Showing posts with label verse. Show all posts
Showing posts with label verse. Show all posts

03/04/2021

Business in the Spotlight is Create England

 


Today's business in the Spotlight is: Create England

I discovered Andy of 'Create England' on Twitter:

On Twitter he is Andy@Create-England Please do go to visit and Follow him there for the latest news and creations.

How the Business started

From Andy:

I started my small business out of necessity. I had a bad episode of mental health issues that left me unable to get work. I don't like being bored so I got myself a sewing machine and taught myself the basics. I discovered that I really enjoyed it, being creative cleared my head and gave me a focus. I began to make and sell a few things.

Of course, then the Pandemic hit us and I was asked to make facemasks. I also started making laundry bags for the local hospital from old pillowcases. 

Making Bags

This then led me in to making bags which I now have a passion for. I like to make bags that are unique, strong, practical and look good too.

Bags

I purchased jeans, with broken buttons and zips, from the local charity shop and cut them up for the fabric to turn into bags.

My Take so far: 

I love this bag, looks good and is very practical. Eco friendly too, having been made from recycled fabric, which is just what we need to help the planet. What an easy way to do your bit for the environment, not only not using plastic but purchasing an eco friendly bag!

It's great to see and encourage those that want to help themselves to recovery from mental health issues as well as being determined to work no matter what!

Back to Andy:

When the charity shops closed due to Covid-19 I had to think of other ways to make bags. 

I had seen cushions made from lovely fabrics, so after looking into it, I decided to use that fabric to make some bags. And so my range of animal bags was born.

I continued to learn, innovate and improve my craft, something that, of course when you are doing something you love, never ends,

Animal bags

My Take on these:

I think these look absolutely gorgeous. There are a variety of bags available besides the ones you see here.

Do go and have a look. 

They come as shoppers as well as bags that zip up. Always useful to have a zipped option when out and about.

More from Andy:

Another thing I make on my website are letterbox post catchers. I started making them because my Mum struggled to pick up the post from the floor, so I wanted something to help her. She does find it much easier with her letterbox catcher but she complained that bills still come through too.
letter box post catcher


I think:

When I spotted those on the website I thought what a brilliant idea they are. Not just for those that struggle to pick up the post but for those with pets. Especially the ones that like to eat the post if they can or even just like to rip it or make it unreadable by chewing it to a pulp.

Then of course there are babies and small children. Crawling babies love anything that appears within reach and love nothing better than a good chew to help their gums while teething. Toddlers like to 'help' by opening the post even if the contents are no longer whole and sometimes they wander off with it and tuck it away safely somewhere unbeknown to parents.

So here is an unusual gift, a letterbox post catcher, that is ideal for yourself or to give to someone you know. Great for the elderly or those that struggle generally with mobility, for parents and pet owners too. 

Final words from Andy:
Patchwork bag

I am always thinking of ways to use fabric and as the offcuts built up I decided to make some patchwork bags. Each one is truly unique as I use what I have available and create them in my own innovative style. They are just as strong as the other bags because of the way I make them and the triple stitching on the 


Conclusion

A fabulous small business with a large range that includes cushions, drawstring bags and coin purses besides those items already explored here.




Had to include a little ditty for fun.

If you want to follow Andy on Instagram its HERE!
Ditto for Pinterest HERE!

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Did you enjoy this blog post? Don't forget to check out the website and see what you think.

15/01/2021

Starting your Business, Basics

Starting Your Business Basics


Let me say upfront, that I am not an expert by any stretch of the imagination. Having said that, I have been selling online for over 10 years now. I love the freedom it gives me and has given me for years.

I made the leap to working fulltime for myself when I got made redundant. I gave myself 8 months, from May when I became redundant to January. 

I told myself that if it wasn't earning me a decent wage by then I would get another job. That's a great incentive, especially in the winter, when it's wonderful to not have to go out in the cold, the rain, snow and whatever else winter throws at us.

