Let's Talk Business - Part One - Passion

Wednesday, February 15, 2012


Hello, so good to see you here! I've carved out this little space in time for us to meet up and chat about all things business-y. Last week so many of you shared your business related questions and concerns (more? keep them coming!)  I'm always amazed at the sheer resourcefulness, drive, and ingenuity in our creative community. Your questions were so thoughtful and since. Thank you so much for trusting this space to share them. 


Where to begin? Well, the questions ran the gamut from pre-idea to growing business to identifying target markets to building brick and mortar shops. Wowza! I'm hoping to throw out a few things today and hear your thoughts. Tell me what resonates, let's discuss and hopefully we can grow together. 


Over the weekend, I began collecting information, brainstorming and lining up guest posts and I thought, you know, many questions can be addressed....or at least layers of concerns can be peeled back if we start where I often encourage others (and myself!) to start - by reassessing your passion.  In fact, the whole first chapter of my e-book dives into identifying your core concept. Because that has to come before anything and remain the focus as you grow.  Have you identified your passion?


When we try to decide where to take our business, how to grow, ways to improve - it's often so easy to forget our core concept and think about what we think we should do, or could do... or even more tragically, into the messy realm of worrying about what will people buy. You know what I mean? 


There was a time when I lost my focus...and lost passion, Here's the ultra quick version (of which I've gleaned mounds of business-y lessons) :  I began by making handbags. People loved them. Everything grew from word of mouth way back in 2006. I was teaching and it was my hobby. Later, I decided to open an Etsy shop for extra cash flow. My handbags and clutches did very well. But I made a big mistake. Huge.  I began sewing just about everything. And then selling them. With our new baby came lots of handmade bibs, cloths, blankets, etc...and you know what I did? I made more and put them in my shop.  And they flew off my virtual shelves. They were in several baby boutiques. But there was a problem. I wasn't the slightest bit passionate about it. (except when I made them for my own little bebes!) The sewing was easy, there was no challenge...and I just didn't feel it.  What was there to market? It would be so inauthentic for me.  So, eventually, I made the switch. I refocused only on my handbags and clutches and it was the single smartest thing I've done for my business.


Can anyone relate to this? Similar experiences?


When a business owner has passion, you can feel it. You can share it. You want to be a part of that.  Which businesses & creative folks with passion overflowing come to mind?


When I think passion, I immediately think of Noisette Academy, Oh My Handmade, Rifle Paper Co., Sarah Jane Studios...


What am I passionate about? Hmmm, let's see...Well, I'm completely passionate about drawing sketches and figuring out my own patterns. I like the trial & error, make it work kind of approach. I don't do purchased patterns. There is something incredibly satisfying about making something that is completely mine. From sketchy rough draft to refined finished bag. And I'm passionate about making items that people love...and love to give. Those 'behind the scenes' stories really get me. Like the husband who contacts me to create the perfect gift for his wife. I love that. And on the other front, I am madly, crazily passionate about helping others shine. I love nothing more than working with other folks to forge their own success. That's why I taught and it's why I now coach other businesses.  Outside of business life....I'm passionate about my two boys.  They make getting up at 4:30 so worth it.  (they don't make it easy, but they make it worth it ;) 


Now, your turn. What are you passionate about? Does this translate into business? Are you letting your passion drove your business growth and decisions ? Let's chat!




{lovely print from Unraveled Design}
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