Weekly-ish notes on navigating big change

Searching for "income reports"

Podcast Transcripts

As a giant THANK YOU for subscribing, I'm sharing my podcast notes with you!

Please keep in mind that these aren't word-for-word transcripts of what I've said, but rather, the notes I make before I record, edited to make a bit more sense and to link to anything I've mentioned. If you enjoy the podcast, please tell your friends and leave a review on iTunes!

We started making transcripts with episode 56, but we're willing to go back and edit (and prettify) the notes from earlier podcasts, just let me know which one you'd like!

#26: How to use Facebook, Twitter and Instagram for your Business – Podcast EpisodePodcast Transcript

#56: What you can learn from Income Reports – Podcast EpisodePodcast Transcript

#57: The Difference Between Effective & Sleazy marketing – Podcast episodePodcast transcript

#58: What I've Learned in 33 Years – Podcast EpisodePodcast Transcript

#59: The Most Effective Way to Grow Your Business – Podcast EpisodePodcast Transcript

#60: An Interview with Fiber Artist Sasha Torres – Podcast Episode – No transcript since this was an interview!

#61: The Four Tendencies: How to Make Real Change in Life + Business – Podcast EpisodePodcast Transcript

#62 – An Interview with Knitwear Designer Corrina Ferguson – Podcast Episode – No transcript since this was an interview!

#63 – Business Boundaries: How to create boundaries + expectations to keep you sane – Podcast EpisodePodcast Transcript

#64 – Mo' Money, Mo' Problems – Podcast EpisodePodcast Transcript

#65 – 5 Steps to Grow Your Business – Podcast EpisodePodcast Transcript

#66 – Get the Support You Need: 7 Steps to Hiring Your First Person – Podcast EpisodePodcast Transcript

#67 – Focus: How to Get it and Keep it – Podcast EpisodePodcast Transcript

#68 – Megan Auman on visual marketing, neuroscience of desire, and MBAs – Podcast Episode – No transcript since this was an interview!

#69 – Get More Done: A Sneak Peek at the CreativeLive Class – Podcast Episode Podcast Transcript

#70 – Abby Glassenberg on Email Marketing for Crafters – Podcast Episode – No transcript since this was an interview!

#71 – Lisa Jacobs on Copywriting and Income Reports – Podcast Episode – No transcript since this was an interview!

#72 – Make 2015 Awesome: It's Not Too Late – Podcast EpisodePodcast Transcript

#73 – The Secret of Reaching Goals (and how I forgot it) – Podcast EpisodePodcast Transcript

#74 – Why Your Creative Business Dreams Haven't Come True – Podcast EpisodePodcast Transcript

#75 – Why aren't people buying? Here's how to find out + crush it – Podcast EpisodePodcast Transcript

#76 – An interview with Knitwear Designer + Instructor Jill Wolcott – Podcast Episode – No transcript since it was an interview!

#77 – The Introvert's Survival Guide for Conferences – Podcast EpisodePodcast Transcript

#78 – Grace Dobush on Making the Most of Craft Conferences – Podcast Episode – No transcript since it was an interview!

#79 – Defeat Self Doubt – Podcast EpisodePodcast Transcript

#80 – An interview with artist Laureen Marchand – Podcast Episode – No transcript since it was an interview!

#81 – How to be “authentic” without being a hot mess – Podcast EpisodePodcast Transcript

#82 – Fear + Success are not Mutually Exclusive – Podcast EpisodePodcast Transcript

#83 – Enjoy the end of the year in your creative business – Podcast EpisodePodcast Transcript

#84 – How to get traction in your creative business – Podcast EpisodePodcast Transcript

#85 – The biggest challenge your creative business faces – Podcast EpisodePodcast Transcript

#86 – 3 Creative Biz lessons I learned in 2015 – Podcast EpisodePodcast Transcript

#87 – 7 Principles to have your Best Year Ever – Podcast EpisodePodcast Transcript

#88 – Marketing Burnout: How to avoid it and deal with it – Podcast EpisodePodcast Transcript

#89 – Mission, Strategy, Tactics – Podcast EpisodePodcast Transcript

#90 – The 8 Best Books for your Creative Business – Podcast EpisodePodcast Transcript

#91 – Why you're afraid of setting a goal – Podcast EpisodePodcast Transcript

#92 – Inspiration isn't enough – Podcast EpisodePodcast Transcript

#93 – The difference between arrogance and confidence – Podcast EpisodePodcast Transcript

#94 – 4 steps to sound like a human, connect with your customers, and sell more stuff – Podcast EpisodePodcast Transcript

#95 – How to fit all of your marketing pieces together – Podcast EpisodePodcast Transcript

#96 – Yarn Shop Owner and Craft Wars Survivor Esther Hall – Podcast Episode – No transcript because it's an interview

#97 – Singer, designer, + intentional living guide Lynn Hershberger – Podcast Episode – No transcript because it's an interview

#98 – Be the Captain of your Own Ship – Podcast EpisodePodcast Transcript

#99 – Interview with Retreat Organizer and Knitwear Designer Varian Brandon – Podcast Episode – No transcript because it's an interview

#100 – A live call-in show with Tara! – Podcast EpisodePodcast Transcript (and FREE worksheet!)

