Are you ready to make a living from your craft? Learn how to map out a financial plan, expand production, automate distribution, address legal matters, and much more. Start growing your business beyond the dining room table and leave your day job behind.
Since the publication of The Handmade Marketplace in 2010 and Grow Your Handmade Business in 2012, Kari Chapin has gained national visibility as a sought-after speaker at craft business conferences and events. She also offers one-on-one creative coaching and courses online. She is known for her effective coaching style and distinctive, supportive voice, along with her strong ability to market and network.
Table of Contents
IntroductionMeet the Creative CollectivePart 1: Mapping Your DreamChapter 1: Identify Your Dream Business-What Form Does Your Dream Business Take?-What Direction(s) Will Your Dream Business Take?Chapter 2: Dream Business Fundamentals-Do You Have a Hobby or a Business?-Where Are You Now, and Where Are You Going?-Onward and UpwardChapter 3: Working for Your Vision-A Business Takes Work, and Plenty of It-Visualize Your Perfect Workday-Practice Mindfulness around Feelings-Why Are You in Business?-Formulate Your Mission StatementChapter 4: TLC-Just Say No!-Who Cares? You Do!-Family Matters-Take Yourself on a Creative RetreatChapter 5: Goals and Intentions-Keep Yourself Honest-Determine Goals-Goals versus Intentions-Make Reasonable Goals-Keep Track of Your Goals and IntentionsChapter 6: Benchmarks-Measuring Your Success-What Does Success Look Like?-Calculating Success One Step at a TimeChapter 7: Get Some Help!-Say It Loud and Say It Proud: Help!-Mentors: Your Business Gurus-Your Personal Board of Directors-Build a Brain TrustPart 2: Planning for SuccessChapter 8: Types of Business Models-Business Model Defined-Running Your Business from Home-Renting a Studio or Office-Renting a Storefront and Keeping Shop Hours-The Off-Site Bottom LineChapter 9: Business Plan Preliminaries-What Is a Business Plan, and Why Do You Need One?-Business Plan BasicsChapter 10: Do You Manage Your Time, or Does Your Time Manage You?-Time Management-Keep Your To-Do List in Check-Managing Time Is Easier Than You ThinkChapter 11: The Nuts and Bolts of Business Plans-Getting Started-Executive Summary-Who Exactly Are You, Anyway?-Business Plan ChecklistsChapter 12: Know Your Marketplace (or Marketing!)-Know Your Industry-Target Market, Say What?Chapter 13: Putting It All Together: Your Marketing Plan-Taking Stock-Marketing through Advertising-Marketing through the MediaChapter 14: What Do You Make, and How Do You Make It? Having a Production Plan-Ready, Set, Produce!-LicensingChapter 15: Money, Money, Money-They're Just Numbers-Numbers 'R' Us-Numbers NomenclatureChapter 16: Budgets and Budgeting-First of All, What Exactly Is a Budget?-Monthly BudgetChapter 17: Profit and Loss-P&L Overview-Detailed P&L by DepartmentChapter 18: Money and How to Get Some-Bank Loans-Grants-Angel Investors-Crowd-Funding-Family and Friends-Financing with Personal Credit Cards-Finding a WayChapter 19: Making It All Legit-What Kind of Business Are You?-Going into Business with a Loved One-Taxes-Payroll-InsuranceChapter 20: Professional Support and Where to Find It-Accountants and Lawyers and Agents, Oh My!Parting AdviceAcknowledgmentsResourcesIndex
Countless crafters have turned to The Handmade Marketplace for advice on selling their goods. Now Grow Your Handmade Business helps creative entrepreneurs achieve their long-term business goals. Kari and her contributors talk frankly about budgeting, licensing, marketing, time management, loans, taxes and even the law. Whether you are new to the handmade business world or attempting to grow your business, this book will be valuable.
Jay McCarroll
If there was ever such a thing as a creative business therapist, I would be laying on the couch in Kari's office gladly throwing cash at her.
writer and business coach Tara Gentile
Time to bust the starving artist myth! Kari covers heavy business topics with creative flair and arms readers with knowledge they need to succeed.