by Jacqui Miyabayashi, Mee A Bee
One of the biggest tips I could share as a independent business owner is the importance of creating a support network. Beyond friends and family, who we couldn’t do without, it’s absolutely necessary to have like-minded people in our lives.
Have you heard of Etsy Teams? I’m a member of a few teams. Together we work out ways to support and promote each other’s work.
The Etsy Kids team is made up of a large group of Etsy stores that make and sell goods for children. It was from this hardworking team that the awesome Modern Handmade Child magazine had its start. It’s grown beyond just Etsy Kids so you can see how a team might help you achieve bigger and better things.
One of the things I’ve just signed up to be involved in is creating team treasuries. Here’s my latest one featuring all team members. I picked these items as gift ideas for a Baby Shower. if you visit the Treasury Page on Etsy you’ll find each item featured is a clickable link. I’ve shared this page across all of my social network thus raising the profile of my fellow team members
I am also a member of a children’s industry-specific business network called Skout Trade Fair. Our network is made up of craftspeople, manufacturers, photographers, review bloggers, graphic designers – anyone in the business of children’s products. I’ve met some amazing people who have helped me in many concrete ways. I’m not sure if my business would still be around if it weren’t for the contacts I have made here.
Aside from the professional support the friendships I have made through these networks are priceless. Who better to turn to when your kids are sick and grumpy and you have orders coming out of your ears than a fellow-crafter who has been there?