#101 – Why Your Goal Failed (and a free worksheet to make a better goal!) – Podcast EpisodePodcast Transcript (and FREE worksheet!)

#102 – Stop Creating Marketing Distractions – Podcast EpisodePodcast Transcript (and FREE worksheet!)

#103 – How to stop feeling weird talking about your work – Podcast EpisodePodcast Transcript (and FREE worksheet!)

#104 – How to make time for marketing – Podcast EpisodePodcast Transcript

#105 – How to Set Marketing Expectations – Podcast EpisodePodcast Transcript

#106 – An interview with video podcaster, knitwear designer, and retreat host C.C. Almon – Podcast Episode – No transcript because it's an interview!

#107 – 3 Lessons from The Introvert Entrepreneur – Podcast EpisodePodcast Transcript

#108 – You're invited to love your business (the #MonthofBizLove challenge) – Podcast EpisodeFREE #MonthofBizLove workbook

#109 – How to Have a Business you Love – Podcast EpisodePodcast Transcript

#110 – The Magical Power of Celebration + Review – Podcast EpisodePodcast Transcript

#111 – Interview with Fiber Farmer Lisa Check – Podcast Episode – No transcript because it was an interview!

#112 – The 4 Foundations of Your Creative Business (aka, where to spend your time) – Podcast EpisodePodcast Transcript

#113 – The Real Challenge: Consistency – Podcast EpisodePodcast TranscriptFree Bonus Worksheet!

#114 – What's stopping you? – Podcast EpisodePodcast Transcript

#115 – Reframe it: Turn obstacles into action – Podcast EpisodePodcast Transcript

#116 – Criticism: Should you ignore it or accept it? – Podcast EpisodePodcast Transcript

#117 – How to Focus on Your Right People – Podcast EpisodePodcast Transcript (and FREE worksheet!)

#118 – Talking Collaboration + Promotion Partners with Knitwear Designer Lisa Barnes – Podcast Episode – No transcript because it's an interview

#119 – Feeling unmotivated? Here's how to get more done – Podcast EpisodePodcast Transcript (and FREE Guide!)

#120 – How to be authentic (without being a hot mess!) – Podcast EpisodePodcast Transcript (and FREE worksheet!)

#121 – How to say NO to anything – Podcast EpisodePodcast Transcript (and FREE worksheet!)

#122 – How do YOU Get Stuff Done? – Podcast EpisodeFREE Resource Guide

#123 – The Truth about Depression and Anxiety – Podcast EpisodePodcast Transcript

#124 – Collaboration + Self-Publishing with Kathleen + Anne of Filament – Podcast Episode – No transcript because it's an interview

#125 – You are ENOUGH – Podcast EpisodePodcast Transcript

#126 – What Confidence IS and IS NOT – Podcast EpisodePodcast Transcript

#127 – How to Handle Failure – Podcast EpisodePodcast Transcript

#128 – Don't Wait to be Chosen – Podcast EpisodePodcast Transcript (and FREE worksheet!)

#129 – Accept All Compliments – Podcast EpisodePodcast Transcript

#130 – You Have Permission – Podcast EpisodePodcast Transcript (and FREE permission slip!)

#131 – How to take action, without waiting around for more confidence – Podcast EpisodePodcast Transcript

#132 – When you need to take a break from your business – Podcast EpisodePodcast Transcript

#133 – A conversation with Yarn in the City co-founders Allison and Rachel – Podcast Episode – No transcript since it was an interview

#134 – Apps + tools for the international biz lady – Podcast Episode – No transcript (links are at the bottom of the post!)

#135 – How to get back to work after a break – Podcast EpisodePodcast Transcript

#136 – The importance of New Year planning (and how I do it) – Podcast EpisodePodcast Transcript

#137 – The One Resolution you Need to Make (and how to do it) – Podcast EpisodePodcast Transcript (with free worksheet!)

#138 – Instagram Stories, Choosing the Right Idea, + More of Your Questions Answered – Podcast Episode Podcast Transcript

#139 – Avoid these 3 Instagram mistakes: a conversation and a new challenge – Podcast EpisodePodcast Transcript

#140 – 9 Emails you can send for your handmade business tomorrow – Podcast EpisodePodcast Transcript

#141 – The Key to Consistency + Success = Grit – Podcast EpisodePodcast Transcript

#142 – Conversations around the TNNA Floor – Podcast Episode – No transcript because it was a live event

#143 – 5 Steps to Effective Copywriting – Podcast EpisodePodcast Transcript

#144 – How to have a business you LOVE – Podcast EpisodePodcast Transcript

#145 – How to get out of bed in the morning when everything is awful – Podcast Episode – Podcast Transcript

#146 – Lessons Learned from REAL Income Reports – Podcast EpisodePodcast Transcript

#147 – The 5 Accounting Terms You Need to Know in Your Small Biz – Podcast EpisodePodcast Transcript

#148 – Should you work for free? – Podcast EpisodePodcast Transcript

#149 – How to Stay on Top of Your Accounting – Podcast EpisodePodcast Transcript

#150 – Do you have a business or a hobby? – Podcast EpisodePodcast Transcript (and FREE worksheet!)

