Jewelry & Beading

Educate Yourself About the Bead Business

by Tammy Powley on August 16th, 2006

I would guess that most jewelry making business owners are very much like me in that they have little to no formal business education. This was something that I realized pretty quickly would be an issue for me when I started my jewelry making business many years ago. Anyone serious about making some real income, not just enough to buy more beads and other jewelry making materials, knows that to run a business, you really need to know what you are doing, and that does not just include (unfortunately) making jewelry.

Now, I will admit that I’m still far from an expert in the nuts and bolts of running a business. My bookkeeping skills are pathetic, which is why I finally hired an accountant for my taxes this past year. And, even though I’m on the writing end of things more than on the selling end of the jewelry business, I continue to struggle with other issues like marketing my work. I also still learn very often from making mistakes.

However, not every learning experience has to develop from doing the wrong thing first. If you are truely serious about your jewelry business, then you need to start with self-education, and my very first piece of advice for this is to make a trip to your local library and read, read, read.

The library is going to be your most inexpensive option to start with and there are loads of business related books. I will post again about more specific books that helped me, but for now, when you get a chance, head to your local branch and browse the small business shelves. Look for books that address the beginning business person - ah, yes, that’s you - and pick out a few titles.

So, get thee to a library ASAP.

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POSTED IN: Jewelry Business Tips