Prodigal Ponderings — starting a business RSS

For the past 6 months we have had our products on display at a local retail marketplace with mixed success.  The upside has been the compliments we’ve received on the design of our space (thank my wife), the maximum usage of that space (again, my wife’s doing) and finally the beauty and quality of our products (drumroll please..... the carpenter’s kudos). Whether receiving input directly from customers or indirectly through other vendors and/or employees; our product line has been praised for being both unique and of superior workmanship. We have been very appreciative of the feedback  Unfortunately, with the upside there often comes a downside; and that  has been sales.  We opened our space in January so we were expectant of the...

For many of us, something we love doing gradually evolves to the point that one day we say to ourselves.."maybe this has the makings of a business?"  As we contemplate the idea we're energized by the possibilities and eventually decide to "take the plunge".  This initial excitement and the adrenaline of a "new" venture carry us for a while..... and then the realities of running even a 'small" business begin to set in.......we're going to have to tackle things that have nothing to do with our creative process, our much loved hobby or our product.   No matter how "small" the business, certain things are necessary to engage. When we determined to begin to sell our woodworking creations, we quickly...