#151 – One pricing strategy does NOT fit all – Podcast EpisodePodcast Transcript (and FREE worksheet!)

#152 – Results from YOUR income reports – Podcast EpisodePodcast Transcript

#153 – Anxiety + Depression: What Works, 1 Year Later – Podcast Episode Podcast Transcript

#154 – Long Term vs. Short Term Thinking – Podcast EpisodePodcast Transcript

#155 – Your Mindset Matters – Podcast Episode – No transcript because it's a conversation with Joeli!

#156 – The Article That Changed the Way I do Business – Podcast EpisodePodcast Transcript

#157 – What People Get Wrong about Marketing – Podcast EpisodePodcast Transcript

#158 – Coming back after illness, finding time for everything, and handling discouragement – Podcast Episode – No transcript because this episode was a Q&A!

#159 – Email list growth, self-publishing, + what I'd do differently – Podcast Episode – No transcript because this was a Q&A!

#160 – Reflections on my 35th Birthday – Podcast EpisodePodcast Transcript

#161 – How I changed my relationship with money – Podcast EpisodePodcast Transcript

#162 – How to launch your next product or design – Podcast EpisodePodcast Transcript

#163 – 2017 is halfway over. How about your goals? – Podcast EpisodePodcast Transcript

#164 – Your Questions Answered: making friends, failed launches, and why you need a business profile – Podcast Episode – No transcript because this was a Q&A!

#166 – How to make a great day every day – Podcast EpisodePodcast Transcript

#167 – Happiness and Radical Responsibility – Podcast EpisodePodcast Transcript

#168 – How (and why) my business has changed over the years: an inside look – Podcast EpisodePodcast Transcript

#169 – The social media tools I use and why – Podcast EpisodePodcast Transcript 

#170 – Your Questions Answered: Pricing, Quitting Your Day Job, and more – Podcast Episode – No transcript because this was a Q&A!

#171 – How to get more rejection & grow your biz – Podcast EpisodePodcast Transcript

#172 – Inside the Starship: Who, What and How we build stellar businesses – Podcast EpisodePodcast Transcript

#173 – How to fix YOUR relationship with money – Podcast EpisodePodcast Transcript

#174 – How to apply The Slight Edge – Podcast Episode – No transcript this week!

#175 – Are you limiting yourself? – Podcast EpisodePodcast Transcript

#176 – Habits make the business – Podcast EpisodePodcast Transcript

#177 – Mindfulness: our favorite tools with Kara Gott-Warner – Podcast Episode – No Transcript this week!

#178 – How I Found Time for a Whole New Business – Podcast Episode Podcast Transcript

#179 – My best-ever marketing tool (and how to use it in your creative business) – Podcast EpisodePodcast Transcript

#180 – How to be great at sales (without being sales-y) – Podcast EpisodePodcast Transcript

#181 – Your Questions Answered – Podcast Episode – No Transcript this week!

#182 – Fear of disapproval: get over it – Podcast EpisodePodcast Transcript

#183 – How Emotions are Made (and how that impacts your business) – Podcast EpisodePodcast Transcript

#184 – Sane Holiday: 3 questions for the busy creative – Podcast EpisodePodcast Transcript

#185 – Permission to Rest – Podcast EpisodePodcast Transcript

#186 – My Favorites: 2017 edition – Podcast EpisodePodcast Transcript

#187 – How to plan for what you really want in 2018 – Podcast Episode – No Transcript this week!

#188 – How to make a fresh start – Podcast EpisodePodcast Transcript

#189 – Stop seeking approval (and build a great business) – Podcast EpisodePodcast Transcript

#190 – What if your success if a fluke? – Podcast EpisodePodcast Transcript

#191 – Stretch Goals: the key to hitting big goals – Podcast EpisodePodcast Transcript

#192 – What I've been reading: January 2018 – Podcast EpisodePodcast Transcript

#193 – What do to when sales are low + you feel awful – Podcast EpisodePodcast Transcript

#194 – Stand by your prices – Podcast EpisodePodcast Transcript

#195 – Your Questions Answered – Podcast Episode – No Transcript this week!

#196 – What I'm reading: February 2018 – Podcast Episode – No Transcript this week!

#197 – Pressure to be Perfect – Podcast EpisodePodcast Transcript

#198 – The Power of Knowing Your Numbers – Podcast EpisodePodcast Transcript

#199 – Interview with Tara – Podcast Episode – No Transcript this week!

#200 – Episode 200, the call in show! – Podcast Episode – No Transcript this week!

