Crochet Business Chat Notes #1

Join the Crochet Business Chat if you interested in learning how to turn a hobby into a business!  You need to join me (ELK Studio) and Lorene from Cre8tion Crochet!  Every week I create an event in the ELK Studio Crocheter’s Facebook group and YOU have the opportunity to ask questions and engage in some very important crochet chat.

It’s pretty informal so there’s no need to worry about asking the wrong question.  It’s a safe place to come and really learn from others who may have experience in a particular area where you need to gain strength.

There are a couple of things you gotta do though in order to participate.  You must join the ELK Studio Crocheter’s Facebook group then join the event.  Look below at the photo for a visual of what you’ll see at the top of the group page.  Click the events tab and then click on join.  Even if you can’t join the event at the time, you can always go back and read the comments at a later date as long as you’ve joined.

But don’t worry if you forget to join the event because I’ll be giving you the Crochet Business Chat Notes!  Yay right?

Let’s get started with the Notes:

Question:  How many patterns would you start with? I have a sort of business plan to start in January with a rolling 3 month rough plan of what to publish/blog/chat about etc. before I launch anything so I don’t have to play catch up all the time – what do you think? Am I over – planning. How far in advance do you plan your patterns?

Answer:  I think having a 3 month plan before launching a website is an incredible plan!  There are many times that “life” happens and there just isn’t the time to blog, crochet or design.  Also, having this much content will allow you to relax and allow your creative juices to flow.  You won’t always feel like you “have to hurry and get something on the blog” ya know?

No, it’s not necessary that you have this much content before you start blogging, but as someone who has been blogging for almost 4 years now…..it’s a great way to start!

Question:  I am starting to plan out some social media stuff (I say stuff because it is still just planning for now) and was wondering if you could share what platforms you all are seeing the most traffic from. Thanks!

Answer:  I think answer could be different for each individual person.  You have to remember that while you may have some crossover with the same people in different social medias, each social media has its own set of unique followers.  There may be someone that loves Twitter but hates to use Instagram.

My suggestion would be to use all the social media you can in the beginning.  After 6 months, you may be able to “see” where you get the best reach.  I don’t suggest you quit using any social media but maybe try to give a little extra boost on the top 2 for you.

My top social media platforms are Facebook and Pinterest in that order but Lorene’s was Pinterest first then Facebook.  Keeping up with the ever evolving social media is a constant game but one that will need your attention.

Here’s an article if you are interested to see what age bracket is the most popular for a particular social media outlet.

Question:  How do you manage family life, working full time and growing a crochet business? I have several original design ideas that have been sitting in my head for years, but never have the time to create them. I try to make wearable items (accessories and simple clothing) to sale but it never stays consistent. I have invested a lot into my website and new logo but it’s just sitting there…

Answer:  Okay…..I think for this one, I’m just going to copy and paste the recommendations given by the others and myself in the chat.

1. Prioritize is very important. Right now your family is important, plus we must plan and organize our ideas.
2. I have the same problem. I try to take small bites, just as in the other post. If i can just sketch my idea one day, it is enough. One corner, one countertop, one thing.
3. It will take time to build up your blog and following, so keep working at it steady and consistently.
4. I can’t imagine doing this while raising small children but we are women (and men)…..so I think anything is possible. First, don’t put these high expectations on yourself just to feel like a failure. Make realistic goals. Can you do one paid pattern every 3 months? If so, go for it.
5. My biggest helper tool is my datebook! Old fashioned paper and pencil NOT digital web based! Helps me TREMENDOUSLY!!
6. Having meals planned is a huge help – the amount of stress that I get with trying to figure meals last minute is insane and making the kids lay their clothes out in the evening for the next day. I know these sound silly but they are daily struggles that cause me stress and hinder the creative juices from flowing when I do get crochet time.

Question:  Where do you all get your creative ideas? Sometimes I struggle to find the creative boost in myself?

Answer:

1. I never go to Ravelry to look for ideas because I want to know that I’ve created something on my own. You could always check out fashion magazines, go strolling through the shopping mall or something like that….You could even look through sewing patterns.
2. My creative ideas usually come from something that I want for myself. I always remember Bigweld from the movie Robots when he says “see a need, fill a need”. I have a need for something so I look to myself and fill it.

Statement:   I had someone tell me the other day that it was “okay” to share the same content over again even though it may go against my “southern” nature. It was crazy to hear someone else say that to me, but I took it to heart because I look up to this person. I’ve been sharing “relevant” old content the past week or so and it’s like no one has ever seen it (well except for those that are real fans and they don’t care) because the traffic has been really good. Use the old content….lol It’s not old to everyone.

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