Hello friends!I had the greatest experience at Novemberfest and I think it might encourage all of you small business owners to break out of your comfort zones!
As you are well aware, in the past I have had a difficult time keeping my confidence up at a show. This time my wonderful husband decided he would man the booth for me so that I wouldn't feel that fear again. (Thereby, keeping sells up; those of you who have read/seen "The Secret" know what I mean!) However, I was in charge the last hour of the last day so David could go home and eat.
I had made a conscious decision, this time, to accept whatever God wanted to give me whether nothing or an abundance of blessings! Whatever the result, I wasn't going to let a number affect my self-worth. When I got to the show, I found that we had only made 3 sells again falling short of breaking even. I started to feel that fear and reminded myself of my commitment.
A fellow crafts-man had some ideas for my next show. "Maybe you could hold a drawing" she suggested, "and give away a piece of art." That peaked my interest because I felt God had been leading me in a certain direction; teaching me the law of abundance which is that "whatsoever you give shall be multiplied unto you".
I had less then an hour and I knew I had to do something big! It was hard to take that leap of faith at first; I mean, logically, the idea would cause us to take more of a loss! When I gathered up my courage I got to work and I ended up giving away 18 pieces of art (totaling $190 our cost) but I have never felt more excited about what I do! I realized that giving it away felt just as good (if not better) than selling it and I was happy!
Another thing I realized is that people were really thrilled to get my art. They really enjoyed it! I just had to get through my own blocks and, though it sounded completely insane, I did just that and I loved every minute of it!
I wonder if Van Gogh would have known the law of abundance if he wouldn't have killed himself. How much joy could he have had standing on a street corner holing a contest of some sort and giving away his finest pieces! Maybe he would have lived a full life and tasted of his immortalizing fame himself...
(check out my work at http://www.meloniepacker.com)
Showing posts with label small business. Show all posts
Showing posts with label small business. Show all posts
Monday, December 5, 2011
Monday, September 19, 2011
The Package Has Arrived...
I was surprised to find a package on our front porch earlier this week. Not because it was early; because it was late! I'd begun to think of all the possibilities involving it's untimely arrival. David did something more productive and worked hard on a "game plan" for our business if the book wasn't accepted.
David has suddenly become way more motivated than me. It is great to have a husband who believes in you so much he's willing to quit his job and run our business out of a motor home! Needless to say, that idea will really be "put through the wringer"!
The publishing company was kind enough to reject the photo book... and we are currently in the process of starting up our own publishing company!
David has suddenly become way more motivated than me. It is great to have a husband who believes in you so much he's willing to quit his job and run our business out of a motor home! Needless to say, that idea will really be "put through the wringer"!
The publishing company was kind enough to reject the photo book... and we are currently in the process of starting up our own publishing company!
"I put my heart and my soul into my work, and have lost my mind in the process."(check out my work at http://www.meloniepacker.com)
-Vincent Van Gogh
Monday, April 18, 2011
Weeks 2,3 and 4
Week 2:
I chickened out...
What is it with my value-setting issues? I toyed with the price of my 20x30 ThinWraps over and over; adding one or two zeros... then going back to the semi-original price again. Finally, I left it at "State Fair price"... times 10! I have managed to leave it that way for a few weeks now. I hope my erratic prices haven't caused too much damage thus far!
I kept thinking about the hundreds of almost sells I had at the art shows. No matter how many times I hear from well-meaners that the "almosts" are good; knowing that people "dig" my work doesn't pay the bills.
Note to self: Remember what you learned from your fellow artists!
I do not want to be a "gypsy" artist! I want to sell to the people that actually buy art... You know, the people with houses or offices big enough to hang it! When I am looking for that market, it makes sense to raise my prices!
Week 3:
I checked out Ebay. I was discouraged by all the pornography disguised as art. I know that for many the line between the two is fuzzy. I say; if it makes you feel funny it's pornography. Black and white. Simple as that. I can tell you, it was not a pleasant feeling looking through the listings on Ebay trying to market definite art. I knew I didn't want beauty debased by filth.