#201 – What I'm reading: March 2018 – Podcast Episode – No Transcript this week!

#202 – Best Advice Ever: Your questions answered – Podcast EpisodePodcast Transcript

#203 – Advice to a new business owner: Your questions answered – Podcast EpisodePodcast Transcript

#204 – Dealing with Uncertainty: Your questions answered – Podcast EpisodePodcast Transcript

#205 – What I'm reading: April 2018 – Podcast Episode – No Transcript this week.

#206 – Combat Information Overwhelm: Your questions answered – Podcast EpisodePodcast Transcript

#207 – The emotional side of uncertainty – Podcast EpisodePodcast Transcript

#208 – How to get stuff done when you don't want to – Podcast EpisodePodcast Transcript

#209 – What I'm reading: May 2018 – Podcast Episode – No transcript this week

#210 – Fit it all together: Your marketing plan – Podcast EpisodePodcast Transcript

#211 – On my 36th birthday – Podcast EpisodePodcast Transcript

#212 – Announcement! Insight into a personal decision – Podcast Episode – No transcript this week!

#213 – Your questions answered: Blogging, benefits and slowing down sales – Podcast Episode + Transcript – No transcript this week!

#214 – What I'm Reading: July 2018 – Podcast Episode + Transcript  – No transcript this week!

#215 – Goals vs Systems: How to reach your 2018 goals – Podcast Episode + TranscriptPodcast Worksheet

#216 – When things don't go as planned – Podcast Episode + TranscriptPodcast Worksheet

#217 – Translate Love into Sales: Your questions answered – Podcast Episode + Transcript – No worksheet this week

#218 – What I'm reading: August 2018 – Podcast Episode + Transcript – No worksheet this week

#219 – Branding vs Marketing vs Sales – Podcast Episode + Transcript – No worksheet this week

#220 – How do you keep going when everything is GOOD? – Podcast Episode + Transcript – No worksheet this week

#221 – Foundations of a healthy business: what you truly need to succeed – Podcast Episode + Transcript – No worksheet this week

#222: Upgrade your “everybody” – Podcast Episode + Transcript – No worksheet this week

#223: What I'm reading: September 2018 – Podcast Episode + Transcript – No worksheet this week

#224: How I dramatically simplified my business – Podcast Episode + Transcript – No worksheet this week

#225: Post-summer Renewal – Podcast Episode + TranscriptPost-Summer Kickstart Worksheet

#226: Why you self-sabotage – Podcast Episode + Transcript – No worksheet this week

#227: What I'm reading: October 2018 – Podcast Episode + Transcript – No worksheet this week

#228: When you have too many ideas – Podcast Episode + Transcript – No worksheet this week

#229: Taking Parental Leave with Stacey Trock – Podcast Episode + Transcript – No worksheet this week

#230: Play Your Own Game – Podcast Episode + Transcript  – No worksheet this week

#231: How stress is affecting your (& what to do about it) with Joeli Kelly – Podcast Episode + Transcript – No worksheet this week

#232: What I'm Reading: November 2018 – Podcast Episode + Transcript 

#233: Imposter Syndrome: How to stop it from stopping you – Podcast Episode + Transcript

#234: 6 Episodes you HAVE to listen to – Podcast Episode + Transcript

#235: Trust Yourself: A beginner's guide – Podcast Episode + Transcript 

#236: What I'm Reading: December 2018 – Podcast Episode + Transcript

#237: In Conversation: Mary Roth and Joeli Kelly about goals, milestones and Starship – Podcast Episode + Transcript 

#238: Staying sane: Let go of holiday expectations – Podcast Episode + Transcript 

#239: How to plan the best year ever – Podcast Episode + Transcript

#240: How to be an introvert in business with Stacey Trock – Podcast Episode + Transcript 

#241: Turn a bad day around: mental health checklist – Podcast Episode + Transcript 

#242: Celebration is important to your business success: how and why to celebrate – Podcast Episode + Transcript

#243: What I'm reading: Winter 2019 – Podcast Episode +Transcript

#244: Beyond goal-setting: daily and weekly plans – Podcast Episode + Transcript

#245: Seasons in business – Podcast Episode + Transcript 

#246: How to stop being hard on yourself – Podcast Episode + Transcript 

#247: What I'm Reading: February 2019 – Podcast Episode + Transcript

#248: My favorite podcasts – Podcast Episode + Transcript 

#249: When to quit – Podcast Episode + Transcript

#250: Q+A: schedules, toddlers, and why we do foster care – Podcast Episode + Transcript 

#251: What I'm Reading: March 2019 – Podcast Episode + Transcript 

#252: Get your confidence back – Podcast Episode + Transcript 

#253: Q+A with my husband! – Podcast Episode + Transcript 

#254: How to plan in uncertain times – Podcast Episode + Transcript

#255: What I'm Reading: April 2019 – Podcast Episode

#256: Time: there's never enough – Podcast Episode + Transcript

#257: The Myth of “Balance” – Podcast Episode + Transcript

#258: You have impact – Podcast Episode + Transcript

#259: How to be unapologetic – Podcast Episode + Transcript

#260: What I'm Reading: May 2019 – Podcast Episode

#261: 37th Birthday Lessons – Podcast Episode + Transcript

#262: Mindset is Contagious: a conversation with Jay Swiger – Podcast Episode + Transcript

