Guts

This year at the Auntie B's Wax world headquarters the mantra is You have to play big to win big. 

That started out just fine when I got over my fear of spending money.  I bought a ton of stuff to keep me in business for an entire year rather than bits and pieces at different times throughout the year as I did in the past.  This saved me money on shipping charges.  Yes, shipping on six hundred pounds of wax costs more than shipping on fifty pounds of wax, but with some smart shopping and a very heavy order I got a deal with hundredweight shipping ~ much more economical than paying substantial money several times a year with smaller orders.  I'll use all the wax, so nothing is wasted and money is saved.  The same is true with other orders.  Shipping charges rise only minimally with an increased order.  Playing big with my money in regard to ordering is saving money.

I'm also spending more money on live show applications.  For those of you who didn't know, participating in craft shows, festivals and events costs money for the vendors.  Different shows cost different amounts of money.  In my case I've always played it really safe, applying to shows that have low registration fees.  Because my items are inexpensive (all items under $20 and most under $10) it takes a lot of sales to make up the cost of doing a show, and even more sales to turn a profit.  This year I've decided to kick it up a notch and apply to some different shows despite registration fees that are higher than I'm used to paying.  Chances are pretty good that a higher-priced show also has higher attendance.  Of course higher attendance increases my chances for sales and my exposure skyrockets.  I've also decided to do more shows, which will cut into my cash, but will increase my chances of sales and exposure.

Taking chances with money is one thing.  Taking chances on wholesale and consignment venues is completely another.  For some reason, rejection by brick and mortar stores hits me harder than rejections given by festival coordinators.  My business is personal, and when someone says they don't think my products would be a good fit for their store it tends to make me feel like...a misfit.  But logic must enter into the business just a tad more than emotion and how I handle rejection is all a part of it.  Today I'm proud to say I took a big chance and submitted a proposal to a store I've long admired.  I feel brave!  I've also resolved to not feeling like a misfit if they reject my proposal.  After all, it's only business.  They too are looking out for what's best for their business.  If they don't want to carry my products, someone else will, and I will keep trying.  And if they accept my propsal?  Kudos to me!  It will be a whole new adventure, giving me inspiration and motivation.

It takes guts to go beyond the comfort zone.  I remember a time when I would get sweaty palms filling out applications for church bazaars.  There are always going to be circumstances that give me sweaty attacks.  I get over it and get used to it.  It's all about taking chances and risks, learning from mistakes, and reveling in successes.  Today I was gutsy.  Yay for me!