This is literally the basic bare bones to get you started. Which is still more than I had when I started. If I can do it, so can you!

How to get started!

Nowadays the internet is a big part of our lives and most of us are fairly internet savvy.
I knew nothing and had to learn it from the ground up. I hadn't even been on any social media sites at that point, so it was a big learning curve.

It was easiest to start on a selling platform for me. It is a good way to get started. It wasn't a thing then but now, many start on Facebook and some sell only on Facebook. Whether you sell on there or not, it is a good idea to have a business page anyway.

A shop


Wherever you sell from, you need good detailed descriptions and good quality photographs. 
WHY?
Because that is the only way your customer will get to know what it is like before buying. Photos show them and the description obviously describes it in more detail. This is what will sell your goods.

You will be charged a small amount to list each item and generally the listing will last for 3 months.
A shop or a website or both

Any selling platform now tends to have clear set up instructions and videos to show you step by step.
You will learn to tag your items with terms that people search for and including such words in your description and Title. This is called SEO or Search Engine Optimisation. 

My Shops: Etsy & NOTHS

A website

You can build your own website which is easy enough to do. I know because I managed it several years back. I had it up and running in less than a week just spending a little time here and there when I could.
Many of the platforms that host websites will have a free basic starter site you can sign up for. 
Many crafters I knew just stayed with the free version, especially if they linked it back to their shop for selling.

My Website

Social Media

If you want to have your own business selling goods or services, you need people to find you. That is where social media comes in.
You get business pages on each platform, all free, and start to build each one. Logo, business name a little bit about you and a link to your shop or website. You can usually only add one link. 

That is where a website is useful as you can add a button for any shops or social media.

Which Ones!

The main and important social media platforms are probably ones you use all the time; Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Pinterest. 
There are others but don't overload yourself at the start as you need to use them regularly and interact with others to gain followers. 
The more followers you have, the more people that will get to see what you have to offer as your followers comment and share your posts. 

What else?


If you are making goods, keep making. In quiet times, yes there will always be times where you sell less than other times. Design new products, get on social media and get busy gaining followers. The more you do towards building those followers the more your business and goods will get seen.

TAX: Get registered with your local tax office. Even if you don't make much at first, it is very important to ensure your business is legitimate. I have heard about people being caught and fined because tax offices look online for those that haven't registered.

Yes there are a lot of new businesses springing up and there were lots before the Pandemic brought more. So is it overcrowded? 

With 4.6 BILLION people using the internet worldwide as of November 2020 (more now) I don't think we need to worry too much. 
The Internet is a growing business market, so get in there and get started.


Now is the time! A ditty!


         


Time to take the leap?

Most people are fed with working for someone else and having their working hours dictated by someone else. 
You know what they say about a J.O.B.? Just Over Broke!

I'm not interested in watching Television, so the evening is a great time for me to work. My daytime hours are decided by family and what else I have to do. 
In normal times I travel to stay with family at least 3 times a month, then my working hours change accordingly.
Yes it's hard work but it's for YOU!


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I hope you enjoyed this post on the basics of starting a business. 
Sometimes basics are all you need. It can be very easy to get caught up in research on what to do and never actually make the start.
When I began over 10 years ago, I had no idea what online selling entailed. I decided and went for it, built it up alongside a job, home and family. 
I LOVE every minute of it!!

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Thank you for visiting, hope you enjoyed the post.
Questions and comments welcome.


10/01/2021

A New Business was Born


                             



For this post I am introducing my granddaughter Anya and her 6 month old business.

She has always been interested in what I do and as a teenager, helped me when she could, with my business. 


My Business

In the early days, over 10 years ago, I created accessory designs and crocheted them for something to do while I was ill. I ended up with so many that I decided to try selling them. Gradually the business changed and morphed into the word art I sell now. 

Anya and her partner got their own home and then a baby followed. The lockdown of course overshadowed this special event with no one being able to see them and the baby after he was born. Not an easy time to become new parents. 

