Craftcation 2012 Greatest Hits

This contributor post was written by Tiffany Moore.

I had the pleasure of attending the (first ever!) Craftcation Conference at the end of March in Ventura. There were so many amazing speakers, presentations, and classes, and I want to share my greatest hits with you today. So much great information!

“When people come to Etsy, they’re specifically coming to a handmade marketplace, knowing that a human made the items they’re buying. Remind them that you’re that human in everything you do with your shop and brand: talk about how you were inspired to make your item, included a personal touch when you mail their purchase.

Robots didn’t make your awesomeness, a human did!” – Steph Cortes (aka nerdJERK) from Etsy 101

Be a person, y’all, not a robot. If someone wants to buy something made by a robot, they’ll go to Wal-Mart.

“It’s not how many ideas you have, it’s how you make them work.” – Amy Tan of Amy Tangerine

Yes times a million! The primary difference between people who are running creative businesses and those who are just dreaming about creative businesses is the ability to get things done.

“Make something awesome!” – Melanie Harvey of Harvey’s Seatbelt Bags

This is the ultimate way to make sure your products sell. Start with the awesome, figure out the marketing later.

“Rule #1 of making the best of the media: DON’T BE HUMBLE…Reporters are waiting for your amazing story. You have to tell them who you are and what you’re up to…Brevity is critical: keep it short and sweet.” – Gustavo Arellano, editor of the OC Weekly

Gustavo’s talk was full of amazing advice for how to get into the media. It’s up to you (yes, YOU!) to show the world your brilliance. Don’t wait around for someone to notice.

“Making things is fundamental to being human.” – Evan Kleiman

I think that pretty much sums up why we’re all here doing what we’re doing. Keep up the good work, friends!

Tiffany Moore, co-founder of Teahouse Studio is a life and business coach. She helps creatives take their business (and LIVES) to the next level with her sparkly and sassy coaching and thinks that everyone in the world is beautiful, including you.