When it comes to getting started, I get it... it's hard. Where do you start? Who do you reach out to? I kept wondering to myself, "What should I even google?!?!?!?!?!" The truth is, I don't have all the answers. I just have my own attempts/failures that taught me a few things...
My 5 Tips:
1. Reach Out.
You're going to need other people, real people, not just google searches (though... you will need those too). If you know someone that is good with accounting- ask them about starting an LLC -vs- a Sole Proprietorship. Want to have shopable posts on Instagram & Facebook? You're going to need a Tax ID, and they can help you with that. I learned the hard way... LegalZoom & other similar filing services are VERY VERY expensive. Is it worth it? TBD. I am currently really wishing that I had reached out to someone I know for advice instead.
Who else should you reach out to? Here are just a few:
Established Makers
Real talk-- as makers, we pour our heart & soul into our designs/what we have built as our "brand." Sometimes, even though it is innocent, people overreach in the way they are asking for help. However, other makers are are sooo valuable when it comes to advice. So, what do you do? I think the answer is to ask the right questions :).
Good Questions:
- What videos did you use to learn how to (insert the skill you are looking for)?
- What classes did you take to develop your skills?
- Do you have any resources that you use would suggest to someone just starting?
- What kind of tools do you have on your workbench?
- Do you have any tips for (fill in the blank) problem I am having?
- Where do you purchase or find (fill in the blank) products?
Not so Good Questions:
- Will you show me how you made this design?
- Can you send me a video of how you made (that really unique) design?
- Honestly... I am bad at coming up with these ones, ha. Just don't overstep. It isn't a good idea to ask questions that make them feel like you are going to copy them. Also... don't copy them. Practicing a general technique & copying another's work are two different things... I'll talk about that later.
Photographers
Graphic Designers
Small Business Owners
2. Write Out a Business Plan AND a Failure Plan
Oh my, I skipped this step. I just jumped right in and flew by the seat of my pants. Trial and lots of error ;). You can do that... oooor you could write up a business plan, making sure to research equipment costs/classes that you would like to buy/take. WRITE IT OUT.
The Failure Plan... this one is especially important. As you start to sell pieces, you will make mistakes-- write out how you are going to handle those mistakes. Here are a few things to consider:
How will you respond to a customer when they reach out to you that something on their piece broke? Will you add a "sorry" gift in when you send the piece back to them (would that fit into the budget/would you have time alloted for that)?
How will you handle your missteps (there will be plenty)? Are you going to let them discourage you or will you have a plan on how to use your mistakes to improve.
What if a customer doesn't like their piece? Maybe it has been 3 years since their order & something broke... will you fix it at no cost to them? What will your return/warranty policy be? You can adapt your business plan/failure plan/policies as your grow & learn. Make learning from all of your mistakes & using them to improve a huge part of your failure plan.
How will you handle a displeased customer or a customs client who refuses to pay you? (hint: deposits before you start production. I wish everyone was honest, most people are! but you do run into a few who aren't).
How will you handle it if someone accuses you of copying their work? What if you accidentally do copy their work? A good rule to go by is this: when misbehavior of yours is called to attention... own up to it. When you make mistakes, don't be afraid of how that makes you look. Everyone makes mistakes. The thing that really matters to people, most people I should say, is HOW you HANDLE your mistakes. That is what shapes your character, not the actual mistakes.
3. Utilize the Resources Available to You
YouTube. Is. Amazing.
@metalsmithsociety on Instagram is also amazing!
GRS has amazing classes & teachers.
Art of The Cowgirl offers apprenticeships with some pretty neat makers!
If you have some resources you would like to share, drop them in the comment section.
If you can afford classes, take them! The people you meet in classes are just awesome. Networking people ;).
4. Do NOT Let Social Media/Marketing Consume You
Social Media Marketing is how I get customers. It just is. If that is the route you are going to go, you need to go in with your eyes wide open. Social Media can suck the life right out of you. To get followers takes a ton of behind the scenes work. We are talking a lot of time. Set boundaries and let the buck stop with the necessary time.
Things to remember about Social Media:
Everyone puts their best foot forward. As you start to market & create an image for your brand, you will see that you are creating a narrative. You choose what people see & what they do not. So does everyone else. DO NOT buy into the story that your mind wants to tell you as you browse through your feed, that everyone else has it figured out. When you are having issues in your business life or personal life, your feed will suddenly be filled with people who seem to be living blissfully with the polar opposite of your problems. Again, do not buy into that. Those people have their own set of problems.
You will need to set boundaries & manage your time wisely on instagram.
Remember that what you put out there is out there, so be wise about what you post.
Everyone wants to be "authentic," but Social Media isn't really set up for that. It isn't a 24/7 cam... people choose what others see. Videos that are posted might have 5,000 bloopers. The 5,000 bloopers are likely what is "authentic," yet what gets posted? I am in no way saying you can't be genuine in your posts. You definitely can. I am only advising you take caution in how you sum up other people and compare your business or life to others when you aren't getting the whole story. There is a lot of unnecessary sorrow that comes from comparing our whole selves to another's single story, social media page.
5. Don't Copy Other Makers
When I started out... I made this mistake. I had people sending me pictures of rings they wanted & I made them for them without thought. That's the thing... it was soooo thoughtless of me. Thankfully, the maker that had been copied reached out to me & called me to attention, but was also willing to forgive me. What a valuable lesson! Now that I have worked so hard to come up with my own designs and to build my brand, I see just how hurtful & wrong it was that I did that. I still am so embarrassed! What was I thinking?! I was thinking with tunnel vision, that is for sure. That taught me to throw humility into my failure plan.
I get it... you don't know where to start or how to design things & you have people asking you to make certain rings. If someone asks you to copy another maker, explain to them that you can't do that. Ask them what elements of that particular piece they love and create something new.
On the flip side, scrolls... just plain scrolls... certain patterns & basic techniques?! You are going to have some crossover. You will have some people accuse you of copying when you honestly didn't at all. Let it roll of your back & be kind to them. And, for safe measure, reach out to the other maker. Let them know your intentions- you may even make a friend.
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