Three ways to keep up your enthusiasm

Let's talk about burn out.

I've been there. You've been there. I think every one has, but especially a home business person trying to sell online in a very crowded space. At first you think you make the best things ever. You can't wait for everyone to see what an artist you are. They'll be beating down your door in no time. You post and promote and create like crazy. 

Then reality sets in.

You start to skip days in the shop or at the bench. You ignore twitter. Let your Facebook page languish. 

How do you keep up your positive attitude and enthusiasm?

Diversify!

You have other stuff you like to do, right? Do it.

Yes, you need to focus on your business quite a bit, but you're allowed to have hobbies. If I spend time doing other things I enjoy, I find going back to the bench refreshing. They say absence makes the heart grow fonder and it works for your love of your art, too.  

Set time limits!

Don't spend all day, every day at the grindstone. Budget time for specific tasks and stick to it. Get a planner or use a list or tasks on your phone. Set aside certain times of the day or week to refresh your shop, plan your next supply purchase, take inventory or create your next sale or promo. When the time is up, move on to something else. Keep things fresh!

Don't try to boil the ocean!

This means don't try to change everything at once or do everything at once. Some things take time, dedication and basically just chipping away at it. Just doing a few things a day adds up. If you know that your social media presence needs work, put together an overall plan that you can break up into little bites. Things you can do bit-by-bit to change the overall picture. This way you don't get overwhelmed and frustrated and can tackle the fun parts of running your business.