Comments on: CraftyPod #117: Professional Crafters, Hobbyists, Etsy, and Viable Businesses, with Megan Auman

By: Ms. Scarlet Faith

Ms. Scarlet Faith — Sun, 22 Jan 2012 15:41:33 +0000

This interview was awesome. I do market my busines in just about any way I can. All the top social media spots, Etsy, two web sites, a consignment store locally, relaxation parties, and I just keep going.

It is refreshing to hear down to earth talk and easy to understand ideas and someone who is being honest and not telling people you can build your business easily in a day and make money at crafting.
It is a real business and takes living, breating, being your business most of the time.
It is also pretty cool to hear of business books on crafting I have yet to run across. I will definitly look Megan’s up and will add to my Library. Another important thing on running your own business. Educate, read, and stay up to date on media, computer, business marketing trends.
Thank, Hope to hear more like this.
I will listen a couple more times and post your link on my facebook.

By: Sister-Diane

Sister-Diane — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 15:31:06 +0000

Hi, Liz – I was able to subscribe in my Google Reader by pasting in the main URL for Megan’s blog: http://www.designinganmba.com I think most feed readers will accept homepage URL’s these days – give it a try!

By: Liz Hart

Liz Hart — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 03:34:31 +0000

Thank you for a great podcast. This is my first visit to your site, but I’ll be looking around some more. I have what seems like a very silly question. I went to Megan Auman’s blog and tried to subscribe to it on my blog reader. I couldn’t find any way to do so, or any way to contact her except through formspring, which I’m not at all familiar with. Am I missing something, or is her blog blocked to RSS feeds? I did try adding the suffix /rss.xml to the blog name, which has always worked for other blogs.

By: Sister-Diane

Sister-Diane — Thu, 20 Oct 2011 16:58:39 +0000

Thank you so much, Betty! I’m thrilled that the show was of use to you. These really are interesting and challenging times. I can’t feel like hobbyists shouldn’t have their opportunity to enjoy trying out selling, but absolutely – it can make things challenging for those of us who need to make rent. Still, there are endless opportunities outside of Etsy to find customers who’ll pay what your work is worth. Don’t give up!

By: Betty

Betty — Thu, 20 Oct 2011 16:12:00 +0000

I see that I am commenting on a podcast that occurred almost a year and a half ago, but I just wanted to let you know how relevant it still is, and maybe even more so considering how many people are trying to just make a living with what they do in this abysmal economy and that includes me! I so appreciate the honest way that you approach your discussion of Etsy in the “pro-am” crafting world (I was not familiar with the term, but I’m so glad to have had the whole concept brought to my mind today!!). I have felt the frustration of feeling buried in all the shops of people who clearly enjoy what they do, but are not trying to put food on the table with what they make. Thank you so much. I feel as though this bit of wisdom from you sets me in a new, and hopefully, more profitable, direction.

Wishing you a wonderful day!

Betty

By: Linda

Linda — Sat, 25 Jun 2011 15:14:00 +0000

I’m so lucky to have found your podcast! Having given Etsy a 6 month trial, with no unrealistic expectations, I was sadly disappointed in my negative sales outcome and closed shop. I did not underprice my goods, which were made from very high quality materials. IMHO if you’re lucky to get noticed on the site, it’s by folks that are looking to buy low cost. I’ve learned to market myself through my teaching and contacts rather than Etsy

By: Lisa

Lisa — Fri, 20 May 2011 14:34:00 +0000

This was Brilliant. Thank you so much for the honesty here. I am a Professional Artist/Crafter who does ONLY retail art/craft shows and has tried to bridge into Etsy with IMMENSE frustration. How you ladies worded this makes perfect sense. I found you because I am registered to sell at the California Gift show and found Megan through them. Wonderful info. Hope to meet you both on day. Thank you again. Lisa

By: Anonymous

Anonymous — Fri, 11 Feb 2011 22:55:00 +0000

Awesome! I’m glad you found it helpful, Georgene!

By: Anonymous

Anonymous — Fri, 11 Feb 2011 20:03:00 +0000

This was so helpful. Thanks, Diane. I’m still going to open my etsy shop, but with eyes wide open.

By: Anonymous

Anonymous — Wed, 05 Jan 2011 19:58:00 +0000

Thanks so much for stopping by, Jen! Hope you find lots to enjoy here!

By: Mary

Mary — Sun, 19 Dec 2010 18:28:00 +0000

Hi sister Diane, I’m a grey hair quilter who just started blogging. I like listening to your podcasts, and especially this one on Etsy, very informative. You asked for comments, and all I have to say is that I just find it incredible that you put so much energy into this programs and it’s worth it, they are so good and so well done! I would just suggest choosing some other music from time to time??

By: Anonymous

Anonymous — Tue, 12 Oct 2010 03:10:00 +0000

Thank you, Beth! I think someone who has a realistic view of Etsy’s possibilities for a small business is an ideal person to work with a street team – it’s so important to help sellers realize their own responsibilities in making a successful, profitable business.

By: Crafterall

Crafterall — Tue, 10 Aug 2010 06:46:13 +0000

Awesome podcast! It's like my favorite worlds colliding having you and Megan talk about Etsy in such a grounded and intelligent conversation. Thumbs Up!

I've been on Etsy since 2007, but only about a year and half ago, did I begin to realize the "rules of the game" there. It was/is an incredibly easy place to start a little business and test the waters of brand and shop ownership. For me, success bred a desire for more success and this meant I had to learn two things: how to play the "Etsy game," and how to think about my business independent Etsy. I think that anyone who comes to this same point with their Etsy shop should and probably does figure out that Etsy.com is a springboard and not a residence for their business. I am very grateful for the exposure Etsy has given my work as it has launched several profitable extra-Etsy avenues for my work, and I know that if I really want to take this gig seriously, I MUST leave the Etsy nest at some point to fly on my own.

Inspiring, well-spoken, and right on target. Thank you!

By: SplendidThread

SplendidThread — Fri, 23 Jul 2010 20:01:37 +0000

Thanks for this great interview! I recently launched an etsy store (www.SplendidThread.etsy.com) and have been grappling with many of the issues mentioned. I absolutely view my store as a business and am looking to make a profit and am dismayed to find so many hobbyists selling at super low prices. Crafting an MBA sounds like a great blog too!

By: Shirlee Grund

Shirlee Grund — Thu, 15 Jul 2010 06:54:34 +0000

really fantastic interview. couldn't sgree more and at some point i will leave etsy. maybe try out bigcartel.com. it's $10 per month instead of all the fees i pay now.