Week 4:
I like Etsy. I'm not sure how big it is yet. Does anyone outside of Utah use it to list? I kept thinking about Ebay as a way to reach a bigger market. I logged back on, this time checking the listings from the highest price first. That was better. Also, it gave me a little more confidence to shoot higher in pricing. I saw Peter Lik's work there. I remembered, though I am not so sure of it myself, that I had been compared to him a couple of times at the Fair.
I listed one item on Ebay.
My plan from here on out: I will continue to list, at least on Etsy, and begin work on a photo book. (Apparently, according to some research, the photo book idea worked for my new friend, Peter Lik...)
...I can't help but wonder whether Van Gogh would have sold more than one piece of art if he had the Internet!
check out my work at http://www.meloniepacker.com)
I chickened out...
What is it with my value-setting issues? I toyed with the price of my 20x30 ThinWraps over and over; adding one or two zeros... then going back to the semi-original price again. Finally, I left it at "State Fair price"... times 10! I have managed to leave it that way for a few weeks now. I hope my erratic prices haven't caused too much damage thus far!
I kept thinking about the hundreds of almost sells I had at the art shows. No matter how many times I hear from well-meaners that the "almosts" are good; knowing that people "dig" my work doesn't pay the bills.
Note to self: Remember what you learned from your fellow artists!
I do not want to be a "gypsy" artist! I want to sell to the people that actually buy art... You know, the people with houses or offices big enough to hang it! When I am looking for that market, it makes sense to raise my prices!
Week 3:
I checked out Ebay. I was discouraged by all the pornography disguised as art. I know that for many the line between the two is fuzzy. I say; if it makes you feel funny it's pornography. Black and white. Simple as that. I can tell you, it was not a pleasant feeling looking through the listings on Ebay trying to market definite art. I knew I didn't want beauty debased by filth.
Week 4:
I like Etsy. I'm not sure how big it is yet. Does anyone outside of Utah use it to list? I kept thinking about Ebay as a way to reach a bigger market. I logged back on, this time checking the listings from the highest price first. That was better. Also, it gave me a little more confidence to shoot higher in pricing. I saw Peter Lik's work there. I remembered, though I am not so sure of it myself, that I had been compared to him a couple of times at the Fair.
I listed one item on Ebay.
My plan from here on out: I will continue to list, at least on Etsy, and begin work on a photo book. (Apparently, according to some research, the photo book idea worked for my new friend, Peter Lik...)
...I can't help but wonder whether Van Gogh would have sold more than one piece of art if he had the Internet!
check out my work at http://www.meloniepacker.com)
Tuesday, August 24, 2010
Come What May, and Love It!
It's like Christmas time at the Packer home! My heart pounds like a child's does on Christmas eve. Only 15 days until the "big" Utah State Fair arrives!
It's hard not to make any assumptions or to create false hopes... I have learned, the hard way, that trying to force an outcome never works! To avoid the tedious predicament of "crying a river" and then "building a bridge to get over it", the formula to success is thus: "Come what may, and love it!".
Easier said than done? You ain't a kiddin'! How does one love humiliation, debt or failure?
Have you ever noticed that when you are on the brink of something big, (some life-changing discovery such as, "Hey, maybe I am worth it!") then is when the greatest opposition strikes?
Your faith is tried like a Native American on a journey to manhood!
I have a cousin-in-law who started her business about the same time I did. The results of our two year ventures are in. Business A: success! (major success) Business B: ummmm.... barely past the starting line. Can you guess which one is me?
On the way home from a gathering, the usual interrogation by well-meaning relatives began... "What will you do if this fair is a failure?" (Meaning, like the last 2 were?...) "How much are you willing to loose?" and, my personal favorite, "You might have to face the fact that in the real world, you have to get a 9 to 5 job like the rest of us."
No wonder only 1% of the population has all of the money; the other 99% have family like mine!
Never mind them, what really matters is that my Heavenly parents know what's best for me. I just have to put one foot in front of the other, in the darkness, and the light will follow. When I learn to stop judging my experiences "good" or "bad", I learn that I am safe in the hands of a loving God and that all things will work for my good in the end.
