October 14, 2008
Read this issue of the Inspiri Craft Business Magazine online.
Each month Inspiri Craft Business Magazine brings you current and in-depth information and resources to help you build and grow your own home craft business. If you have a friend who would enjoy this newsletter, please feel free to forward it to them.
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In this month's issue of Inspiri Craft Business Magazine:
Newest Articles at Inspiri
Craft Photography Book ReviewPhotographing Arts, Crafts and Collectibles by Steve Meltzer is a fantastic resource on craft photography. I have researched plenty of sources, trying to find good information on craft photography for my own business, and this book, by far, is the most thorough, honest and helpful resource I've come across on the subject.
Selling Art Online
When you are selling art online, your photographs of your work will be an extremely important factor in effectively promoting your work online. In fact, based on the many websites I've visited for independent artists and craft professionals, I'd say that accepting poor quality craft photography is one of the most common mistakes people make when selling art online.
Art and Craft Show Application Tips
When applying to juried art and craft shows, it is absolutely essential to have great photos of your crafts.
Making Melt and Pour Soap
Does making your own soap sound difficult and time consuming? Does working with lye sound a little scary? Then the easy melt and pour soap making method is just what you need.
Stringing Magazine Review
I like Stringing Magazine because, of all of the beading magazines I've read, Stringing Magazine is the most fashion-forward.
New Articles on the Inspiri Blog
Your Retail Craft BusinessSometimes it's Smart to Buck the Trends
Your Contributions
There are two easy ways to share craft business tips at Inspiri.If you have a great craft business article (400 words or more) and you'd like a link back to your own craft related site, find out how to share a full article here: Share a Craft Business Article.
If you have a quick tip you want to share but don't have a full article, you can add your tips here: Quick Craft Business Tips
Please keep in mind, backlinks are not included on the quick tip forms, so if you'd like to receive a backlink to promote your craft business site, you'll need to use the full article submission option.
Your Contributions
Easy Craft Ideas
Making Beaded Jewelry the Easy Way
Crafting with Dried Flowers
Colorful Bird Nests
Macrame Necklaces
Book and Magazine Reviews
The Happy Hooker (crochet book)
Craft Shows and Home Parties
Know Your Audience and Work It
How to Talk to Potential Customers
Catch Their Attention
Craft Display Booth Tips
Know Your Audience
Feature Article
Craft Business Resources at Your Chamber of Commerce
If you haven't visited your local Chamber of Commerce office since you launched your craft business, you should definitely make a trip down there. Your Chamber of Commerce can offer excellent support to you as a small business person.At many Chamber of Commerce offices you'll find:
Fantastic Business Research Resources
Many Chambers of Commerce have a great library of business books (they may lend them out, or you may need to use them in their office). At my own Chamber of Commerce I've found and used fantastic business resources that I have yet to find anywhere else.
Your Chamber of Commerce may also have free government publications on topics like registering your business, collecting and remitting taxes, importing and exporting goods and other government regulated issues that will be important to understand.
Information on Government Requirements
It's wise to go directly to a trusted source for this type of information. Staff at your Chamber of Commerce will be able to answer any questions about regulations that impact your craft business. If they don't have the answer, they'll be able to direct you to the best resource for getting the answers you need.
Free Information Sessions
Some Chambers of Commerce offer free information sessions to local business people. These sessions can cover a vast array of topics from understanding your responsibilities for collecting and remitting tax to learning how to write effective business proposals. Check to see if there are any seminars scheduled that pique your interest.
Networking Opportunities
Chambers of Commerce often hold networking breakfasts or business card exchange meetings. You'll find opportunities to meet people who may become valuable business contacts and people who may be able to provide support and encouragement in the growth of your business.
Discounts on Business Products and Services
If you choose to become a member of your Chamber of Commerce, you may enjoy discounts on products and services that are essential to most small business people, such as merchant accounts, health insurance and business insurance. In some cases, if you compare the price of these products with your Chamber member discount and without the discount, you may find that your Chamber of Commerce membership pays for itself in all of the discounts you may enjoy.
Assistance in Registering Your Business
In some locations, you'll be able to register your business and do an official business name check right at your Chamber of Commerce office. They will also be able to provide you with information about that process. If you can't register your business and do a business name check at that office, they will be able to direct you to the correct place in your area for registering your business and checking your business name.
Your local Chamber of Commerce can be a fantastic resource for business owners. When it comes to learning about things like government regulations and your responsibilities as a business owner, I believe in going straight to the source for answers. That way you know your information is correct. Your Chamber of Commerce can provide you with publications that provide straight from the source answers to your business questions, and they can also direct you to the best, most reliable resources when you have questions that are beyond the scope of the work they do at their office.
Search Inspiri Art and Craft for more tips on building your craft business.
Thanks for reading the Inspiri Craft Business Magazine.
I welcome your comments and questions.
Best regards,
Lisa