The question of ‘should I quit my day job?’ is not an uncommon one.

Answering this question is a tad tricky as there are variables, and the answer will be different for different people.

However, there are three points that are key to remember as you ponder this.

One, there is no rush! Don’t just quit rashly and end up regretting it.

Two, you can hold a day job and run a successful business.

And three, perhaps most important, do not compare yourself to anyone else! You can be a successful handmade business owner AND hold down a day job – the two are not mutually exclusive.

In this episode I cover a number of key points that you need to consider before you chuck in the day job.

Quotes and highlights from this Episode:

* Building a business is not going to happen overnight.

* It takes time to develop a business.  You must work hard and be dedicated.  The growth will happen over time.

* Set goals for yourself.  Allow wanting to quit your day job be the driving force behind the energy you put into your business.

* We all have life essentials, such as food, rent/mortgage, and medical expenses and those MUST get taken care of.  Having a job to provide is something we all must do.

* You don’t need to go the all or nothing route.  Think in steps.

* Can you switch your day job from full-time to part-time?

* TRY BEFORE YOU BUY!

* You don’t know if a business will be a success until you try it.

* Having your day job during these early stages offers support.

* Consider if you even want to run your business full-time.

* There is nothing wrong with having multiple sources of income.

* ‘Success is whatever it means to you, there is no right or wrong here.’ {Jess}

* Having a day job also allows you the opportunity for your business to gain momentum.

* Again, things take time to grow.

* Grow a customer base before you dive in completely.

* Also, you absolutely must build a safety net in the form of a savings account.

* Have at least 3-6 months of expenses saved and stored in an account you can’t be tempted to touch.

* Consider Parkinson’s Law, ‘work expands so as to fill the time available.’

* If you do your business say in the two hours after your day job, you will be ultra focused to get your work done.

* If you quit your day job and have all the time, you may lose productivity.

* Ultimately, do what is best for you!

* But be smart, consider if your business can support you, do you have a back up line, what is your safety net?

Download/Listen to this Episode

(You can also subscribe to the podcast and listen to this episode on iTunes + Stitcher – just search ‘Create & Thrive’.)

Sonia Lyne is simultaneously an inspiration and a great case study for us all!

She has worked hard (and travelled far) to find her passion.

Sonia has opened herself to new challenges, new opportunities – and does it all with a seemingly endless supply of positivity.

If you need a kick in the butt to make the changes you want for your life and business, then this episode is for you!

Quotes and highlights from this Episode:

* Sonia Lyne is the creative genius behind Dandelyne.

* Her creative journey has been a long one, and intercontinental.

* She started as a private school teacher, and was told you just don’t make it as a crafter.

* After university Sonia travelled the world where her eyes were opened.  She came to realize there was a world of opportunities.

* Sonia went to fashion school and worked in London, came back to Australia, started a family and had a lightning bulb moment when she brought out an old hobby, hand stitching.

* Sonia had found her calling in embroidery.  Her business had begun.

* She has created a community and shares other people’s work on her hoops.

* ‘I’m still learning, we all still are.’ {Sonia}

* Don’t be afraid to put a value on your time.  ‘Value every single element of what you do.’ {Sonia}

* You CAN love what you do.

* If you’re happy, then that’s the biggest thing.

* Be passionate about what you do!

* ‘What makes you buzz RIGHT NOW.’ {Sonia}

* Don’t focus on the negative.  Find ways to highlight the positive.  Celebrate yourself!

* Sonia is the ’embroidery motivator.’  She will ‘get everyone in stitches.’ {Sonia}

* Balancing your work with your personal life is important.

* Take time for family everyday.  Take a day off!

* And when you work, work hard.

* ‘You can’t NOT work hard.’ {Sonia}

* Share what you do!  Make yourself and your craft accessible, be inspirational.

* And then ‘kick yourself to get out, go get coffee, have a conversation!’ {Sonia}

* ‘If you don’t try, you’re 100% going to fail.’ {Jess}

* You can find Sonia at her website or Instagram.

 

Download/Listen to this Episode

(You can also subscribe to the podcast and listen to this episode on iTunes + Stitcher – just search ‘Create & Thrive’.)

Sonia Lyne is simultaneously an inspiration and a great case study for us all!

She has worked hard (and travelled far) to find her passion.

Sonia has opened herself to new challenges, new opportunities – and does it all with a seemingly endless supply of positivity.

If you need a kick in the butt to make the changes you want for your life and business, then this episode is for you!

Quotes and highlights from this Episode:

* Sonia Lyne is the creative genius behind Dandelyne.

