Which do you do?

[Cloverst]

I was wondering, when it comes to your business, do you like to either concentrate on one clear idea or do you like to have your fingers in several pies at once?

I only ask as there are several business ideas I have but none are particularly standing out to me as the one I should concentrate on as a main idea.

Please discuss!

:D

[Apple Tree Crafts]

Variety is the spice of life!

I do lots of things, although they are all either sewing or knitting. It stops you getting bored with just the one thing.

And I can fit different projects in around whatever else is going on; if my desk is in use by the kids, then I can knit or do some handsewing in another room. If eveyone's out, I might commandeer the dining table and cut out aprons or bags etc that I can make up and finish at a later date.

Variety & Flexibility!

Jules

[beadsbydesign]

I'm much the same.
I have several sides to my business, but all are run under the same business as they are all related to one another in some way.

I think it's a great way to dip your toe into business. if something is not a sucess then prune it, whereas those things that take off can be encouraged to flourish!

[Katianne]

I prefer a variety too, even if all my work is along a mosaic theme. I try to do different colours, patterns, shapes and products to keep my interest.

[Cloverst]

That's great!

I have a few ideas and most are along the paper crafts side of things.

The reason I asked is that I am in the process of starting up my own business in the line of work that I do. I was hoping to also start up a side business selling my papercraft produce.

I know that there somewhat of a flood in the market at the moment but I have a few ideas that will give a new slant on things.

Do you think this is taking too much on?

The main business is a purely at home business and we will not be financially reliant on either.

[swirlyarts]

I would say go for it! If you aren't going to be financially reliant on it then you may as well have a go!!
Good luck with it - you will have to keep us posted

[Unity]

Since I became self employed I have done a variety of different things. It's great. I sometimes get the feeling that I would have a greater income if I were to focus on one thing.

However, there is more to life than money. As long as I have enough money coming in I am happy to be doing things that I enjoy.

Unity

[Seahorse]

Fingers in pies, pies in mouth, generally pies feature heavily in my life.

[Beadsage]

3.141592654 ...................there's a pi for you.

[urban objects]

I agree with the variety slant. My business started as solely card making supplies, but as I have become involved in different crafts, I have started to add handmade gifts to the site.

I think, as a crafter, you will always want to try new things. I would say don't limit yourself to just one thing. Variety is afterall ther spice of life!!!

Good luck with it all......

Lor xx

[urban objects]

I agree with the variety slant. My business started as solely card making supplies, but as I have become involved in different crafts, I have started to add handmade gifts to the site.

I think, as a crafter, you will always want to try new things. I would say don't limit yourself to just one thing. Variety is afterall ther spice of life!!!

Good luck with it all......

Lor xx

[Seahorse]

3.141592654 ...................there's a pi for you.


That would have com ein handy at the weekend when I was making a circle skirt for a pal.

I do like variety, Im mainly doing jewelery at the moment but have thought about making little dresses, bit like bridesmaid dresses but general wear.I made 5 little dresses a few years back for a pals bridesmaids, I enjoyed it and they turned out well.And seeing as I spent £200 on an overlocker(after I made the dresses)I should really put it to good use!

[littlesnuggler]

My main business is the Little Snugglers but as they are mainly a winter thing I also have my jewellery side too. I started jewellery before the Snugglers but now I just do what I feel like. I'm limiting myself to these two things though otherwise my imagination will go haywire and I'll get in a right tizzy :p

[Apple Tree Crafts]

....aprons, bookbags, totes, scrapbooking bags, kids aprons, laundry bags, kids drawstring bags,scented hearts, scented pillows, bunnies and craft fairs.......yep,far too much on the go!:sm:

But I love it! When I get bored with one thing, I do a few of another. Everything gets completed eventually.

Jules

[kipper workshops]

I think you have to try different things for a few reasons:

1. You'd go mad doing the same thing all day long!
2. You have to diversify a bit, spread the risk. Fashions and tastes change, new trneds come along etc... you've got to keep up.
3. I think when you start you have a certain amount of knowledge and ideas about what you want to do. After some time of operating you see things through more experienced eyes, opportunities may come along to create items that you just couldn't have thought of when you started. Plus as you immerse yourself into your work you learn so much. Change and development are crucial I think. Have core products etc... but keep adding as you need or want to.

Steve