Archive for the ‘Business’ Category

Customers often ask to see samples of our work, unsure of how their photo or artwork etc will look once engraved onto a pendant. 

Well, we are pleased to announce, that we now have a range of samples available to view on our website!

And here is just a taste…

Etched In Memories have unleashed a Premium range of products.  Due to popular demand, customers are now able to order 9ct Gold and Sterling Silver pendants directly via the Web store.

In the quest to source these products to offer customers, affordability was considered a priority. Setting out on a price conscious path, the solid gold pendants found were either so paper thin I would be afraid to engrave on them or so small that you would need a magnifying glass to see the engraved picture. These pendants were by no means “cheap”, but the cost did not seem justified by the quality.

Not wanting to offer an inferior product, the search was widened.  It was decided to have these pendants hand-made to a specification that will provide customers with a quality product at a reasonable price.

Time and care will go into making each piece, as they are not produced from a cast. In fact, each pendant will be individually hand-made to the customers order and will take approximately 2 weeks to prepare from the time their confirmed order is received.  The jewellery manufacturer we will be working with, has over 25 years experience in the jewellery industry and currently services several boutique jewellery stores.

Take a look at the Premium Pendants now!

My web host is having a server space clearance sale.  With savings of up to 66% off their hosting packages, and only 100 packages available, you had better act fast!

You will need to order 12 months hosting, however, their 12 month packages include a free domain name, a free web builder, plus generous bandwidth allowances, amoung other fantastic inclusions.

Check out: MD Web Hosting

Blogging is a whole new concept for me.  Getting started was a challenge in itself, battling both lack of knowledge and procrastination.  With a little nudge and a bit more time viewing tutorials, I feel like I am getting there.

However, my new found confidence saw me try to make it more personal by adding a bit of my own flair ….and after trying to change my theme, I lost the blog entirely for a day.  Once it came back there was no theme at all, then after 3 days it finally came back to life.  One of these day’s I know I will conquer this beast!

The only other spanner in this works is the actual writing element!  Knowing what to write about and gaining inspiration for posts can be a challenge.  I can easily see how writer’s block (or blogger’s block) can occur.  Thankfully, Kylie of Oz-e-Wahm discussed this recently on her blog.  Her article on Overcoming Bloggers Block had some great tips for keeping topics to write about at hand. 

Individuality, imagination and creativity go a long way in defining a business.  Not just in product or service but also in presentation.  Yes, you need to provide a memorable service or have that niche product to entice your customer’s to return.  But what have you got going for you to drive them to your store to start with? 

I noticed Anne, writer of The Tall Poppy blog, had written a post about business cards.  She wrote, “How can you stand out in the crowd if your business card looks just the same as all the others? Your business card should be truly memorable and reflect you and your business.”

This is so true, I asked myself this very question when I was having my business card designed.  I wanted to make sure that it provided not only my details, but also explain what my business was, showcase my product and be appealing to the eye.  The concept the designer came up with for me was everything I had envisaged and more! 

Whenever I leave my card anywhere, I place it with the back facing out…my details are on the front, but it is the back that catches attention.

Having spent several years dreaming to start my own business, some days I have to pinch myself to believe that I have done it.  Five years ago had some one asked me what sort of business I wanted to start or even if I seriously thought it was achievable, I would have laughed.

Thankfully, I was paying attention when life presented me an opportunity.  Quite easily, I could sit back now and say “I’ve done it”.  But with growth and achievement comes expanded goals.  I have achieved my goal of “starting” the business.  So now that my goal post has moved, to keep the business moving in an upward and onward motion there is no way I can sit still.

I believe life is a lesson.  Every day we experience challenges, are faced with obstacles, and we are taught something new.  Whether they be small or big influences on our life, it is what we do with each challenge/obstacle/lesson that determines our success or failure.

Those that achieve success are not without failure.  They have simply had the courage to pick themselves up after a fall, regain their composure, catch site of their goal and carry on regardless.

The ability to do this is not easy.  Take each experience and learn from it.  Expect success, you may not get it, but you are more likely to achieve your desired result by focusing on your goal.  You need to feed your mind with both knowledge and empowerment.

One of my favourite places to visit in search of empowerment is Nicole’s blog The Modern Goddess.  While reading today, I discovered Nicole had recently discussed Overcoming Obstacles and Achieving Dreams.  She has also quoted a beautiful poem by Valerie Murphy titled “A Women’s Lesson.”

Being a work at home mum (WAHM) is a growing trend.  Women are leaving the office and opting to stay at home, working around their kids and at a time that they choose.

Thankfully, there are some fantastic resources available to help these women succeed.  One such resource is Aussie WAHM where you can find a wealth of information, tools and tips for running a business from home.  Another is Blog Whammy, which is an initiative set up by Kylie - the owner of Aussie WAHM.

Blog Whammy is designed to gain increased traffic to each of the participating blogs.  With approximately 10 members participating, the chosen blog for each week experiences a boost in traffic, comments, links and popularity.

Blog Whammy is open to any Australian Work At Home Mum with a blog and a website.  If you are interested in learning more, go to Blog Whammy and check it out.