The Captain's Table - Leader's Thread

[Former_Member]

I am delighted to welcome Roxy, Deb and Penelope, our new leaders, to the Captain's Table!

This thread is where Leaders can discuss all manner of team-related things and where members can listen in.

So, to our new Leaders: your first mission (should you choose to accept) is to search Etsy for articles and information about being a Team Leader and post your links here. We can then talk about how we are going to revive and renew this team.

I'd just like to make it clear that I don't encourage favouriting or following shops that don't do anything for you. If I don't favourite your items, please don't take it personally, it may just not be my cup of tea. However, I will if it is relevant to a Treasury or there is something about the image or the product that I like, even if I wouldn't buy it myself.

Honesty, enthusiasm, the willingness to support and listen to each other is key! The bottom line is that we're here to grow ourselves and to nurture our shops to Success. The best way to do that is together :)

SO....What does Leadership mean to you and show us your relevant links, please!
(Kelebek and Jensen, feel free to join in too!)

[gothicwitchery]

Found this great link-downloading and reading tonight
https://blog.etsy.com/news/2012/take-the-lead-etsy-teams-handbook/

[ItinerantBizarrium]

Thanks for that, Deb - shall be following suit this morning. Hopefully we can then combine forces & take over the world!

[gothicwitchery]

Looking forward to working with you to get this team successful!!!

[Former_Member]

That's a great start, thanks Deb. I shall be reading this too.

*TIP* Have a Bookmarks folder just for Etsy Useful Info. Anything that helps you run your business goes into it...and makes things so much easier to find ;)

Penelope - that's the spirit!

[Former_Member]

Here are my ideas for the Team Goals - note: I feel that it is more helpful to keep these to a minimum but would love your feedback and ideas.

• Inspirational Networking
• Socialising
• Shop Support and Development

I'd also like to introduce separate threads for promoting various genres:

• Fantasy (including LRP)
• Burlesque (including cabaret and circus)
• Gothic
• Steampunk (including Victorian, Steamgoth and Tribal Steampunk)
• Tattoo
• Vintage / Retro
• Apocalyptic
• Alternative

How does that sound? Are you happy with the inclusions?

[Former_Member]

https://www.etsy.com/images/teamleaders/TakeTheLead.pdf
found this but actually think its the same as the top post!

just on the topic of inspirational networking/socializing I would highly recommend http://thefairysociety.ning.com an amazing community with fab artist.

[Former_Member]

Welcome Roxie den and Penelope! I look forward to working with you and getting to know you better

[ItinerantBizarrium]

Greetings! And thank you for bringing me aboard.
I'm absolutely in favour of Sally-Ann's priorities - wondering if there's any way to set up a group Pinterest account so people could share inspirational images as well as their own creations? A board for each genre could be a great place to interact; or is being off-Etsy a no-no?

[gothicwitchery]

Love your ideas Sally-Ann

[Former_Member]

Penelope - we already have a group board, but I like your idea - if it is possible - to set up a group Pinterest account. If that doesn't work, let's keep it to the one board that we can all Pin to.

When we appear as a team off Etsy, the aim is to direct people here! The Facebook page was no longer available, so now I'm in two minds as to whether we need one. I have more than enough Facebook pages to deal with personally. A Pinterst board is good because it is very focussed, directs people here and doesn't need too much admin.

Roxie - perhaps you'd like to start an Inspirational Networking thread where we can all post interesting links?

[ItinerantBizarrium]

Pinterest account "In Here..." now has boards for each of Sally-Ann's categories (we can add more as we develop our ideas). Apparently we need to follow individual people & vice versa, then they can be invited to pin to the boards.
Shall I go ahead & add a thread inviting people to join? And would you fellow leaders care to partake?

[Former_Member]

A Pinterest account would be totally welcome Penelope. A few of us are on Instagram aswell, I know Sally Ann, Emi and I are.

[Former_Member]

Welcome new team leaders!

My name is Kelebek. I will continue operating the team's Pinterest board (https://www.pinterest.com/kelebekstore/in-here-life-is-beautiful-team/) and Twitter accounts (in Here Life is Beautiful) and pitch in where I can. My various jobs keep me busy but those two areas I can continue. If you would like to be a pinner for the team board, contact me and I will add you.
It is an honor. I am excited to see the new direction of the team as we move forward.

[Former_Member]

Kelebek - let's keep your Pinterest board going but also try Penelope's idea. No harm in having two. I'm not entirely sure how the other one will work yet.

Penelope - can we have a link please?

[Former_Member]

I received a message from Deb that unfortunately, due to family commitments, she has had to step down as a leader.

Deb - we hope you will be able to look in on the team from time to time. Best of luck x

[Former_Member]

Absolutely no harm in having a Pinterest board and account.
A note-I will be making an anniversary board again as well.

Best of luck to Deb!

[Former_Member]

Sally Ann sorry only just saw the message to me about inspirational networks thread Ill try sort that out at some point today :)

[ItinerantBizarrium]

There is a Pinterest account now as "InHereLifeIsBeautiful" - people just need to follow any/all boards & then they can be added as contributors.

[Former_Member]

Me please!! I'm following.

A beautiful selection so far!

Penelope - please start a thread so that members can pin things too! I'm not sure if there's a limit to the number of contributors...but if we all pinned our very best items, we could make some amazing boards!

[Former_Member]

Can someone post a link to the pinterest account please so it is easier to find?

[ItinerantBizarrium]

Done.

[Former_Member]

What items should we discourage or ban from the team? Although I'd like to maintain an alternative-eclectic feel, certain things just don't fit in here.

Personally, I thoroughly dislike taxidermy and avoid German war symbols. Items that may cause offense may be discussed or in certain cases, hit the Report Item to Etsy button!

'Nice' things to avoid...erm..I'm sure there are some but I can't think of examples right now. Can you?

[Former_Member]

oh, and another idea - I'm Pinning certain threads but in order to discourage promotion-only members, I'm not Pinning the Item Genre threads. This will keep them rolling, the most popular/recent one at the top, whilst allowing those threads that define the backbone of the team (and Important/Seasonal Announcements) to stay at the top.

If any of you ever disagree with me, please let me know! Your input is invaluable, especially constructive criticism and support!

[Former_Member]

One more! Team Leaders! Please can you make a good example by posting one item in the 'Show Us What You're Proud Of' thread and say a bit about it. I've had to delete a few pure multiple promotion posts. That is not what the thread is about.