[117] Round Table Q&A with Thrivers in Winchester, England

This week, I’m bringing you something special!

When I was in England recently, I had a Thriver meetup – and 5 wonderful makers (who also happen to be Thriver Circle members) came along. We spent 2 hours talking all things creative business!

In the first part of the session, each maker had 15 minutes to ask questions about their business. In the second session, I opened the floor to general handmade biz questions.

I did record everything, but alas, half of the first session didn’t save (darn technology!) so today I’m sharing with you that second session – the open Q&A.

We cover some important topics – from pricing to finding and marketing to your ideal customer, to collaboration and SEO. We packed a lot in this short session!

Enjoy, and a huge thanks to my guests for not only coming along and being awesome, but being willing for me to share this with the world via the podcast. Their names and details are below – do check them out!

My Guests

Adela – Della by Design (card making kits)
Jack – Oi, Shiny! (gemstone jewellery)
Victoria – Toria by Victoria Jowett (printed fabrics into homewares and bags)
Jo – Stitches to Treasure (floral home décor and accessories)
Suze – Suze Harris Decorative Woodwork (wooden creations)

Quotes and Highlights:

Adela sought advice on marketing her card-making business for adults, Della by Design.
Try bundling and marketing kits for events – hen’s parties or girls’ craft nights in.
Market these event packages on the website separate from the individual kits to increase reach across audience markets.
Victoria, of Toria by Victoria Jowett, asked about establishing a creative partnership.
Approach your potential partner with a concrete proposal package.
Ensure that collaborative partnerships are formalised in a written contract.
“Remember, when you’re working with someone else it doesn’t just double your problems it multiplies them as there are two people wanting to get things done.” {Jess}
Jo, of Stitches to Treasure, enquired about how to establish a business focus.
“You don’t just have to have one group of target customers. You make different ways to engage the different groups.” {Jess}
Use a variety of marketing messages and customers will connect with the ones that resonate to them.
Suze, of Suze Harris Decorative Woodwork, sought advice on how to set an hourly rate.
Ensure you cover all of your time not just the making.
In the early stage of a business your time will be skewed towards learning lessons. This will shift as you gain experience.
“You can do all the maths you want with your pricing but at the end of the day it’s just the starting point. It’s not the end point.” {Jess}
Remember business is about experimentation. Take risks. (Jess shares an anecdote about product lines that have been trialed and retired)
Victoria is looking to boost her SEO.
Ensure photos are saved with key words and your business name in the title.
Mix up your key words and utilise the power of the Alt Tag.
Adela wants to run an Instagram Christmas promotion featuring styled images with objects from other businesses.
Try working with a different maker each day to increase reach and build relationships.