#263: Failure as Fuel – Podcast Episode + Transcript

#264: Summer Reading Resources – Podcast Episode + Transcript

#265: 10 Years of Self-Employment: What I've Learned – Podcast Episode + Transcript

#266: Episode 1: Getting Started (rebroadcast) – Podcast Episode + Links

#267: How to Launch Anything (rebroadcast) – Podcast Episode + Links

#268: Fear of Success (rebroadcast) – Podcast Episode + Links

#269: Be Yourself (rebroadcast) – Podcast Episode + Links

#270: Stop Seeking Approval (rebroadcast) – Podcast Episode + Transcript

#271: Get Over Your Fear of Disapproval (rebroadcast) – Podcast Episode + Transcript

#272: Stretch Goals (rebroadcast) – Podcast Episode + Transcript

#273: Pressure to be Perfect (rebroadcast) – Podcast Episode + Transcript

#274: How to recover from summer – Podcast Episode + Transcript

#275: What I Read: Summer 2019 – Podcast Episodes + Links

#276: Q+A promotion, saying no, and balancing multiple businesses – Podcast Episodes + Links

#277: Business Plans: Do you need one? – Podcast Episodes + Transcript

#278: Business Plans: Sneak peek into our business plan (+ how to make your own) – Podcast Episode + Transcript

#279: How to survive social media burnout – Podcast Episodes + Transcript

#280: Biz lessons from (foster) parenting – Podcast Episodes + Transcript

#281: How to invest in your business – Podcast Episode + Transcript

#282: Get your shop ready for the holidays – Podcast Episode + Transcript

#283: How to make time to APPLY what you learn – Podcast Episode + Transcript

#284: You have more than enough time – Podcast Episode + Transcript

#285: Mental health during the holidays – Podcast Episode + Transcript

#286: Favorite books: Autumn 2019 – Podcast Episodes + Transcript

#287: How I use planners in my business – paper planner edition – Podcast Episode + Transcript

#288: How I use planners in my business – Asana edition – Podcast Episode + Transcript

#289: How to decide on your next goal – Podcast Episode + Transcript

#290: Skip the Resolutions, Transform your Life – Podcast Episode + Transcript

#291: How I'm planning 2020 – Podcast Episode + Transcript

#292: Your Launch Plan: 5 Steps to Growth – Podcast Episode + Transcript

#293: What’s next? Continuous sales after launch – Podcast Episode + Transcript

#294: What's holding you back? – Podcast Episode + Transcript

#295: Get out of your own way – Podcast Episode + Transcript

#296: Fix Your Mindset – Podcast Episode + Transcript

#297: Favorite books of Winter 2020 – Podcast Episode + Transcript

#298: How Instagram Creates Sales – Podcast Episode + Transcript

#299: Why Instagram Stories? 

#300: Celebrations! A Q+A

#301: 3 Mistakes to Avoid in Your Creative Business

#302: Global Uncertainty (How to deal) 

#303: How to Make a Decision

#304: How to Plan in Uncertainty

#305: Finding Enthusiasm in Uncertainty

#306: Mindest and Business Podcasts by Black Women

#308: Favorite Books of Spring 2020

#309: BIG Changes in Life and Business (new baby!)

#310: MORE Big Changes (3 more kids!)

 

 

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You’re invited to get real {Podcast}

The real numbers project

What do other makers actually…make? How long did it take them to make a profit? What works?

Over the last several years I've talked to hundreds of makers and gotten an inside look at what works for them, what they're really making, and how they're making it all work. I've shared their stories with interviews and in lessons learned…but as great as those are, they still don't dig deep enough to the real numbers – traffic, sales, reality.

In this episode, I tell you how I want to share the real numbers with you and how you can help. It's all anonymous and it's all for a good reason – to get real about what works in small crafty businesses. Share your numbers here.

For more information on this project …

How to listen

Find all the podcast episodes here.

 

 

The Real Numbers Project

Real Numbers Project

Confession: I'm obsessed with reading income reports.

It was Abby who first introduced me to the idea when we met for coffee (she pointed me towards Pinch of Yum's) and a few months later she started doing quarterly reports. Since then I've found them from all kinds of businesses. Some are impressive, some are informative, but all of them are educational. Instead of talking about “success” and “growth”, they show you the real facts on the ground. I've considered sharing my own, but that wouldn’t be very helpful to you, because your business is totally different than mine. (You sell a product you make by hand, right? I sell words and education. Our models are different, so the numbers are different.)

But there's something here, right? Something that could serve you and inform you and help you feel not-so-alone … if we could find income reports that actually relate to what you do and that are relatable in their scale.

So let’s do it together.

