I Love the Homefront Team

So, as most people know, I am on the Etsy Homefront Team. I've got a bit of reporting to do on that topic.

For starters, I brought the team to the Fort Rucker Spouse's Club lunch again. And no, I didn't literally bring the whole team. We're online and spread across the world. I brought items to sell representing certain participating team members. Those luncheons are really fun. I recommend (to anyone in the military) to get involved in a similar organization. It may sound silly, but it is a great way to socialize, learn about your local community, get involved, and personally spread the word about what you do. Online marketing is O.K. I don't find it nearly as effective as physically engaging people though. Let's be honest, it is wonderful to be able to touch a product and experience it in real life. Also, you are more available to answer questions.
I am fortunate that my community loves Florida Scarf.

Katy, from the Knackatorium had a good day also.

I even sold a cute, cuddly bumble bee rattle for One Stop Crochet and some stationary from Well of Creations.

 I am thankful that these other Etsy shops shared some product with me. I like bringing to attention the fact that there are so many of us that have small craft businesses. It is my understanding that my neighbors are interested and want to be supportive, but not everyone knows where to find us online. Really, think about it. Why would you buy a candle from scentsy when you could buy one handmade buy a military spouse? That's a no-brainer.
The luncheon was great, but it was the last one until next September. So I'm going to have to wait until then before I do any more live promoting. I'm glad though because for me, the summer is all about production. I have decided to start a new Etsy shop. In the past my scarves could be found at www.scgeraci.etsy.com. Now they are officially at www.floridascarf.etsy.com. It should make it much easier to find Florida Scarf on Etsy. Once I get my act together the scgeraci shop will be my paintings and art work. I hope I can keep up with two shops. There's no way to know unless I try.
My last bit of news is the Homefront Team change of command. I am officially the new captain. The promotion came as a sudden surprise, but I am glad for the responsibility. I think there is a great cause behind the team. Each one of its members truely deserves to be successful. As the new captain I hope to bring us all closer to that goal.

Busy Making Friends

I would like to start by saying I can't believe it's Friday. Again. Already? Wow, time flies when you're busy making new friends. Mind you, all of these "new friends" I've never met face-to-face and probably never will. This is the power of social media. When one starts a small crafting business they must be equally as crafty about advertising and promotion. And in the past couple of months I feel like there has been a boom in networking and blogging and tweeting...etc. in order to successfully market. I'm sure it's been like this for a while and I'm just late. It is amazing to me how many people there are, out there, that are just like me. They are great artists trying to make a living and help others do the same thing.

Recently I have joined two new Etsy Teams. Members of the teams work together to try and promote each other. I'm using this morning to shout them out.

                                      
                                         The first is a team with a simple concept: promotion.
This team is worldwide so there is a lot of diversity in who you meet and what they make. Here is an example of one of my favorites.

 dominicanlounge.etsy.com.

 They have larimar and dominican amber, all very reasonably priced. The color in this particular piece is gorgeous.

The next team I recently became a member of is the HomeFront Street Team. This team is a bit more exclusive. It is still worldwide, but you must be the spouse of a uniformed serviceman. I think this group is great because there are so many military families trying to make it work.

I just joined this team last night and I've had five welcome notes and emails. These girls know the real meaning of support. I'm really excited to be a part of this community. I hope I actually meet another member that lives at Ft. Rucker. Then we could have craft parties. Anyway, here is a member I'd like to promote:

                                                       smokeymountainscents.etsy.com

This is definitely soap I'd accidentally eat, even in the shower, especially if I'd accidentally taken my coffe in there with me too. Supporting these crafters is especially important. They have very interesting circumstances they work under.

In addition to the Teams, I've also been working on scoring a "buddy" on Etsy. This is just an individual you work with. The goal here is to give/recieve support and encouragement on marketing and productivity through the holidays. Here she is.

                                                                 sofisticata.etsy.com

This is Hir. She makes elegant adornments and accessories. Sometimes it just isn't enough to put on your Manolo's. You have to make them even more chic. I've really been having "a thing" for peacock feathers lately too. Anyway, Hir is fabulous and her fashion is fabulous. check her out.

                                        Last, but not least, me. Here's what I've been up to lately.
This is a new scarf. It has great print and texture combos. The color palette gives it a lot of richness too. The sweater material is Italian New Wool, so it's really warm. The backing is a fun Giraffe print velboa. There is an accent of vintage tiki trim, my favorite part. You can't not love retro tiki.

That's all for now. Have a great weekend!