ten useless facts plus one.

 

Have you seen that viral post going around Facebook? You know the one where you get a random number and then you tell that many things about yourself. If you're on Facebook I'm sure you avoided liking at least 50 posts....give or take.

 

Here's ten utterly useless facts.

 

1//I get nervous when I'm not talking. Kind of like I have to be talking or else things get awkward and then things get really awkward anyway because I'm usually talking when I'm not suppose to.

 

2//I once dreamt I was married to Eli Manning. The following week he won the Super Bowl. Coincidence? I think not. (No worries John, your man candy job is safe).

 

3//I have a thing for chapstick and colorful vintage books and globes AND shoes.  I also have a thing for ugly sweaters. Isn't this shirt from Skip N' Whistle awesome? Ugly sweaters year around they said! I agree. Basically, what I'm trying to say is I have a lot of "things." John would whole-heartedly agree.

 

4//I always wanted to be the karate kid. still do. it's weird I know. But if that doesn't pan out I would like to go back to law school.

 

5//I like to cook, but these hands are useless when it comes to baking.

 

6//I once met the Russian version of Oprah...or so they say.

 

7//Restlessness is commonplace for me. I always have this nagging feeling like I'm missing out on a party or event. It's always been that way. A life of travel  would be ideal, but I married a homebody so I'm sure you can imagine how that worked out.

 

8//Waffles and pancakes taste like crap. Along with cantaloupe.

 

9//I have always wanted to live on a street with sidewalks. When it finally it happened I missed gravel roads. go figure.

 

10//I have a thing for food too. Good food. Food that tells a story and not only presents itself with love but you can tell it was made with love. yeah, that's that type of food I like. Obviously, McDonalds doesn't fall under this realm, but my favorite bar does, it's delish.

 

11// I don't follow rules or even my own rules.

 

Hey. It's also CyberMonday and SkipN'Whistle is offering 20% off from now until Christmas. They have some stellar ugly sweaters and shirts...think dinosaurs-meet-Santa. Just use promocode: SANTA

 

shop away my friends. shop away.

Top 10 tips for selling your stuff at local market

About a week ago I did a post for Southern Lovely on "What I know."

hahahaha.

Lindsay is a blessed soul for trusting me because when I hand out any type of advice it usually comes back to bite me in the @$$. Seriously.

I don't claim to be an expert in anything, but I have mastered a few things through the good ole' trial and error routine.

Lately, it seems as though there has been post after post on how to be successful with an online business. I love having an online store, but more than anything I love the one-on-one personal contact I have with customers by having a local/farmers market booth.

For the last few years I have spent Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays selling my products at our local farmers markets. It's been a great way for me to build my business, network with local retailers, and meet my customers.

Today I want to just give a few simple and important steps that have helped me be successful--and if you  decide to (or do) sell your good at the farmers market hopefully these rules can help you too!

1. Create a fun and inviting booth.

Whether I am setting up for a farmers market or a three day show I try to make my booth cater to the crowd that will be at the event. At the farmers market I try to make my booth line the aisle so that customers can quickly glance over my items while they are walking past; if they are interested they stop, if not they can keep on walking by without any hassle.

I also try to make my set up eye catching. Since my business is "Spunky Junky" I have incorporated different types of junk into my display. i.e. plates, typewriters, pie tins, old picture frames, suitcases, and books.

I even converted a couple old rakes into jewelry stands that serve as a great way to showcase my necklaces.

2. Get to know your customers.

This may not be possible at a large show, but at the weekly markets I try to make a sincere effort to learn the names of my repeat customers.

I also try to remember one or two of the items they have purchased in the past as well as a few details about their lives that they have shared with me. I do this so when they stop by my booth again I can greet them by saying, "Hey Jen! How's the headband? How did your daughter's play go last week?"

I can't tell you how many people have been caught off guard and were pleasantly surprised when I took the iniative to learn their names and a few details about their lives.