I’m going to do a series on Real Numbers of (creative) Entrepreneurs – with real numbers and data, from real businesses. In order to do this, I need to collect the numbers – YOUR numbers. But I want this to be totally honest and easy, so it'll be completely anonymous. All you have to do is fill this out. There's no spot for your email address or your name, so no one will know it's you.

And then, I'm going to share it with you here, in the newsletter and on the blog. Not as statistics, but as individual case studies. I'm going to show you what other makers, just like you, are doing – how they're doing it, what works for them and what doesn't. It's my hope that seeing this broad array of ways-of-making-it-work will help you feel not-so-alone, and  help you stop comparing yourself to all those super “successful” businesses that are in a totally different place than you.

But this only works if you share your numbers (no matter how tiny they are). There is nothing to be embarrassed about here – your numbers won't be shamed or judged – they will serve as inspiration and encouragement for your fellow makers.

To make this happen, I need your help.

Fill this out in the next 48 hours: http://goo.gl/forms/pZmH1xP4bg

Don’t know your numbers? You need to. Seriously, for your business to grow, you need to know the very basics of your income and expenses. It’s not hard, and you can start with this advice. Pay Yourself walks you through this math.

And keep your eyes peeled for the Real Numbers series – it'll be coming your way, soon.

For more information on this project …

PS – Got creative business-y friends? Share it! 

What do creatives REALLY make? How long does it take? @TaraSwiger is collecting real numbers. Add yours here: http://goo.gl/forms/pZmH1xP4bg

{Click to tweet}

 

86 Things I Loved in 2014

New year. New pound of coffee. #taralovesmornings
It's Friday, and on Fridays I usually post about the adventures of that week…but this week I wanna do something different. When I read Austin Kleon's list, I was immediately inspired to start my own list, as part of my year-end review. I've been adding to it for over a week, and since having 75 things to list is what I'm most grateful for this week, I wanted to share it!

(This is no particular order, I just started listing as things came to me.)

