A NEW START - Part I

Welcome to a new year! Each year I reflect back on negative happenings of the past year and resolve to learn from them. This helps create positive thoughts and adventures to fill in the new calendar. Read Simple Rituals to Reduce Negativity . It can be gloomy, depressing brain-kneading (my word for brain-storming by oneself,) but as I sit and reflect on mistakes made, planning positive ventures is easier. This is time well spent because we like to think we learn by our mistakes?

Take time this month to sit and think back. Look at your business, the good and the bad. Think of the things you can make better and the things to change. Challenge yourself to increase business. The following questions and thoughts show how negativity can impact one's life:

Q. I estimated how many holiday items to make for this year, but there weren't enough to keep my booths stocked till the end. I was tempted to cancel a show right at the end, but filled in instead with items I sell all year? How can I estimate how many holiday items to make?

A. First, all crafters don't make holiday items to sell. So fill your booth with non- seasonal product when you run out of holiday items. Many customers like to buy crafts for gifts that can be used year round.

The frustrating part of this is you were sure you made enough stock for the season, but it came up short. This can be good! Think about it - you do want to be able to stock your booths, but you don't want a lot left. Don't over compensate and make too much.

To plan, look at your records and calculate which items sold out. From those, list traditional craft items. This list will show which items to increase production on. Determine approximately how many items sold per show and multiply that by the number of shows you plan to do. This gives you a figure to work with.

Are you ready to learn more about combating negative thinking? Click here: Thought Awareness, Rational Thinking and Positive Thinking .

Q. Some items I have made are not selling, but if I mark them down in price I will not make a profit. What am I doing wrong?

A. Put the items on sale and try to get back at least what it cost to make them. Even if you have to sell at less than cost, you will be turning them back into money.

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