september goals check-up + november goals
October was a break-neck speed race. Goals were thrown out the window, intentionality was left on the curb and to-do lists were extended far beyond my reach. Not very long ago, I worked hard to comb through my schedule to weed out the unnecessary and focus on just a few priorities. But, seeking a simple and intentional life requires consistent pruning.
So, at the end of October, I pumped the brakes, even thought it meant making some painful decisions. I quit my job, got another part-time one working for a stunning Etsy shop called Wayfaren and pulled back on a few ministries at my church.
In the process of thinning out my personal life, I also took the shears to my business. I accepted a hard truth that this summer, I launched products of which I didn’t feel confident. In an attempt to break into the wholesale market before the holidays, I half-heartedly barreled through a half-thought idea. God was gracious in allowing that seasonal product line to fail. In the process, I learned a new direction for my shop and removed letterpress cards in lieu of boxed stationery sets. (Although ideas of future letterpress delicacies still dance in my head!)
Admitting a failed product line hit me hard. At my weakest moments, it even tempted me to quit all together. But acknowledging reality has it’s kind side too - it eventually gave me a purified vision for the shop and an enthusiasm for what’s around the corner.
October was a bittersweet month, but I’m looking at November with fresh eyes and an expectant heart. So, here’s how I did on my September goals + a look at November’s goals:
September Goals Check-up
Product Development:
- use letterpress machine every weekday in order to work out some kinks in the system
(I started working on this every day, but didn’t get to finish it. It helped me realize, however, a new direction for my shop, one that feels more natural and creatively satisfying!)
- finalize upcoming winter launch
(Finalized it, but with this new direction, it didn’t fit. It was hard to scrap it, but was the right thing to do!)
Education:
- finish working through Marketing For Creatives
(Finished and HIGHLY recommend it! I will be referring to this for years to come.)
Marketing:
- make holiday marketing schedule
(Yes, a simplified schedule that doesn’t stress me out and allows me to maintain the integrity of Tabitha’s vision.)
- 141 IG posts
(I think yes)
- 9 blog posts written
(Almost)
- Apply to Renegade Craft Fair in Austin
(No. Although someday I would love to at least apply. With changing out old products and launching new ones, I knew that I would not be in the least bit ready to even apply. Maybe next year!)
Wholesale:
- Pitch to 40 boutiques
(No - really, not a good idea to pitch right now when so many stores are prepping for the holidays. They’ve already bought their Christmas goods!)
- Work on 2016 marketing calendar
(Yes! Although it will probably change as the year progresses!)
November Goals
Product Development
- Add two new stationery set designs a week to the shop
- Create a product development filter so I don’t get too overwhelmed with ideas and abandon current products!
Education
- Nothing this month - taking it off!
Marketing
- IG posts every day
- Facebook posts 3x/week (Moving into Facebook! Going to experiment in this new social media outlet to see what, if anything, it may yield.)
- Blog 2x/week
Wholesale
- Keep loving on some boutiques!