Renewal

How has January started 2016 off for you then?  For myself, I am trying to spend some time collecting my thoughts, and uderstanding where I want to go during the next few months.  My weakness is planning – I very rarely do any – and consequently I am reactive as opposed to proactive.  Do I need to make myself more proactive by thrusting myself harder and deeper into the business platforms I sell on?  Or do I accept that the level of sales I make is adequate, and concentrate on the doing and creating, which is where I am happiest.  I think I just answered myself.  Sales are such a buzz – such an affirmation when they occur that the impulse to drive more sales is very strong.  The downside is that the business side of what I do is not where my heart lies.  I struggle to understand what is necessary on the different sites  to get seen, to get recognition.  I struggle to use social media – it feels too intrusive and I don’t have a smart phone so lack the benefits on Instagram.

I think I need to follow my heart – the promotion side will always come second to the process of making – although I am learning too that the process needs down time. It has taken me my whole life to understand some of the prerequisites to my contentment – and I keep learning- but walking in the cold air this morning was a boost to my morale. The air so still, the sky so generous – I was feeling renewal in the air. And it felt great.

I had started a renewal process in my ETsy store yesterday, painstakingly updating my photographs to show off my designs better.  I chose a neutral background which hopefully complements most colours and styles, then got to work on each card, each book.  If I get feedback to confirm it improves appearance, then I will continue with pages 2 – 9 in the shop!  It is such a tedious process, and I am so poor at applying myself, that I need the confirmation from my Etsy co workers, and from my staunch supporters to let me know I am doing the right thing!  Any advice gratefully received – can’t promise I will take it, but I can promise I will listen appreciatively.

Here some examples of the new background and a screen shot of the first page – any coments?

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