Everyday can be like a Christmas gift; and you, the excited child! Sometimes you receive socks... or a "wouldn't-be-caught-dead-wearing" hand knitted sweater from Great-Grandma Garden Gnome, or sometimes you receive a shiny new bike or a beautiful new dress that makes you feel like a princess!
The lesson: if you didn't get socks, you wouldn't have feet!
(check out my work at http://www.meloniepacker.com)
It's hard not to make any assumptions or to create false hopes... I have learned, the hard way, that trying to force an outcome never works! To avoid the tedious predicament of "crying a river" and then "building a bridge to get over it", the formula to success is thus: "Come what may, and love it!".
Easier said than done? You ain't a kiddin'! How does one love humiliation, debt or failure?
Have you ever noticed that when you are on the brink of something big, (some life-changing discovery such as, "Hey, maybe I am worth it!") then is when the greatest opposition strikes?
Your faith is tried like a Native American on a journey to manhood!
I have a cousin-in-law who started her business about the same time I did. The results of our two year ventures are in. Business A: success! (major success) Business B: ummmm.... barely past the starting line. Can you guess which one is me?
On the way home from a gathering, the usual interrogation by well-meaning relatives began... "What will you do if this fair is a failure?" (Meaning, like the last 2 were?...) "How much are you willing to loose?" and, my personal favorite, "You might have to face the fact that in the real world, you have to get a 9 to 5 job like the rest of us."
No wonder only 1% of the population has all of the money; the other 99% have family like mine!
Never mind them, what really matters is that my Heavenly parents know what's best for me. I just have to put one foot in front of the other, in the darkness, and the light will follow. When I learn to stop judging my experiences "good" or "bad", I learn that I am safe in the hands of a loving God and that all things will work for my good in the end.
Everyday can be like a Christmas gift; and you, the excited child! Sometimes you receive socks... or a "wouldn't-be-caught-dead-wearing" hand knitted sweater from Great-Grandma Garden Gnome, or sometimes you receive a shiny new bike or a beautiful new dress that makes you feel like a princess!
The lesson: if you didn't get socks, you wouldn't have feet!
"I am still far from being what I want to be, but with God's help I shall succeed."
-Vincent van Gogh
(check out my work at http://www.meloniepacker.com)
Tuesday, June 22, 2010
10 Mistakes of the New Business Owner
10 Mistakes of the New Business Owner:
#1) Never let your family or friends know how much you are investing into your business. They'll remember everything you owe them.
#2) Never let your family or friends know how much you are not making in your business. They'll try to talk you out of it.
#3) Never try to sell contemporary art to farmers.
#4) Never try to "save money" on do-it-yourself-ers. Your booth might collapse.
#5) Decide on a price before you start to sell.
#6) If you aren't selling anything, try raising your prices. Those that have the money to spend want to; those who don't won't anyway...
#7) Have inventory. People want it now, not later!
#8) If at all possible, don't borrow money from investors. They start getting antsy and will want to micro-manage you.
#9) No matter how unnecessary you think it is, have a business plan written before you open for business.
#10) Never, never get your hopes up or let someone tell you you can't do it!
(check out my work at http://www.meloniepacker.com)
#1) Never let your family or friends know how much you are investing into your business. They'll remember everything you owe them.
#2) Never let your family or friends know how much you are not making in your business. They'll try to talk you out of it.
#3) Never try to sell contemporary art to farmers.
#4) Never try to "save money" on do-it-yourself-ers. Your booth might collapse.
#5) Decide on a price before you start to sell.
#6) If you aren't selling anything, try raising your prices. Those that have the money to spend want to; those who don't won't anyway...
#7) Have inventory. People want it now, not later!
#8) If at all possible, don't borrow money from investors. They start getting antsy and will want to micro-manage you.
#9) No matter how unnecessary you think it is, have a business plan written before you open for business.
#10) Never, never get your hopes up or let someone tell you you can't do it!
(check out my work at http://www.meloniepacker.com)
Blowing Smoke?
Yes, Summerfest is now over with a grand total of 3 art prints sold. (One of which was to a supportive friend.)
