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[digitalmuse13]

Hi everyone. I'm pretty new here, just joined the other day (I had an LJ Comm joining spree, heh). Just wanted to introduce myself and start by asking for some advice

Comments

[girlvinyl]

I would recommend that you read one of the e-myth books. Or torrent the audiobooks if you're into listening more. You can google for it.

My question to you would be - are you more interested in:
1. Selling things to people
2. Making crafts
3. Running a store

These are going to really have a big impact on the direction you head in. My best suggestion for a direction right now is etsy. http://www.etsy.com/ If you can get going on etsy, you'll have a framework for selling your items already set up, with only transaction fees [similar to the ebay style, but much friendlier] to worry about. Once you get some capital you can start deciding if you really need a storefront, etc. Good luck!

[jamiethetiger]

I second the etsy.com thought. It'll give you some instant credibility with shoppers, you won't have to spend any money on lay-out/web/etc, and there is already advertising, and you can just piggy back on it.

[kling_to_me]

There is a woman in one of the chambers that I belong to who designs her own clothes. She sells them through home parties and private appointments in her home. The home parties are very small (2-4 people) but she has built a strong customer base that way. She also displays at chamber product shows (like little home shows put on by the local chambers of commerce). She has built up a very successful business that way. She also uses the web, but it's more for people who have already found her. She does very well with no store front, which saves her a ton of overhead.