etsy anniversary in a 'safe' mode. It is time to take some risks and network. I have a tote bag of sample items. Just getting up the nerve to approach a local photographer and two recently opened shops in town. Thanks for all of the shared stories. I would like to suggest to all of the new shops to add an avatar to help people recognize and remember your shop. Mine is my granddaughter happily wearing one of my hats.

[Former_Member]

Great post! I'm definitely going to try this technique out, I can see how this will help you grow in so many ways personally and business wise. Thanks for sharing!

[EvesLittleEarthlings]

I am in the middle of a week long hiatus from sewing so that I can reorganize and catch up with everything else that has been neglected since early October.
Next week I am going to try creating fabric scenes featuring some of my dolls. That will be new for me.

[SweetPeaPurseCompany]

great thread. So much inspiration here.