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[133] Outsourcing Production with Britta Boeckmann

by | Jan 10, 2018 | Podcasts

Have you ever thought about outsourcing the production of your handmade goods?

Maybe you want to grow beyond what one person can achieve. Perhaps you want to outsource the making so you can spend more time dreaming and designing.

Whatever the reason, figuring out exactly HOW to do this is a big challenge.

My guest on the show today – Britta Boeckmann – has done exactly that.

She has worked out how to outsource the making of her beautiful resin-based jewellery overseas in a way that is affordable and ethical. And in this episode, she shares her experiences of the process.

 

Download or listen to this episode.

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You can also subscribe to the podcast and listen to this episode on Apple Podcasts + Stitcher or any other Android App.)

 

 

Heads up! I’m going to be giving a 10% discount off the cost of my Shop Scrutiny service to Thriver Circle members in February.

So if you want me to critique your online handmade shop, make sure that you’re a member of the Circle in February to get access to this special offer!

 

Quotes and Highlights from this Episode:

  • As demand for her product outstripped her manufacturing capacity, Britta changed the direction of her business by bringing on a business partner, Michael, and exploring outsourced production.
  • It took eight months to find the right production partner including research, liaison and site visits in the Philippines.
  • Have clear guidelines as to what you need from a production partner including working conditions, wages, sustainability of resources and technical expertise.
  • To kick start the partnership, Britta designed and made a collection and sent these pieces and the technical drawings to the production partner. They, in turn, created a sample set and returned it for approval.
  • “When you start something like this you have to be aware that its never going to go completely smoothly” {Britta}
  • There are significant investments of time and money when pursuing outsourced production but there are significant benefits.
  • “Outsourced production frees you up for more design work” {Jess}
  • Take a long view with your business and plan accordingly for growth.
  • “You need to have a vision otherwise it is very hard to invest the time” {Britta}
  • After having her work profile grew, Britta saw lot of replication of her designs. This spurred outsourcing production to free up creative time to develop new ideas.
  • “There is no reason to be sad about it – when you do something good there will always be copiers” {Britta}
  • BoldB’s designs do not work to fashion house seasons – if the design is selling it is continued for sale.
  • “If you want to be successful you need to put all your energy in the one idea” {Britta}
  • See Britta’s work on Etsy and her website.

 

Access the Member-Exclusive Episodes of the Create & Thrive Podcast

by | Jan 1, 2018 | Podcasts

 

If you’re a maker, and you want to turn your handmade hobby into a thriving business, I created the Create & Thrive podcast for you.

I’ve been publishing an episode (or two) every week since April 2015.

There are interviews with makers & business experts, as well as solo shows where I share my advice for growing a handmade business.

Starting Jan 2018, I also create one extra, in-depth episode of the Create & Thrive podcast every month exclusively for members of the Thriver Circle.

To gain access to these episodes, all you need to do is become a member of the Circle!

Not only will you be supporting the show, you’ll also get access to these special episodes and all the other workshops, courses, live calls/chats in the Circle, plus become part of our amazingly supportive community of makers.

Click here to find out more about the benefits of membership, and click here if you’re ready to join right now.

Jess x

P.S. If you came across this page and aren’t familiar with the C&T Podcast, you can access the free episodes right here!

[132] How to Have an Effective Monthly Planning Day (Member Exclusive Episode)

by | Jan 1, 2018 | Podcasts

 

 

 

Do you ever feel like you get ‘stuck’ in the day-to-day of your business?

Do you find time has gone by, and you wonder ‘what have I achieved’ today… this week… this month… or even, this year?

This often comes about because we get caught up in the urgent tasks in our business – filling orders, answering emails – and neglect the important long-term planning and business development that actually moves our business foward.

If you’ve never seen it before, I want to reference the urgent-important matrix made famous by Stephen Covey in his book The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People.

 

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On a planning day, we are putting aside all of the urgent tasks (quadrant 1 & 3) and instead, focussing purely on the important – but not urgent – tasks (quadrant 2). And we’re definitely staying away from quadrant 4!

By having a set time, at least once a month (or, if you can’t manage that, then every quarter) to purely focus on long-term goals, priorities, and planning, you should see a marked increase in your business momentum, and in how accomplished you feel!

In this members-only episode, I outline my advice on how to have an effective planning day. One that will not only be super-effective, but also, super-enjoyable!

 

Click the button below to listen to or download this episode.

 

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Quotes and Highlights from this Episode:

  • Planning days are not urgent but they are very important.
  • Jess has a monthly planning day where she reviews the Top Three Priorities for her past month and plans these out for the next month.
  • Make it regular.
  • Aim for a whole day but if this is not possible, book out a morning or afternoon.
  • Schedule these sessions into your calendar ahead of time. Aim for three months in the future.
  • Get away from your regular work space.
  • This creates a different mindset, shakes up your regular routine and removes you from distractions which promotes focus.
  • Have a goal or project you are working on.
  • Plan for your planning day to create focus and use your time most effectively.
  • Plan for your upcoming projects but also review your previous month.
  • Stay focused.
  • Utilise tools and techniques to maximise your focus and time.
  • Pick a location that suits your work style.
  • If you are stuck for a space try your local library.
  • Avoid admin.
  • If you must do admin do it at the end of the day. Avoid your email, orders and social media and focus on the big picture.
  • Make it enjoyable.
  • Reward yourself for a day of hard work – it could be as small as eating your lunch in a park or as lovely as a massage at the end of the day.

 

[131] Look Back, Move Forward – a Yearly Review Process

by | Dec 26, 2017 | Podcasts

 

Hey Circle!

In this episode, I outline a series of 10 questions that will help you review the year just gone.

I’m also running a mini-course to take you through these questions – head on over here to sign up for that (it’s free!) if you’re not already on the regular Create & Thrive email list. (If you get my emails about the podcast, you are on the list).

I’ll be sharing each lesson in our FB group so we can discuss it, and I’ll also be running a FB live each day of the course on the public Create & Thrive FB page.

Here is a pdf copy of the questions for you to download and keep, too!

This episode will be live on Apple Podcasts and Stitcher on December 31st, AEST.

 

Click the button below to listen to or download this episode:  

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