3. Create visual appeal for your products.

The headband below has by far been my most popular item. This picture alone showcases what the headband looks like, and it makes potential customers stop and want to try it on.

By showcasing pictures of your products in use customers can visually see how it is used.

4. Capitalize on niche retailers.

While selling at the local markets is great for getting your name out in the public it can also be seasonal. Where I live the farmers markets run from May through September. That means that I have had to venture outside to find other means of promoting and selling my products during the rest of the year.

I have found that by selling my products to niche retailers in my area I have created additional venues where my customers can purchase my goods.

5. Mass Production is good.

Even at a local market making multiples of the same item is good business; especially if the item is popular.

 While one of a kind pieces are great, they are hard to market. By having multiples of the same piece I have found that I can list them in my etsy shop, sell them at the market, and I can also take pictures of them as a marketing tool without the worry of having to tell a customer the item they wanted is no longer available because I only made one of that particular item.  

6. Change is good.

My merchandise has evolved over time. When I first started making headbands they had a rough-edged look, over time I have found that by stitching the edge they seem to last longer. By finding new ways to improve my goods I am creating better products for my customers.

7. Consistant Branding.

 I have worked really hard at creating consistancy within my products. I now have bags, return labels, business cards, stickers, stamps and product cards that all have the same messaging. Furthermore, I have created consistancy between my business and blog. 

By creating consistant messaging I have developed a more professional look that can easily be recognized.   

***inside trick. I have found ways to cut costs on my branding. I print out clear labels with my brandname on it and then I attach them to cellaphane bags. I also had a custom stamp made so I can make my own cards for my earrings, rings, and headbands too.

8. Create flexible payment options.
At the local markets that many people only come with a certain amount of cash. By providing a credit card payment option my customers are not limited on the amount they can buy.

Moreover, to run credit card transactions I use the Square, which is a device that can be attached to my phone and can easily run cards.  Customers also have the security of receiving a receipt through text or email which helps to legitimize the transaction.  

9. Be consistant.

If you are thinking about doing the farmers/local markets by consistant. Try to go every week and if you are going to miss a week try to have someone man your booth for you.

I have found that by being consistant I have had better luck with customers returning again and again because they know they can rely on me always being there.

Also, in my community the local markets offer a substantial discount if you purchase a permanant booth for season.

10. Keep a detail account of your inventory.

I have tried to keep a very detailed account of what I have in stock. This has helped me know exaclty what I need to purchase and has made it easier at knowing what inventory is turning over. I also keep a detailed itemized account of my inventory that has sold. By knowing what I have sold I know what items are popular, what items are not selling, and what items I need to stop making.

Hope these simple steps helped--if they don't, blame Hunk or Punk....that's what I do.

*wink wink*

see ya tomorrow darlings and dudes!

Get Yourself Noticed: Getting Sponsors

Over the last week I have been inundated with emails in regards to my post on "How to get Yourself Featured." Sadly, with the Easter weekend and the my sister's wedding, my ability to respond to emails has been majorly derailed.

No need for alarm my darlings. I found a solution to answer each of you.

I've decided to do a mini series entitled, "Getting Yourself Noticed."

This series will highlight everything from photography techniques to marketing your etsy shop. 

It will be fun and a there will be a test at the end. So take notes, lots and lots of notes. 

So, with that said, this week I am going to give you the 411 on sponsorship. 

*****************************************

Many moons ago before I started this blog, I use to sit at my computer for hours on end and stare at other blogs. I loved their tutorials, their funny little anecdotes, their constant inspiration, and their awe inspiring ideas.

Back then I believed that I couldn't start my own blog because I had somehow missed the blog train.

{source}

Then one night while lying in bed I decided I would start a blog. In the beginning I was overwhelmed and frustrated. I didn't know where to begin. Slowly I began to write posts and overtime a positive correlation began to occur between the number of posts and an increase in my stats.

