Earlier this year I was challenged to put into a business plan or manifesto what I wanted out of my crochet blog. After a number of rough drafts I came up with a plan that suits me. I relate many of the challenges of business to that of crocheting.
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Have Faith in the Pattern
Just like when you follow a pattern for your project with faith that in the end it will turn out like the picture you need to follow your business pattern trusting that in the end it will look like what you pictured.
Persevere through the F.R.O.G.S.
The companion to faith is perseverance. How many times have you had to frog your work? (Frog – to unravel your work) Don’t despair, success is right around the corner. Keep working toward your goal and you will obtain it.
Do the Work
Learning a new stitch can be challenging, in fact, it is work. It makes you question your interest in crocheting. Working from home is no different. Sure you get to spend time enjoying your passion but don’t for one minute think it’s not work. You need to invest your time and energy into your business just like you do for learning a new technique.
Have the Courage to Make Your Own Path
Don’t be afraid to tweak the pattern to your tastes. Sometimes when you follow a pattern you find an easier way of doing something or you might find you want to go a different way – Do it. Your business plan is not set in stone. If you find you need to change it up a bit, do it. You have the courage to dream now put it into reality.
Cooperate with the Yarn
When the pattern calls for sport weight yarn and you use bulky weight yarn don’t expect your project to come out right. To get the results you desire use the right yarn. Your business requires you to cooperate with a number of different people (yarns) so be sure to choose the right person for the job.
Weave in the Ends
We all hate them but at the end of a project the ends have to be weaved in or your project will look junky. Weave in the ends for your business by taking the time to carefully wrap up each task.
Plan for the Knots
Sometimes no matter how well you choose the yarn, the hook and the pattern a knot will stop you in your tracks. Don’t try to ignore it – face it even if this means you have to scrap the piece and start all over again. Integrity is a key ingredient in your business because it is directly related to your product.
Keep true to your values in everything you do. If a project comes along and clashes with one of your core values than face the fact that it may not be a fit for you even if the money is good.
Keep Learning
There is always a new stitch to master or a new color pattern to explore so keep learning. Your business is not stagnate, it is living and as such you need to move with it. Listen to your heart, your customers, and the market. What needs changing? What needs to stay the same?
Express Yourself
You can create anything with a hook and yarn. Use this to express the heart of your business. Choose colors that bring out feelings of happiness, joy, strength, and other positive traits in your customers. When your customers see your work what do you want them to feel? Grab this and use it – it is the heart of what you do.
Share with the Community
A big part of crocheting is sharing with the community. Teach someone else how to crochet, donate to the local hospital or shelter. Keep this same heart in your business. Be involved and support non-profit businesses and charities with your time and with a portion of your business funds.
How will you make your crochet business plan?
You are welcome to use this one as a starting point but tweak it with your own goals.
About Sara Duggan
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I have a love for crocheting, even though my wrists and hands aren’t what they used to be.
Though, I like how you mixed your love of crochet with your ideas of how a business should work. Very intuitive, Sara and very enjoyable to read!
Bonnie Gean recently wrote…Learn by Doing with Online Challenges
Thanks Bonnie. I’m getting to the point where my hands are starting to get pains when I make amigurumi. I have to make loose items or else my hands will cramp up. I guess I’m starting to feel all the over use of my hands.
Hi Sara,
What a clever connection between crocheting and building a business plan. Thanks for sharing some very interesting insights, too, to keep us all on track creatively keeping it all together with a hook and the right kind of yarn!
Deb
Deb Dutilh recently wrote…3 Communication Tips Every Master Communicator Knows
Thank you Deb. I have learned a lot of life lessons from my crochet craft.
I loved how you connected everything to the process of crocheting! Creativity at its finest
I was in a class that helped me find my brand and that is how this was developed. Thank you for stopping by.