December 15, 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
Candle Making BusinessThe majority of the general craft business tips that you'll find on this site will apply to your candle making business. There are a few additional tips that are specific to professional crafters who are selling candles.
Baby Blanket Pattern
Here is a baby blanket pattern for the crib blanket I made for my son's room.
Folding Craft Table
Before you purchase a folding craft table for your craft show display or your craft room, take these considerations into account to ensure it meets your needs.
How to Make Candles
If you're just learning how to make candles, these tips on making votive candles will get you started.
New Articles on the Inspiri Blog
Creating Your Craft Show Display - 3 Aspects of RetailingWhy We Buy - Book Review
Made to Stick - Book Review
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
Customer Tips
Craft Booth Customer Tips
Book and Magazine Reviews
"Fire Mountain Gem and Beads" Bead and Jewelry Making Supply Catalog (This is no ordinary Catalog)
"The Handweaver's Pattern Directory" by Anne Dixon
Craft Shows and Home Parties
Wear the Jewelry You Make!
Craft Home Parties are Best
Craft Display Booth Tips
Visual Depth and Dimension Adds Interest to Your Craft Booth
Use Your Trade Show Booth to Brand Your Business
How to Work Effectively from Home
Self-Discipline is Vital
Tips on Working from Home
Feature Article
5 Mistakes to Avoid When Naming Your Craft Business
Choosing a business name is not an easy task for most professional craft artists. Your business name may provide the first impression potential customers have of your company, so choosing a good business name is an important first step in creating a winning image.Here are 5 common mistakes people make when choosing a business name:
Choosing a name that is too specific
The vast majority of businesses evolve over time. Most successful businesses are quite different from their original incarnations. So, if you choose a business name that is too narrow, you may either limit your ability to take your business in new, currently undiscovered directions, or you may face the need to change your business name some time in the future and lose some of the momentum you've built up in promoting the original name.
Imagine, for example, you currently run a small catering company out of your home called Sue's Catering. As your business grows, you may decide that the next logical step is to open a small cafe in your town. Suddenly the name Sue's Catering no longer describes your business effectively, so you may need to change the name and as a result, if you're not careful, you may lose some customers who have come to know your business by the old name.
Choosing a business name that is already used by another company
If you fail to do a formal business name search and choose a name that is already in use, you risk confusing potential customers and (depending on the situation) possible legal action for infringing on the rights of another company. The laws on this situation vary based on your location, where you do business and the type of business you are running. Doing a formal business name search (check with your local Chamber of Commerce or business development office for advice on how to do a business name search in your local area), and consulting with your lawyer if you have any questions or concerns about your right to use a specific business name can save you plenty of future headaches.
Choosing a name that is not catchy, memorable or distinctive
Business names impact the first impressions of your company. A name that is dull or generic can be difficult for customers to remember, and typically doesn't do much to set yourself apart from your competitors.
Failing to get input on your choice
Once you've spent hours brainstorming business names, you lose a lot of your objectivity about the names. Seeking input from others can give you a good sense of the way people react to your potential names. It can be particularly helpful to seek input from people who fall within your target market. People from different backgrounds and age ranges will react differently to different names, so asking for input on business names from people within your target market will give you a good sense of the ways your potential customers will react to your name choices.
Choosing a name that is trendy or easily dated
The latest catch phrase may sound hip and exciting today, but if you turn that into a business name, you risk dating your business. Ten years from now, that catch phrase may make you business sound old and out of touch.
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