Weekly-ish notes on navigating big change

Month: January 2017

The Adventures – January 2017

Here’s a round-up of what I saw, did, and read this month! Follow my Instagram Stories for in-the-moment photos + videos. You can find years of Adventures here.

The News:

  • My new book, Map Your Business, is now out on Amazon! I've also got several boxes here of the print version and I'm sending out copies to everyone who pre-ordered first, and then I'll have more available. If you want a signed copy, find it here!
  • I'm teaching at a summit for LYS owners with Gwen Bortner in Asheville, NC in April. More info here!
  • I've started a new Friday video series where I talk about the lessons I'm learning while I build my own biz. Find it here!

The View

A photo posted by Tara Swiger (@taraswiger) on

A photo posted by Tara Swiger (@taraswiger) on

A photo posted by Tara Swiger (@taraswiger) on

A photo posted by Tara Swiger (@taraswiger) on

A photo posted by Tara Swiger (@taraswiger) on

A photo posted by Tara Swiger (@taraswiger) on

I am so grateful for…

  • TNNA! Meeting students + hanging out with Starship captains is the best part!
  • The community that has grown around the #ExploreYourEnthusiasm hashtag. I love seeing what you're working on while you watch or listen to the podcast!
  • A series of complex adventures (print book, travel, teaching, webinars, online classes) all going very right, in a very short period of time.

The Finds:

I’m reading:

I'm listening to: 

I'm eating: 

I'm loving:

What did you read, listen to and eat last month? Come tell me on Facebook!

The key to consistency + success = Grit

Do you struggle to set goals, because you’re afraid of missing out on everything else you should be doing? Do you feel like you’re pulled in a million different directions? Today we’re going to talk about why that is, and how to clarify what you want from your business, both from the Big Picture to what you’ll actually do today, and all the stuff in between. Listen in at TaraSwiger.com/podcast141/

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Do you struggle to set goals, because you’re afraid of missing out on everything else you should be doing? Do you feel like you’re pulled in a million different directions? Today we’re going to talk about why that is, and how to clarify what you want from your business, both from the Big Picture to what you’ll actually do today, and all the stuff in between.


This is the image I mention in the podcast episode: 

 

 

Resources:

 

Got a creative business in the midwest?

Join me at MidWest Craft Con! Save 20% by using the code STARSHIP when you buy a 3 day pass!

How to listen

  • You can subscribe to it on iTunes (If you do, leave a review!)
  • You can listen to it using the player above or download it.
  • Subscribe or listen via Stitcher (or subscribe in whatever you use for podcasts – just search “Explore Your Enthusiasm” and it should pop up!).

Find all the podcast episodes here.

9 emails you can send for your handmade business tomorrow

How do you feel about the emails you send, right now? Do they result in sales and conversations with your readers? If not, it's time to experiment. Today I'll share 9 kinds of emails you can be sending for your handmade business. Listen to the episode and get the FREE transcript at TaraSwiger.com/podcast140/

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

How do you feel about the emails you send, right now? Do they result in sales and conversations with your readers? If not, it's time to experiment. Today I'll share 9 kinds of emails you can be sending for your handmade business.

Links Mentioned:

Want the FREE transcript for this episode? Enter your e-mail in the box at the bottom of this post!

How to listen

  • You can subscribe to it on iTunes (If you do, leave a review!)
  • You can listen to it using the player above or download it.
  • Subscribe or listen via Stitcher (or subscribe in whatever you use for podcasts – just search “Explore Your Enthusiasm” and it should pop up!).

Find all the podcast episodes here.

Avoid these 3 Instagram mistakes: A conversation + new challenge

Today on the podcast, I’m not alone! I’m talking with knitwear designer, tech editor, teacher, and co-host of the Manchester workshops, Joeli Kelly of JoeliCreates.com. Joeli reviewed Instagram accounts and found that the same 3 mistakes kept popping up again and again. In this episode, we explore those mistakes (and how you can stop making them!). To help you avoid these mistakes and use Instagram in a way that works for you, Joeli and I have put together 5 days of challenges and prompts that will elevate your Instagram. To join in, sign up below this post! Find it at TaraSwiger.com/podcast139/

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Today on the podcast, I’m not alone! I’m talking with knitwear designer, tech editor, teacher, and co-host of the Manchester workshops, Joeli Kelly of JoeliCreates.com

Joeli reviewed Instagram accounts and found that the same 3 mistakes kept popping up again and again. In this episode, we explore those mistakes (and how you can stop making them!).

To help you avoid these mistakes and use Instagram in a way that works for you, Joeli and I have put together 5 days of challenges and prompts that will elevate your Instagram. To join in, sign up below this post!

How to listen

  • You can subscribe to it on iTunes (If you do, leave a review!)
  • You can listen to it using the player above or download it.
  • Subscribe or listen via Stitcher (or subscribe in whatever you use for podcasts – just search “Explore Your Enthusiasm” and it should pop up!).

Find all the podcast episodes here.

Instagram stories, choosing the right idea, + more of your questions answered

Today I’m answering questions from my Instagram followers. To get your question answered, be sure you’re following me. We cover: How to decide between ideas for new products How to use social media without wasting too much time How to use Instagram Stories for your handmade business. Listen in at TaraSwiger.com/podcast138/

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Today I’m answering questions from my Instagram followers. To get your question answered, be sure you’re following me. We cover:

  • How to decide between ideas for new products
  • How to use social media without wasting too much time
  • How to use Instagram Stories for your handmade business

Resources:

Check out these awesome handmade businesses:

If you want to get your questions answered on the podcast, consider becoming a Patron! Patrons at the $2+ levels get to tell me what to podcast on next, attend live recordings (online!) and ask their questions while I’m recording and have me reply! I’m going to be using patronage to buy a new lighting set-up so I can do more videos throughout the dark winter months. If you want to help with that, support it here. Thanks!

How to listen

  • You can subscribe to it on iTunes (If you do, leave a review!)
  • You can listen to it using the player above or download it.
  • Subscribe or listen via Stitcher (or subscribe in whatever you use for podcasts – just search “Explore Your Enthusiasm” and it should pop up!).

Find all the podcast episodes here.