* Her creative journey has been a long one, and intercontinental.

* She started as a private school teacher, and was told you just don’t make it as a crafter.

* After university Sonia travelled the world where her eyes were opened.  She came to realize there was a world of opportunities.

* Sonia went to fashion school and worked in London, came back to Australia, started a family and had a lightning bulb moment when she brought out an old hobby, hand stitching.

* Sonia had found her calling in embroidery.  Her business had begun.

* She has created a community and shares other people’s work on her hoops.

* ‘I’m still learning, we all still are.’ {Sonia}

* Don’t be afraid to put a value on your time.  ‘Value every single element of what you do.’ {Sonia}

* You CAN love what you do.

* If you’re happy, then that’s the biggest thing.

* Be passionate about what you do!

* ‘What makes you buzz RIGHT NOW.’ {Sonia}

* Don’t focus on the negative.  Find ways to highlight the positive.  Celebrate yourself!

* Sonia is the ’embroidery motivator.’  She will ‘get everyone in stitches.’ {Sonia}

* Balancing your work with your personal life is important.

* Take time for family everyday.  Take a day off!

* And when you work, work hard.

* ‘You can’t NOT work hard.’ {Sonia}

* Share what you do!  Make yourself and your craft accessible, be inspirational.

* And then ‘kick yourself to get out, go get coffee, have a conversation!’ {Sonia}

* ‘If you don’t try, you’re 100% going to fail.’ {Jess}

* You can find Sonia at her website or Instagram.

 

Download/Listen to this Episode

(You can also subscribe to the podcast and listen to this episode on iTunes + Stitcher – just search ‘Create & Thrive’.)

 

This week we have three great questions that any entrepreneur will run into at one point or another.

A lot of makers struggle with being bogged down on the ‘business’ side of a creative business.  How do we keep the passion for creating alive and thriving?

What about email lists, do you REALLY need one? (Hint, the answer is YES!)

Finally, the last is an Etsy question, although it’s valid for all selling platforms: do you launch a new range all at once, or put up products slowly?

And as always, please keep the questions coming!  Send me an email, let me help – that’s why I’m here…

 

Quotes and highlights from this Episode:

* Business is an essential part of any business, even a creative one.

* Serious time and dedication to your business are a must, although there are strategies to make it manageable.

* Chunk your time.  Schedule!  Schedule! Schedule!

* Break things up into full day or one hour chunks.  (For example: devote your Saturday to creating only.)

* If you have a chunk of creative time that is upcoming, you will be creating incentive to get through the business portion.

* The idea is that time is dedicated time, whether it be dedicated to business or creative work.

* “Creativity appears when you make space for it.” {Jess}

* When you have a creative insight, WRITE IT DOWN! CAPTURE IT!

* The point is you are making a mental note to revisit the idea so your brain can return to the task-at-hand.

* Change your perspective so you enjoy the business side!

* Find the creative challenges in your business.

* “The business stuff allows you to indulge your creativity.” {Jess}

* View your business as what allows you to spend more time doing what you love, CREATING!

* Starting an email list is NECESSARY! No matter what stage you are in.

* They are easy to start up using software like, Mailchimp (Affiliate Link).  Bonus, it’s free!

* In the Thriver Circle this month we are delving into everything you need to know about getting started with email marketing.

* Adding products in a new line can be added either gradually or all at once.  The trick is in what you do before and after.

* Whether you add the products over several weeks or all at once, you must announce it to the world.

* Create teasers and sneak peeks before the line is launched.

* Host a giveaway before you launch to create some buzz.

* You can offer a first-peek discount to email subscribers to as a thank you to your most loyal fans.

 

Download/Listen to this Episode

(You can also subscribe to the podcast and listen to this episode on iTunes + Stitcher – just search ‘Create & Thrive’.)

 

This week we have three great questions that any entrepreneur will run into at one point or another.

A lot of makers struggle with being bogged down on the ‘business’ side of a creative business.  How do we keep the passion for creating alive and thriving?

What about email lists, do you REALLY need one? (Hint, the answer is YES!)

Finally, the last is an Etsy question, although it’s valid for all selling platforms: do you launch a new range all at once, or put up products slowly?

And as always, please keep the questions coming!  Send me an email, let me help – that’s why I’m here…

 

Quotes and highlights from this Episode:

* Business is an essential part of any business, even a creative one.

* Serious time and dedication to your business are a must, although there are strategies to make it manageable.

* Chunk your time.  Schedule!  Schedule! Schedule!

