Reflection

This week between Christmas and New Years is a great time to take a little break from the day to day studio activities, reflect on the past year and formulate a direction for the upcoming year. There is something about putting the progress and new goals in writing (not to mention on the web for all to see) that makes them more realistic and keeps me working toward these improvements.

Generally, 2009 was a year of growth for my business. Sales showed only slight growth, but I view the growth more in presence as very valuable. A couple new, very enjoyable shows were added to my schedule. One new brick and mortar venue (The Market on Oak) was added to my list of outlets, but unfortunately, the Clover Gallery in Harmony closed.

Joining two Etsy based teams, HandmadeMN and Etsy Mud Team, has been invaluable in providing a diverse network of peers to bounce ideas off, discuss trends and challenge myself by participating in team challenges. This year I also added Facebook and Twitter to my social networking resources.

The goal I was most excited about for 2009 was partially met. The kiln shed was completed and I anticipate the construction of the kiln in 2010.

So… for 2010 I look forward to construction of a wood fired kiln and a bread oven. I’d like to promote sales growth by adding another brick & mortar sales venue and a couple more weekend sales between my husband’s running events. Cleaning and reorganizing the studio/garage is a must for the upcoming year. And lastly, I’d like always keep a healthy perspective when it comes to social media and team activities. I must remember to spend less time on these activities than I do on make pots.

Well - there it is in writing for everyone to see. No going back on it now.

Best wishes to you for the New Year.

Out with the Old

Happy New Year everybody!

It’s a time of hope for what the New Year could bring and also a time of reflection. How did last year go? What went really well? What made it work? What could be improved? It’s time to close the books (literally and metaphorically) on 2008 and determine our course of action for the promising New Year.

In 2008, I worked harder at being a potter than I ever have in the past. In spite of poor economic conditions, my sales increased and I’ve added several new and valued customers. I started this blog and have found it and my Etsy shop to be valuable and enjoyable communication and sales tools. Some of my sales venues were better than others and I’ve decided I need to evaluate them on an effort vs. reward level for the upcoming year. For the most part, the goals I’d set for 2008 have been met and exceeded and I feel great about that.

My goals for 2009 have been formulating in my head for months. They include fairly typical goals for any small business. Stuff like, continued sales growth both in numbers and dollars, additional sales venues, attending an educational workshop, use of available technologies to make my job easier – the usual stuff. But one of my most anticipated goals is to get a shed and wood-fire kiln built at Old Crow Studio in the bluff country of SE Minnesota. I’ve been planning and saving for a long time and this summer I hope to accomplish this goal with the help of Master Kiln Builder, Donovan Palmquist.

Until construction season arrives here in the frozen north, I’ll pass my time writing blogs, applying to sales venues, updating my Etsy store and keeping my drying shelves well stock with just thrown pottery.

I hope you check back again to see what’s new here and how I’m doing on my 2009 goals.

Happy New Year to you.