Lets just say I know how Van Gogh must have felt when he said this:
How do you measure the worth of soul? Is it by the money she makes or the heads she turns? When value is over-looked, is value then lost?
In Bangkok, there is a small temple that encloses a large Buddha statue made of gold. Before 1957, the statue was only known to be made of clay and remained that way for several hundred years. It was only until the clay cracked under immense stress that it's true value was revealed.
For many years, I have thought myself the value-less clay statue. Chiseling away the hardened mask continues to be a difficult task. I struggle to hold on to the hope that I might be made of gold on the inside as I put myself on display.
"Why does it matter", some might ask, "that your art didn't sell?"
Answer: It doesn't. It only matters what I think of myself and whether I am making a difference in this world.
A lighthouse can never see the many weary travelers it has brought home until the light of the dawn hits the harbor at the end of the storm. My goal was to be a light in the storm for the passers-by... That, through my passion for color and child-like play, I could bring a smile to the faces of those who would stop. That through my courage to shine, others might too.
In that, I believe I have succeeded. I have found my direction and have rededicated my efforts... I raise my head, that was hung in defeat, and smile. I will try even harder next time. For, to me, it is not just art; it is following my God-given destiny to brighten up this world and help others find joy in living in the moment.
Though my dreams have not yet taken flight the fire in my heart will continue to burn... For all you weary passers-by, come, stay awhile and partake of it's warmth!
(check out my work at http://www.meloniepacker.com)
Lets just say I know how Van Gogh must have felt when he said this:
Years, months, days,... hours worth of planning and creating new art have passed and are gone. Was it a success? Was it all to no avail? No one yet knows."One may have a blazing hearth in one's soul and yet no one ever came to sit by it. Passers-by see only a wisp of smoke from the chimney and continue on their way."
-Vincent van Gogh
How do you measure the worth of soul? Is it by the money she makes or the heads she turns? When value is over-looked, is value then lost?
In Bangkok, there is a small temple that encloses a large Buddha statue made of gold. Before 1957, the statue was only known to be made of clay and remained that way for several hundred years. It was only until the clay cracked under immense stress that it's true value was revealed.
For many years, I have thought myself the value-less clay statue. Chiseling away the hardened mask continues to be a difficult task. I struggle to hold on to the hope that I might be made of gold on the inside as I put myself on display.
"Why does it matter", some might ask, "that your art didn't sell?"
Answer: It doesn't. It only matters what I think of myself and whether I am making a difference in this world.
A lighthouse can never see the many weary travelers it has brought home until the light of the dawn hits the harbor at the end of the storm. My goal was to be a light in the storm for the passers-by... That, through my passion for color and child-like play, I could bring a smile to the faces of those who would stop. That through my courage to shine, others might too.
In that, I believe I have succeeded. I have found my direction and have rededicated my efforts... I raise my head, that was hung in defeat, and smile. I will try even harder next time. For, to me, it is not just art; it is following my God-given destiny to brighten up this world and help others find joy in living in the moment.
Though my dreams have not yet taken flight the fire in my heart will continue to burn... For all you weary passers-by, come, stay awhile and partake of it's warmth!
(check out my work at http://www.meloniepacker.com)
Wednesday, May 12, 2010
Thank You Oprah!
Spring 2008
The kids are finally down for their afternoon slumber. I can't just "take a break" (I'm a mom) so I grab a basket of laundry to be folded and practically skip to the living room for my one daily indulgence. ...OPRAH!
Young inventors take the stage. They were people who had 1 great idea that set them up for life! Simple ideas like: Spanx, YouTube and Jibbitz shoe charms... I started to think about JK Rowling and her one great story line that made her an incredible income as an author!
One idea...that's all I needed. One great idea and my husband (who was working six days a week) could stay home with our family! We could pay our bills and go on vacations ...or complete my all-time, biggest dream of becoming a philanthropist!
My hopes ballooned and I brought them all to God. I told him exactly what I wanted to accomplish (while sticking to my goal of being stay-at-home mom) and asked for His help. Surely God, the greatest inventor, could spare 1 idea that would change our lives and get us out of this "rat race"...
