Welcome to Episode 100 of the Create & Thrive Podcast!

And it’s double celebrations, because it’s not only the 100th episode, but also the 2nd birthday of the podcast this week.

*throws confetti*

To celebrate the 100th episode, I decided to look back over the last 2 years of episodes, as well as ruminate on my (almost) 9 years running my own handmade business.

To wit, I have recorded what my best friend would call a ‘real talk’ episode – where I lay down 10 (sometimes hard) truths about running a handmade business.

In short:

Is it hard work? Yes.

Is it worth it? Heck yes!

I hope you find this episode heartening and grounding. It’s been a joy to produce this podcast for you over the last 2 years, and I look forward to bringing you a new episode each week into the future!

Almost 9,000 people listened to the show in March (2017), with over 13,000 downloads – which, compared to previous months, shows me that more and more of you are discovering the podcast and enjoying what I have to share with you.

So – thank YOU for being here, and I hope you continue to enjoy every episode I bring your way!

Jess x

 

Download or Listen to This Episode

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Quotes and Highlights from this Episode:

* 1. Everything will take longer than you think it will

* Website, photos, social media posts, growth of your biz – absolutely everything!

* Give yourself twice as much time as you think each task will take.

* For more on this make sure you listen to Episode 30 – 5 Time Management Hacks You Should Try Today.

* 2. You can’t compete on price – so find something else that makes you stand out

* ‘If you are competing on price you are treating yourself like a commodity’ {Jess}

* You need to make people fall in love with what you do.

* You need to find your unique selling point to make you stand out from the crowd.

* ‘Not competing on price but because what you make is so special that nobody else does it: that’s when you will find success’ {Jess}

* For more on this make sure you listen to Episode 53 – Why You Need to Find Your Micro Niche.

* 3. You WILL have unhappy customers

* It will happen at some point along your way so you must be prepared.

* If you have done your best, it is probably not your fault but you need to be equipped to handle it with grace.

* For more on this make sure you listen to Episode 3 – How to Provide Outstanding Online Customer Service and Episode 82 – How to Deal with Unhappy Customers.

* 4. There will be days/weeks when you fall out of love with your biz/lose your passion

* Don’t panic – this is normal and happens to most of us.

* Accept the creative cycle and learn to work with the ups and downs.

* ‘Take the time to recharge yourself and re-energise’ {Jess}

* For more on this make sure you listen to