Just My Opinion

Are you Networking or just trying to feather your own nest? I've always been a very good networker I don't mind promoting some-ones business,site blog shop whatever. I have found though that networking often doesn't work both ways. Now I find that quite annoying. I don't expect anyone to plug me because I've just plugged them. I do expect though that if they run into some-one who is looking for badges/buttons to let them know that I exist. That's what networking is sharing information as well as helping other people get a leg up.It's not easy out there so why would you not help when you could. The way I see it is if some-one wants hand knitted socks I don't make them but I've chatted on twitter or facebook to some-one who does,first thing I'm going to do is recommend my sock maker "Friend" I'm not going to say "No I don't know anyone do you want a badge instead?" That's not networking lol Think about it,the more people you make friends with online the more people there are to promote your product but don't forget it works both ways. One bird takes ages to feather a nest but a thousand birds take no time at all.

 Buttons/badges as an advertising medium. Don't underestimate the power of the badge :-) This is an advertising medium that people keep. I pin buttons on my bag,they're like a t-shirt people read them. I give away magnets or pocket mirrors,I've received alot of orders that way. How often do you throw away your fridge magnets? If you're like me you don't I often refer back to them for phone numbers website addresses ect. The beauty of button/badges is you can design your own or pick a design you like. Too easy.... Check out these pictures below...

Just My Opinion In this era of political correctness, no-one ever seems to tell the whole truth. I see this in "Handmade"all the time. I'm sorry but a few stitches on a sort of a blob,then called an owl is really not what I call well crafted or even attractive to look at. Near enough is just not good enough. Handmade is not only about what you can sell at a quick turnover price it's about finding skills you never knew you had or reviving or keeping old skills alive. Technique is as important as design because one without the other just doesn't work. Handmade should be special whether or not you're keeping,giving or selling. Handmade creates a history of our time, we may not do everything by candle light but it shows our values and dedication to quality and care. If I want something turned out quickly in it's 100s of 1000s I will buy mass produced. Don't devalue your work by not having technique. Remember practice makes perfect. Don't ask your Mum or best friend for their opinion they're always going to say you are "Talented" Join a group, use the internet to discover people with the same interests as you. Look at books and see the techniques used. We are not all born with natural talent some of us have to develop our talents over years. Be patient and hone your skills. Believe me it will pay off much sooner than you think.