If you’re operating a crafting business, you may be wondering if or how President Obama’s “changes” will affect yours.  Will some of the policies he’s introducing and, in some instances, already passed have a positive or negative effect?
I have a “change” poll at Home Biz Notes, where you can express your opinion.  You also can write your view in the comments section of this post or the one at Home Biz Notes.  It would be interesting to see whether you expect, or already see, a change of some magnitude.

Many of us involved in arts and crafts work at it as a business, a way to earn income either full or parttime.  Your crafting business (whether quilting, jewelry making, mixed media, sculpting, fabric arts, scrapbooking or something else) may have freed you from a “job,” but has it turned you into a workaholic?
Jean Murray, at Home Biz Notes, has some thoughts on this…Working 7 Days a Week from home and finding time for yourself and family, especially if you have to replace your “job” income.
How do you manage the balance between home and a craft business and still have time …read more

When operating a home business, or any type of business for that matter, you’ll discover some things are out of your control, no matter how wisely and competently you plan.  With your home based quilting related business, you’ll discover this, too.

 Currently the state of the economy in general may affect you as people have less money to purchase the items and services you provide.  Try to find something that’s necessary or practical and buyers are more likely to look for you.
 Your health can enter into the picture and interfere with your ability to produce or direct your business.  During most …read more

Many quilters and fabric artists have developed their craft into an income producing business.  Or they would like to. 
My guest post at Susan Gunelius’ Women on Business blog gives you 10 Tips On Finding Time for Your Home Business.
Whether you’re balancing a quilting business, writing business, or even a non-quilting business, I hope you find these tips helpful.
(Amazon image)

When you start a quilting related business, whether providing services or selling products, you always wonder what to charge.  Should you start out lower than the competition because you aren’t sure if you’re as good as others?  Or should you charge what everyone else is?
If you’ve developed a reputation for yourself already, you definitely can get top dollar when you begin a business.  But what if you’re fairly new and don’t have a household familiar name?
Jean Murray discusses this topic at Home Biz Notes, Should New Home Business Owners Charge Less?  Take a look at Jean’s post and see what …read more

Branding has become a buzz word in recent years…developing a word or phrase that is associated with one’s name or business.  We see it in many businesses, with individuals and even in political campaigns.  For instance, the word “change” became a catchy brand or buzz word in the Obama campaign…one that really captured the attention and imaginagion of his followers and some who were “sitting on the fence.”
Des Walsh, at Thinking Home Business, has a thought provoking post, Just How Valuable is Personal Branding.  Here Des differentiates between business and personal branding.  Is there a need for either?  When is one better than the …read more

Quilting Business
Quilters/fabric artists, who develop their hobby into a home business or even a small business in a store front, often think because it’s a “little” business, they don’t have to worry about taxes.  However, they generally still do have to pay taxes and Social Security and develop a system of keeping track of income and expenses.
Jean Murray, at Home Biz Notes, has a great post with some initial tax information.  Check out 5 Myths About Work At Home Business Taxes.

 QuiltingAndPatchwork.com
Customer service and customer relations are very important for maintaining your business. What are some of the tips to keep in mind when we encounter customers who may not be entirely satisfied with our service or product.
We must realize that satisfied customers often pass along the word about your business.  However, angry ones may be more vocal, especially now that many are into blogging and online communication.

 Encourage customer feedback and learn to handle it in a diplomatic way if you don’t totally agree.
In today’s “instant results” world, many people aren’t patient and are quick to place blame…but not on themselves. …read more

QuiltingAndPatchwork.com
Are you beginning to see signs of a slowdown in your quilting business?  Perhaps not yet, and perhaps you won’t.  But it’s good to be on the lookout so that you can make changes if you do see this occurring.
We’ve been discussing, at Home Biz Notes, ”signs of the times” to look for that indicate your business or others you’re dealing with are beginning to feel the stress of the current tighter financial times.
Shannon Cherry, in a current blog post, Tough times for entrepreneurs and startups?, at Startup Spark, discusses this topic, too, and indicates areas where things could be tighter …read more

QuiltingAndPatchwork.com
Twitter has become a popular means of communication, even for businesses, in recent months.  Now there is a free Twitter ebook produced by Geekpreneur.
For more information, read Yvonne Russell’s post, Twitter Ebook, at Home Biz Notes.  Perhaps you’ll glean some ideas on how to promote yourself as a quilter and your quilting related business on Twitter.
Have you been using Twitter in your business and/or personal life?  How is it working out?  I’m registered, but have yet to find the time to get very involved.
(c)2008 Mary Emma Allen