Creative Project Devon - Etsy team talk!

[Former_Member]

Hi everyone!

For those of you who don't know, I'll be doing a little talk at the next Creative Project Devon evening on the 11th of November, at Bunyip in Exeter. I'll be specifically talking about our Etsy team, how it has helped us and how it could help others too.

So, I'm in the process of putting my presentation together, and am after some input from you lot! If you would't mind, could you populate this thread with some comments on what the most useful / positive thing is about being a part of the Made in Devon Etsy team, and what you have taken from it. Also any other comments or ideas you've got for me too!

So far people are keen to understand more about how we use the team to co-promote and increase our views and sales, but perhaps there have been other benefits for you too?

Looking forward to hearing your ideas!

Charlotte xx

ps: find out more about the event / group here... https://www.facebook.com/TheCreativeProject?fref=ts

[Lasercutz]

Hi Charlotte,
Thanks - I hope to come along if I can ;)

I find that running a small business - especially from home you miss out on the support and shared knowledge that you may get from working in a bigger company. I also miss the daily banter so groups like this can be a bit of a lifeline where you can share with like minded people.

Best
Dave

[Former_Member]

Thanks Dave! Hope you can make it too! x

[DarMsallema]

Moral and possibly physical support as a group

[Former_Member]

Hi Charlotte,

Looking forward to the talk! As I'm quite new to selling my stuff, the group is really useful for bits of advice from people who do it professionally and have more experience. For example I asked about how to package prints and got some really helpful feedback. It's also great for critiquing each other's shops, I haven't asked for a critique of mine yet but will be doing so soon.

Lucy

[Former_Member]

I have found it very supportive to know other people in the area who are working in small businesses. The Etsy team is a point of contact, I know that someone will be happy to share advice. I enjoy looking at others work and where I can find the time supporting them. In the future I look forward to understanding the Devon Etsy team as a brand.

[GLINTS]

Great to find this group I think it will be very supportive, hope to get down to the project evening next week.

[Former_Member]

Thanks for your input everyone! You've all made some really great points, and actually some really positive and encouraging ones! It's great to read how the group has supported you so far.

Really hope I see some of you on the 11th! Eek, I'm getting nervous now! xxx

[Lasercutz]

Charlotte did a great job last night at the Creative Project Devon evening and I think a collective thank you is due from us. She excellently put across the values of the team as well as explaining how Etsy worked in general.

It was great to meet everyone and we look forward to the next one :-)

Best
Dave

[OneDottyDuck]

Completely agree with Dave. Thank you for your talk Charlotte. If it wasn't for your little presentation I wouldn't have found this lovely group :) I am looking forward to getting involved and finding out lots more about Etsy and all of you lovely local crafters :) Karen x

[AnimalGlassDesigns]

A thank you to Charlotte from me too. It was a great, informative meeting and lovely to meet everyone.

[Former_Member]

Aww you guys! I had a really good time doing the talk, and it was just amazing to put faces to Etsy shops! Hope to see you all at the next Creative Project meet in the new year! I'll make sure to post the date in here when it's all arranged :) xx

[DamianMilesJeweller]

Sorry, REALLY late on this one. Maybe you can use this at the next talk.

The Internet is a lonely place. You put yourself out there and hope, not knowing if anyone will notice you, let alone buy anything. It's nice to hear from people in the same boat. To know that you're not alone and there are plenty of people going through the same things.

I'm new to all this stuff. I've never had to shout about my self before. I was in the safe environment of working in a shop, getting paid every month without fail. I was made redundant, I had to do something to put food on the table. The main part of my business is repairs, but this doesn't satisfy my need to create.

Many in this group have a need to create, a need to earn through this site. It's one thing to see how the Americans do it, but it's much better to see how it's done locally. Hearing about the opportunities outside of the Etsy blanket, like craft fairs etc. is great and it's given me many other ideas. Perhaps a craft fair exclusively for members of this group? Promoting the Etsy shops of the group for year round sales. Creating an interest in the local geographic for this groups members.

I look forward to the next steps.

Many thanks and best wishes,
Damian.

www.etsy.com/shop/DamianMilesJeweller
www.facebook.com/damianjmiles
www.damianmiles.co.uk