You might wonder how this contest applies to quilters and fabric artists.  Do you make quilts and have wondered how to go about earning an income from them? Do you write books and instruction manuals?  Do you teach workshops, but want to do more, as well as go on the speaking circuit?  Have you thought of  opening a fabric shop, quilt gallery, gift shop but don’t know how to start?  Or, perhaps you’ve ventured into one of these areas but could use advice on creating momentum and more income.
The Jump Start Your Business contest at b5media’s Business Channel might just be the place to …read more

Juggling a quilting business or an outside-the-home job with family presents a challenge to any mom,   However, when one has triplets, the challenge may present even more situations to cope with. Although Mary Beth Stevenson, doesn’t have a quilting business, we all might take an example from her if we want something that will enable us to be an at-home mom (or dad).  She already had her home business up and running when her triplets arrived.  Working from home at her designing business appears to have worked well for her.  This wasn’t simply a whim, “What do I do now?” when she found she was …read more

If you’re thinking of starting a quilting/fabric arts business, whether solely on the Internet or a shop in your home where customers stop by, it’s a good idea to develop a business plan. Even if you’ve started your quilting business and don’t have a business plan, you could benefit by developing one for future direction and growth.  If you’re considering going to a bank for a loan or start-up capital, you’ll definitely need to show you have a plan.
Laura Spencer at Writing Thoughts has reviewed a book, The Ernst & Young Business Plan Guide, that’s worthwhile to consider when you’re developing your business plan.
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Are you taking the time to attend to “the little things” when it comes to your quilting or fabric art customers?  These would include keeping a file of your customers, getting to know them personally, sending thank you notes, new product notices, how can I help you inquiries? 
When I was making quilts and other fabric items for customers and contact was by mail order, we often developed a friendship with correspondence continuing long after the quilt was made.  Nowadays, your correspondence  could be done by e-mail or hand written notes.  However, in this electronic age, people still like to receive hand-written notes in their mail box.
I’ve …read more

Developing a business plan for your quilting/fabric arts business becomes important …for keeping your own goals before you and for letting the IRS (in the United States) know you’re seriously involved in a business not a hobby making spasmatic earnings.  I attended two home business workshops recently.  At both the necessity for developing a home business plan was mentioned.
Also, if you go to a bank for any type of loan for your business, they generally will want to see that you have a busiiness plan.  This lets the bank/lending institution know you’re serious about what you’re doing.  For some, this …read more