How much time do you spend...

[Petal]

I'm in the middle of some serious time planning, as I'm splitting my time helping my OH with his fledgling sweet pea nursery and making & sell jewellery online and at fairs.

How much time do you guys spend on deadling with your webpage, loading pics, writing blogs, etc etc. I realise some of you make a living purely from making jewellery and others spend less time, as its a hobby/p/t.

Could I have your thoughts please....

[caroleallen]

Virtually none Jules. I spend every waking hour making jewellery.

[Petal]

Haha.. I bet your secret helper does that side of the business eh?

yeah I know its a 'how long is a piece of string' question, but I had to ask it, otherwise how do I find out.

[caroleallen]

That did make me laugh Jules. My secret helper is keeping his help so secret I have difficulty finding it !! But seriously I should spend more time on updating my website etc. It's just that it's actually making the jewellery that I enjoy, not running a business. That's one of the things I didn't really appreciate when I went full time on it. I should be doing Facebook, Twitter etc but I don't.

[mizgeorge]

You and me both Carole I do the absolute bare minimum - keep the website more or less up to date (though I have about 30 new products to add when I get round to doing the photography, editing, etc etc etc) and packing/posting etc. I reckon it accounts for 20% of my working day if I include all the packing up etc.

Jules, at the end of the day, it's about what works for you, especially if it's not a full time job.

[Petal]

Thanks Carole/George. I wish I could devote all my time to making (and hopefully selling) jewellery, but there would be mutiny if I did!

[Melanie De Castro Pugh]

I try to make jewellery when my boy is in school (hiding in the shed) and hit the laptop when he gets in to sort photos, list things for sale etc. We have a house rule of killing electronics and being all together on the sofa by half eight, although this can be flexible depending on deadlines etc. Filing, polishing, knitting and designing usually happen cuddled up in front of the telly while having my feet rubbed :-)


Melanie

http://www.spinysharklythings.com

[caroleallen]

That sounds idyllic Mel.

I'd agree with George. I don't do any social networking at all. I know everyone says it's vital and maybe it would enhance my business but I'm busy enough as it is.

I'd say that really good craft shows are important. I hate doing them with a vengeance as it means travelling and staying away from home but it's how I've grown my business.

Having a good website with good images is also important. I have to admit that I have mine done for me. It is expensive but has paid off for me.

[Tabby66]

Mel, sounds like you've got it sorted!!!!!!

Thanks Carole & George, I'm just dipping my toe into the real world of business, thank you for your answers, I'm currently having my website built (I don't have a secret helper....at least not one with any website abilities!!) and I've just (with much trepidation) started looking at fairs......building a customer base would be my dream....

[Petal]

That sounds idyllic Mel.

I'd agree with George. I don't do any social networking at all. I know everyone says it's vital and maybe it would enhance my business but I'm busy enough as it is.

I'd say that really good craft shows are important. I hate doing them with a vengeance as it means travelling and staying away from home but it's how I've grown my business.

Having a good website with good images is also important. I have to admit that I have mine done for me. It is expensive but has paid off for me.

Many thanks for those further tips Carole and George, especially about the craft shows and not spending time networking. Doing shows is something I'd also like to do in future. Choosing one is much more difficult though!