Some would say it was a crazy time to start a new business. However, start it she did with us all cheering her on and it was a hit from day 1. I was always proud of her, still am of course but even more so now with the way she juggles the baby, her home and her business so well, as though she has been doing it all for years.


ANYA's Story

It's crazy to think that ever since the age of 14 I used to plan a new business idea every month and tell my Nanny & Brother what I was going to do but never went through the idea! Well here I am at the age of 23 and I've finally gone through with it and living the 'dream'. 



Welcome to Life In A Print Art

where you can find home decor, personalised prints, gifts & so much more.

Price Menu

I started in June 2020 when I was starting my Maternity leave following the birth of my beautiful baby boy at the end of April. Due to it being lockdown. 

I had my partner at home with me for the first few months and was lucky enough to always have his help so I felt having a Newborn was easy peasy and wanted to fill my time when I was bored. 

Well, when my partner went back to work I was wrong to think I had 'time to fill'. 

But with how successful I have been I wouldn't change it for the world and will always find the time. I love it. 


The first one


I started the business with personalised prints:
Jungle Print

Nursery prints, Engagement prints and New Home prints, which is. where I got the name from 'Life in a Print Art'.

It certainly is your life in a print art!

Since then of course, my business has expanded into so many more items, which all still suit the name and the products fit together nicely.
My first ever item was a Personalised Nursery print. 

I randomly started by designing a print for my sons 'Safari themed' nursery, which is where my most loved design came from. 

I LOVE creating prints, I love the ideas & the designs.

Setting up Shop


I started selling on Facebook and then opened a shop on Etsy.
I feel so fortunate that my new business has taken off and done so well. 
Unknowingly I started it at the right time, when so many people were accessing the internet in ever increasing numbers. 

The future is exciting. I have so many exciting things being launched in 2021, some already on sale and more coming. New ideas are constantly popping up, more than I can count or start on.

Just Out and selling well.                                                          Coming Soon! So cute

Keyrings
                             




Follow me on both of my social media accounts Instagram & Facebook and my Etsy shop,

The entrepreneur's ditty!


She started young, testing the dream

many a teen is not what they seem.

She yearned for a business online

to fulfill her life, rather like mine.

The entrepreneur, waiting in the wing

has finally found her time to sing.

With creative ideas flowing fast

boring and dull is way in the past.

Living the creative life in flow

The bonus is, it makes you glow.

Live the life that sets you free

There is no better way to be!!



What do you think?

Have you popped along yet to have a look? No? Then go here:  Life In A Print Art, and see what it's all about. Go visit the social media pages too.

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Do you have a small business and would like to be featured on here? I don't charge, I do it to help.
People do like to find new shops and websites they haven't seen before. 
Hearing all about the person behind the business, how it began, where the ideas come from etc, makes it that bit more interesting. Customers like to get to know who they are buying from.

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If you enjoyed this post please share. Comments and questions welcome.
Thank you for visiting, come back soon.


09/01/2021

From Handmade Hobby to Business

From Handmade Hobby To Business

We have seen many new businesses start up during last year, especially online.

Some out of boredom and some from a need to earn money as jobs were lost and workplaces closed during the restriction tiers and lockdowns. 

Many people who were already selling odd items they made, more as a hobby, really stepped up their game and turned that hobby into a business.

Some began to discover crafts as something to do, some realising there was time now to have a go at that craft they always wanted to do. Still others were trying different things until they found one they really enjoyed. More rediscovered a love of creating because suddenly there was time in abundance. 

Popular Crafts

There are many old favourites that people have gone back to, such as knitting and crochet. Also many newer crafts and craft mediums that have appeared over the last few years.

Art & Crafts

I intend to do a series of blogs about the different crafts and where you can get kits to try and plans to make things etc. After all you don't want to buy everything in bulk and then realise you don't like it.

Some crafts use basic tools that many already have, like power tools for woodwork.