86 things I loved in 2014

  1. Working with the CreativeLIVE team. It inspired me to think about teamwork in a whole new light and opened up a world of what's possible. Also, they made my experience magical.
  2. The entire CreativeLIVE class experience  – the students (online and in person), the work of putting together my best material, the teaching-in-front-of-thousands feeling…and the confidence it built. The experience was not one of my “goals” for the year (it came up organically and I stayed open to it), but I totally needed this.
  3. Jess. She makes my entire life better with her feedback, editing, and smarts.
  4. Meeting and falling into immediate friendship with Misty.
  5. And our knitting video podcast together, which started in a moment of “sure, let's do this!” It's fantastic to have something on my schedule that's just for fun and just about fun. And the community is fantastic
  6. An afternoon with Jill and Amy and Veronique.
  7. Watching TV snuggled with Jay and the pup: Arrow, Sons of Anarchy (OMG!), Game of Thrones.
  8. Having the remote to myself when Jay works late: The Good Wife, Scandal and Gilmore Girls (!!)
  9. Movies in the sofa cinema.
  10. Crafting with mom. Watching her shop grow.
  11. The “podcasting revolution”  (I've been listening to podcasts since 2005…so, it's not really new to me) and especially Startup and Serial and Elise Gets Crafty.
  12. Leading the Starship. The friends I've made, the growth I've been witness to, the celebrations of their awesomeness + fearlessness.
  13. Headspace. For the first time ever, I have a morning routine, and it's all about Headspace.
  14. Starting Explore Your Enthusiasm podcast in under a week, just because I wanted to. The listeners. The pictures in #exploreyourenthusiasm.
  15. Pad Thai.
  16. Actually, the entire Isa Does It book. I made more meals from this book than any other resource.
  17. Alpaca farmers! The Fiber as Business Conference was an amazing experience and the fallout has been fantastically unexpected.
  18. Wooster, OH and the road trip we took to get there. Mission Savvy is all-vegan, in the middle of West Virginia (kind of a shock!); a (small) vegan menu at TJ’s in Wooster, OH; a great breakfast at Spoon Market in downtown Wooster.
  19. Shout outs in the funnest places: International Camelid Quarterly, Yarn Market News, Stamgington's blog, Introvertology, lists of great podcasts, an author's blog, the Rock + Purl podcast, Curvy Yoga, Morning Coffee with Lisa Clarke50 inspiring women on OhMyHandmade!
  20. San Diego + Oceanside.
  21. TNNA and a dinner with a crowded table of yarnie smarties. These are my people.
  22. Reading. A lot. As much as I wanted.
  23. The AMAZING dress Karen made me. No piece of clothing has ever made me happier.
  24. Running through the Redwoods and the entire PacNW road trip with my college roomie.
  25. Training to run a 10k – it was cold, it was hot, and it was really empowering.
  26. Hugging Diane.
  27. Starting a crazy new project with Shannon, just because we're excited.
  28. Realizing that all the best things I did this year was just because it sparked my enthusiasm and sounded like fun! 
  29. In season strawberries on everything.
  30. Last minute Christmas knitting next to the sparkly tree.
  31. “Don’t downsize your joy.” by Alex Franzen
  32. My Great Books Project and especially the surprise of The Odyssey.
  33. Beau. Always Beau. He makes everything better.
  34. Lift Off: dreaming it up, creating it, and watching it change perspectives.
  35. New apps! Cruelty Cutter, Pocket, and Blendoku.
  36. Evernote. (It's where I started this post)
  37. My Chromebook – it's light, fast, and it's SO easy to travel with.
  38. Chocolate Chocolate Chip cookies. Blueberry bars. Apple Crisp. Cinnamon rolls.
  39. Pesto, on everything.
  40.  My new website design! And working with Jessika and having the best experience. I especially love the little smiling planet!
  41. Plucky Knitter yarn. It makes me happy and the community is fun. (In case you're wondering, Hotsy Totsy IS my pink.)
  42. Spinning again.
  43. Finding a shampoo I love and this color-saving conditioner.
  44. Settlers of Catan
  45. Flowering trees!
  46. Reading and learning from the generous sharing of Income Reports – Abby's, Pinch of Yum's and Mei's.
  47. New business tools! Especially CoSchedule, IFTT and Buffer.
  48. Doctor Who was everywhereSlippers. Earrings. My fave mug.
  49. Rainbow-y sampler-y quilts, like this one by Ana Maria Horner and the Tula City Sampler and especially this one
  50. The discussion about being a professional, especially Kim's take on it.
  51. The beautiful vulnerability and braveness and helpfulness of those who blog about their anxiety and depression.
  52. Wednesday morning farmer's markets.
  53. Getting really clear and systematic about my social media strategy.
  54. My Color Affection. I've worn it more than anything else I own.
  55. Interviewing my students and clients and sharing their honesty. 
  56. Capsule Wardrobe! Totally changed my relationship (which was pretty hateful) with my closet.
  57. Stitch Fix! I get one every 3-4 months and I never feel like I “should” be shopping. (I avoid it like the plague, but still need to have some nice things to teach in, ya know?)
  58. Hearing from so many introverts after each “For Introverts” podcast episode. We're not alone (even though we like to be)!
  59. Sarah Von's Yes and Yes. I just want to print out all of her advice and give it to every woman I talk to.
  60. Having 2 classes accepting into Craftcation!
  61. Diane'st fantastic t-shirt quilting class. It finally got our long-saved t-shirts out of storage and into an actual quilt!
  62. Writing things I'm really proud of, like this and this.
  63. Coffee! (Here’s what I drink at a coffeeshop, or at home)
  64. CraftSouth. I'm just glad it exists and I can't wait to visit!
  65. Finally figuring out how to “be myself”.
  66. Vermont.
  67. How to ask useful questions. I've sent this to everyone. If you’re going to email me, please read this first.
  68. Teaching traditional artists and crafters in partnership with Handmade In America, all over North Carolina.
  69. Honesty about having an online business: Making money is easy. Being profitable takes skill. Marissa nails it. (Not sure if you’re going to be profitable? Do the math!)
  70. Saying No and helping my people say no more. Hearing their fantastic no-saying stories, that led to more profit, more time, and more happiness!
  71. Peonies!
  72. Turning 32.
  73. GlutenFreeGirl’s tale of adoption cracked open my heart and made me unendingly grateful for the internet
  74. Hanging art and photos up.
  75. Elise’s great advice on small biz shipping is the MOST repinned thing on my Pinterest. And for good reason!
  76. Connecting with you all in new ways: Instagram, Pinterest and Facebook
  77. “The way to have a clean kitchen is to clean it everyday.” – Stacey, giving the secret to business success
  78. Celebrating 10 years of marriage to my best friend.
  79. Quilts!  Especially this St. Louis 16 patch, Quilt Improv and everything at Red Pepper Quilts + Stitched in Color.  Quilting Happiness is my fave quilting book. (here’s why I loved it).
  80. The Customer Path. This year I seriously explored this concept and saw crazy results in my client's businesses because of it.
  81. I love that Sarah is totally honest about why she writes what she writes on her mega-popular blog.
  82. Bristol Rhythm and Roots festival (especially St Paul and the Broken Bones.)
  83. Spotify and my Happy Sparkly playlist.
  84. Ocean sunsets.
  85. Cat fabrics! Especially Lizzy House’s Catnap and Aneela Hooey’s Hello Petal.
  86. This simple fact: You can have the business you want. Everything in my year and every client I worked with reaffirmed this

 

The Advetnures

Every day is an adventure. I share the view, the gratitude and the news  on Fridays – you’re invited to join in. You can find all my adventures here, or follow along via email here.