* Break things up into full day or one hour chunks.  (For example: devote your Saturday to creating only.)

* If you have a chunk of creative time that is upcoming, you will be creating incentive to get through the business portion.

* The idea is that time is dedicated time, whether it be dedicated to business or creative work.

* “Creativity appears when you make space for it.” {Jess}

* When you have a creative insight, WRITE IT DOWN! CAPTURE IT!

* The point is you are making a mental note to revisit the idea so your brain can return to the task-at-hand.

* Change your perspective so you enjoy the business side!

* Find the creative challenges in your business.

* “The business stuff allows you to indulge your creativity.” {Jess}

* View your business as what allows you to spend more time doing what you love, CREATING!

* Starting an email list is NECESSARY! No matter what stage you are in.

* They are easy to start up using software like, Mailchimp (Affiliate Link).  Bonus, it’s free!

* In the Thriver Circle this month we are delving into everything you need to know about getting started with email marketing.

* Adding products in a new line can be added either gradually or all at once.  The trick is in what you do before and after.

* Whether you add the products over several weeks or all at once, you must announce it to the world.

* Create teasers and sneak peeks before the line is launched.

* Host a giveaway before you launch to create some buzz.

* You can offer a first-peek discount to email subscribers to as a thank you to your most loyal fans.

 

Download/Listen to this Episode

(You can also subscribe to the podcast and listen to this episode on iTunes + Stitcher – just search ‘Create & Thrive’.)

Deciding to run a business and follow your passion is not always (i.e. – ever) the easy choice.

You will work harder than you ever have before, and there’s no doubt that you need to be dedicated, because you’re in it for the long haul!

This week, I invited my friend and long-time student – Sonia Mcmanus of Tiki Kiwi and Paper Petals – to come on the podcast. I’ve watched Sonia grow her businesses over the last few years, and I love the path she’s created for herself. Not only that – she has a moving story to tell about how a natural disaster in her city prompted her to finally chase her creative dreams.

As you’ll hear, she knows a thing or two about being a busy entrepreneur – all while juggling ‘the day job’, and being a single mum to an almost-teenager. Her passion and determination really shine through in this interview – I literally got goose bumps at one stage listening to her!

If you’ve ever been unsure as to whether you’re on the right path – whether you should be chasing your own dream – don’t miss this episode.

 

Quotes and highlights from this Episode:

* We all hit crossroads where we must decide if we want to “chase down something that is really meaningful.” {Sonia}

* Natural disaster makes you recognize the need to follow your passion.

* Turning your hobby into your business takes dedication, commitment, and time.

* Self-Doubt is a part of the creative-process.

* “Acknowledge your doubts. Sit with them without judgement.  Ride it out.” {Sonia}

* Don’t be afraid to put yourself out there.  Opportunities can only present themselves when we are available to receive.

* It’s okay for your business to evolve over time, in fact, you may want to expect it.

* Different outlets can fulfill different creative needs within ourselves.

* Know your audience and your business.

* Have a creative hobby/outlet OUTSIDE of your business.

* Morning Pages: Start your day with a writing meditation exercise.

* How to Change your Life by Changing your Morning Routine

* Sean Wes: Revolutionize Your Day, By Changing Your Routine

* If something doesn’t work for you, it’s okay to get rid of it.

* “Just don’t give up, keep it going.” {Sonia}

* Running a successful business is a marathon, not a sprint.  You need to be in it for the long haul.

* Show up everyday!

* To learn more about Sonia visit her website TikiKiwi.

Download/Listen to this Episode

http://www.createandthrive.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/26_Sonia_McManus_of_TikiKiwi.mp3

(You can also subscribe to the podcast and listen to this episode on iTunes + Stitcher – just search ‘Create & Thrive’.)

Deciding to run a business and follow your passion is not always (i.e. – ever) the easy choice.

You will work harder than you ever have before, and there’s no doubt that you need to be dedicated, because you’re in it for the long haul!

This week, I invited my friend and long-time student – Sonia Mcmanus of Tiki Kiwi and Paper Petals – to come on the podcast. I’ve watched Sonia grow her businesses over the last few years, and I love the path she’s created for herself. Not only that – she has a moving story to tell about how a natural disaster in her city prompted her to finally chase her creative dreams.

As you’ll hear, she knows a thing or two about being a busy entrepreneur – all while juggling ‘the day job’, and being a single mum to an almost-teenager. Her passion and determination really shine through in this interview – I literally got goose bumps at one stage listening to her!

If you’ve ever been unsure as to whether you’re on the right path – whether you should be chasing your own dream – don’t miss this episode.