Once I had developed a platform for my writing and I had a sense of where I wanted my blog to go I then went seeking sponsorships. 

Here are my tricks:

1. Promote yourself.

Yep, I said it. In the beginning I was so small that I knew no one would ever sponsor me. So I sponsored myself. I had a etsy shop so I started to do small giveaways every week from my store. Not only did this help boost my numbers, but it also got my name out there.

2. Friends rock.
Once I had tapped out my own giveaway budget I started to ask friends if they would like to do a giveaway on my blog. They all said, "yes!" And even today, I am still so grateful for their contributions and their faith in me when I was still a struggling blog trying to find my way.

3. Don't be afraid to ask.

The only way you will ever find sponsors or items for giveaways is to approach different companies and ask if they would like to do a giveaway. Yes, many "big blogs"  don't have to approach companies anymore because people are just throwing their items at them, but they were small once too. So believe me when I say that they had to do their own amount of sponsor searching in the beginning as well.  

4. Don't be afraid of the dreaded word, "no."

I have been turned down my fair share of shops. It happens and it is life. Let's be real for a teensy second-- You will get discouraged, but keep going my friends, with every "no" there will be a handful of "yes's."

{source}

And just think, if you don't ask you will never know what their answer may have been?

5. Don't be afraid to approach "big" blogs or shops.

If there is a shop that you love, but it is huge--approach anyway. The least they could do is say "no," but who knows they may say "yes." And just remember, if you don't ask them someone else may and then you may have just lost a "big fish" opportunity!

6. Write an awesome letter/gushing email to potential sponsors

I have provided two sample emails for potential sponsors. While there isn't just one way to write a sponsorship letter, these two examples may give you a little guidance when you start to write your own letter.

Dear Sara

My name is Halsey Bishop and I run a little blog called Spunky Junky. Recently I came upon your shop and I love your announcement cards. You have such a wide variety and I catch myself favoriting all of your items. I am really having a hard time deciding between Blast Off and Twist announcements for my little guy's first birthday! 

Now, that I have Sara's attention and I have created a sincere effort to show her that I have actually looked at her shop then I would approach her about doing a giveaway.

Even in my initial letter I would provide her with a few facts about my blog including size, target audience, and why she would benefit from doing a giveaway on Spunky Junky.

If she emailed back saying that she would be interested in doing a giveaway then I would send her back a marketing packet

In this email I would include:

*Blog statistics

*Example giveaway posts

*Target audience (and relevancy to giveaway item)

*Social media coverage (Facebook and Twitter).

*Blog post sponsorships

*Sidebar advertisng

*Product review (FREE advertising for xx months)

The second letter is if you already have a product from a particular shop.

Dear Sara

My name is Halsey and I run a blog called Spunky Junky. Recently, I purchased 50 Twist announcements from your shop and I couldn't be more pleased. The quality of your announcements are amazing. Thank you so much for providing such a great product.

Once, I finished gushing about Sara's products I would then approach her about doing a giveaway. If she agreed, I would then send her the same marketing package as above.

Once, she agreed to the giveaway I would do everything possible to promote her shop and products. This is where the hard work starts for you! 

{source}

Remember what I said last week about when you give love you will receive love. Well, this is where you should do it. 

Promote your shops, gush about them, tweet them, facebook them, post about them often. Do whatever you can to get there names out there, because when everyone else starts to love them then you will have done your job!

7. Here are a few ideas for promoting your lovely giveaways and sponsors:
*post dedicated solely to the sponsor's shop and the giveaway item
*daily tweets about the shop
*facebook updates about the sponsor's shop
*sidebar advertisement
*daily posts with a shout out about the sponsor at the bottom
* If you know certain days on your blog get hit more then other days put a special note at the bottom directing your readers to the giveaway.