Many learnt basic woodworking form school and others learnt from parents/grandparents etc. Grandparents were often a good source of knowledge about many crafts and passed this on to the young ones if they were interested. 

Now though new crafts with different materials available spring up and really capture the imagination.

I am loving the resin creations that have popped up. So many innovative ideas and created with such gorgeous colours.

Learning Crafts

Crafts are not everyone's cup of tea of course but creating things by hand has had a major revival in recent years as it can be a big help with mental health.

My daughters learnt various skills from us. One was more interested in woodworking and other practical skills than the other. They both learnt knitting/crochet/baking and sewing which for a time when they were young seemed to be skills that were dying out.

I learnt knitting and crochet mainly from my grandmother, baking from my mother and school. Sewing was not something I enjoyed but the basics and more were instilled at school.

Nowadays, of course, you can learn just about anything from YouTube from basic skills to more advanced as well as from various blogs.

Getting the Basics!


Ask around to find out if anyone you know has a few basics you can try with. If you have shops open (Not shut due to Covid-19) its worth checking out charity shops. They occasionally get a variety of unused craft kits that were unwanted gifts. They often sell balls of wool too, if you are using yarn.

This time of year they get lots of unwanted items or even items passed on as people clear cupboards to find space for the new gifts.
A lot of people are decluttering now because they have time on their hands. 

Craft kits are a less expensive way of getting started too. See Candle making and Embroidery

Getting started


Many start selling from a Facebook business page. These are easy to set up and you can ask people you know to come and like your page to get you started.
Costs are minimal online. Opening free business pages etc. 

Open a shop on a selling platform such as Etsy. 


You have to list your items by writing descriptions of each one and adding photographs from every angle. 
There are tuition videos to help you and YouTube has videos by successful sellers to help also.
The first few listings will take the most time as you get used to what is required it will get easier.
My Etsy shop is Uniquely Your Word Art if you want to take a look.
My Etsy Shop


There are other selling platforms too.  I started out selling on Folksy, a UK based platform and I also have a shop on Not On The Highstreet.

Do some research and find the best one for you. I have been on new platforms, only 2-3 years old but selling is harder as they aren't as established as the older ones. 
I have been on newer ones and despite working hard to market my shop, rarely sold anything. 
Try a more established one to start with.

Website:

You can build yourself a website, quite easy on most platforms, with the drag and drop set up most have. There are many platforms where you can start off on the free version to see how you get on.
WordPress takes more time to learn and build but it's another option.

Take the step!

Now it's the time for you to keep
learning alot as you take the leap.
Just follow your dreams
its not as hard as it seems
its never really all done
but it makes life more fun.
The step that you take first
feels scary and is the worst.
So jump in, don't look back
else you might give yourself the sack.
If you don't try you'll never know
if that business would start to grow.
You're not too old or too young
just don't leave your song unsung!!


What do you think?


Many start their business alongside their job. In these trying times, many of you have lost your job and are looking for alternative ways to earn a living.
Nobody is happy about the Pandemic, lives have been lost and jobs have vanished. 
But many have reconnected with family and got to know their local community because they aren't on the treadmill of work long hours, eat, sleep and repeat. 
Others have found a new direction in life online, Facebook pages sprung up to help local areas to help each other by exchanging goods and belongings. 
Still more took up hobbies at the beginning, or expanded the hobbies they had. Then as the restrictions continued turned them into businesses. Often, as much for something to do, as to earn money.

If you always fancied an online business, there has never been a better time!

A few links with more information:
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Thank you for visiting. If you enjoyed this post please share.
Questions and comments welcome.

08/04/2020

Personalise Crafts & Gifts with Embroidery

No matter what the gift giving occasion, a personalized gift always shows the recipient that you took the time to select a special gift just for them. Whether you are attending a birthday party, baby shower, or wedding, a personalised gift shows that you care and that you feel the gift recipient is special. One of the easiest ways to present your recipient with a personalised gift is through personalisation with simple embroidery.