The view

I love this time of day! Hope you're having a gorgeous day! ✨????????#widn: drinking coffee, answering emails, writing my next book, and wearing my #bluesandcardigan for the first time EVER (with my #coloraffection shawl). I'll be showing it off on #Periscope in just a minute! Follow me (TaraSwiger) or catch it here: katch

Happy Friday! Today I'm so grateful for: ????leaves and blue skies ???? the awesome replies to #bizconfidencechallenge ☕️ coffee & a good breakfast (tofu scramble) What are you grateful for this week? In about an hour we'll be s
Oh, puppy. 2 seconds alone with my knitting and ????. Over 45 min to untangle. Life's not all neon rainbows, but there's a lot to be grateful for: ????great yarn ???? puppy snuggles clean home ???? plenty of deliciousness How abou
#tbt to the gorgeous bouquets I found at a random gas station with @mcgeeandme in Seattle. Grateful for the short, but awesome visit. #taralovesadventure

I am so grateful for…

  • Warm woollen knits
  • Fantastic conversations with friends and peers
  • Fall leaves
  • The awesome response to the #BizConfidenceChallenge. 

 

The Finds:

I’m reading:

I’m eating: 

Nothing exciting, but I'm starting to pin recipe ideas for the holidays here. (I've recently become waaaay more active on Pinterest. Follow me more lots of creative biz, marketing, and knitting goodness.

In case you missed it: 

  • The #BizConfidenceChallenge is rocking people's businesses and causing massive transformation. Sign up here! 
  • I'm totally reworking the Starship to even better serve members. You can get on the list to find out more here.
  • I finnnnally put all my info together, for those who want to invite me to teach. Find it here! 

What adventures have you had?

The Adventures

Every day is an adventure. I share the view, the gratitude and the news  on Fridays – you’re invited to join in. You can find all my adventures here, or follow along via email here.

The view

#tbt to one of my most-favorite pictures of us, just a few weeks ago at Carissa's wedding.
And #vegan pizza! Soo good! Thanks for the recommendation @onegirlcircus!
My favorite photo of the wedding: the first dance! #Lovelove
You sure are pretty, Oregon!
You certainly are, coffee.   Had the full Grants Pass experience with @dutchbros & Jelly Donut.
Traffic jam on the way to the airport. #taralovesadventure

I am so grateful for…

  • A great brunch with Blair, in Seattle
  • Smooth and (relatively) stress-less travel
  • Support and encouragement from my students
  • Enthusiasm + productivity with my next project. I've been working on it non-stop + it's coming soon!

The Finds:

 Lots to share, but one thing is time sensitive:

I’m reading:

In case you missed it: 

What adventures have you had?

Reviewing the year in your business

As the year wraps up, it’s time to review the past year. Now, this can be as painful as doing your taxes or it can be as fun as attending a New Year’s Eve party.

Let’s do it the fun way, yeah?

Making your yearly wrap-up FUN can be as simple as setting some intentions before you get started – what do you want to learn? What information do you need to make the New Year awesome?

 

I like to know: 

  • What are the best things I did for my business in 2011?
  •  What were my most succesful months?
  •  Where did new business come from?
  •  What risks didn’t pay off?
  •  What was the most painful time (or project) of 2011
    (notice: I didn’t ask what wasn’t successful,because if something was a huge money-maker, but I hated every second of it…I want to avoid it in the future, or find a way to make it more fun)

 

To answer these questions, I do a quick three-step process:

1.  Gather information

2.  Find the connections

3.  Use what I’ve learned

 

1. Gather Information

 

Now, this is the step that you’ll try to avoid, but you’ve gotta just buckle down and do it.

The kind of information you want to gather is:

  • Your business financials, by month (all income and expenses) – I get this by donwloading my Paypal activity by month into  a spreadsheet, then I update the spreadsheet with information from my bank statements (anything that I earned or spent that didn’t go through Paypal). If you use Vianza, these reports are easy to generate!
  • A list of the time-specific marketing you did (what months did you run advertising, attend trade shows, release new lines, etc) – this is easiest to gather if you’ve been writing it down as the year’s progressed, but you can dig through your emails to find the info you need.
  • The metrics that I care about, by month – this is everything that reflects the health of your business that isn’t related to money. For you this might be new accounts (and when you landed them), web traffic (pay attention to spikes, and changes in where the traffic came from), publicity.

 

To keep it simple, I like to organize the information in  a simple list with each month’s final numbers (income and expense), the marketing in that month, and any other metrics listed under the Month Name. If you spread it out too much, over multiple documents, you won’t be able to see as clearly how one month affected the next.

 

Now go back through your months and write in anything else that you think of.
Did a trade show one month lead you to hire someone to help you fill the orders? Or did it overwhelm you so much that you sent orders out late?
Did one retailer fail to pay you one time and mess up your cashflow?
Did you get a sales rep in one month and see your orders double the next month.
Is one month’s income made up from just one big order, while another month’s made up of several small orders?

 

Whew, this is a lot of digging and thinking and it may take you more than one day. Take as long as you need to think over this list and add things as you think of them.

When you're ready for Part 2 of the review process, check it out at Vianza.

 

I wrote this post for Vianza, but liked it so much I had to share it here! Let me know how your review goes!

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