 

Quotes and highlights from this Episode:

* We all hit crossroads where we must decide if we want to “chase down something that is really meaningful.” {Sonia}

* Natural disaster makes you recognize the need to follow your passion.

* Turning your hobby into your business takes dedication, commitment, and time.

* Self-Doubt is a part of the creative-process.

* “Acknowledge your doubts. Sit with them without judgement.  Ride it out.” {Sonia}

* Don’t be afraid to put yourself out there.  Opportunities can only present themselves when we are available to receive.

* It’s okay for your business to evolve over time, in fact, you may want to expect it.

* Different outlets can fulfill different creative needs within ourselves.

* Know your audience and your business.

* Have a creative hobby/outlet OUTSIDE of your business.

* Morning Pages: Start your day with a writing meditation exercise.

* How to Change your Life by Changing your Morning Routine

* Sean Wes: Revolutionize Your Day, By Changing Your Routine

* If something doesn’t work for you, it’s okay to get rid of it.

* “Just don’t give up, keep it going.” {Sonia}

* Running a successful business is a marathon, not a sprint.  You need to be in it for the long haul.

* Show up everyday!

* To learn more about Sonia visit her website TikiKiwi or her Instagram.

Download/Listen to this Episode

http://www.createandthrive.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/26_Sonia_McManus_of_TikiKiwi.mp3

(You can also subscribe to the podcast and listen to this episode on iTunes + Stitcher – just search ‘Create & Thrive’.)

I’ve been running my own handmade business for almost 7 years now (my bizaversary is this month!), and over that time I have discovered some hard-won knowledge about how to make the most of your time, your creativity, and what you need to do to make your handmade business the best it can be.

 

Today, to celebrate the 25th episode of the Create & Thrive podcast, I’ve created an epic episode for you, where I outline 25 essential tips for running a handmade business.

I believe that becoming successful is all down to pacing yourself, to being optimistic yet realistic – dream big, but don’t over-extend yourself beyond what’s actually do-able.

I believe that you need to get clear on why you’re doing this – to get clear on your core values, and allow them to guide you in all the decisions that you make.

There is so much goodness in this episode – I really dig down into the principles that will help you to achieve success – whatever that means to you.

 

I have also put together a FREE downloadable e-book from this episode!

 

This is available as part of my  #HandmadeBusinessToolkit – which is packed full of free resources (ebooks, downloadables, and guides) that will help you grow a thriving handmade biz.

The Handmade Business Toolkit is available for absolutely FREE to my C&T email subscribers.

If you’re not already subscribed, just pop your email in the box above and click ‘subscribe’ to get access to the #HandmadeBusinessToolkit for absolutely free!

 

 

Download/Listen to this Episode

 

 

You can also subscribe to the podcast and listen to this episode on iTunes + Stitcher)

 

 

 

Quotes and highlights from this Episode:

* Turning your passion into your business sounds like a great idea but you can run the risk of killing the passion

* You need to spend quite a bit of time on the business side of things

* “Are you going to still love it in five years time?”

* You can get your stuff out there and then you can tweak it and alter it whenever you want

* “Until you get something out into the world, you’re not going to be getting any feedback.”

* Are your things what other people want to buy?

* You need to have a product for sale – not just a business idea

* “I want to help people find freedom in their own lives.”

* Get clear on your core values and put them out into the world

* You may want to create new things which aren’t saleable but you need to make sure you understand that it’s to indulge your creativity and not for your business

* Remember to be grateful for what you’re doing, especially when you have feelings of boredom or frustrating

* “Find ways to keep your love and passion burning for your business.”

* Moving from hobby to business means you might not feel like you can charge the right amount for your work

* “You might be stuck in an unrealistic price vortex with everyone around you undervaluing their work.”

* Charge what your time is worth

* “Don’t hide from working out your prices correctly.”

* It’s OK to ask for help

* Paying for workshops and other learning opportunities may be better than using up your ...

I’ve been running my own handmade business for almost 7 years now (my bizaversary is this month!), and over that time I have discovered some hard-won knowledge about how to make the most of your time, your creativity, and what you need to do to make your handmade business the best it can be.

 

Today, to celebrate the 25th episode of the Create & Thrive podcast, I’ve created an epic episode for you, where I outline 25 essential tips for running a handmade business.

I believe that becoming successful is all down to pacing yourself, to being optimistic yet realistic – dream big, but don’t over-extend yourself beyond what’s actually do-able.

I believe that you need to get clear on why you’re doing this – to get clear on your core values, and allow them to guide you in all the decisions that you make.