What is Embroidery?                  

  VEYLIN 5 Pack Embroidery Starter Kit  

                   

Embroidery is the handicraft of decorating fabric with designs stitched with thread or yarn.  Embroidery can be done by hand or by a sewing machine.  It can also include the addition of beads, quills, pearls, metals, and other objects.  Embroidery can be done free-form or with the use of a pattern.                           
The art of embroidery has been around for thousands of years or longer. People all over the world have been using it to personalize and decorate their garments and home décor for ages. Embroidery is simple to do and allows you the freedom to create some very beautiful works of art.

You can embroider by hand, which takes time but can be very relaxing and enjoyable. It can also be done by machine where the art is more in the designing than the doing I believe.

If you love gadgets and haven't looked at sewing machines in years, if ever, you will love the way they have evolved. Nowadays they are multifunctional, they don't just sew clothes, now they overlock, quilt and embroider too.

Having had a look, I have to say there are some gorgeous sewing machines available. I have seen machine embroidery and it looks stunning. Well worth considering.



I think its fun to have a go
you'll even have something to show
for the effort you have put in
I see that as a win win.
Something to while away the day
now that we are shut away.
Don't complain, not a groan
or even the tiniest moan.
If it saves the lives of just a few
then its the least that we can do.
The doctors and nurses so weary
losing so many is making them teary.
All we have to do is stay inside
while they hang on for the scary ride.


What and Where?                                                                 

Caydo Embroidery Kit 


Anything fabric or cloth can easily be embroidered upon. You do not have to possess any special skills to be able to personalise items using embroidery. All you really need is some colorful embroidery threads and a needle. You can draw your own design or buy ready printed designs on fabric or even get iron on transfers.

Some of the easiest things to embroider on are clothing and towels. Baby showers are becoming popular here in the UK now and it makes the gift special if the baby's name is embroidered onto baby clothes, towels or blankets. It just adds a very special personal touch.Of course not every new Mother to be wants to know the gender of the baby and even those that do know haven't always decided on a name. In that case you can give the gift and offer to add the name afterwards.

Personalised wedding presents are also popular. The happy couples names and even the date can be added to towels, tea towels or a wall hanging. It just makes the gift even more personal to have it hand sewn.

Children.

 Portable Sewing Machine,


Children love to learn crafts and you can get basic sewing sets with large blunt needles for basic embroidering of pictures. 

Then as they become older can also learn more advanced hand or machine embroidery if they are so inclined. 
There are sewing machines for children from 6 years old apparently. Not sure I would give a sewing machine to a 6 year old, maybe 8 or 9 years. Depends upon the child I suppose.

Crafts went out of fashion for a number of years but are once again very popular with new crafts appearing often.

Personalised gifts are the ones you likely remember the most from your childhood even though they were probably not the most expensive presents you were given by loved ones. Fun items to personalise and give to a child include; backpacks, lunch bags, sleeping bags, clothing or even a special beach or bath towel just for them. You could embroider their initials, their name, or even a small motif of something they are interested in.


Give it a go!

There are many books on the subject available to buy or borrow from your local library, once they are open again.

  Ribbon Embroidery Kit          

From the website:     

                                                                  

  • The ribbon embroidery kit include pillowcase, ribbon, needles, instruction, drawings. (pillow core not included)
  • High-quality materials: strictly selected materials, the pillow cover made of suede fabric, soft and comfortable.
  • The ribbon is soft in texture and bright in color, with sufficient amount according to the pattern.
  • Size: the size of the embroidery pillow is about 45*45 cm. Please confirm the size before buying.
  • It can be used for sofa pillows, pillow head covers, elegant yet exquisite, fashionable choice of furniture matching.