Summer 2009
I knew in every fiber of my being that if God was going to bless me, it would be through my art. I knew this was what I was supposed to be doing. However, while sitting in a comatose-like trance at a rained out art festival, I found it very hard to stay optimistic. I knew I needed something more to help my work stand out as something truly unique. I wanted to be able to catch the attention of the people ...despite the downpour!
I had plenty of time to ponder about everything that needed to change or improve if I wanted this business to be a success. I needed more creativity in design, function and efficiency. I felt we must have done just about everything wrong this first time around... somehow, we had to get our costs down!
(I believe, though I didn't see it then, that God had set up a whole serendipity for me. For in the midst of my trial, I came across a snapshot of a painting that was cut into pieces. I'm not exactly sure why it happened then when I had seen so many other similar displays... but that snapshot sparked an idea! )
Today
Only 5 more weeks until the big day. I am already somewhat nervous; but I know the real "fireworks" wont begin until about a week before the show. We have been gathering supplies and information for our new product and, so far, we have been getting a great response from family and friends!
In some ways, however, the money that we invest makes me feel sick to the stomach as an unwelcome thought tries to creep it's way into my head. I don't know what it is saying because, of course I'm not listening, but I'm guessing it would be somewhere along the lines of, "You are going to fail!"
I close my eyes, hold my breath and say a little prayer. Then, I pick myself up again and move forward. I am way out of my comfort zone... but then, what successful person wasn't?
(come visit me at http://www.meloniepacker.com/)
The kids are finally down for their afternoon slumber. I can't just "take a break" (I'm a mom) so I grab a basket of laundry to be folded and practically skip to the living room for my one daily indulgence. ...OPRAH!
Young inventors take the stage. They were people who had 1 great idea that set them up for life! Simple ideas like: Spanx, YouTube and Jibbitz shoe charms... I started to think about JK Rowling and her one great story line that made her an incredible income as an author!
One idea...that's all I needed. One great idea and my husband (who was working six days a week) could stay home with our family! We could pay our bills and go on vacations ...or complete my all-time, biggest dream of becoming a philanthropist!
My hopes ballooned and I brought them all to God. I told him exactly what I wanted to accomplish (while sticking to my goal of being stay-at-home mom) and asked for His help. Surely God, the greatest inventor, could spare 1 idea that would change our lives and get us out of this "rat race"...
Summer 2009
I knew in every fiber of my being that if God was going to bless me, it would be through my art. I knew this was what I was supposed to be doing. However, while sitting in a comatose-like trance at a rained out art festival, I found it very hard to stay optimistic. I knew I needed something more to help my work stand out as something truly unique. I wanted to be able to catch the attention of the people ...despite the downpour!
I had plenty of time to ponder about everything that needed to change or improve if I wanted this business to be a success. I needed more creativity in design, function and efficiency. I felt we must have done just about everything wrong this first time around... somehow, we had to get our costs down!
(I believe, though I didn't see it then, that God had set up a whole serendipity for me. For in the midst of my trial, I came across a snapshot of a painting that was cut into pieces. I'm not exactly sure why it happened then when I had seen so many other similar displays... but that snapshot sparked an idea! )
Today
Only 5 more weeks until the big day. I am already somewhat nervous; but I know the real "fireworks" wont begin until about a week before the show. We have been gathering supplies and information for our new product and, so far, we have been getting a great response from family and friends!
We were lucky enough to be able to use some of the tax return this year to invest in the business. A miracle. (Thank goodness for deductions!) I completed 3 of these new displays and hung them up in our home. My husband finally got on board the express train with me when he "caught the vision". (He's a visual learner...)
In some ways, however, the money that we invest makes me feel sick to the stomach as an unwelcome thought tries to creep it's way into my head. I don't know what it is saying because, of course I'm not listening, but I'm guessing it would be somewhere along the lines of, "You are going to fail!"
I close my eyes, hold my breath and say a little prayer. Then, I pick myself up again and move forward. I am way out of my comfort zone... but then, what successful person wasn't?
(come visit me at http://www.meloniepacker.com/)
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