Dainty Button: The Fan Page Transition

Saturday, February 5, 2011

The Fan Page Transition

And again, I find something to make my life just a bit busier. It's a cycle that never ends. Would you actually believe it if I told you, I'm working on adding SIMPLICITY to my life? I really am! Where shall I begin?

After a whirlwind year of an accidental business and a successful grand opening, I find myself evaluating certain things in my business, and even my personal life (they really bleed into each other), I am finding ways to simplify things. Problemo numbero uno. Problem number one, for those that don't speak spanish. I don't speak spanish either. I just happen to know a few words. I made a major "oops" last year when I began my business. Because it began as a hobby, I really didn't take much effort into keeping track of expense, time, labor, etc. I just created things and they sold. Well, when I finally realized that "Hey, this is actually a business.", I was quite in over my head and just started keeping records, receipts, etc. I basically gave it all to my accountant and let her work her magic. It appears the problem was taken care of. Wrong. When I sat down with my banker a couple weeks ago, he asked me questions about net profit, revenue, blah, blah, blah. Hmmm? Help! Where's my accountant? What's he saying? I was so confused. And upset. I actually have a good point and exciting news to this blog. I'm just taking the scenic route : ) Anyways...I was upset. I hate feeling like a failure. Not that people actually mind feeling that way. But, there's a sense of irritation when it's your own business and you don't even know all the loops, especially when it comes to the finances. So, as always, I became very stubborn and persistent on fixing the problem. I spoke with my accountant and she *gasp* gave me homework. She "suggested" (it was more of a "you'll have to do this" sort of suggestion) that I sit down and take inventory of everything I have put work into. Are you kidding me? Seriously? She wasn't kidding. And she was dead serious. So, guess what I have been doing the last week? Running figures on every single item that's in my inventory. I'd like to say I enjoyed this challenge, but my parent's taught me not to lie.

Isn't it amazing how it takes so much work to actually make things in life simpler? It took me a week to finish this little challenge, but guess what? My business will run smoother and simpler. Funny how that works. So, now "Mr. Banker" will have met his match at our next meeting. Hmph!

Simplicity City task #2: My shipping. Many customers, especially those new to etsy, don't understand the shipping policy, so to speak. I've had numerous customers place an order and within 24 hours, email me asking if it had been shipped yet. That would be great, except I actually hand make EVERY single design and well, I am only one person. Yes, I have a great team that works with me, but we are also human and as much as it would be great, I don't have a factory full of people making headbands. When I began Dainty Button, I was good at getting items out within a few days. When things began to quickly pick up, I had to extend the turnaround. I was so worried that I would lose clientele if my shipping turnaround was too long. I researched this out and was surprised to find out that it was the norm for "handmade by me for you" items to have a turnaround of anywhere from 7 to 14 days. Hmmm. Well, this has worked for me. It's HAD to work for me. There has been no easier or quicker way. I have been so swamped and not been able to get it out sooner. Well, it appears there is light at the end of the tunnel where my shipping turnaround is concerned. See, now that I have this whole "inventory" thing under my belt, my grand opening complete, everything all nice and organized, etc., I can actually do as so many people have suggested and create a "stock" of Dainty Button, so to speak. Trust me, it's alot easier said than done. Now, it can be DONE! That is the reason come Monday, I will be closing my etsy shop for a week. I hate doing this. Especially, since I just closed it down two weeks ago for a week and well, when this is your livelihood, it's kind of important to actually make money. But, yet another challenge that will make things so much more simpler. I think I can suck this one up. So, please keep my team and I in your prayers and well wishes as we create Dainty Button's "stock" this next week. I promise, this will make it so worth it, for you and us. Quicker delivery!

Ok. Now to what I'm actually blogging about. This all boils down to SIMPLICITY, so the first part kinda counts. Another "oops" at the beginning of my business. See, running your own business is not always peachy keen. I should have created a "fan page" on facebook when Dainty Button was birthed. Yes, this blog is about facebook. I created a "friends" page. This hasn't really been too much of a problem, except when people post those silly "farmville" requests, among other very annoying things. I also have to accept every friend request. I'm not complaining at all, by no means. I'm happy for every friend, fan, customer, etc. on Dainty Button's facebook page, but at times, especially when I'm really busy, it can be a little time consuming. I also have seen some great marketing tools if you have a "fan page". So, after alot of "should I?"'s, I have decided to make the switch. And another challenging task that in the end will make things SIMPLER.

The challenge? Getting over 2,000 "friends" to switch over, including all of my photo albums and what not. Jealous? Well, I have brainstormed a motivational way of hopefully getting the majority of my "friends list" to make the switch. What better way than a contest and giveaway?

It's going to be fairly easy. I think. See, I've already created a "fan page". BUT. The contest doesn't begin until Monday. Sorry. On Monday, or anytime after Monday, once you switch over from the Dainty Button "friends" page to the "fan page", all you have to do is post "I crossed over". Once you post this easy little quote, you'll be entered to win a Dainty Button Spring Swag Bag. A little bit of a tongue twister, huh?

The Details/Rules:

1. The contest will begin Monday, February 7th at 10 AM (PST). I will "suggest" Dainty Button's "fan page" from the original Dainty Button "friends page". The original will phase out by Friday.

2. You will have until Friday, February 11th at 11:59 (PST) to switch over, "like", become a fan and comment.

3. Want to double your chance at winning? There's a chance for that too. If you suggest Dainty Button's new "fan page" each day after you become a "fan", yourself, comment on the new "fan page" that you "shared", it will increase your chance at winning.

4. Want to triple your chance at winning? There's a chance for that too. Complete steps 1 and 2, and then head over to this blog post and comment that you "liked" and "shared". This can be a "on time" deal or daily. It all depends on how bad you want to win.

So, what's the Spring Swag Bag?

Here's a little peak...