8. When doing a giveaway, you could also make these mandatory or optional requirements:
*ask readers to visit the sponsor's blog/shop
*provide extra giveaway entries if they purchase something for the sponsor's store
*ask them to become a follower/fan of the sponsor's blog/shop
*have them tweet/post/or facebook the giveaway and the sponsor

Remember, to ask the sponsor how they would like to be promoted. Also, and maybe most importantly, ask them which of these requirements must be mandatory. ;)

{source}

And remember...
helping others out is can fun and rewarding. Don't you think?

;)

Now, get to work finding those awesome sponsors! 

How can I get featured?

A dear reader sent me the sweetest email the other day. She wrote about her frustrations and successes with blogging.
When reading her email a sea of emotions rushed through me.
 Her words reminded me of my own experiences and how relieved I was when I finally got my big break. Her thoughts were so sincere that I thought I would share a few of her words with all of you,  

"I starting blogging a few months ago and I have been posting my projects to different blogging parties, but I have not been featured yet....I think projects are original and well made...What am I doing wrong?"

I don't think there is an easy answer to this question. So I am going to explain what has worked for me, and please remember that this is just my opinion so don't take it as the only solution.

**********************************************

1. Great pictures.

The goal of linking to a blog party is to get noticed. The best way to get noticed is to have great pictures. Your pictures should be bright, clear, and professional looking.

Now don't be alarmed by the word, "professional."  One of the easiest ways to create your own professional photos is to create a clean and clear background.  

For instance....

Remember this lovely cupcake stand? The whole set up was staged, kinda...

Here's what the full picture looked like...

 So you see, just because my house was dirty (was is the KEY word) it didn't mean that my pictures needed to be dirty too.

2. Create consistency with your photos.
I use a white piece of posterboard as my background for all my pictures. I started doing this because I wanted my pictures to have a fresh look.

If a posterboard isn't your thing that is fine too. But the key is to always make sure you have nice, bright photos.

 

 See the difference a white background creates?

3. Link to blogs in your niche.

You are more likely to get featured on a specific blog if you have something in common with that blogger. For instance, if you are a craft blogger, post to craft blogs. If you love cooking, post to a cooking blog.

This doesn't mean that you can't post to different types of blogs, but if you are trying to find a way to get featured then this may be the first step to getting recognized.

kapeesh?

5. Become friends with blogs you love.

The more often you comment and interact with the blogs you like, the more they will begin to remember you. And "remembering you" is a really, really good thing. Believe me when I say that others will be more open to featuring you and your blog when they know that you have a sincere interest in their blog too.

{source}

When you give some love, you will receive some love!

6. Find a writing style that fits YOU.

When it comes to getting featured, pictures are only half of the story.
Whether you blog is centered around lifestyle, photography, home decor, or traveling try to write content that is meaningful.

{source}

Not all blogs are meant to be funny.
If your are more comfortable with providing inspiration then use that as your strength.
Find out what your "strength" is and channel it into your writing.
When you are passionate about what you write your readers will be able to sense that passion. And that "sense" is what will keep drawing them back to your blog day after day.

'nuf sappiness for the day... 

7. Stay motivated.
Finally, for all of you that are new bloggers don't give up! Post often. The more you post the more your blog will begin to unfold into your vision.

 And for those of you that are thinking of starting a blog...

{source}

Now, aren't cha all motivated? hmmm.

Did you check out this week's giveaway yet? hmmm #2.

{That's Us Thursday} Frequently Asked Questions

I now feel like a big shot *cough* (not really), but I got a little giddy when I realized that I finally had enough questions to answer to qualify them as, "frequently asked questions about moi". No, I am not french, but it makes me feel way more sophisticated when I can throw around various languages in the same sentence.

On that same note, Hunk speaks Spanish and I can still kind of speak Russian so occasionally we catch ourselves asking questions in English and then responding to each other in either Russian or Spanish. We think it is funny (like we have invented our own language or something)--I am guessing everyone else that listens to us thinks that it is obnoxious. We aim to live on the more obnoxious side anyway.

