Business Plans and Goals for the Last Quarter of 2018

At the completion of last weekend’s market, I started to reflect on what I’m hoping this little business of mine will one day become.  For the first time, I have a significant amount of time during the day to work on the blog and other creative ventures.  When my Mom and I had our shop years ago, I was working a full time day job and we didn’t have the time we needed to make it successful.

So as I packed up my wares with an aching back, I vowed that next time the effort expended will be worth the outcome.  Don’t get me wrong…I love doing these shows and I have a great time.  Saturday was an especially lovely day and I met some very nice people.  It was nice to see that the craft vendors there did well.  But the preparation, set-up and break down for a show is a lot of work.  Unfortunately, my stuff also tends to be heavy.  Ironstone and furniture are mostly to blame.

The solution is to target shows where people come specifically to buy vintage items.  Shoppers at these shows usually pay an entrance fee, so they’re geared toward serious buyers.  It costs quite a bit more to set up a booth at vintage shows, but I think the time has come to give it a try.  My plan is to start my preparations now so that I can participate in a Spring vintage show.  I will need a lot more inventory, which leads me to…

Goal # 1

I need to get my trailer registered so I can transport furniture home to be refurbished.  I can’t tell you guys how many fabulous pieces of furniture I’ve come across at estate sales and had to pass over because I had no way to bring them home.  I’ve had this trailer for over a year (another estate sale find) but I haven’t had a chance to get it inspected, repaired and registered.  This will entail many hours waiting in line at the DMV.  Once this bad boy is on the road, however, I’ll have many more business opportunities.  Which leads me to…

Goal # 2

I want to find a retail space to rent at a group antique shop.  I’ve had spaces in the past, but again, it was always a side hustle while working a full time job.  The successful antique booth dealers work hard at adding new items each week. They also keep their spaces tidy and updated.  As there’s nothing I love to do more than decorate, having a booth to work in every week would be a dream.

Goal # 3

My final goal is to just keep growing this blog.  I’d really like to post 2-3 times per week.  I just purchased Lightroom, a photo editing program that will help improve the quality of my photos.  Of course, I need to keep improving my photography skills, as well.  I’m still working through my online blogging class (Elite Blog Academy) at my own pace.  My biggest struggle remains the tech issues, but I’ve made a few strides and I recently hired a VA (virtual assistant) to help me as needed.  I’m also going to join some other bloggers in blog hops, which I’m very excited about!  This helps us all by bringing exposure to each other’s blogs.

So that’s all for now.  I want to be transparent about my journey, as I hope this blog will provide encouragement to others with their own entrepreneurial aspirations.  If I can do this, so can you!

My next post will be a craft project that will be part of an Autumn inspired blog hop with other Connecticut bloggers.  It will go live on Tuesday morning, so stop back then for some great ideas from talented bloggers about all things Fall!

Enjoy the long weekend!

Rebecca