indie biz must reads



Like most jobs, you are supplied "on the job training", but what do you do when you are the boss?
There really are no rights or wrongs to how you want to run your business, 
it's just sometimes you might not know where to start.

Making the decision to start a handmade business and be taken seriously.. well it can be scary.
I know that I LOVE to google everything, I would rather google then to ask someone.
But who says asking is all that bad?  In fact we are a community of Indie Business owners
that should be holding eachothers' hands every step of the way hoping we all succeed right?
Well in a happy world, yes.  But that's not always the case.

If you are looking for answers and don't know where to start, 
how about you step away from the computer and do it the old fashioned way.
READ A BOOK.

Most of you know the story of Gussy Sews and how Maggie basically checked out 
30 books from the library and taught herself to sew just 3 short years ago.
Now look at how successful her brand has become!

One thing is for sure, if you don't know where to look and all you do is look at the success 
of others around you.. well you will get no where!

(all sources are linked to www.amazon.com)

I've compiled a small list of 8 books that I would love to recommend to you!

How to sell your crafts locally, globally and online.

The rise of DIY, arts, craft and design

A step-by-step guide to successful selling on etsy and beyon

This is the one book that will show readers how to create a 
successful and fulfilling venture they can be proud of

This action-oriented take-along planner is packed with advice and worksheets
 that guide creative entrepreneurs in their hot pursuit of profit

A guide to the online market place for crafts and handmade products

A guide to co-working for indie workers, small business and non-profits.

An indie authors advertising plan
(great brand tools for business too)

If any of you have read these, or decided on ordering 
one I would love to hear about your experience!

11 comments:

  1. Thanks for sharing! I just opened up my shop on Etsy and I feel like I am doing everything wrong. I will look into these. Thanks Heather :)

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  2. I just bought "How to Make Money Using Etsy" and it is very helpful! It's so easy to understand, and it even has a special section for bloggers that I've already used to improve my online-presence. I would absolutely recommend it! :)


    http://sugarhistudio.blogspot.com/

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  3. This is a great post! I've read The Handmade Marketplace & Craft Inc. (not the planner). They were both very helpful. I'd be interested to plug these other titles into Amazon & read some reviews to find a couple other reads. Thanks for compiling the list ;)

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  4. Heather - I have to say how much I appreciate your dedication to sharing your small business savvy with others. I learn so much whenever I pop in here!

    I have a question for you that I couldn't find on your blog. What made you go from etsy to big cartel?

    Thanks hun!
    Stephanie

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  5. Thanks so much for sharing. I will definitely check these out. I read The Handmade Marketplace a couple months ago, but even though it's a fabulous book, I still felt like I needed more guidance. These look great!

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  6. This is such a great and informative post! I'm not crafty enough to have my own shop but I do know a few people who will really benefit from this post!

    Annika

    A Sweet Release

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  7. I have read Craft Inc and The Handmade Marketplace. I found both to be useful and loaded with helpful reminders and ideas to get me motivated :).

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  8. Thanks for this! I'm passing the recommendations on to my mom who just opened her Etsy shop

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  9. I have yet to use Craft Inc. Planner but i have it. Hope it proves helpful. I just listed my first item on Etsy today and started a blog a few days ago. I think people with new blogs and shops should support eachother. Maby swap blogs and guest post. Or advertise for free to help grow our blogs and shops. Just a thought. Who's with me?

    Thanks for the tips they are much needed

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  10. This is a great post! I've hesitated a few times with ideas to craft from home, but I always stop when I can't figure out where to start.. and that gets me no where, lol.

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  11. I have Jess Scott's Business Plan book. I didnt read clearly exactly what I was buying and at first was a bit disappointed when I found it was literately her business plan paper. But dove in anyway and it turned out to be interesting and motivating. I was inspired by her, her website, business, etc to do somethings for my own even though we are in different industries.

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