Awkward pause.

Anyway.

Question and Answer Soiree

Q: "I noticed your hair is not always parted on the same side, why?"
A: Wellllll, first, I can't believe someone actually noticed that little detail. dang. I should probably start covering up my blemishes before ya'll start noticing my lack of makeup. Truthfully, I have a cowlick in the front of my hair, which drives me absolutely bonkers. I have been trying to go for the whole Heather Locklear swoopy bangs thing and my cowlick often times gets in my way so I just flip my bangs over to the other side to get the swooshy effect. really, I do.

Q: "I love the hardwood floors in your house, what are they made of...?"
A: We have circular sawn fir floors, I am kind of in love with them because I can drop almost anything on the floor and if it dings up the floor it isn't even noticable.

Q: "Will we ever learn the names of Hunk and Punk?"
A: I don't know yet. I call them that on purpose because it kind of goes along with the spunk and junk theme. Someday I may share their names, but as of right now I like to think of my accountant hubby as my hottie hunk and my spawn child as a punk.

Q: "What color did you use to paint the dressers in your master bedroom?"

A: Ralph Lauren "Sunwashed Blue." However, Lowes does not sell Ralph Lauren paint so I was able to have the paint guy match the color. So I ended up getting a Valspar paint in the exact same color for half the price. awesome, huh?

Q: "Even though Punk was a preemie is he doing fine now?"
A: Yes, Punk is doing great. He is just a little small for his age. My mighty munchkin is now fifteen months old and a whoppin' eighteen pounds. He walks, attempts to run, gets in cupboards, yells, sings, cries like crazy, and is finally starting to cuddle.

Q: "How can my shop be featured on Spunky Junky?"

A: Send me an email, and if your shop looks like it would be a good fit for Spunky Junky then I would love to feature you!

Q: "Where in Montana do you live...?"
A: I live in a place called Bozeman. It has two seasons--Winter and Summer. This year we were graced with a prolonged Fall which was awesome. Bozeman is always ranked in the Top 10 for outdoor adventure cities. It is known for it's skiing, hiking, camping, amazing fishing (Hunk loves to fish), great hunting (loves this too), and many other great outdoor activites.  We are also very close to Yellowstone National Park.

Q: "What kind of camera do you shoot with...?"
A: I shoot with a Nikon D3000, BUT I also carry around a Sony Cybershot in my purse. I am still figuring out how to use a DSLR camera and so far I am loving all the nifty photo options and gadgets.  My Cybershot, on the other hand, is so amazing because of it's size and picture taking abilities. (FYI there will be a tutorial soon on how to get great photos with a point and shoot camera like the Sony Cybershot....my little sis won a photo contest using one)!

Q: "Where can I find an antique trunk like the one in your living room?"
A: Honestly, I was not that one that found either of mine. Yes, I have two of them. My Mom is an avid garage seller. Her house is chuck full of amazing hutches, gas station signs, and headboards. Both of mine came from garage sales. I think the most she has paid for a trunk was around $30. My suggestion is to check out antique malls, garage sales and Craigs List. My BEST suggestion is to find a small town. My parent's live in a place where there are about 1800 people and the garage sales there are amazing. Why? Well, everyone has lived there forever so they haven't really needed to purge their stuff, when they do though, there is a plethora of vintage clothes, furniture, magazines, and jewelry waiting to be bought for DIRT CHEAP.

Q: "How do you pronounce Halsey...and is it a family name?"
A: I have been asked this question my entire life. no joke. First, no it is not a family name. Secondly, my name is pronounced, Hall-zee. My parents thought it would be freaking hill-arious to give a little, scrawny, bushy haired kid the hardest name in the world for others to pronounce. So I grew up telling people, "Hi, my name is Halsey." People would reply, "Okay, what is your first name?" Oh snap.


There ya have it! Keep throwing those questions my way and I will do my best to answer them....honestly. Honestly.