*warning - long post*
After reading every Cheeky Chat on Tuesday nights (held over at Cheeky Pickle by Ali, click here for more details) I came to the conclusion that, besides pricing, the hardest thing for me about handmade business is time management. After you devoted all your time in the beginning, you want it to get a bit easier and more productive in the second year, don't you? It's like building the "rails" for you little business, it takes time. It took me over a year to work out which creations will start a range, how to build a proper collection and how not to jump from one thing to another and stay focused. I still get too excited about new ideas and loose the balance but it happens not as often. I am certainly not an expert but I will write from my experience and how Plushka works it out:
Weekly
Before my working week starts, which is usually Sunday, I make a list of what is due next week and my list looks something like this:
customer order finish by Friday
make progress on the wholesale order - two toys, three embroideries this week
update blog
order supplies
email back.....(names)
this week invoices due.....
check on this deliveries....
pack and post orders
bookkeeping
etc etc etc
Write a day of the week next to the weekly tasks so you can make daily lists easier.
customer order finish by Friday
make progress on the wholesale order - two toys, three embroideries this week
update blog
order supplies
email back.....(names)
this week invoices due.....
check on this deliveries....
pack and post orders
bookkeeping
etc etc etc
Write a day of the week next to the weekly tasks so you can make daily lists easier.
Daily
You've got your list now. I roughly work 10-12 hours a day so I split my day in 3 blocks, 3-4 hours each. Then in each block I include 2-3 breaks for laundry, quick Facebook updates or cooking which are 20 min each. So I basically work for 40 min and move around the house for 20min. Don't forget, your body needs a break from sitting down too!
Morning block
Breakfast, checking mail and Facebook (usually done at the same time).
Packing orders is a great task for the morning, gives me time to wake up and slowly get myself in a working mood.
You've got your list now. I roughly work 10-12 hours a day so I split my day in 3 blocks, 3-4 hours each. Then in each block I include 2-3 breaks for laundry, quick Facebook updates or cooking which are 20 min each. So I basically work for 40 min and move around the house for 20min. Don't forget, your body needs a break from sitting down too!
Morning block
Breakfast, checking mail and Facebook (usually done at the same time).
Packing orders is a great task for the morning, gives me time to wake up and slowly get myself in a working mood.
Then, I make things for the shop. Realistically, there are not many things I can make in a few hours as I do a lot of hand stitching but as long as I made progress... If I have items ready, I list them in the shop - a few in the morning and one in the evening too.
Also, I like completing a few things that are quick first, it makes me happy and it's a nice start to the day when you've got something to tick of.
During the morning break I put a laundry on and have a morning tea with quick Facebook check and one or two blogs to read:)
Afternoon
The best light in the spot where I take my pictures is at about 2pm- 4pm so I know if I intent to finish an item, that's my deadline. Afternoon is usually dedicated to wholesale orders, any customer orders or stock making. It's the most productive time for me.
In between making toys, I check mail, reply to the ones that need immediate attention, print the payment receipts for the new orders.
At about 4pm, it's time for a post office run with a little walk.
Evening
Moving to the tasks that do not require as much attention and concentration as stitching or sewing if possible. There are days when I stitch non stop though!
I review my list, tick things off and do some next day planning. Yes, you do have that weekly list but, depending on the day, new things need to be added.
Dinner and some crocheting later....
Note: This is obviously an ideal day with no destructions! Hope hope it will give you a general idea that you can then modify to your lifestyle. The important thing is structure, the plan is a guideline but it does take a bit of stress out of the day.
General time saving tips:
*have your packaging in one spot, ready to go. For example, put business card with your brochure/extra little gift/flyer or what you usually include with your orders. Make little packages ready to go, stack them in the plastic container that is ready to grab and move. I usually pack orders on the ironing board so it's easier just to have a container with everything I need.
*Have a system to record when each order was posted. At the moment, I just print the paypal payment receipt and write on it any extra information, file it monthly so it's easy to find when I receive emails regarding missing parcels.
*Have a notebook next to the computer so you can write down requests and new customer orders. I usually rely on my memory for that but if I see that the day is very busy with new requests, I start writing everything down.
*If you have a laptop, do shut it down during the blocks while you work! I find that when I hear emails landing in my box, I get destructed. Also, if it's too quick and easy to open it and have a look, I spend at least an hour checking Facebook and blogs too:)
Also, I like completing a few things that are quick first, it makes me happy and it's a nice start to the day when you've got something to tick of.
During the morning break I put a laundry on and have a morning tea with quick Facebook check and one or two blogs to read:)
Afternoon
The best light in the spot where I take my pictures is at about 2pm- 4pm so I know if I intent to finish an item, that's my deadline. Afternoon is usually dedicated to wholesale orders, any customer orders or stock making. It's the most productive time for me.
In between making toys, I check mail, reply to the ones that need immediate attention, print the payment receipts for the new orders.
At about 4pm, it's time for a post office run with a little walk.
Evening
Moving to the tasks that do not require as much attention and concentration as stitching or sewing if possible. There are days when I stitch non stop though!
I review my list, tick things off and do some next day planning. Yes, you do have that weekly list but, depending on the day, new things need to be added.
Dinner and some crocheting later....
Note: This is obviously an ideal day with no destructions! Hope hope it will give you a general idea that you can then modify to your lifestyle. The important thing is structure, the plan is a guideline but it does take a bit of stress out of the day.
General time saving tips:
*have your packaging in one spot, ready to go. For example, put business card with your brochure/extra little gift/flyer or what you usually include with your orders. Make little packages ready to go, stack them in the plastic container that is ready to grab and move. I usually pack orders on the ironing board so it's easier just to have a container with everything I need.
*Have a system to record when each order was posted. At the moment, I just print the paypal payment receipt and write on it any extra information, file it monthly so it's easy to find when I receive emails regarding missing parcels.
*Have a notebook next to the computer so you can write down requests and new customer orders. I usually rely on my memory for that but if I see that the day is very busy with new requests, I start writing everything down.
*If you have a laptop, do shut it down during the blocks while you work! I find that when I hear emails landing in my box, I get destructed. Also, if it's too quick and easy to open it and have a look, I spend at least an hour checking Facebook and blogs too:)
It's not on the topic but LOVE your business! There is a great little article on "Oh, Handmade" website here. My favourite phrase is:
"Cherishing your business is not about making anything people will buy, it’s about making something you love and strategically finding the market who appreciates it".
Thank you for reading! I really hope it will be helpful to someone who just starting.
I would really appreciate your feedback and questions!
P.S. My article about other aspects of my little business will be published tonight at Cheeky Pickle blog so stop by and have a read.