Craft books and magazines often have lots of ideas  and even patterns you can adapt for whatever you are embroidering.
 You can also find patterns online and they will be in your local craft store too if you have one and if they survive the lockdown.  Embroidery threads will probably only be available online at the moment, so it might be a good idea to try a craft kit
If it does go wrong and you aren't happy just pull it out and start again.
Don’t be afraid to experiment with your embroidery and come up with your own unique designs. There aren't any real mistakes in embroidery; just adjust the picture you were making, it's not as if anyone will know.
If it does go wrong and you aren't happy just pull  it out and start again.




Personalising your gifts with some embroidery will make your gift recipient happy and at the same time show them that you went the extra mile to give a present that is so personal and special.

Have fun with your creating.



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Thank you for visiting, I hope you enjoyed this blog post with another idea to keep you occupied for a while at home.

Please share for others to enjoy.

Questions and comments welcome.





04/04/2020

Candle Making fun






Natural Beeswax Kit
 HOUSE Of Crafts Natural, HHJ610

                                                Candle Making

Making your own candles is a favorite craft and/or hobby for lots of people. It can be fun to try different methods and get creative with colours and shapes.
Worth doing some research on the best types of wax to do if you are new to it. I think natural wax's, soy and beeswax are better purely because they give off up to 90% less soot so less polluting for your home. Using essential oils to scent them with is also better than commercial parfums.
Making your own can be more economical than buying them as good quality candles can be expensive.



Stress Reducing.

Any craft can be enjoyable and relaxing, excellent to do in times of stress. Also very good for the world situation as it is now with so many of us confined to our homes due to Corona virus. Lockdown is necessary but it can be difficult to suddenly have freedom of movement curtailed.
Losing yourself in the creative process can be very therapeutic.


What's available?

There are plenty of books on candle making that can provide everything from basic instructions, tips, and creative ideas to make beautiful candles. Many of the books will have an illustrated step by step guide with the instructions.
There are of course other resources, such as You Tube for instructions. The beauty of video of course, is that you can stop and start it as required.
Once things are back to normal, the library too can be a great resource and many areas will have candle makers that offer classes.


                     Crafting can reduce stress
                   even though it makes a mess.
                      The sheer joy of making
                     whether candles or baking.
                Try different crafts to find the one
                    that enthralls so you are gone
                    to a far away place of delight
            where your mind goes when it takes flight.
                Where imagination soars and leaps
              in a way that says, this ones for keeps!




This book published in 2018 is a good guide
with details on equipment, supplies and safety. Before going into the making process. 

It goes through the making of different types of candles as well as the best fragrances to combine and use.




Making Candles and Soaps For Dummies 



Instructions to make floating candles and herbal soaps. Learn the secrets of color, shape, and scent in an easy and enjoyable way. 
Whether you're a beginner or seasoned craft person, this fun book offers everything you need to make beautiful, professional-looking candles and soaps at home. 
There are practical tips on dyeing and scenting wax, using unusual molds and adding embellishments to your candles too.
Even some practical tips on turning your hobby into a business.
What more could you want.



House of Crafts Candlemaking Craft Kit



  • Make your own candles
  • This kit is packed full with creative new ideas within this ever-popular pastime
  • Ideal for gifts
  • Kit includes wax pellets, candle moulds, coloured dyes, fragrance oil, bulb pipette, wicks, wick rods, mould sealer and full instructions





Practical Uses.


Candle making can be fun to learn. Its wonderful to make your own candles and also give them as gifts. They can also be useful to make as part of the decor for a wedding. Making things you can use yourself gives great satisfaction as well as a sense of achievement.
If you continue to enjoy the creative craft you could even turn your hobby into a business. Especially going the eco friendly natural route as they are becoming so popular.

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I hope you enjoyed this blog post, if you did please share.
Questions and comments welcome.
Thank you for visiting.

04/08/2019

My Trials & Tribulations

I started off so well, writing again. Now here I am weeks on and only just writing another post. That real life stuff keeps getting in the way

I finally did get back here after changing my domain hosting and to my horror, discovered the blog was down. I could get in the admin side but the site wasn't showing up.
Now this was scary stuff.



