Five days

I've managed to list/renew an item every day this work week. Whew! The result has been good so far. I made one sale and have increased my views. It seems this little experiment is going well. I've also, as my wonderful readers can probably tell, blogged every day since Monday. The truth is, I love blogging, but I often feel like I have nothing interesting to say. Take this post, for example. I'm sure you'd all rather see pictures of projects or read about exciting adventures, but I'm hoping you'll let these little business recountings slide. ;)

I have a healthy to-do list for the weekend, including two birthday parties, lots of jewelry making, display making, reading and maybe even a little sleeping or baking. What's on your agenda this weekend?

Business plan

This weekend, between time spent on the couch cursing the migraine gods, I picked up a copy of Craft, Inc. It is basically a (really pretty) guide to starting your cottage-industry art business. Ever since I heard about the book, I've been wanting to read it. If I hadn't been in so much pain yesterday, I likely would have finished it. A lot of it is stuff I already knew -- how to register your business and such -- but it's still incredibly helpful to see it all laid out in front of you. In fact, I'm feeling so inspired by the book, I'm currently working on my first business plan. After that, I am going to kick myself into high gear and start marketing, getting stuff into and shops and even debut a line. I can't wait!

Oh, and look what comes out September 9, the day before my birthday? It's the Craft, Inc. Business Planner. Oh birthday elves, are you listening?

Month 3

The current EtsyBloggers blog carnival is either the subject or spring or a check-in March is already the third month of the year, so what have I accomplished on my goals for 2009? Hmm . . . let us investigate.

My main goal for 2009 was to introduce a new line of products, mainly my bath and body stuff. That's the shorthand for my body scrubs and washcloths. I hadn't intended to do this before the spring craft shows, so I'm still technically on schedule there. I did list my first potholder, and though it's not a bath item, it's still along the same lines. I consider that an accomplishment.

Another major goal was to make a consignment inquiry by the end of March. Well, that's fast approaching. I better get to work!

I also decided I must buy a new computer, and we did: success!

And a final, very important goal was completing my taxes by myself. Right now, my amended forms (don't ask!) are signed but not quite sealed or delivered. I just need to write a couple of checks and put in copies of my W-2s, then I'll be done with that as well. I will definitely have them sent off before the end of the month.

So, that's my progress. I think I'm doing pretty well, though I could use some new jewelry inventory. I foresee a busy April!