I enjoy "meeting" new people online, especially other jewelry designers. What I've enjoyed by participating with It's Better Handmade is meeting other artists that don't create just jewelry. I love seeing the hand crocheted or knitted items, the sewing people do amazes me. My mom taught me to sew as a kid, and let me tell you, the patience of having to cut out your pattern, then iron it to get the creases out (does everybody do that, or was that just my mom?) Then the whole pinning and cutting... I'm getting anxious just typing this. Thus, I'll leave the sewing to all you talented seamstresses out there! I saw this Totebag (Click here to see it) for the first time from SLM Petersen on the "It's Better Handmade" group's wall.
Here's a few pointers to follow the "Group Etiquette" and make the most of being part of the group.
1. When you're posting items on the wall, post other people and other Etsy or Artfire Stores listings in addition to your own. So if you have a few buddies that all sell handmade or vintage, team up. Share each others listings.
2. When you see someone showcase a beautiful creation, share it on your personal or fan page wall. Make sure you leave a comment on the original post to let them know you are "Sharing" it. This is how you start to form new friendships.
3. When people share your items, make sure you thank them! Chances are their friends and fans contain hundreds or even thousand of people you've never met before. By them sharing your item, they are exposing you as an artist - AND giving you a positive reference - so now your work can be seen and purchase by a group that may never have found you before.
4. As people start to share your work, you'll find a few true gems. Those people that are always sharing and spreading the handmade love throughout facebook. Appreciate these new friends and friend request them. This way they'll see when you post anything on your own wall and you on theirs.
Hope these few tips help. Facebook groups are no different than working in a group in person. If everybody shares each others' work, the network of viewers for each of the participants Etsy or Artfire stores multiplies ginormously!
Ready to meet new people? Here's the link to find "It's Better Handmade" Group on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/#!/group.php?gid=105522456148677
Events:
Seashell Sundays - Everything people share is beachy themed.... seashells, sand dollars, dolphins... or aquas, blues and sandy hues.
Zero Zoom Tuesdays - This is fun! On Tuesdays we all try to feature artists that have just opened their online stores and have zero or very few sales. This is particularly helpful for people that switch selling platforms for getting visitors to your new store. So it doesn't matter if you've sold hundreds of items on Etsy, if you open a new Artfire store the participants are happy to share your creations and get you some sales in your new store.
Go Green Wednesdays - This is a day dedicated to recycled and up-cycled crafts.
Color Me Friday - Each Friday we feature a different color/color scheme for all the items featured on that day. This Friday (July 30th) the theme is "Some like it HOT!" All hues of reds and oranges are in the spotlight!
I'd love it if you join me in the fun. You don't have to participate in every single event, but when you do have fun with it. Meet new people, share other artists' work, they'll share yours and you'll expand your network of handmade lovers!
Make sure you grow today! Meet new People & have FUN!
{Hugs!}
Dawn
http://www.facebook.com/designsbydawnmarie
http://www.facebook.com/dawndoucette
http://www.twitter.com/designsbydawnmd