 I was sent information on what to do next but it might as well have been in alien speak for all the good it did me.

Now what was I supposed to do. I kept messaging the support, kept getting links for help/what to do?
Still looked like an alien language but with the blog down I had to bite the bullet and try. Well I learned about 'nameservers' 'A names' 'C names' and 'DNS'. Apparently that's not the same as DNA. Who knew?😂
Well, I just followed instructions until all this stuff was changed.



Could the impossible become possible?




Would I get it right?



The good news is that big red angry writing only appeared once and disappeared when I redid that bit, then everything seemed happy, nice green ticks.✅
But the blog still didn't appear.
Yes I know I was supposed to wait at least 24 hours but who can wait that long?


Well me apparently ......... because it didn't matter how often I checked there wasn't any change.

BUT!!!

Wait for it...... oh you know what I am going to say because you are reading this saga. So yes, this morning it had reappeared, large as life.

YAY!!!!


I just get busier by the day,
life seems to get in the way.
I try to find extra time to write
but Father time will not bite.
I rise early, retire late
lack of sleep is my fate.
Still there aren't enough hours
to even get to smell the flowers.
Then disaster appears, no blog.
now I have a mental fog.
My poor brain is churning
there's technical & tricky learning.
Orders waiting but this has to be done,
oh woe is me, this isn't fun!
I will not be defeated
kept going till twas completed.
Finally, at last, victory is mine,
many green ticks in a line.
Then at last the final test...
a click, my fears are laid to rest!!


I hope you enjoyed this blog, now it is finally back up and running. This is true and was very annoying and time wasting at the time.
The moral of the story is: Check whether anything will happen, good or bad, before you do things. Don't be impulsive like me.
Will I check first  next time? Probably not, I can be impulsive. LOL.
If you enjoyed the read, please share for others to learn from or laugh at.
Have you had anything like this happen? Would love to hear about it!



08/04/2018

Facebook tips

My tips for using Facebook.
First of all I have to say that I am not an expert by any means, nor ever likely to be. Having said that you can`t use any social media platform without learning what works best for you.
Put a link to your business page on your personal page. Most people comment via a personal page, but the person behind the post you commented on cannot find you without a link. A lot miss out on extra likers because they aren`t easily found.
Facebook reach is how many people get to see your post. This no longer depends on how many `likers` or `followers` your business page has, as it did in the past. Now you have to work much harder to improve it or even keep it at a steady level. This is time consuming but worthwhile so that more people get to see your products.
Post regularly, at least once a day to encourage interaction with your posts. The more interaction you get, the more the reach improves. I have also found that if I respond to each comment that seems to make a difference too. I also go and comment on random posts, as I discovered that when I do, the reach figures rise.
I also do my best to comment on at least one post, more if time allows, of those that have commented on my posts. It is after all a two way street. You cannot complain that your reach is poor and no one sees or comments on your posts unless you are prepared to make the effort too.
Many have said that if people don`t reciprocate, they no longer bother with the persons page. They will persevere for a while, then give up. It`s no good flogging a dead horse, as the saying goes.
We all have very busy times where social media has to take a back seat, so you let people know you are taking a break because of the volume of orders/sales/clients etc. Once past it though you renew those efforts once more.
I have also noticed lately that the `reach` goes in waves, climbing steadily, peaking, then going back down steadily. There seems no rhyme or reason to it, I do nothing different, in fact I have increased my efforts at times but it still goes down steadily, pauses, then climbs once more.

Facebook can be the bane of life
those changing numbers causing strife.
Number watching can drive you nuts
considering all the ifs and buts.
In time you`ll find what works for you
understanding the rhythmn is the clue.
Every so often come the dire warnings
for old hands, it causes many yawnings.
They are a business, FB, just like you
they want to increase profits too.
They are going to do their very best
and put us severely to the test
in a bid to get our money
but we don`t find it funny.
FB get your act together
cos we`re at the end of our tether!


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