I’m usually a pretty quiet person, especially when meeting new people.
But if you start talking about business, I light up like a glowworm and won’t shut up.
It’s a fascinating subject and something I live and breathe daily. I’ve been running online businesses since I was 21-22.
For anybody wanting to start an online business, here is a tip:
You Don’t Have to Invent the Wheel (it’s already been invented. Hurray!)
Everytime we (the hubby and I) tell people what we do for a living, it 99.99% of the time goes like this:
Some person: What do you guys do for a living?
Us: We sell yarn.
Some person: ??? *blank stare. You do what?
Us: We sell yarn. You know. For knitters and crocheters. Luxury fibers, like merino wool. Silk. Cashmere. Yak. Etc.
Some person: Ya, my gramma used to knit blankets and stuff… *more blank stares as they rack their brain for something, anything to say.
And then… wait for it… wait for it…
“One of these days I’m going to come up with something brilliant. I’m going to invent something and start a business!”
And then I’m dumbfounded for a few seconds. You don’t have to create something new to start a business. You can. But that’s the hard way. Then you have the arduous task of convincing people why they need this newfangled thing.
Definitely go that route if you have a mind to.
But you don’t have to.
The easier route is to offer something that people are already wanting and buying.
“Like what?” you ask.
Well, what do people buy that you can offer?
Food. Socks. Plants. Words (books/courses). Coffee mugs. Scarves. Decor. Woodworking supplies. Tables. Phone apps. Blankets.
I could go on without end.
But it’s much easier to offer something that is already wanted/needed, than to create a brand new thing and convince people they want it.
Once you find that thing, put a bit of a twist on it. Your own spin. Ta da!
That is all for today.
If you want more business tips, do let me know because I will write a book on it. I mean… I will write a shiz ton of info and then keep going and then keep going.
Enjoy your day! I’m off to make white turkey chili. We finally had to turn the heat on this morning and so this calls for chili to warm our souls.
Buh-bye now.
Chandi
Hi Chandi,
I can relate! Whenever someone asks me what I do and I tell them I own a yarn shop, they look at me like I’m crazy. If you have any helpful hints about running a yarn shop, let me know. The shop is doing really well and I’m in my third year now.
I love your posts.
Thanks for this,
Leslie Spencer
Wool on William
Chandi!!
You are my inspiration and I have finally done it! My handmade body care shop is now just opened! Eek!
I am so excited to start this new journey, and it all started because I watched your YouTube video on beginning knitting! I thought, whoa, wait… she runs her own shop and is doing something she loves everyday? Totally got me thinking and planning. Thank you so much!!!
Courtney
Courtney, that is fantastic! Great news!
I love your posts. I also sell yarn. I own a small town yarn and craft store and wouldn’t want to do anything else!!!! Keep up the good work. Would love to see more business ideas. Thanks, Catherine
Write a book! I know a guy who can help you out too!
Yes, am literally on your site now
Eek! Stop I’m too excited!
Yes please! I would love hearing more business tips. My family could use an extra income. Living payday to payday gets so hard. I have said over and over, we need to find a way to make money. I have thought of an Etsy store for things I make such as my cards I hand draw and have an extra FB page for them. People adore the ones I send them. I have sold many of them to people who have seen them in person. Also I make many other things and have sold a lot in my lifetime but still never made it into a business.
But back to my family. I live with my daughter and son in law and we are all very creative people. I’m sure we could figure out a good thing we could make to sell. They just need to figure out what and put effort into it. It can’t happen by just thinking about it 🙂
Thank you, Sharon xx
Chandi
Yiu are inspiring to be yourself andcdo what you love ! Lesson that is never to late to learn
Thank you soo much for this! It is exactly what I needed to hear. I’ve been trying soo hard to be unique with my blogging efforts that I wind up doing nothing,
Chandi…..aren’t you only about 23 anyway??? Just discovered you and love everything so far…it’ll only get better I have no doubt! What is your favorite/easiest way to join in the round, I’m having a hard time! Any advise is much appreciated! 😉
Lol! I love using magic loop/circular needles, but everyone has their own preference! I’d say try multiple things and see which you prefer.
Chandi my dear,
I love your very honest approach and openness about your business journey. Running a little business has been a desire of mine as well and the ache has never left me. So at this phase in my life I told myself, “Self, you only live once and get up off your but and do it! If you fail or succeed you did it and have proven to yourself that this too you will have survived.”
Keep the positive posts coming. They brighten my day and make me smile…just like your yarn babies. 🙂
Love your yarns! Made fingerless gloves and I love the color and how they feel!
Hey Chandi…that is a wonderful picture! And I didn’t know you HAD a blog until right now
Chandi I love, love, love your yarn. I buy it whenever I can afford it. I also love your free crochet patterns. I have been crocheting since my grandma taught me when I was 7. I always try to enter your yarn giveaways. But I’m not sure it works! I’m dying to win this next one.
Dawn
Hi, thanks for the encouragement. I make stitch markers and and my husband and I also sell MSM a product which I just for my sciatica. Neither of us are sales people, We think what we do/have is great, but have no ability in going around talking about it to everyone we meet. Would love your input on how to sell in online better.
You are a wonderful thoughtful woman, thanks for being here.
ToniAnne
and for the yarn too of course!
I love that you wrote about you being the quiet type, I myself am very quiet and somewhat of an introvert. Your being the same way give me hope that I can start my business and be successful too. I was always afraid that my personality would stop me from achieving any success. if you have any tips please post them. I am an avid crocheter and all around crafter and would love any help I could get.
Maria, in the day of the internet, you can be a total recluse and still run a wildly successful business! 🙂
Hi Chandi, I’m the same way: business makes me happy and I can talk about it for days (I’m an accountant). Your tutorials on knitting and crocheting are excellent and I’m thrilled to have found them. I’m completing a simple garter stitch baby blanket for my great-nephew due in February and it’s thanks to your great videos. I just watched your tutorials about six weeks ago so having the confidence to give something handmade as a gift so soon after learning shows that your instructions work. 🙂 Do you have a tutorial on knitting in the round and the magic loop method? I’d love to see something from you on those. Thanks!!!!!
Thank you! We do, but are going to be redoing that video, so keep a watch!
I made my first item with your yarn. I made a scarf for my sister for Christmas. It is the best yarn I have used. Soft, beautiful color. I love it. I cannot wait to buy more!
You were so kind to me when I could not decide what to make or what yarn to use. Thank you so much.❤️
I’m totally the same way, never talking at school. I have a tight group of friends and tend to hang around teachers. It’s embarrassing, but when ever someone brings up fiber arts or one of my fandoms, I can blather until their ears fall of.
Hi! I am so happy to “meet” you and read your story….you are living my dream! Love the idea of owning a yarn shop and even have a name picked out lol. Not sure I will get there but if I do I will look to you for tips and inspiration!