True, but there are other differences, too.

• You have to stick to a schedule and meet deadlines.
• You often make items to other people’s specifications  rather than yours.
• Your production now may become  monotonous because you make the same item over and over, as I did when producing children’s appliquéd vests.
• You may work more hours than you did at your job and don’t make any more money.
• You must take care of your own social security and taxes from your profits.
• You often encounter customers who are very fussy, have complaints, think they know what they want and don’t, and who are slow to pay.
• You must take charge of collecting from customers who present excuses for delaying payment or not paying at all.
• You don’t have a regular pay check.

With a hobby, you’re generally doing what you like for the pure pleasure of it and don’t have to worry about deadlines (unless you participate in a show).  Anything you sell or money you take in is a bonus.

However, when you develop your hobby into a business, you’re doing something you basically enjoy in spite of any drawbacks.  So look at all angles…and may you have much success!

Image: sxc.hu

Post from: Blisstree

A Business Isn’t the Same as a Hobby

Image: sxc.hu

Check out Jean’s post, How Do I Start a Home Business, for great step-by-step suggestions.  Here Jean also talks about getting your customers and will continue the discussion in another post.

In my next post, I shall present information on some reasons why a crafting home business isn’t so rosy as you might think at first glance.  Look at all angles when determining whether to start one and realize that operating a crafting business isn’t the same as pursuing a hobby.

Post from: Blisstree

Tips for Starting Your Crafting Biz

• Someone asks you to make a baby quilt for them and offers to pay you.
• You have so many quilts or craft items piling up that family members say, “You ought to sell some.”
• You need extra money so ask some questions of other crafters where and how to sell.
• Accidentally when someone asks if they can buy a quilt you’ve made or displayed, a piece of pottery, a photo, crocheted afghan, a knitted sweater.

Some craftspeople may have no desire to do more than to make and sell occasional items.  You don’t want the pressure of meeting deadlines and dealing with many people.

However, others want to develop an income that might be parttime  or eventually into a fulltime.  You want a regular income coming in whether it’s small or large.

Some, too, start out selling an occasional item, realize success and fun from it, so decide to do more and earn enough to quit their outside the home job.

What type of craft business do you want to develop?

Start thinking about this and writing down your future plans.  Start to lay out a program and research your options.

Post from: Blisstree

From Crafting Hobby to Business

 Quilters quilt and create fabric art for fun as a hobby,  to develop a business and earn income, and to gain recognition.  Two or all of these may be combined.  However, recognition as a quilter and fabric artist, for our achievements and expertise in the various areas encourages us to continue pursuing this art. 

Yvonne Russell, at Home Biz Notes, has written an excellent blog post about becoming an authority in your field and for being recognized for your achievements, Become The “Go To” Person In Your Field & Boost Your Business.  Her tips can apply to a quilting business; however, the will boost you as a recognized artist in a hobby, too.

If you’ve become a quilting or fabric art authority, how did you achieve it? Do you have some tips to share?

(Amazon image; click on image for details)

(c)2008 Mary Emma Allen

Post from: Blisstree

Do You Want to Become Recognized in the Quilting Field & Business?

  Awareness of the extensive reach of blogging and social media (the interaction of people on the Internet) can have far reaching effect, both positive and negative in your quilting world…and quilting business.  Most of us consider these handy ways to reach out to others and to promote a business, if they have one. 

Many quilters/fabric artists keep blogs for their own enjoyment and to connect with others in their field.  If they are selling items, providing services, conducting workshops, or promoting books, their blog is a great way to tell the world about this.

However, always keep in mind that what you write on your blog, in a social media group, and an online quilters group, is out there for the world to see.  Even the way you answer e-mail or leave comments on blogs can become public.

According to Susan Gunelius at BrandCurve, Target encountered a situation when they disregarded bloggers. (See her post, Target Dismisses Bloggers (& Customers) as Insignificant & Irrevelant.)

You’re not likely to make the New York Times if you aren’t “up to speed” with the blogging and social media world.  However, it’s probably a good idea for you to become knowledgeable about this new phenonenom in the world and its far reaching effects. Whether you have a blog or not, whether or not you consider using a blog for promotional and informational purposes, you need to be aware that there is clout in the blogging world.

How do you use blogging and social media in your quilting life?

(c)2008 Mary Emma Allen

Post from: Blisstree

The Power of Blogging & Social Media in Your Quilting World