There is so much goodness in this episode – I really dig down into the principles that will help you to achieve success – whatever that means to you.

 

I have also put together a FREE downloadable e-book from this episode!

 

This is available as part of my  #HandmadeBusinessToolkit – which is packed full of free resources (ebooks, downloadables, and guides) that will help you grow a thriving handmade biz.

The Handmade Business Toolkit is available for absolutely FREE to my C&T email subscribers.

If you’re not already subscribed, just pop your email in the box above and click ‘subscribe’ to get access to the #HandmadeBusinessToolkit for absolutely free!

 

 

Download/Listen to this Episode

 

 

You can also subscribe to the podcast and listen to this episode on iTunes + Stitcher)

 

 

 

Quotes and highlights from this Episode:

* Turning your passion into your business sounds like a great idea but you can run the risk of killing the passion

* You need to spend quite a bit of time on the business side of things

* “Are you going to still love it in five years time?”

* You can get your stuff out there and then you can tweak it and alter it whenever you want

* “Until you get something out into the world, you’re not going to be getting any feedback.”

* Are your things what other people want to buy?

* You need to have a product for sale – not just a business idea

* “I want to help people find freedom in their own lives.”

* Get clear on your core values and put them out into the world

* You may want to create new things which aren’t saleable but you need to make sure you understand that it’s to indulge your creativity and not for your business

* Remember to be grateful for what you’re doing, especially when you have feelings of boredom or frustrating

* “Find ways to keep your love and passion burning for your business.”

* Moving from hobby to business means you might not feel like you can charge the right amount for your work

* “You might be stuck in an unrealistic price vortex with everyone around you undervaluing their work.”

* Charge what your time is worth

* “Don’t hide from working out your prices correctly.”

* It’s OK to ask for help

* Paying for workshops and other learning opportunities may be better than using up your ...

Today I am talking with the amazing Arianne Foulks from Aeolidia, with whom I discuss the essential website design and content elements that will ensure your site invites people in and encourages them to want to shop with you.

Arianne has a wildly successful web and graphic design studio, and directs a team of people who craft gorgeous websites for creatives. I invited her on the show because she knows what works! In this episode we talk about logo design, photography, content, and more – all the things which a great website needs to get right.

It’s so important to have your own home on the internet – somewhere that represents your business to the world and tells your business story. But it can be hard to know what to focus on when creating a website, as there are so many possibilities!

Listen in for Arianne’s top tips for making sure your business’s online home is the best it can be.

 

Quotes and highlights from this Episode:

* “Have your own domain name even if you have other web presences.” {Arianne}

* Get your domain name and point it to your primary online presence (e.g. Etsy)

* Having your own domain belongs to you and nobody else unlike Facebook and Etsy when your shopfront belongs to those companies.

* People want to go at their leisure and find out about you online before getting in contact.

* It’s like having a menu in a restaurant, it’s a way to see what’s on offer before you sit down to eat.

* Your about page is the most important thing to get done first on your website.

* “People want to know who made it, why they made it and what their story is.” {Arianne}

* Big beautiful photos are so important.

* Tell a story with your products through styling.

* “Learn a little bit about what makes good photography. Less of the technical stuff and more of what makes a great photo.” {Arianne}

* Make sure you tell people your name so they feel they know you a little more.

* Contact information is vital.

* “It’s an important for searchability to keep your website up to date and relevant” {Jess}

* It can be important to have both their own website and other online stores if possible.

* It’s not enough to rely on Etsy or another platform to send them buyers.

* “Relying solely on a company who is not under your control to send you customers is not ideal.” {Arianne}

* Build up an audience on your own website.

* “I can sell in Australian Dollars on my own website but in American Dollars on Etsy.” {Jess}

* StitchLabs (This site/resource is no longer available): A way to keep your inventory up to date on multiple platforms without having to do it manually.

* It’s still very important to blog even when you have an ecommerce site.

* “Those who have been in the blogging world for ages think it’s a no-brainer. But for newbies I understand the confusion about why you would blog.” {Jess}

* You need to enjoy blogging to want to blog.

* Blogging brings traffic to your site – partly through Google and SEO (Search Engine Optimisation).

* Blogging gives you keywords which will eventually list on Google and traffic will come to you over the years.

* “Having a blog can really humanise your brand.” {Arianne}

* Establish yourself as an expert in something.

* Once you start blogging it makes all your other marketing efforts easier.

* Your social media is made much easier when you have your blog written and you can borrow content.

* “Get yourself on a schedule and find something that you...