Over the past year, I’ve learned much about marketing my graphic design and eco stationery business online. It was difficult, but I narrowed it down to what I think were My 5 Most Important Business Turns of 2009.
1. turned into a tweeter. I can honestly say that Twitter has changed not only my business, but my life. I’ve made true friends, amazing business connections, and discovered so many resources, it’s staggering. Not to mention that the social aspect of it helps me stay sane while working alone all day, and keeps the creativity flowing.
2. turned my blog into a WordPress site and got rid of my static website. As a designer, there were so many things I wanted to change about my website, but didn’t have the technical knowledge to do so. As a blogger, I felt like I didn’t have a direction; should I talk about personal, business, both? Now, with both combined, and with the creative reins (or mouse, so to speak) firmly in hand, I’m in tweaking heaven.
3. features were turned into results. One of my designs was featured in an Etsy Finds email in December and many sales resulted from that one feature. Also, my shop was mentioned on the Design*Sponge blog, and Google Analytics showed hundreds of hits from that one mention. I’m both amazed and grateful!
4. turned my focus on Turnaround Design. As important as it is to know my competitors, it’s my own business that I should be focusing on. I need to offer graphic design products and services that are best suited to me and learn not spread my wings too wide.
5. turned happily into a workaholic. It’s taken years, but I have finally found what I absolutely love to do, and to be successful at that, it takes A LOT of work. I’m okay with it because as long as I keep my business in balance (most of the time!) with my family, it makes me a better mom and a creatively fulfilled designer.
What are the most important things you’ve learned or done for your business in 2009? Are some of them the same as mine? I’d love to hear from you! ::S::
{ 4 comments… read them below or add one }
1st – I love your logo redesign – totally caught my eye in the twitter stream! And 2nd, I too have done – well everything on your list and found it to be amazing! I’ve just posted my goals for this year, and that took some thought, but I’m happy where I’m going and twitter and wordpress have a lot to do with it! LOL!
Thank you, Candy! I appreciate your feedback! It’s amazing how much has changed in the past year, isn’t it? Happy New Year!
Hi Shannon.
I concentrated so much on 2010 that I didn’t do this list of my business turns in 2009. You just gave me an idea. I’m going to have to do that on my blog soon……like today!
I am also going to change my blog to more of a minimalist design as my 2010 plan is to be more simple.
Hi Karen, SIMPLIFY seems to be a theme…more so than usual this year. I’m right there with you!